Tomahawk Missionary Baptist Church

 

1 John 4:18 Divided By Fear The Virus Media Spin

Intro:  1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.   On Memorial day weekend when we celebrate the bravery and courage of America’s soldiers.  Who were willing to give their lives for our liberty…. we have to endure Every evening the news starts out with the Communist party Corona virus stats. It goes like this…”World wide 5,369,351 cases and 342,396 deaths.  In the US 1,655,670 cases and 98,145 deaths.   Yesterday there were 10,576 new cases and 498 new deaths.”  What is your reaction?  We are all gonna die!!  It naturally strikes fear.  I have watched NBC news a couple of times and I have to admit I get scared and start to panic before I realize “hey it’s all spin created to strike fear and panic.”  What would these brave America soldiers say about our generation, our leadership today? 

If you want to be scared, Let me give you some statistics that will really scare you.  And if they were broadcast every night it would strike real fear in our hearts.

Let me give you this statistic.  So far this year 104,000 have been injured and 37 have died doing this.  Yesterday 684 were injured and 1 died.  What is it?  Mowing the lawn.  If the news started out every broadcast with these numbers and drew attention to it we would soon see a lot of high grass around wouldn’t we?  But we accept the risk as being worth it to keep our lawns pretty and think nothing of it.

Here’s another one.  25,000 have been injured and 1,041 have died so far this year.  What is it?  Left handed people trying to use right handed things.  We accept the risk of being left handed and live and let live. 

Here’s a really scary one.  25,000 have been injured so far this year resulting in 2,916 deaths.  What is it?  Messy handwriting.  Mistakes in deciphering a doctor’s handwritten orders.  But we don’t mention this because it would cause people great fear and panic over the medical community and we can’t have that.

Here’s another one.  So far this year 8,000 have been injured in the US and 40 have died.  What is it?  Kitchen accidents!!  Well we know full well we aren’t going to quit going to the kitchen no matter what!

If the news programs started every day with this stat we would all be scared out of our minds! 

If the news started every broadcast with this……..”Update…..World wide so far this year 2 million injured, 495,000 deaths.  Yesterday there were 13,698 injuries and 3,287 deaths.”  What is this that is massaccuring all these people?  It’s called the Highway.  If you get on a highway either by car or foot or animal you have a good chance of dying.   Yet we haven’t stopped driving and we haven’t stopped building roads.   The risk is far worth it for the gain of effeicient, speedy, reliable transportation.   So you drive with great confidence and zero fear. 

One thing They will never broadcast is the unsafest place of all……… a mothers womb.  Abortion stats.  2,739 babies aborted everyday.  One million per year, 70 million since Roe vs Wade.  They never mentioned those numbers and never will. 

You see it’s all in perspective and how you choose to spin something.  Compared to the highway you have an infinitesimal chance of dying and a very, very tiny chance of even contracting the Communist Party Corona Virus.  So why the fear?  Why are we so afraid?  The News, the media, society in general has hyped it up every day for their own nefarious purposes.  Of course, the news media wants to get advertising so they have to be relevant.  And the virus is relevant today.  They also have to hate the president and that is the nefarious thing.  

Here are some other deadly things that we should get rid of.

The stairs…1,000 people die each year from falling down the stairs.  

Water…..788 people drown each year.  We need to ban swimming and the water.

Elephants…..Elephants kill 600 people each year.  We must exterminate Elephants

Beds……450 people die every year from falling out of bed.  Maybe we should lower our beds.

Garages……430 people die each year from carbon Monoxide poisoning, no more cars in the garage. 

Farm animals……Domestic animals kill 400 people per year yet we still raise these dangerous animals oh yes they also pass gas and that is even more dreadful.    

Coconuts…….150 people die each year from getting hit in the head by a coconut. we must ban coconuts!

Wheelchairs……85 people die in wheelchair accidents each year.  why are we using these dangerous things! 

Carriages……80 people die each year from animal drawn carriages and today I make the call to ban them. 

Big TV’s……41 people die each year from a falling TV.  So it’s not just bad programming that is killing people.  Maybe it was suicide by TV?

Dogs……Pet dogs kill 28 people per year and they probably needed killing. 

Corks……Champagne corks kill 24 people each year. You know it’s not the bottles fault! 

Vending machines…….Vending machines kill 13 people per year.  That is just plain stupid to be killed by a vending machine!    How does that happen? 

Seriously…..Think about this….If the news started out every show with this…..”another 2,694 more people died today from this and the government still hasn’t done one thing about it!”  How mad would you be?  What is it?  It’s called Alcohol related deaths of both the user and the innocent passenger or bystander.   The news will never start out with that because their networks are sponsored by Beer and alcohol sales.  Why they didn’t even shut down liquor stores during this pandemic.  Yet more people died from alcohol consumption each day that they remained open than from the virus itself!

You see it’s all how you spin it. And the Communist party corona Virus is being spun by the news every single day.   But…. Jesus told us three things that we should heed in these times.  15:00

1.Jesus Said We Cannot Be Divided

John 17:20-22 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.

We may have different styles of worship, different interpretations of non-essential doctrines but we are all one in our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  We are His sheep, His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against us. 

Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. 

Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Satan hates us so much and he will do anything to prevent us telling even one person about Jesus Christ but more than that he hates our love for one another. He hates our families.  He wants to divide us and then conquer us. 

Satan hates our socializing.  He wants us to be separated and alone so he can kill us more easily.  Big stores like Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, and gas stations can remain open.  And thank The Lord they are.  Also liquor stores, abortion clinics can remain open but small businesses, hotels, motels, and dentist offices, hair salons and barber shops cannot open.  We are being divided. 

Another folly is that Churches have to have separate people, have three or four services, wipe down, and wipe out, and let out one pew at a time, no singing, no shaking hands and no hugging.  All this social distancing is all ridiculous unproven science.  And we fell for it. 

Hospitals not allowing family or visitors is uncalled for.  Children having to be alone in a hospital is cruel. 

I know that a person was sent home with a tube in their side because no family was there to help with follow up.  No family to ask questions of the doctors is just wrong.  I bet the doctors love this. They don’t have to deal with families. 

People dying alone in hospitals and nursing homes and families burying loved ones with no family or friends to comfort and support is cruel and inhuman.  We are not animals. We are social beings.  That’s the way God made us.  We must have human contact.  There was no such term as social distancing until this.  The Bible is all about God’s people Israel and the New testament church gathering, worshipping, celebrating, caring for and fellowshipping with one another.  20:00

1.Jesus Said We Cannot Be Divided

2.  John Said We Should Have Peace And Joy In The Midst Of Troubles

John 16:33 These 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.

How can anything cause us fear or dread or take our peace from us?  Jesus plainly said we WOULD have trials in the world.  James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (troubles); 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  We are complete, whole, confident in our Lord, no need of any assurance from the government or a doctor or a lawyer or a friend.  We have all the assurance and strength we need in Christ.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

How can we fear the one who loves us?  Fear leaves us tormented and troubled.  It leave us with doubt and anxiety.  If we fear we don’t love Jesus the way we should.  We should examine our love for Him.  He loves us whether we love Him or not.  2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.  25:00

1.Jesus Said We Cannot Be Divided

2.  John Said We Should Have Peace And Joy In The Midst Of Troubles

3.  Jesus Said We Have Nothing To Fear From Any Trouble

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.

Divided By Fear The Virus Media Spin

Death is not our biggest worry.  Dying without Christ is our biggest worry.  If you have Christ you have no need to fear death.  One second after death you will be more alive than you have ever been.  How do I know that?  2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  You will be with Jesus.  How can that not be one million times better?

Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

God has prepared some unimaginable things for those who follow Jesus Christ.  You need to follow Him and you need to today right this minute.  28:04

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12  Thrive For Christ

Intro:  Paul made a prior trip to the church at Thessalonica.  He is talking about that trip and how He hopes to see them again.  He reminded them of his first visit and how they set the tone of integrity, guidance, and Encouragement on how to live their lives for Jesus Christ.  Today we are facing many challenges to our liberty and freedom but no one can take away our faith in Christ and we can still thrive in Christ no matter what!  1:00

1. Integrity is indespensable For You to Thrive For Christ

He did not lie to the Thessalonians, He was completely honest

1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. For our appeal does not come from delusion or impure motives, nor [is it motivated] by deceit [our message is complete, accurate, and based on the truth—it does not change].

He did not try to please people or tickle their itching ears.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives. But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel [that tells the good news of salvation through faith in Christ], so we speak, not as [if we were trying] to please people [to gain power and popularity], but to please God who examines our hearts [expecting our best].

Paul told them the way it was.

They did not try to flatter to take advantage of them

1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk, nor did we use words to cover up greed—God is our witness! For as you well know, we never came with words of flattery nor with a pretext for greed—God is our witness—

He did not try to persuade them with flowery language and motivational speeches.

They were not seeking glory of men or nor to flaunt their authority.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, nor did we seek glory and honor from people, neither from you nor from anyone else, though as apostles of Christ we had the power to assert our authority.

No matter what happens in the future whether we are in freedom and liberty or not.  Remember Joseph thrived in Egypt.

They did not seek glory or fame or to usurp their authority!  9:00

1 Integrity is Vital  2 Guidance Is Greatly needed To Help Others Thrive For Christ

They were gentle to the Thessalonians like a mother caring for children.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother[a] taking care of her children. But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children.

They were gentlemen.  Kind and devoted to Jesus Christ and guiding others in the faith.

They would have given their lives for the gospel and the people at Thessalonia.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us! Having such a deep affection for you, we [a]were delighted to share with you not only God’s good news but also our own lives, because you had become so very dear to us.

They would have died for the new believers if necessary. 

They sought to teach and encourage as a father cares their children. 

1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

You know that we treated each one of you just as parents treat their own children. For you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you just as a father does [in dealing with] his own children, [guiding you]

No matter what happens n the future whether we have our freedom and liberty or not remember that Daniel thrived in Babylon!

They sought to teach and instruct as a wise father who seeks to impart wisdom and welfare for his children.  17:00

1 Integrity is indespensable  2 Guidance Is Greatly needed  3. Encouragement Is Essential To Thrive For Christ

They did not seek to profit from their ministry to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Surely you remember, our friends, how we worked and toiled! We worked day and night so that we would not be any trouble to you as we preached to you the Good News from God. For you remember, [b]believers, our labor and hardship. We worked night and day [practicing our trade] in order not to be a [financial] burden to any of you while we proclaimed the gospel of God to you.

Paul sought to be an encouragement so that they would thrive where they were. 

Paul and his company acted like Christians should act.

1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault. You are witnesses, and so is God, how unworldly and just and blameless was our behavior toward you who believe [in our Lord Jesus Christ].

Christians should act like Christians and your life can thrive when you act like a follower of Jesus Christ. 

They comforted and encouraged the Thessalonian Christians

1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.  To live lives [of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity] worthy of the God who [saves you and] calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

No matter what happens to our freedoms and liberty remember Paul thrived in the Roman world and established churches and saw exponential growth in just a few short years.   We are not promised in the Bible that we will always have liberty and freedom but we can thrive anyway.  The church in China and Iran are the fastest growing churches in the world!

The greatest encouragement I can give you is that Jesus Christ is coming any moment for His church!

I don’t know how anything could be better than that!  Instantly in the presence of Jesus!  NO more cancer, no more uncertainty, no more fear, no more dread, no more sorrow, no more sickness, no more separation and social distancing! Praise God!

You will thrive where you are when you walk in Christ.  Urge others that it is worth it all to follow Jesus by your own example and testimony!  Does your life say that it is worth it all to follow Jesus?   25:00

Conclusion:

1 Integrity is indespensable  2 Guidance Is Greatly needed  3.  Encouragement Is Essential if We are to thrive in Christ! Are you thriving in life or just existing? 

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

5-10-2020 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10  Are You Awake?

Intro:  People are all afraid today.  They are scared to live because they are scared to die.  Paul warned that always trying to be safe would be a sign of the last days. 

1.  When they say Peace And Safety

1.  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen Now as to the [a]times and dates, [b]brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

When people say, “Everything is quiet and safe,” then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord].

2.  Don’t Be Asleep

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. But you, [c]believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief;

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober. So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].

7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

It is at night when people sleep; it is at night when they get drunk. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.

3.  Be Awake And Sober

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

9 God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.  Who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life].

5/3/2020

Mark 5 Demoniac, Daughter and Damsel

Intro: The three worst things that can happen to us in this life are Demon possession, death and disease.  Jesus took all three of these on in evidently the same day.   He showed His power over the worst things that can happen to a person.  If He has this kind of power then what have we truly to fear?  1:00

1. Jesus Has Power Over the demonic

a. Demons can posses people.

Mark 5:1And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. Mark 5:2And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.  Demons are certainly alive today.  What are they?  Fallen angels.  1/3 of the angels fell when Satan rebelled against God.  They have been consigned to the earth with the devil. They are here until they are judged at the end of the tribulation.  Jude 1:6  And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  2 Peter 2:4 …reserved unto judgment.

b.Demonic Power is real

Mark 5:3Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

This is not a parable that Jesus is telling here.  This is a real story about a real demon possessed man.  There are only two things you can do to save a demon possessed person.  First…pray for them….and 2^nd get them to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior for that’s the only way to free them from the bondage to demons. 

c. Demon possession changes a person

Mark 5:5And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.  Drugs and alcohol are the entry tools of the devil.  The word for sorcery in the bible is pharmacia from which we get the word pharmacy!  There is a devil in many of these mind altering drugs in my opinion and dealing with people in ministry for over forty years.  I’ve seen the devil in some people.   You’ve seen drug users who completely change their personality.  It’s not that they have changed as much as they are not there anymore.  Someone else is in charge. 

d. Demons know who is in charge

Mark 5:6But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, Mark 5:7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.  I talked to a demon once. And I heard a demon talk to another preacher once.  It was not terrifying, it was just a matter of fact conversation that you would have with someone.  Demons cannot harm a Christian, and they will not argue with you, the one I talked to denied that they were NOT bothering this person.  They won’t tell the truth.   I asked them to leave and they scoffed at me.  They only left when I prayed for them to leave in the name of Jesus.  They hate the name of Jesus!

e. Jesus has Power over the demonic world

Mark 5:8For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. Mark 5:9And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. A legion is six thousand troops!

