Tomahawk Missionary Baptist Church

 

Nehemiah 2:10  and 4:1-3  The Enemies Of God

Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Intro:  Gene Rodenberry TV writer and creator and producer of Star Trek.  “How can I take seriously a God-image that requires that I prostrate myself every day and praise it?  That sounds like a very insecure personality to me.”

Well good ole Gene.  Raised as a Southern Baptist.  Wrote Hymns as a young man.  When they bragged about his hymn writing he said “that’s funny for I am a total pagan.”  He had multiple affairs.  Had three women all at one time who were devoted to him and shared him.  Star Trek actresses Marjory Barret and Nichelle Nichols and also a wife.  He did not like marriage and God mentioned in his Star Trek Stories.  Yet at the same time he loved the Catholic religion and used many of it’s concepts in his stories.   He also said “by the twenty third century all religions will disappear from humanity.”  He was a creative genius, story teller and producer but let’s just face it…his life was a mess.  He died in 1991 at the age of 70.   Let’s break down his quote “How can I take seriously a God-image that requires that I prostrate myself every day and praise it?  That sounds like a very insecure personality to me.”

Listen…. he did not say anything new that hasn’t been said before and since by practically every atheist and agnostic that has ever lived.  The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun.  And you can be sure that Athiests and agnostics have nothing new to say.  Just the same ole attacks on God and His character that always are there.  Even the devil uses the same old two tactics. “Yea hath God said…:” Attack the word of God.  “Ye shall be as gods...”  Make man into the perfect god and God into a fallible man.  Nothing new here let’s move on.  But we need to know how to answer these vile people. 

One: God never requires that we prostrate ourselves and worship Him blindly. He did ask Israel to worship and serve only Him.  Why? They would be the conduit where-by He would introduce Himself and His requirements so that eventually the whole world might be saved and have eternal life.  He would through Israel bring a Savior into the world to deal with our sin problem that causes sorrow, sickness and death.  What is wrong with that?  Thank God that He told us what is required of us to know Him and walk with Him!  He wasn’t even required to do that…but He did out of His mercy and love.  He could have done nothing and just let us live and die and be separated from God for eternity.  But He choose to do something to save us.  He didn’t have to do that.   Jesus never demanded anyone fall down and worship Him when He walked this Earth as God.  But He humbled Himself even to the death of the cross!

Two: If we are created in the image of the creator, any idiot would at least seem to want to give some credit and honor to the one who created them.  Especially if they feel the least bit grateful for the life given to them.  But no, man is greater than God in his mind and wants to divorce himself from his God.

Three: If we are so wise and self-assured then doesn’t it seem reasonable that we better off by far when we give our trust and dependence to the one who created us?  If we are so great how much greater and wiser must our creator be? How dumb must we be to ignore our creator?

Four:  Don’t we all have an inborn need to pray to a higher power?  Why is that? Because we all have a God shaped void in our hearts.  We all have needs that we cannot meet ourselves.  We who can’t even figure out a toaster, how can we think we have all the answers in life?  We need someone greater than ourselves.  We all know that in our hearts.

Five: Is God an insecure personality?  On the contrary He knows who He is. “ I am God and there is none

else!”  “Come unto to me ye that labor and are heavily laden and I will give thee rest.”  “And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish.”  Doesn’t sound very insecure to me?  Sounds like a very confident, self-assured and powerful and able God to me.   He is not falling apart because people don’t trust in Him.  On the contrary He has a place prepared for those who reject the life He offers.  And He is not afraid to judge humanity and give humans exactly what they deserve.  Insecure?  How crazy is that really?

Six: How is it insecure for the creator who is loving, full of grace, mercy, forgiveness and at the same time full of justice, righteousness and holiness to ask his created beings to look to Him, trust and honor Him to have life? Wouldn’t that be showing supreme confidence and also very loving and kind of Him to tell us He can do it…..if He can do it?  Wouldn’t that make sense? He seems to have complete confidence that He and He alone can deliver His people. 

Seven:  It only makes sense that we only begin to know ourselves….. when we know the one who created us. It only makes sense to have life….. we must know the giver of our life.

Eight:  How can a person really operate their lives independent of the one who made them?  Can a car separate itself from the driver and be what it ought to be?  Can a house separate itself from the home dweller and be alive?  Can a baby or a small child separate itself from a mother and be idependent? 

Nine:  Show me one place, one incident in the Bible where God was not good to those who trusted in Him?  Job?  Got twice as much in the end.  Joseph? Became ruler in Egypt.  Kept his family from starvation.  John the Baptist?  Lost his head, but Jesus claimed he was the greatest man to ever live.  Paul? Beaten often and ship-wrecked yet was content in Christ. 

Yes, they had trials and troubles because of our fallen world that causes bad things to happen in the course of life.  Yes, God gave them testing that proved their devotion and increased their faith in Him, and God brought them through every single one with the intention to make them better than before.  

How can you be against that?  All of us want to end well don’t we?  You do painful exercise and say no to good tasting treats to get better physically so you can live longer and healthier and have a good ending in life don’t you?  Well, in Christ your life will have a good ending if you continue to trust in Him, that is guaranteed!

Ten.  If God is so bad why do atheists continue to attack Him? Why don’t they just ignore Him and let Him fade away as Gene Rodenberry predicted would happen by the year 2301?  You know why?….they are only trying to convince themselves to ignore the truth they know in their hearts.  That God does exist. That God is real. That God made them.  That God loves them and that we all are accountable to Him.  It grieves the enemies of God that God continues to produce people that believe and trust in Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Turn to Nehemiah 4:1 God’s people will always have enemies.  Let’s look at how Nehemiah’s enemies attacked him.  They did three things that all enemies of God do……15:00

1. They mocked.

Nehemiah 4:1But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.  The enemies of God will mock us.  Laugh at us. Roll their eyes at us.  Alienate us.  Make us seem stupid.  They will act like it is so undignified to have faith.  It is so stupid.  They will get very angry with us.  They will want to even kill us.    18:00

2. They Questioned.

Nehemiah 4:2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? 

Our enemies do not understand faith in Christ.  They don’t have the Holy Spirit to teach them and illuminate their minds.  They can only understand the conviction of sin that God gives them through His word. 

…..And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? They don’t understand our motivation to serve and please Christ.  They call us feeble, feeble minded.  We need a crutch.  We are weak if we need a God.  They question us and we need to ready to have an answer to those who want to understand our faith IN Christ. 

….will they fortify themselves?  They think we are only trying to keep ourselves separate because we are better than them or fearful and afraid.   More questions.  They question our motivation. 

….will they sacrifice? They think they understand what our faith is all about.  They think they know all about our faith in Christ.  They question our practices.  Why read the Bible?  Why pray?  Why have church?

….will they make an end in a day? They think we are foolish thinking that God can do anything to make a real difference in our lives.  Do you really think God answers prayer? Do you really think God does miracles?  Yes I do!  He saved me and that is the biggest miracle of all!

…will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?  They think that depending upon the supernatural God is just plain ignorant and useless. Why do you waste your time in believing in a God that there is no evidence for?  A blind faith.  We have a lot of evidence.   We have creation, the Bible, DNA, miracle, Bible prophecy, Israel, Jesus Christ, our own Judeo-Christian principles that leads to an orderly society, Christianity that continues to grow and spread,  and your own personal encounter with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  23:00

3. They ridiculed their work of faith

Nehemiah 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.  They call our work weak and useless and a waste of time.    Our enemies think they are so much smarter than us.  They think they are so much wiser than us.  How foolish to believe in creation!  How foolish to believe there is only one way to God!  How foolish to believe that the Bible is the word of God!   But they were wrong them and wrong now.  Nehemiah built the wall to the chagrine of their enemies and God was glorified.  Nehemiah 7:15-16 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.  26:00

Conclusion:  Ignoring God, not believing in Him, not trusting in Him doesn’t’ change the facts.  Ignoring cancer doesn’t stop it.  Ignoring warning signs on the highway will not do away with the consequences.   You can ignore God but one day you will have to face Him. So, you might as well face Him now in repentance and faith….. because one day you WILL have faith in Him! 

The Bible says “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” The enemies of God will one day realize that they have failed to destroy faith in Jesus Christ.  They will be defeated.  One day Jesus will be Lord to them and to you.  Two ways, two choices.  One is saving faith the other is condemning faith.  Today you can have saving faith in Jesus Christ and escape the judgment of God.  Or you can have condemning faith on that day when you face God and realize that Jesus Christ is the only one who could have saved you and now you stand condemned forever and ever!  What will it be?  28:04

Zephanianh 3:1-5  Woe

Intro:    As with each of the 12 Minor Prophets, the prophecy bears the name of its author, which is generally thought to mean “the Lord hides”. Three other Old Testament individuals share his name. He traces his genealogy back 4 generations to King Hezekiah (ca. 715 – 686 B.C.), standing alone among the prophets descended from royal blood (1:1).

The prophet himself dates his message during the reign of Josiah (640 – 609 B.C.). The moral and spiritual conditions detailed in the book seem to place the prophecy prior to Josiah’s reforms, when Judah was still languishing in idolatry and wickedness. It was (in 628 B.C.), that Josiah tore down all the altars to Baal, burned the bones of false prophets, and broke the carved idols (2 Chron. 34:3-7). 

The purpose of Zephaniah’s prophecy is to set forth what the Day of the Lord will mean to ungodly Judah, to the world powers and to the godly remnant of Israel. His theme is the Day of the Lord, which destroys the false remnant of Baal (chapter 1), destroys the God-rejecting nations (Chapter 2), and purifies the true remnant (3:8-20).

Woe’s are mentioned 99 times in the King James Bible.  Woe means that doom is coming.  Three most famous Woe’s are the fifth, sixth and seventh trumpets of the book of Revelation. Today is Homecoming.  Usually I preach on heaven and I will today also.  So hang with me here for a little bit.  1:00

1.  Woe To Godless Jerusalem

Zephanianh 3:1Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own people. Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled,The tyrannical city [Jerusalem]!

People who have lost their moral compass are to be pitied indeed!  They are filthy, corrupt, defiled, and full of pollution! 

The oppressing city that oppresses its own people. They have become tyrants!

Zephanianh 3:2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.

Jerusalem has not listened to the Lord or accepted his discipline. Jerusalem has not put its trust in the Lord or asked for his help. She did not listen and heed the voice [of God];She accepted no correction. She did not trust in the Lord [but trusted her own power]; She did not draw near to her God [but to the pagan gods of Baal or Molech]. 

Pretty serious accusations.  This was before the reforms put in by good King Josiah.  2 Chronicles 34.  Manasseh a wicked king but in his last years he humbled himself and turned to God.  But he did not put out idol worship and altars entirely so when he died his son Amon was 22 years old when he became king.  He was assassinated two years later by His servants.  Amon did not humble himself before the Lord.   Josiah, Amon’s son was put in as king at eight years old.  But He sought the Lord at a young age.  Strange thing that Josiah turned to the Lord when his fathers were not good kings.  So due to that it took a while for him to cleanse the land from idols and altars for false gods. But he did.  It’s not how you start it’s how you finish.   

Jerusalem did not obey God’s voice through the prophets.  They killed the prophets sent to them by God.  They did not like to be told they were wrong.  They did not trust in the Lord but in their own plans and schemes.  They did not draw near to God. They wanted nothing to do with God. 

The thing to remember is that God’s people are not immune to leaving God and their faith.  There are two types of Christians who leave their faith.  They never were saved.  1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have

continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Some were saved and at the Judgment seat of Christ they will have lost every bit of the good they have done for the Lord….1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  Woe to the Godless   10:00

1.  Woe To Godless Jerusalem   2. Woe to Godless leaders

Zephanianh 3:3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Its officials are like roaring lions; its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave a bone until morning. Her officials within her are roaring lions; Her judges are [as hungry as] the wolves at evening, They leave nothing for the morning. 

The leaders of Israel were Selfish, arrogant, desiring attention and full of greed.  Godless, empty people who did not want God in their lives.  They are so greedy for gain that they leave nothing for the poor and the children.  They roar all day of their greatness and feast all day on their lusts and it continues all night and nothing is left.  They consume everything yet they pretend to be for the people. 

Sound Familiar?  Congress today, Corporate America Today, Communist dictatorships and Islamic fundamentalism describe these types of governments.   Woe to the Godless governments of this world. 15:00

1.  Woe To Godless Jerusalem   2. Woe to Godless leaders   3. Woe to Godless Prophets and Priests

Zephanianh 3:4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: The prophets are irresponsible and treacherous; Her prophets are reckless and treacherous men.  

Irresponible, light.  They teach and prophecize things that are not true. They twist the truth.  They are pretending to be of God but they are godless hypocrites who betray their people and their God.  Preachers who don’t preach the word of God are betraying their people. 

Zephanianh 3:4 ……her priests have polluted the sanctuary, the priests defile what is sacred, Her priests have profaned the sanctuary; These priests defile the sacred things of God with their failure to do what God requires.  They profane the sanctuary. 

Zephanianh 3:4 ……they have done violence to the law.  and twist the law of God to their own advantage. They have done violence to the law [by pretending their word is God’s word].  They are liars. 

How do you know when someone is lying from the pulpit?  You have a Bible.  YOU can fact check them right there. God believed in fact-Checking a long time ago…it’s called the Bible.  Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

It is hard to believe that someone would twist the word of God around to their own advantage but they do it every day!   Do not be deceived!  It’s up to you to read your Bible.  Study to show yourself approved.  That means read it often, daily. The Bereans searched the scriptures DAILY!    Woe to the godless preachers and teachers who will not search the scriptures for fear of being found unapproved of God!  20:00

1.  Woe To Godless Jerusalem   2. Woe to Godless leaders   3. Woe to Godless Prophets and Priests

4. Woe to Those Who Reject Jesus

Zephanianh 3:5 The just Lord is in the midst thereof; But the Lord is still in the city; The Lord is righteous within her;  The Lord is still there despite their sin.  God never leaves His people because He cannot break His promises to His people.  He will not break His promises to Israel and He will not break His promises to us.  Israel is God’s people forever.  They sinned yes. They rebelled yes.  They worshipped other gods. Yes.  They rejected God yes. But God will not reject them.  He will punish them but He will bring them to the their land and rule over them as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

God has made promises to the church!  John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  Here is the part about heaven!  I told you it was coming!   He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  He promised to give us eternal life and they shall never perish.  He promised that we would be with Him for ever and ever!  We would serve him forever! We will know His joy forever!  We know His place forever!  Many of you have come to homecoming today.  What a homecoming we will be at one day!  We will all be together in that perfect place called heaven.  We will eat also.  The marriage supper of the Lamb!  What a meal that will be!!

Zephanianh 3:5…..he will not do iniquity: he does what is right and never what is wrong. He will do no injustice.  A description of Jesus Christ.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  Woe to those who fail to accept God’s payment for their sins!

Zephanianh 3:5 ….every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, Every morning without fail, he brings justice to his people. Every morning He brings His justice to light.    Jesus is truth and justice.  He will always do what is right. Woe to those who get what they deserve!  Christians don’t get what we deserve because of the grace of God!

Zephanianh 3:5 ….he faileth not; He does not fail. He cannot fail.  Woe to those who fail to come to Christ. If you fail to trust in Jesus what does it matter what else you succeeded at?   Jesus cannot fail.  He will not fail us when we come to Him in Faith. 

Zephanianh 3:5 ….but the unjust knoweth no shame. And yet the unrighteous people there keep on doing wrong and are not ashamed.   But the unjust person knows no shame that they reject the Lord.

Woe to the unjust.  They have not been justified before God.  Justification means to be made just as if I had never sinned.   The unjust just keep on doing what seems right in their own eyes and the end thereof is death.    Woe to those who are not ashamed to sin

 We are not ashamed…..of Christ so we have overcome sin.    We are not disappointed in the Lord!  Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.      Woe to those who do not believe and trust in Jesus Christ.  You may not think about it now…. but one day you will never forget all of your lost opportunities to trust in Jesus!! 28:04

 

Judges 3:1-11 Be Like Oth-ni-el

Intro:   Have you heard the old commercial “be Like Mike.”  Well today there is definitely someone to be like. And you can be like this man of God. 

