Tomahawk Missionary Baptist Church

The Think-Not Generation  Matthew 24:44

Intro:  In the Book of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples again and again that they would not know the hour of His return. The Lord was so insistent about getting this point across, He repeated himself four times in the space of a few verses. He also included a story about the 10 virgins to illustrate the point of the surprise at His sudden return.  His return begins with Him coming FOR His Church and then seven years later coming FOR His church.

1.  No One knows

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mat. 24:36).  “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Mat. 24:42).  “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Mat. 24:44).  “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Mat. 25:13).

I think it is very significant that Jesus frequently pointed to the “think not” hour as being the time of His return. The slumbering state that we find the Church in today is a strong indication that this prophecy is in the process of being fulfilled. I would rank it far above the more general prophecies like “knowledge shall increase” (Dan 12:4) or “earthquakes in divers places” (Mark 13:8).

Jesus said He would intentionally choose a timeframe when Christians are not expecting His return. As a result, the most unlikely time for His return becomes, actually, the most likely time for the rapture. Because we have an assurance from the Lord that this event will take place during a time when the faithful are least expecting Him, we have a contrary way to judge the rapture’s nearness.

We are clearly living in the “Think-Not” generation. If the Lord were to come today, He would find a Church very cozy with a sinful world. Because we have no moral watchdogs anymore, it is difficult to measure the depravity of our society. Whenever I try to gauge levels of morality, I have to think how people from other generations would react to situations.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul indicates that the act of being caught off guard by the rapture is purely optional. He wrote, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Thes. 5:4). By remaining forever alert, we can escape being found asleep when our Master finally returns.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the 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. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

2.  The think not Generation.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.  Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  Why would He tell us to watch and then we don’t watch? What part of “watch” means don’t “watch?”  Did Jesus ever tell us there was a time not to be watching for Him?   Paul even told the first century Christians to watch for Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 4:18 Comfort one another with these words.  What words? The rapture of the church mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.  The Paul assured those who read his first letter that they had not missed the rapture.  So he described what would happen in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 That the man of sin would be revealed after 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.   Falling away could mean Abandonment of the faith or the abandonment of the planet by believers.  Many scholars think it could mean the rapture of the church comes first then the beast is revealed. 

That leads us to the two super signs that Jesus coming very soon. 

2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 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.  5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

3.  The first sign is that people will scoff at the second coming of Christ. 

The second coming of Christ is in two phases.  First Christ comes FOR His church and then seven years later come WITH His Church.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Revelation 19:14-15; Jude 1:14.

Matthew 24:32-34 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors (know for certain that He is near, right at the door). 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation (this generation the people living when these signs and events begin] shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.  

4.  The second sign or the Billboard for the announcement of Christ’s soon return is Israel will be in their land again. 

The fig tree Jesus refers to often is always Israel.  Israel will live again in their own land in the latter days and God will take notice of those nations that come against Israel in that day.  Zechariah 8:7-8, 12:1-9; Ezekiel 37; Isaiah 11:11-12, 35:1-2;  Deuteronomy 30:3; Jeremiah 30:10-11.

A lot of people get confused about Matthew 24:34 and the term “this generation.” The Amplified Bible, which is the literal translation of the original Greek language, says that “this generation” means the people living when these signs and events mentioned in the previous verses of Matthew 24….begin. So obviously if they were told to be watching in the first century, how much more should we be watching when Israel is in their land and people are scoffing at the return of Christ exactly as was prophesized?

Acts 5:34-39 Gamaliel’s Great Wisdom

Intro: Common Sense should always prevail.  There seems to be a very short supply of that today.  People are acting now on emotion instead of truth.  They want fiction instead of facts.  Old newspaper reporters had this motto.  When the facts get in the way of the legend…print the legend.  Legends sell.  Facts fail.  Gamaliel was a teacher of the law of the Jews.  Very respected.  He was a man of great wisdom even though he did not follow Jesus Christ.  He made a great speech that led to a prophecy that is rings true today.  1:00

1.  Who Was Gamaliel?

Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

But one of them, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was a teacher of the Law and was highly respected by all the people, stood up in the Council. He ordered the apostles to be taken out for a while, But a Pharisee named [e]Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law [of Moses], highly esteemed by all the people, stood up in the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) and ordered that the men be taken outside for a little while.

Paul was taught by this man.  Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.  Gamaliel was a highly respected Pharisee, the grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel, a brilliant spiritual leader. Gamaliel was the teacher of Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul (22:3). Gamaliel was given the honored title of “Rabban,” meaning “Our Teacher.” It is said in the Mishna—the commentary on the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament—that when Gamaliel died, “the glory of the Torah ceased, and purity and sanctity died out also.” This is an impressive eulogy for a Jewish teacher. 

There are brilliant men and women who are not followers of Jesus.  There are scientists, doctors, musicians and so forth.  Common Sense is not soley the possession of Christians.  We can have common sense and hopefully we do have some common sense before we know Christ and that common sense will lead us to Christ hopefully.  Come let us reason together….the Bible says.  10:00

1.  Who Was Gamaliel?  2. Caution is Advised

Acts 5:35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

and then he said to the Council, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Then he said to the Council, “Men of Israel, be careful in regard to what you propose to do to these men.

Gamaliel urged caution.  Be careful what you do to these men without fully knowing what they are about.  We should be cautious and careful in our criticisms of others.  We need to know all the facts or enough of the facts to prove what we oppose and what we defend.  

If only the world would have that kind of common sense today.  The sense to sit back and say….wait let’s use some caustion here.  What is going to be the result of going against this new way?  But common sense has left us in this world today.  Those who want to tear down society have no idea what they will have to build it back with.  If you don’t have freedom you have what????? Communism, socialism, Marxism, Monarchy or a dictatorship.   That’s all your choices.  So they obviously aren’t using much common sense. 

Take heed..  It is interesting that the enemies of Christ would make such a remark.  Usually evil is unrestrained against the church.  And it is today for the most part.  Just like Romans says.   Romans 1:29-31 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.

Jesus used the term “take heed” on about sixteen occasions.  Here is a couple of them.  Jesus warned the disciples about the Pharisees.    Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you.  He warned about being deceived. 19:00

1.  Who Was Gamaliel?  2. Caution is Advised   3. Great Wisdom From Gamaliel

Acts 5:36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

You remember that Theudas appeared some time ago, claiming to be somebody great, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, all his followers were scattered, and his movement died out. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody [of importance], and a group of about four hundred men allied themselves with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing.

Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

After that, Judas the Galilean appeared during the time of the census; he drew a crowd after him, but he also was killed, and all his followers were scattered. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up, [and led an uprising] during the time of the census, and drew people after him; he was also killed, and all his followers were scattered. 

A certain Theudas is mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus, who places Theudas’s revolt against Rome around a.d. 44. According to Gamaliel, the revolution by Theudas took place before Judas of Galilee, who began the Zealot movement around a.d. 6. The Romans quickly punished Theudas and his followers, forcing the movement underground. Some scholars believe Luke erred in placing Theudas before Judas of Galilee. However, it is more likely that Gamaliel and Josephus spoke of two different men. Theudas was a very common name. There were a number of insurrections and revolution attempts recorded: Josephus himself refers to ten thousand of them. Most likely, the revolution of Theudas that Gamaliel referred to took place before a.d. 6 and was led by a different Theudas than the person Josephus mentions in his history.

Acts 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

And so in this case, I tell you, do not take any action against these men. Leave them alone! If what they have planned and done is of human origin, it will disappear, So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men [merely human in origin], it will fail and be destroyed;

Well Christianity has not come to nought.  It has taken over the world.  It is the foundation of America and every nation that is not a communist or Marxist nation.  Jesus is the most revered person in history!  He is the divider of all the world.  Either you love Him or hate Him.  But you cannot ignore Him. 

Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

but if it comes from God, you cannot possibly defeat them. You could find yourselves fighting against God!” 39 but if it is of God [and it appears that it is], you will not be able to stop them; or else you may even be found fighting against God!”

And so it is.  How correct was Gamaliel?  He was spot on.  The world system and the world elites are fighting against Jesus.  The world religions hate the Biblical Jesus.  They hate the word of God.  I wonder if Gamaliel lived long enough to see Christianity start to really grow? I hope he repented and got his answer.  Is it possible that Gamaliel was almost persuaded to become a Christian like Festus? 

…But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.  If people would take the same common sense approach today that Gamaliel used back then what would they think?  Christianity has not slowed down but has really taken over the world.  So according to Gamaliel this Christianity is of God!  So people should really take a look at Jesus and His followers.  According to Gamaliel it is of God!  NO one has overthrown it.  When they tried and tried in China it keeps growing.   When they tried in Cuba it kept growing!  When they tried in Vietnam..it kept growing!  When they try to destroy it in America the real church keeps growing!! 

Ye cannot over throw it….Ye CANNOT!!  27:00

Conclusion:

1.  Who Was Gamaliel?  2. Caution is Advised   3. Great Wisdom From Gamaliel

The Great Gamaliel. 

Gamaliel was not great because of his faith in Christ.  But he was great in those marvelous words he spoke in the first century give us assurance today that the Bible is the word of God and that Jesus is the Savior of the world.  Christianity is of God because it cannot be stopped, has not been stopped and never will be stopped.  Trust in Jesus Christ today for His word is true, His salvation is real, His offer is free for you.  Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  28:04 



1 Timothy 4:1-2  Warning About Lies

Intro:  1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

One great example of this last days deception given over to lies is Black Lives Matter.  Black Lives Matter raised one hundred million dollars after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.  They now have over one billion, that’s one BILLION dollars in their coffers.  Here is what BLM stands for from their own website.  They state that they are a “collective of Liberators.”  “The call for Black lives to matter is a rallying cry for ALL Black lives striving for liberation.”  BLM founders in 2013 are three gay radical organizers Alcia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors who said in 2013 after founding the organization that they are trained Marxists.

Is there any doubt that this organization is bent on destroying “white Privilege” by tearing down the system and…….well there is the rub.  What will replace it?  I read the Black Lives matter website and they have scrubbed the word “Marxism.”  They have not hidden the intent to implement it very well though.  Terms like “oppression,” “new ways of being,” “liberation,” “eradicate white supremacy,” “build local power,” “combating and countering acts of violence,” “we must move beyond narrow nationalism,” “building a movement that brings all of us to the front,” and “fight for freedom.”

Hmmm.  Fight for freedom? What will freedom to them look like?  They need liberated and what will that look like?  White supremacy replaced with what? Local power to do what? Combating how? Narrow nationalism to be replaced with what?  Building a movement to do what?  No answers to any of these questions because they don’t want you to know that it’s Marxism, socialism and communism! 

No mention of God.  No mention of Jewish people.  No mention of black murders by black people.  No mention of the constitution.  No mention of the fact that they deleted their website that they “will disrupt the nuclear family” from the “what We Believe” page. 

This is the statement that they deleted.  “We are unapologetically Black in our positioning.  In affirming that Black Lives Matter, we need not qualify our position.  To love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for wanting the same for others. We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents and children are comfortable.”

“Western” means Judeo-Christian values based on the word of God.  That is the bottom line.  And the bottom line this is a Socialist, Marxist, Communist, Globalists organization bent on the destruction of America’s Constitutional Republic, Capitalism, the nuclear family and the Jews and Christians. 

Prove to me otherwise.  Show me that they are for Black people.  How can they let all these Black babies be aborted and say that Black Lives matter?  Show me that they are for law and order.  Show me that they are for equality for all. 

They are the useful idiots that will be first in line for the guillotine when the new world order comes in.   In all communist takeovers once the hit squad has done their work of chaos and destruction they are no longer needed.  And the communists sure don’t want any more rebels. So, these rioters and protestors will be the first to be on the chopping block.  That’s why in “rules for radicals” you must have useful idiots. 

Antifa is so similar to Black Lives Matter it’s almost the same group.  Globalists, George Soros, the Elite of the world all are being used of Satan to bring about this world government and the end of freedom. 

Please…wake up America!  Wake up world! Wake up Church!  No, look up Church for your redemption draweth nigh!  Paul saw this coming almost two thousand years ago and warned us about those who will attempt to turn us from Jesus Christ. 10:00

1. They Will Reject God

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times.  But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith.

The Holy Spirit revealed these things to Paul.   This is the first step to being deceived.  Rejecting God.

People are rejecting God.  Evolution.  Revolution.  Burn down the institution.  Critical Race theory.  Critical race theory is Post Modernism.  Where there is no truth.  Truth is what ever you think it is.  Truth can be over turned by continually speaking and teaching a narrative until everyone believes it.    Anarchy.  Rioting and looting. 

There are literal organizations that are bent on a new global order.  The great reset.  A global transformation.  The right crisis can be used to hasten this. 

People are Rejecting the Bible.  Science and climate change.  Abortion.  Same sex marriage.  Gender identity.  Racism.  Politics. Sustainable development.  But to get there the socialists will have to get the world population under control.  That’s why in the book of Revelation has so much death and bloodshed.  

People are rejecting Jesus.  False religions are at an all time high.  Anti-Christ will be the ultimate turning from Jesus. Human utopia is the goal.  A world without Jesus is their purpose.  No sin.  No hell.  No religion except the worship of the beast.  People who reject Jesus have no hope for salvation.  Psalm 118:22 The stone which the builders refused(rejected) is become the head stone of the corner.