Mark 5:10And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Mark 5:11Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. Mark 5:12And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. Mark 5:13And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. Mark 5:14And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. It is not certain that the demons needed permission to leave the man and enter the swine, but they may have been trying to forestall permanent bondage by Christ. (The bottomless pit of Rev. 9:1 may be such a place of imprisonment.) Jesus bears no responsibility for the action the demons took; He did not direct them to run the swine into the sea. Even today, two thousand hogs is a very large herd. Their monetary value could easily have been worth a quarter of a million dollars in today’s economy—a sizable loss for the owners.

f.  Jesus brought the man back

Mark 5:15And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

Jesus can cure demon possession.  You have to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and then He will kick the devil out and come in a dwell in you and with you through the Holy Spirit.  A Christian cannot be demon possessed but he can be demon OPPRESSED! 

Jesus was demonstrating His power over these super intelligent, super strong, super powerful demons.  Not just one but “LEGION.”  Many thousands of demons.  They obeyed Jesus completely!  They had no choice!  Jesus is God almighty and He has power over the demonic world and He completely cures this poor, sad, tormented body and soul of the demoniac!

1. Jesus Has Power Over the demonic   2.  Jesus Has Power over Death

a. Tell it to Jesus

Mark 5:21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. Mark 5:22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, Mark 5:23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Mark 5:24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

A man’s little girl is very sick.  What a terrible thing to happen to any parent!  We will do anything to save the lives of our children!  This man’s confidence in Jesus is startling.  This man went to tell Jesus. We should tell Jesus all of our troubles first!

b.  Some love Jesus but Doubt Jesus

Mark 5:35. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?  He got held up by the woman with the flow of blood. And the little girl died!  How tragic.  The Jewish leader says it’s too late, no one can do anything now.  And that is true if that person is not Jesus.  There is a time to be born and a time to die. 

c.  What Is important in life according to Jesus

Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.  Jesus said “not so fast”  “Have no fear Jesus Christ is here!”  If you know Jesus we should not be afraid.  Fear casts out faith.  Fear destroys faith.  God is always working things out for our good and His glory.  Don’t fear. We can be sad, we can be mad, we can be confused, we can fail to understand, but we can never give in to fear.   “Only Believe!”  It’s simple!

d. The Words of Confidence from Jesus

Mark 5:37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. Mark 5:38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.  Mark 5:39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

Why all the fuss, she’s only sleeping!  The Bible calls death “sleep” in the New Testament.   Especially of those who are believers in Jesus Christ.  What a sweet way to describe death.  Jesus was not impressed with the power of death was He?  He was scoffing at death.  Jesus is life, He is our life. 

e.  Some people don’t take Jesus seriously and even laugh at Him and His followers

Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. While Jesus scoffed at death they people scoffed at Jesus…some even laughed at Him.   That’s what people do…they laugh at those of us who love Jesus and trust in Him.  They scoff at the Bible, laugh at the gospel, and take nothing the Bible says seriously about eternal life. 

g. The reaction of people

Mark 5:41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.  Mark 5:42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. Mark 42…..And they were astonished with a great astonishment.  Mark 5:43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

They didn’t laugh now.  They were astonished.  How do we know she was truly alive….Give her something to eat…she’s hungry.  Jesus ate when He rose from the death.   Jesus has all power over death and He promised us in John 14:19 “as I live ye shall live also”

1. Jesus Has Power Over the demonic   2.  Jesus Has Power over Death  3.  Jesus Has Power over Disease

a. Chronic  heath problems are awful

Mark 5:25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, Mark 5:26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.  Chronic sicknesses are the hardest to live with and to cure.  Diabetes, Heart disease, lung diseases, Arthritis, etc, and etc are often uncureable and unbearable.   This lady tried everything and had many doctors and nothing work and It got worse.  Sounds like illnesses today. 

b.  She heard of Jesus

Mark 5:27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. Mark 5:28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

But she heard of Jesus….she touched Him….and believed in Him. 

c.  Healed by Jesus

Mark 5:29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. Mark 5:30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? Mark 5:31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? Mark 5:32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

She was healed immediately. She knew it.  Jesus knew that healing power had left His body.  He wanted to know.  All the power pressing around Him and He was looking for ONE person.  What faith she had to just touch Him and be healed!

d.  Don’t try to figure it out….just have faith

Mark 5:33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.  Mark 5:34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Jesus was demonstrating his power over sickness and disease.  Not that Jesus will heal us every time.  That’s not what this is about. Jesus was showing that He is indeed God, the Son of God, God in the flesh by demonstrating His power over a chronic, long lasting, hopeless disease.  He is the omnicisient, all powerful God who is sovereign over all His creation. 

In our lives, don’t try to figure out what’s going on to the last detail.  Of course know enough not to be deceived and compromise your faith, but the rest leave to God.   Jesus healed her as a sign that He has the power of a long, chronic disease that represented all disease.  And disease is caused by our sinful fallen world.  So Jesus has power over sin and sickness.  26:00

1. Jesus Has Power Over the demonic   2.  Jesus Has Power over Death  3.  Jesus Has Power over Disease.  The Demoniac, the Daughter and the Disease

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

4-26-2020

1 Corinthians 4:1-5  The Faithful Steward

Intro:  Stewards are those who trusted to be in charge.  If you are an administrator, supervisor or a leader, someone has trusted you to be in charge of their assets.  We have to have responsible people that can be trusted to do what is best for both those above them and those below them.  A good administrator has to balance the interests of the company and the needs of the employees.  Most of the time a good administrator will figure those things out easily.  But a bad administrator or steward will not balance those things because of two reasons.  Fear and selfishness.  They are afraid to do what is right for all concerned because they want to please only the higher ups or the employees and that hurts both parties.  So those they are responsible to and those they are responsible for are both affected.  Or…….. they want to please themselves….. so that is their over arching concern for all that they do and it causes dissent and problems from both those they are responsible to and those they are responsible for. 

We are ALL to be faithful Administrators of all that God has left us to do and to be.  1:00

1. The Faithful Steward Can Be Trusted

1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Paul says that you should think of us as Christ's servants, who have been put in charge of God's secret truths. So then, let us [who administer] be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards (trustees, administrators) of the mysteries of God [that He chooses to reveal]. 

Servants had no unique position, but administrators or stewards did. A steward was a slave who administered all the affairs of his master’s household, though he himself owned nothing. Joseph held such a position in the house of Potiphar. Gen. 39:2–3  And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.). As administrators or stewards, believers manage the message and ministry God has entrusted to them.  A faithful steward should have a clear conscience about handling the things of God because he has done it faithfully.

1 Corinthians 4:1…..and stewards of the mysteries of God.  The mystery of God is used in the New Testament to refer to divine revelation previously hidden. It was all that truth which Paul had to oversee and dispense as God’s servant and steward.  The rapture is one of those mysteries. 

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Paul was responsible for handling the word of God correctly, truthfully and responsibly and faithfully.  He is trustworthy.  How do you know that preachers and Bible teachers  can be trusted?  By the word of God.  We are to be Bereans.  Acts 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.   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.   What did Reagan say…Trust but Verify! 

Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (the Jewish leaders) it is not given.

15 times Paul talked about the “mystery”.  The mystery is what the Old Testament prophets could not see.  They could not see the church or anything about the church.  The gospel which is Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection.  The church itself, the rapture, are all mysteries not revealed in the Old Testament.  The tribulation and the millinium are prophesied in the Old Testament because they concern Israel. 

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. 

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

The one thing required of such servants is that they be faithful to their master. In this case, moreover, it is required [as essential and demanded] of stewards that one be found faithful and trustworthy.

Luke 8:10 "And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." Why are some not allowed to understand the mysteries of God? Unless the Holy Spirit draws a person who is truly repentant and seeking a relationship with Jesus, they are unable to understand that which is the truth written in the Bible. To them it is nonsense. Secondly, it is the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth to them.  Notice, that the main ingredient of a minister is faithfulness to God and His Truth. The most essential quality of a servant or steward is obedient loyalty to his master.  A faithful steward can be trusted by his master and those he administers to.  9:00

1. The Faithful Steward Can Be Trusted  2.  The Faithful Steward Will Be Judged By The Lord

1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself. But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I may be judged by you or any human court [on this point]; in fact, I do not even judge myself. There seems to be a group here, that is questioning Paul. Paul is reminding them that he will not be judged of these people. He says he cannot even examine himself, but he reminds them that all are judged of God. I do not know why they were questioning Paul, perhaps, because some of them had known him before he became a Christian. We must remember though all the laws in the temple at this time were not even similar to the laws God had given Moses. Jesus even called them man's laws. The priesthood had greatly deteriorated, and they were making up laws as they went along, so that they could have greater control of the people. The priesthood was being bought and sold instead of coming through the Levitical tribe.

Here Paul is not being arrogant or saying that he is above fellow ministers, other Christians, or even certain unbelievers. He is saying that a human verdict on his life is not the one that matters, even if it was his own judgment about himself.  How many of us judge ourselves too harshly?  We think we have to be perfect.  We think God is always mad at us.  We think we are such failures because I don’t do this or I don’t do that.  Listen….you read your Bible each day and set aside a time to pray each day and believe me….God will start to lift up Jesus in your life and what did Jesus say in John 12:32?  If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.  What does this mean?  If you lift Jesus up in your life then Jesus will lift you up with Him!  Gone will be the self doubts and the self defeat and self hatred.  You will love others as you LOVE yourself.    Quit putting yourself down.  As one preacher says…you are a child of the King!  Act like it!

1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  Paul says that my conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me. I am aware of nothing against myself and I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted [before God]. It is the Lord who judges me.

Justified, as we have explained before, means just as if I had never sinned. Paul in this, however, is saying he ministers what the Holy Spirit of God gives him. He is not ministering what he believes, but what God knows, and there could be nothing wrong with that. The Lord will judge Paul the same as He does all His ministers, as to whether they were faithful in their messages and the truth of the word of God.

Paul was not aware of any un-confessed or habitual sin in his own life, but his limited understanding assumed that his was not the final verdict. Paul’s own sincere evaluation of his life did not acquit him of any failures to be faithful.  Paul was not perfect but perfectly forgiven and restored every time he failed just like we can be.

The Lord is the ultimate and only qualified Judge of any man’s obedience and faithfulness for even the faithful steward knows he will be judged by actually the Lord Jesus Christ.  18:00

1. The Faithful Steward Can Be Trusted  2.  The Faithful Steward Will Be Judged By the Lord

3. The Faithful Steward Should not Judge Without Evidence

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Paul is saying you should not pass judgment on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgment must wait until the Lord comes; he will bring to light the dark secrets and expose the hidden purposes of people's minds. And then all will receive from God the praise they deserve.  So do not go on passing judgment before the appointed time, but wait until the Lord comes, for He will both bring to light the [secret] things that are hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of the hearts.  Let each one’s true praise or evaluation come from God.   

A Faithful steward should not judge without evidence that a person is off base.  Like false teachers.  We are definitely to call them out…but not without strong evidence.  We are not to be judgmental and hateful and always condemning everything that we don’t agree with.  We ARE to judge everything that does not agree with the word of God though.  Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor. John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Each man praise will come from God: A steward was not to worry about the evaluations of those around him or even his own self-assessment; he needed only to please his master. Similarly, while believers can benefit from the constructive evaluations of fellow believers, their ultimate Judge is the Lord Himself. Since God is the Judge, we should be careful not to make any premature evaluations of others.  I believe that every person will have something that God will praise them for at the judgment seat of Christ. 

“Hidden things of darkness”: This refers to the inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes which only God can know.

Our judgment on this earth is warped, because we only judge what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears. God judges the heart of man. You may hide a sin you have committed from the world, but you will not be able to hide it from God. Since we are not able to judge justly, being human, we should not judge at all. Leave judgment up to Jesus who looks into the heart and judges. His judgment is perfect. Jesus is the Light. There is no darkness where He dwells. No sin can hide from His Light.

“Counsels of the hearts”: Since final rewards will be based, not just on outward service, but on inward devotion, only God can give the praise each deserves.  26:00

1. The Faithful Steward Can Be Trusted  2.  The Faithful Steward Will Be Judged By God

3. The Faithful Steward Should not Judge Without Evidence

The Faithful Steward

He is the one who has decided to give full allegiance and service to Jesus Christ.  He 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

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Be Rapture Ready

Intro:  Rapture Ready.com is one of my favorite web sites.  It is informative, Interesting, uplifting, and incredible!  Great articles.  There are other great sites.  There are many millions I hope who believe in the Biblical teaching of the rapture.  Some of our favorite preachers believe it and preach it and have written books about it.  Charles Stanley teaches it.  David Jeremiah teaches it. Adrian Rogers taught it.  Billy Graham taught it.  Franklin Graham teaches it.  Greg Laurie preaches it.  Jack Hibbs, Jack Graham, David Reagan, Dave Hunt, Amir Sarfati, and most, if not all study Bibles teach it! I could go on and on and on. 

The things is…. if Jesus is coming for us… then It can be at any time.  The Bible gives passages about the timing and things prior to the second Coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation.  But nothing is said about the timing of the rapture.  He can come for His church at any moment. 