 The Book of Judges covers a dark time in the history of Israel. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.  Most of the time Israel lived in apostasy, away from God. But God would raise up judges, military and civil leaders who would be used of God to deliver Israel.  We find examples of this in Judges 2:11-23, 17:6

We want to examine a brief account of the career of the first judge, Oth-ni-el. Oth-ni-el was either a nephew or brother of Caleb. He had already distinguished himself as a military hero, winning the hand of daughter by conquering a city.  Judges 1:12-13 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.  13 And Oth-ni-el the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.  Jerusalem was captured by the men of Judah who were going about causing trouble in the region.  Caleb, said, “I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage to the man who succeeds in capturing Kiriath Sepher this was a city also called Debir.” 13 Oth-ni-el, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz, captured the city, so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage.

God's Spirit, craftsman that He is, produced a wonderful masterpiece in the life of Oth-ni-el.

Using Oth-ni-el as an example, I want us to see what happens when we are surrendered to God, Faithful to God and make ourselves available to God and allow His Spirit to work in our lives. The Spirit hasn't changed. If He produced a masterpiece in Oth-ni-el, he can inside of us as well. There are five things that happen when we become like Oth-ni-el Faithful and available.  5:00

1.God Will Use you - Vs. 9

It was a dark time – In Judges 3:1-8. The Lord left some nations in the land to test the Israelites who had not been through the wars in Canaan. 2 He did this only in order to teach each generation of Israelites about war, especially those who had never been in battle before. 3 Those left in the land were the five Philistine cities, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the Lebanon Mountains from Mount Baal Hermon as far as Hamath Pass. 4 They were to be a test for Israel, to find out whether or not the Israelites would obey the commands that the Lord had given their ancestors through Moses. 5 And so the people of Israel settled down among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 6 They intermarried with them and worshiped their gods. So the Lord became angry with Israel and let King Cush-an-Rish-athaim of Mesopotamia conquer them. They were subject to him for eight years.  7 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of the  king of Mesopotamia; and the Israelites served Cush-an-rish-athaim eight years. The people of Israel forgot the Lord their God; they sinned against him and worshiped the idols of Baal and Asherah. And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.  So, the Lord became angry with Israel and let King Cush-an-Rish-athaim of Mesopotamia conquer them. They were subject to him for eight years.

 They failed the test miserably!!!

In answer to prayer God raised up Oth-ni-el as a deliver.  Judges 3:9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he sent someone to free them. This was Oth-ni-el, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz. But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord [for help], the Lord raised up a man to rescue the people of Israel, Oth-ni-el the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.  God raises up leaders and warriors when they are needed.  Today we need them today.  All who know Jesus are leaders and warriors for Christ.  We put on the full amour of God.  We are either leading others to Christ or you are leading them away from Christ.  You are either failing to serve Christ or a you are a warrior for Christ.  No middle ground.  Make Yourself Available and God will use you.  God can’t use someone who isn’t ready.  Who isn’t faithful to Him.  Who isn’t a prayer, or who doesn’t ever read the Bible, or who lives a life of sin and hypocrisy.  He uses the faithful, the prepared and the available. 10:00

 1. If You Are like Oth-ni-el God Will Use You -  2. If You are like Oth-ni-el you Will filled with the Spirit -

Judges 3:10 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, The spirit of the Lord came upon him,

We do not know exactly what Oth-ni-el did to defeat the enemy, but we do know that God's Spirit controlled him. If you are going to defeat the enemies of God, and be used of God, you must be under the control of the Holy Spirit! Ephesians 5:18, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  Oth-ni-el was filled with the Spirit.  We cannot know God without the Spirit.  No man can call Jesus Christ without the Spirit of God.  We cannot follow God without the Spirit of God leading us.  God's Holy Spirit works through people. 

Therefore there needs to be a person available whom the Spirit of God can use. 1 Corinthians 12:13, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Romans 8:9, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.14, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The Spirit of God worked inside of Oth-ni-el, but the verses listed above make it obvious that the Spirit wants to work inside of every Christian.

Oth-ni-el was obviously available. We must make ourselves available to the control of the Spirit of God. We are available when we do not grieve nor quench the Spirit. God can’t use people who always quench the Spirit with sin and inconsistent behavior and a bad attitude.  Ephesians 4:30-32, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.  1 Thessalonians 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.  15:00

  1. If You Are like Oth-ni-el God Will Use You -  2. If You are like Oth-ni-el you Will filled with the Spirit - 3. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Influence others  

Judges 3:10….and he judged Israel, and went out to war:

It and he became Israel's leader. Oth-ni-el went to war,  "He judged Israel, and went out to war." He led the people. and he judged Israel. He went out to war. 

When you are controlled by the Holy Spirit there will be times when the Spirit will lead you to take charge of a situation. God might call upon you to talk to a sinning brother or sister, or invite a person to church or teach a Sunday School class, or work on the building or serve on the board. Even when not in charge, we should lead by example. Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Influence others by your attitude of gratitude and willingness to serve.  Don’t gripe, make thing better when you are around.  Work hard, do things right, what you are when no one is watching is what you are.  Be the real deal in Christ.  So many phoney’s today, fakes and liars.  People are looking for the real thing.  Be real for Christ and you will without even trying influence and lead others to Christ.   19:00

   1. If You Are like Oth-ni-el God Will Use You -  2. If You are like Oth-ni-el you Will filled with the Spirit - 3. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Influence others  4. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Be  victorious-

Judges 3:10…and the Lord delivered Chush-an-rish-athaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chush-an-rish-athaim. …and the Lord gave him the victory over the king of Mesopotamia.  The enemy was defeated, and Israel was defeated from bondage. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and the Lord gave Cush-an-rish-athaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, and he prevailed over Cush-an-rish-athaim.

The Spirit of God is in your life to deliver you and give you victory from the bondage of sin. Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

We need to be like Oth-ni-el to help others be delivered from sin. Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Hebrews 3:11-12, So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Don’t be defeated, a hateful sourpuss. Don’t be a Debbie Downer.  Be positive for Christ.  Do you lift people up or bring them down?  We already have Victory over our sin, death, hell and the grave!  We are already overcomers over any obstacle that the devil puts in front of us.  Never quit.  Never give up.  You might have to change a few things, try a new strategy but we don’t give up on anyone or give up on the Lord’s work.  23:00

   1. If You Are like Oth-ni-el God Will Use You -  2. If You are like Oth-ni-el you Will filled with the Spirit - 3. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Influence others  4. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Be  victorious 5. If You are Like Oth-ni-el you will have Peace -

Judges 3:11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. There was peace in the land for forty years, and then Othniel died.  And the land was at rest [from oppression for] forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.There was rest for almost 40 years because of the Spirit working upon Othniel.

We are promised rest as the Spirit of God works inside of us. John 14:16-17, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace and a sound mind.   Not over worrying or over stressed.  No worries about tomorrow for Jesus holds tomorrow.  Pray about everything and you will have peace about everything. 

27:00

Conclusion:    1. If You Are like Oth-ni-el God Will Use You -  2. If You are like Oth-ni-el you Will Be filled with the Spirit - 3. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Influence others  4. If you are like Oth-ni-el you will Be  victorious 5. If You are Like Oth-ni-el you will have Peace - He was great because God that He served is great!  You can be an Oth-ni-el and have victory over your battles.  You will still have battles.  He was a judge over Israel.  So that was not an easy task.  Then he had enemies.  But in the end, he had the victory over his enemies and he received the peace of God as God gave him rest.  This is heaven for us.  Do you want to be like Oth-ni-el?  Trust in Jesus.  Let Him make you to become….what He wants you to be and do great things for Christ!  Even in Martin County you can do great things for Christ!  You will have to judge between what is Godly and what is wicked, you will have enemies to be defeated but in the end you will have victory and eternal joy and rest with Jesus Christ!  28:04

Philippians 4:8-13 God’s Provision

Intro: God cares for His children.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  We haven’t gotten to heaven yet.  We are still in our mortal flesh so we are still subject to the affects of our fallen world and our fallen flesh.  We will not escape sickness.  We will not escape death unless Jesus comes to get His church.  So are we doomed?  No. No. NO!  We have a provision given to us by God.  It’s called Contentment.  It’s called God’s provision for us.  It’s called confidence in God.  1:00

1.  Godly Contentment

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. Thanks for the Gift.  I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me;

God gives us fellow believers who care for one another.  We have fellowship one with another.  We depend on each other for love, support, encouragement and strength.  1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.  1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.

Philippians 4:10…wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me—you just had no chance to show it, indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it.  The Philippian church hadn’t had any opportunity to show their appreciation for Paul.  We shouldn’t stub up or pout because people don’t show us appreciation.  Is that all you live for is the glory of the world?  We get our praise from God the praise of men is fleeting. John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, Not that I speak from [any personal] need.  Paul didn’t feel neglected or hurt.  He was fine.  He knew a secret that we all need to learn……

Philippians 4:11…..for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

We LEARN to be content.  We are born with that.  It is something that is learned by experience. 

Contentment comes only from learning a big little word called “trust.” Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Philippians 4:11…Whatever state I am…. Matthew 5:45 for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  We have learned that some things we can’t change.  We just have to trust God.  Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  It takes time to learn to trust God.  We have to go through things and that God gives us to  allow us to test and strengthen our faith.  We let children learn to walk by walking with them either holding their hands or walking nearby.  They stumble, they wobble, the flail around, but they learn to walk.  Because parents are there to keep them from falling they gain confidence.  We have to learn to trust God.  We walk with Him.  We stumble, we wobble, we flail around but He will not let us fall.  Contentment is completely trusting in God.  10:00

1.  Godly Contentment  2.  Godly Provision

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, I know what it is to be in need I know how to get along and live humbly in difficult times.  Not everything in this world is going to go well for a Christian.  We have an enemy called the devil.  He has millions demonic spirits working against us.  Ah but we have 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Philippians 4:12…and I know how to abound: and what it is to have more than enough, and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity.  God blesses us with many blessings.  Family, friends, church, a home, a job, a career, income, health, talents and abilities, a purpose, a Savior Jesus Christ and a good ending to this life. 

Philippians 4:12….every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.  We must be prepared for any circumstance in life.  We don’t know when things will go bad.  Look at today.  We are on the cresivice of the collapse of our society.  We don’t know what going to happen in the next few weeks.  But we have confidence in our Lord Jesus who promised to never, no not ever, leave us nor forsake us.   

The Old Testament calls God Jehovah Jireah Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.  Jehovahjireah means “the Lord will provide.”  Our problem.  We don’t want to wait on God.  Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Every time you get ahead of God it will be a disaster.   What happened to Abraham and Sara?  They got Ishmail instead of waiting on God.  Israel didn’t wait on God and decided to make a golden calf.  Israel didn’t wait on God and wanted a king and they got Saul, and Manessa and a host of evil kings that eventually brought disaster to Israel. 

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  God will provide. We have to wait.  When we pray God always answers…Yes, No, and Later!! 19:00

1.  Godly Contentment  2.  Godly Provision  3. Godly Confidence

Why do we have confidence?

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

Underline this, mark this in your Bible.  I’m sure many of you already have.    Godly confidence brings peace, joy, hope, and contentment in any situation.  A man named Job lost his children, his possessions and then his health. His reaction?  “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!”  His wife said “curse God and die.” Job 2:9  Remember most people fall apart when bad things happen.  Those who trust in Jesus Christ don’t fall apart but everything falls into place.  Most people panic and lose their faith.  Job said to his wife “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil (accept adversity and disaster)? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”  Job 2:10  

At the end Job received twice the family, twice the possessions and twice the health!!    Why do we worry and why do we fret?   God is not finished with you yet! 

Everyone turn to Matthew 6:25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Seek ye the kingdom of God….Seek His righteousness.   Have your sins forgiven and be made righteous through faith and trust in Jesus Christ and all these things shall be added unto you.  Your needs will be met.  God will care for you, He will care about you, He will think about you, He will bring you to a place of Contentment, Provision and Confidence.  Wouldn’t you like that in this day and age we are in?  Trust in Jesus Christ….if you have never done so please do it now!  28:04

Galatians 4:1-6  Critical Race Theory

Intro: The Galatian Christians were struggling with salvation through faith alone due to false teachers. Legalism is trying to earn salvation and entrance into heaven by your own works or efforts.  Legalism is trying to add works to the finished work of Christ.  Christ said at the cross “it is finished.”  The work of salvation is complete in Christ so that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and in Him alone. 

Critical Race Theory—the view that the law and legal institutions are inherently racist and that race itself instead of being biologically grounded and natural, is a socially constructed concept that is used by white people to further their economic and political interests.   This is the effort to try to undermine the law and the constitution to turn us into a socialist and eventually a communist country. 

CRT originated among legal scholars like Derrick Bell, Kimberle Crenshaw and Richard Delgado, who argued that racism and white supremacy were defining elements of the American legal system. Basically they believe that racism is socially constructed and invented by whites to make sure white’s are supreme.  Okay…Critical race theory has never been true.  It was true that Black people were held back for many years in this country because of prejudice but not to any White Supremacy theory.  But today it is no longer true that blacks are held back due to prejudices….. but people hold themselves back because of their life choices. 

There are more freedoms in the United States today than any country ever in the history of the world.  Did you know that statistics tells us that anyone can be successful in the United States no matter their skin color, background or poverty level…. if they do these three things.  Don’t get married til you have a good job, then get married and have children within the confines of marriage.  These three things are common denominators among people who are successful in America.  Why? Because this is the Bible way of success.  The Bible teaches us Faith in Christ, morality, family and hard work will bring you success. 

Critical Race Theory is brain washing at the core.  If you repeat something long enough and back it with threats and violence people will soon believe it.   In the New church the legalists within the church….were trying to hold on to the law and were usurping Paul and others who were teaching the truth with their critical theories about the law.  Paul went back to the basics to explain this false critical race theory that the Jews and the law were above all others as it pertains to salvation.  But this is not true because Jesus Christ has died for the whole world…. as Critical race Theory is not truth in Amercia.  3:00

1. Jews Are Not Supreme Concerning Salvation

Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But now to continue— Now what I mean [when I talk about children and their guardians] is this the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything.  As long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave even though he is the [future owner and] master of all [the estate]; 

It is frustrating that the until he comes of age the son can enjoy very little of his fathers estate. 

Jews were under the law until Christ came to free them from the law.  The law is our school master given to teach us the requirements of God upon man.  Jews suffered due to times of unbelief and disobedience.   But they are God’s chosen to bring the ten commandments into the world, to bring Jesus into the world , to give the word of God to the world, and in the future to be citizens of the kingdom of God in the world.  But the Jewish Christians did not want to leave the law as part of salvation for even Gentiles.  They had no right to require this burden upon gentiles because God has set all men free in Christ.  Christ fulfilled the law therefore we no longer need it. Christ has satisfied the demands of the law therefore we don’t need to keep it. 

First of all there are no races. There is ONE race the human race.  We have different pigmentation.  White people are not supreme.  Jews are not supreme…. but chosen for a different role in God’s working in the world.  Jews are favored by God due to the promises of God to them.  But they have to be saved through faith in Christ just like everybody else. 

Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs he is under [the authority of] guardians and household administrators or managers until the time set by his father, Until the date set by his father [when he is of legal age].

The law was their tutor, their schoolmaster.  To show them through the sacrifices of lambs, bulls and goats that without the shedding of blood (death) there is no remission of sin.  The wages of sin is death. 