Bottom line:  They have rejected everything about God.  1 Samuel 8:7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Here is the thing God wants us to reject.  James 4:7 ….Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Psalm 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.  And this is what God wants us to receive.  John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.  16:00

1. They Will Reject God  2.  They Will Believe Lies

1 Timothy 4:1….giving heed to seducing spirits, they will obey lying spirits, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits. 

After rejecting God the next step is to listen to lies and get sucked in by seductive words.

Behind all of this is the devil.  He knows his time is short.  He is working to bring about the end of America and Israel.  America must go because we are the defenders of Israel.  Israel must be destroyed because God’s kingdom will be established there and Jesus, the line of David, will rule over the Jews to fulfill Bible prophecy. 

1 Timothy 4:1…..and doctrines of devils; They will follow the teachings of demons, and doctrines of demons.  Doctrines is a set of teachings that are the basis of what you believe.  There is a method to their madness.  Look at the doctrines being taught today.  There are narratives on everything.  Global Warming.  Gender identity.  Racism.  White Privilidge. Palestinians.  Peace deals.  Sustainable development.  Covid 19.  Social distancing.  Mask wearing.  Globalism.  Socialism.  Black lives Matter.  Antifa.  Green new deal.  Peaceful protests.  Woke.  Marxism.  Law and order.  Abortion.  22:00

1. They Will Reject God  2.  They Will Believe Lies   3. They Will Teach Lies

After rejecting God and believing lies the final step is to teach these lies to others. 

1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy…. Such teachings are spread by deceitful liars, misled by the hypocrisy of liars.   A hypocrite is a person who accuses you of the very things they are doing.  One party accuses the other of the very things they are doing.   Hate.  Lies.  They even accuse each other of Hypocrisy.  A liar is always a hypocrite.  They lie and that is saying something that is not true.   A hypocrite is doing something that is the exact opposite of what you really do.  That is a lie.  “How do you know He’s lying?  He’s moving his lips.” 

You are never more like the devil than when you lie.  John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

1 Timothy 4:2….having their conscience seared with a hot iron; whose consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron, whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning]

A hot iron was used to burn away infection or as a branding iron to mark the skin.  Our conscience can be seared that is no longer able to affect us.  We no longer have a conscience to hold us back, so we will say or do anything to get what we want.  The ultimate in self centeredness is as person who will do anything to get their way.  That person has no conscience to retrain them.  The Bible calls this a reprobate mind.     Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

This people will speak lies and even speak them so long they will believe it.

 

1. They Will Reject God  2.  They Will Believe Lies   3. They Will Teach Lies.--  Warning about lies 28:04

8/30/2020
How To Foritfy Your faith Part two

2 Peter 1:4-10

9/13/2020 

The Great Reset  Psalm 2:1-6

Intro:  Globalist have been planning a great reset for many years.  What is it?  It is resetting everything like economies, nations, borders, leaders, governments to a new world order.  The dollar will no longer be the standard currency of the world.  Nation states will no longer be the focus but a global government.  No more Constitutional republic, no more capitalism, free enterprise or ownership of private property.  Centralized health care, world armies, no more freedom of religion and on and on.  This is really what they have been planning.  See Agenda 2030.  Google it.  It’s the great global reset.

Well of course Satan is behind all of this.  He always copies what God is doing.  God has planned a great reset of His own since the fall of man in the garden.  Satan is simply trying to beat God to the punch and He will as far as a global rework, but it won’t work.  It will fail and Satan knows that.  He only wants to send as many humans as he can to hell and most of all destroy the church or weaken it and destroy Israel.  That’s his agenda. But what is God’s great reset all about?  1:00

1. God’s Great Reset

From Got Questions.org……The millennial kingdom is the title given to the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. Some seek to interpret the 1,000 years in an allegorical manner. They understand the 1,000 years as merely a figurative way of saying “a long period of time,” not a literal, physical reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. However, six times in Revelation 20:2-7, And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

The millennial kingdom is specifically said to be 1,000 years in length. If God wished to communicate “a long period of time,” He could have easily done so without explicitly and repeatedly mentioning an exact time frame.  5:00

1. God’s Great Reset  2. The King is Coming

Not A king…but THE king is coming.  The Bible tells us that when Christ returns to the earth He will establish Himself as king in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32–33 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.).

The unconditional covenants demand a literal, physical return of Christ to establish the kingdom. The Abrahamic Covenant promised Israel a land, a posterity and ruler, and a spiritual blessing. Genesis 12:1–3 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

The Palestinian Covenant promised Israel a restoration to the land and occupation of the land (Deuteronomy 30:1–10).

The Davidic Covenant promised Israel a king from David’s line who would rule forever—giving the nation rest from all their enemies (2 Samuel 7:10–13Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house.12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever.

At the second coming, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Israel is converted Zechariah 12:10–14 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; 13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; 14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart. 

Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

Israel shall be saved and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of the conditions during the millennium as a perfect environment physically and spiritually. It will be a time of peace (Micah 4:2–4 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.;

Isaiah 32:17–18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;),

It will be a time of Joy (Isaiah 61:7, For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. Isaiah 6:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.)

It will be a time of Comfort (Isaiah 40:1–2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

The Bible also tells us that only believers will enter the millennial kingdom. Because of this, it will be a time of obedience (Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

It will be a place of holiness (Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

There will be truth (Isaiah 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

And it will be full of  the knowledge of God (Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Christ will rule as king (Isaiah 9:3–7 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.; Isaiah 11:1–10 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Nobles and governors will also rule (Isaiah 32:1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jerusalem will be the political center of the world Zechariah 8:3 Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.

Revelation 20:2-7 gives the precise time period of the millennial kingdom…. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.

Even without these scriptures, there are countless others that point to a literal reign of the Messiah on the earth. The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rests on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid basis for denying the literal interpretation of the millennial kingdom and its duration being 1,000 years.  17:00

1. God’s Great Reset      2. The King is Coming

3.  God’s word to the planners of the man-made global reset…..  The Great Reset

Psalm 2:1-6   1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? Why do the nations plan rebellion? Why do people make their useless plots?  Why are the [a]nations in an [b]uproar [in turmoil against God], And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?

Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Their kings revolt, their rulers plot together against the Lord    and against the king he chose.  he kings of the earth take their stand;

And the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed (the Davidic King, the Messiah, the Christ), saying….

Psalm 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. The heathen are raging against God and against Israel and against the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ and His people.  “Let us free ourselves from their rule,” they say; “let us throw off their control.”  Let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint]  And cast away their cords [of control] from us.”

Got Questions.org says…..The problem with the acceptance and approval of any New World Order is that no government has ever offered, nor will it ever offer, real hope and peace for mankind. When man turns to government to provide worldwide peace and hope, he becomes disillusioned and enslaved by its false promises. History has proven time and again that no quasi-world empire has ever survived, simply because of its innate flaws of greed, corruption, and quest for power.

Those who desire the ushering in of a New World Order, whether secular or religious, are in for a rude awakening. The truth is that false religious teachings cannot bring utopia into being, regardless of man’s creativity and ingenuity. Only heaven brings lasting peace and happiness. The Bible makes it very clear that all things associated with this life on earth with its sufferings, its decay, its discontent, and death will continue with this physical life.  2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. It is also clear that all these things are completely unknown in the heavenly city. 

They will be done away with. Yes, hope is needed. But it is the hope of heaven we need, not the false hope of a New World Order.

Psalm 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

God laughs at them.  From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs and mocks their feeble plans.  He who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs [at their rebellion]; The [Sovereign] [c]Lord scoffs at them [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].

Psalm 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  Then he warns them in anger and terrifies them with his fury.  Then He will speak to them in His [profound] anger and terrify them with His displeasure, saying,

Psalm 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. “Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

1. God’s Great Reset  2. The King is Coming   3.  God’s word to the planners of the man-made global reset…..  28:04

8/23/2020

  2 Peter 1:4-10  How To Fortify Your Faith  Part One

Intro:  Once you are saved you cannot lose your salvation, but you can lose the joy of your salvation.  You can lose the power of your salvation.  You can lose the rewards of your salvation.  You can even lose the awareness of your salvation.  It can mean nothing to you.  The Bible tells us that some people have shipwrecked their faith.  1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:  Their faith is no longer useful to God.  But has crashed.  Not lost, but crashed.  The joy of the Lord is our strength.  We can have our joy restored our ship put back in the water again.  This passage tells us what we have to do to protect our faith from destruction.  1:00

1.  Precious Promises Provided

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: He has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value].  1 Corinthians 19:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 

I’ll tell you what is really precious in this world.  Of course, our children and grandchildren are precious.  Our extended family and friends are precious.  But there is something that is more precious than anything in the world….1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

2 Peter 1:4…..that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, so that by means of these precious promises you may come to share the divine nature. We are given the Holy Spirit that immerses us in Christ. And marks us as His particular possession.  Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Peculiar means very special people in this context.  Divine means “Godly” nature or nature of God.  We get that through faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:4 …having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. So that you may escape from the destructive lust, the immoral nature that is in the world, because of lustful desire of those who do whatever they want to do no matter how dark or sinful.    God has given us precious promises in His word so that we do not destroy our faith with our sinful actions.   1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  Sin cannot cleanse itself.  Evil does not become good on its own.  It has to be destroyed.  That’s why we must be BORN again.  We have to completely die to our sinful nature.   Christ makes us completely brand new people spiritually alive who were once dead in trespasses and sins.  10:00

1.  Precious Promises Provided  2.  Positive Additions

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence,For this very reason do your best, applying yourself. Give complete attention to these important things. make every effort] in [exercising] your faith.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.  Make every effort to do those things that will give you a heart that will make good, Godly decisions.  That’s what the following things will do.  Help us to prevent many heartaches and regrets and sinful traps that result is us being ineffective for Christ. 

In Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Paul’s list of fruits of the spirit are Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit that should be evident in anyone that has trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  These fruits of the Holy Spirit will be evident in their lives if they are living in the power of the Holy Spirit through continued faith and growth in Christ. 

Peter’s list is seven things to add to your faith, things to help you grow in your faith…..Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.

Both lists have temperance and love, Peter encourages virtue, knowledge, patience, godliness, and kindness to actively add to our faith so that we might continue to grow. 

I guess you could say that this is Peters list of works of the Spirit.   

2 Peter 1:5…. add to your faith virtue; to add goodness to your faith, develop moral excellence.

Paul has a list of the fruits of the Spirit. 

2 Peter 1:5….and to virtue knowledge;  add to your goodness and moral excellence, knowledge.  (insight, understanding) God has provided His word, His Holy Spirit  and godly teachers and preachers to help us learn and grow in our knowledge of Him.   2 Peter 3:8 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings….

2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; to your knowledge add self-control. 1 Corinthians 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  The spirits of prophets are ·under the control of and subject to the prophets themselves unlike in pagan religions, where a spirit would seize control of a speaker, causing frenzy, mania or ecstasy.  Self Control.

2 Peter 1:6…. and to temperance patience; add to your self-control add endurance and steadfastness. Self-control means mastering one’s emotions rather than being controlled by them.  1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  2 Timothy 2:3 thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  We are to be steadfast in our faith, able to endure the good times and the hard times, stable, consistent, faithful for which Jesus will reward us greatly for being faithful unto death. 

2 Peter 1:6 …..and to patience godliness; to your endurance, your steadfastness add godliness; Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  Godly means living our lives in such a way that people know we serve God.  We make decisions based on what God would want us to do or we consider the impact on our service, and our devotion for the Lord Jesus in everything we do. 

2 Peter 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; …to your godliness add Christian affection or brotherly affection and love.  Kindness.  Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  Being generous and considerate to others.  Thinking of others above yourself.  In this world today we don’t see much kindness but a lot of “me” and “I” and “get out of my way.”  “it’s mine.”  “you are hurting my feelings.”  “I hate you.”  “I want what’s mine.”  “What’s in if for me?”  “How does this affect me?”  The exact opposite of brotherly kindness. 

2 Peter 1:7 ….and to brotherly kindness charity; and to your Christian, brotherly affection develop Christian love. that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Unselfish love that puts others first.   1 John 4:20says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.” As Jesus taught in John 15:12–17, love involves serving one another, sharing with one another, and praying for one another.

2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you….These are the qualities you need in a life lived for Christ.

2 Peter 1:8 …. and abound they make you that ye shall neither be barren…. and if you have them in abundance, they will grow you toward spiritual maturity …. They will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. they will keep you from being useless.  2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 

2 Peter 1:8  ….nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The presence of the qualities listed in vv. 5–7marks a healthy Christian and assures productivity in our lives.  We know the fruits of the Spirit we don’t want to be Unfruitful ever!  Jesus wants to be known personally.  He is not afar

2 Peter 2:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:

Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God.  We are called to salvation and we are elected to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  19:00

1.  Precious Promises Provided   2.  Positive Preventions    3. Past Forgotten

2 Peter 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, For whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth.  Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

2 Peter 1:9 and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.and have forgotten become oblivious that you have been cleansed, purified from your past sins.  Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

This is a Christian who has become entangled with the world.  2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Christians who fall into sin are worse off in  this world because they become bitter, hateful, confused, and become entrapped and eventually God will take them out.  The church today has become entangled in LGBQTP agenda, Black Lives Matter, Evolution, due Biblical illiteracy.   The failure of pulpits to preach the gospel and give the whole counsel of God.