We are to be always watching for Him. 

Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:-50   46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;   50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh NOT for him, and in an hour that he is NOT aware of. 

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

We are to be Ready for Him.

Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh

Jesus is coming FOR us in the rapture then He is coming WITH us at the end of the tribulation period. 

We are going to be Riding with Him.

Jude 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints

Revelation 19:14 And the armies (That’s Us) which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.   How did we get there if we weren’t either dead or taken there? How can the church be resurrected and complete for the marriage supper of the Lamb mentioned in Revelation 19:9…. if there is not a rapture of living believers to meet up with those who have died?

Five things the Lord told to be to be Rapture Ready ……..4:00

1. Be Rapture Ready by Being Joyful

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.  Paul says to be joyful always Rejoice always and delight in your faith; Regardless of difficult circumstances, a Christian always has grounds for rejoicing. The Lord is a sovereign Ruler and will accomplish His purpose. Christian joy is not based on circumstances but on a growing awareness of God and the certain future of eternal life with Christ.  Rev. 21:3-4 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. 4And 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.  If there is no tears, no crying, no death and no pain…what is left….JOY! EVERMORE!  Be Joyful. Rejoice Evermore and why wait til you get to heaven? Be joyful and start now!

People dream of being a star in this world.  I’ll tell you who will be the real stars one day…..Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.  Praise His Holy name!  You will be a star in heaven! Be joyful for our future is as bright as the brightest stars.  7:00

1.  BE Rapture Ready by Being Joyful  2. Be Rapture Ready by Being Prayerful

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.  Pray at all times. Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.  Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to maintain a faithful prayer life like his own.  Rom. 1:9, 10 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.  Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  2 Tim. 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day. Be a Prayerful and praying person.  Have a daily time to meet with the Lord each day.  Praying without ceasing does not mean praying constantly, but being persistent and consistent in prayer.  10:00

1.  BE Rapture Ready by Being Joyful  2. Be Rapture Ready by Being Prayerful.3. Be Rapture Ready by Being Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.  BE thankful for everyone that does good things and be thankful for everyone that does good to you…..but always and in everything be thankful to God! Things are going to get horribly bad on earth.  Think of all the worst disaster movies you can think of time ten…..and you have the tribulation.   Be thankful for the main reason for the rapture. That He has not appointed us unto wrath but to obtain salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:9  . 12:00

1.  BE Rapture Ready by Being Joyful  2. Be Rapture Ready by Being Prayerful.3. Be Rapture Ready by Being Thankful 4.  Be Rapture Ready by Being Careful

A. What not to do….

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.

do not despise inspired preaching.  Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken words of instruction or exhortation or warning. Be careful not to not damper the Spirit of God by ignoring the leading of the Holy Spirit such as in church attendance and doing things you know in your heart that God would not approve of.  And most of all be a Berean Acts 17:11  Search the scriptures daily to see whether these things they were taught were true.  Be careful not to follow wicked and unbiblical teachers.   15:00

B. What to do….

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  Test Everything.  Put all things to the test: keep what is good But test [d]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. Be not deceived Jesus Said. 

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.  Do avoid every kind of evil.  Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]. Be careful to test everything by the scriptures and be Careful that your freedom to lets’ say drink casually is not a stumbling block to someone else.  Yes, you are free to do all things that are not sinful but some things can harm weaker Christians. So Be careful.  Be careful to not let your good be thought of as evil.  18:00

1.  BE Rapture Ready by Being Joyful  2. Be Rapture Ready by Being Prayerful.3. Be Rapture Ready by Being Thankful 4.  Be Rapture Ready by Being Careful 5. Be Rapture Ready by being Assured

A.  What God will do Now.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose.  And may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete. Be Assured that God will make you rapture ready when the time comes.  The Bible says to be ye holy for I am holy.  Sanctified and Holy really means about the same thing.  To be set apart, different, standing firm in truth and doctrine and in love for Jesus and others.  Be assured God will make you holy and sanctified when you trust in Christ and walk with Him each day the best you can. 

B.  What God will do in the Future

1 Thessalonians 5:23….and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My God keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May we be found blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be assured that Jesus is coming first for His church and then with His Church.  Be assured that God will do what He said.  2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.  Delay does not mean defeat.  He is coming for His people.  One day that last person will come to Christ and fulfill the church age.  2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

C.  Why God will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

He who calls you will do it, Why?....because he is faithful.  Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own. Be assured Jesus will be here one day! 

Be assured that God has kept and will keep ALL of His promises to us!  Be assured that God is faithful and that is what He will reward YOU for.  Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. You don’t have to be Billy Graham some other big named preacher.  You cannot do everything but you can do somethings!  Be faithful to where God has put you and to what has given you to do.  Jesus, Church, family and Work.  Be assured that if you are just faithful in these things, in this order, that God will reward you greatly!  25:00

Conclusion:

1.  BE Rapture Ready by Being Joyful  2. Be Rapture Ready by Being Prayerful.3. Be Rapture Ready by Being Thankful 4.  Be Rapture Ready by Being Careful 5. Be Rapture Ready by being Assured

Church…. I know I’ve been telling you about the rapture of the church forever it seems. You know why?  Because it is true! And here some other passages that tells us the Lord is coming.  Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.   1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.    Christian are you rapture ready?  Be rapture ready today!

What about those of you who are not ready?  How can I be rapture ready?

Admit that we have sinned against God and failed to live up to His standards.  Let me ask you a question….Do you consider yourself to be a good person?  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 2:10 For 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!  How can I be forgiven for my sins and have this joy in Christ?

T--Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.  Acts 16:31 Believe (Trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

A--The Bible gives us Assurance.  John 6:37 Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.  Romans 10:13 Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

C--Choice.  You have a choice.  God has made salvation available to you.  You must choose to believe it and you must choose to receive it.  There is no middle ground.  There is no "do over."  Your life will all come down to this:  "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"  Matthew 27:22

 S--Sense--It makes sense to follow Jesus.  Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Trust in Jesus Christ now! 28:04

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

John 2:19-22  Jesus Has Told Us

Intro:  “I told you so”….don’t you hate to hear that?  But don’t you love to say it?  Well Jesus had a “told you so” moment.  God has had many of them. 

Jesus warned the people of His day of the consequences of taking His life.  But they ignored it.   It would change everything.  And praise God it did!   Remember things are not falling apart but falling into place!  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.   This could be and I believe it is…..the finest hour of the church!  Jesus has told us.  1:00

1.  The Warning His Word

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Jesus answered, “Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again.” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 

…..Destroy this temple: Jesus was not talking about the physical building; He was referring to His body, as John emphasizes in v. 21. Jesus was speaking of His death.

….I will raise it up: Note that Jesus did not say, “I will build it again.” He was referring to His resurrection, three days after His death. The sign Jesus gave the Jews was the sign of His death and resurrection.  Matt. 12:39-40 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:  40For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.; Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Jesus warned us that things were about to change when died.  Jesus Himself raised Jairius daughter, the son of the widow of Nain and raised Lazarus.  But now He say HE will raise Himself.  I will raise it up!  He warned them….”kill me and I will live again.”

There are many warnings in the Bible from God.  We as humans don’t pay much attention to them.  One of the leading causes of deaths is not heeding the CLEAR warnings!  Many still smoke cigarettes. Many still drink and drive.  Many drive around railroad crossings.  Many stand on the top of a ladder.  Why?  We think it won’t happen to us.  10:00

1.  The Warning His Word  2. Misunderstanding His Word

John 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? Are you going to build it again in three days?” they asked him. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple!” Then the Jews replied, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and You will raise it up in three days?”

…forty-six years: Herod the Great began restoring the temple in 20 b.c. The work was not finished at the time of this conversation. In fact, it was not completed until around a.d. 64, under Herod Agrippa.

They misunderstood the words of Jesus.  He was not talking about a building but He was talking about His body.  Most people only hear what they want to hear.  So much information is given out today and most of it is mis-information where people don’t listen to the whole message.  And a lot is intentional mis-leading information that skirts the real truth and has just enough of some truth to cause people to totally misunderstand the original intent.  Take directions for instance. How many of us misunderstand directions?  “take the second left, and then go to the red light and you will see a convenient mart.  Then drive til you get to the hardware store and then turn right there.”  Once they get past the second left and red light I’m done.  I won’t admit it…..I think I have it….. but I guarantee I will miss something every time.  I love these GPS navigational things.  They are great.  Even someone like me can’t get lost!

They misunderstood Jesus due to the fact that they didn’t listen and didn’t believe He was saying what He said.  They just would NOT believe He was possibly talking about His body.  Today we just flat out don’t believe or don’t want to believe.  

That unbelief led them to missing out on the greatest miracle of all…. The resurrection of Jesus Christ!  If you aren’t correctly taught the Bible, If you don’t spend time reading and getting familiar with the Bible….you are going to miss out on the blessings, the knowledge, the confidence, the assurance, the joy and the peace you get from the Bible.  If you don’t read or study Bible prophecy you are going to miss out and misunderstand these times we are in today.  You will have fear instead of excitement. You will have questions instead of answers.  Jesus has told us.  18:00

1.  The Warning His Word  2. Misunderstanding His Word   3. They Believed His Word

John 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.  Jesus was of course speaking about was his body. The temple which was His body.  Very subtly Jesus was talking about His body.  He did not shout it out but He very slyly and brilliantly turned the Temple and the attention it was getting to Himself. 

John 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. The Bible says that yes when Jesus was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said.  The Bible is telling us that after Jesus was risen then they remembered what He had said. And they believed and trusted in and relied on the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

The disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah.   John 1:4 1He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ., John 2:45, Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.  John 2:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.  The disciples did not understand that He was speaking of the resurrection of His body until it actually happened.

The believed in Jesus but they did not see that He was talking about a bodily resurrection.  They believed but did not fully understand His words until everything was fulfilled.  Sometimes we believe what God is saying but we just can’t see the full picture until the picture is cleared up some or totally clear. 

Like the preachers fifty or a hundred years ago.  They had no idea what a mark of the beast would be.  Today we can easily see how it can be done.  They didn’t understand how the whole world would see the two witnesses lie in the street.  Today we can easily see how that can be fulfilled. 

“Lord I believe Help thou my unbelief.”  Help us to see things the way you see it or want us to see it. 

The main thing is to believe IN Jesus.  Follow Jesus, trust in Jesus and He will reveal the other things to us as we go along.  The Bible says in Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.  What you don’t understand now you will understand as we get closer to the times of fulfillment.  You will get it and you will understand what God is doing.  Who is the wise?  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.  Those who are living upon the rock of our profession of faith and trust in Jesus Christ will not fail to understand the things God is preparing us for.  Jesus has told us.  26:00

Conclusion:

1.  The Warning His Word  2. Misunderstanding His Word   3. They Believed His Word

Jesus Has told us. 

His word has told us how to be forgiven for all of our sins and go to heaven when we die. 

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! 

4/5/2020

Matthew  18:10-13 

One Hundred Percent

Intro:  God does things One hundred percent perfectly.  His prophecies are one hundred percent accurate.  His word is one hundred percent without error.  His blood will cover one hundred percent of sins and save one hundred percent of all those who come to Him.  I hear all the time about people who give 110 percent.  But that is impossible.  There is no such thing as 110 percent.  You can only give what you have to begin with.  An engine can only operate at maximum one hundred percent effieciency anything else is physically impossible. You can’t give what you don’t have to begin with.   A container will only hold one hundred percent.  Any more will flow over the side.  Jesus will keep one hundred percent of His sheep.  1:00

1.  Don’t Hate What God Loves

Matthew 18:10 "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." Jesus warns the onlookers… See that you don't despise any of these little ones. Their angels in heaven, I tell you, are always in the presence of my Father in heaven. See that you do not despise or think less of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven [are in the presence of and] continually look upon the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Ye despise not”: I.e., spurn or belittle another believer by treating him or her unkindly or indifferently.

”Their angels”: This does not suggest that each believer has a personal guardian angel. Rather, the pronoun is collective and refers to the fact that believers are served by angels in general.

These angels are pictured “continually” watching the face of God so as to hear His command to them to help a believer when needed. It is extremely serious to treat any fellow believer with contempt since God and the holy angels are so concerned for their well-being.

Jesus said "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14.  We are all God's children, if we are Christians. Age, sex, and color make no difference to God. God gives special attention to those who are unable to help themselves. These angels could be easily dispatched to minister to one of these children in need.

Matthew 18:11 "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."  Jesus explained the reason these little one should not be despised.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Christ, who is here meant by the Son of man, came into this world to save these persons; who were lost in Adam, and had destroyed themselves by their transgressions.

For if God had so great a regard to these little ones, as to send his Son to obtain eternal salvation for them, when they were in a miserable and perishing condition; and Christ had so much love for them, as to come into this world, and endure the sorrows, sufferings, and death itself for them.

Those who were not only little, but lost; and that to obtain righteousness and life for them, and save them with an everlasting salvation; then they must, and ought to be, far above the contempt of all mortals; and the utmost care should be taken not to despise, grieve, offend, and injure them in any form or shape whatever.  Don’t hate what God loves.  God loves His sheep. 

Without the Savior all mankind would be lost. There is not even one who is worthy to be saved aside from the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  So why would anyone who understood the truth despise people who turn to Jesus?  Jesus will keep one hundred percent of His sheep.  9:00

1.  Don’t Hate What God Loves  2.  Ninety Nine Percent

Matthew 18:12 How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Jesus asks What do you think a man does who has one hundred sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go and look for the lost sheep.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?

Jesus is responding to those who despise His children.  We always teach this as Christ looking for a lost person.  But these are HIS sheep. They ARE sheep.  This illustrates that God will NOT lose any sheep, any person who trusts in Him.  Even the most wayward. 