When the time came the son inherited his father’s estate.  When the time came the Jews inherited their fathers salvation through Christ who came to give us something much better than the law.  Salvation by grace through faith.  The Jews were somewhat arrogant thinking that they were the only ones who could be saved. But Peter saw that Gentiles can received the Holy Spirit just like Jews at Penecost leading Him to conclude that God would save Gentiles in the same way as Jews. Through faith in Christ alone!  But the Law and grace continued to be a point of contention among Jewish Christians.  Their critical race theory in the church then was that Jews are supreme and all gentiles had to keep some of the requirements of the law.

Critical race theory seeks to divide between the skin pigments of white, black, red and yellow.  And actually creates reverse discrimination when you try to continually categorize and punish someone based on their white skin color.  You know that blacks, reds, yellows and whites all had slaves down through history.  There were more black slaves in South America by far than in America in the 1860’s.  South America, Central America and the Carribbean had over two million slaves compared to less than 250,000 in the United States.  Black families owned slaves in America.  There were some slaves in the north as well as the south.  Where is BLM at in South America? Africa? The Muslim world…. who to this day continue to hold black slaves.  13:00

1. Jews Are Not Supreme Concerning Salvation   2.  We Are All Slaves to Sin.

Galatains 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity in Christ.  So also we [whether Jews or Gentiles], when we were children (spiritually immature), were kept like slaves under the elementary [man-made religious or philosophical] teachings of the world.

Critical Race theory will tells us that slaves should receive Reparations for past slavery.  But God says we are all slaves still today!  Slaves to sin.  Christ died to free us from the bondage to sin.  He paid reparations for us.  He bought us from the power of sin, the penalty of sin and the destination of sin.  Sin takes us farther than we want to go keeps us longer than we want to stay.  Sin is called slavery, bondage, chains, and prison in the word of God. We are all today slaves to sin if we do not know Jesus Christ. That goes for all people everywhere!

Turn to Matthew 25  beginning with verse 14  You know the passage it’s the parable of the talents.  The master gives five talents to one servant, two to another servant and another servant one talent.  The servants with the five talents doubled his to ten.  The servant with the two doubled his talents to four. The servant with one talent hid his in the earth.  He did nothing. He was lazy!! When the Lord came he lauded the efforts of the first two servants and called them good and faithful.  This is capitalism at work.  We are all given different talents and abilities.  It is exciting when we succeed with our own efforts and God-given abilities!   If you can supply the demand you will be successful!  It doesn’t matter who you are! 

We pick up in verse 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: He accused the master of living off of the hard work of others.  He accused him of being a socialist and communist. 

Matthew 36:25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

Next he claimed victimhood.  He claimed that he was afraid.  Lebron James said black people are afraid.  Minorities are victims.  It’s not my fault I couldn’t quit drugs.  It’s not my fault I couldn’t quit drinking or looking at porn or stealing from my neighbor.  I never had the advantage of white priviledge.  Excuses, I’m a victim here. I was afraid to do anything. 

Matthew 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:  What does the master say?  Oh you poor thing.  I’m sorry you were a victim of other people holding you back.  You did great.  Well done.  NO!!! the master says.  Two things.  You Wicked and lazy servant.  It is wicked to use excuses when the Lord has given us all talents and abilities ot use for His glory.  NO excuses there.  It is pure laziness on the part of anyone who doesn’t try to better himself and uses victimhood as an excuse.  No production at all.  He did nothing.

YOU know that almost every drug addict never does anything for anybody ever!  But cries and laments their addiction to the misery of family and friends!  It’s wickedness!  What BLM and Anifa are doing is wicked!  What are they producing?  You know that socialists and communists never invented anything.  China steals and copies everything from everybody.  Why?  They have no incentive to invent under communism!  Where is the reward?  Everyone gets the same wage, everyone gets the same benefits why work harder?  Why try something different?  Even our gracious heavenly father rewards His children.  This is a good example in Matthew 25.  We are rewarded according to faithfulness to our master.   Critical race theory wants to get rid of capitalism. Wants to level the playing field.  Doesn’t want to keep score.  Make everyone the same.  No individualism.  All for the party and it’s all for nothing!  No productivity at all. 

Matthew 25:27 27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. The master tells the servant instead of burying it he could have taken it to the bank and at least gotten a little interest from it.  He was too lazy to even go to the bank. To afraid of bankers evidently!  This is pitiful but it describes Critical Race Theory.  It’s all the western civilizations fault so lets just call for reparations and riot (Not work)protest (not work) make speeches (not work) and do nothing productive at all.  Critical Race Theory is the wicked servant in Matthew 25!  16:00

1. Jews Are Not Supreme Concerning Salvation   2.  We Are All Slaves to Sin   

3.  In Christ We Are All One

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law,  But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law.

When the time was right God sent His Son.  He was born of a human Jewish woman under the law. The one who came to set us free was born in bondage.  Not to sin but to the law.   When the time was right God freed the American Slaves and gave them freedom that took time to fully develop.  The Son of God was born a Jew under the law. So you would think that God would have us all to be Jewish and follow the law. Critical Race theory would say that the Jews were supreme because Jesus was born a Jew.   No…He was born a Jew because He came to fulfill the law and introduce Grace and truth and the church!  He came to save the whole world and make us ONE church!

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children.  so that He might redeem and liberate those who were under the Law, that we [who believe] might be adopted as sons [as God’s children with all rights as fully grown members of a family].

He came to save the Jews. Because they needed to be saved. They weren’t some special people that lives above sin.  But they needed to be saved also.  Just like gentiles! There is no critical race theory here.  Jews weren’t any better than gentiles as far as salvation.  They may have thought they were. 

Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. To show that you are[a] his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.”   And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, [a]“Abba! Father!”

The Holy Spirit confirms that Jews and gentiles alike can call God ….My Father!  The critical race theory does not exist here or in any realm of life.  Our constitution is correct. All men are created equal by God.  Jews had more revelation and therefore more responsibility than gentiles but we are all saved the same way. Through grace by faith in Christ. 

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children.  Therefore you are no longer a slave (bond-servant), but a son; and if a son, then also an heir through [the gracious act of] God [through Christ].

Jews are no longer slaves to the Levitical law. Gentiles are no longer slaves to the power of sin.  We are both free in Christ to lives a adopted children and brothers and sisters in Christ!  Every human being can call God “Father” when they Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation!

Critical Race theory is a tool of the devil to divide and confuse and cause chaos.  When and where will it end?  What about the Native American Indians? What about the Chinese American’s? What about the Japanese Americans?  What about the Irish, the German and the Italian Americans? What about Hillbilly Americans?  We’ve all been discriminated against in some form or another. 

What about just calling us all Americans without the hyphen?  Better yet What about calling us all brothers and sisters in Christ!  Critical Race Theory is like the theory of Evolution.  It is all based on false assumptions that lead to fake conclusions but people get bent all out of shape about it!  Follow the money.  Someone, some group is out to get power and riches over this. Of course in the long run it will be the anti-Christ.  The Bible talks about Ethnic group against ethnic group in Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: Nation means Ethnos or ethnic Group.   26:00

Conclusion:

1. Jews Are Not Supreme Concerning Salvation   2.  We Are All Slaves to Sin  

3.  In Christ We Are All One …… Critical Race Theory

I know that the divides in the country will not be solved by a president or a republican or a Democrat. It will be solved and only solved when Jesus Christ comes to this earth and becomes King of Kings and Lord of Lord. 

Critical means expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgment.   Critical also means the analysis of the merits and faults at a turning point or verge of a crisis.  In other words, Critical Race theory means “The Theory that Race is on the verge of a crisis”.  Race relations are in critical condition they believe. 

 I tell you that every person who does not know Jesus Christ regardless of the color of their skin…..is on the verge of a crisis. They could leave this world unsaved without Jesus Christ as their Savior and go to a devils’ hell!  I guess you could call it “critical unsaved Theory.”    People that are unsaved…that don’t know Jesus are on the verge of a crises.  Are you facing the “critical unsaved theory”?  Do you know Jesus as your Savior?  You can know Him today?  28:04

Revelation 20:1-6  The End

Intro:  If the movie is bad you can’t wait to see those words.  If the movie is good you hate to see those words.  The end is coming for two groups.  Satan and his angels and mortal physical man are both coming to an end one day sooner than we think.  I told a couple of strangers Friday that Jesus is coming and we need to get ready.  And they both agreed wholeheartedly and immediately changed the subject.  They don’t want to talk about the end of our lives here on this earth and I understand that.  We want to live….. that’s in our DNA.  God wants us to live also and we can if we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We can live now and into a great and glorious future!  1:00

1. Satan’s End

Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. Then I saw an angel coming down descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key of the abyss (the bottomless pit) and a heavy chain great chain was in his hand.

The angel here may be the same one who had the key to the bottomless pit in 9:1, 2. The bottomless pit is presently the place of imprisonment of some demons. Luke 8:31And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

And he overpowered, he seized the dragon, that old serpent [of primeval times)that ancient serpent— who is, the Devil, or Satan—and chained him bound him [securely up for a thousand years (a millennium).

The dragon of Revelation 12:3, 9, known as Satan, was in control of the serpent in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. God has a sovereign plan for Satan. He will be shut … up in the abyss for a thousand years and then will be briefly released to deceive the nations one final time (Revelation 20: 7–9) before being cast into the lake of fire Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Must be released indicates that Satan will not escape from the pit but instead will be allowed to go forth from the pit to fulfill God’s sovereign plan.

Revelation 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. The angel threw him hurled him into the abyss, and closed it, locked it, and sealed it above him [preventing his escape or rescue, so that he could not deceive and seduce the nations any more until the thousand years were over. And then after that he must be set loose for a little while, a short time. 

The pit and will be the place from which the beast ascends. He is killed and goes into the pit for little while then miraculously resurrects and wreaks havoc on the earth for 3 ½ years and is finally sent to the Lake Of fire.  Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  The beast”: Both a king and kingdom are referred to by this term.

“Was, and is not; and shall ascend” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection in Revelation 13:3-4; 12-14.

“Out of the bottomless pit”: After his “resurrection”, the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon from the abyss.  I believe this mark indicates that the power given unto the Anti-Christ comes from the bottomless pit.

“Go into perdition”: Eternal destruction. This is the lake of fire, the place of Antichrist’s destruction.  Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Thus, it is fitting that the Devil also will be held in the pit for a thousand years.  6:00

1. Satan’s End  2. The First Resurrection

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given the power to judge, were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. I also saw the souls of those who had been executed, the souls of those who had been beheaded because they had proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God.  Why were they beheaded? Because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God. They also had refused to worship the beast or his image, nor had they received (accepted) the mark of the beast on their foreheads or on their hand. They came to life and ruled and reigned as kings with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  (The rest of the dead [the non-believers did not come to life until the thousand years were completed.) The first resurrection is referring to those who died in verse four.  The first resurrection is only for believers.  This is the first raising of the dead to life that occurs in five stages, This is the first resurrection. 

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Happy and greatly blessed happy, prosperous, and holy are those who are included in this first raising of the dead.  Over these The second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority; they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they will rule and reign with him for a thousand years.

The First Resurrection occurs for all believers in five stages…..

There are six bodily resurrections in the Bible…..five for believers and one for unbelievers. 

1. Jesus Christ the first

Acts 26:23 that the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.  Colossians 1:18 He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.

2. The Saved At Rapture Of The Church

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  See Also 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

3. The Tribulation Saints At His Second Coming and the end of the Tribulation.

Revelation 20:4-5 as we just read The first resurrection refers to the resurrection of all believers, though separated in time.

4. The Old Testament Saints At His Second Coming and the end of the Tribulation.

Daniel 12:1-2 At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of tribulation, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

5. Millennial Saints resurrected after the Millennium

There is another resurrection at the end of the Millennium, which is implied, but never explicitly stated in Scripture. It is possible that some believers will die a physical death during the Millennium. Though the prophet Isaiah, God said, "No longer will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his days; for the youth will die at the age of one hundred and the one who does not reach the age of one hundred will be thought accursed” (Isaiah 65:20).  On the other hand, it is also possible that death in the Millennium will only come to the disobedient.

In either event, some kind of transformation will be required to fit believers in their natural bodies in the Millennium for pristine existence throughout eternity. Each believer will need to have a “resurrected” type of body.

But what will happen to those believers who survived the Tribulation and entered the Millennium in their natural bodies? And what will happen to those who were born during the Millennium, trusted in Jesus, and continued to live in their natural bodies? Paul has made it clear that flesh and blood, which is mortal and able to decay, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. That eternal kingdom is inhabitable only by those with resurrected, glorified bodies that are no longer mortal and are not able to decay (1 Corinthians 15:35-49).

Presumably, these believers will be given resurrection bodies without having to die. Precisely when this happens is not explained, but theologically, it must happen somewhere in the transition from the old earth and universe to the new earth and new heaven (2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.; Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 22:00

1. Satan’s End  2. The First Resurrection   3 The Second Death

Only unbelievers will be here and there is only one resurrection out of the grave for them.  There is a first resurrection but there is no second resurrection called that….. in the Bible.  It’s called the second death.  You aren’t raised to life in this resurrection you are raised to judgment and eternal death, separation from God.  The second death follows the first death which is natural physical death. 

The resurrection of unbelievers at the end of the Millennium and then The Great White Throne judgment.

The resurrection of unbelievers also will take place after the thousand year reign of Christ upon the earth. All the unbelieving dead who have ever lived will be resurrected and judged at this time.

You today for sure want to be apart of the First Resurrection.  You will be resurrected instantly at the rapture if you have died and taken alive if you are living at the rapture.  Which is the next event of the prophecy timeline.  

The first resurrection refers to the resurrection of all believers, though separated in time.  After the church is raptured and resurrected, there will be the resurrection of the tribulation saints-those who have died for their testimony of Christ during the Great Tribulation.  At that time the Old Testament saints will also be raised.  After the thousand year reign of Christ on the earth, the Millennium, there will be one final resurrection.  This will be the unrighteous dead from all time as well as the Millennial saints- those who trusted in Christ during the Millennium.

After the Great White Throne judgment, there will be no more resurrections. 27:00

1. Satan’s End  2. The First Resurrection   3 The Second Death

……..The End

People always raise the argument, “a loving God would never send anyone, or allow anyone to go to hell.” And they point to the suffering in the world today.

We have earthquakes, we have floods; we have war, we have hurricanes; we have famines, we have diseases. All that God would have to do is to simply speak the word and the rain would come and the crops would grow and infections would cease. All that He’d have to do is to strengthen the earth’s crust so that these earthquakes would not happen.

Now let me ask you a question. If God is willing to allow the human race to go through suffering, when clearly He could intervene and stop it, is it really hard to believe that God might allow people to suffer in hell forever?

You say, “Well, I thought He was a God of love.” Yes, and His love is displayed in Jesus Christ. He died and suffered so that we might not have to.  And all we have to do is trust in Him.  How easy is that? If everything was rosey on the earth why would we ever repent of our sin and trust in him?

 You see God is holy and a God of justice.  But because God loves us, He has warned us of the truth of the second death and eternal, conscious, punishment.   It is said of the Rich man that “and In hell he lift up his eyes being in torment….I am tormented in this flame.”   I don’t mean to scare you about the second death but if you fear the first death you should really fear the second death.  Hey if people suffer and die today why would there not be…..a hell? You trust in Christ now and you need not fear the second death…hell. 28:04

John 3:1-7 A Lawyer Gets Saved

Intro: I’m not going to get into any lawyer jokes.   We have some very good lawyers in our community. Praise God we have those who are from the liberty foundation, and Jay Sekulow, and many others who are defending the rights of believers all over this country mostly for free.  Remember the famous lawyer who decided He was going to destroy the Bible with his expertise in arguments and ability to find evidence.  Well one week after he started his case, he too became a Christian.  The evidence he discovered very quickly pointed to Jesus being exactly who He said He was.  And it was then that He decided that “I needed Him to save even me.”  Lawyers are necessary because people need help in determining legal matters and the right course of action legally.  We have laws so that society can function orderly and peacefully.  God established laws Himself.  The laws of nature, the laws of physics, and the law Moses.  Only one of those has God done away with.  The law of Moses was given to be fulfilled in one person.  Once that was done the law is no longer needed.  It is still useful for instruction and guidance but it is not necessary for our salvation and our walk with God.  How did that happen?  We shall see…. 1:00

1. A Lawyer

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

here was a Jewish leader a certain man named Nicodemus, who a ruler and member of the Sanhedrin he belonged to the party of the Pharisees.