These are fruitless Christians.  There are more of them alive today than anytime in church history!  60% of Christians believe that there are other ways to heaven besides Jesus! Just because people promote something doesn’t mean it is the truth. 

The lack of fruitfulness (v. 8) in a believer’s life may be caused by two factors: blindness and forgetfulness. A shortsighted person is one who looks only at earthly and material values—what is close at hand—and does not see the eternal spiritual realities. Concerned only with this present life, such a person becomes blind to the things of God, forgetting the wonderful sense of cleansing that comes from turning oneself over to Christ. 

8/16/2020

Proverbs  The Ruin Of Riches

Intro: Jesus said we will always have the poor with us.  Let me also say …..we will always have the CCP Covid 19, Black Lives Matter, ANTIFA, rioting, looting, Cities falling apart, the LGBTQ agenda, and more I don’t have time to mention… with us.  It all will never end until Jesus returns.  Why?  Just follow the money.   Love of money and the power it brings is behind all of this. 

True happiness and contentment will never be found in a vaccine, the government, the CDC, or false security of money and power.  The only happiness we will ever find is in the Lord Jesus Christ! The only power is the Lord Jesus Christ!  Proverbs contains nine warnings about trusting in Riches.  I chose Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. and Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.  1:00

1. Socialism Is Described In the Bible

Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.   If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.  He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself, or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.

Socialism and Marxism.  Taking from the rich and giving to the poor so that the rich become richer and there are lots and lots more poor and a fewer wealthy elites. 

It does not work as the Bible tells us.  Everyone will come to want. Either they will all starve or will be starving for meaning to life and starving for hope and satisfaction with life.  See Venezuela, Cuba, Soviet Union which collapsed, China and of course the Nazi’s under Hitler.   

So the love of money leads to socialism in every way.  If you love money you are constantly harassing other to get more.  Harassing others to give you more.  Making sure you are keeping others down so you can have more.  The ladder to riches is MOST of the time requires stepping on others to get to the top.  And once you acquire it you become a socialist and Marxist in that you will oppress the poor to get richer and you will try to influence those who are rich so you can get theirs also.  Every rich person wants more and wants to have others to be at their service. 

So socialism is described in the Bible and that’s where we want to start this message so that there is a clear understanding that Socialism, Marxism, communism comes from the love of the lust for more money.  For money equals power and power equals domination over those YOU have made poor.  10:00

2. Don’t Trust In Riches

Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall…..

How much is rich?  You are rich when you have your needs met.  So I would say that mostly every American is truly rich.    You are too rich when you have your needs and most of your wants met and you begin to love and trust in your money and your things more than God. 

Matthew 6:19-24 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  This doesn’t mean don’t save and be conservative. It means don’t trust in your savings account, your property, your vacations, your cars and your toys to bring you happiness.  Very few rich men serve God.  There are of course exceptions.  But I don’t know many of the too rich who are rich toward God. 

Mark 10:21-25 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  Money can’t buy your way into heaven or make you more inclined to trust in God.  Why trust in God when you can buy what you need?

Luke 12:13-21 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.  Money does not mean a life that is all eat, drink and be merry forever.  The rich have their pleasures for sure.  But one things is for sure….you can’t buy salvation.  Ask the rich man in hell in Luke 15.

1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  Having riches do not necessarily mean God is blessing you.  He blesses with riches for sure.  But He won’t make you TOO rich.  I keep saying that TOO Rich.  We are all rich in America.  Being TOO rich is having your needs and wants met.  God only promised to meet our needs.  He wants us to enjoy the fruits of our labors of course. It’s alright to indulge yourself.  Didn’t Jesus make great wine at a wedding.  Didn’t He provide a feast for the four thousand and the five thousand?  Just indulging all the time is not good spiritually for it makes you a dull person with God.

1 Timothy 6:9-11 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

To whom much is given, much is expected.  I can’t imagine the burden of being TOO Rich.  You say, let me try that burden.  Think about it.  Everybody wants something from you.  Everybody expects you to pay.  Everybody wants to be your friend.  Everybody wants to take advantage of you.  Everybody wants to steal from you.  Everybody is jealous of you.  How do you invest it?  How to you manage it?  How do you make sure your money continues to work for you?  More money means more things and more distractions.  How do you keep up with all these things as they grow with more money?

I just want what I need and a little bit for a tiny few indulgences and I’m very happy. 

Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  TV preachers fleasing the flock.  Preachers get caught up in the money and wealth that can flow their way.  How many have fallen?  Almost all of them eventually will try to purchase more influence with more money given to them by their foolish flocks. 

Numbers 22.  Balaam is offered money to prophesy against Israel by Balak.  He refused to go but is persuaded by the offer and goes to meet Balak.  On the way he is met by an angel blocking the road that only his donkey sees and refuses to move.  Balaam whips the donkey and the donkey speaks in protest.  Then Balaam sees the angel and repents of going to Balak for money.  God allows him to go on to meet Balak who tries three time to get him to curse Israel but each time Balaam give a blessing to Israel. 

Balaam did give information to Balak that led to Israel’s curse at the Heresy of Peor which led to divine judgment against Israel.  So you see preaching for money was a problem back then.  Paul said that a servant is worth His hire.  Preachers should be paid if they devote full time to ministry.  But don’t make them too rich.  Baptist churches have always been know for this….”Lord you keep him humble…. we’ll keep him poor.”  19:00

3.  Righteousness Will Bring Success

Proverbs 11:28…..but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

He who leans on and trusts in and is confident in his riches will fall, But the righteous [who trust in God’s provision] will flourish like a green leaf.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Conversation means your actions. Let your actions be without wanting things but be content with what you have been given by God.  And the reason is that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us even if we lose everything on this earth. Good times and bad times we will have them both.  Be happy and contented for wWe will always have Him. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.  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’s grace is upon us so we take heart when we are going through bad times physically, or financially for when we are weakest that when Jesus shows up to help us like no other times.  And we can be content even in a bad government.  We can have peace and joy in the midst of political turmoil. 

Some other passages about money…..

Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:  8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: give me only what I need and give me only what you think is best for me. 

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.  He feared that things would draw his heart from God.  And that is true.  Riches and things will require time, time that we could have given to the Lord. 

Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.  If wages are fair and equitable don’t seek more.  If you agreed to work for an amount don’t seek more. 

Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.  Always wanted more makes people rotten in their spirit.  Selfish and dissatisfied people are awful to work with and work for. 

1 Timothy 2:1-3 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.  Sometimes we cannot lead a peaceable life because the government has not allowed us to pray, or preach or meet.  Civil Disobedience is Biblical.  Acts 5:29.  But it is the goal for all of us.  Pray, worship, be honest, be dependable, be a good citizen (if possible) mind your own business and you will be pleasing to God.  If you do these things you will automatically be the employee, the boss, the owner, the spouse, the child, the parent, the follower of Jesus that He would want you to be.

****Righteousness comes only through God placing Jesus Christ’s Righteousness on you…. 28:04

8/9/2020

Ruth 4: 14-17  The God who Cannot Fail

Intro: From Got Questions.org.  Ruth was “of the women of Moab” but was genetically linked to Israel through Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Ruth 1:4; Genesis 11:31; 19:37). Ruth lived in the time of the judges. She had married the son of an Israelite family while they were living in Moab, but at some point her father-in-law, her husband, and her husband’s only brother died. So Ruth had to make a decision whether to stay in Moab, her home, or to go with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a land she had never known—Judah.

Ruth loved her mother-in-law and had great compassion for her, seeing that she had lost not only her husband but both of her sons. Ruth’s sister-in-law, Orpah, made the choice to stay with her people in Moab, but Ruth could not bear to part from Naomi or from the God of Israel that she had come to know. Together, Ruth and Naomi made the journey back to Judah to the city of Bethlehem, where they decided to settle. Ruth’s testimony spread, and Boaz, the owner of a nearby field, heard of her faithfulness, as recorded in Ruth 2:11–12: And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. 12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. “

The custom of Israel was that a man was to take his deceased brother’s wife in order to continue the family line. Since Ruth’s husband’s only brother had also died, she and Naomi would have to take care of themselves. Ruth went out every day to glean fields to provide food for herself and Naomi. She found work in Boaz’s field, not knowing that he was a relative of Naomi’s. When Boaz returned home, he noticed Ruth and asked the man in charge of the reapers about her. The servant told Boaz about Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and her hard work in the fields. Boaz personally told Ruth to remain in his fields and stay close to the other women, also telling her that he’d warned the young men not to touch her and inviting her to drink freely of the water the men had drawn anytime she was thirsty (Ruth 2:8–9). Ruth responded in humility and appreciation, asking why he would show such favor to her, a foreigner, at which point Boaz told her he’d heard of her sacrifice for her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:10–13). Boaz continued to show her every courtesy, providing a meal to her and instructing his reapers to purposefully leave some grain behind for her to glean (Ruth 2:14–16).

When Ruth told Naomi where she had gleaned, Naomi was happy and told Ruth that Boaz was a close relative, a kinsman of Elimelech, Naomi’s husband; therefore, Boaz was qualified to become Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer. It was of the utmost importance in Israel to perpetuate the name of every family of Israel, so this gave Ruth the right to appeal to Boaz to fill that role. Naomi encouraged Ruth to continue gleaning in Boaz’s fields, which she did through the barley and wheat harvests (Ruth 2:18–23).

At the barley harvest, Naomi suggested that Ruth go to Boaz while he winnowed barley and essentially ask him to be her kinsman-redeemer. Ruth had an open mind and a teachable spirit, so she listened to her mother-in-law and did as she had requested (Ruth 3:2–5). Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions to the letter. Boaz responded favorably, but he knew of an even closer male relative who would be first in line to redeem Ruth and her family’s property. That man had to be consulted before Boaz could take Ruth as a wife. The very next day, Boaz met with the other relative, who legally relinquished all his rights to Ruth and Naomi’s property.

Ruth and Boaz soon married and had a son named Obed. The women of the land rejoiced, seeing the faithfulness of God.  7:00

1. God Saved Our Lives

Ruth 4:14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. The women said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord! He has given you a grandson today to take care of you. May the boy become famous in Israel! Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer (grandson, as heir) today, and may his name become famous in Israel.

God did not leave us without a kinsman redeemer.  A Savior.  A kinsman redeemer is like a savior to those who are left without hope for the future.  He gave us Jesus Christ to die for our sins and give us life both now and into the future..  Jesus name is the most famous name in the history of the world.  Not so much in Israel yet….

Ruth 4:15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age:
Naomi was lost without hope and in great despair.  But God brought her to life again.  Only God can bring hope, and life to the down trodden and discouraged.  And now she has given you a grandson, who will bring new life to you and give you security in your old age. May he also be to you one who restores life and sustains your old age;

Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Ruth 4:15 …..for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. Your daughter-in-law loves you, and has done more for you than seven sons..” for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Seven was considered a great blessing from God.  Seven is the number of blessing and fullness.

1 Samuel 16:10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. David was the eighth son of Jesse.

2 Kings 10:1 And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria.  

1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.

Job 1:2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

Here the close relative is not Boaz but his newborn son, the grandson of Naomi. The women praised God for His provision for Naomi. They offered a blessing for the child, asking that his fame be extended throughout Israel and that he would comfort Naomi and nourish her in her old age. Naomi’s emptiness had been replaced with fullness through the birth of this boy. Sons were considered a great reward, so for the women to state that Ruth is better to Naomi than seven sons was considerable praise for Ruth.

Though not her actual grandson because Boaz was her relative and Ruth’s kinsman redeemer the child was considered her grandson. 

Bottom line is that God saved not only Ruth but Naomi also and the whole world eventually through Jesus Christ the son of David.  God cannot fail and will not fail to save us.  14:00

1. God Saved Our Lives 2. God Fills Our Lives

Ruth 4:16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. Naomi took the child, held him close,[c] and took care of him. Then Naomi took the child and placed him in her lap, and she became his nurse.

Naomi got to care for the child and spend a great deal of time with him.  What a blessing to Naomi who had lost so much in her life.  God fills out lives here and of couse in the world to come.  This story is about Ruth but as much about Naomi who was lost with no hope.  A God sent a man named Boaz who gave life to both Ruth and Naomi.  What a symbol of the great kinsman redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ.  Who hath come from seemingly nowhere to provide for us salvation and blessing and joy!

God fills us with comfort  2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

God fills our lives to the brim with blessings we cannot even contain if we really thought about them.  God cannot and will not fail to fill our lives with blessings and honor and glory if we trust in Him.  20:00

1 God Saved Our Lives 2 God Fills Our Lives 3. God Fulfills His Promises

Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David. The women of the neighborhood named the boy Obed. They told everyone, “A son has been born to Naomi!” Obed became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. The neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “A son (grandson) has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed (worshiper). He is the father of Jesse, the father of David [the ancestor of Jesus Christ].

The theme of Naomi’s fullness continues to dominate as the neighbor women declared that a child was born to Naomi. His name was Obed, signifying “One Who Serves.” The author at last reveals how Ruth, a Moabite woman, had become part of the royal Davidic line and, thus, the messianic line in

Matthew. 1:5-16. 5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

 6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

 7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

 8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

 9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

 10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

 11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

 12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

 13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

 14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

 15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

 16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

There you have it.  God took the despair and turning into glorious victory.  When people follow the will of God and do the right things live for Him it always leads to Jesus Christ.   This was not a Jewish woman.  She was a gentile and her life led to Christ. 

