Sermon Text and Outlines - Tomahawk Missionary Baptist Church

10/6/2024

Joel 1:15-20

Intro: The Book of Joel was likely written between 835 and 800 B.C. Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This invasion of locusts destroys everything—the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens and the trees. Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against the nation for her sins. The book is highlighted by two major events. One is the invasion of locusts and the other the outpouring of the Spirit. The initial fulfillment of this is quoted by Peter in Acts 2 as having taken place at Pentecost.

The overriding theme of the Book of Joel is the Day of the Lord, a day of God’s wrath and judgment. This is the Day in which God reveals His attributes of wrath, power, and holiness, and it is a terrifying day to His enemies. In the first chapter, the Day of the Lord is experienced historically by the plague of locusts upon the land.

The book of Joel is one of the twelve Minor Prophets. It was written by the prophet Joel. The book opens with the statement that “Joel, son of Pethuel” is the author. Little is known of Joel beyond his background as the son of Pethuel. However, his focus on Jerusalem and his prophecies concerning Judah suggest that he was a prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah. 1:00

1 The Day Of The Lord is At Hand

Joel 1:15 Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. The day of the Lord is near, the day when the Almighty brings destruction. What terror that day will bring! Alas for the day! For the [judgment] day of the Lord is at hand, And it will come [upon the nation] as a destruction from the [c]Almighty.

The day of the Lord refers to a time of judgment and deliverance. Joel views the locust plague as a contemporary day of judgment that was serving as a token or forewarning of an even greater, future “day of the Lord.” The phrase “day of the Lord” or “that day” occurs over 200 times in the Bible.

It is a day of judgment and a day of restoration. Judah was going to be taken by the Babylonians one day but restoration would come out of that as they would return to their land.

Joel 1:16 Is not the meat cut off before our eyes…… We look on helpless as our crops are destroyed. Has not the food been cut off before our eyes? Joel is referencing a locust invasion upon Israel at that time as a judgment from God that destroyed food. Today we are experiencing an invasion of godless narratives that seek and are destroying our Biblical foundations.

Joel 1:16 ……yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God? There is no joy in the Temple of our God. Joy and gladness from the house of our God. The people had departed from God. If we depend upon other things for joy we will never find it. Our joy, our hope is only in the Lord.

1 The Day Of The Lord is At Hand 2 Everything Is Affected

Joel 1:17 The seed is rotten under their clods, The seeds die in the dry earth. The seeds [of grain] shrivel under the clods. Israel had become rotten inside. Today we are rotten inside because we have left our faith in Jesus Christ. Our leaders, the UN are all rotten underneath.

Joel 1:17 …..the garners are laid desolate, There is no grain to be stored in the barns. The storehouses are desolate and empty. They have nothing to fall back on. They have failed to trust in God for so long that they did not know how to return to Him or even want to. Today we won’t turn to God because we have no idea how to or don’t even have the desire to return to Him.

God will make their land desolate of grain and gardens. God is going to make our land desolate of wisdom and power. He will desolate our land if we do not turn back to Him!

Joel 1:17….the barns are broken down; and so the barns are empty. The barns are in ruins. Israel was empty of substance, ruined morally and spiritually. Today we are ruined both Morally and spiritually.

Joel 1:17…..for the corn is withered, the grain is ruined. The grain is dried up. Israel’s food was ruined because of neglect. Today our wisdom and faith is ruined. We have no faith in God. We are people of shallow substance. Fake people who find their value on social media instead in Jesus Christ !

Joel 1:18 How do the beasts groan!……. The cattle are bellowing in distress The herds of cattle are bewildered. Cattle useful for food and milk products. And their hides give us leather. The economy depends upon healthy animals. Beasts mean cattle….but not just cattle all animals are affected when God’s judgment is coming down. The animal world is fallen also. They eat each other and are eaten. The balance of nature is God’s order. Without that balance there is disorder in the animal world. In Revelation it appears that animals will attack humans. God put fear of man in the animal world.

Men can appear like animals. What do men do in distress? What do men do when they are bewildered? They turn to their own gods. The god of self, and self reliance and their own wisdom.

Joel 1:18 ……….the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, because there is no pasture for them; How the animals groan! and wander aimlessly. Animals have order in their worlds. Balance. When they get out of balance there will be a problem. The wander searching for food. But cannot find it. Like humans they will go where the money is…where the food is….where opportunity is. Animals are opportunity creatures. So is man. He looks for the opportunity to look out for himself. And men can act like animals when they have no food or opportunity to support life.

Joel 1:18 ……the flocks of sheep are made desolate. the flocks of sheep also suffer. Because they have no pasture; Even the flocks of sheep suffer without pasture land. Even the quiet calm sheep are suffering. Sheep are very easy to feed. Just give them some grass. But even that is not available for the simplest of God’s creatures. It’s going to be bad when sheep are desperate. Our country is going to get bad when the citizens cannot be fed. When the government limits citizen sheep the opportunity to take care of themselves.

1 The Day Of The Lord is At Hand 2 Everything Is Affected 3. It’s too Late To Pray

Joel 1:19 O Lord, to thee will I cry…… I cry out to you, Lord… O Lord, I cry out to You. Desperation people talk a lot about God and prayer. But do they really do it? The People of Israel should have habitually turned to God in good times and in bad. Your reaction to problems is exactly measured by your devotion to God on a daily basis. It’s good that people cry out to God……

There are two types of people…..those who cry out to God in desperation……and we should call out to God in times of desperation. But does God hear the cry of the desperate? Of course but first you need to take care of your biggest desperate problem…..you have a sin problem that is a catastrophe for you….….turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith. Then you know God will hear you.

And the second type of cry of desperation …..is one that already trusts God in times of desperation. We trust in God in times of desperation because we know Him….. we know that He already has our back. 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. Which type are you desperate or always trusting ?

Joel 1:19….for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, , because the pastures are dried up, as though a fire had burned them. The pastures are so dry that it looks like a fire has burned them. Total devastation. Tragic things happen.

Joel 1:19…..and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. ., For fire has devoured the trees of the wilderness, And the flame has burned up all the trees of the field. The trees are gone also. Trees always represent life. Trees are in heaven. Jesus hung upon a cross of wood sometimes called a tree. Jesus who is life died to give us life. Fire is awful and almost inescapable. Hell is fire. There is a lake of fire.

People get fired up. Which means they are boiling over….enflamed with rage or excitement.

Joel 1:20 The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness. Even the wild animals cry out to you because the streams have become dry. Even the wild animals pant [in longing] for You; For the water brooks are dried up And fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness.

Conclusion:

When it’s too late to pray…..you had better prepare…..today it is in my opinion too late to pray for America. It’s time to prepare for the Lord to Come. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem….which means pray for the prince of peace to come and rule over her. 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

10/6/2024

Judges 4:1-5 Deborah The Woman Judge

Intro: Israel had not king yet. They used twelve judges to decide matters of national importance and security. God was their king but they didn’t want that. God is our king still today but the world doesn’t want the God of the Bible. We will be very sorry for that one day. So God used a woman named Deborah to lead and judge Israel. 1:00

Israel Departs From God

Judges 4:1 And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, when Ehud was dead. After Ehud died, the people of Israel sinned against the Lord again. But the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord, after Ehud died.

Ehud….Judges 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

Ehud killed Eglon the king of Moah….Judges 3: 20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. 21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: 22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. This led Israel to a great victory over the Moabites.

Without Ehud’s leadership Israel departed from their God. People forget. We are all prone to depart from God. Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Judges 4:2 And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; Lord let them be conquered by Jabin, a Canaanite king who ruled in the city of Hazor. So the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. Israel was nothing more than a vassel nation of the Canaanites. Their servants.

Judges 4:2 …..the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. So the commander of his army was Sisera, who lived at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles.

Sisera was later killed by Jah-el, Hebers wife who was a Kenite. Judges 1:16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father in law, (Jethro) went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people. The Kenites were friendly with and lived in Israel.

We get what we deserve. We as a nation have departed from God. Kicked him out of public events and all parts of life. When was the last time any TV or Movie gave glory to Jesus Christ in any way that was not a Christian movie? Answer……fifty, sixty years ago if ever? No wonder we have disasters, terrible leaders, violence and uncertainty! We are slaves to the wants and desires of those in power over us. They let us have enough entertainment and freedoms to enslave us. 10:00

Israel Departs From God 2. Fear Led The People to Cry Unto God

Judges 4:3 And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help. At least they did that. Today our leadership would never call upon God as a nation. That will never happen! If we did God might help us. We need His help so desperately in this nation and around the world! Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Judges 4:3……for he (Jabin king of Canaan) had nine hundred chariots of iron; . Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots. Iron chariots were almost indestructible and provided great protection for the driver and usually a couple of archers. Chariots were like the most advanced military weapon in those days. To have 900 chariots was a formidable army.

The elites of the world seem to have the upper hand. They control……..

The media

Entertainment

Big Pharma

Education

Military

Corporations

Judicial system

And the Government

So what can we do? Our God is greater than all of these things! Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world!

Judges 4:3 …..and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel and he aggravated the people of Israel with cruelty and violence for twenty years. and had oppressed and tormented the sons of Israel severely for twenty years. Twenty years Israel suffered under the oppression and threats of Jabin and the Canaanites.

This was their punishment for forgetting God. Fear, uncertainty, disaster, threats, aggravation. We are experiencing all of these things today. It seems like it’s only getting worse with no end in sight!

But God……..Our God is the God of Hope! Jabin the king of Canaan….Judges 4:24 And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan. Under Deborah they finally defeated Jabin. 19:00

Israel Departs From God 2. Fear Led The People to Cry Unto God 3. A Woman Prophet and Judge

Judges 4:4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet, and she was serving as a judge for the Israelites at that time. Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. Her qualifications were…..being a prophet…evidently a good reputation….and willingness to do the job and God called her.

Deborah was a wife with evidently a prophetic gift from God.

Other Prophetesses in the Bible……

Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron,

2 Kings 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

Nehemiah 6:14 and on the prophetess Noadiah,

Isaiah 8:4 ….So I approached [my wife] the prophetess, Isaiah’s wife was a prophetess.

Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher:

Acts 2:8-9 And we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Revelation 2:20 That woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess

For some reason God gave prophetic insight to several women in Jewish history. But their prophecies were very limited and we have no specifics of any of their messages in the scriptures. I don’t see a need for any prophets today since we have no need for a word from a prophet. We have the word of God that is sufficient for every need of man and is itself 1/3 prophecy.

Judges 4:5. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: She would sit under a certain palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel would go there for her decisions.

The judges didn’t have a palace, or a meeting room or a building at all. She sat under a tree and gave her rulings. Showing that God’s people were just getting settled in the land of Canaan. Their military was top notch but their government was still a work in progress. But God used judges similar to Moses who was a the great law giver. You remember Moses sat and gave judgments all day until his father-in-law Jethro came and advised him to get some help.

Palm trees represent justice. Jesus had palm trees thrown in front of Him in His triumphant entry into Jerusalm Palm Sunday. Today we need justice but there will be no justice until Jesus returns for good.

Judges 4:5…..and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. She used to sit [to hear and decide disputes] under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment. They came to Ramah and Bethel which is centrally located in Israel.

They came to here her judgments and prophecies. She was a woman of wisdom and good character. Do people come to you for advice or wisdom? Do they seek you out for help? To people come to you to hear from the Lord? Who is this world going to today to seek wisdom from God? Certainly not the Bible which is our first place to come to….but to the wisdom of science and men. No wonder God judges nations that reject Him! 28:04

Israel Departs From God 2. Fear Led The People to Cry Unto God 3. A Woman Prophet and Judge

Debroah the Woman Judge.

9/29/2024

John 4:21-26 The Ultimate Truth

Intro: Is Jesus a prophet, an enlightened man or God? That is your choices. Or he could just be a liar. I know one thing….If you are wrong about Jesus, you are wrong about everything. If you are wrong about Jesus it doesn’t matter what you are right about does it? It won’t matter a hundred years from now will it? There is truth and there is ultimate truth. Ultimate truth is like….death or it’s true whether you believe it or not. 1:00

Who Is Jesus?

John 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. The woman said to Him, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet. The woman said to Him, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet.

1 Samuel 9:9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) The office of prophet is no longer needed today.

We have the Bible…the word of God. We are warned not to add to the scriptures. If we say “God told me…” we are making that scripture and will lead to confusion and chaos. Stick to the Bible and those who expound upon the scriptures and not implying that they have special messages from God. God will impress upon us things…He will convict us of things….He will guide us in our way…but He will not give us new scripture…new words from God.

The Bible is sufficient….2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Romans 10:17 then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Jesus knew everything about her. Her life was a moral shambles. She clearly was a sinner in need of forgiveness from her God. She was convicted by her sin. Perhaps she never realized how public it was or shocked that this stranger knew about her……Embarrassed perhaps. 7:00

Who Is Jesus? 2. Let’s Change The Subject

John 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; Our fathers worshiped on this mountain…

By mentioning the two different worship sites, the woman was perhaps trying to shift the conversation away from the subject of her own sins to theological questions. Or perhaps she realized that she was a sinner, and knew that she was required to offer a sacrifice.

She was embarrassed by the fact that this total stranger knew about her immoral life. She realized that if Jesus is a prophet he might ask her to go to the temple to make a sacrifice for her sin. The woman probably assumed that because Jesus was a Jew, He would insist that the sacrifice be offered in the temple at Jerusalem. So she is telling Jesus that Yes….I am a sinner….I can’t make sacrifice at Jerusalem though…

John 4:20….and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. but you Jews say that the place where one ought to worship is in Jerusalem [at the temple].” but you Jews say that the place where one ought to worship is in Jerusalem [at the temple]

The woman probably assumed that because Jesus was a Jew, He would insist that the sacrifice be offered in the temple at Jerusalem. The Jews insisted that the exclusive place of worship was Jerusalem. But the Samaritans had set up a rival worship site on Mount Gerizim, which according to their tradition was where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac, and where later on he met Melchizedek.

Today we can worship anywhere….but we gather together as the church….When two or three are gathered in Jesus name that is the church…not a building. It’s the church house.

John 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the time will come when people will not worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. Jesus replied, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming [when God’s kingdom comes] when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

When the blessings and curses were read to the wilderness generation of Israel, the blessings were read from Mount Gerizim (Deut. 11:29; 27:12). Deuteronomy 27:4 instructed that an altar be erected on Mount Ebal, opposite Mount Gerizim. But the Samaritan scripture changed the verse to read “Mount Gerizim.” The Samaritans altered history and tampered with the text of Scripture to glorify Mount Gerizim.

People are hung up on worship practices. I don’t care how you worship…but it must be orderly and be about Jesus not about us! 1 Corinthians 14 says Let everything be done decently and in order. I have been to some chaotic services. Order does not mean boring…..Jesus preached sitting down and I don’t see where anyone interrupted Him. Paul called for order and quiet before He preached the sermon on Mars Hill. I don’t know where we got to the point where worship is all about our problems, our testimony, our song, our prayer request, our presence on the front row……..God is to be glorified and lifted up in worship, and our problems will go away. We should disappear in the glory of God.

Is worship for us…or for God? Is worship for us to experience God? Or for God to experience our love and adoration of Him? They teach experiencing God. I think God should experience us. Our faithfulness to Him…our love for Him….Our obedience to Him! Our joy in Him!

God is pleased with us when we are glorifying Him in quietness and confidence. Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 17:00

Who Is Jesus? 2. Let’s Change The Subject 3. You Don’t Know …But You Will Know

John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: You Samaritans do not really know whom you worship; You [Samaritans] do not know what you worship.

They did not know God. News alert………People worship that do not know God… That is why I believe there is chaos and confusion and disorder in our churches. They do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. False religions worship also. But here the Samaritans are worshipping the God of Israel. But they did not know Him.

Jesus is not being nice here….. He is always kind …..but you don’t have to give the nice flowery answer that everyone wants to hear. Don’t give people word salads. One of the presidential candidates is famous for word salads. You get a lot of everything but nothing of substance.

Jesus told her the truth about herself and the Samaritans. You don’t get salvation for trying…You get salvation for Knowing. Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…… Jesus gives us personal salvation for everyone that comes to Him. He saves people one by one.

John 4:22……we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

but we Jews know whom we worship, because it is from the Jews that salvation comes. we [Jews] do know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Jesus and His apostles, the Apostle Paul….all the Biblical writers except maybe Luke….were all Jews. Salvation came through a Jewish people that gave us the Jewish Messiah…Jesus Christ!

And one thing about Jews…they worship ONE God…the only God…..Eliohim, Adonai, Jehovah,…the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob….the God of Creation and salvation. The God of the OT.

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. But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants. But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers

When Jesus arrived the times were changing….from Law to Grace. Now men can have a personal relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ. Worship will be from the heart….not a formula to be kept. We will know Him!

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: God is Spirit God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind],

God is so far above man. Like we are to an ant. God cannot be seen by sinful humans because He is holy. He can be experienced by us only by faith because we are not holy. But we have seen Him when we see Jesus!

John 4:24…..and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.” and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

The Holy Spirit will guide us into all things including worship and praise. John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. We have to have the Holy Spirit in our lives before we can worship God. And the Holy Spirit comes through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. His Spirit lives in us to help us and assure us and comfort us and teach us. And what does the Spirit teach us?……The truth of God. God’s Spirit does not lie but is the truth….thy word is truth!

John 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah will come, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ—the Anointed)

Almost every religion believes someone or something is coming to enlighten the world and bring us to a glorious day! Where do you think they got this? The devil is trying to dupe everyone into believing a false messiah is coming…..and He is …the Beast! So naturally this woman believed what Jewish prophets wrote in the scriptures….that the messiah is coming to make everything right! Christ means “ anointed one.”

John 4:25……when he is come, he will tell us all things. and when he comes, he will tell us everything.” The woman said to Him, when that One comes, He will tell us everything [we need to know].”

The Samaritans believed that the Prophet of Deut. 18:15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken. The Samaritans believed this messiah would teach all things when he came.

John 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. Jesus answered, “I am he, I who am talking with you.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you, am He (the Messiah).”

Woah here… either Jesus is the messiah or a liar. He cannot be both. He could be crazy….. but He’s still a liar if He is not the Messiah. So logically….if we assume Jesus gave us wisdom that we still live by today….but was liar…then why do we still follow Him today? Because He WAS NOT LYING !!!!and everyone knows that! They just don’t want to accept it.

There is truth. You can either accept it or not. You can either believe it or not. Everybody believes that they will die but they don’t want to accept it. That doesn’t affect the truth of death one bit. Everybody or most everybody believes that Jesus Christ is who He said He was….but they have not accepted it as relevant to them and therefore they ignore it. They make no provision for Jesus, No room for Jesus, No thoughts of Jesus.

I AM HE……Using the same words that God used when He revealed Himself to Moses. The “I AM” statements of Jesus are undeniable and John has a lot of them. Ex. 3:14 14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Jesus clearly stated that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, God in the flesh. The anointed one of God. She reacts by going and telling everyone that this man has to be the Messiah…because He knew everything about me and I have never seen Him before in my life! 27:00

Who Is Jesus? 2. Let’s Change The Subject 3. You Don’t Know …But You Will Know

The Ultimate Truth.

Jesus said “I am the way…the truth…and the life…No man cometh unto the Father but by me. This is either the Ultimate in arrogance or Ultimate truth! I would not want to take a chance on my eternal destiny that Jesus is a liar would you? that does not make sense. I never had a chance to be convinced about Jesus? If you have to be convinced without a doubt then that is not faith. Faith is believing without being convinced! You take it by faith that it is true. You don’t know how a car works but you take off to the beach and drive 14 hours…..by faith!

Faith is believing the obvious and trusting God for the rest. Jesus lived, He died…He said He was the only way….that is obvious……..we trust God for everything else….. we trust God to save us when we believe in HimFaith is evidence that something is true! I have faith in a chair…I sit in it and prove it is true. I still don’t know everything about a chair but I trust it. I have faith in Jesus Christ…so I give my life to Him….I still don’t know everything about Him…but I trust Him. 28:04

9/29/2024

Biblical Borders….I got most of this from Andy Woods Pastor of Sugarland Bible church in Houston Texas.

In 2009 I could be wrong on that date but the president used Exodus 23:9 to justify open borders

Exodus 23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

David Platt of the SBC believes that God has sent all these illegal aliens to us to evangelize them. We should share the gospel with everyone. But they are here illegally and are criminals. We can share Christ with them….but we cannot put up with their crime. We can minister to them in jail.

Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

Global Government has been tried before…….

Genesis 10:8-10And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord. 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. and Genesis 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Chapter 11 gives us the background of how the world got to nation states…

Genesis 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

God established individual nations at the tower of Babel.

Andy Woods gives us God’s doctrine of Nations….