To show still further the reason why we should not despise Christians, he introduced a parable showing the joy felt when a thing lost is found. A shepherd rejoices over the recovery of one of his flock that had wandered more than over all that remained; so God rejoices that man is restored: If God thus loves and preserves the redeemed, then surely man should not despise them. 

This is illustrating the importance of the 99 being so faithful and obedient.  And the importance of All of His children, His lambs being safe.  17:00

1.  Don’t Hate What God Loves  2.  99 Percent   3. One Hundred Percent

Matthew 18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.  Jesus says that when he finds it, I tell you, he feels far happier over this one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

And if it turns out that he finds it, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.

…He rejoiceth more”: It is justly observed by one, on this verse, that it is natural for a person to express unusual joy at the fortunate accomplishment of an unexpected event.  It is not expected for wayward people to return to the Lord or be rescued by the Lord.  In other words people don’t expect these people to be in heaven. It’s very surprising that the Lord would pursue just one wayward lamb. 

The ninety and nine were secure and in no danger. The one who was lost and separated was in great danger. The delight of the enemy is to get one separated from the others, that he might destroy the one. The Shepherd is not willing to lose even one.  The danger is loss of rewards.  The loss of fellowship and weakness and false teaching and even death.  Some sleep because of disobedience. 

We read in Second Peter 3:9 that the Lord "...is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

The Lord died for us as individuals. He loves each one of us, one at a time. When one sinner comes to repentance, the angels in heaven rejoice. The ninety and nine were already safe. The one was lost. Jesus came to save the lost.

Take heart the Lord will not lose any of His true sheep.  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 are not really saved.  John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.  I have lost none.  Matthew 7:23 and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  26:00

Conclusion:

1.  Don’t Hate What God Loves  2.  Ninety And Nine   3. One Hundred Percent

Yes God is seeking for all of mankind.  He wants to save everyone, not just one.  But one is important to Jesus Christ!  Listen…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

 3/29/2020

Colossians 4:2-6 Last Days Living

Intro:  Management by crises.  The globalists have always been looking for a way to get control of the world. The people always seem to cry out for the heavy hand of government in a crises.  Think the Civil war in 1861-1865, WWI and the 1918 flu epidemic, the 1929 stock market crash,  New deal in 1933, World War II, Bank and car manufacturer bailouts. 9 eleven in 2001 and now 2020 the Corona virus has seen control that we have never seen on this scale before. 

But this Virus itself whether created in a weapons lab or naturally is normal for a fallen, sinful world. If it is a weapon gone wrong or naturally produced it is still a virus.   It is the reaction that is not normal.  But be not deceived…. this is not the tribulation. 

This is life, but our reaction to corona virus you have to admit has been strange.   2,011 people die a day from AIDS.  1,181 die per day from Malaria. Where is the outcry and panic from these things?   3,018 die per day from Alcohol related causes.  1,297 suicides per day.  Where is the outcry?  1,635 die per day of auto accidents.  We do everything we can to prevent these things with safety training, improvements in technology, counseling, modern medicine, education and information.  And still people die at the best we can do as humans. 

Think about this… Movies, theaters, concerts, Hollywood, and professional sports and their stars…  these are our  ‘idols! No question about it.  No Hollywood, No concerts, no theater, no NBA, no parties, no Baseball, no Hockey.  Is God trying to get our attention about these idols that we have made in our lives?  Is He using this virus to get us to focus on what’s really important?  I think so!

Pestilence, war, natural disasters are the result of a fallen world.  Why does this happen? We should be thankful that these things don’t happen to all of us every-day!  The question is always why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  Wrong question.  We should be asking Why does God allow good things to happen to wicked people.  For there is none righteous…no not one.  There is none good but one and that is God. 

We are NOT in the eternal state right now.  We live in a fallen sinful world.  How can we expect anything but the results of OUR sinful state? We did this to ourselves. But God in His mercy chose to save man-kind instead of destroying us.  No one would rather not exist.  We all would rather live with the chance to trust in Gods provision for our sin…… or reject Him and pay the penalty for our sin.  We would all choose life no matter how it ends up.  For those in hell would it have been better to not have been born?  No… even in hell they have to admit that God was good to them, gave them life and gave them every opportunity to repent.   Dante’s inferno describes the spirit of man to live and live his own way…I would rather rule in hell than serve God in heaven! Trouble is….. there is no ruler in Hell!

But we have a Savior, who lives, and who is our entire reason for being. So How do we live in these interesting days?  5:00

1. Pray and Give Thanks

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.

Paul encourages the Colossians to be diligent in thanksgiving and prayer, especially praying for himself and his coworkers as they worked at spreading the gospel. Even the apostle Paul requested and needed the prayers of others to support him.

Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us…… At the same time pray also for us, At the same time pray for us, too.  John 14:12-14 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

Last days living we should pray to the living God who changes not, who promised to never leave us nor forsake us.…. We should be thankful for what we have and the greatest gift of all Jesus Christ our Savior! 11:00

1. Pray and Give Thanks  2. Focus on The Gospel Not You

Colossians 4:3 ….that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:   Why did Paul want the Colossians to pray for him…so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of the gospel.  This salvation was kept secret from the Jews but now revealed to the whole world that God would save the world through Jesus Christ. For that is why I am now in prison.    that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of the gospel of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned.

Colossians 4:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear. That I may make it clear and speak boldly and unfold the mystery of the gospel of Christ in the way I should. 

Last days living should focus on the most important thing…Not disease, not the economy, not closed stores and lost jobs, but the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ!  18:00

1. Pray and Give Thanks  2. Focus on The Gospel Not You  3.  Walk and Speak With Wisdom

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious.

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.  Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.  Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.   Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].

The sermons the pastor gives are to help the people live their salvation. They must grow in Jesus. This salt is truth that helps us grow in grace. Paul is saying; tell them to seek the power of God in their own lives.  A person newly saved should be encouraged to ask questions, so the things puzzling them can be answered for them.

Last Days living should cause us to focus on wisdom.  Not repeating the media hype. But focus on being a wise person in the last days.  How can you be wise? Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.  Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

The wise will know these things that are going on.  But they will counted as foolish by the world. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Be careful not to criticize a person who tells you the truth with the wisdom of the Bible!  If you know a person is a Bible believer and teaches and preached the Bible you had better not make fun of them until you check THEM out!  How do you do that?  Test their words by….THE BIBLE!

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Wisdom is in the Bible, teaching it to others in church and singing hymns in fellowship with one another.  Your church is your refuge with other like-minded believers in Jesus Christ. 

Last days living is to be wise.  The only way to be wise is to know Christ and His word.  Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:  The wise know Jesus, The wise walk with Him everyday.  27:00

Conclusion: Last Days Living

1. Pray and Give Thanks   2. Focus on The Gospel Not You   3.  Walk and Speak With Wisdom

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.  Remember the things I mentioned at the beginning of this message. 

We have earthquakes, we have floods; 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 sins 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

3/22/2020

 

James 4:6-10  Five Steps To Joy And Peace

Intro:  Here we are in the midst of a storm of Coronavirus.  No matter what we think of it…it is real. Real in the fact that we are all affected whether we are sick or not.  Wouldn’t it be sad that if all this effort to quarantine everybody and shut down everything and tank our economy…… and you still got sick?  If I get it, I will be very upset.  Why? I’ll tell you why!!  We cancelled everything, the NBA, the NCAA tournament, Major league Baseball, High School State basketball Tournament,  local sports, closed churches and restaurants, schools, beaches……….and I still got sick!  OOOHHH I’m gonna be mad!!!   

In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.   If we have Jesus we already should be of good cheer.  This is a fascinating time.  I can’t wait to get up each day and see what God is going to do that day.  Right now, most of us need some joy, assurance and peace. James will tell us how in practical ways to have it.  1:00

1. Resist Pride

James4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James says that the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”

We today are the most self-absorbed prideful people in the history of the world!  The internet and Facebook has helped us express our greatness and display our own self-importance.  Like…. how I feel today is important to everybody.  My Christianity is greater than yours so I post pictures of Jesus every day, and post scriptures every day and brag about my faith in Christ.  I have the greatest food, and take the greatest trips and on and on. Like really who cares? 

I hate to burst these people’s balloons but it’s not about us.  It’s all about Jesus.  He is called the Son of Man many times in the New Testament.  That means He is all that a man should be, He is all that a human was meant to be.  Sorry but He is better than you and me and everybody.  We are saved by grace through faith, not of Ourselves!! It is the gift of God not of our works or efforts.  Jesus said without me ye can do NOTHING!!

True Grace flows from the heart of God the Father through the work of God the Son….Jesus Christ our Savior!  Resist pride and follow Jesus.  Christ is our life.  5:00

1. Resist Pride  2.  Submit Yourself to God

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James urges us to submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you.

What does this mean?  Submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

Satan is the prince of the power of the air.  We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.  Satan is operating it seems with these viruses and fear is his end game. 

If we follow the devil…...Fear leads to uncertainty…... and uncertainty leads to deception…...and deception leads to destruction.   If we follow Jesus Christ it’s just the opposite…..Fear leads to Trust… and trust leads to love… and Love casts out all Fear.  10:00

1. Resist Pride  2.  Submit Yourself to God   3. Draw Nigh to God

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  James says for us to come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites!  All they talk about today is washing your hands with pure soap and water to avoid getting sick.

Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].  Stop being unfaithful to God.  How long halt you between two opinions?  If God is God serve Him!  If god be Baal serve him!

You think maybe God is telling us with the hand washing reminders all the time….Christian, get your life cleansed from sin! Purify your hearts by drawing near to Christ?   It’s time to turn from sin.  Let Christ cleanse your lives from sin and have a new heart…be born again!  Draw nigh to God while you can.  There is a time coming when you cannot!  You will have peace when you draw nigh to God through faith in Jesus Christ! 15:00

1. Resist Pride  2.  Submit Yourself to God   3. Draw Nigh to God  4.  Be Sorry For Your Sin

James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  James shows us the proper attitude toward our sin and against our loving and merciful God. Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom!

Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom.

We don’t have to live as sinners!  We can be forgiven? We can be cleaned.  You will never fine joy and peace in sin…..but in forgiveness and cleansing from Sin.  20:00

1. Resist Pride  2.  Submit Yourself to God   3. Draw Nigh to God  4.  Be Sorry For Your Sin

5. Humble Yourself

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James advice is to humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].

We’ve been getting ready for times like these all of our lives.  So stand firm.  Our fixed point of reference in life, our stability in life is Jesus Christ!  He will never change, He will never leave us.  It came to pass. 

All of this will pass because the Bible says that when Jesus comes for His church no one will be expecting it.  People will be buying and selling, marrying, working, living and life will be normal.  Times like these are just dress rehearsals for end times.  Cashless society, chipping everyone, tracking people, are all going to increase after this crisis.  So see, it’s just lining things up.  All these things that are happening is simply to get the Anti-Christ and His kingdom ready.  The wicked who I think are unknowingly are getting ready for the time of one world government and one world religion backed by the Anti-Christ and the false prophet.  Right now…. the devil is at work.  

Speaking of the Devil.  As of yesterday, 11,402 people have died due to the Wuhan virus.  If it started on December 31^st then 189 have died per day due to this virus.  Did you know that 107,106 have died of Influenza since January 1^st? That is 1,322 per day!!  Did you know that 4,500 true believers in Christ are killed each year simply because of their faith?  That’s 11 per day.  105 churches are burned or vandalized each month?  Did you know that according to Open Doors USA there are 245 million Christians in the world today that are living under oppression and threat of death in 150 countries in the world every day? 

We are already suffering the birth pangs of persecution, pestilence and rumors of wars of Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

NOW THE END BEGINS is a great website despite the dreadful title…It really is a great site.  Look at all that has happened sin January 1^st 2020.  It is surely according to Matthew 24 and Mark 13 ‘Beginning Of Sorrows’

1. WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS: On January 1st, joint war games between Russia, China and Iran, something that had never happened before in world history. During those games, they declared that the dominance of America in the Middle East was coming to an end. The very next day, President Trump ordered the death by drone of Iranian Solemani, which led to an intense face-off between the United States and Iran with all the world wondering if WWIII was beginning. Britain sent warships to the Gulf as tensions soared right up to the brink. Iran then intentionally shot down a Ukrainian jet liner with 176 souls on-board.  All this was just the first 13 days of January.   Researchers are predicting that over 40% of the globe will experience civil unrest in 2020 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars:.…For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: “ Matthew 24:6,7 (KJB)

2. SPIRITUAL DECEPTION: in the mid 19^th century Mormonism and Jehovah’s witnesses began. Spiritual deception on a mass scale broke out as well and hit high gear as Israel became a nation.  Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4,5 (KJB) We have so may cults and isms today and with social media you never know what is the truth.  Easy ways to deceive people now.  