He promised great things if we would search for Him as Ruth searched for and trusted in her kinsman redeemer which represents Christ.  He promised that He would save us if we trust in Him.  He promised us salvation from the penalty of sin if we would trust in Him.  He promised us eternal life and a good end if we would trust in Him.   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.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected (good) end.

God keeps His promises to us.  He can not fail to do that or He is not God.  He will not fail us nor forsake us and it’s all because of His word.  Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Because God cannot fail, those who trust in Him cannot fail.  We may be beaten, fired, silenced, charged, arrested, thrown in jail, executed, die from sickness, lose our health and the ones we love, but we cannot fail in the end.  For we shall LIVE AGAIN!  He promised to bring us to Himself and reward us for our faithfulness to Him!  How can we lose?  We cannot lose for He died for us and gives us the victory! 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  27:00

Conclusion:

1 God Saved Our Lives 2 God Fills Our Lives 3. God Fulfills His Promises

The God who cannot fail will not fail you!  28:04

8/2/2020 

Romans 13:1—7 Christian Citizenship Adrian Rogers

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Intro:  Human government is ordained of God.   God sets up kings and brings kings down.  God ordains even wicked rulers.  Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

God takes them down and God puts them up.   Nebuchadnezzer ruler of Bablylon one of the most powerful kings in world history.  Daniel was in the court of Nebuchadne  Daniel 2:23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

He was not a godly king.  God judged him as he crawled around on all fours eating grass like an animal. 

Another king.  Pharoah.  God gave his kingdom to him.  Pharoah was wicked, malelovant, anti-god, cruel and a murderer of little babies.  Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.  God said I’m going to show my power through you Pharoah. 

Remember Pilate?  He washed his politician hands and said I am innocent of the blood of this just man.  But it was Pilate said to Jesus don’t you know who I am?  I have the power to release you?  John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Even Pilate who allowed Jesus to be crucified had not power unless God gave it to them.  God allowed these wicked men to have power. 

Who was in power when Paul wrote this?  Nero and Rome. Ceasar if you will.  They had the power.  They had no democracy.  Christians were disenfranchised.  They had no political power.  As a matter of fact they would not say “ceasar is lord” so their faith was illegal.   And yet the apostle Paul still wrote that the powers that be are ordained of God. 

Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. The Bible says that if you resist the authorities in Romans 13:2 You are resisting God.  Because it is God that set them up.  I know what you are thinking. Well wait a minute are you saying some wicked king, some fat toad sitting upon a throne can tell me what to do and I am to do it contrary to the word and the will of God?  Well hold on to that thought and and we’ll get to that thought.   But now listen to me.  God ordains human government for two reasons.  4:00

1. To restrain evil.  Romans 13:3-4For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

You cannot legislate morality.  There is not a law on earth that can make you moral.  That’s the reason we have to have laws that legislate against immorality.  Laws can’t make you good. Governments can’t make you good.  Only God can make you good.  Government is here to restrain evil.  There is not a law on earth to make you love me. But we have to have one to keep you from killing me.  There is not a law on earth to make you honest.  So we have to have laws to keep you from stealing.  There is not a law on earth that can keep you from lying.  So we have to have laws to keep you honest.  You cannot legislate morality but you can legislate against immorality.  It’s about time we said a good word about the policeman.  I’m sick and tired of policement being put upon.  Governments are to legislate against immorality

A policemen is many things. He is a son, a brother, a father, an uncle and sometimes even a grand father.  He is a protector in time of need and a comforter in time of sorrow.  His job calls for him to be a diplomat, a psychologist, a lawyer, a friend and an inspiration.   He suffers from an overdose publicity about brutality and dishonesty and racism.  He suffers far more from the notoriety that is produced from unfounded charges.  To often acts of heroism go unnoticed and the truth is buried under all the criticism.  The fact is less that one half of one percent of policemen ever discredit their uniform.  That’s a better average you will find among clergymen.   A policeman is an ordinary guy who is called upon to extraordinary bravery for us!!!  His job may sometimes seem routine but the interruptions can be moment of stark terror!  He is the man who faces a half crazed gunman, rescues a lost child, challenges a mob and risks his neck more than we realize.  He deserves our respect and profound thanks.  A policemen stand between the law abider and the law breaker.   He is the prime reason your home hasn’t been burned, your family abused and your business looted.  Try to imagine what would happen if there were no policemen around.  And then think of ways to make their job rewarding.  Show them the respect that they deserve.  Offer them a smile and a kind word.  See that they don’t have to be magicians to raise their families on less that adequate salaries.  We think that policemen are great.  We thank God for all the little boys who said they wanted to be a policeman when they grow up kept their promise and became one. 

He is the minister of God to thee for good.  He is there to restrain evil.  And the Bible says that he bears the sword, the sword is an instrument of death.  Sometimes the government in order to restrain evil must take life.   I want you to listen to me… the scripture that says thou shalt not kill Exodus 20:13.  This means thou shalt do no murder. Thou shalt take no personal vengeance.  The same God who wrote Exodus 20:13 also wrote Exodus 21:12.   The same Bible. Chapter after Chapter.  One says commit no murder and another says if you commit murder you ought to be put to death.  

Why is this?  The Bible says in Genesis 9:6  murder is killing but all killing is not murder.  Man in the image of God.  The God who made life is the God who can take the life that He created.  And God has His ordained ministers to do His work for Him.  The civil magistrate.  You may say that this is cruel and not love.  I don’t ever presume to be more loving than God.   If you don’t believe Genesis 9:6 if you get to heaven then you can take it up with God.  God is love.  The coddling of the murderer is really cruelty to the community. Don’t think that you are more wise and loving than God Himself.  People say well capital punishment is not stopping murder.  Well in some cases it is.  I want to tell you that Henry the 8^th pardoned a murderer one time.  And that murderer after having been pardoned got out and murdered again.  They came back to Henry the 8^th and they said Henry pardon him again.  Henry said Oh no he killed the first man and I killed the second man.  He won’t kill anymore. And Henry put him to death.  It does inhibit some from killing again. Some say God is too good to punish sin.  No, God is too good NOT to punish sin.  If you think God is too good to punish sin ask this question who crucified Jesus?  The Romans soldiers were the instruments of the cross, the Jews hounded Jesus to the cross, but it was God the father who killed God the Son.  He had Jesus put to death.  he poured out His wrath upon His Son. Why? Because Jesus was standing in our place.   He was my substitute.  He took the death that I should have died.  The wages of sin is death.  Jesus took my cross.  Capital punishment at the hands of almighty God. 

Exodus 20 says don’t kill, Exodus 21 says kill the murder, Exodus 22:2-3  says if someone comes into your home at night and you don’t know what his intentions are you can kill him.  But you cannot kill him in daylight you cannot kill him until you find out what his intentions are.  The Bible teaches that there are times that nations ought to step up as well as individuals.   Was it wrong to stand against Hitler?  Was it wrong to stand against Stalin?  Is it wrong to stand against this kind of wickedness?  9:00

2.  To reward Good.  Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

The framers of the constitution were soaked in the word of God. They wrote that we are to promote the general welfare.  Not to provide the general welfare.  Promote the general welfare and provide the common defense.  See how wise they were. Where did they get that? Right out of the word of God!  That is the reason for human government. 

What are our rights and our responsibilities?  Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

We have responsibility to God that overrides any other responsibility but we do have responsibilities to human government.  11:00

Matthew 22:17-21 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Is it right to pay tribute to Ceasar?  Jesus asked for a coin.  Whose picture and whose inscription on the coin.  Give to Cesar the things to Cesar and to God the things that are Gods.

Everyone says that separation of church and state is in the constitution.  NO it is not.  The idea is based on the 1^st amendment of the constitution.   Congress shall make no laws respecting the establishment of religion…..or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.   That is exactly what Jesus was saying.  Render to ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s and unto God the things that are Gods. 

There is never ever to be according to our constitution, no separation between God and the government.  All men are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights.  Rights don’t come from the government, but from God.  Therefore in America we put “in God we trust” on our coins.  We pledge “one nation under God…”  Another reason they are getting rid coins.  Did you ever think about that?  Abraham Lincoln said it is the duty of nations as well as men to own their dependence upon overruling power of God.   No state mandated church or religion.  We don’t want a state church, but a free church!  I’d be as much afraid of a Baptist pope as any other kind!  We want the government free to do what it can and should do and the church to be free to do what it can and should do!

The government is to restrain evil and the church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The government is not the master of the church, the church is not the servant of the state, or the master of the state but the conscience of the state. 

Ungodly people always want to separate God and the government.  Let me tell you that you have Six duties as a Christian citizen.  14:00

Six duties you have as a Christian Citizen:

1.  Pay for your government   Romans 13:6-7 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Pay your taxes.  Jesus had Peter cast a hook in the sea and paid his taxes.  A Government is on its last legs when half the people think the other half ought to take care of them And the other half says its no good to work and give what I’ve worked for to someone else. 

Excessive taxes are sinful and dangerous.  15:00

2.  Pray for our government

1 Timothy 2:1-3   I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Pray for wicked and well as good leaders.  God can change, or overrule a leader.  Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord.  The Church house is the most powerful part of our government not the white house.   16:00

3. Praise our Government. 

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Patriotism is not a bad thing.  When our government is good, praise our government.  1 Peter 2:17 says Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

This is my land.  This is my native land.  I love my family in a way that I don’t love your family.  I love both but differently.  It’s my family.  There was patriotism in the Bible.  Love of the fatherland is NOT wrong.   The Psalmist said “oh Jerusalem if I forget thee let my right hand lose her cunning.  We are to give honor to whom honor is due.  18:00

4. Preach to our Government

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues…

Praise when they do right and preach when they do wrong. 

God’s people dare not be silent.   We should not identify the Christian faith with the democrat or the republican party.  We need to be free to tell both parties to repent and get right with God.  We will be civil, but we won’t be silent.  Nathan preached to David.  Elisha preached to Ahab, Eliazor preached to Jehosophat, Daniel preached to Nebuchadnezzar.  Moses preached to Pharoah, John the Baptist warned Herod.  As long as they are killing babies and practicing infanticize, I will not be silent. As long as they are endorsing and normalizing sexual perversion and same sex marriage I will not be silent, as long as they are ignoring and destroying the Biblical based, constitution I will not be silent.   What is morally wrong is not politically right! As long as the government tells us we cannot meet I will not be silent! 

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Paul appealed to the government of Rome Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.. 

Paul stood up for his rights.  Acts 16:36-38  And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.  37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.  38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

Jesus stood up against the Pharasaic Jewish leadership.  While Jesus never disobeyed Rome per say, He did claim to be a king and would never call Ceasar Lord. And obviously the Romans crucified Him for what they felt was civil disobedience.

Jesus also stood up against those who were taking advantage of the poor and turning God’s house to a place of merchandise to benefit the thieves.  Matthew 21:12-13   And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

There is a time to stand up against tyranny for the sake of those who are weaker and the affect if will have on them. We are a government by the people, for the people so it is our government.  This government is not Caesar.  We have a say because this is our country and we have a Christian obligation to stand up for OUR freedoms that OUR constitution guarantees us or we will lose them and our children and grandchildren will suffer for it.  23:00

5 Participate in our government 

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Jesus said give to ceasar the things that are ceasars and to God the things that belong to God. To God is our highest. 

We don’t have a Ceasar as they did then you when you read a scripture you Ask yourself when you read a scripture what did it mean then?  And How does it apply today? And how does it apply to me personally? 

What is our Ceasar? What is our government?  Our government is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.  I’m telling you that if you do not participate in YOUR government you have not rendered to ceasar the things that belong to YOUR ceasar.   If for example you do not vote, you do not inform yourself in my estimation you have disobeyed the Lord.  It is inconceivable that God would have ordained human government and told His people to stay out of it.   If that is true who does that leave to run it?  We as Christians are to participate not on the basis of parties or persons or politics or policies but Biblical principles.  We are to be informed.  Pastor this is a church why don’t you do something Biblical?  That’s what I am doing!             Get involved in your government by staying informed, voting, running for office, and stand up for your rights.  25:00

6. Also we are to persuade our government

We are not here to start riots and kill and unbeliever for Jesus.  Our government is a Constitutional Republic.  A representative rule by law.  But all America is based on public opinion.  The only hope for America is to change public opinion. The only things that can change public opinion is the word of God.  We’ve got to get the Bible out. 

Friend we not going to OUT ARGUE these people.  They are blind they don’t see it.  And they are selfish and full of greed.  They’ve got to know Jesus Christ.  We have got to persuade them.  Take them back one at a time and win souls to Jesus Christ.  That’s where the power is.  It’s not political influence that we need.  It is the power of God that we need and if we change America we will change it’s politics and it’s opinions.    AMEN!