Pharisees.  The first of 85 New Testament mentions of the Pharisees is in Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  

Paul was a Pharisee  Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee… 

Some Pharisees became believers.  Acts 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.  They had problems with wanting the gentile Christians to keep some aspects of the Jewish law especially circumcision.

The Sanhedrin was made up of High Priest, Scribes (teachers and recorders of the law) and elders (Jewish High court) in Matthew 26:57  So Nicodemus was very devout Jewish man and expert in the Mosaic law.  He made legal rulings on matters of the Jewish Levitical laws.   So He was a lawyer. 6:00

1. A Lawyer   2 A Teacher

John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

One night he went to Jesus and said to him, “Rabbi, (Teacher), we know [without any doubt that you are a teacher sent by God. No one could perform these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles that you are doing unless God were with him.”

Jesus was a teacher.  All pastors should be teachers as well as preachers.  Jesus was the greatest preacher that ever lived but he also taught by His daily actions and short instructions on daily life.   

This lawyer was convinced that Jesus had come from God and was from God.  Why?  The miracles He did.  He had logically and correctly deducted that no one can do miracles unless it is the power of God.  What miracles did Nicodemas see?  John 2:11  This beginning of miracles ( the wedding of Cana) did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.  As the text tells us that Jesus did many miracles that manifested His glory before the meeting with Nicodemas that Nicodemas was familiar with. 

Miracles are signs by Jesus and the apostles to show us, to prove the validity of the words they were saying.  After the word of God appeared those things ceased.  Now we have the word of God.  Signs ceased because we can’t be convinced by miracles.  They only draw us to faith.  They cannot cause faith or our faith is not based on miracles but faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  John 2:23-24 ….many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.  24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.  It is not a miracle we need but we need to something much more than a miracle…..11:00

1. A Lawyer   2 A Teacher  3 A New Birth

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am telling you the truth unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.”

Plainly, simply if you are not born again you cannot go to heaven.  What does it mean to be born again?  Nicodemas asked the same thing in verse 4…..

John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?  Nicodemus asked Him, “How can a grown man be born again when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”

It has nothing to do with any thing physically.  It has nothing to do with any act of your own.  It has nothing to do with any actions you can do physically or any actions you can take.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am telling you the truth,” that no one can enter the Kingdom of God I say that unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.

How can a man be born again?  By being born of a human mother and be being born of the spirit.  You must be a human being to be born again.  Angels do not qualify for the new birth because they were never born to begin with only created. 

John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh A person is born physically of human parents [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, is born spiritually of the Spirit.  Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.  A person cannot be saved by staying in his sinful flesh.  The Bible says no flesh can be made good enough to be saved.  God doesn’t want to change us but to make us completely new.  New creatures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  

That is amazing for all of us who have past regrets, and past guilt over our sins and actions and it is ALL OF US!   We have to be saved spiritually that is our spirits have to be made alive.  We are dead in trespasses and sins.  And when we have faith in Christ, He makes us alive spiritually, a new person.   God does this work, He does the changing, without Him we can do nothing to save ourselves.  It is entirely the work God in Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].’

What a Savior!  He planned to save us and do all the work of Salvation Himself.  He planned from the foundation of the world to save us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone plus nothing!  We marvel at this…But Jesus said don’t be surprised that it has nothing to do with you. It’s not about you working for salvation by keeping God’s laws.  It’s all about His work on the cross where He took your sins upon Himself who knew no sin, who could not sin because He was God in the flesh. 

To Nicodemas this had to be amazing.  Here is this leader of the Jews…. a Jewish lawyer who is schooled and an expert in the law of Moses.  He is hearing that salvation has nothing to do with the law but in being born again? 

No wonder Jesus said “Marvel not” or don’t be surprised Nicodemas this is how the law would be fulfilled.  The law is our schoolmaster that has taught us that we are accountable to God for sin.  Jesus came to free us from the penalty for our sin.  Amazing.  No wonder Jesus said “Marvel not.”

Grace is the natural progression of the law.  We cannot keep the law no matter what we do. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. So, of course God would have to save us by grace through faith for that is the only way to save us.  He showed us this every time a lamb was sacrificed in the Old Testament.  For the lamb took the peoples sin temporarily preparing us for the day that God would send the eternal Lamb of God who would take away sins permanently.  

What did John the Baptist say?  John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  There it is!  The lamb of God giving us salvation through the new birth….. cleansed from sin forever!  A Lawyer got saved!

 Have you accepted Christ?  Have you experienced the new birth?  It is acquired only be faith in Christ.  Faith that only He can save you from the penalty of sin.  Only He can save you from the condemnation of sin.  Come to Him today in faith.  Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.  28:04

8/23/2020 

John 1:1-5  Common Sense About Jesus

Intro:  Common sense is wisdom gained by life’s experiences.  When you are a child you don’t have much of it.  When you are a teenager you have absolutely zero common sense.  When you become a young adult you start to understand common sense.  You still don’t have a lot of it but you are exposed to it everyday and by the time you are in your forties you have twice as much as you had when you are twenty and it doubles every ten years for the rest of your life.  However……some never get all the common sense they need…..for one reason and one reason only.  They have no acknowledged God in their lives and Jesus as their Savior.  The most sensible thing you can do is trust in Jesus Christ.  God says….Come let us reason together….so lets reason some things about Jesus today.  1:00

1.  Jesus Has Always Been

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word,

In the beginning before all time the Word Christ already existed.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…

Man has a beginning and a creator.  Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 

Common sense starts with the realization that we were created by God.  How else can you explain that every human is religious, every animal is not.  How can you explain DNA or the stars? 

John 1:1….and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 the Word was with God, and the Word was God, God Himself

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Common sense tells us that we are sinners.  So God sent us a Savior.  We needed a Savior because all of our lives we have been sinners.  We cannot approach a Holy God as sinners so God became a man, a perfect man, who knew no sin took our sin upon Himself.

John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

From the very beginning the Word was with God. He was [continually existing co-eternally] with God

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Common sense tells us that Jesus was a very special person because He is God come down to man.  God is the flesh.  I am is the way God introduced Himself to Moses at the burning bush.  I am that I am.  And Jesus called Himself by the same name in John 8:58.

I read Friday that Jesus was a myth and that He never really existed.  This article totally lost it’s credibility when it said that Santa Claus was not real either.    No…..There is more evidence that Jesus lived than there is that you are alive today.  How many of you have 500 people that will testify and swear on a Bible that you are who you say you are?  None of us in this room have that many, no even close.  But the Bible says 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once…. But not only that but what about the books written about Him? What about the Bible?  What about the testimony of the millions of changed lives who claim to know Him personally?  What about the name of Jesus being used as a cuss word?  We don’t say Oh Mohammed! or Oh Budda!  We curse our Gods when we are angry.  What about our hearts when we hear the name of Jesus?  There is truly no other name like Jesus.  There are millions of boys named Mohammed, there are millions of boys named about a form of Budda.  There are millions of boys named Paul, and John and even many named after false gods.  But nobody names their child Jesus anymore.  Why?  It’s just weird and sacreligious even to the secular world why? ……because He is God!    Common sense tell us that Jesus is God in the flesh.  The God-man.  All God and all man.  Hard to understand but easy to see.   10:00

1.  Jesus Has Always Been   2. Jesus Is The A Giver of Life and Light

John 1:3 All things were made by him….

Through him God made all things All things were made and came into existence through Him

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

John 1:3  …..and without him was not any thing made that was made.  Not one thing in all creation was made without him.  That’s how important Jesus is.  He is everything to us…. even our life. Colossians 3:4 For Christ who is our life….

John 1:4 In him was life; The Word was the source of life, In Him was life [and the power to bestow life],

He is eternal life…..John 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

He is the bread of life…John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

He is the water of life….John 4:14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

He is the Giver of eternal Life….. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

He is the beginning and the ending of life…..I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

He is the only way of life…. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 1:4 ….and the life was the light of men.  This life brought light to people. and the life was the Light of men.  John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Light reveals what was in the dark.  Common sense about Jesus would tell you that Jesus is the giver of life and light and no one else can do that, no one else has the power to do that, no one else has the right to do that but Him.  19:00

1.  Jesus Has Always Been   2. Jesus Is The A Giver of Life and Light   3. Man Rejects Jesus

John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; Light overcomes darkness.  Isn’t it great that God has not left us in the dark but has provided answers to our greatest need.  The need to have our sin debt paid and to have salvation and eternal life.  2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

Our sin is darkness to our soul.  We cannot comprehend the light of God.  Until we hear the word of God and the Holy Spirit brings the light of the truth of Jesus Christ!  Then we have as the expression goes….”seen the light.”   The light that illuminates our sinful hearts and gives us salvation from our sin and hope to our souls and life to our spirit. 

John 1:5….and the darkness comprehended it not.

The light shines on and on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.  the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

God has made it simple and plain to understand.  Trust in Jesus Christ and you have your sin debt to God paid in full and receive eternal life.    People don’t understand.  Why do men reject the light? John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

I think the year 2020 should be called the year of the darkness of sin.  We have seen darkness in our lives and in our hearts because of the effect of sin that has been with us sin the garden of Eden.

*Sin brings sickness. CCP Covid 19

*Sin brings violence.  Riots and civil unrest

*Sin brings hatred.  People hate this president, and hate white people.

*Sin brings deception.  Are we really hearing the truth on any of these things?

*Sin brings despair.  25% of young adults have considered suicide this year

*Sin brings war.  China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, North Korea are all threatening the world and Israel especially

*Sin brings disasters.  Flooding and earthquakes are at an all time high.  September 10-20 is peak hurricane season.  So look out for a big one.

*Sin brings death.  People are dying alone and dying without hope more than any other time I can remember.

 One good thing one thing that makes sense.  Common sense tells us that Sin brought a Savior, Jesus Christ and you can know Him and have the light of life and the joy of salvation and the peace that surpasses all understanding.  We will have to go through some tough times for sure.  But isn’t it much better to let Jesus work out all things for our good and His glory than to have no hope at all!  To have confidence instead of fear? To have purpose instead of confusion? To have heaven to gain than hell hanging over your head?  Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.  Saved from judgment of your sin.  Saved from the penalty of your sin.  To have all your debts paid in full would be a wonderful thing wouldn’t it?  Who wouldn’t do that?  Well God has provided payment for ALL of your sin debt to Him through faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  Common sense will tell you to come to Jesus now.  28:04

8/16/2020

Ervin Rowland

Proverbs 1 

8/9/2020 

Revelation 22:1-5  Things We Will See In Heaven

Intro:  There a lot of things we will see in heaven.  The New Jerusalem, other believers, precious jewels, the lamb of God and many other things we cannot even describe.  In the last chapter of the Bible it talks about things we will see in heaven for certain.  I think it will encourage us this morning to look at things we will see in heaven. 1:00

1.  A River.   End at 5:00

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  The angel also showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, and coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ),

The river flowing with the water of life is reminiscent of the water coming from the temple in Ezek. 47, as well as of Jesus’ expression “rivers of living water” (John 7:38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  Water of life or living water is symbolizing the New Covenant ministry of the Holy Spirit. 

A river of life.  Water is life to us.  We can live 40 days or more without food, we can live only 2-3 days without water.  Jesus is the water of life.  Not surprising then that a water of life will flow from the throne of God. 

A River means that heaven is alive.  A River means that heaven is not stagnant.  A River means that heaven is refreshing.  A River means that heaven has an order and a reason to it as a river comes from somewhere and goes somewhere.   A River means abundant life and resources.   5:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree ………end at 9:00

Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. and flowing down the middle of the city's street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

The tree of life in the original creation was in the middle of the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:9And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.), from which all of humanity was excluded after sin entered the world (as we see in Gen. 3:22–24). Ezekiel’s apocalyptic vision included trees bearing fruit every month with medicinal leaves.  Ezek. 47:12And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.  Since only one tree of life is mentioned here—even though it is on both sides of the river—it is probably meant as a parallel to Gen. 2, implying that a new, better, and everlasting Eden has come.

A tree means there will be life there.  A tree means that there will be hope there.  A tree means there will be beauty there.  A tree means that there will be pleasure there.  Trees are used for building, comfort and food.   A tree is truly life….  9:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne…….. end at 12:00

Revelation 22:1 and verse 3.  And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb and Revelation 22: 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion];

So the Lord will again be with His servants eternally. In turn, His servants will worship and truly serve Him.   The throne is God’s Presence with us.  The Throne is God’s power with us.  The Throne is God’s glory with us.  12:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne  4. A Face…… end at 14:00

Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; They will see his face, The believer’s hope today is to see the Lord face to face. 1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This is something neither Moses nor any other human was previously allowed to do.   Ex. 33:20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.  One day we WILL see His face and we will live!! They will [be privileged to] see His face.  What a blessing that will be!

A face of a human is the glory of God reflected in man.  His face is the glory of God.  His face means this is all real.  His face in heaven means that He is personal to us.  His face means that He is near to us.  His face in heaven means that He loves us and cares for us and is there for us! His face means that Jesus is there!    14:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne  4. A Face  5.  A Name……. end at 18:00

Revelation 22:4…and his name shall be in their foreheads. and his name will be written on their foreheads., and His name will be on their foreheads.

The name … on their foreheads in Revelation 22:4  is the same place where the mark of the beast will be.  Revelation 13:16, 17And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 

This is in fulfillment of the promise to the faithful believers at Philadelphia.  Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God,(Forehead?) and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

The 144,000 WILL also have the name of the Lord written in their foreheads.  Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.  Everything God does Satan will imitate and copy. 

 His Name on us means that God puts His identification mark on us.  His name on us means that We are HIS!!! His name on us means that we are secure.  His name on means that we belong in heaven and belong with Him!  His name means we serve only Him and honor only Him!  How blessed we will be at that moment! 18:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne  4. A Face  5.  A Name  5. The Light…….. end at 22:00

Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. There shall be no more night, and they will not need lamps or sunlight, because the Lord God will be their light, and they will rule as kings forever and ever.  And there will no longer be night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign [as kings] forever and ever.

No night … no lamp fulfills Christ’s proclamation of Himself as “the light of the world” John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The eternal inhabitants of the New Jerusalem shall reign forever with the Lord, as implied in Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  and stated in Dan. 7:18, But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.  Daniel 7:27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him..

The light in heaven means that there is no darkness at all there.  The light in heaven means that we will have everything revealed to us.  The light in heaven means that there is nothing hidden from us.  The light in heaven means that everything is good and wonderful.  The light in heaven means there is no more doubt or confusion.  The light in heaven means that everything is available to us.  The light in heaven means that we cannot help but see Him.  The light in heaven means that He is everywhere! 22:00

 1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne  4. A Face  5.  A Name  5. The Light.   Oh….. there is One more thing…. This is something that WON’T be there…..

6. No More Curse….. end at 26:00

Revelation 22: 3 And there shall be no more curse: There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; Nothing that is under God's curse will be found in the city. 