3. FAMINE:. Then the locusts started to swarm, and they haven’t stopped yet. The UN warned of an unprecedented threat to food security in a part of the world where millions face hunger, and the FAO estimated that 70,000 hectares of crops in Kenya and around 30,000 hectares in Ethiopia had been infested. It added that locusts had attacked coffee and tea crops that account for approximately 30% of Ethiopia’s exports. As of this writing today, a ‘biblical-sized’ swarm of locusts are preparing to descend on the Middle East just in time for Passover. The Times of Israel reported that “A plague of locusts the likes of which have been unseen for over 30 years is about to hit Africa and the Middle East. Adding to the perfect biblical storm, the current coronavirus pandemic is affecting travel of international experts and in-country gatherings for training to combat the locust threat…and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Matthew 24:7 (KJB)

4. PESTILENCE: The entire world, right now, is on some degree of lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic is generating fear and panic.  Pestilence is the #1, all-consuming headline anywhere and everywhere you look. Nothing in the past 100 years has caused this level of consternation, so why now? Why is the coronavirus so different from all the others? “…and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Matthew 24:7 (KJB)  These are the beginning of Sorrows.  A dress rehearsal for the one world government and God is trying to get our attention.  He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

5. EARTHQUAKES: This morning in Utah, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Wasatch Front at 7:09 a.m., It was the state’s largest earthquake since 1992. It has caused damage to the Salt Lake City International Airport, downtown buildings and even the Salt Lake Temple, where the Angel Moroni statute has lost its trumpet. This earthquake is only one of dozens and dozens of ‘significant earthquakes’ to be recorded by the USGS since 2020 began. “…and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:7,8 (KJB)

6. THE FIG TREE: The fig tree in Matthew 24 is obviously the nation of Israel, and Jesus urges us to look for it to bloom in the end of time when the ‘beginning of sorrows’ takes place. When we saw Israel become a nation again, the ‘beginning of sorrows’ started, then the Church is raptured out, the time of Jacob’s trouble begins when Antichrist shows up, 3.5 years of false peace and safety followed by 3.5 years of the Great Tribulation. At the end of all that, we return with Jesus on white horses, Revelation 19, to fight the battle of Armageddon after which King Jesus sets up His literal, visible, physical Kingdom of Heaven on the Throne of David in Jerusalem. And it all starts with the fig tree. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:32,33 (KJB)When the rapture occurs, the devil has just a short time to get his act together so it has to be in place NOW!!  For the church…. we are getting ready to meet Him by getting others to come to Christ.  So, humble yourselves by looking unto to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith!  27:00

Conclusion:

1. Resist Pride  2.  Submit Yourself to God   3. Draw Nigh to God  4.  Be Sorry For Your Sin

5. Humble Yourself.

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

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.

Receive the salvation freely given in Jesus Christ. 

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 see Christ doesn’t want to change you …He wants to make you completely new!   Listen…It makes sense to follow Christ. 

What if you don’t follow Jesus? What then?  If God does not exist it won’t matter will it?  If the Bible is true…. AND IT IS!!!!…then you MUST be born again!  Jesus said I am the Only way, the only truth, and the only way to life….Trust in Jesus Christ today!  28:04

3/15/2020 

1 Timothy 1:18-20 Three Types of Faith

Intro:  What kind of faith do you have?  Do you have faith? Of course, everyone does.  Your faith is only as good as the object it’s placed in.  You have faith in your car.  You have faith in your seat this morning.  You have faith in your government??  I’ve read so many people say…… “have faith in the experts on the corona virus.”  Well one expert said that 150 million Americans would get the virus. Listen….. don’t panic.  Protect yourselves.  Corona Virus is very contagious.  So, use common sense.  And have fighting faith and keep your faith strong so others can see Jesus in you.  1:00

1. Fighting Faith

1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Paul tells Timothy, my child, I entrust to you this command, which is in accordance with the words of prophecy spoken in the past about you. Use those words as weapons in order to fight well.  This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, so that [inspired and aided] by them you may fight the good fight and contend with false teachers.  We must have Fighting faith. 

Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 

Full armor of God.  Ephesian 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ..

We must have John Wayne faith.  Not that John Wayne was a believer his movie characters were always strong, never compromising, never wavering, never quit, never fear, never falter and full steam ahead.  We must have fighting faith.  Especially today.  10:00

1. Fighting Faith  2. Holding Faith

1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith …. Paul says to Timothy keep your faith and a clear conscience keeping your faith [leaning completely on God with absolute trust and confidence in His guidance] and having a good conscience.  Keep your faith.  Keep means like an ancient sailing ship would “keep” the stars.  That is, they would keep an eye on the stars while navigating treacherous seas.  It may not sail perfectly straight but it will get to where it’s going.   Hold on to your faith.  He holds on to us but we must keep our faith in Him. Keep means habitually, make it a habit to keep your eyes on Christ. 

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.  Same word keep which means habitually keep your eyes tuned is in Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

We must follow Him.  Never take our eyes off of Him.   John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.  Hold on to your faith, keep your faith, make it a habit to have faith in Christ. 

1 Timothy 1:19…….and a good conscience  God created man with a “conscience”, as his self-judging faculty. Because God has written His law on man’s heart (Rom. 2:15), man knows the basic standard of right and wrong.  When he violates that standard, his conscience produces guilt, which acts as the mind’s security system that produces fear, guilt, shame, and doubt. As warnings of threats to the soul’s well-being.  When a person becomes a Christian they also have the spirit of God along with the conscience.  Heb. 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Our hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience.  We have a clean conscience with God as our hearts are cleansed from the guilt of sin.  But when we do sin our hearts are pricked.   On the other hand, when a believer does God’s will, he enjoys the affirmation, assurance, peace, and joy of a good conscience.  Christians have peace when we are pleasing God and we have guilt, pain, and a guilty conscience when we don’t. 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  People who pray, who follow Jesus Christ have peace.  Hold on to your faith, keep your faith and you will have peace in your heart.  19:00

1. Fighting Faith  2. Holding Faith  3. Shipwrecked Faith

1 Timothy 1:19…..which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck

Paul says that some people have not listened to their conscience and have made a ruin of their faith.  for some [people] have rejected [their moral compass] and have made a shipwreck of their faith.  Acts describes a shipwreck that Paul went through.  The ship wrecked but not his faith.  I guess you could call it a “faith wreck.”   Don’t have a faith wreck. 

Speaking of ship wrecked faith…..could the Lord be judging the world with the Corona Virus for the Peace treaty that the US and the world tried to push on Israel and the Palestinians?  The US crafted the treaty, we pushed this treaty, we led the effort to try to give Israel’s land for peace to their old enemies the Philistines!  Is God perhaps finally giving His remedial judgment through the Coronavirus and the panic we are going through….for dividing His land?   Zechariah 12:3 and 9   3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.  9  And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.  Joel 3:2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.    I’ll let you decide. Let’s move on.    

1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. Paul names two men… Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul punished by handing them over to the power of Satan; this he hoped would teach them to stop their blasphemy. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have [d]handed over to Satan, so that they will be disciplined and taught not to blaspheme.  They had a faith wreck.  Because Paul hoped they would stop tells me that they were truly saved men.  They were led into a false teaching. 

Hymenaeus and Alexander: Paul offered examples of these two men.  2 Tim. 2:17, 18; And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Paul says that their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. These guys left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place. This was probably an early form of Gnosticism that emphasized a spiritual resurrection over against the Christian belief in a future bodily resurrection. 

Again I believe that these men are believers especially when you read….1 Timothy 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.  They were failing to fight the good fight.  They taught things contrary to the truth. They will receive a reward for their deeds.  It will be wood, hay and stubble.   They did evil.  False teachers have turned to evil. 

Christians can do evil.    This is what happens I believe to evil Christians.  They will be delivered to Satan.  The phrase delivered to Satan is similar to 1 Cor. 5:5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. The authority to “deliver over” was apostolic in nature. Paul did not deliver the two men because they were unbelievers, but so that they would learn not to blaspheme. In the New Testament the word translated learn is used only of God’s discipline of believers.  1 Cor. 11:32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Heb. 12:6-8 and 10 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Paul was indicating that these men should be excluded from the church so that they might abandon their evil ways.  1 Cor. 5:5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.  So clearly they were Christians.  But not the kind that we want to be.  Shipwrecked means broken up and useless. Adrift and useless.  Don’t be shipwrecked in your faith.  It can happen to anyone if we stop reading the Bible and turn to the words of men, stop your individual prayer time and turning to books, facebook teaching, and false teachers on-line and false churches and teachers.  There’s a lot of it out there.  Be wise.    27:00

Conclusion:

Three types of faith  1. Fighting Faith  2. Holding Faith  3. Shipwrecked Faith.  Which type do you have?

If you don’t have faith in Christ you have no faith to fight for, hold on to or even to shipwreck. 

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

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.

Receive the salvation freely given in Jesus Christ. 

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 see Christ doesn’t want to change you …He wants to make you completely new!   Listen…It makes sense to follow Jesus Christ. 

What if you don’t follow Jesus? What then?  If God does not exist it won’t matter will it?  If the Bible is true…. AND IT IS!!!!…then you MUST be born again!  Jesus said I am the Only way, the only truth, and the only way to life….Trust in Jesus Christ today!  28:04

  

3/8/2020

Acts 2:16-21  The Rest of The Story

Intro:  Read Acts 2:1-15

Remember Paul Harvey and “the rest of the story.”  A daily radio program that aired for forty some years.  He told the story behind the story.  The Church had only heard part of what God was going to do for them and in them.  The apostles were told by Jesus that He would send the Holy Spirit to them and they would have power. That would be the start of the church.  They would do signs and wonders.  Before they did signs, God gave them a sign…they spoke in known languages praising God and speaking what the Holy Spirit told them to say.  Of course, the Holy Spirit always points to Jesus.  This story is not about speaking in tongues.  No it’s much more than that.  We have the rest of this story as Peter gets up to speak and explain what just happened.  He uses Joel 2:28-32. Let’s see what Peter says…..  1:00

1. Everyone Can Be In The Church

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; Peter starts out with this statement Instead, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about in Joel 2:28-32.   The Bible says that this is [the beginning of] what was spoken of through the prophet Joel.  The church has now begun.  This signals the last days.  Israel’s rebirth is the Last of the Last days.  The church is God’s final work of salvation on this earth.  He started with creation, the flood, the scattering at the tower of Babel, Abrahamic covenant, Mosaic law, the land, the prophets, the captivity, Jesus, and finally the church.  Next on the list is the 69^th week of Daniel 9:27 where God removes the church puts Israel front and center, allows sin to flourish and then puts an end to it as Jesus returns to rule and reign for a thousand years, the judgment of the wicked and then a new heaven and a new earth.     

God’s final act of salvation began with the pouring out of His Spirit. This final act of deliverance will continue to the end of this age.  This is why Peter quotes Joel. This is the beginning the end of God’s work in the world to save the world. 

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days,  

Some say the last days are talking about the Millennial reign of Christ only. But because of the next verse I think it is the church age.   Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

….saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  Peter quotes Joel…Which basically is saying that this is what I will do in the last days, God says: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone.  Your sons and daughters will proclaim my message; your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams. And it shall be in the last days,’ says God, That I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see [divinely prompted] visions, And your old men shall dream [divinely prompted] dreams.

Upon all Flesh… Everyone can be saved.  Jew and Gentile, rich or poor, young or old, sick or well.  Everyone! ALL Flesh!

Now Joel prophecies about the gifts of the Spirit.  …..and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:  The ministries of the Spirit mentioned here were experienced in the early church and by the apostles as sign gifts.  Visions and Dreams were primarily reserved for prophets and apostles (Num. 12:6). While frequent in the Old Testament, they were rare in the New Testament. In Acts, most of God’s visions were associated with either Peter’s (Acts chapters 10 and 11), or Paul’s (Acts chapters 9, 18; 2 Cor. 12:1. Most frequently they were used to reveal apocalyptic end times imagery (Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation). They were not considered normal in biblical times; nor should they be so now. The time will come however, when God will use visions and dreams again probably during the Tribulation period. 

But in general everyone…  all of Your sons and your daughters will experience the outpouring of the Spirit and the ministries done through His power will be accomplished without regard to gender, age, or class.  In the church age the Holy Spirit makes everyone a priest and a prophet or a proclaimer of the gospel message not just a select few.  Everyone can tell someone about the only one who can bring us salvation!  Everyone can experience the power of God in their lives!

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.   Everyone can be led by the Spirit of God and be empowered to serve God and accomplish His purposes.  Every Christian is to be filled with the Spirit….So we can be taught, led and empowered to preach and teach the gospel.  10:00

1. Everyone Can Be In The Church  2.  Everyone Can Tell Someone About Jesus

Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Peter continues by saying yes, even on my servants, both men and women,  I will pour out my Spirit in those days,  and they will proclaim my message. Even on My bond-servants, both men and women, I will in those days pour out My Spirit, And they shall prophesy. Again everyone can someone about the only one who can save us!  This is not some esctactic language. Prophecy means to forth tell.  To tell the message.  What message? The gospel that they are getting ready to hear from Peter.   But basically everyone can now experience the power of God in their lives, not just priests, prophets and kings.  Everyone can be a huge part of the work of God.  That is the purpose of these last days.  To allow everyone to be someone in the work of God!  Whosever will let Him come and take the water of life freely.

This Holy Spirit of God fell on all the 120, male and female, and empowered them to be ministers of God. God's purpose is to get as many people as will come, into the kingdom of God and the church will be the conduit that God will use to save the world.  The church started with great signs and miracles and will end with great signs….the rapture of the church!  Everyone can tell someone about this.  Everyone is a missionary.  Everyone is a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ! 19:00

1. Everyone Can Be In The Church  2.  Everyone Can Tell Someone About Jesus

3 Everyone Who Does Not believe the Gospel and become part of the Church Will Experience Judgment

Acts 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: Peter continues to says that I will perform miracles in the sky above  and wonders on the earth below. There will be blood, fire, and thick smoke; ‘And I will bring about wonders in the sky above And signs (attesting miracles) on the earth below, Blood and fire and smoking vapor. Why all of this?  This is judgment.  Joel skips from the church to judgment.    All signs point people to Jesus and the need to turn to Him. 

Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: Peter is quite explicit now He says that the sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn red as blood, before the great and glorious Day of the Lord comes. ‘The sun shall be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

The heavenly wonders described here will take place before the great and awesome day of the Lord, an apparent reference to the end times. Blood and fire correspond with Rev. 8:7, 8. Smoke corresponds with Rev. 9:18. Darkness corresponds with Rev. 8:12. Moon into blood corresponds with Rev. 6:12.