  

Be a Christian Citizen but our real citizenship is in heaven.  Are you a citizen of that country? 28:04

 
 7/12/2020

1 Corinthians 6 Saints and Aint’s

Intro: This day we live in is full of hypocrisy and deceit.  Just as Jesus said it would be in the last days.  What celebrity today is really what they say they are?  What politician today is what they really say they are?  There is so much confusion as people flip flopping back and forth on their morals and their beliefs.  All of sudden in the last four years everyone has become racists.  All of sudden everyone in the last four years has become homophobic.  Explain something to me…..Everyone believes the government lies to them.  Everyone believes that!  Everyone even the most wicked believes that God cannot and will not lie.  Yet we believe the government and what they tell us about CCP virus and fail to listen to the word of God when He says to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together! The Bible we are either in or out believer or not a believer, saved or lost.  There is no waffling and going back and forth.  You are either a saint or an aint! 1:00

1. Righteous Saints

1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? If any of you have a dispute with another Christian, how dare you go before heathen judges instead of letting God's people settle the matter? Does any one of you, when he has a [a]complaint (civil dispute) with another [believer], dare to go to law before unrighteous men (non-believers) instead of [placing the issue] before the saints (God’s people)?

2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? Well, then, if you are to judge the world, aren't you capable of judging small matters? Do you not know that the saints (God’s people) will [one day] judge the world? If the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent [c]to try trivial (insignificant, petty) cases?

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more, then, the things of this life! Do you not know that we [believers] will judge angels? How much more then [as to] matters of this life?  9:00

1. Righteous Saints  2. Unrighteous Aint’s

9Know 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,

Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; [d]neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [by perversion], nor [e]those who participate in homosexuality,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God's Kingdom.  nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers [whose words are used as weapons to abuse, insult, humiliate, intimidate, or slander], nor swindlers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Some of you were like that. But you have been purified from sin; you have been dedicated to God; you have been put right with God by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. And such were some of you [before you believed]. But you were washed [by the atoning sacrifice of Christ], you were sanctified [set apart for God, and made holy], you were justified [declared free of guilt] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God [the source of the believer’s new life and changed behavior].  17:00

1. Righteous Saints  2. Unrighteous Aint’s   3. Holy Ghost Saints

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 

Why do we do what we do?  We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ!  So our body belongs to Him.  We are the temple of today.  The Lord dwelt in a temple made with hands in the Old Testament.  Since Pentecost the Holy Spirit dwells in a temple not made with hands the human body that has been born again!  We are Holy Ghost saints for He dwells in us. 

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory.  You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.

We were bought with a price the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! So we glorify God with our bodies.  That is we take them where He wants to go.  We say what He wants us to say.  We think what He wants us to think.  We eat what He wants us to eat.  We hear what He wants us to hear.  And in the Spirit of Christ there is perfect liberty.  We are freed from the power and subjection to the bondage of sin.  In Christ we are free to be who He wants us to be and that is who we always will find peace and complete joy.  Saints have it all!  Aint’s Aint got nuthin!  25:00

Conclusion:

1. Righteous Saints  2. Unrighteous Aint’s   3. Holy Ghost Saints

Saints and Aint’s

From time to time we have ant’s show up in our homes don’t we?  They way to kill ants is to get these little baits.  The worker ants that come to our kitchen counters looking to food to take back to the nest.  It’s a brilliant plan.  Because Ants are totally unsuspecting what is happening to them they will take the bait to the nest and in three days kill their own nest. That is what Satan is doing today.  He is taking His lies and His deceit and getting his followers to take it to the unsuspecting herds of people.  They feed the lies to the people every day through the media and social media.  And in three days they are convinced of their lies they turn to hatred and violence and more deceit.  People are destroyed.  Destroyed mentally, physically and spiritually.  That is how to destroy a nation. Turn them against God and then turn them against each other.  Be a wise saint not an Aint.  Be full of God’s spirit of peace and joy.  Be controlled by the Spirit of God not the Spirit of the enemy.  Be a saint not an aint.  28:04

6/28/2020 

Revelation 3:14-22  The Last Days Church

Intro:  Laodicea was 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 90 miles east of Ephesus. It was a wealthy city with thriving banks, a textile industry, and a medical school. The city was also known for its sparse water supply. All of these characteristics are played upon in Christ’s message to the church. This is the last of the seven churches described in Revelation.   This is the only one of the seven churches to receive no commendations at all.  Are we that church?  Is this the last days church.  I think so.  1:00

1. God Knows His Church

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:“This is the message from the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the origin[a] of all that God has created.  To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in [e]Laodicea write:“These are the words of the Amen, the trusted and faithful and true Witness, the [f]Beginning and Origin of God’s creation:

John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

 I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! ..‘I know your deeds, that you are [g]neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were [h]cold or hot.

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. Cold water is refreshing; hot water is useful for medical purposes. Lukewarm water is neither. By analogy, the works of the Laodicean church made Christ want to vomit the believers out of His mouth. In very vivid terms, the Lord rejects the halfhearted efforts of self-satisfied Christians.

1. God Knows His Church  2.  The Cure For The Self Sufficient Church

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;

You say, ‘I am rich and well off; I have all I need.’ Because you say, “I am rich, and have prospered and grown wealthy, and have need of nothing,”

Revelation 3:17…..and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:  But you do not know how miserable and pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind.  and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked [without hope and in great need],

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy also some ointment to put on your eyes, so that you may see. I counsel you to buy from Me gold that has been heated red hot and refined by fire so that you may become truly rich; and white clothes [representing righteousness] to clothe yourself so that the shame of your nakedness will not be seen; and healing salve to put on your eyes so that you may see.

The Laodicean church was spiritually self-deluded. Because the church was wealthy it assumed that it had need of nothing, when in actuality it was spiritually impoverished. The church believed that because it had expensive garments it was well-clothed, when it was really spiritually naked. It believed that physical sight indicated the ability to see spiritually, when it was actually blind to spiritual realities

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will].

God’s love for His children manifests itself in rebuke and chastening when they go astray (vv. 15–18). The intent of the Lord’s discipline is in Hebrews 12:10 For 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.). The proper response to God’s loving discipline is to repent (to change our wrong outlook) and be zealous to move away from a dangerous, lukewarm spiritual state. These believers needed to change their perspective and seek the spiritual riches of the ultimate Overcomer.

1. God Knows His Church  2.  The Cure For The Self Sufficient Church 

3. There Is Hope For People in This Church

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.

I stand at the door and knock pictures the Lord Jesus seeking entrance into His own church for the purpose of renewed fellowship. Though it is often understood as Christ knocking at the door of an individual unbeliever’s heart, the context makes this not likely.  It is clear that individuals in this church can repent and either leave this church or help bring about change. 

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on his throne. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.

To him who overcomes: The promises to the faithful Christian reach a climax as the believer shares the actual throne with Christ. Those who share Christ’s victorious experience on earth will have a victory similar to His. The victory of Christ led to His present position at the right hand of God in heaven, while the victory of believers leads to the privilege of sharing Christ’s own earthly throne

throne (see 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; Luke 19:16–19 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.  18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.  ; 2 Tim. 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. Jesus Christ overcame by humble obedience, even to the point of death (see Phil. 2:6–8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  ). As a result, the Lord Jesus sat down … on His throne and will be highly exalted (see Phil. 2:9–11  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Just as Christ overcame through faithful obedience, a believer today who overcomes by humble, obedient faith will sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 20:4, 6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

God’s purpose in the church is to raise up coheirs who will share Christ’s authority in His kingdom. These coheirs must overcome as Christ did by persevering in the faith despite suffering (see Rom. 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  ; 2 Tim. 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:).

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!”  He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have Overcome the world."

1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have Overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”   27:00

Conclusion:

1. God Knows His Church  2.  The Cure For The Self Sufficient Church 

3. There Is Hope For People in This Church

Let me close with 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.”

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
Mark 13:6-23  The Best Time To Be Alive?

Intro:  I say that all the time that today is the greatest time in history to be alive.  But is it really?  I still think so for the believer in Christ but for some it’s not going to be so grand.  Jesus is speaking to the Jews. This is not for the church.  Tribulation is for the Jews.  Jesus gives a state of the world just before the tribulation and during the tribulation.  1:00

1. Trials—Just Before Tribulation and during the first half of the Tribulation end at 7:00

6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will fool many people.  Many will come in My name [misusing My name or claiming to be the Messiah], saying, ‘I am He!’ and will deceive and mislead many.  The Best Time To Be Alive? Really?  Really.

False Teaching going on today and just before the anti-Christ claims to be God at the midpoint of the tribulation.   Matthew 24:4 says And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

And don't be troubled when you hear the noise of battles close by and news of battles far away. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come.   When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed (frightened, troubled); these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

Wars and rumors of war.  Intensifies as we near the end of the age.  The Best Time To Be Alive?

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. 

Luke 21:11 says… And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.  Matthew 24:7 says For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Now we know that nations are and will continue to fight each other; kingdoms, ethnic groups will attack one another. There will be earthquakes everywhere, and there will be famines. These things are like the first pains of childbirth.   For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These things are the beginning of the [c]birth pangs [the intolerable anguish and suffering].

Summary……..

Nation vs nation

Kingdom vs kingdom

Earthquakes in various places

Famines

Troubles

Pestilences

Fearful sights

Signs from heaven

Best time to be Alive?  I still believe so. 

Sorrows in verse 8 means the sorrow of Birth pangs.  We are seeing the birth pangs of these things going on now.  They will be birthed full force during the tribulation period.  The Best Time To Be Alive? 7:00

2. Persecution—2^nd half of the Tribulation summary  end at 14:00

IN the 2^nd half of the tribulation the Beast, false Prophet and Satan focus their energies to destroying Jews so that Christ cannot establish His Kingdom. 

9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

You- Jews, yourselves must watch out. You will be arrested and taken to court. You will be beaten in the synagogues; you will stand before rulers and kings for my sake to tell them the Good News.    But be on your guard; they will turn you over to courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand [as accused] before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.  Luke 21:15 says For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

This is Persecution of Jews for most but not all Christians will be dead before the mid-point of the tribulation.  The 144,000 continue to preach throughout the tribulation period.  This has been the past, the present and the future of the Jews. 

10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

But before the end comes, the gospel must be preached to all peoples.  The gospel [that is, the good news regarding the way of salvation] must first be preached to all the [Gentile] nations.

This will occur during the tribulation with the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists throughout all seven years. 

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

When they take you and turn you over [to the court], do not worry beforehand about what to say, but say whatever is given to you [by God] in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit [who will speak through you].

Persecution of Jews and Christians during the first half of the tribulation and Jews only in the 2^nd half.

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

Men will hand over their own brothers to be put to death, and fathers will do the same to their children. Children will turn against their parents and have them put to death.      And when you are arrested and taken to court, do not worry ahead of time about what you are going to say; when the time comes, say whatever is then given to you. For the words you speak will not be yours; they will come from the Holy Spirit.   Brother will betray brother to [be put to] death, and a father [will hand over] his child; and children will rise up and take a stand against parents and have them put to death.

Family betrayal and desinigration of the family.  This is going on now but will be worse during the tribulation.

13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: ( Luke 21:18 says But there shall not an hair of your head perish.)  but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.    You will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but the one who [patiently perseveres empowered by the Holy Spirit and] endures to the end, he will be saved. 

Hatred Of Christians

Tribulation hatred of Christians by the anti-Christ.  He will kill every Christian that he can find in the first half.  These are the millions that cry for vengeance in Revelation.  Endures to the end of the tribulation are those Jews and believers in the 2^nd half who Christ will spare so that He can establish His kingdom for one thousand years.  1/3 of Jews will survive the tribulation.  Despite his best efforts the Beast cannot get to God’s people.  14:00

3. Awful Horror—The beginning of 2^nd Half of the Tribulation  end at 20:00

14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Jesus said that this event actually marks the midpoint of the tribulation.  You will see ‘The Awful Horror’ standing in the place where he should not be.” (Note to the reader: understand what this means!) “Then those who are in Judea must run away to the hills.      But when you see the [d]abomination of desolation standing [in the temple sanctuary] where it ought not to be (let the [e]reader understand) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

Abomination of Desolation Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11, Mark 13:19, Jeremiah 30:7

Midpoint of the Tribulation actually begins with this according to Daniel 9:27. 

15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

Someone who is on the roof of a house must not lose time by going down into the house to get anything to take along.     Whoever is on the housetop must not go down [to enter the house], or go inside to take anything out of his house;

16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

Someone who is in the field must not go back to the house for a cloak.      whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.

17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

How terrible it will be in those days for women who are pregnant and for mothers with little babies!      And woe to those women who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

Jesus magnifies the terrible time it will by when He says to pray to God that these things will not happen in the winter!     Pray that it will not occur in winter,

19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Jesus say that the trouble of those days will be far worse than any the world has ever known from the very beginning when God created the world until the present time. Nor will there ever be anything like it again.      for at that time there will be such tribulation as has not occurred, from the beginning of the creation which God made, until now—and never will [be again].  Luke 21:26 says Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Jesus explains the mercy of God as the Lord will reduce the number of those days; if he had not, nobody would survive. For the sake of his chosen people, however, he has reduced those days.     And if the Lord had not shortened the days, no human life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose [for Himself], He shortened the days. 20:00

4. Preparing for This Terrible Time end at 27:00

A warning.  Jesus warns that false messiahs and miracle workers will appear just before the tribulation and during the first half of the tribulation for at the second half the beast declares that he is God and the false prophet will be the miracle workers and deceivers. 

21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

Jesus points out to them that if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’—do not believe it.      Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it;

22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Jesus tells them that false Messiahs and false prophets will appear. They will perform miracles and wonders in order to deceive even God's chosen people, if possible.      for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will provide signs and wonders in order to deceive, if [such a thing were] possible, even the elect [those God has chosen for Himself].  First half of the tribulation.  For in the second half the Beast declares he is God.