Individual nations….to be a nation it has to have……

Common Currency

Common language

Common Culture

Enforceable borders. (Without enforceable borders you are not a country) Like a home owner. You can decide who comes into your house and who doesn’t. If you don’t you are not a homeowner anymore you are just an open building where anything goes!!!

Andy Woods says the world has four Divine Institutions….

Conscience

Marriage and family

Work

Government

Borders that God has established…

The New Jerusalem.

Revelation 21:16-21 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

God divided the earth into nations. Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

God again divided the nation of Israel into twelve tribes allotment. Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.

God invented borders and good sense and prudence in qualifying people to enter our borders.

Genesis 15:18-21 In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, 21 And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.Israels’ land Abrahamic Covenant. Borders….

They say…from the river to the sea Palestine will be free….

God says From the Euphrates to the sea the land of Israel will be……PERIOD!

The book of Joshua talks about borders of various tribes. Actually Joshua is all about borders!

Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it. We have borders everywhere we go and in most everything we do. God said thou shalt not steal….how can you steal unless someone owns something?

Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

Judges 18 the tribe of Dan got in trouble for migrating to the territory of another

1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Divided kingdom of Israel

1 Kings 12 The land was divided….not in ideals but in fact!

Ten northern tribes headquartered in Samaria

2 Southern tribes headquartered in Jerusalem

God believes in Borders for His people…..

Ezekiel 47:13-21 Thus saith the Lord God; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.

14 And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

15 And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;

16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.

17 And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.

18 And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And this is the east side.

19 And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.

20 The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This is the west side.

21 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel.

Gibbul—border, boundary or territory. Found 216 times in the OT. Joshua 66 times and Ezekiel 39 times. Numbers 25 times. Ezekiel 32 times!!!

Genesis 19:30-38 origin of the Moabites and the Ammonites and their borders. A very corrupt people. They were Lot’s incestuous daughters children. Deuteronomy 23:3-4 God shut the borders down to keep these people out. They were too mean…

God wants people to assimilate with the laws and culture of the people in the land…….

“Ger” or “Nekar?” Ger is the non-Hebrew person living among you who wants to assimilate. Abraham is an example. Genesis23:7-9. And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. 8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a burying place amongst you. Abraham dealt cordially with the Sons of Heth.

“Ger” are like Ruth whose made the God of Israel her God and followed Him and His people’s laws. Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

“Nekar” is a word to describe people like the Moabites and Amorites. Wicked corrupt people who will not assimilate! And like the Islamic people who come to America….many will assimilate but most lately have come to convert America.

Borders and Walls….

Nehemiah built a wall around where? Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Also. Nehemiah armed his wall builders! Nehemiah 4:16-18 Guards on the wall!

Illegal Immigration Today

Illegal aliens have broken two laws to get here. Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. Romans 13:1-2 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.

They have not come in through proper legal channels.
they will not obey our laws or assimilate. That is breaking God’s laws for the stranger.

As David Platt says….we should share Christ with them and minister to them. Well…we are to share Christ with these illegals…… But the first thing we should tell them that they have broken the law and to turn themselves in.

Illegal immigration causes a nation to be divided eventually and collapse.

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

Andy Woods…..

Daniel 2:41-43 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. feet mixed with iron and clay. Divided people. Iron and clay pottery. Some will be strong and some very fragile. A nation that has divided itself cannot stand very long.

Lee Malville the sniper who killed ten and injured three in 2001 was an illegal alien from Jamaica. He was not deported but released on bond. The last report on Illegal alien crime by the General Accounting Office (GAO) was in 2018. But between 2010-2015 illegal immigrants were responsible for 33,000 deaths!! No wonder the government doesn’t keep track anymore.

Illegal aliens use $2,700 more in services than they pay in taxes creating a ten billion drain on the federal government. In the last ten years….1.2 million native-born Americans had lost their jobs and 700,000 foreign born workers have gained them!

If you vote for open borders you are actually voting yourself out of a job!

Evangelical Christian refugees are treated differently than other refugees. One group is deported and the other is not? Can you guess which one? The LEFT only wants those who will vote for them!

Bottom line…..why do we have all these millions of illegals all over the world?

Judas Iscariot complained that the woman who anointed Jesus feet didn’t sell the ointment and give money to the poor. But the Bible says he wasn’t interested in the Poor but lining his own pockets. That what these people are doing who promote open borders! They don’t care about the poor and the displaced….they are only a voting block to perpetuate their own power and riches!

9/22/2024

1 Timothy 3:1-7 The Requirements Of A Biblical Pastor

Intro: Churches today are weak and spineless and unable to stand up to the wicked culture we have today because of weakness in the pulpits. Many say pastors have tough jobs. But they make it harder because they won’t stick to preaching the Bible. I think it’s easy….all you have to do is preach the word of God…stick to the word of God…..and love the word of God…..Most pastors today love the power, the money, and then it turns to pride and greed. And that leads to compromising and compromising leads to weak spineless pastors and churches.

But they will be safe….safe from a wicked culture that approves their sermons! A day is coming when pastors and preachers and Bible teachers will be jailed for offending Islam, homosexuals, the government and pedophiles. The Requirements of a Biblical Pastor…… 1:00

What A Pastor Must Desire

1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

bishop: This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.

This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of [a]overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task.

This Greek word Bishop refers to a person who oversees a congregation. In many New Testament passages, the Greek words for bishop and elder are used interchangeably for the same office. It can be a pastor or other church leader…not a deacon though.

A Pastor must be a man who wants and desires to preach and teach God’s word. If a man desire the office of a bishop…. A man who feels led to pastor is a man who loves the church! Loves His community and loves His God and Savior Jesus Christ!

The media, (movies and TV and books) have made pastors the most vile, spineless and wicked people in a town over the last 100 years. And the fact that many pastors are hirelings (I’ll explain what that is later) instead of pastors…..many have engaged in wicked behavior. Theft, sexual sins, lying, causing divisions etc. But despite that it is an honored position that is God called, God ordained and God approved.

A Pastor should desire to tell it the way it is in the Bible with love. Many of us think that the pastor should be the nicest man in town. Maybe the kindest man in town but not the nicest. We are not called to just say nice things in the pulpit. Jesus called people…….. vipers, Hypocrites and snakes. He told the woman at the well….go get your husband….she said she didn’t have a husband. Jesus said you’re right….. you have had FIVE husbands….that wasn’t a very nice thing to say was it? Jesus said it with love for the person!

A Pastor should desire to love God, hate sin, refuse to lose, live to win for Christ. That means you can’t be nice all the time. You have to call HELL a place. A HOT place. A hopeless place. And sinners go there! But we can be kind. It’s NOT kind to fail to help a lost man find the way. It is kind to tell a person that the bridge is out on the road that they are on. A Pastor today has to be tough. Have thick skin. Ignore a lot of stuff.

A pastor should desire to be uncompromising and unmovable in preaching what the Bible says instead of telling stories and being a comedian…Biblical preaching is not going to be very popular among people. Let’s face it….people today want to be entertained not taught. People what to hear what their favorite celebrity or sports hero say….not what the word of God says.

Can you imagine during the tribulation when all hell is breaking lose….are people going to run to Taylor Swift to see what she thinks?….or to one of the 144 thousand Jewish preachers to see what God says? The reason people care about what Taylor Swift thinks is because pastors don’t preach the Bible and stand against sin and tell the truth of God! They don’t give people Jesus Christ! They give them morality lessons. Or tell them how good they are….or how great they are….or how great God thinks they are….

God does love us….but we are far from Great. The Bible says there is NONE righteous NO NOT ONE!

Did you know that Andy Stanley said that he gives his sermon notes to several people in his congregation two weeks before he preaches them. Why? To look over to make sure he is not being offensive or incorrect in what he preaches………Let me tell you something…I love you all….You are the best church I’ve ever pastored…..but I’m sorry…….I don’t care if you like my sermons or not! I don’t care if I offend those that need to be offended! I’m preaching what God has laid on my heart! Take it or leave it! A pastor who is afraid of offending someone is NOT a pastor! He is a hireling. A pastor who sugar coats the judgments of God is not a preacher and not a pastor!

What is a hireling? Someone hired to guard the sheep. He is not the shepherd. But one hired who does not care for the sheep. He will run when the wolves come for the sheep and let the wolves have them.

You know what LONG-horned preaching is? A point here and a point there…and a lot of bull in between. A Pastor should desire to preach the Bible. That is never bull! We need pastors who preach the OT. WE need pastors who preach Bible prophecy. We need pastors who preach verse by verse…… expository style. We need Pastors….who care enough about their flock and love the Bible enough to teach the hard things that require diligent study. 10:00

What A Pastor Must Desire 2. What A Pastor Must Be

1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,[a] be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Blameless means “not laid hold of.” The idea is not that a bishop is sinless but that he displays mature, consistent Christian conduct that gives no reason for anyone to accuse him of anything.

Husband of one wife literally means “a one-woman kind of man.” This expression has been interpreted as a general exclusion from office of all who are sexually immoral or who are polygamists, and could be referring to those who have remarried after a divorce. I believe a man who has left his wife for another woman cannot be a pastor or church leader ever again…… I believe he CAN pastor if his wife left him due to her fornication (Adultery) or she left because she refused to become a Christian. He can remarry and pastor but it’s rare that that happens. 1 Corinthians 7 gives some basic rules on Christian marriage.

Vigilant means “without wine,” sober or clear-headed.

Sober means that an overseer must have control of his body and mind. It is a balanced state of mind arising out of self-restraint.

Of good behavior means “orderly.”

Hospitable means “loving strangers.” An overseer’s home should be open for purposes of ministry.

Able to teach could also be translated “qualified to teach,” or “teachable.” Since the passage is about character, it seems best to understand this qualification as being teachable, a necessity for a man of God for the requirement that an elder should be able to teach see 1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.;

2 Tim. 2:24; And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money;

not addicted to wine, not [b]a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power—financially ethical]

Not given to wine means “not addicted to wine.”

No striker means Not violent. An elder should not be prone to violence or to striking others.

…not greedy of filthy lucre or for money: An overseer is not to have a materialistic attitude toward money or possessions. Part of this qualification is a warning to those in church leadership concerning proper management of God’s finances.

Not a brawler means Not quarrelsome, “without fighting.” This is the quality of being peaceable. A bishop or overseer should contend for the faith without being contentious.

Not covetous means “not a lover of silver” (1 Timothy 6:9But 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.). Note that this is a second warning about money. Certain Ephesian elders were receiving financial support from the ministry (1 Timothy 5:17, 18Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.) Paul exhorted them not to allow their desire for money to become a priority.

1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]

Rules means “stands before” or “manages.” his own house: An elder must manage his own family well. His children must submit to his leadership with reverence or respect. Bad children can ruin a pastors ministry as we will see in the next verse…..But some great men in the Bible had very bad children.

Noah’s sons had no praise recorded for them. Abraham had Ishmail, Lot had a foolish family,

Isaac had Esau the fool and Jacob the trickster, Jacob whose only son of virtue was Joseph,

Eli had the wicked Phineous and Hophni, Samuel had sons much like Eli’s

David had Absolom and Solomon failed in the end, Jotham’s son Ahaz was a very wicked king,

Hezekiah had the worst king of all Judah…Manesseh.

There are no perfect parents or perfect children. Good parenting is a command of God…. but good parenting doesn’t mean children will be Godly. We see these great men of God had ungodly children or children that did some ungodly things. So take heart….Everyone must give account of their own selves to God.

1 Timothy 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? (for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?). Good question. Bad children living under the pastors roof can disqualify one from the pastoral position…but not from serving the Lord in other capacities. And it’s according to how old the child is. If it’s a full grown adult I don’t think you can hold the pastor accountable for that.

Bottom line ad Pastor must be a trusted man of God in the community. Known for Godliness and order in his life. 19:00

What A Pastor Must Desire 2. What A Pastor Must Be 3. What A Pastor Must Not Do

1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].

A Pastor should not be a new believer or inexperienced. Not a novice. Novice means “newly planted.” An elder is not to be a new believer. Being a new convert could put him in danger of being puffed up with pride. Such pride is described as the condemnation of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil’s trap. And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.

A Pastor of course should not have a bad reputation and testimony: An elder must have a good reputation and testimony in the community. (Acts 6:3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.) A non-Christian should not be able to reproach or insult an elder.

A pastor should not fall into the snare of the devil. The elder’s good testimony avoids the snare of the devil, the traps or pitfalls of Satan. 2 Tim. 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 27:00

What A Pastor Must Desire 2. What A Pastor Must Be 3 What A Pastor Must Not Do

The Requirements Of A Biblical Pastor

How do you know you are called? Do you desire to preach and teach the word of God? Be a studend of the Bible first and teacher second….then find a ministry….then make it known to your pastor that you desire to teach and preach and see where God leads. But make your calling and election sure…make sure Jesus Christ is your Savior and that you are trusting in Him alone for salvation 28:04

9-15-2024

Joshua 2:10-11 We Have Heard

Intro: Joshua 2:1-9

1And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.

3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.

4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:

5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.

6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

1 We have Heard

Joshua 2:10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt… We have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea in front of you when you were leaving Egypt. We have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea in front of you when you were leaving Egypt.

We heard what God did for you….

Joshua 2:10….and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan,

We have also heard how you, killed the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. We have also heard how you killed the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan.

WE have heard what you did…….

Joshua 2:10….Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. Sihon and Og. Sihon and Og,

Sihon king of the Ammorites. Numbers 21 Moses led the battle against Sihon. Fierce cruel king

Og of Bashon. The powerful Giant Numbers 21, Deuteronomy 3

With our God there is not one more powerful than the people of His church!

2 We Are Feared Because of Our God

Joshua 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, We were afraid as soon as we heard about it. We were afraid as soon as we heard about it; Respect for you….if you are consistent and faithful….

Joshua 2:11….neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: we have all lost our courage because of you. we have all lost our faith in what we thought was truth because of you. They will lose faith in what they believe and look to you.

3 Our Great God Is Everywhere…

Joshua 2:11…..for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, The Lord your God is God in heaven above. He will never leave us no matter how high…..

Joshua 2:11……..and in earth beneath. and here on earth. No matter how low the place our God is there!

Psalm 113:5-6 Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, 6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Genesis 14:19-20 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Conclusion:

Make sure they hear who you are

Make sure that you represent your God with courage

Make sure you trust in our Great God.

9/15 and 9/22/2024

Psalm 9:15-20 The Wicked Are Sunk

Intro: Why do the wicked, the heathen, the nations of the world think that their evil plans will succeed? Pride, power and persistence. They think they are the smart ones, the enlightened ones that is why they have the power…… and they never stop. They never give up. They never stop pushing their agenda that goes back to WW I. They are patient. They are fighting a losing battle though. They will never win. They just don’t believe it in their blind lust for power. But I’ve got bad news for them. 9/8/2024

Galatians 6:3-8 The Arrogance Of Man Does Not Bring Blessing From God

Intro: You probably don’t know or have ever met an arrogant, boastful, proud person that gets on your nerves have you? I didn’t think so. I believe there are more of those type people around than I have ever seen! People believe something and not only won’t change their minds but they want you to believe just like they do and get angry if you don’t. Our American media is cancelling people who don’t believe what they want them to believe. I have been cancelled on YOutube. That is arrogance! What happened to free speech? It’s gone and it’s going to get worse. Man in his pursuit of the god of power…..has become the arbiter of truth…… not the Bible, not common sense, not love for each other, not compassion, not fairness…… but power!! ……. and being god gives you absolute power! Such arrogance! We are that arrogant today. Romans 1:21-22 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. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. 1:00

Arrogance Of Man

Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something….. If you think you are something …For if anyone thinks he is something [special…God’s gift to mankind… We are told to believe in yourself. Muhammed Ali used to say….”I AM The greatest!” We are told now to believe that I AM this or that..….I’ve even heard preachers try to fire people up with the chant…I AM the one God loves….I AM the one that God will use….I AM great because He is great! I AM a channel for God’s blessings!

I AM…. is the name of God. Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. The Hebrew words “I AM” are related to the name Yahweh, usually translated “Lord,” and suggest that God eternally lives and is always with his people. I don’t think people understand or mean any harm but I certainly would be careful about claiming “I AM” anything! I am is the eternal name of God…He was, He is, and He is to come! Jesus used it I think 14 times in reference to Himself and His Godhood.

We are told that we can do anything we put our mind to do. And that is true to a certain extent…we can go to great depths of evil for sure. But to do good none of us can do that in a way that pleases God without His guidance and direction. James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. People today are so arrogant. Arrogant means to have a exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities. Think of when people say….If you don’t brag on yourself no one else will!

So….do you need someone else’s approval to make you feel good about yourself? If you have Jesus Christ in your life….You are approved of by God…Loved by God……bring glory to God….and blessing by God. You don’t need man’s approval for your life!

Don’t you want to please your boss? What about your parents or your spouse? If you please your Lord Jesus you will automatically please those in authority over you or in relationship with you and it you don’t who cares? You have pleased God and after all that’s all that matters!

God hates pride….that’s the sin that caused Satan to be the devil. He had pride that became arrogance.

People have turned the word pride into arrogance. Pride means…..a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements or the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated. It’s okay to be proud of your children, your team, your country or community if is doing things that promote goodness and Godliness. And pride in your achievements is okay until you start becoming arrogant about it. This is the type of pride that God hates…..an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities. I am a PA announcer for the High School. I make mistakes. I call the wrong player or get the play wrong. Is the world going to end? When it first happens yes if feel I would say yes! Are people going to roll their eyes? Yes! Is my life over because of it? Yes! Will it be remembered for 100 years? No! Did it make me a failure? No. the only people who fail are those who quit trying!

Pride month is simple arrogance of people who want to force approval of their way of life on everyone else. And exaggerated sense of importance on society. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. God warns us about arrogance. They are destroying themselves and they don’t even realize it.

Romans 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? I love this passage. Who in the world do you think you are to second-guess God? Do you for one moment suppose any of us knows enough to call God into question? Clay doesn’t talk back to the fingers that mold it, saying, “Why did you shape me like this?” Isn’t it obvious that a potter has a perfect right to shape one lump of clay into a vase for holding flowers and another into a pot for cooking beans? If God needs one style of pottery especially designed to show his angry displeasure and another style carefully crafted to show his glorious goodness, isn’t that all right? Answer….thank you Lord for making me and giving me life! And the opportunity to have eternal life in glory!

Galatians 6:3 …..when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. You think you are something special when in reality you are nothing special except to yourself, you are only deceiving yourself.] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself. People have been deceived by the devil the father of pride and arrogance into thinking they are really something. It’s okay to be confident but in a way that is not pushy or arrogant…thinking you are better than others.

We are deceived into thinking how important we are. Yes God loves us and made us in His own image…but how important are we? John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Without Jesus we can’t do anything that is good for us in the long run and is important and lasting. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. With Christ we can do anything that glorifies and lifts up His name and that is according to God’s will and purposes. It’s important and it lasts forever!

To be something…… we need Jesus…to be nothing…… reject Jesus. 2 Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Everything you did that you thought was so important will be burned up and dissolved. Hold on loosely to your possessions for they won’t go with you when you die……but your works….Your faithfulness to Christ and the word of God will last forever!

Job 24:19-20 …..those which have sinned. 20 The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree……sinners disappear in the grave. The womb has forgotten them, worms have relished them— nothing that is evil lasts. Unscrupulous, they prey on those less fortunate. However much they strut and flex their muscles, there’s nothing to them. They’re hollow. They may have an illusion of security, but God has his eye on them. They may get their brief successes, but then it’s over, nothing to show for it. Like yesterday’s newspaper, they’re used to wrap up the garbage and burn it all up!

Psalm 9:5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. You have destroyed the wicked, You have wiped out their name forever and ever. Nimrod wanted to make a name for himself and the people. To have your name not remembered on this earth is bad….but for God to erase your name forever is Horrible! 13:00

Arrogance Of Man 2. Examine Your Actions

Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable [a]without comparing himself to another.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously…..setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness.

Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden. For each of you have to carry your own load.

For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible]. We shall all give account of ourselves to God. We are always accountable for our actions. To our families, our employers, our society and most of all to our God.

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. If you are being taught the Christian message, you should share all the good things you have with your teacher. The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]. Are you supportive of your Bible teachers? Do you support them spiritually by praying for them and encouraging them? And materially by helping them when they have a need? Do you brag about them? Do you support them by continued growth and attendance?

Bottom line……Don’t undermine your good solid Bible teachers. Don’t be jealous of them or seek to usurp them or defame them or even destroy them……… if they are solid Bible teachers. Don’t be arrogant to the one who taught you……. by not being grateful or appreciative……. and even trying to take over their ministry by force! That’s just plain arrogance! Examine your own actions and see if you show arrogance and pride in your own life! 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 19:00

Arrogance Of Man 2. Examine Your Actions 3. God Will Not Be Fooled

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived….. Do not deceive yourselves; Don’t that God is not watching you.