No more curse means that the curse of sin, especially on the human race and creation as we saw in Gen. 3:14–19), will be erased. As God had fellowship with Adam and Eve before their fall into sin as we saw in Gen. 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

No more curse means no more sin in heaven forever!  No more curse means no more death, sickness, disease, heartache, sadness, pain, dread, depression, worry or fear.  No more curse means there is no chance that anyone will rebel again.  No more curse means no more chains, no more captivity to sin.  No more curse means liberty and freedom in Christ forever and ever! 26:00

1.  A River.  2. A Tree  3. A Throne  4. A Face  5.  A Name  5. The Light 6. No curse

Things In Heaven

The main thing that we will see in heaven is Jesus!  He is our life.  He gave us physical life and then He gives us eternal life in Him, because of Him, and for Him!   Are you absolutely certain when you die or If Jesus comes you will be with Him?  The Bible says we can know we are saved.  He that beleiveth on me HATH everlasting life!  Him that cometh unto me I will NOT cast out!  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. It’s a know so salvation. You can be saved today and know it.  Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!  John 20:31 tells us why the Bible was written.  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name!

 It’s all to bring you to the realization that you are a sinner in need a Savior.  God provided that Savior in Jesus Christ.  Believe, trust in Him and you will be saved at that moment!  Will you do that today!  28:04

8/2/2020

2 Timothy 3:12-14  The Great Deception of The Last Days

Intro:  Deception

There will never be a vaccine for the Corona Virus.  It’s not possible. But we are being held under lockdown with one supposedly coming out in January of 2021.  But they keep moving the goalpost so we know that there will never be a vaccine.   That means we will be in lockdown forever!   

Deception.

A manufacturer of masks sent an old supply of masks to a church.  It clearly says on the box “does not protect against Corona Virus.”  A pastor took a picture of it and put it on facebook and it was deemed false information by Facebook.

Deception

Doctors go to Washington and plead for the government to allow doctors to prescribe Hydroxa chlori quinn.  They are censored, posts removed.  Doctor Simone Gold who led the doctors is fired from her hospital where she was a popular emergency room doctor for over twenty years.

Deception. 

We were told that social distancing works.  There has never been such a term used in the history of man.  Herd immunity is the goal for curing a virus run wild.  Protect the susceptible and allow the healthy to develop immunity. 

Deception.

Cases continue to climb but we know the testing is flawed and the numbers are skewed.  Death rates are going down and the death rate is around 0.3 percent.  99.7 percent will recover.   But the governors start every press conference with the number of cases and the number of deaths and the number of cases of children that are sick.  No mention of the fact that we are getting better at recovering from this.  Just pile on the fear.

Deception.

NEA in many states says they won’t teach until a vaccine is available.  Too dangerous.  The fact is not one child in the world has not given the virus to their teacher.  Yes we haven’t had school in our country since March but other nations have.  They know for some reason that healthy Children thankfully cannot transmit or even get sick from this virus. 

Deception.

Cash is going away.  Businesses are telling their brick and mortar stores to not take cash any more because they can’t get or keep change and money is dirty.  Hmmm.

Deception.

This sounds like Russia of the cold war days and Germany of Hitler days.  When truth was suppressed for the party line. 

How the CCP virus has played right in to the hands of the enemy and the new world order.  It’s like reading a last days novel in real life and the key is the deception of an unsuspecting world.  2:00

1.  Live For Jesus Christ (End at 8:00)

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

Jesus said that We WILL suffer persecution. John 15:20 If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  We are facing it today.  Try to put a biblical perspective on things today on social media and see how fast you are shot down and reviled.

The key is to live Godly.  Living in and by the light of the word of God and faith in Jesus Christ.  8:00

1.  Live For Jesus Christ    2. Deceivers are Being Deceived into Being Deceivers  ( end at 19:00)

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

But evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. And evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. With so much deception where do we find the truth?  In Jesus Christ.  The way the truth and the life is Jesus Christ.  John 14:6 

Evil will get worse not better.  There will never be a human utopia because we are sinners.  We cannot do good because there is none good but one and that is God.  Everything man does decays and falls apart in time.  How can evil people ever be good?  It’s not possible.  That’s why all of man’s attempts at a perfect society have and will turn out to be a disaster.   Look at CHOP in Seattle.  By the way Seattle and Portland are the two least churched cities in America.  That experiment quickly turned in to a nightmare of rape, murder and tyranny.  

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Three of BLM founders are Marxists homosexuals.  Trained organizers.  Trained Marxists.  They have co-opted the Blacks and made racism their way to cause the disorder they need to gain control and move our country to a socialist and communist state.  They have been deceived into thinking that Marxism is good, and that Liberty is bad.  So in turn they deceive others.

Do we actually think that no police is good!  If we were good people, if people were naturally good, that would work.  But we are not good.  There is none good but one and that is God.  There is none righteous no, not one.  God gave us government so that they could reward the good and punish the wicked, because there will be wicked people that have to be kept in check. 

Being deceived.  Deception is the by-word for today. The Bible calls it “strong delusion” in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

That word again, Deceivableness or deceivability.  They are very deceivable because they are unrighteous, they hate the truth of God, and they believe the lies told to them and they love wickedness.  It all boils down to this…..They are deluded because they believed not the truth of the word of God.  So God has turned them over to a reprobate mind.  Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.  The deceived leftist organizations think we are the ones who have been deceived by capitalism and governmental control.  Satan is a master deceiver.

We are seeing a combination of Satanists, Marxists, and atheists attempting to bring a new world order to this world.  Rebellion is the mantra of Satan.  Rebellion against God and His word and His will.  Satan is the enemy of peace and contentment.  Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   1 Timothy 6:6   But godliness with contentment is great gain.  Satan hates contentment and peace.  He is a disrupter and destroyer.

Soon we will see the emergence of the man of sin who will be the darling of this movement to crush Liberty, freedom, the church and the United States and all nations who love freedom in this world. 

What do you call it when doctors cannot prescribe an old effective drug that he or she feels might save a life?  What do you call it when churches cannot meet to full capacity, but protestors, rioters, Wal-mart, Lowes, liquor store and Home Depot shoppers, and abortion clinics can continue on as before with impunity.  You call that deception.

What do call it when you cannot attend a baseball game, but you can attend a mass protest and are even encouraged to do so?  You call that being deceived. 

Please I beg you don’t be deceived about truth.  Truth is always there but is hard to find…if you look in the wrong places.  Jesus is the truth.  He said “thy word is truth.”  Lets get into the word of God for comfort, strength, wisdom, hope and courage in these last of the last days.  This world does not have the truth.  We know a lot of things about the world but we don’t know much about the people and the mindset of the world.  We cannot see the good things of God and get proper direction from God because we are blind to spiritual truth.  So we don’t even consider God and His will and word until we know Jesus.  So it’s as disaster waiting to happen.  And the Bible predicted all this.  Lets look up to

2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Does this sound like today?  It sure does.  19:00

1.  Live For Jesus Christ    2. Deceivers are Being Deceived into Being Deceivers 

3. The Assurance We Have to Keep On Keeping On In Christ. (end at 28:04)

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them, But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were.

A dark world is getting darker by the day.  But we have the light of Christ.  We have blessed assurance that comes from the word of God and our relationship with Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit convicts us that we have the truth.

…But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of…We know the Bible is the word of God by fulfilled prophecy, Israel is sitting in their land again, Jesus came right on time, and predictions about today were made thousands of year ago accurate to the minutest detail.  The Bible has the truth about us, and Jesus Christ saved us as He promised and gave us peace and joy when we trusted in Him.  We have assurance in Christ. 

…Continue thou….Keep on keeping on.  Don’t quit, don’t faint. 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  We are dying people trying to tell other dying people where to find life.  We are renewed every day in Christ.  Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto thee. 

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness]. and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The truth is in a person, that person is Jesus Christ!  The truth is the word of God which teaches us about that person, the God-man, our Savior, our God and our King….Jesus Christ!

…..child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise…. We need wisdom for these days.  Wisdom comes from our walk with Christ and from His word.  Fill your mind with it, fill your heart with Him and you will never go wrong.  Such foolishness in the world today.  Up is down, wrong is right, right is left.  What do we do?  So many things going on at once, about Corona Virus, masks, social distancing, contact tracing, George Floyd, riots, vote by mail, racism, tearing down Statues, Rewriting history, Black lives matter, Antifa, Marxism, Socialism, Election, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, What do we do?  Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Put your phone down and start you day by reading the Bible for thirty minutes.  Spend ten minutes in prayer every day.   And I guarantee you will have peace that will last all day and into the night!

 ….through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  Our faith must be in Christ. He will work it all out.  He is for us not against us.  He loves us.  And He is our hero who will come and rescue us at just the right time.  Until then have faith in Christ and never waver nor faulter.  Get closer to Him than you have ever been before.  Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. He is coming….Is He coming for you!  Trust in Christ today as your Savior.  Call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!  Call on Him.  Lord Jesus Save me from my sin.  I agree with you that I am a sinner!  Save me and make me a new creation in Christ.   You know what?  He will at the moment you say…Lord help me!  He already done it.  Amen and Amen!  28:04

7/19/20
1.  The Plan Of Man  2. God’s Plan  3.  God Acts-- Creator man?  The Bible says that there is none good but one and that is God.  There is none righteous, no not one.  Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  What are God's standards? The Ten commandments.  Have you ever told a lie?  Have you ever stolen anything no matter how small?  Have you always every minute of every day loved God with all of your heart?  The Bible says In James 2:10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  Sorry.... according to God you are a sinner, you are wretched and hopeless.  That’s the bad news.   But there is good news.....there is hope because there is Jesus who God sent to save sinners and make the hopeless full of joy!  28:04

Genesis 11:1-9 Creator Man

Intro:  We focus on the tower in this passage.  The tower was not evil.  It was not the tower but the hearts of the people were determined to make themselves god over their own lives.    Nimrod a descendant of Ham was an empire builder.  Many believe that Nimrod was the leader of this effort to build this city.  He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.  10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, 12And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.  Babylon was the nation that captured Israel in 597 BC and held them captive for 70 years.  Today mankind is seeking to build Babel again.  And they will as Babylon comes back in the book of Revelation.  There is a spiritual Babylon and a Physical Babylon coming and may already be here.  Babylon represents Man always wanting to create His own utopia.  Man wants to unify under their own name and their own purposes and leave God completely out.  1:00

1.  The Plan Of Man

1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

At first, the people of the whole world had only one language and used the same words.  Since the flood Noah and his family spoke the same language of course.  It is not evil to have a common language.  There will be only one language in heaven according to Genesis 5.  These people were unified.  Communication is so important in order to build a strong society and economy.  It could have drawn them all together in worship to God and praise to Him.  God’s gift of language was perverted as man always does to God’s graceful gifts to us. 

2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

As they wandered about in the East, they came to a plain in Babylonia called Shinar and settled there. Now the whole earth [a]spoke one language and used the same words (vocabulary). And as people journeyed eastward, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and they settled there.  The land of Shinar is the region of ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia.  Genesis 10:10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.  

Shinar was part of modern Iraq. This is one region traditionally suggested as the location of the Garden of Eden. The peoples of the earth came there from the east. Evidently Noah’s descendents pulled up their tents that’s what Journeyed means.  And they built a city.  The EAST always represents the multiple gods of Hinduism and Asian religions and cultures that includes the largest populated nations in the world China and India that are almost void of any Christian Influence even today. 

Settling in Shinar was disobedience to God.  God told them to Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth Genesis 9:1.  They were to go throughout the earth but they liked Shinar and they decided against God’s decree to settle there.  They were listening to their own voice instead of the voice of God. 

3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

They said to one another, “Come on! Let's make bricks and bake them hard.” So they had bricks to build with and tar to hold them together. They said one to another, “Come, let us make bricks and fire them thoroughly [in a kiln, to harden and strengthen them].” So they used brick for stone [as building material], and they used tar (bitumen, asphalt) for mortar. The use of bricks for building a large structure was common in this early period. Use of huge quarried stones weighing many tons came later. The immense building blocks of later times were dressed so well that they could be fitted together without mortar.

Normally stone and mortare were used.  But they had to make bricks in place of stone.  They didn’t the materials for mortar so they used a tar type material.   This was their own making not Gods.   These people knew that it would be difficult to build in the area that lacked some of the natural resources for building.  But they were determined.  They would stop at nothing to make their city, their utopia and life without God. 

Shinar is a land filled with many evil spirits and some who have been to that area say it is the demon central.  And evidently it will come back to prominence during the tribulation period. 

4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

They said, “Now let's build a city with a tower that reaches the sky, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth.” They said, “Come, let us build a city for ourselves, and a tower whose top will reach into the heavens, and let us make a [famous] name for ourselves, so that we will not be scattered [into separate groups] and be dispersed over the surface of the entire earth [as the Lord instructed].” 

Their plans are spelled out here.  They wanted to live for their own name not God’s name and influence.  These people wanted to become famous as the Nephilim (giants) were before the Flood. Motivated by pride and arrogance, they wanted to make a name for themselves. lest we be scattered: They feared that they might be dispersed—by implication, by the Lord—and not achieve the greatness they sought.

They didn’t want to be scattered. They knew that God wanted them to replenish the earth and build other areas.  They disobeyed God completely.   They were only interested in their plans for their own utopian society at any cost.  Arrogance, rebellion and pride are the root of man-kinds activities here. 

They could not believe that separating would lead to security and success.  They thought that they were secure and would have great success with each other working together.  God never indended for man to make heaven on earth.  He knew the hearts of men that they cannot live together in harmony and unity.  They are sinful, selfish, arrogant but brilliant.  This building would be a symbol of the power, unit and greatness of man.  9:00 

1.  The Plan Of Man  2. God’s Plan

5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

Then the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which they had built, Now the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built.  the Lord came down to see: A figurative way of speaking that indicates the omniscience (the all-embracing knowledge) of the Lord.  Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

God already knew what man was doing.  He didn’t go down to find them out, He went down to straighten them out.  It is interesting to me that God was right there in the midst of them.  I wonder if they even noticed God.  This great building project was of little significance to God.  It was like He just wanted to see this little building project of man.  Like a father watching his son put together a paper airplane.  It was so insignificant to God that God had to come down to see it from heaven.   Our plans and our great cities are nothing to God compared to His greatness and power.  Yet we think we are something don’t we?

6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

and he said, “Now then, these are all one people and they speak one language; this is just the beginning of what they are going to do. Soon they will be able to do anything they want! And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one [unified] people, and they all have the same language. This is only the beginning of what they will do [in rebellion against Me], and now no evil thing they imagine they can do will be impossible for them.  nothing that they propose: The potential is that humankind will become as willfully sinful as they were before the Flood. God will not allow this to happen.

God apprises the situation.  This was not threat to God at all.  But it was in violation of His command to dispearse and fill the earth.  It was about what affect this city would have on man.  If they could build this city despite all the obstacles they could do anything they put their mind to.  Arrogance, self-righteusness would follow.  God made man with a great mind.  Man is brilliant.  But that is because we came from God not because we are independent of God.  We can solve any problem it seems given enough time.  But we cannot solve our greatest problem.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.  Man cannot nor can he ever save himself. 

7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

Let us go down and mix up their language so that they will not understand each other.” Come, let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) go down and there confuse and mix up their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”   The Us in this passage is similar to the language of Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. The plural pronoun emphasizes the majesty of the speaker. Variation in language, culture, values, and clans all started at this point. Were it not for human arrogance, this division would not have been necessary. One day peoples of all languages and cultures will unite to celebrate the grace of God’s risen Son, lifting their voices together in praise of the Lamb.  Rev. 5:11-12 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

This was not a punishment as much as it was a preventative measure.  Man cannot be one they will be one big spirutal mess.   Man needs God.  Man thinks he does not need God.  It’s not about building a great society and going to hell, it’s about being saved from our sin and building our lives according to God’s will and purpose.  Man cannot build a world.  WE are too selfish and seek power and glory for ourselves.  Our dreams most often include what we can do to be glorified.   Hardly anyone ever makes plans to give God glory.  There is the problem.  God made nation states so that one person can’t be a world ruler.  God made nation states for checks and balances to each other.  It’s the best way for a sinful fallen man to live in this fallen world.  17:00

1.  The Plan Of Man  2. God’s Plan  3.  God Acts

8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

So the Lord scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the surface of the entire earth; and they stopped building the city. They were so confused that they quit their great building project.  When God brings judgment our plans are always disrupted.  Whether it’s a disaster or war or disease we suddenly only think of one of two things…survival or repentance!  Either way our lives are changed.