23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Jesus warns them to be on your guard! I have told you everything ahead of time.     But be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.  The Best Time to be alive is now.  27:00

Conclusion:

The best time to trust in Jesus Christ is now!!!

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

Ezekiel 18:20 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.

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

3/1/2020

Mark Spence 

Revelation 21

Judges 18:30-31 What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

Intro:"What can we learn from the account of Micah and the idol in Judges?"

Answer: Judges 17 and 18 record the story of a man named Micah who built a shrine and worshiped human-made idols. (This man should not to be confused with the prophet Micah.) Obviously, what Micah did was wrong. The author of the Book of Judges includes the story in order to teach us some lessons.

First, it is clear that worshiping idols stands in opposition to God’s commands. The first of the Ten Commandments reads, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

Second, external religious actions are not enough; faith in the true God is required. Micah was certainly zealous. He built a shrine, made an ephod to use in religious activities, and fashioned some household idols. He was excited to have hired his own, personal priest: “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest” (Judges 17:13). However, Micah’s actions were not based on the teachings of God’s Word. He sought to serve God the way he wanted, not the way God had commanded.

Third, false beliefs lead to wrong actions. When the people of Dan inquired concerning a place to settle, Micah’s priest told them what they wanted to hear: “Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval” (Judges 18:6). Yet the Danites’ journey was a violent one that resulted in the destruction of a peaceful town.

Fourth, sinful actions by one person can have a long-term impact. The closing verses of this account leave us with these words: Judges 18:30–31 “30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. 31 And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.”  Micah’s false gods led to false worship among an entire tribe of Israel for several generations. We may not think our sinful actions hurt others, yet they do. They can even leave a long-term negative impact on entire communities for years to come.  This is the focus of our message today.  What Kind of God Do You Prefer?  3:00

1.  Dan Preferred The Image of God  

30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: The Danites set up THE idol to be worshiped, The [tribe of] the sons of Dan set up THE image [of silver-plated wood] for themselves;

The graven image was not of a false god, but God had forbidden the making of graven images. Jonathan was the idolatrous priest of this group of vicious men. It seems, Jonathan and his sons were the priests here for a very long time.  Dan Preferred The Image of God because they were still steeped in pagan traditions and wanted to please everyone.   What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

The tribe of Dan was the group of people who descended from the fifth son of Jacob, Dan. Dan’s mother was Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Dan’s younger brother was Naphtali.   Jacob went on to have twelve sons who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. The history of the tribe of Dan is especially instructive to us in that it contains multiple examples of the tendency of people to follow man-made religion over biblical faith in God.  Dan Preferred The Image of God because they didn’t want to offend anyone.

As the Israelites came into the land of Canaan, by lot certain areas of territory were assigned to each tribe. The tribe of Dan was given a tract of land that was smaller than the other land grants but was fertile and also had a boundary along the Mediterranean Sea where there was fishing and commerce available to them.  Dan Preferred The Image of God so they could appear as religious and followers of God.  What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

However, the tribe of Dan never fully conquered this area as a result of a lack of faith in God. This was true of the other tribes as well, as the early chapters of the book of Judges clearly teach, and led to a time during the period of Judges where it was said, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 18:1–31 tells the story of the people of Dan falling into idolatry. They also did not like the territory that was theirs, so they sent out spies to find a better area. In the north, some representatives of Dan learned of an area where a peaceful group of people lived. The tribe of Dan took things into their own hands and wiped out the people of that land so they could then move the entire tribe up to a region close to the sources of the Jordan River, just south of present-day Lebanon. There they established their main city and called it Dan.  Dan Preferred The Image of God so that they could feel good about themselves.  What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

Later in the history of the Hebrews, the kingdom was divided after the reign of Solomon. The kingdom split into Israel’s ten tribes in the north and Judah’s two in the south. The people of Dan were in the northern kingdom of Israel. We learn in 1 Kings 12:25–33 that King built two additional altars for the people of his nation to worship. He established worship in the south at Bethel and in the north at Dan. He built a golden calf at each location and instituted special days and feasts when people would meet. Sadly, this man-made worship at Dan has been one of its lasting legacies.   Dan Preferred The Image of God so that they could have good luck.  What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

Today, many people follow various man-made religions and are convinced that all ways lead to God. Unfortunately, these groups follow the ways of the tribe of Dan. Proverbs 16:25 tells us that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Jesus taught that the way to God was specific when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6). John 3:36 teaches that “he who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” To learn from the mistakes of Dan would be to worship the God of the Bible alone and live for Him by faith.  Dan Preferred The Image of God instead of the true God because they thought that would get them closer to God.  10:00

1.  Dan Preferred The Image of God     2.  Where Were The Men Of God At This Time?

and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. and Jonathan, the son of Gershom and grandson of Moses, served as a priest for the Danites, and his descendants served as their priests until the people were taken away into exile.  And Jonathan the son of Gershom, the grandson of [c]Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity and exile from the land.    

Where Were The Men Of God At This Time? Serving this idol of the image of God.  It was a form of godliness but denied the power thereof.   There is an unnamed priest of chapter 17 is now identified as “Jonathan”, a descendant of “Gershom”, Moses’ “son”.

 “The son of Manasseh”: Some manuscripts say “son of Manasseh”, others “son of Moses”, which may be more probable as Gershom was a son of Moses (Exodus 2:22; 18:3). This idolatrous priestly service continued until the captivity. This is most likely:  Where Were The Men Of God At This Time?  They approved of the image of God and lead these people for a long time.   You might say and it appears that there was NO man of God for the tribe of Dan.   What Kind of God Do You Prefer? A God that you invent?

(1) The captivity of Israel by Assyria in 722 B.C. (2 Kings 15:29; 17:1-6); or possible

(2) The Philistine captivity of the ark from Shiloh (in Samuel 4:11; see Judges 18:31).

Where Were The Men Of God At This Time? they were leading their people into disaster.  Because there was NO true man of God.   What Kind of God Do You Prefer? A God who is your God or the God of the Bible?  19:00

1.  Dan Preferred The Image of God     2.  Where Were The Men Of God At This Time?

3. Who Took the Image Down?

Judges 18:31 And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.”  Micah's idol remained there as long as the Tent where God was worshiped remained at Shiloh.  So they set up for themselves Micah’s [silver-plated wooden] image which he had made, and kept it throughout the time that the house (tabernacle) of God was at Shiloh.  Who Took the Image Down? Answer…No ONE!!  What Kind of God Do You Prefer? They preferred their fake God.

 “Shiloh” Israel’s early religious center, Shiloh”, a town in the territory of Ephraim, served as Israel’s religious center during the days before the establishment of the United Kingdom. It was located about 10 miles northeast of Beth-el to the east of the Jerusalem-Nablus road. Shiloh was the administrative and religious center for the Israelite tribes during the early settlement period. There the tabernacle was set up and it was there that the distribution of the land by lots took place, the Levites were assigned their cities, and the 10 tribes gathered to consider the plight of the tribes on the east side of the Jordan. Hannah prayed for a son at Shiloh. The tabernacle, with the ark of the covenant, was still located in Shiloh during Samuel’s early years as priest and prophet. However, during the battle with the Philistines, the ark was captured because God had forsaken Shiloh. When the ark was returned, it was not returned to Shiloh. Shiloh was in ruins in the days of Jeremiah. Who Took the Image Down? NO ONE!  What Kind of God Do You Prefer?  They preferred a compromised God. 

This graven image or idol was supposed to be a visible sign of the One True God. God is Spirit. The tabernacle of God was in Shiloh from the time of Joshua until the time of Levi. Micah's graven image was not of himself. They tried to worship God, but their worship was mixed in with idolatry. God does not approve of this type of worship.  God does not approve of images of Himself or Jesus for worship.  We have the Holy Spirit in our hearts so we don’t need to worship images or pictures or statues of Jesus.  Who Took the Image Down? NO ONE!  What Kind of God Do You Prefer? Hopefully the real God of the Bible. 27:00

Conclusion: 

1.  Dan Preferred The Image of God     2.  Where Were The Men Of God At This Time?

3. Who Took the Image Down?   What Kind of God Do You Prefer?

The Micah of Judges 17—18 offers an example of how not to worship God, and his story illustrates the consequences of practicing religion according what we think is best rather than according to God’s teachings. God’s Word is given to guide and protect us, as well as to bring Him glory. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”1 What Kind of God Do You Prefer?  There are really two Gods.  The God you invent or the God of the Bible.  The god you invent is like you.  Your god will do what he will do for your glory!  Your god will do what he does your own pleasure! Then there is the true God of the Bible who does what HE does for His glory and for our joy!  28:04

2/23/2020

How To Be Strong In The Lord.  1. We must have Strong Praying  2.  We Must have Strong Faith  3. We Must Have Strong Courage  4. We Have A Strong Savior And a Sure Salvation.  Where do you get your strength from when things are bad?  Where do you get the strength to get up and go another day when everything says don’t?  For some people it’s a tough question every day.  For believers it’s Christ.  1 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  Christ abolished death, gave us eternal life and lights our every day and night through the glorious gospel.  That is reason to get up today and tomorrow and every day after that.   Have you trusted in this glorious gospel?

2 Timothy 1:2-10  How To Be Strong In Christ

Intro:  We all want to be stronger in our faith.  We all want to have confidence in our God.  You have every reason to have strength for we serve the God who created the universe and but who stooped down to write in the sand.  How big is God?  As big as you want Him to be.  How strong is God?  As strong as you allow Him to be.  1:00

1. We must have Strong Praying

2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  Paul begins with a greeting to Timothy, my dear son: May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.  to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.  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. 

2 Timothy 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; Paul continues I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.   I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.   We must have Strong Praying.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.   7:00

1. We must have Strong Praying  2.  We Must have Strong Faith

2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Paul remembered his tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy.  and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.  1 Timothy 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Paul says I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also.   I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well.   Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.   We Must have Strong Faith

Mention of the names of Lois and Eunice suggests that Paul knew them personally, perhaps because he (with Barnabas), led them to faith in Christ during his first missionary journey.

Paul rejoices when he recalls Timothy’s faithful grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, whose name means “Good Victory.” The prayers, witness, and faith of his godly mother and grandmother were central factors in the spiritual development of Timothy.  We Must have Strong Faith and we must pass it on to our children and grandchildren.

Paul is reminding Timothy that his faith has never faltered. He knew the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother had been strong, and that same faith had been instilled in Timothy. "Unfeigned" means sincere. Lois and Eunice were both Jews and Christians; Jews by birth and Christians by faith.  1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. We Must have Strong Faith.  14:00

1. We must have Strong Praying  2.  We Must have Strong Faith  3. We Must Have Strong Courage

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. Paul is concerned and says For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you.  That is why I remind you to [a]fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].  1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Paul affirms to Timothy For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.   For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. Dueteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.   We Must Have Strong Courage.

2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Paul encourages Timothy to not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.   So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible], Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. We Must Have Strong Courage that does not include any doubt or shame or fear.  21:00

1. We must have Strong Praying  2.  We Must have Strong Faith  3. We Must Have Strong Courage

4. We Have A Strong Savior And a Sure Salvation

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Paul states God’s purpose for us that He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.  for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],   2 Samuel 22:47 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.   We Have A Strong Savior and a sure salvation.

God’s saving and calling of believers is not according to … works. It is impossible for people to earn their way into heaven. Salvation is according to God’s own purpose or sovereign plan. Grace is God’s unearned favor. The Lord called us and saved us in Christ Jesus before time began.  We Have A Strong Savior and a sure salvation.

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  Paul puts the emphasis on Jesus alone by saying that it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.   But now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  We Have A Strong Savior and a sure salvation  27:00.

Conclusion:

Why Are We To Watch? Matthew 24:42

Intro:  We watch all the time. Watching for danger.  Warning signs are all around us.  We are watching out for our family.  We are watching out when we go outside or on a trip.  We have to constantly watch out for danger in this fallen, physical world.  So why do people not watch out for danger in the spiritual world?  Also we watch out for good things.  We watch for sales, we watch for opportunities.  We watch for events we want to attend.  We watch for signs about our health.  We watch for our family to come and visit.  So why wouldn’t we watch for Jesus?  1:00

1.  We Should Watch for His Return

Matthew 24:42-44.  42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Jesus told the disciples that would follow to watch out, for one simple reason because you do not know what day your Lord will come.  So be alert [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming. 

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Jesus is saying that If the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not let the thief break into his house.  In other words understand this simple fact: If the head of the house had known what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. We Should Watch for His Return

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

Jesus concludes the parable with this strong warning.  So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.  In other words…therefore, you [who follow Me] must also be ready; because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. 

Luke 21:34-36,

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Jesus warned us to be careful But be on guard, not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you instead we Should Watch for His Return.  In other words so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap. 

Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Concern for worldly things and living for pleasure is like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth.  It will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. 

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.  So Jesus again warns us to be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”  But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].” Why are we to watch?  We watch for the return of Jesus.  10:00

1.  We Should Watch for His Return 

2.  We should Watch our Spiritual Lives

Matthew 26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Jesus warns them to keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” You might say it this way…Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is certainly able and willing, but the body is so very weak.”

Mark 13:33-37,

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Jesus said to be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. 