This is the problem of the wicked. They don’t care about God. They are Luciferians. They think Lucifer is the one that has been done wrong by God and that Lucifer will win! They are deceived. What did Jesus tell us FOUR times in the Olivet discourse on the last days…..Be not, do not be deceived!!! Anyone that turns away from the truth of God into fables is deceived and headed for a big surprise! Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, Now the holy anger of God is disclosed from Heaven against the godlessness and evil of those men who render truth as sometime stupid and irrelevant by their wickedness.

What are they doing to make God so angry?

Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. These men deliberately forfeited the truth of God and accepted a lie, paying homage and giving service to the creature instead of to the Creator, who alone is worthy to be worshipped for ever and ever, All this because they traded the true God for a fake god of self and served devils, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them

So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.”

Galatians 6:7……God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant., God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.

We always reap what we sow and always more than we sow….Never less than we sow! This is the rule of the universe! Many are deceived into thinking that they can sow lies, hate and discord and everything will work out good for them! They are deceived!

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. ……..For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Revelation 14:6 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. God is going to reap the earth one day from all the wickedness it has sowed. The wicked will be reaped cast into the lake of fire after appearing at the Great white throne judgement. Corruption is what the flesh our sinful nature brings forth. We sow a sinful life that never trusts in Jesus will be reaped and cast away because it is corrupted fruit.

God is not fooled. God is not going to be tricked. God is laughing at these wicked people and their wicked plans. Psalm 2:4-5 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets very angry. Furiously, he shuts them up. 27:00

Arrogance Of Man 2. Examine Your Actions 3. God Will Not Be Fooled

The Arrogance Of Man Does Not Bring Blessing From God

God loves a humble heart that loves Him. He will lift you up when you give Him the glory for all you accomplish. Let our boasting be about our God who gave Himself for us and is coming again to get us.

Is He coming for You? 28:04

9/8/2024

2 Peter 2:13-17 Make Sure You Are Not A False Teacher Part 2

Intro: 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. In the OT there were False Prophets….. so in the church age there will be false teachers. They will preach unholy heresies and even deny and blaspheme the Lord Jesus Christ! They are heaping upon themselves destruction. So you better make sure you are not a false teacher! That is teaching against Christ and the only way of salvation found by faith and trust in Jesus Christ in His FINISHED work on the cross for me and you!

They Are Arrogant

2 Peter 2:10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government (authority or glorious beings). Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. These false teachers are bold and arrogant, and show no respect for the glorious beings above; instead, they insult them. and especially [d]those who indulge in the corrupt passions of the sin nature, and despise authority. Presumptuous and reckless, self-willed and arrogant [creatures, despising the majesty of the Lord], they do not tremble when they revile angels.

Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.

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; But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals, But these [false teachers], like unreasoning animals, [mere] creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed, reviling things they do not understand, will also perish in their own corruption in their destroying they will be destroyed.

Romans 1:32 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.

2 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you. That is the pay these teachers will have for their sin. For they live in evil pleasures day after day. They are a disgrace and a stain among you, deceiving you by living in foul sin on the side while they join your love feasts as pretending though they were honest wholesome men. The US government aligns with evil corrupt nations. Politicians align with corrupt people to get their votes. We put up with sinful activities so that we won’t offend anyone. Jesus said that His message will offend and divide people and yes!! Even hurt their feelings!!!…. God is not afraid to hurt someone’s precious sensitive feelings!

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. But cowardly, unfaithful, and detestable people, murderers, sexual sinners, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: They want to look for nothing but the chance to commit adultery; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God’s curse! They have eyes full of adultery, constantly looking for sin, enticing and luring away unstable souls. Having hearts trained in greed, [they are] children of a curse.

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal

2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong. Abandoning the straight road [that is, the right way to live], they have gone astray; they have followed the way of [the false teacher] Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness.

The account of Balaam we find in Numbers 22–24 is used here, as well as in Jude 11 and Rev. 2:14, to depict the danger of forsaking the right way and going astray. Balaam’s primary downfall was that he loved the wages of unrighteousness. He sold his prophetic powers to the pagan king Balak and, for a promised monetary reward, sought to curse the children of God.

People do things for money and for power. And the more money you have the more power you have. And power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! That’s human nature.

2 Peter 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. and was rebuked for his sin. His donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the prophet’s insane action. but he was rebuked for his own transgression: a mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. I think its funny that God used an expression that we use to describe people who make dumb decisions as a dumb—A**! It took a dumb A** to speak to another dumb A**!!

We have many Balaam’s today!

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal 3. Not going To End Well For them

2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, These people are like dried-up springs, These [false teachers] are springs without water. Jesus is the complete opposite of these false teachers. They are empty of anything that cures our thirst for God and truth. They look good. But are empty of truth. They sound good but only teach the things that lead to death.

The woman at the well…..Jesus came to the well to give her living water. The well could quench physical thirst but Jesus has everything we need for life and joy. He is living water! False teachers can only give you false hopes and false testimonies and false reasoning and false prophecies. They are liars. They look good like a refreshing well has a lot of hope but if it contains no water it contains nothing but disappointment and death.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. But the water I give them,” he said, “becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life.”

2 Peter 7:17 ……clouds that are carried with a tempest; like clouds blown along by a storm; and mists driven by a tempest. They are like clouds that seem to indicate a storm which the wind blows away so that no rain comes. People see clouds form and they hope for rain for their crops, but the wind blows away the rain clouds and they get nothing. That is what false teachers are like. They come up from nowhere, they look good, sound good, give hope, but in the end produce nothing but more pain and emptiness! Beware of these people! Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

2 Peter 7:17……to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness., for whom is reserved the gloom of black darkness. So sad. Tragic even….. that people did not love the truth or seek the truth and followed after lies. They are deceived because of their own blackened hearts! It cost them their eternal souls!

Hell is described as a place of darkness and torment, weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Hell is described as a place of torment. Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Hell is the place where all dead went until Jesus came and preached to the spirits in prison to announce victory over the spirits or angels who caused the Nephilim and Jesus also took OT saints to heaven. Now every believer goes to be with Jesus when they die until they get their resurrection body. There were two compartments to hell. Torments and Abraham’s bosom. Now there is just torments or hell since there is no more Abraham’s bosom.

Torment or hell is a place of fire…Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. …..send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!’ This is beyond imagination this place called torment or hell! It is a literal fire because he would not have asked for cooling drop of water. That is horrifying!

The destiny of all the wicked dead is the lake of fire! Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. It is fire and brimstone. What is brimstone? It is a word that also means “sulfur.” Sulfur is the fifth most common element in the universe. In Literature sulfur was called “brimstone” which means “burning stone.” Sulfur is the main ingredient in a match head. Sulfur smells bad. Like natural gas, skunk, bad breath, garlic and rotten eggs. Sulfur is an essential element for all life. Almost all life compounds contain some Sulfur.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Not just a flame as was in torment, hell……but a literal LAKE of fire! How can we even comprehend how horrible this place will be!

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. One thing keeps you out of the lake of fire. You name is IN the book of life. It was NOT blotted out because you rejected God’s offer or salvation by faith and trust in Jesus Christ!

This is the saddest statement in the Bible even…… sadder than “depart from me I NEVER knew you!” Which is horribly sadder than sad! But you have a chance to have your name remain in the book of life by trusting in Jesus Christ. It appear to me that if you do not……. your name is blotted out because you are eternally dead to God now. Alive but living death!

Exodus 32:32-33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Psalm 69:8 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Revelation 3:5 and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 17:8 And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. It seems that everyone born has their name written in the book of life. And if they have not received Jesus Christ when they die or when they take the mark of the Beast …..their names are blotted out of the book of life.

Separation from God…..God is light….God is love…..God is peace….God is joy…..God good….God is hope.

So in the lake of fire is

NO LIGHT

NO LOVE

NO PEACE

NO JOY

NO GOODNESS

AND THE WORST…….NO HOPE

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal 3. Not going To End Well For them

Make Sure You are Not A False Teacher

Don’t be a False teacher be a Biblical teacher! How can I do that? Teach from the Bible. Let the Bible prove the Bible. You can read and use commentaries from people who use the Bible in their commentary. But be a Biblicist. A Bible student. Let the Bible be your spiritual guide to the supernatural. More than that….Let it be your love letter from God about your beloved Jesus Christ!

9/1/2024

Hebrews 12:1-2 Why Have Faith In Christ In The Last Days

Intro: With So many people telling us which way to go and what to believe in these days we live in how do we know what to believe? We can have faith in a human leader or a government. What good will that do you? You can have faith in a system or a government. But what good will that do you? We have faith not in human leader, or a government….. but in a person. Jesus Christ! 1:00

We Have Testimonies Of Faith

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of [a]witnesses[who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], The cloud of witnesses refers to the role call of faith in Hebrews chapter 11…these were ordinary people of great faith in Hebrews chapter 11

They are not actually spectators watching us; they are witnesses testifying to the truth of the faith Hebrews 11:2For by it (faith in God) the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel 5By faith Enoch 6But 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.

7 by faith Noah

8 by faith Abraham

11 Through faith Sara

20 By faith Issac

21 by faith Jacob

22 by faith Joseph

23 by faith Moses

31 by faith the harlot Rahab

32 and what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. Faith is only as good as the object we have faith in. I have faith in a chair to hold me up. That’s a pretty sure thing. I have faith that Jesus Christ can save me, will save me and keep me saved…that’s a very sure thing because He can do, will do it and wants to do it because He loves me.

All These people had faith in God. How many people do you know who have faith in God? How many of these people have testimonies of their faith? 10:00

We Have Testimonies Of Faith 2 We Have Hindrances to Faith

Hebrews 12:1 …..let us lay aside every weight, So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, stripping off every unnecessary weight. If faith in Christ was no big deal….. why would the devil put so many obstacles in our way of faith? Why would the world go to great lengths to destroy and ignore faith in God our creator and His Son Jesus Christ?

I don’t go to pieces if someone wants to believe that Fords are the best vehicles or that Chocolate is the best Ice cream. I may not like it….but a person has that right to believe what they want. I will give them my opinion …..but I won’t try to destroy them for what they believe or destroy Fords or chocolate because someone believes in them so much. It’s so silly….that its not that important. Evidently believing in Jesus Christ must be very important for the devil has created two thousand false religions and the theory of Evil-lution and New age beliefs to refute it. What is the saying?…..If it isn’t important why is everyone so opposed to it? Its like if everyone says don’t try that……what are we going to do? TRY THAT!

The devil gives us obstacles to our faith. We need to slim down for our health. We need to slim down in order to make our faith stronger. Get rid of all the things we carry that hinder us. Guilt, shame, burdens, people pleasing, to much work, to much play, and on and on. Not saying that work and play are bad but too much of anything becomes a hinderance to our faith.

The world wants to bog us down with chaos and confusion and entertain us and keep us from thinking about Jesus Christ. We have to take and make time for our faith in Christ. We need to get rid of the chaos and confusion, busyness, and false guilt in our lives that hinder us from growing in Christ. Let me talk about false guilt. Satan knows we want to serve Jesus and please Him. He will turn that against us and tell us how bad we are at serving, loving and following Jesus. Yes I’m not a perfect Christian….but I follow Jesus wherever He leads me.

We should be taking two steps forward and one step back. We watched the movie “The *****” an old lady prayer warrior said… “If you are taking one step forward and one step back for Christ you are doing the cha cha” that’s a dance. God doesn’t want us to dance with Him….He wants us to move forward toward Him!

Hebrews 12:1….. and the sin which doth so easily beset us….. and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly. and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us. Sin is so easy to do for us? Why? We are sinners! That’s what sinners do? SIN! You ever been entangled in a net? The more you try to get free the more you get tangled. Every tried to untangle a rope or a cord? The more you pull on it the tighter the tangle gets and the worse it gets. The point is…..Satan entangles us with sin. The more we try to get out of it ourselves the worse it becomes. We have to Let Jesus Set us free!! Who the son sets free is free indeed. Only Jesus can free us from sin that entangles us.

Satan loves for us to be entangled in sin. He loves to catch us in a web of sin. We get deeper and deeper in the web and here comes the spider that eats us. Sin will eat you up and spit you out. It will ruin your life. But all of us think it won’t be that way for me….no! I’ll never be like that…..drug addict, that adulterer, that thief, that murderer, that rapist. As soon as you say “I’ll never do that” you will do that!

Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sin. Sin is easy. Giving it to Jesus is hard…..we don’t want to let go. We don’t want to give it up. We can control it……..But until you finally let go and give it to JEsus…we find that His burden is easy and His yoke is light.

Hebrews 12:1…..and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 12, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 12 let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us.

A Christian must be determined to live for Jesus. We must be persistent in our faith. Faith is like a muscle we must exercise it. And the Lord gives us plenty of opportunities to exercise our faith in the sinful fallen world doesn’t He? 19:00

We Have Testimonies Of Faith 2 We Have Hindrances to Faith 3. The Focus Of Our Faith

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith….. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],

Jesus it the author of our faith. Without Him our faith would mean nothing. Jesus is our life. Jesus is our Savior, our God, our Lord, our master and our beloved one. He is the reason for living. He is…….a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Are you diligently seeking for Jesus? Are you reading His word every day? Are you spending quality time in prayer to Him? He wants to hear from you today and everyday!

Jesus is the finisher of faith. Now faith in Christ brings eternal life. The OT saints had faith in God looking forward to the cross through the blood of lambs, bulls and goats. Jesus said “it is finished.” And He meant it. Salvation is in Him and He finished the work when He shed His precious blood on the cruel Roman cross. The He rose again for our Justification.

Jesus is the focus of our faith and Joy is the result of our faith…….

Hebrews 12:2 …..who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame…. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal He thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross,] set before Him endured the cross, [b]disregarding the shame.

Jesus looked past the suffering and shame to the glory of God and in the salvation secured for the whole world! Jesus saw the big picture. We need to look at the big picture. Suffer a little now for the glory later. Give this short little life to Jesus for eternal life and joy! This life is short whether you live to be 9 or 99. It’s short. When you are gone all your stuff is trash. All your life is a short memory. In a few years no one will remember or care that you were ever here! Yeah that might build a statue for you…..that birds will poop on! Live for Jesus, love for Jesus and go to Jesus. That sums up life on this earth!

The world has no hope but in this life. If all we have is hope in this life we are of all men most miserable! Don’t put all your eggs in a basket that has a hole in the bottom of it. That hole leads down to hell!

Hebrews 12:2…..and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne. 2 and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

We will be with Jesus around the throne. The 24 elders in Revelation many believe to be the church. Where Jesus is…is where we will be. Our reward is Jesus….that is why we lay our crowns at His feet. Nothing or no one compares to Jesus Christ! 27:00

We Have Testimonies Of Faith 2 We Have Hindrances to Faith 3. The Focus Of Our Faith

Why Have Faith In Christ In The Last Days?

Who else can give you what you need in this life?

Who else can give you peace in this life?

Who else can give you joy in this life?

Who else can give you hope in the midst of trouble?

Who else promises to take you to be with Him? Who else can keep His promises to you? 28:04

8/25/2024

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Out With The Old and In With The New

Intro: Paul constantly battled with the Judaizers who felt that Christians should keep the law and follow it just like before only adding Christ. Paul explains to the Corinthians that the usefulness of the law has ended and it is time for a New covenant not a new way….but a fulfillment of the Old covenant. 1:00

The Ministry Of Condemnation

2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: The Law was carved in letters on stone tablets, and God’s glory appeared when it was given. Even though the brightness on Moses’ face was fading, it was so strong that the people of Israel could not keep their eyes fixed on him. If the Law, which brings death when it is in force, came with such glory– Now if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones [the covenant of the Law which led to death because of sin], came with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, [a brilliance] that was fading. It would pass away when Christ came.

We did not know we were accountable to God until we knew God’s requirements for righteousness! It is glorious that we now know what God expects of us! God’s expectation is that man not sin. But we have sinned and there is no hope for mankind! That is why the ten comandments and the law are called the ministry of death! The wages of sin is death. The soul that sinneth it SHALL DIE!

Thank’s be unto God the ministration of death has passed away. We had no hope. But someone had to die. Either us or someone who kept the law perfectly and there fore was qualified to take our penalty for breaking God’s law. The law was engraved in stone. Unchanging, set, done, no compromising! So if offered no hope! But it has been done away with because someone kept the law and therefor died for us so that we might have His righteousness! In other words Jesus kept the law and paid our sin debt by dying on the cross….. so that we who did NOT keep the law…… might be as though we did! Forever and ever! The law is good…we know what our God expects…. but it no longer condemns us!

The average person and all religions of the world today are still trying to do enough to please God or their false gods in order to go to heaven! Everyone thinks that being good enough will get you to heaven. Only Christians know better! This was settled two thousand years ago when Christ died for our sins! 6:00

The Ministry Of Condemnation 2. The Ministry of The Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? how much greater is the glory that belongs to the activity of the Spirit! –how will the ministry of the Spirit [the new covenant which allows us to be Spirit-filled] fail to be even more glorious and splendid? The Lord is that Spirit!

Paul lists the first of three contrasts between the Old Testament ministry and the New Testament ministry in 2 Corinthians 3: 7, 9 and 11. First, the Old Testament ministry engraved on stones (a reference to the Ten Commandments) was glorious, but the ministry of the Spirit is more glorious, because the glory of the ministry of the Law given through Moses was passing away. Besides, though the Law itself is holy, the ministry of the Law is the ministry of death, whereas the ministry of the Spirit is the ministry of life. The Holy Spirit produces eternal life. The law gives us death because no man can keep the law.

That’s why Christ is so glorious! John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. What is to come? Salvation by grace through faith in Christ and in Him alone? Not in the law but the Spirit of God will indwell the hearts of believers and guide them into all truth and separate them from the world. Like the law separated the Jewish from the Gentile now the Holy Spirit will separate the Righteous from the Unrighteous! 12:00

The Ministry Of Condemnation 2. The Ministry of The Spirit 3. The Ministry Of Righteousness

2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. The system which brings condemnation was glorious; how much more glorious is the activity which brings salvation!– For if the ministry that brings condemnation [the old covenant, the Law] has glory, how much more does glory overflow in the ministry that brings righteousness [the new covenant which declares believers free of guilt and sets them apart for God’s special purpose]!

The Lord is the Spirit of Righteousness for He gives us His righteousness! That’s why it is NEW. You don’t put old wine in new bottles for it will burst the Bible tells us….

Jeremiah 11:31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. God made a New Covenant with Israel. The church. Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ…the king of Israel. This new Covenant was given to the Jews first—the Jewish Disciples and the Jewish apostles and spread to the Gentile world.

2 Corinthians 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. We may say that because of the far brighter glory now the glory that was so bright in the past is gone. –Indeed, what had glory [the Law], in this case no longer has glory because of the glory that surpasses it [the gospel].

The second contrast (see vv. 7, 11) is that the Old Testament ministry was a ministry of condemnation, but the New Testament ministry is more glorious because it is a ministry of righteousness. God declares righteous those who believe in His Son, and then the Holy Spirit empowers the believer to live righteously. This first work of God is called justification, and the second is called sanctification. 19:00

The Ministry Of Condemnation 2. The Ministry of The Spirit 3. The Ministry Of Righteousness
The Lord Is That Spirit!

2 Corinthians 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. For if there was glory in that which lasted for a while, how much more glory is there in that which lasts forever! –For if that [Law] which fades away came with glory, how much more must that [gospel] which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor!

The Lord Jesus is the Spirit of the New Covenant.

The New Covenant would supersede the old covenant established at Mount Sinai between God and the nation of Israel. That covenant built on the law would not last forever! The Ten Commandments will be forever for it is the word of God. But life eternal cannot come through the law. The law was given as a schoolmaster to teach us that we are accountable to God our creator.

2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: Because we have this hope, we are very bold. –Since we have such a [glorious] hope and confident expectation, we speak with great courage, Paul used boldness of speech, a phrase that means “freedom of speech” or “frankness.” Instead of being fearful or reluctant, Paul was frank and courageous because Jesus Christ died and rose again. This message was important to Jews and to the whole world. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law. He did something that we could never do! It’s life and death here!

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear. –and we are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites would not gaze at the end of the glory which was fading away.

Just as Moses glory was fading away….. so the law would fade away when Christ comes! Moses veiled his face the glory was so great from being in God’s presence and receiving the law of God. The law was glorious…hence the veil….It revealed God’s requirements for man to have a relationship with God. It was glorious because of the God who gave it.

2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. Their minds, indeed, were closed; and to this very day their minds are covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. The veil is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. –But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.

The OT Jews were blinded by a veil also. They only thought of the Old Covenant. They could not understand what God did in Jesus Christ! Only Jesus can remove the veil from the eyes. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. They are veiled or blind because they don’t want to see and they are blind to the truth by their own hardened hearts…..….so that the Gentiles can accept Jesus Christ. Then God will again deal with Israel after the Church age is over at the rapture of the church!