9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

The city was called Babylon,[a] because there the Lord mixed up the language of all the people, and from there he scattered them all over the earth. Therefore the name of the city was [b]Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the entire earth; and from that place the Lord scattered and dispersed them over the surface of all the earth.  There is a pun in the name Babel that no Hebrew reader would miss.

The verb for confuse sounds similar to the name of the city. The principal city of ancient paganism (Babylon) is merely a site of confusion because there the Lord confused the language. Babel (and Babylon) serves as a name and symbol in the Bible for activities directed against God by the nations of the earth. Revelation. 17).

Babylon will come back during the tribulation.  There will be a physical city called Babylon.  I don’t know if it’s a rebuilt city in Iraq or if it is the United States or just the world economy.  There will be a spiritual Babylon.  The spirit of Babylon is still alive today.  Confusion.  We are confused today.  What is gender?  What do we do about this virus?  Who is telling the truth?  Confusion reigns supreme today and that’s what the enemy loves.  If we are confused then we don’t know the truth of God.  Satan loves this.  And bottom line that’s what Babylon is.  Creator man instead of creator God.  Confusing men so that they will not seek the truth of God that never changes, it’s written in stone, the solid rock of Jesus Christ!  25:00

7/12/2020
2 Thessalonians 1:7-12 Rest For The Weary

Intro:  American’s are weary with all this CCP virus stuff.  It is a proven fact that masks do not help. The mask material is not small enough to stop the smaller virus particles from going through. That is a fact that no one disputes.  It is just a mind control thing that causes us all to fear.  Seeing masks on people subconsciously causes us to fear and that is what the devil wants to instill fear and conditioning in people.  Contact tracing is next.  God forbid that you would ever get the virus.  Not that you will die, or that you would even get very sick but you will be marked for life!  Then next is the vaccine and immunity passports that shows you have been vaccinated and it is an RFI chip put under your skin preferably between your thumb and first finger.  Now we have run out of coins and many businesses are no longer taking cash.  So soon you cannot by or sell unless you have a credit card and soon it will be a RFI chip under your skin.  See we are being socially conditioned for all these lies.  1:00

1. Rest With Jesus

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, and he will give relief to you who suffer and to us as well. He will do this when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with his mighty angels, and to give relief to you who are so distressed and to us as well when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in a flame of fire. 

Jesus is coming and this describes His return to earth.  Presently the Lord Jesus is enthroned in glory at the right hand of the Father (John 17:5). Stephen saw this glory before he was martyred (Acts 7:55, 56), but one day, and it may be soon, “every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 

Jesus is coming for His church any day and coming with His church at the end of the seven year tribulation.  We look forward to that day.  But until that day He has given us His peace.  My peace I leave with you….

Rest in the Bible means rest from our toil and labor.  God rested on the seventh day.  God gave the children of Israel as day of rest called the Sabbath.  That Sabbath has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ so we as Gentile Christians no longer rest on a day but we rest in Christ from the labor of sin.  9:00

1. Rest With Jesus  2. Judgment Is On The Way

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus. dealing out [full and complete] vengeance to those who do not [seek to] know God and to those who ignore and refuse to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus [by choosing not to respond to Him].

Jesus is coming to set things straight with those who have opposed Him.  Many do not obey the gospel.  That is they have not trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.   God can be known personally through faith in Jesus Christ.  God judged the world once with a flood the next time with fire.

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious might, These people will pay the penalty and endure the punishment of [c]everlasting destruction, banished from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 

in flaming fire. Although other passages picture His coming in the clouds, this one describes Him as encircled with leaping flames of fire, taking vengeance on those who have rejected Him. John the Baptist prophesied of this baptism by fire (see Matt. 3:11, 12; I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Luke 3:16, 17).

Right now, Christ baptizes those who come to Him with the Holy Spirit; but when He comes in judgment He will baptize with fire. Today is the day of salvation, but that day will be the day of vengeance on those who do not know God (unbelieving Gentiles; see Eph. 2:11, 12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:) and those who do not obey the gospel (unbelieving Jews who knew about God but who rejected His Son; Rom. 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?). There were both Jewish and Gentile converts in the Thessalonian church (see Acts 17:1–5). Therefore the persecuted Thessalonian believers could be encouraged by the fact that when Jesus is revealed from heaven with His angels, He will bring flaming fire and everlasting destruction on the enemies of God, the ones who were persecuting them (Rev. 19:12, 17–19; 20:10–15). The word destruction does not mean annihilation; it refers to the awful fate of those who reject Jesus, eternal separation from God (Matt. 25:42–46).

With regard to destruction…..and specifically the destruction of America…. A lot of people are saying that we must obey the authorities according to Romans 13 which talks about obeying the government.  Romans 13:1- Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Romans 13 concludes with this…. Verse 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

What Romans 13 means….

If you had no part in the governmental process such as voting or participation as an elected official.   As a Christian we obey that government even though we live under tyranny..... if they let us practice our faith in peace.  This is all Paul is saying.  Don’t rock the boat that is already teetering near to sinking.

It is entirely different if we are a part of the governmental process.  America has a constitution of the people and for the people.  Voting and participation in an elected office, and participating in the governmental process is our right. 

But if a group seeks to turn America into an oppressive state and plunge its people into tyranny and seek to take away our  guaranteed freedoms, we must act.  If they seek to limit our ability to live our faith in peace, we must take a stand! For the next step is to tell us that we cannot preach Jesus or go to church.  Then we MUST obey God rather than men.  When we are mandated unique orders for public safety in America there must be absolute proof and consensus that the action is warranted.  Again, we live under a constitution by the people and for the people.   We cannot ever be placed under an unconstitutional mandate or told how to conduct our constitutional freedom of religious expression except in times of dire national emergency. 

A national emergency is a time of natural disaster that great loss of life is imminent or has already occurred. Our infrastructure is severely ruptured, and order must be restored.   Does a virus with a death rate of .03 percent qualify as a national emergency? Not even close! Especially when we have never taken this action before with other viruses!

 If that’s the criteria for shutting down then driving a car, drinking alcohol, smoking, eating disorders, or the flu would be a national emergency!  No nation has ever quarantined the healthy until now.   We only quarantine the sick.

As Christians we are obligated to stand up against this tyranny.  If we don’t stand up for our rights like the apostle Paul did as a Roman citizen who appealed to Ceasar, we will lose all of our freedoms.  And without the freedom of religion we will not be able to live our faith in peace.   This is the gist of Romans 13 and why our nation was founded.... freedom to practice our faith in peace.  That is why we must speak up and not be sheeple.  Once tyranny is out of the box it will whittle away at our constitutional freedoms.  And once gone you can never get them back.17:00

1. Rest With Jesus  2. Judgment Is On The Way  3.  Be Ready For That Day

10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. when he comes on that Day to receive glory from all his people and honor from all who believe. You too will be among them, because you have believed the message that we told you. when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day [that is, glorified through the changed lives of those who have accepted Him as Savior and have been set apart for His purpose], and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed and trusted [and confirmed in your lives].

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfill by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith. With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His] power fulfill every desire for goodness, and complete [your] every work of faith,

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  In this way the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory from you, and you from him, by the grace of our God and of the Lord[a] Jesus Christ. so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you [by what you do], and you in Him, according to the [precious] grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  25:00

1. Rest With Jesus  2. Judgment Is On The Way  3.  Be Ready For That Day

Rest for the weary

If you truly want to find rest then Acts 16:31 tells us what to do…..Believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Only He can give you assurance.  John 6:37 Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

It’s your choice.  Pilate asked “what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”  What will you do?

John 3:3 Except a man be born again He cannot see the kingdom of God.  you MUST be born again!  You see Christ doesn’t want to change you …He wants to make you completely new.   It makes sense to follow Christ. 

What if you don’t follow Jesus? What then?  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosover believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You will either be in Heaven with the one you love...... JESUS.  Or you will be in hell with the one you love...YOURSELF!  1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life, he that hath not the Son hath not life.  Jesus said I am the Only way, the only truth, and the only way to life….Put your trust in Jesus Christ right now!  28:04

 Jeremiah 6:15-17 The Greatness Of America.

Intro:  I ran into this article by Randy Wilson of Medium.com.  “America is a country founded by individuals. They came to America with the desire to have the freedom to worship the God of the Bible and that God might be the guiding light in their lives.  It was not an existing nation ruled by a king, czar, dictator, or any other power.  America was a colony of Great Britain, but also functioned as a separate entity.  They realized that a distant government did not have their interests at heart.  They came to understand the burden of being subjects to tyrannical rule.  By significantly limiting the rights of individuals in the New World, the ruling class elite in Britain failed to understand the needs of their subjects.  Individuals were shunned and ridiculed in their homeland and sought a better life for themselves and their families.  They knew they could not find it under any government that existed at that time.  The citizenry eventually came to a compromise on the path forward.  A document called the Mayflower compact led to the declaration of independence and ultimately to the constitution of the United States.  Under this new doctrine, the citizens of each state united, chose their preferred individuals to represent them and their particular issues in this new constitutional republic.  Each state was to be it’s own sovereign entity as well, with it’s own specific constitutions and laws that mirrored those of the constitution.  They chose these men as the legislative branch to enact laws.  They chose the judicial branch to make sure those laws were upheld.  They chose the executive branch to execute those laws among all the people. 

The constitution they came up with is NOT a living, breathing document! It is a rock solid and well-established benchmark for constitutional republic.  It is always referenced and is the benchmark before navigating any new direction. 

The men who gave us this great document and this great nation did so at a cost of great fortune and personal sacrifice even death.  Walking away from the reality of their great work that never before was a government more beneficial to its citizens and to the world at large than was created by these brilliant courageous American colonists. 

Focusing on the problems and missteps of America is a smokescreen to avoid acknowledging her extensive contributions to the quality of life for millions around the globe.” End quote from Randy Wilson.    The gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of this great nation and no nation in the history of the world has done more or even come close to spreading that gospel around the world than this great nation.

The United States was ordained by God for two reasons....to send the gospel to the whole world and to promote and protect Israel’s formation as a nation in 1948 and provide security for her since that time.

Randy Wilson continues “Every nation ever formed in the history of the world has its warts and horrific episodes.  But unlike most nations the citizens respond to these outrages and force their will to correct the path of their government.” End quote.    Example of warts and horrific episodes in America was the treatment of native Americans and the slavery of black people.  But we eventually America gave civil rights for all not based on the color of their skin.

In fact there were 27 million whites according to the census in America in 1861.  Only 1.4% were slave owners.  That’s 378,000 people that owned slaves in 1861. 

There were three thousand blacks owned plantations and slaves.  15 out of 34 states had legal slavery in America in 1861.  And only 11 of those chose to join the confederacy. 

Slavery did not build America.  The inventions of Railroads, Steam engines, steel, automobile, airplanes, asphalt, cameras, radio, Television, vaccines and medical cures built this country.  The discovery of oil, gas, and coal and the men who drilled and mined for it built this country.  

Isaiah 1:4-7

We have monuments to remind of our successes and not to repeat our failures.  To tear these down is the first work of tin pot dictators and Marxists.  It was Karl Marx who said to get rid of the past and rewrite history so that the citizenry can forge a new past which will give them a new future.  Unfortunately, that future was communism.

The fact is that Black lives matter is a Marxist organization bound to the principles of communism.  It doesn’t care about slavery if it did it would ban Islam in this country for they are the most slave holding people in the history of the world who still have people in slavery today!  Yet it lets Islamists speak for them and accepts their support!   If it was all about black lives It would ban Margaret Sanger statures and organization founded by her. She is the founder of Planned Parenthood who founded that organization based on her study of Eugenics and the inferiority of the black race and her plan to eliminate that race.

If it was about black lives, they would get rid of all references and teachings of Charles Darwin who wrote some incredibly racists statements about the failure of the black man to fully evolve.  He believed that the black man and the Jew were bumps on the road to full evolution of man. 

If it was about Black lives, they would embrace the most abused and hated people on the planet…The Jews!  But they hate the Jews also and incredibly call the Jews racists!

If it was about black lives, they would embrace the opportunities for better lives that exist only here in America!  Freedom and liberty only exist in a few nations in the world and it is getting fewer all the time.  They would want to make America better not destroy it and remake it into a Marxist dream that will never see opportunities again for blacks or whites like they have today. 

If they really cared about Black lives, they would get rid of black colleges and universities and black history month. Why?  Do you want only one month each year to remember the history of your people?  Do you only want black people to go to their own colleges and not, Cambridge, Harvard or Yale? 

If they really cared about black people, they would get rid of these living minimum wage laws which creates less jobs and less entry level experiences and creates more poverty in America especially among blacks.

If they really cared about black people, they would do something about black on black crime.  By far the number one killer of young black men is other young black men.

If they really cared about black people, they would reinforce the police in the inner cities. They would not do away with the police.  The socialists have the mistake notion that ALL people are inherently good.  The Bible says there is NONE righteous no not one. The Bible says that the heart  of man is “desperately wicked and who can know it.”  In Chicago, some black families have to eat on the floor so that they can’t be hit by stray bullets.  You can’t even leave the house or walk down the streets in most every city in America at night due to crime and violence.

If they really cared about black people, they would do something about absent Black fathers.  76 % of black families have no father present.  A young black man without a father is one thousand times more likely to turn to gangs and crime and spend time in prison. 

If they really cared about black people, they would teach them the past, not destroy it.  They would remind them of where they came from and what they have today.  And that no nation is perfect but be proud of how far they have come in this imperfect nation!

Black lives matter and also Antifa for that matter is bent on dividing and then destroying America….. period…. with their goal of turning America into a Marxist totalitarian state!  Americans if we don’t wake up, our days are numbered!  10:00

1.  The Crossroads  (five minutes)

Jeremiah 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Were they ashamed because they did these disgusting things? (Were they ashamed because they had committed disgusting and vile things?)

America is at crossroads like no other time.  One reason there is NO shame at doing abominations! No regrets!  No sorrow over their sin! 

Jeremiah 6:15 ….nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: No, they were not at all ashamed; they don't even know how to blush. (No, they were not at all ashamed; They did not even know how to blush [at their idolatry].)

American’s have No shame at sin. They have parades and call it “pride.”  We need to love and pray and witness to these people but never compromise with their sin. 

Jeremiah 6:15 ….therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. And so they will fall as others have fallen; when I punish them, that will be the end of them. I, the Lord, have spoken.”  (Therefore, they will fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them…They will be overthrown,” says the Lord.)

Know this unrepentant sinners, you double minded and reprobate minded people.…you will fall, God will visit you with judgment.  The law of the harvest.  You WiLL reap what you sow, you will reap more than you sow and you will reap sooner that you realize what you have sown.

America was founded on the principles of the Bible.  Israel was founded by God.  Israel was far from perfect and messed up many times.  But God still would return blessings upon them if they turned to Him.  America is NOT Israel.  But any nation or people or individual that turns to God in repentance will be blessed and lifted up!  We must preach to them to turn to God and trust and faith in Jesus Christ now!

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see….  The Lord said to his people, “Stand at the crossroads and look.  (Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the roads and look.)

The crossroads. Which direction will you choose?  What road will America choose? I guess we will find out in November!  Joshua 24:15 Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve…  There is as day of choice.  Today is that day.  We have no promise of tomorrow for Tomorrow might be too late. 

Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:  Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Here is the way that the Black Lives want Black people to think. America is the oppressor and they are the oppressed.  The white man is the oppressor and they are the oppressed.  This mind set causes division, hatred, envy, strife, and violence.  When you believe you are the victim the mantra has your mind.  Instead of getting past it you use it and abuse it and it will cause you never to rise above it. 