Mark 13:34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  Jesus compared it to a man who goes away from home on a trip and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each one his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch.  We should Watch our Spiritual Lives.

Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: So Jesus emphasizes the word Watch. Because we do not know when the master of the house is coming—it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. 

Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.   And if he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. 

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.  Jesus can’t make it more plain.  What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!” We should Watch our Spiritual Lives and we do that best when we are watching for Jesus.  

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Paul also tells us to watch.  Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.   It’s like this….Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.   We should Watch our Spiritual Lives by watching for Him. 

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Paul is again tells us to watch.  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].   We should Watch our Spiritual Lives.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Now the Apostle John uses the word.  Listen! I am coming like a thief! Happy is he who stays awake and guards his clothes, so that he will not walk around naked and be ashamed in public!” “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return, so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.” Why are we to watch?  We should Watch our Spiritual Lives.  19:00

1.  We Should Watch for His Return 

2.  We should Watch our Spiritual Lives

3. We Should Watch Out For Others

Ezekiel 33:7-9,  So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Ezekiel is saying mortal man, I am making you a lookout for the nation of Israel. You must pass on to them the warnings I give you.  Now as for you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you shall hear a message from My mouth and give them a warning from Me. 

Ezekiel 33:8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  If I announce that an evil person is going to die but you do not warn him to change his ways so that he can save his life, then he will die, still a sinner, and I will hold you responsible for his death.  When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will certainly die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die because of his sin; but I will require his blood from your hand.   We Should Watch Out For Others and sound the alarm. 

Ezekiel 33:9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.   If you do warn an evil person and he doesn't stop sinning, he will die, still a sinner, but your life will be spared.”  But if you on your part warn the wicked man to turn from his [evil] way and he does not turn from his [evil] way, he will die in his sin; but you have saved your life.  While we should not talk politics and political uprisings from the pulpit we should warn about the sin in the world and the sinful trends.  We can mention the sin of leaders such as John the Baptist did about Herod.  But we should not endorse or be about petty politics.  We already serve the king of kings so why should we worry about earthly kingdoms that will fall. 

Isaiah 62:6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, On your walls, Jerusalem, I have placed sentries;  They must never be silent day or night.  They must remind the Lord of his promises.   On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed and stationed watchmen (prophets), Who will never keep silent day or night; You who profess the Lord, take no rest for yourselves.  Why are we to  watch?  We Should Watch Out For Others by sounding the alarm.  27:50

1.  We Should Watch for His Return 

2.  We should Watch our Spiritual Lives

3. We Should Watch Out For Others

This is why we are to watch!   28:04



2/2/2020 

Daniel 11:32-35

People Won’t Understand What’s Really Going On Today Because they Can’t understand

Intro: There is a great divide in our nation and it will never go away. Why? Because it is a battle of darkness against light, truth against lies and Wickedness against Godliness.  Jesus said that He didn’t come to bring everyone together but to divide and set one against another.  Why?  Because there is no compromise with the truth ever!  We who follow Jesus Christ will understand what is going on.  We are the only ones who will.  1:00

1.  Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries…(Media, Celebrities, rich, the famous, the powerful) 1 Corinthians 1:19  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

Romans 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Jeremiah 4:22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.  They are wise in wickedness but they don’t really know how to be righteous. 

Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

Daniel 9:13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth

Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them

2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption

Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

Job 32:8-9 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

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  10;00

1.  Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

2. Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

Daniel 11:32……but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many:

Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 

Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

2 Timothy 2:24-25  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Jeremiah 9:24  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord

Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

2 Timothy 2:7  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things

Colossians 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Psalm 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts

Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On.

Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding  19:00

1.  Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

2. Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

3.  Why Is The Goal of The ungodly Is To Destroy The Godly

Daniel 11:33….yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Many devoted Jews were killed in the Maccabean revolt.  Today many believers are marginalized, ostracized, and killed for their faith and devotion to Christ.  We are called the haters by those who would love to kill us.   Why do they want to kill us? John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.  (This is the Jews but Christians also fall under this same mindset of their enemies)  they think they are doing the right thing.   Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man,(What man thinks is right without consulting God or His word) but the end thereof are the ways of death.  Job 32:9 9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.  Why Is The Goal of The ungodly Is To Destroy The Godly?

Daniel 11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. As some Jews were killed in the Maccabean revolt, others provided very little token help. Many joined by intrigue against the Jews—that is, insincerely.  Even today there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our churches and those who claim to be God’s people or who claim to love Jesus yet have no fruit and are doing it to further compromise the power of God and His church.  Why Is The Goal of The ungodly Is To Destroy The Godly?

Daniel 11:35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. Some of them of understanding….. refers to those who understood God’s Word and were allowed to go through troubled times so that they could be refined and purified.  God will use this to make us shine and stand out for our courage and steadfastness. God will turn their hate against us into a blessing for us.   It will be a blessing to us to be able to suffer for the Lord’s sake as the early apostles did in the book of Acts.  The rejoiced that they were county worthy to suffer for Jesus!  Why Is The Goal of The ungodly Is To Destroy The Godly

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

Hebrews 11: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;  38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  27:00

1.  Why The Ungodly Won’t Understand The Truth

2. Why Those Who know God and Know The Bible Will Understand What’s Going On

3.  Why Is The Goal of The ungodly Is To Destroy The Godly

Bottom line:  People Won’t Understand What’s Really Going On Today Because they Can’t understand without the truth, the word of God, without the teacher, the Spirit of God, without following the King, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said without me ye can do nothing.  Christ is our life, our joy, our wisdom, our purpose is to be with Him and reign with Him.  How can we know the future without the one who holds the future in His hand?  Know Him know peace, know joy, know the future!





Luke 4:1-13  The Temptation Of Jesus

Intro:  Everyone gets tempted.  Satan started this in the garden of Eden.  I can in fact resist anything but temptation!  God cannot temp us and will not tempt us with evil.  But Satan never gets weary of tempting and deceiving and lying.  James 1:14 says that man sins due to the lust of his own heart.  So don’t sin because you are tempted, you sin because you are a sinner.  Temptation is just the vehicle or the pathway to sin.  Jesus could not sin because He was NOT a sinner by nature.  He was NOT the son of Adam but the Son of God!  He was born a man and lived as a man on the earth but He was conceived by the Holy Spirit of God. But Satan tried to get Jesus to do anything to avoid the cross.  Satan knew that Jesus would have to die.  Way back in Genesis God said about Satan thou shalt bruise His heal, he will bruise thy head.   Satan would bring a devastating blow to Jesus but he would not kill Him for He would rise again.  Satan’s power would be eventually destroyed by Jesus.    1:00

1.  The Spirit Of God Led Jesus

Luke 4:1And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert,  Now Jesus, full of [and in perfect communication with] the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness .

The order of the temptations differs between Matthew and Luke. Luke has the temptation about Jerusalem last, probably because Jerusalem is the place Jesus is headed for His decisive confrontation with Satan (13:32–35). In His temptation, Jesus demonstrated not only His ability to resist the devil, but also His allegiance to God. What Adam could not do, Jesus did. Where Israel had failed in the wilderness, Jesus succeeded.

Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over. for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they ended, He was hungry.  7:00

1.  The Spirit Of God Led Jesus   2.  Stone To Bread

Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

The Devil said to him, “If you are God's Son, order this stone to turn into bread.” Then the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to turn into bread.”  If You are the Son of God: This is a conditional statement. In other words, Satan was saying: “Let’s assume for the sake of argument that You are the Son of God.” In fact, Satan was challenging Jesus’ identity and authority.

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone.’” Jesus replied to him, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone[a].’” It is written: Jesus responded to Satan’s temptation by quoting Deut. 8:3. Jesus refused to operate independently of God. The Spirit had led Him into the wilderness to prepare Him for His ministry, so eating at Satan’s instruction would have shown a lack of dependence on the Father. 14:00

1.  The Spirit Of God Led Jesus   2.  Stone To Bread  3. Kingdoms Of The World

Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world.  Then he led Jesus up [to a high mountain] and displayed before Him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth [and their magnificence] in the twinkling of an eye.  all the kingdoms of the world: This temptation was an attempt to offer Jesus power by the wrong means. Satan’s method involved a detour around the Cross, an inducement to “take the easy way” to power.

Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. “I will give you all this power and all this wealth,” the Devil told him. “It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose.  And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this realm and its glory [its power, its renown]; because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.  this has been delivered to me: Satan’s claim here is exaggerated. He has great authority over the earth (see John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2), but not the authority to deliver kingdoms.

Luke 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. All this will be yours, then, if you worship me.” Therefore if You worship before me, it will all be Yours.” 

Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’” Jesus replied to him, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’” Get behind Me, Satan: Later, Jesus makes the same statement to Peter when he becomes a channel for Satan’s message (see Matt. 16:23). In response to Satan’s second temptation, Jesus cited Deut. 6:13. Jesus knew that only God is worthy of worship, that only God is to be served. 21:00

1.  The Spirit Of God Led Jesus   2.  Stone To Bread  3. Kingdoms Of The World

4.  Pinnacle Of The Temple

Luke 4:9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem and set him on the highest point of the Temple, and said to him, “If you are God's Son, throw yourself down from here.  Then he led Jesus to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple, and said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here;  The pinnacle of the temple may refer either to the high temple gate or to the southeast corner of the temple that loomed over a cliff some 450 feet high.

Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: For the scripture says, ‘God will order his angels to take good care of you.’  for it is written and forever remains written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard and protect You,’

Luke 4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

It also says, ‘They will hold you up with their hands so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’” and, ‘they will lift You up on their hands, So that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’” He shall give His angels charge over you: Satan cited Ps. 91:11, 12, reminding Jesus of God’s promise of protection. However, the mere use of biblical words does not always reveal God’s will, particularly if they are placed in the wrong context.

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Jesus replied to him, “It is said [in Scripture], ‘you shall not tempt the Lord your God [to prove Himself to you].’” You shall not tempt the Lord: In response to Satan’s third temptation, Jesus cited Deut. 6:16. God is to be trusted, not tested. The Deuteronomy passage refers to Israel’s attempt to test God at Meribah (see Ex. 17:1–7). Jesus would not repeat the nation’s error of unfaithfulness to God.

Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while. When the devil had finished every temptation, he [temporarily] left Him until a more opportune time.

Temptation: The Two Adams Contrasted Both Adam and Christ faced three aspects of temptation. Adam yielded, bringing upon humankind sin and death. Christ resisted, resulting in justification and life.

First Adam

“the tree was good for food” Genesis 3:6  

“it was pleasant to the eyes”   Genesis 3:6

a tree desirable to make one wise” Genesis 3:6 

Eve listened to the Serpent and was deceived.  Eve told him what she did and he followed her.  Adam listened to Eve and was stupid.  Adam listened to the words of the serpent and his wife instead of the word of God.  Adam put his self, his flesh and his desires behind him and did his own will. 

Second Adam—Christ

“command this stone to become bread” LUST OF THE FLESH “the devil … showed Him all the kingdoms” “PRIDE AND POWER”  “throw Yourself down from here” Pinnacle of the Temple.  TAKE THE EASY PATH and avoid the cross.  Jesus listened to the words of God, quoted the word of God not the words of any man.    He put self and His fleshly wants and desires behind Him and did the Fathers will. 

Conclusion: 

The Temptation of Jesus

1.  The Spirit Of God Led Jesus   2.  Stone To Bread  3. Kingdoms Of The World

4.  Pinnacle Of The Temple

What will you do when he comes to tempt you?  Do what Jesus did.  Use the word of God.  In order to do that you have to KNOW the word of God.  Read the Bible everyday and be prayed up and you’ll be shored up when you are tempted.   Trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.  Does the devil tempt unbelievers.  You better believe it.  He wants them to get so entangled in sin that they can never get out.  He wants to pile so much guilt on you that you will never come to Christ.  The number one reason older people don’t come to Christ is that they think they have done to much wickedness.  You are never more than a prayer away from being saved.  Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord SHALL BE SAVED!





Ephesians 2:12-14  Hopeless Turned To Hopeful

Intro:  The letter is addressed to the church in the city of Ephesus, capital of the Roman province of Asia (Asia Minor, modern Turkey). Because the name Ephesus is not mentioned in every early manuscript, some scholars believe the letter was an encyclical, intended to be circulated and read among all the churches in Asia Minor and was simply sent first to believers in Ephesus. On one of Paul's visits to Ephesus, he stayed 2 years and 3 months. Aquila and Priscilla helped Paul here at Ephesus. In Revelation 1:11, we see that Ephesus was one of the 7 churches mentioned. Ephesus was visited several times by Paul. He was very interested in Ephesus.

It is likely that the gospel was first brought to Ephesus by Priscilla and Aquila, an exceptionally gifted couple.  Acts 18:26), who were left there by Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-19). Located at the mouth of the Cayster River, on the east side of the Aegean Sea, the city of Ephesus was perhaps best known for its magnificent temple of Artemis, or Diana, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was also an important political, educational, and commercial center, ranking with Alexandria in Egypt, and Antioch of Pisidia, in southern Asia Minor.