2 Corinthians 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers their minds.–But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart; The veil on the face of Moses reminded Paul of another veil. As Moses’ veil concealed the fading glory of his ministry, so there is a veil on the hearts of people concealing the fading away of the old covenant. They want to live by the law of good deeds take you to heaven. Not exactly the law but a type of good works save you. But no one can do enough good works.

2 Corinthians 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: “His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord.”[a]

–but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. taken away: Whenever Moses turned to the Lord, he took off the veil (Ex. 34:34). Likewise, we find freedom in Christ by looking to Him.

When will the Jews turn to the Lord? Now many are coming to Christ but all when Christ returns to the earth at the end of the tribulation. Zechariah 12:10 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. Romans 11:26-27 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: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. The New Covenant is realized for all Jews now when Jesus Returns to reign over them.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.

liberty: The Spirit gives us freedom from sin, death, and the condemnation of the law (vv. 7–12). We are liberated from the condemnation of sin, death, hell and the grave. Set free!

The Lord is the spirit of liberty…..liberty from sin and it’s penalty through Jesus Christ! Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. We are held captive, in a prison caused by our sinful nature from Adam. Christ gave us liberty.

Patrick Henry said “give me liberty or give me death.” People yearn to be free! Grace is free and Grace sets us free. Today people say give me peace and safety…take my liberty…..just don’t let me die. When the Beast comes with his mark millions will take it so that they can have peace and safety. We don’t have very many Patrick Henry’s any more. That’s why we are in the shape we are in as a nation!

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of ever growing glory. –And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

We are no longer veiled from God’s glory. We see Christ is the very likeness image of God as He is God. glory to glory: An ever-growing glory. As believers behold the glory of God in the Word of God, the Spirit of God transforms them into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We can know Him, walk with Him and be indwelt by His Spirit. There is no separating us from Christ. This body of flesh keeps us from Him physically but our spirits, our souls walk with Him and one day our bodies will also! 27:00

The Ministry Of Condemnation 2. The Ministry of The Spirit 3. The Ministry Of Righteousness
The Lord Is That Spirit!

Out With The Old and In With The NEW

If the time came for God to begin His new Covenant….what makes us think the time won’t come for Him to fulfill His promises for His Kingdom on earth? What makes us ignore the obvious? 28:04

8/25/2024

2 Peter 2:13-17 Make Sure You Are Not A False Teacher

They Are Arrogant

The world today celebrates arrogance! Toot your own horn! They love to hear their name mentioned and love to be praised! They love power. Fame gives you power! Fame gives you perks. Fame gives you advantages that normal people don’t get. Narcissism is off the charts with social media today! You can’t talk about Jesus if you are busy talking about yourself!

Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Likewise, these people, with their visions, defile their own flesh, despise godly authority and insult angelic beings. They don’t fear Godly things and Biblical claims of these things and the authority of all these things. Defile their flesh can mean lots of things. Sexual immorality for one. Abusing themselves with food, markings, drugs, alcohol etc.. They don’t want God or to be accountable to God. They want to be god of their own lives.

2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. Even the angels, who are so much stronger and mightier than these false teachers, do not accuse them with insults in the presence of the Lord. whereas even angels who are superior in might and power do not bring a reviling (defaming) accusation against them before the Lord.

They are so arrogant that they don’t care to speak against even angels and the hosts of heaven. Making fun of those things that are part of the word of God and His realm. 2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, narcissistic and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy or Godly.

Romans 1:32 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. Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate and even celebrate others who practice them. Does this describe our world today? Pride month, pride marches? Romans 1 tells of the evil things that these people do and that they are without excuse because they knowingly do these things.

They cannot cease from sin….they are addicted to sin….sexual sins, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, food addiction, pornography addictions are all called disease today. In my dad’s day they were called drunkards and ostracized from society. Today they are celebrated. Look at our celebraties today! Most are former drug and alcohol and sexual addicts or addicted to marking their bodies.

40 percent of people under the age of 40 have tattoos. Hey. I don’t care if you have a tattoo. I’m not going to put you down for that. ( Even though the Bible says your body is a temple of God……It’s your business not mine.) But a tattoo is not like a hair style or a clothing choice. It’s permanent! You can cut your hair or change your clothes you can’t change a tattoo.

I read of a study from the university of Sweden that said there were 21% more Lymphoma cancers in those who had tattoo’s and those who did not. Tattoo inks do contain known carcinogens. I predict that we will have a great increase in cancers in the next few years among the tattooed. But that’s all I’m going to say on the subject. You do what you feel best glorifies God in your life! That is the rule…does it glorify God in a Biblical way?

The people in our text could care less about glorifying God…they only wanted glory for themselves and their sin. Sound familiar?

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal

People do things for money and for power. And the more money you have the more power you have. And power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! That’s human nature. I was over five Post Offices and had 25 employees and 11 thousand customers and was responsible for a two million dollar budget. I never thought about any of that. I was just one of the employees. The only difference between me and them was I got all the problems and all the questions. I didn’t look at it as power… but a great burden of responsibility.

A lot of people cannot handle power and authority. It goes to their head. They want more and more of it. And they become abusive and will do anything or run over anybody to get more! Balaam wanted money and he used his prophetic power to get it.

We have many Balaam’s today! We know that some preachers and ministries pay pretty well. It’s a simple formula. You just have to use the Bible out of context. In fact, it’s better if you just read one verse and then tell stories and anecdotes and talk about what you have done. Don’t call sin….sin. Don’t preach anything offensive to people. Don’t scare them with Bible prophecy. Then you tell them that God wants them rich and healthy ……and you could have a big church and paying a big salary in no time! And Oh I almost forgot……write a book about how to get God to give you what you want and you will be very wealthy and set for life…..

Most Biblical men of God wind up mostly alone in ministry. Because no one wants to hear what they are saying. They don’t want to hear the preaching of the word of God. They don’t want to hear Bible prophecy. They don’t want to hear that sin is sin and God hates sin. They don’t want to hear about Biblical morality. They don’t want to live a holy, orderly, unchaotic and uncompromised life.

Let me speak on order from a message by Brandon Holzhaus..…….You know why God gave Noah 120 years to build the ark? He wanted him to establish order out of the chaos of the pre-flood world. The Nephilim and rebellion of man had created chaos out of God’s order. So every day Noah had a job to do….build the ark. Maybe today four planks, tomorrow work on the pitch. By the way the Hebrew word for the “pitch” that covered the ark and sealed it against the flood is the same word for “atonement.” Jesus covered our sins.

If you don’t have an order to your life……… (Paul said “Let everything be done decently and in order”)…..You are more likely to be depressed. God wants us to find our thing that he has called you to do and do it with all of your might. God created the world one day at a time. Six days of order out of the chaos. If you don’t have a schedule each day…..something to do….a goal, a purpose, something to accomplish no matter how small….your life will be in chaos and you will be unfulfilled, unhappy and more likely to be depressed and turn to something to take away your boredom.

We are meant to live in order not chaos. God gave life a rhythm. Evening and morning. Summer, winter, fall and spring. Rain and shine. Work during the day and rest at night. Life is rhythm. We love music because it has rhythm. Machines work in rhythm. Traffic flows in rhythm. Our bodies have a rhythm. Our Heart beats in rhythm. We breathe in rhythm. God gave us this order…this rhythm of life for our good. It makes life enjoyable and interesting.

That doesn’t mean that after Noah met his goal of four planks a day that he didn’t enjoy doing other things in his life…..no….. in fact, order in your life gives you more time for family, friends, hobbies and pleasure. And you enjoy them more.

If you do not have order you will break down. God gave Noah a goal. Build an ark. That gave him order out of the chaos around him. Little by little every day. It stabilized him. This is his life’s call…. build an ark. You have to figure out your life’s call from God. Then everyday you will get up to accomplish this long term goal. If you don’t have a goal everyday you will descend into chaos.

Focus on the goal. You will feel positive, you will feel less negative, you will feel affirmed by God. You will not be all over the place seeking order out of the chaos. No one can save everyone, or help everyone! But you can never help one person if you don’t focus on your God given purpose.

It keeps you going. Noah had to get up everyday and build the ark. He had simple Biblical instructions on how to build the ark. But he had to figure out the rest. You have to figure out some things yourself. God will help you and guide you but He will not do it for you! You get to have a part in God’s work and God’s purpose in your life. Noah did figure it out!

Stay in fellowship with God. And to do that you need to set a goal of daily Bible reading and daily prayer, and seek to accomplish something each day…Maybe you have a ministry of card writing to shut-ins, or invite one person to church on line each day. Even if it’s just picking up clothes or tightening a loose board, listing to a sermon or reading an article or shopping.

And also….. every day do something that you enjoy….(besides eating!) You will be happier in your walk with our God who set everything in order for His glory and His honor and your good and your joy!

God loves order and truth. Satan loves chaos, confusion and deception. Isn’t our world full of chaos today? Is your life in chaos? Dad…. it’s up to you to get your family ordered. Get rid of the chaos in your family! Noah built an ark to bring order to his family and the world! And they were delivered out of the chaos.

Hybrids are celebrated today since the dawn of comic book superheros in the late 1930’s. Interesting that all comic book super hero’s are really hybrids. Is this what Jesus meant by bringing back the days of Noah in the last days? The return of the Nephilim? Noah was perfect in his generation’s. He was not a Nephilim hybrid. He was a real pure human, his gene coding was correct made in God’s image not corrupted in his gene pool by angelic seed. Hybrids are Satan’s attempt at confusion and chaos in God’s creation. Confusion and chaos is our reality now.

God destroyed the world with water which is chaos. God gave it all back to them. The principle of the harvest. You reap what you sow…and you reap more than you sow! The chaos of the tribulation will be God giving their chaos back on the creator’s of the chaos. And out of that God will bring order again when Jesus Christ rules and reigns.

But back to Balaam….. He did what he did for money and riches. The world today is corrupted by money and power of men who cannot handle these things because of their lusts for more and more. 1 Timothy 6:10 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. For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows and much grief. Balaam wandered from the faith. How many Christians have compromised their faith for money and power!

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal 3. Not going To End Well For them

Tormnet or hell is a place of fire…Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. …..send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!’ This is beyond imagination this place called torment or hell! It is a literal fire because he would not have asked for cooling drop of water. That is horrifying!

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Not just a flame as was in torment, hell……but a literal LAKE of fire! How can we even comprehend how horrible this place will be!

They Are Arrogant 2. Riches Is their Goal 3. Not going To End Well For them

Make Sure You are Not A False Teacher

8/18/2024

2 Thessalonians 2:14-17 Remember Our Hope is Greater Than Their Best Plans

Intro: Bill Gates of Hell and his buddies are preparing for the next big virus crisis. Bill Gates of hell and his friends was recently at a summit in Rio De Janeiro where a meeting was held about the Monkey Pox and the Bird Flu By the Coalition of Epidemic preparedness innovation. CEPI. They discussed preparations for the next vaccine to be administered 100 days after the outbreak. The Bird flu summit is coming up in Washington DC as they are preparing for a MASS casualty event. They plan greater surveillance and greater enforcement this time. This is only TWO things that they will try in the next couple of years. The good news is that no matter what they try to do to us and against us….we are safe in the arms of Jesus! 1:00

Remember We Answered The Call Of God

2 Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. God called you to this through the Good News we preached to you; he called you to possess your share of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God called us to salvation. We received it. We obeyed the Lord. We believed in His Son. God is pleased with us for doing that! We are going to share in the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions and fears and dreads that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in the body of believers]. And be thankful [to God and Him alone always].

Our God who saved us can and will protect us from these crazy godless people. Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. Do we really need to answer you on this? Isn’t it clear that we will NOT bow down to your idol. Will you bow down to the world and what it asks you to do. In Sweden a pastor is in jail today because he dared tell his church that Homosexuality was a sin! It’s coming to a city near you! You can’t rely on a megachurch to show you they way. Their pastors are so compromised with the woke agenda that you might be safe from jail but you won’t be safe from HELL!

We are meant to share in the glory of Christ. We must stay connected with other believers to be encouraged and strengthened in these dangerous times that are coming. Now that doesn’t mean we won’t be persecuted or even die. Disciples died. Millions have Christians have lost their lives in the last two thousand years. But they died because they knew that their hope in death was greater than the devils best plans! 10:00

Remember We Answered The Call Of God 2. Remember We Are To Stand Fast

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, So then, our friends, stand firm. So then, [f]brothers and sisters, stand firm. We are to be firm in our commitment to Christ. WE are to remember the things the Bible teaches us. We are to be discerning. That is ….use the sense we get when we view things from the lens of the Bible. God will show us what to do in every situation by His Spirit.

We are to stand……Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. The Lord said to his people, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk in it, and you will live in peace.” But they said, “No, we will not!” Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. So put on God’s armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and after fighting comes to an end, you will still be standing and holding your ground. Wow! That is shouting ground there! Those who endure to the end…who are still standing at the end are those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and have stayed faithful to Him whether hell or high water comes!

2 Thessalonians 2:15 ……and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. and hold on to those truths which we taught you, both in our preaching and in our letter and hold [tightly] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

We are to listen to the words of the Apostle Paul and hold to them as something precious. How? Through the scriptures. We have the same teaching that Paul taught the Thessalonians. We have his writings. Paul’s writings are scripture inspired by God Himself. We have the word of God. Hold to the Bible. It is the only truth you have in this world of chaos, confusion and deception. Hold on to the Bible. It is your most precious possession. The word of the Lord endureth FOREVER! John 17:17 Thy word is truth.

There are those who want us to forget our traditions of family, home and hearth, church, education, and hard work and independence! They want us to be part of a collective. All with one mind and one goal. What is best for all! That sounds good, but God doesn’t want the best for all….He wants His Son to be glorified and for us to trust in Him and follow Him in the way He wants us to go and do the things He wants us to do….so that all might be saved! Not so that all might be the same but that all might be free from sin! And be free to follow the will of God for their own individual lives!

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life.

Life everlasting full of joy and the glory of God! The Bible is full of the wonder of God. Why would anyone write such a thing as John 3:16. Why would anyone write such words as the 23^rd Psalm? I could go on and on. Why would any man write such beautiful, wonderful, perfect things? Answer …..they could not….just by the unique words alone…The Bible has to be God’s book!

Why? Because our hope in the inspired word of God is greater than all of the devil’s best writers and scholars, and scientists wisdom combined! 19:00

Remember We Answered The Call Of God 2. Remember We Are To Stand Fast
Remember Our Only Hope Is In The Lord

2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. Consolation means comfort, courage, encouragement and hope. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and encouragement and the good [well-founded] hope [of salvation] by His grace.

People without hope soon die. Animals kept chained up and in a small enclosure…..lose the will to live and become lethargic and die. People without hope don’t last long. POW’s say that those who lost all hope died very soon. Those who held onto just a glimmer of hope continued to live.

What hope does the world give us? That they will bring about the solution…..YOU will own nothing…but be happy! What does that mean?…..You will be a happy slave or prisoner without hope of ever being free! Does that make you happy? I’m just so excited about that…but I will be at peace and safe from death! Peace and safety. Peace and safety….don’t people want to live….not just eating and drinking and sitting there…..Don’t they want to be what God made them to be? Don’t they want to be free to move about, create, think, read, show courage, laugh, discuss, love and even cry if they want to? No…..just let me live in peace and safety. Just don’t let me die! We would never have won WWI or WWII with attitudes like that. American would never had been established with citizens like that!

The church would never have been established with the attitude of peace and safety….but it was established with courage, conviction, concern for others and complete devotion to Christ!

2 Corinthians 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows even more so! We might go through great suffering but greater will be our comfort, courage, encouragement and hope!

2 Thessalonians 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts [keeping them steadfast and on course] in every good work and word. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words [concerning our reunion with believers who have died that they will be resurrected when Christ comes for His church!

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth night. You also must be patient, because the Lord will return soon. Be strong as you continue to trust him. stablish means to strengthen…..how are we strengthen? By knowing that our redemption draweth nigh! Jesus is coming for us….rather in death or in the rapture but He is surely coming for us! The Christians hope in Christ is greater than all of the devil’s army and their best plans! 27:00

Remember We Answered The Call Of God 2. Remember We Are To Stand Fast
Remember Our Only Hope Is In The Lord

Our hope is greater than their best plans!

I can’t remember anything anymore. Anita leaves me a note to remind me of something and I forget to pick up the note. So I read the Bible every morning to remind me of my hope is in Christ alone! I remember what Christ did for me. I remember that I owe Him everything in my life! But if I forget and lose my mind one day…..Jesus Christ will never forget me! He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me! Don’t you want to serve a loving God like that? What is better than eternal life! Who is better than Jesus? 28:04

8/18/2024

Genesis 3:15 The Seed War

Intro: We are in a war. A spiritual war that dates back to creation and will finally end at the end of the Millennium when Satan and his fallen angel co-horts are cast into the lake of fire forever and ever. Until then Satan’s goal has been to destroy the seed of Jesus Christ and when that failed to destroy Israel His chosen seed and harass Jesus Christ’s followers and break the Abrahamic promise. You see the winner of the seed war wins it all! And we know who will win!

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.” I will make you and the woman hate each other; her offspring and yours will always be enemies. Her offspring will crush your head, and you will strike her offspring’s heel.”

Hostility between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. The woman gave birth to Jesus Christ. Who did the Serpent give birth to? Had to be something or someone? The Nephilim who later would become the Beast, the man of sin? Is the Anti-Christ of the future who is the opposite of Christ in every way.

Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. There were Nephilim (men of stature, notorious men) on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God lived with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to their children. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown (great reputation, fame and exploits). In those days, and even later, there were giants on the earth who were descendants of human women and the heavenly beings. They were the great heroes and famous men demigods of long ago.

Nephalim does NOT mean “fallen ones” it means giants.

If these were the daughters men by the sons of Seth then why were they giants?

If these were the daughters of Cain then why were they of great reputation and fame? What made them so special? Cain was cursed.

If they were daughters of plain men…why were they so evil? It doesn’t say that they were the daughters of the son’s of Cain. If they were they just sons of righteous seed of Seth with evil human women…. why would they be so evil? Why would they be so powerful? I don’t see the connection between good men and evil women how they can make this super race of people that were tall did mighty acts and were legendary and hung around for centuries and even maybe today!

Abraham dealt with them…..

Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emins in Shaveh Kiriathaim. The Rephaim: A people of unusually tall stature; they are called giants in 2 Sam. 21:15–22 Num. 13:33; Deut. 2:11; 3:11, 13. Genesis 6:4….. And after that……here they are in Abraham’s time.

The name “Rephaim” occurs in Genesis 15:20, 2 Samuel 5:18, 2 Samuel 5:22, 2 Samuel 23:13, 1 Chronicles 11:15, 1 Chronicles 14:9, and Isaiah 17:5

Moses dealt with them…..

Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Og…..Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and og the king of bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at edrei. Numbers 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

Joshua dealt with them…..

Son’s of Anak were giants…. Later called the Anakims that Joshua defeated.

Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. Goliath was from Gaza….the Gaza strip of today!

Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. Caleb forced the three Anakite families living in Hebron to leave there. Those families were Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. They were from the family of Anak. Where did they go? To the America’s? Is that why we have those legends of giants in the Southwest? Maybe? No doubt there are bones of very tall people found in the America’s.

Gates of Hell….Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].

The powers of the netherworld will not ever defeat the church and what is that based upon? The profession of faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ! Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again and proclaimed victory over death, the gates of hell and the grave. He even went to the gates of hell, the netherworld and proclaimed this victory….2 Peter 3:18-20 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

What did Jesus preach? The gospel! Not for their salvation but for their defeat. They are never getting the victory! Christ finished the work of redemption and proclaimed it to them. That is why Peter mentions the time of Noah’s Ark. These fallen angels were hoping Satan would win the seed war.

Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison probably fallen angels and the OT people who rejected the witness of God in nature and in their conscience. But these fallen angels who left their first estate imprisoned by God and were the ones who began the seed war by having children by the daughters of men. Christ proclaimed victory over them for the work of salvation (that they tried to prevent) has been accomplished! 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Jesus also took Captivity Captive. Hades has two compartments. Abraham’s bosom or paradise and torment. Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom and the rich man in torment or the flames of hell. Jesus told the thief “today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” At that time He took the OT saints including the thief on the cross…..to heaven with Him. Now Hades has only one compartment or holding place….Torment or Hell.

The devil hasn’t lost all yet. His seed war continues. Now he will try to prevent Jesus Christ from fulfilling His promises to Israel as their future king! That’s his agenda now. And part of that agenda is to destroy churches that support and believe in future Israel. That is happening right now with all this anti-Israel sentiment and hatred.

Haman…..is a type of the Anti-Christ and Jew hatred.