Everyone Who Does Not believe the Gospel and become part of the Church Will Experience Judgment.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

But Peter gives the invitation…And then, whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved. And it shall be that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord Jesus shall be saved (rescued spiritually).  People are in grave danger of being destroyed and face the judgment of God and therefore need to come to Christ immediately!!  It goes without saying that Everyone Who Does Not call upon the name of the Lord and believe the Gospel and become part of the Church Will NOT BE SAVED and will experience Judgment

…Whosoever who calls on the name of the Lord—that is, anyone and everyone who repents and believes—will be saved from the judgment that will fall on the wicked and unbelieving. 144,000 Jewish evangelists will be sent out to preach during the time of Jacob’s Trouble. Again, Everyone Who Does Not call upon the name of the Lord and believe the Gospel and become part of the Church Will NOT BE SAVED and WILL experience Judgment.  27:00

The Rest Of The Story is that…….

1. Everyone Can Be In The Church  2.  Everyone Can Tell Someone About Jesus

3 Everyone Who Does Not believe the Gospel and become part of the Church Will Experience Judgment

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

The soul that sinneth it shall die.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

The wages of sin is death.

Receive the salvation freely given in Jesus Christ. 

Trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

It can give you assurance.  Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

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

It makes sense to follow Christ.  What if you don’t follow Jesus? What then?  If God does not exist it won’t matter will it?  If the Bible is true it makes all the difference.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  You can be saved today!  28:04

3/1/2020 

Psalm 27 Confidence In God

Intro:  Who do you have confidence in?  Family? friends? government? Technology? Your Health? That Tomorrow will be okay?  All of these things can let us down and most do.  We cannot know what tomorrow will bring but we know who holds tomorrow.    1:00

1.  David’s Confidence

Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? David confidently says that the Lord is my light and my salvation;  I will fear no one.  What David is saying is that the Lord protects me from all danger; I should truly never be afraid. If the Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom should I fear?

Light indicates deliverance from darkness (Gen. 1:3), which is a biblical symbol of evil. 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.   The word salvation combined with the word light means “saving light.” Our confidence is in the saving light of God. 

Psalm 27:1  ……..the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.  If the Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread?   That’s David’s confidence in God.

Psalm 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  David know that when evil people attack him or even try to kill him, they will stumble and fall.  David is saying that when the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.  …to eat up my flesh: David pictures his enemies as ravenous beasts who would shred his flesh.  David has great enemies but he has greater confidence in God.

Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  David’s incredible confidence in God.  Even if a whole army surrounds me,  I will not be afraid, even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God.  David is completely confident enough in God to say that though an army encamp against him,  his heart will not fear;  Though war arise against him,  Even in this he is confident.  What great confidence in God.  Do you have that kind of confidence.  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. God works all things, good, bad or indifferent to our good and His glory.  Confident in God our example is David’s great confidence!  10:00

1.  David’s Confidence  2. David’s Requests

David makes three requests…..

a.  David wants to be in the Lord’s House

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.  David says that I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance.   David request that he may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, David asks that he might gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord.  David desires to meditate in His temple.  David wants to be where the Lord is in His house.  Do you desire to be with the Lord? This was David’s request to be in God’s house and over 2700 years ago it was granted.   Confidence in God’s presence in His house. 

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. David says that in times of trouble God will shelter him; God will keep him safe in his Temple and make him secure and place him upon a high rock of safety where no one can get to him.  David says that in the day of trouble God will hide me in His place, in heaven, a place of complete shelter from worry, fear or dread;  David describes it as the secret place of His tent He will hide me; David decribes it as God setting him upon a high place like a huge rock above all danger and a place of complete safety.  God never intended for us to have any fear or dread at least not constantly.  We will have times of doubt and fear that assail us.  But they don’t come to dwell they only knock on our door. They do not get in our heart.  David requested to be in God’s house safe from all fear and dread.  Confident that God will hide us from all fear and dread. 

Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:

David proclaims… I will triumph over my enemies around me.  David says that now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,

Psalm 27:6…… therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.  David says that with shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the Lord.  One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek:  In His tent I will even offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;  David even says that he will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord in the Lord’s safe house Where David longs to be.  David has Confidence in God’s house because that’s where God is.  Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  15:00

a.  David wants to be in the Lord’s House  b. The Lord Is Our Safe Haven

Psalm 27:7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. David asks the Lord to hear when I cry aloud; Be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me.  David wants the Lord to Hear me, Lord, when I call to you! Be merciful and answer me!  God always hears us.  The Lord is our safe haven.   Confidence that God is the one to call upon. 

Psalm 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. David reminds God of His word… When you said, “Come worship me,” I answered, “I will come, Lord.” David depends upon the authority of God’s word. He recalls God’s word to him…When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek because Your word alone guarantees that the Lord is our safe haven.  Confidence that God can be found when times are tough. 

Psalm 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. David cries Lord don't hide yourself from me!  Don't be angry with me;  don't turn your servant away. You have been my help; don't leave me, don't abandon me, O God, my savior.  The Lord is our only safe haven and David knew that better than anyone.  David knows the Lord is his safe haven but he cries out in desperation of a heart that needs God’s help.  David pleas for God’s help.  Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor [a]leave me, O God of my salvation!  Confident that God will not forsake him in times of trouble. 

Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.  David knows that one day My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me.  This is a great verse for orphans.  What this verse means is that Although my father and my mother have abandoned me,Yet the Lord will take me up, it literally means that you will adopt me as His child.  The Lord is our safe haven. Confidence that God will not forsake us.  21:00

a.  David wants to be in the Lord’s House  b. The Lord Is Our Safe Haven    c. The Lord is Our help

Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.  The Psalmist is saying to Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do,  and lead me along a safe path,  because I have many enemies. The Lord is our only true help with the enemies of the gospel.   Confidence that God’s way is the best way. 

Psalm 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.  The Psalmist cries out Don't abandon me to my enemies,who attack me with lies and threats. The Lord is our only true help when people lie about us.  The Lord will reveal the truth in time. 

Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. David is assured as he says I know that I will live to see the Lord's goodness in this present life. The Lord will help us see good in this life, in this world  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. God will work out all things to His glory and our good. Confidence that God will bring it all to good. 

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.  David gives great advice that we all should heed everyday of our lives. Wait on the Lord means to Trust in the Lord.  Have faith, do not despair.  Trust in the Lord.  The Lord only is our help.  Without me ye can do nothing the Bible says in John 15:15.   The Lord alone is our only real help and David now gives advice that he requested in the first place….. To have the confidence in God is to know that God will help us.  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.27:00

Conclusion:

1.  David’s Confidence  2. David’s Requests   

David’s Confidence in God.  28:04

  

Who do you have confidence in?  Family members?  Friends?  Your own ideas and plans?  Yes, we can avoid a lot of problems if we would just use better judgment.  In other words, we all do dumb things.  Yes, we can avoid a lot of problems if we could avoid other people’s bad judgment.  But we all hang around dumb people from time to time.  NOT ALL THE TIME!  The point is that we all will suffer and have problems in life.  It’s called LIFE!  It caused by a fallen sinful world and the sinful heart of man who has rejected Jesus Christ.  We are in the world but not of it.  We need someone we can trust and have confidence in from time to time. We are saved from our sins but not the power of sin.  We are still in our sinful flesh.  So even the best of us naturally gravitate toward sin and rebellion against God.  But when you trust in Jesus Christ you are free from the power of sin and one day when Jesus comes for you…… you will be free from the presence of sin.  That’s confidence in one can do it! 28:04

1 Peter 1:3-5  What Do We Have In Christ?

Intro: What do you have in life?  Your joy. your home.  your family.  your job.  your income. Your Health.  your house.  What if just one of these ended where would you be?  If you lost any of these things it would be a disaster for you.  What if you could get something that would never be taken from you? Never end, never fade, and get better and better every day!  What would you give for that? Well we can have that and it’s free.  1:00

1. We Have A Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Peter says that we should give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! How Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Peter 1:3…..which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again Peter says that Because of his great mercy he gave us new life. It is saying that who?.... God….. according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose]

….unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  Peter says that Because of his great mercy he gave us new life…. by raising Jesus Christ from death.  This fills us with a living hope.  We Have A Living Hope.  Because He lives we shall live also.  John 14:19.  We are born again into an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, We Have A Living Hope.  Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.   We Have A Living Hope

1 Cor. 15:12–19Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:   14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.   15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.   16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:   17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.   18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.   19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

We have a sure hope.  A confident expectation.  We Have A Living Hope.  10:00

1. We Have A Living Hope   2.  We Have an Incorruptible Inheritance

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, And for this we rejoice in that we are born anew into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change].  Unchangable. 

 …and undefiled, and undefiled.  No sin to defile it.  No disease to destroy it. It will not decay with or spoil with age.   

…..and that fadeth not away, and unfading.  Unending.  The glory will never fade or get old or boring or uninspiring. 

….reserved in heaven for you.  reserved in heaven for you Peter is saying that we all look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. We Have an Incorruptible Inheritance

Eph. 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints;

Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.   John 14:1-3), "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." "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." "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.  We Have an Incorruptible Inheritance.

19:00

1. We Have A Living Hope  2.  We Have an Incorruptible Inheritance

3.  We Have A Glorious Future Through The Power Of God

5 Who are kept by the power of God Peter is saying that they are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power.  Praise God that we who know Jesus Christ are being protected and shielded by the power of God

…..through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.  Through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time, the last days we shall be revealed as the saved.  We Have A Glorious Future Through The Power Of God. 1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  We Have the Power Of God

 (1 Cor. 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. We Have A Glorious Future Through The Power Of God.

The last days Jesus will come and will separate the sheep from the goats as far as the world and Israel is concerned.  But also, the sheep from the goats as far as the true believers are concerned, will be separated at the rapture.  This will truly separate the true from the false.  We Have A Glorious Future Through The Power Of God.  27:00

What Do We Have In Christ?

1. We Have A Living Hope  2.  We Have an Incorruptible Inheritance  

3.  We Have A Glorious Future Through The Power Of God

Remember that commercial.. What’s in your wallet?  Well… what is your hope placed? Who is your hope placed?  Where is your hope placed?  In man? In you?  In your good deeds?  In your government? In your job?  In your family?  In your health?  In your money?  All these things will fade away but the word of the Lord endureth forever!  Trust in Jesus Christ and have a living hope, incorruptible, and glorious!  28:04

 

Revelation 22:12  How Will Jesus Returning Affect You?

Intro: In verse 7 he says, "Behold, I come quickly."  Three times in these concluding verses the Lord Jesus says-I come quickly. He says it in verse 12. "Behold I come quickly." In verse 20 again it says, "Surely, I come quickly."  Here is a three-fold affirmation from the lips of our Savior Himself that He is going to come again.  What does it mean?  And how quick is “quickly?”  Jesus is returning again.  That we know for sure.  He is also returning in judgment.  Who will be judged?  Will everyone be judged?  Every competition gets judged.  There are either winners or losers with every judgment.  So it will be for every human being.  We must all give an account of ourselves to God.  1:00

How Will Jesus Returning In Judgment Affect You?

1. Fact Number One Jesus Is Returning Again

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come….

There can be nothing more clear than these words of Jesus to the apostle John.  Listen!” says Jesus. I am coming soon! Behold, I (Jesus) am coming.  When the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead, when he was getting ready to ascend back to the right hand of the Father in glory, He met with His disciples on the Mount of Olives.  He ascended right there before them. As those disciples were looking at Jesus going up, two angels appeared and said unto them, Acts 1:11 "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven. This same Jesus which you have seen go away into heaven shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go." Fact number one Jesus is returning!

Jesus Christ has made us the promise that He is going to come again. In John 14, Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself.   Fact number one Jesus is returning!

He is coming in two parts.  First for the church.  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. , 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  Jesus is returning for His church.

Then seven years later or there abouts He is coming to the earth to defeat the Anti-Christ and His forces and to set up His kingdom on earth.  Fact number one Jesus is returning.

Revelation 22:12 …..I come quickly;

The Bible tells us that in the last days there will be those who will be scoffers. In Second Peter 3 we read these verse in verse 4. "There will be scoffers in the last days who will say, Where is the promise of his coming. For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."   

Why is God waiting?  Two reasons. 

One. Everything must be fulfilled.  So we don’t know but things may not be exactly in place yet. 

Two.  2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Keep watching, keep waiting, and keep working for Jesus is coming again.  Jesus as I said is coming in two stages.  First, He is coming for His church in the rapture.  Then after the tribulation of those days He is coming to earth with His church to rule and reign on the earth for one thousand years.   Fact number one Jesus will return and return quickly.  He promised it. 

Quickly may mean the rapture in which He will reward the church in heaven after He gathers us together.  Or I believe it means that these events when they start, there will be so much going on it will seem like we can’t even keep up with it.  Quickly is the word “tach”  Which we get the word tachometer.  It means it is getting revved up.   Quickly! It means that when He does come, when the events begin to transpire, they will not hesitate or be slowed down. As a car gets revved up so will all these things.   Fact number one Jesus is returning…quickly.

Think of the things that have happened since January 1^st. 

Austrailian wildfires

Solemani killed in a US strike

Deal of the century Peace plan introduced

Brexit.  Great Brittan finally leaves the EU on January 31^st.

Corona Virus

Russian government has surrended all power to Vladamir Putin as supreme ruler.

Israel is going to have to have another election.  Their third

Impeachment ends with an aquittal of Trump

Escalations and natural distasters and growing protest worldwide

The bulletin of the atomic scientists move the doomsday clock to the closes ever to midnight.  One hundred seconds to midnight. 