Ever seen a hopeless situation.  Ever been in one?  Your team is down by twenty points with twenty seconds left is hopeless.  Being stuck in the Sahara desert with a cup of water is hopeless.  Being in a situation where there is a bear or a lion charging at you and your leg is broken is hopeless.  Both engines out and the plane is nosediving is hopeless.  But in none of these situations is it truly hopeless….there is no hopeless situation in Christ is there?  1:00

1.  The Plight Of The Gentiles

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ….. At that time you were apart from Christ. remember that at that time you were separated from Christ.  They did not turn to God who is clearly represented in nature.  Romans 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.   Ephesians 2:21 even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Pursuing foolishness and things without the love of God or the knowledge of God that they imagined they were god.  In total spiritual darkness. 

But there is no excuse.  Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man….

Romans 2:9-15 LETS TURN THERE.  9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.  12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

The law is written in the hearts of each man.  We don’t teach children to lie we have to teach them to tell the truth!  

The fact is that God has always been the God of the Gentiles and they are accountable to Him.  Before Abraham the whole world was full of Gentiles.  Adam and Eve were Gentiles.  Seth was a Gentile.  Methusela was a Gentile.  Noah was a Gentile.  Enoch was a Gentile.  Technically Lot was a Gentile.  Romans 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

But we read in Genesis 10:24-25 And Arphaxad begat Salah; and Salah begat Eber. 25And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan. Eber is the name that gives rise to the term Hebrew, which is first used of Abraham in Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew…. Such a name is patronymic (a father name). Eber is mentioned at the head of the list because of his importance to the Hebrew people. He is directly the son of Salah (Genesis 10:24). His placement at the head of the list is from the vantage of the Hebrew people. Abraham is the father of the Hebrew nation specifically (12:1–3); but Abraham descends from Eber, and Eber from Shem. The other names associated with Shem include Elam, Asshur, and Aram, major people groups in the Old Testament. These and other peoples, including Israel, have become known as Semitic, a word derived from the name Shem.

Ephesians 2:12 ….being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, [excluded from any relationship with Him],alienated from the commonwealth of Israel.   God did not establish a covenant relationship with Gentiles but that did not exclude them.  They could have called upon Him.  They knew Him by the witness of the Jews and in nature. 

Ephesians 2:12 ….and strangers from the covenants of promise, You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and strangers to the covenants of promise [with no share in the sacred Messianic promise and without knowledge of God’s agreements.  They did not have any prophets.  God did not give His laws to them.  God did not promise to give them a land.  Well…..they did have the whole world except for Israel! 

Ephesians 2:12….having no hope, and you lived in this world without hope, having no hope [in His promise.  No word of God.  Without the word of God people will perish.  Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, (no word from God) the people perish.   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  No rewards, no hope, no peace, no joy, no future without hope in Christ. 

Ephesians 2:12 …..and without God in the world: without God.  and [living] in the world without God. 

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The Gentiles are in a sad plight.  But it’s their own fault.  God has revealed Himself but they rejected Him.  Hebrews 1:2-3 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;  3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Their dark plight of the Gentiles is depressing.   But the hopelessness can be made hope.  The darkness can be made right by the light of the world Jesus Christ!  10:00

1.  The Plight Of The Gentiles   2.  The Pursuit Of The Gentiles

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off….. But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] 

Ephesias 2:13……are made nigh by the blood of Christ. have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  have been brought near [b]by the blood of Christ.  The shed blood of Christ could bring the Gentiles back to their Creator. Now, if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).   God brought us near to Him by the blood, the gift of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Who died for the whole world.  John 3:16  For God so loved the world…that He gave….

Colossians 1:14 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:"

1 Peter 1:18-19 "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;" "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"

God has pursued the gentiles through His love for us demonstrated in Jesus Christ.  Romans 5:6 While we were yet without strength (helpless, didn’t know what to do )in due time Christ died for us. 

God is drawing us to Christ.  John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men unto me.

God seeks us out.  John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  All are invited all are welcome but you have to come God’s way the way of hope for the hopeless…….through Jesus Christ.  19:00

1.  The Plight Of The Gentiles   2.  The Pursuit Of The Gentiles   3. The Place Of The Gentiles

Ephesian 2:14 For he is our peace, For Christ himself has brought us peace. For He Himself is our peace.

Isaiah 9:6 …..…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Ephesians 2:14……who hath made both one, by making Jews and Gentiles one people, and our bond of unity.   He who made both groups—[Jews and Gentiles]—into one body.   Romans 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

**Gentiles have a place in God’s kingdom just as rich and full as any Jew… if he believes in Christ.  Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one …..members one of another.   There is no difference. Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:  Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Ephesians 2:14…..and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies, and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us],  The middle wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles was vividly portrayed by an actual partition in the temple area, with a sign warning that any Gentile going beyond the Court of the Gentiles would receive swift and sudden death.

We love the Jews because they wrote the Bible, They gave us Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, David, the great prophets, the disciples, the apostles and of course Jesus Christ.  God gave them the land.  The gentiles had the whole rest of the world.  The Jews were given but a small portion of land.  God gave them a city called Jerusalem.  But it was God’s city where He would build the temple of His presence on the earth.  It is His city and His land.  The land upon which Jesus Died and shed His blood for our sins and rose again and is returning to rule and reign there!

 Gentiles have a place in God’s purpose and in His will for mankind.  2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:  Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 

God’s purpose is the save the Gentiles just like the Jews and make the church one. Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This is how God wants us all to live and to have a place…..

Paul said; “and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).

Our and everyone’s place is to live for Christ and have faith in Him for our place is in Him!!  This is the place for hope for the hopeless in the world!!  27:00

Conclusion:  Hope for The Hopeless.

1.  The Plight Of The Gentiles   2.  The Pursuit Of The Gentiles   3. The Place Of The Gentiles

I have preached about hope a lot through the years.  I can sum it all up by sayng that “Nothing is hopeless in Christ!”   We may die in the body but we shall live again!  We might have some great disappointments in this world but Christ will never disappoint us.  We might have some hopeless situations in life but if we have Christ we have all hope.  Christ is light and overcomes the darkness in our hearts and lives if we will have faith in Him!  Trust in Him today as your Savior, Believe in Him without delay for our greatest hope is that He is coming today!   28:04

1/5/2020

Galatians 4:16 Enemies of The Truth

Intro:  Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?  So have I become your enemy by telling you

the truth? Have you heard of the Enegram? It is a personality typing a sytem has been quietly infiltrating

Christian communities for the last quarter century.  But some believers may be excused for their

skepticism.  The Enegram is an ancient system of unknown origin with a strange name.  It is replete with

sacred language, but is not explicitly Christian in orientation. It centers on nine personality types that are

arranged into a chart resembling a pentagram.  Yet it is spreading like wildfire among a diverse range of

Jesus-followers. 

In 1990, Francisca Friar Richard Rohr effectively Christianized the system for Amercians when he published “The Eneagram: A Christian Perspective.”  This sparked a growing interest that slowly crept into church pulpits and small groups.  In 2016 Christianity Today published “An evangelical’s Guide to the Eneagram.”  After Intervarsity Press became the first evangelical publisher to release a book on the topic.  

The Enneagram illustrates the nine archetypal human character structures, the nine beautifully flawed

ways of being us.   The Enneagram shows us our ego’s set of coping addictions that we’ve wrapped up

around a childhood wound so that we don’t have to be untruthful about the pain it’s caused us.  Until

we are honest about this, we lie to ourselves and others about who we really are. 

Enneagrams showed up six thousand years ago in ancient Egypt and more than four thousand years ago

in Korea.  Buddhism has a version of the Enneagram.  Many Catholics claim it was developed by the

early church fathers. 

The nine types or mirrors of self-reflection are:

1.  the need to be perfect. One strive for principled excellence as a moral duty

2. The need to be needed.  Strives for lavish love through self-sacrifice.

3. The need to succeed.  Strives for  appreciative recognition from curated successes

4. The need to be special.  Strives for the discovery of identity for faithful authenticity

5. The need to perceive or understand.  Strives for decisive clarity through  conclusions.

6. The need to be sure or certain.  Strives for steady constancy from confident loyalty

7. The need to avoid pain.  Strives for impassioned intensity for unfrettered autonomy.

8.  The need to be Against.  Strives for impassioned intensity for unfrettered autonomy

9.  the need to avoid.  Strives for harmonious peaceful as congruent repose.

Russ Hudson a teacher of the Enneagram says this isn’t a personality test or typing but a path to God

because it’s a map of our soul.  It’s about nine paths to our true selves and nine paths to divine love.  If

we can’t self observe then we can’t self correct. 

Contemplative prayer is a part of this.  Contemplative prayer is silence, solitude and stillness.  Opening

your mind for God to speak to you……We should not open our minds for as nature abhors a vaccum, and

so does our spirit hate a void.  Something will fill it.  We are to meditate on the word of God and let the

Holy Spirt correct us.  We are never told to look inside for self-correction but pray and seek the Lord.   

Those who are supporters of this…….

*Andy Stanley has published guide to the Enneagram called “Enneagram for Leaders.”

*Sarajane Case runs an Instagram account with a following of roughly half a million devotees to the

enneagram.

*Hunter Mobley a pastor at Christ Church in Nashville with over a thousand in attendance each Sunday

has gone into teaching the enneagram full-time.

*There are 28 Enneagram workshops in Dallas alone!

*Matt Brown a mega church SBC pastor in southern California preaches and teaches the Enneagram.

*Russell Moore the head of the Ethics and Religious liberty Commision of the SBC says it is neither good

nor bad and can be useful for some people and help us understand people and has been a good tool to help him have compassion for people and recognize weaknesses and tendencies in people.

*Suzzane Stable founder of Life in the Trinity Minsitry in Dallas Texas, is an Enneagram expert who has

conducted over 500 workshops for over 20 years. 

*Christopher Mack with Baylor University (An SBC University) has seen many benefits to students with

the Enneagram.  “The enneagram is a tool that he uses to help my journey with Christ.” He said.

*Because Generation Zer’s those born after 2000 are tired of the megachurches feeling that their services are “cheesy” and “not-genuine” are seeking enlightenment and contemplative experiences (inner thinking and silence) and are flocking to the Enneagram. 

*LGBTQ Christians (so called) are flocking to the amoral enneagram rather than the literal interpretation

of the Bible. 

*More than 100 members of the First Baptist Church of Austin use the Enneagram. “To have a rich and

deep spiritual life…you have to know yourself” says Roger Paynter, senior pastor. 

*Not only the Enneagram but Yoga continues to rise among churches.  Called “Christian Yoga.”  Yoga    means “yoked” yoked or joined to the cundalini spirit…the serpent that controls your mind and emotions that follows your spine and central nervous system. 

*I am concerned about the SBC falling off the rails on the issues of homosexuality, Marxism, Social gospel, and the enneagram.  Whatever new fad is in the church you can be sure that it will be in SBC churches first or soon after. 

What is wrong with all of this?

1.  Jesus is our identity.  It’s not about us.   The Bible is about Him.  We follow Jesus.  He knows us. John 10  “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.”  We don’t follow contrived unbibical teaching that draws us from Jesus.

2.  Our true self has already been revealed in the scriptures.  We are filthy, rotten sinners in need of a Savior.   We already know what we are.  Our life in useless to God.  Our live comes when we live for Jesus and follow Him and take up our cross. We become NEW creatures in Christ.  OLD things are passed away and ALL Things become NEW!  For Christ who is our life…… Again it’s not about us.  He is our life!

3.  The path to God is a person Jesus Christ.  Not an enneagram and it’s nine steps.  This is all  contemplative stuff.  Where you find God by discovering yourself.  That’s not how you find God!  You find Jesus when you realize you are a filty rotten low-down sinner headed for hell and you repent of trying to save yourself and you trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone.  And you walk with Him by taking up your cross each day!

4.  We don’t need to know ourselves better…. we need to know Christ better!  The Bible contains all we need to grow in faith and in the knowledge of Him.  If you only read the Bible you would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Of course reading other materials that are of interest and may help you grow and discover new things.  But you won’t discover anything new about God that is no already in the Bible.   I know all I want to know about me.  I am selfish, depraved, lost, blind, godless, and wicked.  I died to self when I came to Christ. 

Conclusion  We don’t need the Enneagram.  We don’t need personality tests as interesting as they are and as accurate as they are.  We need to know Jesus more and walk with Him each day and take up our cross for His service and glory each day!

We don’t need yoga.  We don’t need leaders that are lifted up above Jesus.  We don’t need anything or anyone but Jesus and His word and we serve Him through the church that He established. 

Two of the Four signs that we are in the last days which I will expand upon next Sunday evening…….

1.  Decline in Christianity and people being deceived. 

1 Timothy 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Some will turn from the true faith and turn to teaching of demons.  People turning to extra-Biblical teachings and some just outright anti-Biblical teaching.  Doctrines of devils or demons.  Demons give their own twisted teaching.  God’s angels are God’s messengers with God’s message.  Enneagram is a teaching that might be helpful in the secular world to lost people, but will not bring the church closer to God and is not helpful.  It can give you an excuse for bad behavior.  “well I’m not good with people, I’m moody, I’m selfish, I can’t focus, because of my personality type.”  Excuses are not acceptable for any sin!

2.  People would rather hear watered down preaching.

2 Timothy 4:3  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. The end of sound doctrine.  Rejection of the truth of the Bible. Buildings, bucks and bodies.  People would rather hear fake science than Bible Truth. 

Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?  Yes, our enemies want to deceive, lie and lift up man and his puny little helpless life as though in man is anything worthy.  God loves us and that makes us worth something to Him. God saved us and that makes us worthy and able to know Him.