God is preparing His people for what will happen in this final seed war. Esther represents the church and Mordecai represents Jesus. Esther 3:9-13 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

Antiochus Epiphanes IV another example of the Anti-Christ and Jew Hatred and the seed war

Daniel 11:31And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. Antiochus Epiphanes the 4^th will defile the sanctuary: Antiochus polluted the altar by offering a sow upon it. He declared the daily sacrifices and other Mosaic ceremonies illegal and committed an abomination of desolation by erecting an image of Zeus in the holy place (Daniel 9:27; 12:11). Jesus said a similar thing would happen just prior to His return in Matt. 24:15).

This is the job of the Devil to get the world to hate the Jews so that he can limit their influence and kill as many as he can raise the the Beast from his deadly wound……the man who is born again, filled with Satan’s power only so that he can destroy the Jews from the earth.

Gog and Magog…Gog….Og of Bashan? Strangely close to the same name….. but does it mean that Gog is a Nephilim? Not Putin. He’s too short. But is he a descendant of the Nephilim? Interesting…..Is the Anti-christ a Nephilim? Maybe. As we move closer to the time we will understand it more and more.

Most used argument against angels having children with humans.

Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. For in the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven [who do not marry nor produce children].

If we logically break this down we see……

It says…..In the resurrection body…The resurrection body is our new body fashioned like the son of God. We won’t need to reproduce anymore. We won’t need a spouse we are the bride of Christ. There will be no need for any of that! We are totally different. Angels don’t have a resurrection. They are different class of creation already with a heavenly body that is eternal that comes with many abilities including going from heavenly realm to the earthly realm.

….and In heaven there is no marriage! But the Angels of Genesis 6 LEFT their first estate. It is clear that angels can appear as humans. We entertain Angels unaware the Bible says. That means they look like us! And can perform like us if they wish. But as I said…no need for marriage for us we are married to the Lamb…Jesus Christ! No need to reproduce. God has finished and there will be no more humans again.

Another Argument…..Angels are not Sons of God….

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Clearly these are angels of some type.

In the NT angels are never called the Son’s of God, they are called angels. Why? We have THE son of God….Jesus Christ! Son’s of God in the NT are clearly believers in Jesus Christ.

Bottom line…..

We see it in Revelation Chapter 12 a parathesis, a pause in Revelation to tell us the history of this seed war. Chapter 12 is a description of the beginning and end of the seed war against Jews beginning with the dragon trying to prevent Jesus from being born and then to kill Jesus as a child.

We see the creation of the Jewish people who would bring forth the son of God who the devil who is called a great RED dragon who would try to destroy the child. But the child would succeed in providing Salvation and be resurrected and ascend to heaven. Then it skips the church age….as does Daniel and the OT prophets……and jumps to the tribulation where Israel has to flee to Petra.

The dragon and his angels lose the war in heaven to Michael and his angels. The dragon and his angels are kicked out of heaven. The dragon comes to earth with great wrath to finish the seed war against God chose people the Jews. Jews will be saved from the flood of the wrath of the dragon and be fed for 3 1-2 years.

The dragon realizes he cannot kill the Jews so he turns his wrath on tribulation saints which might include Jews who accepted Christ but did not flee to Petra…… possibly because they could not get there in time. Chapter 13 we go back to the mid-point of the tribulation and the Beast come to power and the mark of the beast and the False Prophet.

It is not so unbelievable if you realize the purpose of the seed war.

To destroy the woman and her seed. This is a supernatural view of scripture that the early Jewish historians and the early Christians authors held. We in the last few centuries have gotten away from the supernatural view with Augustine who had a non-supernatural allegorical view with his book “the city of God.” This allegorical view led to the creation of the Catholic church and other liturgical theologians.

We must take the Bible for what is says and not read into it. But we can see from the clear reading of scripture that something greater than just great sin caused God to destroy the world. Noah was “perfect” in his generations. Noah was the only good man…the only man who walked with God…. Why? Because the rest of humanity was corrupted by the Nephilim. Men were either corrupted by Nephilim blood or the Nephilim demi-gods influence which had to be world-wide at this time. Noah and his sons also could have had “perfect human DNA.” Of course it is likely that one of the wives of Shem, Ham and Japeth wives may have had compromised Nephilim DNA. So Satan is allowed by God to again compromise some human DNA but not nearly to the extent that is was before that God would show His power and might as His regular size Israel ran out the Rephaim that Satan had planted in the promised land.

God is doing all of this to glorify His name. Is anything to hard for the Lord?

Can He overcome the fall of man?

Yes!

Can He overcome the flood?

Yes!

Can He overcome the tower of Babel

Yes!

Can He overcome the Nephilim?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Satanic seed war?

Yes!

Can He overcome Gog and Magog?

(God said He allowed it to glorify His name)

Yes!

Can He overcome His people being scattered throughout the world?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Holocaust?

Yes!

Can he overcome world-wide Jewish hatred?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Beast and his system?

Yes!

Can God overcome the chaos and confusion today?

Yes!

Can he overcome the Sin of men?

Yes!

Can He overcome the cross?

Yes!

Can He overcome the best that men and Satan can plan against Him?

Yes and amen!

God allows sin and man and the devil to do all that they can…..so that God’s name is glorified forever and ever! Our God is a great God who doesn’t need to fear His enemies but let’s them do their best, give their best shot and then He will show them His power and glory! WE will have so much to glorify our God about when we get into heaven!

But most of all we glorify God that God let you sin and then showed His power and glory by snatching you from sin hell and the grave! May God be glorified in our lives! Maybe Jesus Christ soon come and be King of glory forever and ever we will praise His name!

8/11/2024

Daniel 7:23-26 The One World Government Is Coming

Intro: Four kingdoms are mentioned in Daniel chapter seven and they give a exactly as to what has happened and is going to happen today and in our near future. I have to go over this quickly because I have a lot of information so it is necessary for me to read Daniel 7:1-22.

Daniel 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. Sum or end of all things. The culmination of history.

Daniel 7:2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. Four winds represents all of creation above and beyond.

Daniel 7:3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

Four great kingdoms come up from the sea or gentile world that will dominate Israel in world history.

Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. Babylon is the first. The lion was the national symbol of Babylon. lion … eagle’s wings: It is commonly recognized that these two animals are the king of the beasts and the king of the birds respectively, a fitting description of Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire. Also these four nations are mentioned in Daniel Chapter 2.

Daniel 7:5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. The bear—in line with Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream—represents Babylon’s successor, the Medo-Persian Empire (2:38, 39). Raised up on one side suggests that the Persians were greater and more powerful than the Medes. The three ribs represent the three kingdoms that the Medo-Persians devoured—Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.

Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. If the second beast of Daniel’s dream represents the Medo-Persian Empire (v. 5), the leopard represents Greece (Daniel 2:39). Four symbolizes universality (see “four winds,” v. 2); wings are synonymous with speed. The Greeks under the leadership of Alexander the Great rapidly conquered the known world. Four heads describes “heads” of government. After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals into four different parts (8:8, 22)—Macedonia, Egypt, Syria, and Thrace.

Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. The fourth beast did not look like any known animal. Since this beast follows Greece (v. 6), it may represent Rome (2:40). Rome is described with legs of Iron in Daniel 2:40. Strong as iron: Daniel 7:7 Iron Teeth. The Roman Empire was marked by strength, but it was destructive strength. Legs means it is mobile and quick and moves into the whole world by the reference to ten horns. Horns mean power.

Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. Little horn is the Anti-Christ, the beast that will arise out of these ten world elites, regions or powers. Probably not nations or it would have said so.

10:00

Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Ancient of days a description of God but the description is of Jesus is Revelation chapter 1. So this must be Jesus. Jesus comes and puts down the final world power.

Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. The scene switches to heaven at the great while throne of judgment. These before Him are the righteous and wicked dead.

Daniel 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. The horn speaks great words while he is alive. The Beast….the body means it was an individual—the beast, the anti-Christ.

Daniel 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. The Babylonians, the Persians, Greece still existed yet without any great power as before. I don’t know how Babylon still exists unless he is talking about Iran and Iraq.

Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Like the Son of man can only be Jesus who ascended in the clouds coming back in like manner. He ascended to His Father and is at His right hand even today.

Daniel 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. The millennial kingdom and then the everlasting kingdom of God with the new heaven and the New Earth.

Daniel 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. Of course, Daniel had very little understanding of all of this. His mind was reeling over all this information

Daniel 7:16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. One of those who stood by refers to an angel standing by the throne of God. This continues the vision and we don’t know if it is an angel that explains is uncertain.

Daniel 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. The angel or heavenly creature explains the vision that the four beasts are four kings which come to power.

Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. But eventually the saints….the redeemed ….the church plus the OT and tribulations saints…..will have the last kingdom and it is an everlasting kingdom. Everything is leading to this eternal kingdom of God.

Daniel 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet. Daniel wants to know the details about the fourth beast because it is so different from the others. It’s extremely dreadful, with teeth of iron and claws of bronze, which devoured, crushed and trampled down what was left with its feet,

Daniel 7:20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. Daniel wanted to know and the meaning of the ten horns (powerful kings or men) that were on its head and the other horn which came up later, and before which three of the horns fell, specifically, that horn which had eyes and a mouth that boasted great things and which looked larger than the others.

Daniel 7:21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them. So Daniel sees that this horn made war against the tribulation saints and killed them. Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Saints in the book of Revelation is NOT the church. Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell SHALL NOT PREVAIL against it.

Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Now Daniel see the return of Christ as He rewards His people and only believers will live in the millennium kingdom at the start. 19:00

Now we come to verse 23.

A New World Order

Daniel 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, The angel said, ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which will be different from all other kingdoms Most everyone agrees the fourth kingdom is the Roman empire which ruled or dominated the world since before Jesus. This Roman empire is different from all kingdoms before it. This is the Roman empire on steroids. Which means it is Roman in nature that is centered in European principles of democracy and includes all of the western world I believe.

Daniel 7:23 ……and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. and will devour the whole earth and tread it down, and crush it. This kingdom will completely control the whole earth and crush the whole earth and bring it under their rule. So those who don’t think we are headed for a new world order think again. It is happening right before our eyes. We will not over come this or delay it.

I believe we as world citizens are soon to be under the control of the Anti-Christ or Beast system. It’s already primed and ready to go. This election or selection doesn’t matter. It’s too late! God has declared it’s going to happen

Daniel 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the former ones, and he will subdue three kings. Evidently the ten elite groups or regions or individuals will see a leader arise from among the ten. He will get rid of three of them on his way to power. So even among the ten they will suffer a power grab by the anti-Christ. Three of the ten are eliminated by the powerful anti-Christ person. It will be a man…he is called the man of sin by the apostle Paul. He will have great power and do great miracles by way of his preacher the False Prophet.

Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. He will speak words against the Most High [God] and wear down the saints of the Most High, and he will intend to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, [two] times, and half a time [three and one-half years].

He will speak blasphemies against God (Daniel 11:36; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:5, 6), persecute the tribulation saints as we saw in Rev. 13:7, attempt to change times and law, and dominate the saints for a time and times and half a time: Time refers to a year, times… two years, and half a time to one half of a year, for a total of three and one-half years. The last half of the seven year tribulation. He will recover from a deadly wound and come out filled with Satanic power and great rage against Christians and Jews. He will attempt to kill every Jew in the world.

Daniel 7:26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. But the court [of the Most High] will sit in judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, [first to be] consumed and then he will be destroyed forever. Jesus Christ return and put an end to the final kingdom of the Beast. This dreadful, powerful kingdom of iron. It began as the Roman empire that had it tentacles into most of the known world to evole into what it is today…… a system of economic, political, military and religious that is wicked and godless to the core.

Bottom line…..There is going to be a one world order. They call it a global reset. A new world order. George Bush in 1991 announced this new world order to the world and they have been gearing up way before that. I believe in conspiracies. We all do. That is when two or more people put together a plan. In this case an evil plan.

The only Question remaining is…..whose side are you on? The side of the godless or the side of the Godly?

The godless are those who go along with this plan either knowingly or unknowingly. They only want the promise of peace and safety and they will go along with these so-called “saviors” of humanity. Climate change, open borders, Genger ideology, global citizenry are the key words that they use. The promise diversity, equality, and inclusion for everyone! Sounds so good. But remember Rat poison in 99% nutritious but it’s designed to kill rats. 27:00

The global agenda sounds good, but it is designed to kill humans by limiting their liberty and their thoughts. Did you know that 70% of Americans now think that we should limit free speech! The only dangerous speech is to say “fire” in a crowded theater. The free flowing of Ideas cannot be limited or you will only get one color of cars, one type of TV show, One kind of music, one kind of art, one kind of restaurant, one religion, and one way to interact with others. That is not life…. that is existing. God never intended this for man.

Godly people have accepted God’s eternal plan of Salvation and have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. They are ready to meet the Lord in the Air and forever be with Him! 28:04

8/18/2024

Genesis 3:15 The Seed War

Nephalim does NOT mean “fallen ones” it means giants.

If these were the daughters men by the sons of Seth then why were they giants?

If these were the daughters of Cain then why were they of great reputation and fame? What made them so special? Cain was cursed.

Abraham dealt with them…..

The name “Rephaim” occurs in Genesis 15:20, 2 Samuel 5:18, 2 Samuel 5:22, 2 Samuel 23:13, 1 Chronicles 11:15, 1 Chronicles 14:9, and Isaiah 17:5

Moses dealt with them…..

Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

Joshua dealt with them…..

Son’s of Anak were giants…. Later called the Anakims that Joshua defeated.

Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. Goliath was from Gaza….the Gaza strip of today!

Haman…..is a type of the Anti-Christ and Jew hatred.

Antiochus Epiphanes IV another example of the Anti-Christ and Jew Hatred and the seed war

Most used argument against angels having children with humans.

If we logically break this down we see……

Another Argument…..Angels are not Sons of God….

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Clearly these are angels of some type.

In the NT angels are never called the Son’s of God, they are called angels. Why? We have THE son of God….Jesus Christ! Son’s of God in the NT are clearly believers in Jesus Christ.

Bottom line…..

It is not so unbelievable if you realize the purpose of the seed war.

God is doing all of this to glorify His name. Is anything to hard for the Lord?

Can He overcome the fall of man?

Yes!

Can He overcome the flood?

Yes!

Can He overcome the tower of Babel

Yes!

Can He overcome the Nephilim?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Satanic seed war?

Yes!

Can He overcome Gog and Magog?

(God said He allowed it to glorify His name)

Yes!

Can He overcome His people being scattered throughout the world?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Holocaust?

Yes!

Can he overcome world-wide Jewish hatred?

Yes!

Can He overcome the Beast and his system?

Yes!

Can God overcome the chaos and confusion today?

Yes!

Can he overcome the Sin of men?

Yes!

Can He overcome the cross?

Yes!

Can He overcome the best that men and Satan can plan against Him?

Yes and amen!

8/11/2024

Job 12:17-25 God Is Orchestrating these Last Days

Intro: We have morons in office today. We have morons in the government. There is no doubt about it! Take anything Kamala says and it proves it! She has yet to post her platform on line. Tim Walz is the moron who caused the George Floyd riots in his own state in 2020 and did nothing but fuel the fire. He gave free divers Licenses to Illegal’s. He praised illegal aliens as good for America. He said a socialist today is a good neighbor tomorrow! Joe Biden is a bumbler. He mumbles when he speaks. When we can understand him he makes no sense. He was a disaster at the debate. Kamala has yet to have a press conference where she has to answer questions. Because she doesn’t know any answers! Joe, Kamala and Tim are just puppets of the globalists. The Globalists actually have to be pretty impressed with what they have been able to do. They got the whole world to shut down over a cold virus. They got the most popular president in history out of office. They got the most despised crook in congress elected as he stayed in his basement. Now they have Kamala Harris all set to take office in January. What American’s vote for these people? If they did vote for them? God is allowing us the leaders we deserve around the world. He is bringing remedial judgment upon the world for our ungodly ways and sexual sin. And it first shows in low morality of the people and at the last in foolish leadership. That’s where we are today.

God Brings Down the Mighty

Job 12:17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. He takes away the wisdom of rulers and makes leaders act like fools. “He makes [great and scheming] counselors walk barefoot and makes fools of judges. Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Rulers or leaders who have no wisdom. Judges who are desecrating the constitution and Bill of Rights. Evil people who are led by evil people. The only wise people are those who trust in Jesus Christ. 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. A man is no fool who puts His faith in Jesus Christ and lives for Him only!

Job 12:18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. He dethrones kings and makes them prisoners; “He loosens the bond of kings And binds their loins with a loincloth. God puts kings and leaders in jail. He humbles them in clothes of slaves. How many leaders have fallen? How many good well-meaning leaders and the famous men and women have turned bad?

Job 12:19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty. he humbles priests and men of power. “He makes priests walk barefoot, And He overturns men firmly seated and secure. Godly men who have fallen into sin. Southern Baptist churches have been rocked with scandals every year it seems.

Where are the godly men and women? Oh, we have them. But no one wants them. They aren’t flamboyant enough, they aren’t good looking enough! They aren’t rich enough! They are charismatic enough! They can’t speak well enough! They don’t say the right things enough! They don’t compromise enough! They don’t have a big enough ministry! Well one day we will hear from these great people of God in glory! They will receive praise from God and the others abased and ashamed.

No wonder the preachers fall because they aren’t called in the first place! I know preachers who only want the prestige and the glory from the ministry! They aren’t satisfied to preach God’s word and truth….. they want bigger crowds, bigger checks, bigger churches, bigger towns, bigger planes, and bigger harems! Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. When you just want prestige of men instead of preaching for Jesus you need to repent.

Job 12:20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

He silences those who are trusted, and takes the wisdom of old people away. He deprives the trusted ones of speech And takes away the discernment and discretion of the aged.

Believe it or not….there will come a day God won’t allow the trust worthy men and women of God to be heard. He will take them home due to old age or hides them away in inconspicuous places. We have lost a lot of great men of God since 2000. Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley, Jimmy Deyoung and on and on I could go. There are some great preachers out there that are being heard….but mostly they are silenced or hidden away plodding along in small churches because larger churches don’t want them. The world doesn’t want to hear them. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. John 16:2 ….the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. They will kill godly people by removing their influence or taking their platforms or by outright killing them.

Job 12:21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty. He disgraces those in power and puts an end to the strength of rulers. “He pours contempt on princes and nobles

And loosens the belt of the strong [disabling them]. The respect of old people is an all time low today. We just want to discount anyone who is old except the Soro’s, Klaus Swabb’s and the old politicians in America and around the world. They are being heard. Not old men and women of practical wisdom and faith in Christ.

But one day God will bring down these who think they are mighty today. God will bring them down off of their pedestal one day. Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

God Brings Down the Mighty 2. God Knows Everything

Job 12:22 He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

He sends light to places dark as death. “He uncovers mysteries [that are difficult to grasp and understand] out of the darkness And brings black gloom and the shadow of death into light.

God knows all about the things of darkness. There is nothing hid from God. He brings hope to the hopelessness of death. Colossians 2:2-3 to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

God has all Knowledge. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows how it all works out. He is bringing everything to His purposes and His glory! 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

God’s glory, God’ purposes are in Jesus Christ! God knows everything about us, about our future, about our past, about our talents and abilities. He knows everything. So why do we not trust our future in the hands of one who loves us so. Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God knows everything…..Does He know you? 2 Timothy 2:19 ….The Lord knoweth them that are his……

God Brings Down the Mighty 2. God Knows Everything 3. God Controls Nations

Job 12:23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. He makes nations strong and great, but then he defeats and destroys them. “He makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away [captive].

If you want to be a great nation then trust in God. If you want a nation in chaos, confusion and led by wicked leaders then reject God. Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord… We were never a perfect nation, but we were blessed as a nation. We supported Israel in their beginning. We print more Bibles and send more missionaries than all nations in history combined.

We are never going to be the same again as a nation. America will never be great again. We have murdered too many innocents. We have rejected God and His morality and committed abominations. We have thumbed our noses at God from media, entertainment, pulpits, colleges and universities, and medical and scientific communities. We have allowed false religions and cults to abound in our world. Despite that we are a secular world now. With just pockets of remnant Christians around the world.

God puts leaders in nations that they deserve. Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. God set the boundary of the nations in order for fallen man to get along. After the tower of Babel God scattered men everywhere so that they could not consolidate power into one group. So God established nations for safety, justice, freedom and happiness of mankind. No one group can control everyone…… that always leads to fascism, communism, and dictatorships.

Today there is going to be another attempt at Nimrod’s one world government. And they will succeed with the Beast, the man of sin, the son of perdition…the Anti-Christ. It’s no wonder that they are preparing the world for this system already and have been for several years.

This system is coming to the world. Nothing will stop it. It’s too late to repent as nations. Israel tried to repent many times but it was too late! Daniel 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. This is the explanation I was given: “The fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be on the earth and will be different from all other empires. It will crush the whole earth and trample it down. If this depresses you, you need to get right with God! God’s purpose in this world is to glorify His name and establish His kingdom. His goal is not to make America great! America is not even mentioned in the Bible!