Fact number one.  Jesus is returning…quickly.   Things are happening so fast, it seems as things are revving up.  Jesus is returning.  He promised it and the scriptures are all over it

One thing we must know is that they will come on time. Jesus has never been late. Jesus has never been early. Jesus is always on time.  Bottom line…Jesus is returning again! Is returning for you?   10:00

How Will Jesus Returning In Judgment Affect You?

1. Fact Number One Jesus Is Returning Again

2.  Fact Number Two Jesus Will Reward

Revelation 22:12 …and my reward is with me,  Jesus said that He will bring my rewards with Him.  Jesus said that and My reward is with Me.  The reward that He will give each believer in Christ or is it something else?  Fact number two.  Jesus is going to reward everybody in some fashion.   How will Jesus reward you?

“Reward” is always based on “work” Jer. 17:10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.; Rom. 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:; 1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:). For believers, there is the judgment seat of Christ  where Jesus will reward every believers faithfulness. 

Fact number two Jesus will reward.  But what is this reward?  Jesus Himself is our reward.  He is our reward.  He is our life.  He will come to set the world straight.  The world tried the Anti-Christ and that didn’t work too well did it?  Well now we will have Jesus Christ our great reward given by the grace of God!  He is the creator, sustainer, Savior, God and now King! 19:00

How Will Jesus Returning In Judgment Affect You?

1. Fact Number One Jesus Is Returning Again

2.  Fact Number Two Jesus Will Reward

3. Fact Number Three Jesus Rewards Includes judgment

Revelation 22:12 …..to give every man …… Jesus says that He will give reward to each person.

Revelation 22:12……according as his work shall be.   Jesus says that He will give to each person when He comes according to what he has done.  To be more specific to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds.   Rewards include judgment.  Judgment for the righteous and judgment for the wicked.  So fact number three… Jesus rewards include judgment.

For every person born this means his earthly works, or faithfulness to Christ.  You are either a believer or non-believer in Jesus Christ.  You are rewarded for faith or judged for sin. 

There will be Rewards for the church.   We look at 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. After Christ comes for His church, He will give rewards to His own. This can be counted on because Christ is in control of all history and eternity. Fact number three….Jesus rewards with judgment.  Just rewards.   How will Jesus judgment affect you?

There are rewards for unbelievers, there are various judgments, culminating in the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15; Matt. 25:31-46).  Dan. 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. These are the Old Testament saints who have eternal life and those who rejected God’s gift of salvation to everlasting separation from God.  Jesus rewards and it may include judgment for sins for untold many. 

Did you notice this remarkable statement in verse 11? "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still. He that is filthy, let him be filthy still. He that is righteous, let him be righteous still. He that is holy, let him be holy still." What is that saying? That is saying that decisions determine character and character determines destiny. It is saying that when you make your decision concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, either to accept Him or reject Him, whatever decision you have made-when death comes that is exactly the decision you have made. You have to be saved in this time your time on earth. You will not have the opportunity to be saved in eternity.  Fact number three.  Jesus rewards includes judgment for everyone.  How will Jesus judgment affect you?

The church is rewarded sometime either after the rapture for there is no more church after that.  Other believers-- old testament saints are either rewarded after the rapture with the church or at end of the one thousand year reign with the millennial saints.

Jesus will judge righteously and fairly but He is returning to judge and set everything right.  27:00

Revelation 22:12  How Will Jesus Returning In Judgment Affect You?

1. Fact Number One Jesus Is Returning Again 2.  Fact Number Two Jesus Will Reward

3. Fact Number Three Jesus Rewards Includes judgment

Jesus is returning very soon.  First in the rapture of the church and them approximately seven years later He is coming to rule the earth for one thousand years.   His return includes judgment.  Judgment for unbelievers includes separation in hell and then hell is emptied and they will be judged for their wickedness.  Judgment for the believers is NOT for our sin but for our faithfulness to Christ.  It does not include punishment but withheld precious jewels which represent Jesus approval.  Some will get to heaven alright but with their coattails burning…”so as by fire” the Bible says.  But every believer will receive praise from God for at least one thing.  So it still a great place to be for anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ regardless of your depth of service.  Be there! Or be cast into the lake of fire.  Which have you chosen?  28:04



2/9/2020 

1 Timothy 1:1-16 How To Do Well In Life

Intro: This is the first of two inspired letters Paul wrote to his beloved son in the faith Timothy. Paul wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia (in A.D. 62 or 63). He sent the letter to Timothy, whom he had left at Ephesus. He wrote to encourage Timothy in his responsibilities for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church and possibly the other churches of the province of Asia. It is possible that he wrote this epistle from Philippi after being released from his first imprisonment at Rome.  In this epistle to the young pastor Timothy.  He exhorts Timothy to guard against false doctrine, protect public worship, and develop mature leadership. Much of the epistle deals with the nature of pastoral conduct, including the qualifications of a bishop (pastor), as a true teacher of God’s Word. Practical directions for elders and for widows are also given in detail. 1:00

1. Paul’s Wish 

1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;  From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by order of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope—

Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus by the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) our Hope [the fulfillment of our salvation],  Paul’s wish for Timothy that He would continue to share the only hope that we have in Christ.

1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.  To Timothy, my true son in the faith May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. to Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Pauls’ wish for Timothy is that He might have…

Grace from Jesus Christ… Endurance through persecution and hindrances in the fight of faith.

Mercy from Jesus Christ…Softening the blows from hardship and persecution.

Peace From Jesus Christ….Assurance and courage to continue the fight of faith.

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, I want you to stay in Ephesus, just as I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia. Some people there are teaching false doctrines, and you must order them to stop.  As I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia, stay on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain individuals not to teach any different doctrines, 

Paul’s wish to Timothy is that He might teach……and warn others to teach nothing in addition to what the apostles taught.  We will do well in life if we follow this admonition.   10:00

1. Paul’s Wish   2. Paul’s Warning

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.  Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. 

Paul warned Timothy not to listen to give any creedence nor to pay attention to legends (fables, myths Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.  ) and endless genealogies, Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.  These things give rise to useless speculation and meaningless arguments rather than advancing God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith [and requires surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence]. 

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:  The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.  Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of our instruction is love [which springs] from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Timothy 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Some people have turned away from these and have lost their way in foolish discussions. 

Paul warns the church that some individuals have wandered away from these things into empty arguments and useless discussions. 

1 Timothy 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.  They want to be teachers of God's law, but they do not understand their own words or the matters about which they speak with so much confidence.

Paul warns those who want to be teachers of the Law [of Moses], even though they do not understand the terms they use or the subjects about which they make [such] confident declarations.  This is not acceptable nor to be allowed.   Luke 5:17And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem….Acts 5:34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people…..

1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;  We know that the Law is good if it is used as it should be used. 

Paul reminds the church that [without any doubt] that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully and appropriately,  It is our school master. Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,  It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 

Paul wanted the church to understand the fact that law is not enacted for the righteous person [the one in right standing with God], but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 

1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. 

Paul warns that the sexually immoral persons, homosexuals, for [a]kidnappers and slave traders, for liars, for perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, that they will rise up in the church from time to time and not to be allowed or tolerated in the church.  1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.

1 Timothy 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.  

Paul declares that his warnings are according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.  We will do well in life if we heed his warnings to not fall into fall teaching and error.  You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  Truth is in a person…Jesus Christ.  19:00

1. Paul’s Wish    2. Paul’s Warning  3. Paul’s Witness

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him, 

Paul witness was that it was Christ Jesus our Lord, who has granted me [the needed] strength and made me able for this, because He considered me faithful and trustworthy, putting me into service [for this ministry], 

1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing. 

Paul’s witness was he was formerly a blasphemer [of our Lord] and a persecutor [of His church] and a shameful and outrageous and violent aggressor [toward believers]. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief.  Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. 

Paul’s witness is that the grace of our Lord [His amazing, unmerited favor and blessing] flowed out in superabundance [for me, together] with the faith and love which are [realized] in Christ Jesus. 

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, 

Paul declares that This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. 

1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. 

Paul’s witness is that he was such a sinner and for this reason only he found mercy, so that in Paul as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who [c]would believe in Him for eternal life.   Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.  Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

1 Timothy 1:17.Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.  To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God—to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen. 

Paul’s witness to the world and His declaration to everyone is that the King of the ages [eternal], immortal, invisible, the only God, be honored and glorfied forever and ever.  We will do well in life if we realize that only Jesus saves us, keeps us, guides us and will bring us home safely.  Not only know that but know Him and follow Him leads us to do well and hear from God…”Well done thou good and faithful servant!”   27:00

Conclusion:

1. Paul’s Wish    2. Paul’s Warning  3. Paul’s Witness 

How To Do Well In Life

Know the truth, be able to teach the truth and pass it on to others.  Warn others not to stray from the truth into error.  Know Jesus is our Savior, our Lord, and our reason to be.  28:04



Colossians 2:6-10 Complete In Him

Intro:  Today people are looking at all sorts of things to make us complete and happy.  They are worried about the future that is for sure.  There is doom all around us.  The climate alarmist say that the world will end in 2030.  Children are terrorized! The Church says that the world will be going through the tribulation and the church instead of being strengthened is terrified!  The Islamic world says the last mufti is coming soon to make the whole world Muslim and the world is scared to death of them!  So we need hope!  We need courage!  We need assurance!  We need something or someone to save us!  1:00

1. We Are Thankful Not Fearful

Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him.  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin],  Just as the Colossian believers had begun with Christ, so Paul encourages them to continue in their walk with Him.  We walk in the only one who has no fear of any power on earth, above earth or below earth.  We Are Thankful Not Fearful.

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.   

Paul uses five words to describe the Colossians’ walk with Christ.

1.Rooted……Keep your roots deep in him, having been deeply rooted [in Him] The believers have been rooted in Christ. The tense of the word translated rooted denotes a complete action.

The next three words, built up, established, and taught, are showing the continual growth that should characterize every Christian’s walk with Christ.

2.Built…..build your lives on him, being continually built up in Him

3.Stablished….and become stronger in your faith, [becoming increasingly more] established [e]in your faith

4.Taught…….as you were taught. and now and, just as you were taught

Finally if all the other things are true then we should be overflowing with thanksgiving to God.

5.Abounding……And be filled with and thanksgiving to God and overflowing with gratitude. 

We should be thankful that we don’t have to be fearful!  We have nothing to fear not even fear itself!  For we have Christ!  And we are abounding with thanksgiving because of Him!  Are you thankful for the power of Christ?  Are you thankful for the courage we have because of Christ?  10:00

1. We Are Thankful Not Fearful  

2. The Hope that Man Will Eventually Save the Day is deceitful and Vanity

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ.  See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the [f]elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.   The Hope that Man Will Eventually Save the Day is deceitful and Vanity

Man can do some great things.  Wonderful things even.  But we cannot save ourselves from our greatest problem….SIN!  Man will do many great things be we cannot save the day.  The day of destruction is coming upon us and there is nothing we can do because despite all of our knowledge and ability we can really do nothing….without Christ! 

This verse has been used at times to teach that Christians should not study or read philosophy. This is not Paul’s meaning. Paul himself was adept at philosophy, evidenced by his interaction with the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:1–34). Paul was warning the believers not to be taken in by any philosophy that does not conform to a proper knowledge of Christ. The false teachers at Colosse had combined worldly philosophies with the gospel. These philosophies are spoken of by Paul as the basic principles of the world, which some have interpreted as “spirits” or “angels” who supposedly control a person’s life.  The Hope that Man Will Eventually Save the Day is deceitful and Vanity.

Galatians 4:3, Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?. It seems more likely that the term rudiments of the world in Colossians 2:8 refers to the elementary rules and regulations that certain teachers were seeking to impose on believers according to the dictates of human philosophies. Paul’s strongest indictment against the heretics was that their teaching was not according to Christ, and thus they were not walking with Christ.  The Hope that Man Will Eventually Save the Day is deceitful and Vanity

Man cannot save Himself, how can he save the day?  How can He save anyone?  Man can make life more comfortable…but He cannot give himself peace.  Man can make himself smarter but if He does not know God all His wisdom is folly.  The Hope that Man Will Eventually Save the Day is deceitful and Vanity.  19:00

1. We Are Thankful Not Fearful  

2. The Hope that Man Will Save The Day is deceitful and Vanity

3.  We Are Complete In Jesus

Collossians 2:9-10 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity,  For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of God].  In this verse Paul clearly proclaims the Incarnation, the fact the God became a man bodily. This contradicts the Gnostic idea of the inherent evil of physical bodies and the claim that Jesus is merely a spirit. The Gnostics thought the fullness of God had been divided among a number of angelic beings, the last creating the material world. In contrast, Paul says that the fullness of God exists in Christ.   We are complete in Christ.  We have everything if we have Christ.  Without Him we have nothing! 

Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.  and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority. And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power].  Paul illustrates the adequacy of Christ by demonstrating how the Colossian believers are complete. In Christ, the Colossians have put off the power of sin and the flesh (v. 11), have received new life (vv. 12, 13), have been forgiven, have been delivered from requirements laid down by human traditions (v. 14), and have been freed from the powers of spirit beings (v. 15). There is nothing that the Christian needs to add to what was received in Christ at the time of conversion. Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ in order to refute the Gnostics and the Judaizers who respectively believed that special knowledge or works were necessary to make a Christian complete.  We Are Complete In Jesus.

Complete, full, satisfied, joyous, peaceful all that is what we have in Christ.  We are complete.  What else do we need?  You may want many things in life.  But it’s your needs that really count.  What else do you NEED when you have Christ?  We Are Complete In Jesus.

So why do Christians have problems? Because we are still in the sinful flesh. Why do we have troubles?  Because we still have an enemy.  But like a mighty ship upon the sea we may be battered and beat up but we are unsinkable in Christ.   We are completely dependent upon Him.   A ship is dependent upon the skill of the ship builders.  We are dependent upon the author and finisher and builder of our faith.  Jesus Christ!  We are complete in Him! 