Many people have been oppressed in history. They can choose two paths.  Either embrace it and be led by it and be destroyed by it.  But we can be like Proverbs passage that we just read that says don’t choose the way of the oppressor or the oppressed.  Move past it and give your life it’s true meaning and purpose found only in Jesus Christ! 

There is a crossroads for every person, every nation, every people group.  Are you going to move on or move beyond to the glory and purpose of God.  15:00

 1.  The Crossroads  2 The Old Way The Good Way  (five minutes)

Jeremiah 6:16 ….and ask for the old paths, Ask for the ancient paths, (ask for the ancient paths)

We know what the old ways were because we know history.  The principles of worship of God, Bible truth, independence, courage, hard work, self-reliance, and caring for one another worked for our ancestors, our parents and grandparents, and it will work certainly work for us or any generation or person.

Jeremiah 6:16 …where is the good way, and where the best road is (Where the good way is) Jesus said I am the way….. He is the good way.  He will help us to find our purpose and our meaning and a life time adventure with Him each day.   If we are on the right road we will get to where we need to be! Jesus Christ is the way and the word of God is the path.  They word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!

Jeremiah 6:16 …and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls……. Walk in it, and you will live in peace.” (; then walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls.)

Rest, peace, joy, comfort, help and assurance that you are doing the right thing and on the right path.  Not going back and forth, not confusion, no unrest or restlessness, not doubt but assurance that God has you where you ought to be and He will lead you the rest of the way.  Unrest is the result of not knowing where you are going or where you have been.  Violence occurs when people want something from someone else and the only way they can get it is to take it by force.  Violence also occurs when someone has wounded your pride.  They hurt your feelings.  You see violence against another it the ultimate selfishness and self-love.  You love yourself so much that you hate those who stand in your way.      Now of course there is individual self-defense and countries that get into war to defend themselves and their way of life.  That’s not violence against another.  That’s self-preservation.  Every human has as right to defend themselves against unprovoked violence. 

The old way is not easy it has trials, defeats and hardships but it builds character, trust and faith.  The old ways are not talking about going backwards in technology but going backwards in character and faith.  That’s why God had His people put up markers in the Old Testament to remind them of what God did for them.  Let’s go back to the times when we knew God and walked according to His word and His blessings. 

The old way is The Good way and it is is not only the best way but the only way for Joy in Christ and His peace.  20:00

1.  The Crossroads  2 The Old Way The Good Way   3. They Would Not  (Five minutes for this)

Jeremiah 6:16 But they said, We will not walk therein. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ (But they said, “No, we will not!”)  It seems silly and foolish and even stupid at this point that Israel would not follow God.  But they wanted to do what they wanted to do. They wanted to go their own way thinking that freedom from restraints is freedom. but it is slavery to sin!  We have freedom to do anything that does not infringe on the freedoms of others.  You have freedom to own your own home but you are not free to take someone elses home!  You are free to go anywhere you want to except on the property of others.  You are free to do anything you want that does not harm others.  You see freedom always has limits because freedom is based on love and respecting the freedoms and rights of others.  That way everyone is happy!  But they would not.

Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, I have set watchmen (prophets) over you.  Wow, people hate the Bible today and true Bible preachers and teachers.  Calling for them to be silenced on Facebook and YouTube.   Keep supporting those who are telling people the truth.  We cannot surrender or be silenced.  They will try to silence you and them to make you compromise.  Don’t give up or ever give in to the wicked.  God always warns and tells His people what He is about to do!  Just open the pages of the word of God and tell it to the people!

Jeremiah 6:17 ….saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. Then the Lord appointed sentries to listen for the trumpet's warning. (Saying, ‘Listen and pay attention to the [warning] sound of the trumpet!)  God warns us.  He always does.  He will send something or someone to warn you.  He sends warnings to a nation.  I think we are being warned.  In fact I know we are being warned!  Sometimes warnings are as loud and obvious as a trumpet blowing in the town square.  Today it is obvious and loud and clear that people are moving into a dangerous place with God.  It is obvious that we are in the last of the last days!

Jeremiah 6:17….But they said, We will not hearken. But they said, “We will not listen.”  (But they said, ‘We will not listen.)

They would not listen to God’s preachers and God’s spokesmen.  They wouldn’t’ ever listen to the warnings given to them.  People know that gay male sex is as dangerous as pointing a loaded gun and playing Russian roulet yet they ignore the warnings.    People know that drug abuse and drinking is dangerous and detrimental to health and safety but they ignore the warnings and do it anyway.   They know that drinking and driving is dangerous yet they do it anyway.  Stupid people who think that it won’t happen to them. There are people today who are ignoring the warnings about judgment.  It’s coming and will catch them all unawares as those in Noah’s day.  That’s what Jesus was telling us that as in the days of Noah. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  25:00

1.  The Crossroads  2 The Old Way The Good Way   3. They Would Not

The Greatness Of America

Do you want to be swept away by the judgment of God?  Think about this…..If you were dying of a terminal disease and didn't know it, and I had the cure for you but didn't tell you about it, what would you think of me?  If I knew that 50 miles down the road the bridge was out and you were going to face certain death and I didn't tell you about it because you might not believe it or you might be offended, what would you think of me?

Mankind has a PROBLEM.  He does have a terminal disease, he does face certain death, his problem is called SIN.   Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth it shall die.  Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death…..BUT…..the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 1:12 To as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God. Even to them that believe on His name.

Receive the salvation freely given in Jesus Christ.  Do it now!  The next day, the next hour, the next minute might be too late! Judgment is going to come…be ready, trust in Jesus Christ today!  28:04 

 6/28/2020

Ephesians 4:21-24 What Is The Cure For America?

Intro: America as we knew it is in trouble.  We have been bombarded in the year 2020 with wickedness and rebellion against liberty and truth.  I believe we are in the last days of the great experiment called the United States.  The United States has not been perfect. But we are the least racist nation on the planet and have been since our beginning.  We are the only nation that fought a war over slavery and liberty for all.  Yes we are not perfect, far from it.  But it was a grand experiment and under God and His blessings we built great lives for all that were willing to work, be good citizens and look out for each other.  But there is a cure for what ails America.  And it depends upon each individual.  (1:00)

1 The Man of Truth

Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, You certainly heard about him, and If in fact you have [really] heard Him.  We have heard the teaching of Jesus through the word of God and through preachers down through the years.  This great country has had Biblical preachers and teachers down through the years.  But something happened a few years ago.  We let false teachers come in.  We put weak men in the pulpits, men who compromised the word of God and in turn caused the church to compromise on abortion, Evolution, same sex marriage and Islamic influence. 

Ephesians 4:21…..and have been taught by him, as his followers you were taught the truth. and have been taught by Him.  Our nation was founded on the teachings of the Bible.  That is clear from all the founding fathers.  But today we are taught by humanists and evolutionists took over our educational system and sought to put God out. 

Ephesians 4:21…..as the truth is in Jesus: That truth is Jesus. Just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him].  A nation we started out knowing that truth was in Jesus Christ. Today we don’t believe that way.  Very few in congress believe that Jesus is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life.  We have decided that science and opinions of men are more truth that the words of Jesus Christ the creator and sustainer of all things.  9:00

1 The Man of Truth  2. The Old Man

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, So get rid of your old self which made you live as you used to the old self. that, regarding your previous way of conducting your life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature].  Put off….Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  This is the things the old man does.  The old man is unregenerated.  Does not have the Holy Spirit to teach him and guide him.  Does not have the word of God to influence him.  This is the person we all were until we knew Jesus Christ.  We put off this man when we trusted in Jesus Christ.  We became a new person.  2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 4:22….which is corrupt….. that was being destroyed, which is being corrupted.  The old man was corrupt, sinful, without God, Romans 1:29-31 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.  We see this corruption in our leaders today. They lie, abuse their power, scheme and plan to destroy our nation just so that they can reach their anit-Biblical agenda of a new world order.  

Ephesians 4:22……according to the deceitful lusts; by its deceitful desires, through deceitful desires.  Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  The heart of man deceives us.  Our hearts seek out the things WE want to do and desire to do.  Our hearts can deceive us from the truth. 

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.   We are deceived by our lust for power, greed and envy and hate.   We want things that are not good for us.  17:00

1 The Man of Truth  2. The Old Man  3.  The New Man

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed…. Your hearts must be made completely new, and be continually renewed.  Made like new.  Regenerated.  Born again.  John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

We are not thinking properly.  Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.  Bad thinking leads to bad actions and bad decisions. 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.    We are renewed, made new, born again even in our thinking process guided by the Holy Spirit.  We are not the same man in Christ that we were before Christ.  We need new persons who are renewed in Christ. 

Ephesians 4:23….in the spirit of your mind; and minds must think Biblically. in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude].  We need the Holy Spirit to guide us.  We need the word of God to fill our minds and our hearts.  We need better minds.  The mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 but we have the mind of Christ.  What is the mind of Christ?  Thinking Biblically, thinking more that what would Jesus do? But what does the Bible say? The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and wisdom from the word of God.  America needs the mind of Christ right now.  People have lost their way, Jesus is the way. 

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, and you must put on the new self, and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature].   The new man, the new nature, the new mind, the new heart.  We ARE new Creatures in Christ!  Completely NEW!  This is the cure for America.  Americans need new minds, new hearts, new wisdom all from the Lord Jesus Christ! 

Ephesians 4:24….which after God is created….. which is created in God's likeness, created in God’s image, [godlike] If you want to know God then you must know Jesus Christ first.  God is our creator of life and of our great salvation in Christ Jesus!   This new man is made by a holy, righteous God.  The new man is made by God.  The new man is born again.  John 3:3.  Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.  He cannot see….He can’t discern correctly. 

Ephesians 4:24…. which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy, in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].  America needs righteousness and TRUE holiness. That is God’s holiness, not man made or fake.   25:00

Conclusion:

1 The Man of Truth  2. The Old Man  3.  The New Man

What is the cure for America?

America can be cured by one soul at a time giving their lives to Jesus Christ. 

A believer knows that the greatest book is the Bible, the greatest place is the church, the only God is the God of the Bible and the only Savior is Jesus Christ.

Why was the Bible written?  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.   John 20:31

God gave us His word because Mankind has a Problem Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

God gave us His word to warn us that Mankind is under a Curse  Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.  Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth it shall die. 

God gave us His word to show us that He has provided a Cure.  Romans 6:23 ..but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 Don’t perish forever.  God loves you so He gave Jesus to pay for your sin debt. All you have to do is receive that pardon by faith in Christ.  Do it today! 28:04

Don’t perish forever.  God is your creator now but He wants to be your Father.  He loves you so He gave Jesus to pay for your sin debt. All you have to do is receive that pardon by faith in Christ.  Do it today! 28:04

Matthew 7:11 God Is So Good

Intro:   Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?  God is so good.  He is a wonderful God, everlasting Father and prince of peace.  He is love.  He loves us more than any other creature in the universe.  He loves His church even more than that.  You may have had a good father. He was not perfect, he was not flawless but he loved you and provided for you.  If you had that you are very blessed among people on this planet.  Think about the Father we have in heaven.  Lets focus on how good He is.  1:00

1.  We are NOT Good

Matthew 7:11  If ye then being evil…..

We are not good and that is the problem.  Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: We are the exact opposite of God.  He is good and we are sinners. 

We think we are good but that does not make it so.  Matthew 7:11…If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children….  Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?  The people had wearied God with their acts of so called goodness that were really doing evil and calling it good. 

Today this is the mantra of man.  Calling evil good.  And calling good evil.  They have lost their minds.  They have reprobate minds.  God predicted this in Daniel 9:26  And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  We will have one crises after another in the last days.  A flood of evil, senselessness, craziness and godliness.  All because we are not good and God is going to judge the world and He is preparing them for judgment and preparing us to escape that judgment.  9:00

1.  We are NOT Good 2. God Is So Good

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things…..

His Word is Good.  Hebrews 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come…..

His followers are Good.  3 John 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

God is always good and always will be good.  Psalm 52:1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

God is good to Israel and all that know Him.  Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

The Holy Spirit is good.  Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

God’s goodness to every human should cause us to trust in Him! Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

The word Gospel is Good News. The Gospel IS good news!  Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  17:00

1.  We are NOT Good 2. God Is Good  3. God Is So Good To HIS children

God gives good things to His children…..Matthew 7:11 ….how much more shall YOUR Father which is in heaven give good things to them (His own children) that ask him?

God works all things (even bad things) out for the good of His children.  Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them (that word again His Children) that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God gives His children good comfort.  Comfort is always good.  2 Corinthians 2:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

God works thing out for His children for His pleasure and so He is pleased with His children!  Philippians 2:3 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  25:00

Conclusion:

1.  We are NOT Good 2. God Is Good  3. God Is Good To HIS children

God Is So Good.

A believer knows that the greatest book is the Bible, the greatest place is the church, the only God is the God of the Bible and the only Savior is Jesus Christ. 

Why was the Bible written?  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.   John 20:31

God gave us His word because He wants children.  He created man now He wants children and specifically a bride for His Son.  But mankind has a Problem Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

God gave us His word to warn us that Mankind is under a Curse  Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.  Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth it shall die. 

God gave us His word to show us that He has provided a Cure.  Romans 6:23 ..but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

6/14/2020

2 Corinthians 4:6-11   How To Handle Trouble

Intro:  John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.   Don’t be surprised that we have trouble.  1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  Most of our trials and persecution is just life.  It’s not some strange thing.  Everyone lives and everyone dies. Everyone has times of happiness and times of sadness.  The people of many nations have enjoyed many liberties and freedoms that suddenly lost them due to tyrannical wicked people who have made a power grab and these people have had freedoms taken away from them down through the years.  So what is happening to America is not a strange thing, it’s just new to us.  But we can handle it because even the Jewish Apostles lived under the iron hand of Roman rule and authority and they endured and thrived.  Roman citizens enjoyed many freedoms and benefits but non-citizens like the Hebrews did not and were oppressed in many areas. Hence Paul and the apostles got in trouble often.    1:00

1. We Bear The Light of The Glory of God

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.  As God commanded the light to shine in the darkness at creation, so he “turns on” the light in peoples’ hearts so they can see who Jesus Christ is. People who do not believe are blinded by Satan. 

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

We bear the light of the glory of God.  Believers see the light.  We bear the light of the glory of God.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

We bear the light of the glory of God because we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.  Paul pictures our bodies as a jar of clay which God has placed within the treasure of the Gospel.  We bear light to the glory of God.

We bear the light of the glory of God for we know 2 Corinthians 4:7……that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.   Our power, the light is not in ourselves it is of God.  so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves.  So everyone can see that our power is from God and not from us.  9:00

1. We Bear The Light of The Glory of God  2.  How to Handle Trouble

Paul knew how to handle trouble.  2 Corinthians 4:8 We are troubled on every side, We are pressured in every way [hedged in], We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles.  We are hard pressed or afflicted on every side.  2 Corinthians 7:5 …..we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Every side means “inside and out.” 

Paul knew how to handle trouble and  Peter knew how…1 Peter 4:12-14 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."

Paul knew how to handle trouble because he said in 2 Corinthians 4:8 ….yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do.  We are never giving up and never giving in.   How to handle Suffering….

Paul knew how to handle trouble for he wrote Romans 8:35-37 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" "As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Paul knew how to handle trouble for look how he was hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed. Knocked down, but keeps getting back up.  We’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side.  There are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.  We are never abandoned.  Not able to kill us.  Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.    How to handle Suffering…..

We know how to handle trouble because of verse like Hebrews 13:5 "[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  We see from the following Scripture, that we will not die until God is ready for us to come home.  Luke 21:18 "But there shall not a hair of your head perish." God has a set time for us to go to heaven. They may cast us down, but we will not give up the ghost, until God is ready for us to.  17:00

1. We Bear The Light of The Glory of God  2.  How to Handle Trouble  3.  Paul’s Reaction to Trouble

2 Corinthians 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  

Paul’s reaction to trouble is to always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives!  At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies.  Paul shares in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be seen.   Paul’s reaction to Trouble….