Everytime we pray the Lord’s prayer we pray for His kingdom to come. Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Everytime we pray Psalm 122:6 we are praying for Christ’s kingdom of peace to come to Jerusalem and Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

God Brings Down the Mighty 2. God Knows Everything 3. God Controls Everything
He Makes The Leaders Look Foolish

Job 12:24 He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. He makes their leaders foolish and lets them wander confused and lost. “He removes intelligence and understanding from the leaders of the people of the earth And makes them wander and move blindly in a pathless waste.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Where there is no word of God. Where the word of God is not preached. People will perish. But if you keep the law of God as our nation was founded upon you will be successful!

We get the leaders we deserve. We get not only godless perverted people but we get morons! 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. The Lord answered, “This will happen because my people are foolish. They do not know me. They are like children who have no sense. They have no understanding. They are morons. But they are skilled at doing evil. But sadly they do not know how to do good.”

Job 12:24 ….and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. People wander around with no foundation in life. Evolution can’t give you answers, it can’t give you a foundation for your principles. In the beginning God….Is our foundation to build a great life on! Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. People who won’t settle down, wandering here and there, are like restless birds, going to and fro. Look at the 30 million illegals. They have left their place and are wandering around. That is not good for anyone! Look at our young people today. They have no purpose or meaning except to glorify themselves on social media.

Governments today are all drifting from the moors that made them successful. Strong populist leaders, a growing native population, and assimilation of immigrants. Only Russia and China and Iran do that today! HMMMM. Aren’t they the ones who are going to attack Israel very soon! Hmmmm!

Job 12:25 They grope in the dark without light, “They grope in darkness without light,

they grope in the dark. .” Romans 13:12 let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Many times in the Bible the works of evil are called darkness. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. The world dwelleth in darkness. Without the light of Christ how can the world be in any light? All that’s left if darkness! Darkness of heart and soul. You can’t trust people who walk in darkness. It’s the blind leading the blind. Both will fall into the ditch and that is what is happening to the nations of the world today!

Job 12:25 …….and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. and stagger like drunkards. And He makes them stagger like a drunken man. Jeremiah 5:17 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

The world’s elite are drunk with power. They are intoxicated with the thought of power! They crave power! Who do they sound like? Isaiah 14:13:14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Satan, Lucifer wanted power. He wanted God’s throne. Notice how many times he said “I WILL.” Five times. Beware of the person who says “I” or “I WILL” a lot. It’s all about them in the end. Don’t trust them. Don’t trust a government that is for itself and not of and for the people!

God’s government is about His glory and our good! Of course God wants to be glorified. Not because it’s all about Him….but because it’s HAS to be all about Him! He is God! But He is GOOD! HE IS LOVE!

Think about this……You glorify yourself for the good of your body. If you don’t glorify you….or in other words take care of you……If you don’t live out your existence…….your whole body and soul dies. If God doesn’t show forth His glory, His greatness, then we all are without hope! You do your best to live and to be alive and to be relevant in this world….for yourself and for the sake of others in your world. If we quit living…glorifying ourselves, then not only does our body die but others around us may die.

We are God’s creation. We are not gods…but part of God, made in His image! If He is glorified we are all lifted up!

God is not a glory hound. He is a righteous Father who gave His only Son so that we might be saved from the penalty of our sin! He loves. He gives. He is merciful. He is gracious. He also judges because as our creator and the author of all life……He has the authority and the right to do so.

These drunken fools who want to usurp God’s authority and claim it for themselves are in for a rude awakening very soon! They are fools who have no idea that what they think they are doing for their own corrupt reasoning is all part of God’s orchestrating these last days.

8/4/2024

2 Kings 3:5-24 God Will Always Defend Israel

Intro: Today Israel is in a modern day war with Moab. Hamas and Hezbollah. They may not be direct descendants but the battle is the same. Evil leaders who hate Israel. In 2 Kings Israel is divided into two lands. Israel to the north and Judah to the south. Israel never had a good king. Judah had four. Jehoshaphat is one of them. For this battle against the Moabites three kings united. Israel, Judah and Edom to defeat the Moabites.

Three Kings align to fight a common enemy

5 But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.

But when King Ahab of Israel died, Mesha rebelled against Israel. But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. Ahab was the most wicked of all Israel’s kings. Jezebel was his wicked wife. Moab’s king saw an opportunity.

6 And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel. At once King Joram left Samaria and gathered all his troops. So King Jehoram left Samaria at that time and assembled all [the fighting men of] Israel. Who were fit to bear arms, got them together at some place, and mustered them, and prepared for a war with Moab, to reduce them. This numbering was, possibly, taking stock, to see how many military they could muster in case of war. Numbering the people without God’s permission was forbidden.

7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses. He sent word to King Jehoshaphat of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me; will you join me in war against him?”“I will,” King Jehoshaphat replied. “I am at your disposal, and so are my men and my horses. Then he went and sent word to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, saying, “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” And he replied, “I will go; I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” Because Edom had been added to the orbit of Judah as a result of an earlier war, Jehoshaphat proposed that they march through Edom to attack the Moabite territory. This route for their forces would avoid Moabite border fortresses and bring the attack from their rear.

King Jehoshaphat had made an agreement with Ahab, when he was still alive. Jehoshaphat would help them, because of this earlier agreement, and because Moab was their mutual enemy.

8 And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.

What route shall we take for the attack?” “We will go the long way through the wilderness of Edom,” Joram answered. Jehoram said, “Which way shall we go up?” Jehoshaphat answered, “The way through the Wilderness of Edom.” One of the main reasons that Jehoshaphat chose this direction, was because Edom was a dependency of Judah, and would let them pass with no conflict. Edom was an enemy of Moab, themselves, and some of their troops might join them in the battle. Going by Edom was not the shortest route, but was probably the safest.

9 So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them. So King Joram and the kings of Judah and Edom set out. After marching seven days, they ran out of water, and there was none left for the men or the pack animals. So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. They made a circuit of seven days’ journey, but there was no water for the army or for the cattle that followed them.

Edom did not have a king. They were ruled by a deputy that Jehoshaphat had set up. It is interesting here, that they have gained enough strength that they now have a king. It is also interesting, that they join the battle with Moab led by their king. Israel’s troops will be in the front lines, because this battle is really theirs. Judah will back them up, and then the troops of Edom will back up Judah. This was such a tremendous amount of troops, you can see it would be easy to run out of water. This means they were travelling 7 days to get to the area of the battle.

10 And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab! We’re done for!” King Joram exclaimed. “The Lord has put the three of us at the mercy of the king of Moab!” Then the king of Israel said, “We are doomed, for the Lord has called these three kings to be handed over to Moab.” The fear of the king of Israel, is because of what happened to Ahab and Ahaziah. He realizes that it was not God who sent them to this war, but their own desire. He fears the LORD will be angry with them and destroy Israel, Judah, and Edom. 7:00

Find A Prophet of God.

11 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. King Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there a prophet here through whom we can consult the Lord?” An officer of King Joram’s forces answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was Elijah’s assistant.” But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here from whom we may inquire of the Lord?” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who [c]used to pour water over Elijah’s hands.”

Notice, it is Jehoshaphat who calls for the prophet of God. It appears, that everyone knew of the miracles Elijah had done. They did not however, know much about Elisha, except that he served Elijah.

Do people today look for a preacher or pastor when they are in trouble? Do they look for someone to pray for them? Yes even unbelievers do that? But rarely do people call on the pastor or a preacher to come and pray for them.

12 And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. “He is a true prophet,” King Jehoshaphat said. So the three kings went to Elisha. Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to Elisha. Jehoshaphat knew that this man of God would be the one they needed to see. Jehoshaphat, a man who did right in God’s sight, was in very bad company with the two evil kings of Israel and Edom.

13 And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. “Why should I help you?” Elisha said to the king of Israel. “Go and consult those prophets that your father and mother consulted.” “No!” Joram replied. “It is the Lord who has put us three kings at the mercy of the king of Moab.” Now Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What business do you have with me? Go to the prophets of your [wicked] father [Ahab] and to the prophets of your [pagan] mother [Jezebel].” But the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the Lord has called these three kings together to be handed over to Moab.”

Elisha first reprimands Jehoram king of Israel of his evil ways. He reminds him that his father Ahab, and his mother, Jezebel, had brought the worship of Baal into the land. Even though Jehoram had torn down the statue of Baal, he was still an evil king in the sight of the LORD. Notice that Jehoram says, it was the LORD who brought these three together. He is afraid the LORD will destroy them, as he did Ahab and Ahaziah.

14 And Elisha said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. Elisha answered, “By the living Lord, whom I serve, I swear that I would have nothing to do with you if I didn’t respect your ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts (armies) lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you [king of Israel]. “Regard the presence”: Elisha agreed to seek word from the Lord because of his great respect for Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (1 Kings 22:43). 14:00

The Prophet’s message

15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. Now get me a musician.” As the musician played his harp, the power of the Lord came on Elisha, But now bring me a musician.” And it came about while the musician played, that the hand (power) of the Lord came upon Elisha.

Music definitely has a place in worship. The beautiful spiritual songs in the church prepare our hearts to receive the message God has for His people. This is the reason for the minstrel here. Elisha will listen to the soft music, and get his mind off the world. The music will have a calming influence. Elisha would close out the world, and listen to the Word the LORD speaks through him.

16 And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. and he said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Dig ditches all over this dry stream bed. He said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Make this valley (the Arabah) full of trenches.’ We remember, they were out of water. These ditches would hold water for them.

17 For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. Even though you will not see any rain or wind, this stream bed will be filled with water, and you, your livestock, and your pack animals will have plenty to drink.’” For thus says the Lord, ‘You will not see wind or rain, yet that valley will be filled with water, so you and your cattle and your other animals may drink.

We are not told where the water comes from, but we can assume that the water flows into these ditches from another spot. It may rain heavy in another place, and flow the water into the ditches. It is not important how the ditches are filled with water. It is a miracle from God.

18 And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

And Elisha continued, “But this is an easy thing for the Lord to do; he will also give you victory over the Moabites. This is but a simple thing in the sight of the Lord; He will also hand over the Moabites to you. To give them such a plenty of water in such an extraordinary manner: he would do for them what was greater, not only save them from falling into the hand of Moab, which they feared.”But he wilt deliver the Moabites into your hands”: Which was more than was asked for, or expected. God always does more that we think or expect!

19 And ye shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones. You will conquer all their beautiful fortified cities; you will cut down all their fruit trees, stop all their springs, and ruin all their fertile fields by covering them with stones.” You shall strike every fortified city and every choice (principal) city, and cut down every good tree and stop up all sources of water, and ruin every good piece of land with stones.’”

These four points of “attack” on both natural and human resources would not only defeat the Moabites in the moment but disable them long-term. The Moabites were not living for God. This is speaking of a total destruction of the land, which would have to be rebuilt.

20 And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water. The next morning, at the time of the regular morning sacrifice, water came flowing from the direction of Edom and covered the ground. It happened in the morning, when the sacrifice was offered, that suddenly water came [miraculously] from the area of Edom, and the country was filled with water. The early morning was the time of the morning sacrifice. It appears, there had been heavy rain in Edom, and the water flowed into the ditches from there. 21:00

The Moabites defeated By God

21 And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border. When the Moabites heard that the three kings had come to attack them, all the men who could bear arms, from the oldest to the youngest, were called out and stationed at the border. Now all the Moabites heard that the [three] kings had come up to fight against them, and all [d]who were able to put on armor, as well as those who were older, were summoned and stood [together in battle formation] at the border.

It seemed, that the Moabites had gathered all the men of the land who were old enough to fight, and gave them armor. They quickly covered the border, where the enemy was coming from.

22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood: When they got up the following morning, the sun was shining on the water, making it look as red as blood. When they got up early the next morning, the sun shone on the water, and the Moabites saw the water across from them as red as blood.

As the Moabites looked down at the unfamiliar water in the ditches dug in the valley below them, the combination of the sun’s rays and the red sandstone terrain gave the water a reddish color, like pools of blood. Unaccustomed to water being in those places and having heard no storm, the Moabites thought that the coalition of kings had slaughtered each other, and so went after the spoils.

23 And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil. “It’s blood!” they exclaimed. “The three enemy armies must have fought and killed each other! Let’s go and loot their camp!” And they said, “This is blood! Clearly the kings have fought together, and have killed one another. Now then, Moab, to the spoil [and the plunder of the dead soldiers]!”

It appears, these ditches did more than supply water to them. The ditches, possibly, had red clay at the bottom, and the water on it caused it to appear to be blood. It could also have been a sunrise of redness that caused the water to look red. They knew that Israel had broken away from Judah, and they thought some of the rivalry between them had sprung up in battle. They want to believe these three kings and their men had turned on each other. They want it so badly, they had convinced themselves that is what happened.

24 And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country. But when they reached the camp, the Israelites attacked them and drove them back. The Israelites kept up the pursuit,[a] slaughtering the Moabites But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and struck the Moabites, so that they fled before them; and they went forward into the land, killing the Moabites [as they went].

The Moabites had run In on Israel ”xpect’ng to take a spoil, and instead, the Israelites killed many, and the others retreated. The Israelites did not stop the battle when the Moabites ran. They followed them into their land to destroy them. 27:00

Conclusion:

God is control.

He will defend His people. God will defend Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah. Jeshosophat was godly and Israel and Edom’s kings were not. But they were Jews. God will defend His people Israel.

He will use men of God. We should call on men of God in times of trouble.

If you are against God’s people you will be deceived. You will be destroyed in the end. 28:04

8/4/2024

James 2:10-26 Acting Like A Christian In These Last Days

Intro: Never in history has it been more important for people who know Jesus Christ to help others find Him. In a world of lies and deceit and chaos and confusion it has never been more important to live like Jesus. We are the light of the world that desperately needs Jesus. In a time when people ought to be filling our churches with all the trouble in Israel. The satanic music and movies…the Middle east is on fire…..Russia and China are moving on the US and Israel…..you would think people would wake up. But we are deceived with constant barrage of stories about Trump, Biden, Kamala Harris, gender, open borders, attempted assasination, elections, Olympics, sports, personal health and inflation. Never before has it been more important to be like Jesus than today. 1:00

One Sin And You Are Condemned

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all. For whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of [breaking] all of it. Deuteronomy 5:1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The ten commandments are in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy chapter 5. If we break on commandment we are condemned forever. God is holy and His requirement for eternal life is holiness. No sin!

James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. For the same one who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Even if you do not commit adultery, you have become a lawbreaker if you commit murder. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you murder, you have become [f]guilty of transgressing the [entire] Law. Just because you haven’t committed one sin doesn’t clear you from guilt. I have never robbed a bank but I have lied on my taxes. So I am not guilty of bank robbery but I am guilty of being lying. This is an example!!!

One Sin And You Are Condemned 2. Act Like People Who Freed From Sin

James 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. Speak and act as people who will be judged by the law that sets us free. Speak and act [consistently] as people who are going to be judged by the law of liberty [that moral law that frees obedient Christians from the bondage of sin]. We should speak and act like people who are freed from sin by Christ and thus act like the one who set us free. Its’ the law of grace!!

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. But if you look closely into the perfect law….the law of grace of salvation given to us by faith in Jesus Christ….this is the law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do. Act like people who know Jesus Christ! Follow me Jesus said. Obey my commandment’s He also said. Act and do the things He would do.

James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; but [to the one who has shown mercy] mercy triumphs [victoriously] over judgment. God is the God of mercy. He expects us to be merciful to others as well. Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

……………..Now we get into Faith and Works

Good Works Show That We Have Faith

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you? What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]

Martin Luthor hated the book of James so bad that he did not put it in his NT books. He felt it was a book of straw. But James is trying to tell us that faith saves us….works testify to our faith. If you say you are saved and you are unmerciful, hateful and despicable then how is that person acting like he is saved by grace and love? Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Good fruit is good to the eyes….it tastes good, it feels good. A person who walks with Christ…passes the eye test, He looks happy, he is good to others, He makes others feel good. Do you make others feel good? Or do they scatter when you come around?

James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day******************

James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don’t give them the necessities of life? and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do?

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead. So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].

How Can You Show Me You Have Faith?

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. But someone will say, “One person has faith, another has actions.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions.” But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Do you believe that there is only one God? Good! The demons also believe—and tremble with fear.

You believe that [g]God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless?[a] But are you willing to recognize, you foolish [spiritually shallow] person, that faith without [good] works is useless?

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

How was our ancestor Abraham put right with God? It was through his actions, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. Was our father Abraham not [shown to be] justified by works [of obedience which expressed his faith] when he offered Isaac his son on the altar [as a sacrifice to God]?

James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Can’t you see? His faith and his actions worked together; his faith was made perfect through his actions. You see that [his] faith was working together with his works, and as a result of the works, his faith was completed [reaching its maturity when he expressed his faith through obedience].

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. And the scripture came true that said, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” And so Abraham was called God’s friend. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and this [faith] was credited to him [by God] as righteousness and as conformity to His will,” and he was called the friend of God.

Faith That Has No Works Is Not true Faith

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. You see, then, that it is by our actions that we are put right with God, and not by our faith alone. You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience a born-again believer reveals his faith].

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? It was the same with the prostitute Rahab. She was put right with God through her actions, by welcoming the Israelite spies and helping them to escape by a different road. In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works too, when she received the [Hebrew] [h]spies as guests and protected them, and sent them away [to escape] by a different route?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead. For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.

7/28/2024

2 Timothy 4:1-5 The Only Thing That Will Save The World

Intro: Trouble is everywhere. Confusion and chaos reigns. Satan is happy. That is not good for anyone. Israel is in danger. America is collapsing before our very eyes. We have been given the leaders we deserve in America due to our sin and due to the fact that we don’t tolerate Preaching the word of God. In these last of the last days….what should we be doing? What is the only thing that can save the world. Not talking about the earth….but the world of people? 1:00

1 I Urge You To Preach The Word

2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, I solemnly urge you. I give you a command. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, I solemnly charge you… I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, I charge: Paul underscores the importance of his command to Timothy by calling on God and Jesus to be witnesses to it.

Psalm 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Angels have a commission from God to care for the righteous. We have a commission from the Lord Jesus Christ. How important is it to obey the Lord Jesus? 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. Not hard or not difficult. If we love Jesus we +will do His will. He wants us to follow Him and be like Him. After we are called “Christ-ians!” Little Christ’s.

2 Timothy 4:1…..who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. Paul reminds Timothy that Jesus will return in judgment.

Paul urges Timothy because what he is urging him to do has eternal repercussions. One….God is going to judge those alive and those dead when He returns to rule and reign. Two….Christ is the coming King of the world. So….that should be reason enough. There is nothing more important than this…….

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; to preach the message, Preach the word [as an official messenger] Paul’s charge to Timothy is to preach the word. The foundation of any ministry is God’s Word. Preaching God’s truth is a sacred and demanding task, requiring perseverance and courage. Open your Bible and read it and let it loose.

The Bible is like a lion. Loose it and let it go. It will defend itself, and it is fearless. We need not be afraid that the Bible will shame us or disappoint us. It is God’s word. The creator and sustainer of the universe. I think He can make sure His word is without error and is without any contradictions. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word…..Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. And he commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead. Just like Paul said….Luke repeats in Acts. God will judge the living and the dead. The saved for their faithfulness and those not saved for their sins.

No preacher should get into the pulpit and not have something to preach. Just open the Bible. I can literally pick any passage and it will preach. I have no fear of any passage that God will not have something to say. The problem with preparing a sermon is not what to say…..but how to cut it to 28 minutes. There is so much wisdom, knowledge, fascination and wonder with every bit of God’s word.

I have the easiest job in the world. And also the most responsibility. It is the preaching of the word that saves men. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Not stories, not poems, not my wit and wisdom. Paul said I strive to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified!

The world want’s to water down the message of the Bible. They even call it a book of hate. They could not be more wrong. The Bible is a book of love. God’s love for us. God loves us so much that He did not want to leave us in a sinful fallen condition. So He sent His own Son to pay our sin debt so that we could be back in fellowship with God again and be made holy like He is.

Yes….there is death and judgement in the Bible. Yes….. there are tragedies in the Bible. But God is not going to sugar coat life. Life is hard. It’s not God’s fault. We sinned. But Christ said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. There is a yoke that limits us in this world and there are burdens to bear in this world. But He makes it all worthwhile because preching the word is the only things that will save the world. Not the world meaning the earth….but the people of the world. 10:00

1 Preach The Word 2 How Do We Preach The Word?

Paul lays out exactly how we are to preach and when to preach.

2 Timothy 4:2 ……be instant in season, out of season; to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), be ready when the time is right and even when it is not. Keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome.