Like the mighty Hippo.  The lions may try to attack him.  He might get scratched and aggravated.  But there will soon be a dead and mangled lion…...and the hippo continues to be a complete hippo.   The lion is the king of the jungle because he doesn’t attack hippo’s.  A wise king knows who to fight and who to friend.  As Jesus Christ’s children of the king know who to fight and know who to leave alone.  We fight for our faith but we leave the devil to Jesus.  Jesus is the only king who doesn’t have to fear anyone, or any power or any principality.  He is greater than them all and can easily beat them all!!

We are complete in Christ!  The job is done. Nothing else to be added, nothing subtracted.  We are the finished work of Christ.  27:00

1. We Are Thankful Not Fearful  

2. The Hope that Man Will Save The Day is deceitful and Vanity

3.  We Are Complete In Jesus

What completes you?  great family, good job, good money, good vacations, good luck, good health, good news, good politics, good ball games, good feelings, good memories, great accomplishments?   If it’s not Jesus and nothing but Jesus you are woefully incomplete no matter what you do on this earth!



 Philippians 2:5-11  The Greatness Of Jesus

Intro:  Philippians derives its name from the Greek city where the church to which it was addressed was located. Philippi was the first town in Macedonia where Paul established a church.  We will find many different things about this church at Philippi and the one in Corinth. In fact, the first church meetings here, were held in Lydia's home. Actually, Lydia and her family were the first converts to Christianity here. We will find that Paul had been instructed directly from God to go to this area, because they needed help.

There was no synagogue in this area, and the women were praying out at the river bank where they washed.

This city was said to be a Roman city in Greece. This made this church a Gentile church. There was not the problem with the Jews at this time, because they were not prominent in worship here. Both Latin and Greek were spoken here in Phillip. This was a poor church, but one that gave generously to help Paul. This was the only church that Paul would take help from.

In this church, we see ministry of the women more prominent than in the other churches. Paul, on one occasion, tells the church people to cooperate with the women that had ministered with him.

This passage gives the greatness, the uniqueness, the importance of Jesus and the majesty of Jesus.

1.  The Greatness Of Jesus

Philippians 2:5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],  Let this mind be: All godly action begins with the “renewing of the mind.” Right thinking produces right actions. Our actions are the fruit of our deepest thoughts. in you: Thinking and being like Christ are requirements not only for an individual but also for the corporate body of believers. Together we need to think and act like one being, like the Person of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain[b] equal with God. 6 who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];

…Form of God.  the expression form of God may be correctly understood as the essential nature and character of God. To say, therefore, that Christ existed in the form of God is to say that apart from His human nature Christ possesses all the characteristics and qualities belonging to God because He is, in fact, God.

…robbery: Because Christ was God, He did not look on sharing God’s nature as robbery, that is, as “a thing to be seized,” as though He did not already possess it, or as “a thing to be retained,” as though He might lose it. equal: As used in this verse, this word speaks of equality of existence. Christ was fully God, but He limited Himself in such a way that He could also be completely human. In Christ, God became man.  1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."  John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  No doubt that the greatness of Jesus is that He was God.

1.  The Greatness Of Jesus  2 the uniqueness Of Jesus

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had,  and took the nature of a servant.

He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. 

…made Himself of no reputation: This phrase can be translated “He emptied Himself.” He did not empty Himself of any part of His essence as God. Instead He merely gave up His privileges as God and took upon Himself existence as a man. While remaining completely God, He became completely human.  There is no one like Jesus.  The God-man.  Fully God and fully man.  He became fully human in every way. 

…form: Christ continued in the very nature of God but added to Himself the nature of a servant. bondservant: In this context, the term refers to the lowest status on the social ladder. 

It is truly amazing, therefore, that the God who created the universe. John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.; Col. 1:16For 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:) and who rules over all creation (see Col. 1:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.) would choose to add to His person the nature of a servant.

….likeness: This word meanas that He was a man, possessing all the essential aspects of a human being, although unlike all others He was sinless.

Jesus left His title (Word of God), in heaven and took on the lowly flesh of man. He came to this earth in the form of man to rescue mankind from their sin. Since the problem was in the flesh of mankind, Jesus took on flesh. His flesh was in the likeness of man, so that He could defeat Satan as a man.  He became the God-Man: fully God and fully man.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—his death on the cross. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

….Fashion or appearance: In the previous verses, Paul describes Jesus as possessing the nature of God and taking on the nature of a servant. Here the word “Fashion or appearance” means He had the bearing, actions, and manners of a man.

…..He humbled Himself: Jesus willingly took the role of a servant; no one forced Him to do it.

…..obedient: Although He never sinned and did not deserve to die, He chose to die so that the sins of the world could be charged to His account. Subsequently He could credit His righteousness to the account of all who believe in Him (see 2 Cor. 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.; Gal. 1:4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.

…..even the death of the cross: The Romans reserved the agonizing death of crucifixion for slaves and foreigners, and the Jews viewed death on a cross as a curse from God.  Deut. 21:23 for he that is hanged is accursed of God….Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:).  Christ subjected Himself to persecution and suffering at the hands of unbelievers.

Beyond even persecution, Jesus went to the lowest point or furthest extent in His humiliation in dying as a criminal, following God’s plan for Him. Even further humiliation was His because Jesus’ death was not by ordinary means, but was accomplished by crucifixion, the cruelest, most excruciating, most degrading form of death ever devised. The Jews hated this manner of execution. 

Yes part of the Greatness of Jesus is that Jesus is unique. The only sinless one, the only begotten Son of God, The only one who could die for the sins of the whole world.

1.  The Greatness Of Jesus  2 the uniqueness Of Jesus  3.  The Importance Of Jesus

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 

Note the contrast between Jesus’ being condemned of men to God the Father’s elevation of Jesus to the  highly exalted status!  How important is Jesus?  His name is above EVERY name that ever was or will be!  That’s how great He is and how important He is!

1.  The Greatness Of Jesus  2 the uniqueness Of Jesus  3.  The Importance Of Jesus 

4.  The Majesty Of Jesus

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth…And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below[c] should fall on their knees.  and all should openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, so that at the name of Jesus [b]every knee should bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

Jesus is majestic, Jesus is our majesty…. so of course we bow to Him.  He is King of kings and Lord of lords!  Contrast Romans 14:11 that says every knee SHALL bow.  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee SHALL bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God that Jesus Christ is Lord And Isa. 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee SHALL bow, every tongue SHALL swear.

…every knee: Although all will one day worship Christ, that’s what it means to bow down before.  Only kings get that honor. 

….those under the earth: Paul refers here to those who will already have died at the time of Christ’s return, in contrast to the angels in heaven and those who will still be living on earth.

The entire intelligent universe is called to worship Jesus Christ as Lord. This mandate includes the angels in heaven, the spirits of the redeemed, obedient believers on earth, the disobedient rebels on earth, demons and lost humanity in hell.

Look with me, at some of the other names this Jesus is called by.

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  Jesus is all of these names!

Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

11 and that every tongue ought to confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father. Again Contrast Romans 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee SHALL bow to me, and every tongue SHALL confess to God that Jesus Christ is Lord.. Isa. 45:23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

…confess: Essentially Paul is saying in Philippians 2:11 that everyone should unanimously affirm what God the Father has already stated.

"Jesus Christ is Lord" means that we recognize Him as our Savior (Jesus), we recognize Him as the Anointed One (Christ), and that we have turned our will over to His will and call Him Lord. Every tongue means all that have the gift of speech and who has the breath of life.

“Lord” implies His deity, but it mainly refers to sovereign authority.   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."   Jesus is great because He is majestic.  He is our majesty.  He is the king of glory, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords!

Conclusion:

1.  The Greatness Of Jesus  2 the uniqueness Of Jesus  3.  The Importance Of Jesus 

4.  The Majesty Of Jesus



 

1 Corinthians 3:1-8  Growing or Dying

Intro:  The city of Corinth was believed to be a city of about 600,000 people when this was written to them. One of the outskirts of Corinth was Cenchrea, which was a seaport. This was a thriving city with much evil. They were thought of as being one of the wealthiest cities of the area. There was a mixture of nationalities here. Greeks and Romans made up most the people.

This city had many false gods and goddesses. The most prominent of the false worship was of Aphrodite. There were over 1000 prostitutes working to win converts to this religion. This was a very evil city. You could debate there because there was freedom to debate all subject matter.  This perhaps, was the reason Paul had an easy time being heard at first.

The most serious problem of the Corinthian church was worldliness, an unwillingness to reject the culture around them. Most of the believers had a hard time consistently separating themselves from their old, selfish, immoral, and pagan ways.

Paul does not try to change their life style. He works with people where they are.  As we should.  Every culture has customs.  We can follow Christ for instance and still eat pork.  We can follow traditions and customs as long as those customs aren’t sinful and hinder another in their walk with Christ.  We see Paul trying to establish rules and regulations that they could live with in the light of their own customs.

Now a lot of things are good to die.  Snakes are good to die in my opinion.  Cancer is good to die.   Germs are good to die.  In war it’s good for our enemies to die.  Paul is was good for Him to die and be with Jesus but better for them if he stayed.  Christians are either Growing or dying and you can’t keep dying in your Christian life. That is never any good.  1:00

1.  Baby Christians Can’t Stay That Way

1 Corinthians 3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith.  However, brothers and sisters, I could not talk to you as to spiritual people, but [only] as to [a]worldly people [dominated by human nature], mere infants [in the new life] in Christ! 

The carnal person is not the same as the “natural man” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A carnal person is a spiritually immature Christian, a spiritual infant.

1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it,   I fed you with milk, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Even now you are still not ready.   

fed … milk: Paul did not expect the Corinthians to be mature in Christ at the time of their conversion. By placing their faith in Christ, they had been justified. They had been united with Him and his death on the Cross (Rom. 6:3–5), and the Spirit of God had come to live in them (1 Corinthians 2:12; Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Rom. 8:9But 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.  They were considered righteous before God because of Jesus’ righteousness.

Thus when Paul first established the church at Corinth he taught them as new converts, as those justified. Yet he expected them to grow in their faith—that is, become sanctified. The behavior of the Christians in Corinth should have begun to line up with their righteous position in Christ.  Growing or Dying.  You can’t stay a Baby. If you do you will die.  If a Christian stays a baby their faith will be of no affect on anyone.  10:00

1.  Baby Christians Can’t Stay That Way   2.  Carnal Christians Can’t Stay That Way

1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards?  You are still [b]worldly [controlled by ordinary impulses, the sinful capacity]. For as long as there is jealousy and strife and discord among you, are you not [c]unspiritual, and are you not walking like ordinary men [unchanged by faith]?

…for you are still carnal: An immature Christian naturally lacks many Christian traits, but no one should expect this condition to last. Paul was surprised that the Corinthians had not yet grown into spiritual maturity or become able to distinguish between good and evil.  Heb. 5:14). But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Corinthians 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? When one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos”—aren't you acting like worldly people? For when one of you says, “I am [a disciple] of Paul,” and another, “I am [a disciple] of Apollos,” are you not [proving yourselves unchanged, just] ordinary people?

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do:  What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Just servants through whom you believed [in Christ], even as the Lord appointed to each his task.   Growing or Dying.  You cannot keep dying as a Christian and Carnality will make your faith die and be of no use for Christ.  19:00

1.  Baby Christians Can’t Stay That Way   2.  Carnal Christians Can’t Stay That Way

3.  Every Christian Can Have An Effect On The World

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth.  Paul had planted, or started, the church in Corinth; Apollos had watered it—had a significant ministry there after Paul left. But both men were only servants through whom God worked.

The ones who plant and water have nothing to boast about because God gives the increase: Only God draws unbelievers to Himself. It is our responsibility to do our job no matter what the results, for God will reward us for our efforts and the quality of our work. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.).

1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow.  So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. 

We see in this that the message carrier is not the important one. God is to be worshipped and He alone. He is the One who sent the messenger. When you get a telegram, the one who brings the message is not important. The message that he brings is the important thing. 

Everyone has their calling, their gifts, their abilities.  We can’t all be preachers, teachers and missionaries.  Your calling is just as important as anyone else’s.  What is your calling?  Keep being faithful to what you are doing now and God will show you your next assignment.  Keep sitting in the pew service after service and God will give you your next assignment. 

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

Every need is not your need to meet.  But some needs are yours to meet.  Don’t Worry about what someone else is doing.  You do what God leads you to do.  If others get credit….so what!  Is Christ glorified?  Then all is good!   

How do you know what God wants you to do next?  Never do anything for Christ because it’s something you SHOULD or OUGHT to do.  Do what would give you joy in doing.  That you cannot get it off your mind and heart until you do it.  Yes, we should go to church and we ought to read the Bible.  But if you do it because you MUST you will RUST as a Christian.   And to much rust and your faith is dead. 

If you don’t get joy in your heart when going to church…… you should first…. Check you own heart.  Is the church preaching the truth of the word of God?  Then you are dying in your faith.  If it’s not, your heart is telling you something through the Holy Spirit.  Go find another church.  God wants us to grow where we are planted if you can’t move to another spot! 

If your heart is not in reading the Bible and you don’t get joy from it then you might as well put it down until you get saved!  You are dead!  There is a fatal flaw in your faith from the first!   27:00

Conclusion:

Growing or Dying?

1.  Baby Christians Can’t Stay That Way   2.  Carnal Christians Can’t Stay That Way

3.  Every Christian Can Have An Effect On The World. 

Jesus said I wish that you were either cold and hot and not Luke warm.  He can work with the dead and bring them to life.  He can work with the living and help them grow.  He can’t do anything with the dead who think that they are alive.  28:04