Paul knew that trouble because they were always in trouble with the world for Jesus sake.  2 Corinthians 4:11 For we (Paul and His companions) which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.   For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus’ sake, which makes Jesus’ life all the more evident in us.

Paul’s reaction to trouble was to realize that While we’re going through the worst, you’re getting in on the best!  Throughout our lives we are always in danger of death for Jesus' sake, in order that his life may be seen in this mortal body of ours.

Paul lives under constant danger so that Jesus will be obvious to them.

Paul’s reaction to trouble was to understand that The flesh must die for the spirit to live. On this earth, we are in this body of flesh. There will come a time when we will remove this flesh as a man removes a garment, and our spirit body will live.  We are like the caterpillar right now but one day we are going to shed this flesh and be a glorious butterfly.

Delivered unto death” refers to the transferring of a prisoner to the executioner. It was used to refer to Christ’s being delivered to those who crucified Him but in this case, it refers to the potential physical death constantly faced by those who represented Christ.

 “In our mortal flesh” is another term for Paul’s humanness, his physical body.  Paul’s reaction to trouble was to realize that The word “Always” indicates that the suffering Paul experienced was endless. And the suffering was a result of attacks against the “Lord Jesus,” not Paul and other believers. Those who hated Jesus took out their vengeance on those who represented Him.

Paul victory over trouble was to realize that Through Paul’s weakness, Christ was put on display. His suffering, the false apostles said, was evidence the God was not with him and he was a fraud. On the contrary, Paul affirmed that his suffering was the badge of his loyalty to Christ and the source of his power.

Paul’s reaction to trouble was to know that Every trouble happens for a reason. Either it’s because of our sin or it’s persecution for doing God’s will or it’s just the journey called life. 

How we react to trouble is how they see Jesus in us.

How Christ shows His strength in us….is what others are looking for.  

25:00

1. We Bear The Light of The Glory of God  2.  How to Handle Trouble  3.  Paul’s Reaction to Trouble

How to handle trouble…..We all have trouble in this life the Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust but some of us are IN real, real bad trouble with God.  Most of the people in this world are in really bad trouble with God.  Why? They have never come to Him for forgiveness of sins and trusted Him as Savior from the penalty of their own sins. 

Acts 16:31 Believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Only He can give you assurance.  John 6:37 Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

It’s your choice.  Pilate asked “what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”  What will you do?

John 3:3 Except a man be born again He cannot see the kingdom of God.  you MUST be born again!  You see Christ doesn’t want to change you …He wants to make you completely new.   It makes sense to follow Christ. 

What if you don’t follow Jesus? What then?  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosover believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

You will either be in Heaven with the one you love...... JESUS.  Or you will be in hell with the one you love...YOURSELF!  1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life, he that hath not the Son hath not life.  Jesus said I am the Only way, the only truth, and the only way to life….Put your trust in Jesus Christ right now!  28:04

6/7/2020

1 John 2:15-17  The World System

Intro:  The Bible talks about the world 252 times in the King James Version.  I would say that about half of those are about the world system.  Satan was cast to the earth.  He is the ruler of the earth.  He is the prince of the power of the air.  Right now he still has access to heaven.  There will be a war in heaven at the midpoint of the tribulation.  Satan will be cast out of heaven completely.  Revelation 12:7-8 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,  8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

But even now He controls the darkness of the world.  The evil undercurrent in the world.  God is sovereign over the earth.  But He permits Satan to have his kingdom of darkness and evil.  He influences leaders and shakers and movers.  This world system is fueled by Satan and his demon army.  They work behind the scenes to deceive the non-Christian to do his will.  John talks about this evil world system. 1:00
1. Love Not The World

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The world is the world system of godlessness and man trying to be His own God, find His own way, and make His own utopia. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.   God loves the people of the world.  He does not love the world’s system.  This planet is cursed and fallen.  God doesn’t love the world as it is but He loves the people of the world.  God still is involved in the world it’s general care and the order we have in the world but He does not care for the world’s system.  But God in His love and mercy lets man have His way.  This is the day of grace. So God is not going to judge people for their rebellion yet!!  But the world will extract it’s own revenge on people.  If you live by violence you will die by violence.  If you live for danger you will that way.  If you get deceived you will die in that deception unless you wise up. 

We are to love God and serve only Him.  We are to follow Jesus Christ over all others.  If it comes down to Christ or government, money, success or health…we must follow Jesus.  We WILL Follow Jesus if we know Him and forsake all the allures of the world. 

Why?  The world and it’s system will not last.  2 Peter 3:10 but the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

That doesn’t say much for your property, your home in the future.  Your home that you cherish will rot away in a few years after you are gone if no one occupies it.  Anita and I walk the Dawkins Trail a lot.  We see many vacant homes that were once full of life and activity.  Were once well taken care of with nice yards and gardens and plants and flowers are now just rotting away and weeds are over taking it. 

It’s okay to love your home, your land, your community.  But to love it more than Jesus is sin.  To love your land more than you love Jesus is sin.  To not be willing to walk away from it all for Jesus is sin.  But God is good and He wants us to live, enjoy the life and the liberty we have in Christ.  He has put us here for His purposes and our greater good.  So yes…be thankful for where He has put us, be the best you can be where He has planted you.  9:00

1. Love Not The World  2.  The World Is Not of The Father

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Jesus made the world.  Colossians 1:16.  But the world is so corrupt it didn’t even recognize Him, the one who made it.   Now that is amazing that the people did not know their creator.  So this tells us that this world is far from what God made in the beginning.  Jesus should have been welcomed with worship and acclaim but He was instead rejected and crucified. 

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof…..: The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away.  The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings].  Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  There was a song in the 80’s I think. “Everybody wants to rule the world.”  Everybody would like to have the world and all it’s glory and riches.  If you can’t have that, then you want to rule over your own little world.  You want all the glory and riches in your own little world.   

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.  Too many cares causes too much neglect of the important things and weeds grow in your spiritual life.   The problems of life, the pursuit of wealth, the lust for life, choke out the word of God and you become unfruitful for Jesus Christ. 

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Jesus even says that the world will end one day echoing  the words of Peter.  But Jesus is encouraging us that even when the world ends Jesus will be with us ALWAYS.  He doesn’t need a planet to save us.  He is life.  Where He is we will have life and have it more abundantly than anything that this old planet earth can give us.  Your world ends when you leave it.  Jesus is with you beyond the end of your walk on this planet earth.    17:00

1. Love Not The World  2.  The World Is Not of The Father   3.  God’s People Overcome the world

1 John 2:17 but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.   but those who do the will of God live forever.   but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.  Forever and ever and ever and ever!  We are to do the will of God and His will is that we follow His Son in salvation and in life.  If you want to know the will of God.  Then get up every morning and read the word of God, pray and then get up and give your day to the Lord and see where HE leads you.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?  We don’t overcome by being strong we over come by being born again, believing and trusting in Jesus Christ.  Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. The saved will inherit everything the Son has.   God will be our personal, loving, gentile, caring, giving and providing Father. 

Matthew 5:14 We are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

The world is full of darkness and sin.  Deception occurs at night because people don’t want to be seen. They don’t want people to see what they are doing.  This world today is in darkness.  Every try to mow your grass in the dark?  You think you are doing a fine job until you look at it the next morning.  That’s how those who have NOT Jesus Christ. They think they are doing a great job leading others to protest, being progressive, and standing up for what they think is right.  But when we look at it from the light of God’s word it is very confusing and full of errors and shortcomings and leads to a terrible outcome for all involved. 

Luke 18:30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.  We are blessed today in this life.  How are we blessed?  We have peace. We have a secure future.  We have confidence in the word of God and have the prophectic word that tells us how it’s all going to turn out.   We know that God loves us.   We have a world to come that is life and life everlasting and full of joy and purpose.  25:00

Conclusion

1. Love Not The World  2.  The World Is Not of The Father   3.  God’s People Overcome the world

The world System.

The world system brings death.  And eventually eternal death.  If you were dying of a terminal disease and didn't know it, and I had the cure for you but didn't tell you about it, what would you think of me?  If I knew that 50 miles down the road the bridge was out and you were going to face certain death and I didn't tell you about it because you might not believe it or you might be offended, what would you think of me?

Mankind has a PROBLEM.  He does have a terminal disease, he does face certain death, his problem is called SIN.   Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth it shall die.  Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death…..BUT…..the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 1:12 To as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God. Even to them that believe on His name.

Receive the salvation freely given in Jesus Christ.  Do it now!  The next day, the next hour, the next minute might be too late!  28:04

 

1 John 3:5-9  You Are What You Do

Intro:  If I am an apple tree, I bear apples.  If I am a Bear, I am huge, hairy, live in the woods and scare

people.  If I am a Progressive liberal, I believe and practice Abortion, Same sex Marriage, Gender Fluidity,

Socialism, common core education to develop global citizens. I believe in big government, oppose Israel,

believe in replacement theology.  Suppression of hate speech, I believe in Evolution, moral relativism, I believe in the purpose of the United Nations, I believe in and try to insure personal peace, safety and security over liberty, I believe and promote Globalism and open borders, seeking peace with our enemies at any cost, sustainable development and Climate Change. I believe that NBC, CNN, CBS, and ABC news are telling the truth.  Islam must be respected and accommodated, animals are as important as humans and the Bible is not the inerrant word of God and science will find the answer eventually. 

You are what you do and what you believe.  You just are and that is what this passage is saying.  People are always trying to find out who they are.  People are always trying to find themselves.  Well this passage will give them the answer.  They may not like it.  (1:00)

1. Christ Determines Who We Are

1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, [a] and that there is no sin in him. You know that He appeared [in visible form as a man] in order to take away sins; and in Him there is [absolutely] no sin [for He has neither the sin nature nor has He committed sin or acts worthy of blame].

What you do with Christ determines your destiny, your thought process and who you become.  1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  John 3:3 Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Clearly it is Christ that determines who you are.  Clearly it is your relationship to Christ that determines your destiny.  There are only two paths.  Christ or no Christ.  You either love Christ or you love yourself.  You will be in heaven with the one you love Christ….. or in hell with the one you love yourself. 

Christ is our life and our focus.  Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Clearly it is faith in Christ that determines who you are and who you will become.  If you know Him then you are a new creature in Christ and your destiny is glorious, amazing and known.  If you don’t know Him you continue as you are and your destiny is sealed.  You also know where you are going .

You are what you do…..with Jesus.  9:00

1. Christ Determines Who We Are   2. What Does A Christian Do?

1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not:  John is saying that everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; No one who abides in Him [who remains united in fellowship with Him—deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin.

John 8:11 ….And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. He clearly meant don’t sin again!  Don’t live like a sinner.  Don’t live a hopeless, vile, Godless, sinful life anymore. 

It’s not what a Christian does but what they DO NOT do.  They do not sin habitually or get entrapped by sin and stay in it.  A Christian does not Sin and enjoy it anymore.  A Christian does not seek to sin, plan to sin, hope to sin, gain satisfaction from sin, get joy from sin anymore. 

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  John says to Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. Little children (believers, dear ones), do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who practices righteousness [the one who strives to live a consistently honorable life—in private as well as in public—and to conform to God’s precepts] is righteous, just as He is righteous.

We can be deceived, don’t be led astray by those who teach us to tip toe around sin, walk close to sin, be buddies with sin.  The church has been led astray by the progressive pastors within the church.  They preach and practice Abortion, Same sex Marriage, and Socialism. They preach big government, they support the United Nations, they believe in and try to insure personal peace, safety and security over Christian liberty, They preach and promote Globalism, Climate Change, I believe that NBC, CNN, CBS, and ABC news are telling the truth. 

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. No one who is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, because [a]God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again] cannot habitually [live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born of God and longs to please Him.   

If you are a Christian and sin, we will feel bad about it, sad about it, and lose our joy.  David who committed adultery and murder, lost not his salvation, but the joy of his salvation.  Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.   A Christian can go pretty far with sin, but God will eventually bring him back to repentance.  If he repents 1 john 1:9 says If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. All is well. 

If he does not repent God will take him home.  1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  Pretty serious is habitual sin in the life of Christian.  If we have murdered then repent and murder no more.  If we have committed adultery like the woman at the well, then repent and don’t commit adultery anymore.  If we have stolen, repent and steal no more. 

Also, we should expect God to take us to the woodshed as any father would His children when we sin against Him.  Hebrews 12:7-8 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.   You are what you do.  If you are a Christian you cannot sin and be happy or have peace about it.

17:00

1. Christ Determines Who We Are   2. What Does A Christian Do?  3 What Does A Sinner Do?

You Are What You Do….We are all sinners.  Sinners sin because we don’t know Jesus Christ as our Savior.

1 John 3:6……whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him. No one who habitually sins has seen Him or known Him.

We can know Jesus Christ. Not only as our Savior and Lord but as our best friend ever!

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Sadly, a person who does not know Jesus cannot see and does not know.  How do we see Him?  We see Him in the scriptures.  We see Him in the lives of others. We see His handiwork in creation.  We see His influence in our own lives.  We see Him in the peace we get and joy.  We see Him in the word of God and Bible prophecies that have come to pass and those that are coming to pass.  John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

A person who does not know Jesus cannot see and does not know.  2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.  Romans 1:22 ….Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  John says that Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done. The one who practices sin [separating himself from God, and offending Him by acts of disobedience, indifference, or rebellion] is of the devil [and takes his inner character and moral values from him, not God]; for the devil has sinned and violated God’s law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Sinners sin.  That’s what they do.  They follow the father of rebellion against God, Satan Himself.  No wonder that they go to the lake of fire with the devil when they die.  They go to be with their father.  We are freed from the power of sin when we trust in Jesus Christ.  We are free from the penalty of sin when we trust in Jesus Christ.  We are free from the destiny of sin…the lake of fire…when we trust in Jesus Christ.   Jesus Christ was manifested, to put away sin, to destroy sin, to destroy the devil and all of his followers forever and ever. 

Here is Jesus purpose.  Luke 19:10 or the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. 

Man was lost to God when He rebelled and sin entered the picture.  Jesus restored the broken relationship between God and man.  Jesus provided a way to God through faith in His death, buriel and resurrection. 

A sinner sins and will pay for that sin and account for it.  A Christian no longer has sin charged to their account for Jesus has paid it in full.  Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.  Blessed is the man Who God will not charge or hold accountable for sin.   Wow!  How awesome is that! You are what you do.  If you plan to sin, plot to sin, love to sin and have no qualms about it, no chastisement from the Lord you are a sinner in need of a Savior. 25:00

Conclusion:

1. Christ Determines Who We Are   2. What Does A Christian Do?  3 What Does A Sinner Do?

People always raise the argument, “a loving God would never send anyone, or allow anyone to go to hell.” I would point to the suffering in the world today.

We have earthquakes, we have floods; we have war, we have hurricanes; we have famines, we have diseases. All that God would have to do is to simply speak the word and the rain would come and the crops would grow and infections would cease. All that He’d have to do is to strengthen the earth’s crust so that these earthquakes would not happen.

Now let me ask you a question. If God is willing to allow the human race to go through suffering, when clearly He could intervene and stop it, is it really hard to believe that God might allow people to suffer in hell forever?

You say, “Well, I thought He was a God of love.” Yes, and His love is displayed in Jesus Christ. He died and suffered so that we might not have to.  And all we have to do is trust in Him.  How easy is that? If everything was rosey on the earth why would we ever repent of our sin and trust in him?

You see God is holy and a God of justice.  But because God loves us, He has warned us of the truth of eternal, conscious, punishment.  It is said of the Rich man that “and In hell he lift up his eyes being in torment….I am tormented in this flame.”   I don’t mean to scare you but if people suffer and die today why would there not be…..a hell? You trust in Christ now and you need not fear hell. 28:04

I wouldn’t take any chances  “Believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” I would trust in Jesus Christ now!  28:04