When do we preach? At every opportunity. We can’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings. We must be consistent and faithful. We cannot really worry about hurting someone’s feelings and or worried that they might get mad and aggravated or frustrated. Just preach! Let God handle the rest. Now of course we must not beat people over the head with the Bible. But tell the truth always in love.

If you love someone you are going to tell them the bridge is out ten miles down the road right?

2 Timothy 4:2 ……reprove, to convince correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior. Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Preaching corrects those in error. Grievous error. That is those who are not following the basics of faith in Christ. Virgin birth, innerrancy of the Bible, Salvation by grace thru faith….etc If someone believes that the rapture occurs at the end of the tribulation….we don’t correct….we can discuss. But it’s not a salvation issue.

2 Timothy 4:2…..rebuke, reproach, warn [those who sin. 2 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Preaching warns sinners of their fate if they do not repent. The soul that sinneth it shall die.

2 Timothy 4:2…..exhort, exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity. Preaching should encourage and life up others. Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. We should encourage others by our words and by our lives. God can get you through anything. Jesus Christ will never leave us nor forsake us. No not ever, no never!

2 Timothy 4:2…….with all long suffering…… as you teach with all patience. With inexhaustible patience. Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Impatient people are a pain in the you know what! I have trouble with that. I’m working on it. Longsuffering and Patience are mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible. Longsuffering is the OT word for Patience.

2 Timothy 4:2….and doctrine. and [faithful] accurate, Biblical teaching. Doctrine is not a bad word! Jesus taught a doctrine. What is our doctrine? 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. We preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We preach the death burial and resurrection of Christ. And you must put your personal faith in His payment for your sins. That is our message, that is our doctrine. John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 11 times Jesus talked about His doctrine. Many people say that they don’t preach doctrine! So what do they preach? The doctrines of men. Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. How do we preach the word? We preach it consistently, patiently and correctly knowing it is the only thing that can save the world. 19:00

1 Preach The Word 2 How Do We Preach The Word?

They Will Not Tolerate Those Preaching The Word

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth. Woah! We are in that day today. Don’t preach what the Bible says…..it is offensive! Offensive to who? Sinners!

2 Timothy 4:3……but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold.

Don’t preach to tell people what they want. Don’t water down the message to appease people. Many woke churches are watering down the or compromising the message to appease the woke crowd. I would hate to be one of those preachers facing Jesus Christ one day!

2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, They will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn their ears away from the truth. Stopping their ears so that they can’t hear you. They will call Biblical preaching hate speech. Many have been arrested down through the years for Biblical preaching…..and it still happens today. All Muslim countries, communist countries and now “woke” nations will forbid the preaching of the Bible. You know what people who want America to become Marxist/communist are really saying? They don’t want God!! And they don’t want Jesus Christ and they don’t want the Bible!

2 Timothy 4:4….and shall be turned unto fables. and give their attention to legends. and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. They will follow myths and legends before they will follow Jesus Christ. Mormonism is a myth. JW’s based on a lie. Islam based on a false legend. Hinduism is both myth and legends. People would rather believe a lie than admit they might be wrong.

2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady]. Be alert and know what you believe and why you believe it. Know what’s going on and be aware of what the enemy is doing. Be informed. Not from legacy media. The Alphabet media ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC. Whatever they tell you are talking points given to them by the elites.

2 Timothy 4:5…..endure afflictions, endure suffering, endure every hardship [without flinching]. We will suffer and have hard times difficult times in our lives. Sickness, injury, loss, and failure will follow us to the grave. But we always have the final victory in our Lord Jesus Christ! It doesn’t matter how you started or what the half-time score is or what the score is after 8 innings. All that matters is the final score. Did you win? Yes! Its guaranteed in Jesus Christ!

2 Timothy 4:5…..do the work of an evangelist, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, do the work of an evangelist. We are to evangelize. Invite people to church. 81% of the people you invite to church will come. Share the gospel with people. That is job number one for Christians!

2 Timothy 4:5…..make full proof of thy ministry. and perform your whole duty as a servant of God. fulfill [the duties of] your ministry. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Don’t back down. Don’t cower in fear! Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthains 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Bottom line….It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

27:00

1 Preach The Word 2 How Do We Preach The Word?

They Will Not Tolerate Those Preaching The Word

The only Thing that Will Save The World….

Preaching the Word of God……People getting saved one person at a time. The salvation of Jesus Christ is personal, perfect, complete and actually doesn’t change people….it makes them brand new! Have you let Jesus make you new? 28:04

7/21/2024

Genesis 3:22-24 Innocence Lost….. Holiness Gained.

Intro: Let’s turn to Genesis chapter 3 and I’m going to start with verse 1……..

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Satan makes Eve Doubt God. Where was Adam? Right there probably. Adam was no dummy. He named all the animals and described them correctly.

Genesis 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

First mistake….don’t give the devil an inch. Don’t interact with Him. That is God’s job. He is much smarter than you are.

Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

A lie. God did not say…don’t touch it….

Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Partly true. They would not die……yet. But that would die eventually. Immortality was over.

Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:22

Again…partly true. Adam and Eve lost their innocence. They became sinners.

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Eve sinned with her eyes first. Then she compromised her morals. Then she sinned by decision. Then she sinned by fully committing to the sin when she ate.

Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

They lost their innocence.

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

Uh oh. God came for a visit.

Genesis 3:9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

God knew where they were…..but Adam and Eve didn’t know where they were…..Results of sin. Shame and regret.

Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Results of sin….fear.

Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

God knew what happened….He wanted Adam and Eve to understand they sinned by disobeying God’s specific command.

Genesis 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

Another sin….Adam blamed Eve. We all must give an account of OURSELVES to God.

Genesis 3:13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

God confronted and Eve confessed. Very simple. Not excuse like Adam gave.

Genesis 3:14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

The serpent has been the symbol of Satan ever since. He went from the most beautiful created being to the most loathsome.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

This verse explains everything that will happen until Christ returns. A savior will come from a virgin woman (her seed) and will suffer a serious blow by Satan. Satan will have seed also….but he will be destroyed by the seed of the woman. (Jesus Christ) The seed war began right then.

Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Child bearing will be painful and the man will be over the woman.

Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Adam has to work the ground and eat from it.

Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

Work turned to toil.

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Adam had to work hard for food and would die and go back to the dust of the earth.

Genesis 3:20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

Eve would bear children.

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

This had to be horrifying to Adam and Eve. The first death on the planet earth. Animals died to take away their nakedness.

Now we come to verses 22-24 Where God has to follow a different plan with man. Nothing surprises God. Genesis 3: 1-24 is where man lost His innocence forever. The rest of the Bible is how man can become Holy so he can never fall again. 10:00

Man Lost His Innocence But gained Holiness.

Genesis 3:22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil:

Then the Lord God said, “Now these human beings have become like one of us and have knowledge of what is good and what is bad. And the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), knowing [how to distinguish between] good and evil.

In Genesis 3:5 Satan says they shall be a “gods” if they ate the fruit. Small “g.” There are 215 references to “gods” in the Bible. Most are false gods made of wood and stone. Some are fallen angels like Molech, Baal etc. “gods” know good and evil and how to do the greatest evil which is to attempt to usurp God and His worship.

Man lost His innocence. Tragic. Horrible. But not at all a shock to God. He said man has become like one of US. The trinity. How is God like man? Man is now no longer innocent. Man is going to grow now and have the chance to go from sinful to Holy. So that man can never fall again. Holy means dedicated or consecrated to God. Sacred. Devoted and worthy of awe and respect. Innocence is pure, guileless or naïve. Not knowing or having experienced sin. Holiness is devoted and dedicated to God not willing to sin and unable to sin.

God wanted us to be Holy and a people that were holy. So He introduced the concept of holiness to His people Israel. Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Israel was to become a holy nation or at least understand the concept. We will not be totally holy, dedicated and unwilling to sin and unable to sin until we get to Heaven. We are positionally and legally made holy by faith in Jesus Christ…..but we will not be free from sin until we shed this sinful flesh once and for all.

To Be Holy means exalted or worthy….. perfect in goodness and righteousness.

Isaiah 43:15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. God is holy. Exalted and worthy…..Perfect in Goodness and righteousness.

Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Jesus Christ is Holy. Exalted and Holy…. Perfect in goodness and righteousness.

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Be set apart, totally dedicated to God because of the righteousness that is given to us by faith in Jesus Christ. Act like what you ARE…a child of the Holy God! Exalted and Holy because of Jesus you are made perfect in goodness and righteousness.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

The church is holy. We are set apart and dedicated to Jesus Christ our Lord. We ARE a holy nation or a Holy people. The church is made up of Holy people. The church is exalted and worthy…Perfect in goodness and righteousness because of our faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins.

Man who trusts in Jesus Christ will rule and reign with God. Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Christians will judge angels. 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels?

Christians will serve God in total joy and peace and purpose. Isaiah 9:7 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 knowledge of Good and evil takes man to a whole new level. Not only does he know about evil, he knows how to become evil. He can do great good, but also great evil. He now must become Holy he cannot return to innocence. Innocence is lost forever when we all sin knowingly for the first time.

We are all born with a sin nature. It’s in our genes. We are fallen. We inherit Adams sinful nature. Romans 5:12 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Genesis 3:22…. and now, lest he put forth his hand. Whatever man puts his hand to do he can do it. God made man intelligent, resourceful and creative. They almost built a tower to heaven…Genesis 11:6 ….and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. God made man even in his fallen state capable of just about anything.

Genesis 3:22…..and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: They must not be allowed to take fruit from the tree that gives life, eat it, and live forever.” and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take from the tree of life as well, and eat [its fruit], and live [in this fallen, sinful condition] forever”—

It was horrible….awful how man fell. But God knew it was going to happen and He had a better plan for man.

If Man had stayed in the garden and ate the tree of life he would live forever in a sinful state. That would be very bad indeed.

Tree of life….A unique tree. Christ died on the cross a type of tree of life. Revelation 2:7, 22:2 and 14. The Tree of life is now on the street of heaven leading to the throne of God. We can eat of it meaning we have eternal life. We also eat of the 12 fruits of it so that we cannot get sick or die. Trees are the oldest living creatures. So this tree is alive. How amazing it will be!

The devil wants to be the tree of life for mankind…..using AI and his demonic hoard to lie to people that they can live forever! Satan is alive and well and he knows his time is short. The demonic is real and they are very active today. Satan was there in the beginning but he will have an end. Revelation 19:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The innocent are not responsible for their sins until they reach the age of accountability. Genesis 3 tells us that when Eve reasoned out and decided to do that which God told her not to do……. she was no longer innocent. That is the age of accountability….when you decide to do that which you know is wrong and is against your God-given conscience and you know that God told us not to do. 15:00

Man Lost His Innocence 2. Man Has To Work

Genesis 3:23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden….. So the Lord God sent them out of the Garden of Eden. Therefore the Lord God sent Adam away from the Garden of Eden. The finality of it. God took them out of the garden. Now it’s different. A whole new life for Adam and Eve. They lost paradise when they sinned. Innocence is lost forever.

Genesis 3:23….. to till the ground from whence he was taken. and made them cultivate the soil from which they had been formed., to till and cultivate the ground from which he was taken.

Now salvation will take work. Physically to survive, to live they had to work. Spritually to live again they had to work. Only Jesus…. the God man can do the work of salvation for us. John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Christ worked the will of God and died and was buried in a garden tomb. He raised to life so His work was approved by God. We got the garden back through Christ. So we will serve Christ and reign with Him and have enjoyable and pleasurable work because we will work in Holiness and in perfection. 20:00

Man Lost His Innocence 2. Man Has To Work 3. Man Is Driven From The Garden

Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; So God drove the man out. Man could not live in the garden anymore. The garden of Eden was designed for Innocent man not sinful fallen man. The Garden was perfect. Sin cursed not only Adam and Eve….. but all of creation. That is why you cannot have death and sin before the fall. God said it was good on the 1^st day, good on the 2^nd day, good on the 3^rd day, good on the 4^th day, good on the 5^th day, and very good on the 6^th day!

Genesis 1:2 says…. the earth was without form and void. Now some say it means that the Earth was recreated because Genesis 1:2 means the earth BECAME void. That Satan occupied the earth at a time before man they believe. And that explains the dinosaurs and the Nephilim as so forth. They believe it was a re-creation of the Earth.

Well…. what happened to Satan? Satan shows up at the Garden. The Bible says the world was simply FORMLESS and VOID meaning A WASTE and EMPTY. It was not yet formed by God. The point is this……There can be no death before Adam. There were no stars and light before the creation. They weren’t created until days 4 and 2.

I just take the Bible for what it says. If God wanted us to know more He would have told us. God gives us the background of Satan in Isaiah 14 Ezekiel 28. Isaiah 14 Tells us that Satan exalted Himself above the Stars. God didn’t make the stars until Day 4. But we have to remember that sometimes the Bible refers to stars as Angels. It appears that Satan didn’t rebel until God created man or sometime around that time. Satan may have been jealous of man. We can only guess. Back to Genesis 3:24….

Genesis 3:24…..and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, at the east side of the garden he put living creatures. And at the east of the Garden of Eden He [permanently] stationed the cherubim. Two Cherubs guard the garden of Eden. They are permanently guarding it until man can have access again.

Cherubims or Cherubs are referred to 69 times in the Bible. Satan was a Cherub Isaiah 28:14. Cherubims are on each side of the throne of God. Two are depicted on the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. God was serious about keeping mankind out from the garden. I think this tells us that man cannot go back once innocence is lost.

Genesis 3:24……and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Then] and a flaming sword which turned in all directions. This was to keep anyone from coming near the tree that gives life. and the sword with the flashing blade which turned round and round [in every direction] to protect and guard the way (entrance, access) to the tree of life.

A flaming sword keeps the way the Tree of life. It is guarding the way to the tree of life. The sword turns around and around. A sword will destroy or cut to pieces anyone who attempts to gain access to the tree of life. It’s a warning.

No one can gain access to the tree of life and gain holiness unless they come through Jesus Christ. NO demon, no angel, no man, no power can get through. The sword means that God is very serious about that. And the sword is always turning means that God is ever vigilant and is never going to allow anyone to gain access to the tree of life without coming through Jesus Christ. 27:00

Man Lost His Innocence 2. Man Has To Work 3. Man Is Driven From The Garden

Innocence Lost…..Holiness gained.

Children are innocent until they reach the age of Accountability. The age when they know they have sinned against God. 99 % of everyone listening to me on the radio or watching me online have reached that age. You have no excuse. In order to go to heaven and be in God’s presence you have to be cleansed of your sin. You have to be made perfect, righteous and holy. Only faith and trust in the Holy one of God…. Jesus Christ can do that! 28:04

7/14/2024

Hebrews 3:12-14 Now Is Not The Time To Quit

Intro: Winners don’t quit they just regroup and come back stronger than ever! Abraham Lincoln lost forty jobs. He was even fired from his postmaster job! Now how do we remember Him? You may fail once or 40 times but don’t quit if it is something worthwhile. Hall of fame baseball players fail to get a hit seven out of ten times! Hall of fame basketball players miss half of their shots and some lose half of their games! But if your team is up by 40 points with one minute to go in the national championship game……would you quit? That’s what many in the church are doing today! They are quitting with the victory withing their grasp! They have quit going to church…they have quit reading the Bible. They have quit telling others that Jesus is coming soon! Of all the times to quit this is absolutely the worst time. God’s time clock is down to seconds to go. Can’t you hold out for just a little while longer? Many have said NO!!! 2:00

Be Careful

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren…… My friends, be careful. Take care, brothers and sisters.

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed….Be careful….protect….guard what you have at all costs. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is our focus, our life.

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them. We have a life in Christ and we have Christ’s teaching and His word….we should continue in them and not fall back or back slide. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. How do you think Christ will be pleased with you if you draw back or back slide or move backwards in your faith?

Hebrews 3:12 ……lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief……. that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving. That there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving [d]heart [which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord.

Any life that fails to move into more faith and more trust is evil. Anything that is not of faith is failure in our life in Christ. How could you even think that going backwards is going forward? We do take two steps back and three steps forward in life….but not intentionally!!! A lack of faith leads to an evil heart every single time! Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Unbelief, lack of faith leads to heart trouble. You know why people have trouble in their hearts…their souls….their lives…..is a heart problem. Our hearst are only healthy when are seeking Jesus Christ on a daily basis. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 3:12…… in departing from the living God. that you will turn away from the living God…… a heart that turns away from the living God. An evil heart leads to a lack of faith and trust in Christ and soon a departure from Christ! Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We are not to let our hearts turn away from God. The first thing that happens to people who are departing from God is to depart from Church.

Oh…. I don’t like what that preacher preaches. Well is he preaching from the Bible? Then that’s on you! I don’t like the preachers interpretation of the Bible. Well if he is not preaching correctly the essentials of the faith….. then you should leave. But if it’s not an essential like the timing of the rapture….then discuss it with him or get him to preach about the topic..….maybe he will learn or maybe you may find out you were wrong! God forbid that you might be wrong! I have changed my mind about many things in the Bible after I got more information. And as we get closer to the end the picture is getting more focused. But I’m not going to change my mind because you don’t like it! Prove your belief. Back it up. Don’t quit……fight for what your believe……. if it’s worth fighting for. If it’s worth fighting about.

Don’t die on the hill of trivialities. I remember an episode of a TV show called ‘Combat.” They gallantly fought all day trying to take a hill. Many men died and were wounded. They were about to take it when the captain gave the word to retreat….they didn’t need that hill after all. The sergeant could only look out in the distance…… in a blank stare that seemed to last for minutes. Then ordered his men to move out. You know what he was thinking….”Why did good men die for such an unimportant hill?” Don’t die on a hill that doesn’t matter in the long run.

The world is certainly careful about how they use their words and actions to get people to do what appeals to our flesh. They know how to entice people. The devil knows how to tempt you. The demonic world knows what can get you to fall. So be on guard all the time. We take heed. The devil is a roaring lion seeking to devour us. Put on the full armor of God! Truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith and the word of God! Be careful 10:00

Be Careful 2. Be Encouraging

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily………… But continually encourage one another every day,

Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. We should always encourage others in Christ. How can we do that? By being faithful in your own life every day. Set the example. 1 Timothy 4:12 But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. We are to be an example of what a believer in Jesus Christ does. Our words should be Christ-like, our life style should be Christ-like, Our love should be Christ-like. Our spirit in other words our integrity should be Christ-like, our faith in Christ alone, and demonstrate the morals of Christ.

Hebrews 3:13…..while it is called To day….. as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity],

as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. We should never waste an opportunity to encrouage our brothers and sisters in Christ. What does that mean? They know why you skipped church. They expect you to say and do the Christ-like things.

Don’t miss an opportunity when it presents itself. Now you can’t go each day with the goal of convincing everybody of what a good Christian you are. You have to do it…….. AS you go in the world. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…….. Go means “As” you go about your daily life….Wherever life takes you be an example for others to see Christ in you. You never know who is watching you!

Hebrews 3:13…..lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication]. We will fail at times. We are human and prone to have days where the pressures of life and the frustrations get a hold of us. But don’t despair. God will give you many other opportunities. I have failed many hundreds of times in my life to be an example. But God put’s me back out there and gives me an encouraging word every time!

The devil will deceive us through sin. We sin when we are enticed by our own lusts. But we sin first because we reason that it’s okay or that it doesn’t matter anyway. And after a while sin hardens us to the next sin and the next and the next gets easier each time.

This is a trap that we cannot escape from on our own. The devil always lies about sin…..He always makes it appear to be good in some way. Hebrews 4:7 To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Listen to that still small voice. There is no such thing as a little sin, a white lie. Sin, all sin will never lead

anyone closer to Christ! But we have an advocate, an attorney who represents us with the Father when we sin. 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

We need to encourage one another by avoiding habitual sins and sinful traps so that we might encourage others to do the same and thereby saving them great heartache and pain and hardness of heart.

The world wants us to be sinners and reject God or so it seems. There is nothing godly in this world today anymore. Everything is an attack against God and the morality of the word of God. We can by our actions encourage people to sin by things we do that are totally innocent….and of no sin of our own. Some people don’t believe in wearing pants or makeup. (I’m trying to quit those things) So that’s on them because they were just looking for an excuse to quit.

They will accuse you of things and make your good evil. Don’t get discouraged about that. Wear it like a badge of honor. You can’t please mankind so just please your Lord. He wants you to continue to live an encouraging and Christ-like life the best that you can. He will take care of what people think about you. 19:00

Be Careful 2. Be Encouraging 3. Be Stedfast

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ…… For we are all partners with Christ. For we [believers] have become partakers of Christ [sharing in all that the He has for us], 1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. We get all that Christ has. Amazing how blessed we are. We will soon realize that when He comes for us one day.

We are partners, we share all that He has for us! We love Him because he first loved us. How can we not want to be encouraging and be Christ-like! The world needs us. We are Christs ambassadors in this world. We represent Him.

Hebrews 3:14 …… if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. if only we hold firm our newborn confidence [which originally led us to Him] until the end.

This simply means Don’t Quit! Lots of verses about being steadfast in the Bible.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

There is an end to this life we live. But its not the end of Us. All things are the things of this old world.

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. We can’t quit just because people won’t like what we do. We can’t quit because someone might be offended. We will offend people when we preach Jesus! He told us we would and that we would be persecuted. ALL men will hate you. That means it can come from anywhere! Don’t quit…they hated Jesus without a cause.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Of course we get tired, we get weary IN DOING the work of God but not Weary OF the work of God. Faint not….don’t back down or back off. This is not the time for the fainthearted, but be strong quit you (ACT) like men!! We will reap souls and joy and peace and satisfaction when we don’t quit! The Satifaction of finishing a job well done is priceless. Wouldn’t you love to hear these words….well done thou good and faithful servant…….Faithful. The faithful don’t quit! They might get knocked down but they get right back up again!

The world wants you to quit and hates faithful Christians and faithful churches.

27:00

Be Careful 2. Be Encouraging 3. Be Stedfast

Don’t quit…Time is running out…..John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. There is coming a time when we will attend church for the last time. We will read the Bible for the last time on this earth. We will pray for the last time. We will witness to someone for the last time….we don’t know when that is. Don’t quit we will get to rest soon enough! 1 Chronicles 23:25 For David said, The Lord God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:

Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 28:04

7/14/2024 and 7/21/2024

Jeremiah 31:31-37 The New Covenant

Intro: Roosevelt started the New deal in 1933 that gave us big government that promised wealth and prosperity for everyone. But it took a world war to really accomplish that. Any time the world tries to make things new it turns out to be a disaster. Communism was a new way of doing government. It is a disaster to everyone except those on top. We have new things all the time that are good. But when the government has a new program how often is it good for us? God gave us a New Covenant and it is the greatest thing that could ever happen to Jew and gentile alike.

The New Covenant

Jeremiah 31:31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the [e]house of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and with the house of Judah (the Southern Kingdom).

At the time of Jeremiah’s prophecy the nation of Israel was divided into Israel to the north and Judah to the south. Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Jeremiah prophesied about the coming captivity of Judah to the Babylonians which would happen in 539 BC.

What is the new covenant? Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (the blood of Abel) ] than the blood of Abel who was murdered by his brother Cain; Abel’s “blood cried out” to God for vengeance (Gen. 4:10), but Jesus’ blood cries out with a message of forgiveness and reconciliation to God. Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. The New Covenant or New Testament is a new promise from God. Good news! We don’t keep the law to be saved….in fact the law was never intended to save but to demonstrate our need to be saved….we are saved by something or someone new! Jesus Christ is the focus of the New Covenant!

Jeremiah 31:32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” says the Lord.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine. God made this covenant with Israel alone. God is LIKE a husband to Israel. He IS the husband of the church. Israel had a covenant with God to keep His laws as a precursor to grace! Israel introduced the world to God and His requirements of ALL people…the ten commandments. And He through this covenant with Israel brought us a peculiar, special people who God would use to bring us the Savior…Jesus Christ and His future Kingdom! That’s all there is to it. Profoudly profound! But simple in it’s truth! That’s the Old Covenant. The New Covenant is coming as Jeremiah explains…..

The world wants a new covenant with you…It’s called the New world order. President Bush in 1991 introduced it. Klaus Swabb of the WEF talks about it still today! They are intent to build this new world of control and total order. I watched an Old Star Trek episode last week. A computer ruled the world. There was no crime, no murder, no thefts, total peace and safety. Agitators or rebels were eliminated immediately for the good of all! It was perfect except there was no creativity, no dreams, no love, and no joy. Only safety and order! Captain Kirk said they had lost their souls! He was right! That’s what the world wants today. A computer controlled orderly world! 1 Thessalonians 5:3 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. We followed the CDC and gave up our liberty in order not to die. Peace and safety. We follow the idiotic Carbon emissions rules in order not to die from Global warming. Peace and safety. We protect and promote groups that hate our Constitution Republic and allow criminals to cross our borders because we fear they might hurt us if we don’t go along with them. Peace and safety. Hate the Jews because it will go better for you if you do. Peace and safety.

The United States will be destroyed suddenly and certainly as soon as the church is taken out of this world. It will happen like a thief in the night. It will happen when no one expects it!

The New Covenant will be consummated when the church is in heaven with their beloved Jesus Christ! And those left behind will face the judgment of God! And those who trust in Christ during the tribulation will face the anger of the devil and two thirds of Jews will die. Satan has to eliminate all the Jews in order to win. But He will not win! Because of the New Covenant! God keeps His promises!

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. All the promises God has made will be fulfilled by Jesus Christ and Him alone! 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We will escape all the things that will come upon this world because of the New Covenant! 10:00

The New Covenant 2. What Is The New Covenant?

Jeremiah 31:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel…… The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,”

Now Jeremiah explains the New Covenant to the people. God always tells us what He is doing or going to do before it happens. That is why we have Bible prophecy. God wants us to know. And you know Satan is so arrogant that he does that also. The new world order has been up front about what their plans are. The WEF, Agenda 2030, Climate conferences are all boldly declaring that we will own nothing and be happy and we will eat bugs and enjoy it all to save the planet. But they don’t tell you that you will die!

DEI….Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. That’s what Nimrod wanted the tower of Babel to be. A place where they could all be equal with Nimrod in control. Why did they build the tower so high? So Nimrod could keep an eye on everyone! To escape another flood of course. But He wanted to control others from on high. Just like today the Beast will use AI to keep an eye on everyone! We already have that today. That phone in your purse or pocket is keeping an eye on you! Nimrod would love DEI today!

DEI is satanic. . But DEI attempts to blend all backgrounds, talents and core beliefs into one. This is leading to chaos and confusion. You can’t have a very good ball team if everyone has different goals and core beliefs about how to win a basketball game. You will get chaos and confusion of every sort. You have to follow the goals and core beliefs of the coach or you will never be cohesive and successful. Same thing with a job. No one is going to hire someone who will hold on to his own personal goals and core beliefs and ignore the goals and core beliefs of the company!

America became a great nation because despite having different backgrounds, talents and cultures, it worked because we all have to abide by the common goals and core beliefs of America. It’s called the constitution and Bill of Rights.

The church of Jesus Christ is people of different backgrounds, talents and cultures that believe in common goals and core beliefs of the Bible.

What is ESG?

Environmental

Societal

Governance.

These are rules that corporations have to abide by in order to get a good score from the globalists. They have to go along with Climate change rules, promote societal rules like gender reassignments and sexual deviancy and Islam and Black lives matter and open borders and be anti-Christian and Jew. And they have to be under control of the government. Big pharma, big corporations, big media, big gay, Big Islam, all under the control of big government. Big means the little guy has no place in this new world order!

This is their NEW COVENANT. They announce it every chance they get. The UN, the WEF, Climate Change conferences. They are all the same! Control and oversight of all people. And they get there by claiming PEACE and SAFETY!

Jeremiah 31:33….. 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. I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. says the Lord, “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.

This is the NEW Covenant. Those days….after the days come or the day will come….verse 31. The day comes when God establishes His new Covenant through Jesus Christ. After those days is when God removes the church and establishes a kingdom of His people Israel. The one thousand year also called the millennial reign of Christ!

This will be totally fulfilled to Israel in the Millennial. When Jesus Christ will be king over His people for a thousand years in fulfillment of the Davidic throne prophecies. But it is fulfilled in the gentiles in that they can be saved not outwardly by the law but inwardly by the Holy Spirit. As God wrote His law upon tablets of stone…..now He writes them on our hearts. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ IS the New Covenant or the New Testament! His is an eternal covenant. No man can destroy it…. nor no world order can depose it! Man can try….and they will but they will be destroyed forever!

Jeremiah 31:34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. None of them will have to teach a neighbor to know the Lord, because all will know me, from the least to the greatest. I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the Lord, have spoken.” And each man will no longer teach his neighbor and his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me [through personal experience], from the least of them to the greatest,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.”

Hebrews 10:16 quotes Jeremiah 31:33 Hebrews 10:16-17 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; But Hebrews adds the end of Jeremiah 31:34 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:11 quotes Jeremiah 31:34….Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Verses 34 is commonly know as a millennial passage because it concerns Israel knowing God intimately in their heart and in the minds and teaching every neighbor how to know the Lord and be in relationship to Him. In the millennial it appears that Israel will be the world’s evangelists. The exact opposite of today as the church is the world’s evangelists. Same gospel just different group delivering it.

The world’s message of know me….know your world elites for guidance. Trust the science, trust your leaders, trust in your self even and your emotions will be gone. All will know the Lord. So much different than today. 19:00

The New Covenant 2. What Is The New Covenant? 3. The Eternal Purpose For Israel

Jeremiah 31:35Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: The Lord provides the sun for light by day, the moon and the stars to shine at night. He stirs up the sea and makes it roar; his name is the Lord Almighty. Thus says the Lord,

Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and of the stars for light by night,

Who stirs up the sea’s roaring billows or stills the waves when they roar; The Lord of hosts is His name:

Who declares all of this? Our creator God! God is known as the creator as well as Lord, King and Redeemer! That separates Him from all others! The devil hates this about God. He knows that He cannot duplicate God’s creation. So all that’s left is to corrupt it. That’s why the world today has grabbed hold of EVILution to try to dispel God as creator! Get rid of God as creator. Make man his own god and his creator is evolution! How evil can you get! And how many millions have been deceived by this.

I’m not in to proving God exists. You can’t do that. We are finite creatures trying to prove an inifinte creator God! But I can tell you about Jesus Christ, the son of God. Jesus is the creator and sustainer of all things. I can prove that Jesus exits! He was, He is and He is to come!

Jeremiah 31:36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. He promises that as long as the natural order lasts, so long will Israel be a nation. “If this fixed order departs from before Me,” says the Lord, “Then the descendants of Israel also will cease from being a nation before Me forever.”

Woah….. God says He is creator so that He has the authority and the ability to keep this promise to Israel. As long as the natural order of things exist. The order is in the sun, moon and the stars. And they have and are and will continue. We set everything in order by the sun, moon and stars!

Notice again the world wants to establish a new world order. God’s order is the sun, moon and stars and this leads to an order among humans. The rhythm of life. …..Luke 17: 27-28 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded.

People eat, drink, marry, have families, buy, sell, plant and build. There is a rhythm, and order to life and in that order we enjoy all things and have purpose and meaning. The new world order wants to destroy God’s rhythm, and in turn the joy we find in a Godly order of purpose and meaning trying to find their own purpose and meaning to their worthless lives!!

Jeremiah 31:37 Thus saith the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord. If one day the sky could be measured and the foundations of the earth explored, only then would he reject the people of Israel because of all they have done. The Lord has spoken. Thus says the Lord, “When the heavens above are measured and dig to the foundations of the earth, then I will also cast off and abandon all the descendants of Israel for all that they have done,” says the Lord.

Again….Amazing! God promises that when we can measure the heavens and dig down to the bottom of the earth’s foundations…….then God will cast off Israel! The heavens……This is all the galaxies in the universe. Can we measure that? Not even close. So that tells you of the vastness of God’s creation. That it is so big and so vast and unmeasurable by mankind. Why do people believe that the universe is too big for a God? This podium has a million universes in it of neutrons and protons and atoms. Just vastly small. How many molecular universes are in the material that built this building? See it’s all in perspective. We serve a big God according to our perspective. And He is a big God, the only God, the true God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Can we dig to the bottom of the earth? Or can we dig to the center of the earth? Not possible to even by today’s standards. The Kola Well in Russia was drilled for research in 1970. In 1989 it reached 7.6 miles. It was abandoned due to increasingly high temperatures in the earth, and a lack of funding. The distance to the center of the earth is 3,959 miles. So we aren’t even close to digging a hole to there. The Kola dig barely scratched the surface of the earth. So answer…… we cannot dig to the foundation of the earth nor will we ever be able to. So God is in no danger of failing His promises to Israel.

Interesting that God said we could not MEASURE the universe…… and He said we could not DIG to the center of the earth. We do know the measurements of the earth. God knew we would one day be able to measure that…..but we will never know the measurements of the universe. It is too big just as the center of the earth is to far to dig. God already knew that!

But even more importantly…..This huge God is the God of Israel. We better not forget that to our own demise and peril!

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

This means to pray that the kingdom of God will come…that is Peace will only come to Israel when Jesus Christ is on the throne of David. The Beast will confirm a peace treaty but it will not bring lasting peace. You will not prosper if you do not love the people and the land. Notice God didn’t say Love what Israel does…..but love them for who they are and the land that they are in.

Genesis 12:2-3 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.

Today Israel is small among all nations. But mighty. Deuteronomy 7:7 The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people. Small but great with a great name. Everybody knows Jewish people are brilliant and successful above any other ethnic group. God’s people have developed many benefits for mankind. And of course the Jews gave us the Bible and our Savior Jesus Christ. Odd that they still mostly deny Him to this day. This is the promised blessings of God upon them. You better be on the right side of Israel or you will be on the wrong side of God.

Not only blessings but God offers Israel protection. And oddly enough God makes another 12:2-3 promise about Israel…..

Zechariah 12:2-3 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

God isn’t going to let Hamas or Hezbollah or Russia or Iran or Turkey or China destroy Israel. In fact He will cut to pieces any nation that tries it. And many nations are about to get into real trouble with God over Israel! Zechariah 12:3 is being fulfilled before our very eyes right now. All nations are against her. Even the US. Only the remnant church of Jesus Christ is with Israel. It has come down to that.

Let me mention that the rapture of the church is vital to Israel’s future. If the church is not raptured then Daniel’s 70^th week cannot happen. The 70^th week is a time of Jacob’s trouble. Not the church’s trouble. God owes them seven more years for their disobedience in the time of the kings failing to keep the sabbath years. Jeremiah 30:7

It’s a time of trouble but also leads to their accepting Jesus Christ as their savior. Zechaaraih 12:9-10 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 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. One of the few mentions of the word “grace” in the OT. Grace is the theme of the NT.

Grace is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Christ is God’s free gift of salvation to the Jew and Gentile alike.

Sodom and Gomorrah.

Abraham asked God that if He could find ten righteous men would destroy Sodom? Well God would have spared Sodom for ten. The remnant always is spared from God’s judgments. God took out lot and his wife and two daughters. That’s four. So there were none, zero remnant of believers left in Sodom and Gomorrah. God will not judge the world if there are any righteous (Christians are the only righteous people in the world) people in the world. So they will be taken out just like Lot and his family. The judgment begins that will culminate in the judgment of the world.

Christians will NOT see the judgments on the world. WE are not appointed unto wrath. Even Enoch was taken before the flood. And Noah was taken out of the flood waters.

The New Covenant 2. What Is The New Covenant? 3. The Eternal Purpose For Israel

The New Covenant.

This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to the world and to us as individuals!

Jesus Christ IS the new covenant!

7/7/2024

2 Samuel 7:15-24 God Keeps His Promises

Intro: Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. The translators of the Septuagint separated them, and we have retained that separation ever since. The events of 1 Samuel span approximately 100 years, from c. 1100 B.C. to c. 1000 B.C. The events of 2 Samuel cover another 40 years. The date of writing, then, would be sometime after 960 B.C. The book of 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections—David’s triumphs (chapters 1-10) and David’s troubles (chapters 11-20). The last part of the book (chapters 21-24) is a non-chronological appendix which contains further details of David’s reign.

This passage Nathan the prophet gives a message from God to encourage King David and to remind Him that God always does what He says He will do. We all need to remember this message today. 1:00

God Has Established Israel Forever

2 Samuel 7:15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. But I will not withdraw my support from him as I did from Saul, whom I removed so that you could be king. But My lovingkindness and mercy will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.

God departed from King Saul do to His sin. In the OT God’s spirit came and went. After Pentecost His Spirit has come to dwell in us and to seal us forever!

2 Samuel 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. You will always have descendants, and I will make your kingdom last forever. Your dynasty will never end.’” Your house (royal dynasty) and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever.”’

David was told not to worry that His throne would not be taken away from Him again and to take encouragement from that. Of course we know that Jesus will one day sit on the throne of David for one thousand years as ruler over Israel. God makes a bold promise. God always makes bold promises because He can keep them! 7:00

God Has Established Israel Forever 2. Israel Is An Example To The Church

2 Samuel 7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. Nathan told David everything that God had revealed to him. Nathan spoke to David in accordance with all these words and all of this vision.

This was the word from the Lord….the word OF the Lord spoken through Nathan the prophet. Today God speaks through His revealed word….the Bible!!

2 Samuel 7:18 Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? Then King David went into the Tent of the Lord’s presence, sat down and prayed, “Sovereign Lord, I am not worthy of what you have already done for me, nor is my family. Then King David went in and sat [in prayer] before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord [c]God, and what is my house (family), that You have brought me this far?

Who is Israel to deserve such love and mercy? It’s not because of them…but because of God and His promises to them. God’s grace is God’s love and mercy given to those who do NOT deserve it. 12:00

God Has Established Israel Forever 2. Israel Is An Example To The Church

3 God Keeps His Promises Because He Alone Is God

2 Samuel 7:19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord God; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant’s house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord God? Yet now you are doing even more, Sovereign Lord; you have made promises about my descendants in the years to come. And you let a man see this,[b] Sovereign Lord! Yet this was very insignificant in Your eyes, O Lord God, for You have spoken also of Your servant’s house (royal dynasty) in the distant future. And this is the law and custom of man, O Lord God.

David felt insignificant to God. And he could not have been more wrong! God made us in His OWN image. He loves us and seeks a relationship with each of us.

If God keeps His promise to Israel, He will keep them to the church!

2 Samuel 7:20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant. What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. What more can David say to You? For You know (acknowledge, choose) Your servant, O Lord God.

God keeps His promise to us and He seeks to know us…to walk with us… and He wants us to follow Him. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. If you truly know Jesus you will follow Him…. If you follow Jesus you will go where He goes and do what He does. You will read the Bible….. you will seek Him in prayer….you will go to church….you will want to live in a way that pleases Him. In other words….Jesus is your LIfE!

2 Samuel 7:21 For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. Because of Your word (promise), and in accordance with Your own heart, You have done all these great and astounding things to let Your servant know (understand).

God wants His people to know what He is doing. Bible prophecy reveals His plans.

2 Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God. Therefore You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 20:00

God Has Established Israel Forever 2. Israel Is An Example To The Church

3 God Keeps His Promises Because He Alone Is God 4. Only Israel Is God’s Chosen Nation

2 Samuel 7:23 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? There is no other nation on earth like Israel, whom you rescued from slavery to make them your own people. The great and wonderful things you did for them[c] have spread your fame throughout the world. You drove out[d] other nations and their gods as your people advanced, the people whom you set free from Egypt to be your own. What one nation on earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do great and awesome things for Yourself and for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods?

2 Samuel 7:24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, Lord, art become their God. You have made Israel your own people forever, and you, Lord, have become their God. You established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God.

You better not mess with Israel. Of course they are in unbelief right now…..and they make mistakes. But God is not going to let them perish or be removed from their land again. The were dispersed for 1870 years from AD 70 until 1948. I’ll talk about tonight what God has in store for Hezbollah. Not Good!!

Joel 3:1-3 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. 3 And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

Amos 9:15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.

The church is God’s chosen for eternal salvation in heaven. Israel is God’s chose people for the promises on the earth! Jesus Christ will be Lord and rule and reign on the earth over Israel! Jesus Christ will be married to His bride the church and be Lord over every believer forever and ever! 27:00

God Has Established Israel Forever 2. Israel Is An Example To The Church

3 God Keeps His Promises Because He Alone Is God 4. Only Israel Is God’s Chosen Nation

God Keeps His Promises

Israel is God’s proof to you that He will keep His promise to you. How many of us are faltering and failing to follow Jesus in these days? Just because things are looking grim doesn’t mean Jesus is not in control?

A young lady started getting ready for her first date with a nice young man. She was was so excited that she was ready at 6:00 for her date to pick her up at 7PM . Her hair was fixed, her dress and makeup were immaculate. 8PM he had not shown up. 8:45 PM still he was not there. She figured she has been stood up. She took off her dress and makeup and put on her pajamas and set on the couch with a bowl of Popcorn. At 9:00 a knock on the door came…..She opened. It was her date! He looked her up and down……and said….”I’m two hours late and you still aren’t ready?”

Listen…….Jesus is coming for us. Don’t confuse that message with what you see with your eyes and feel with your heart. He told us the time. “When you see these things happening look up your redemption draweth nigh…….” And even Israel is the billboard of God telling us He is coming soon! Don’t give up! Stay ready…… for you don’t know the exact hour your Lord doth come!! But you know He will be here sooner than you think. Don’t let Him catch your in your spiritual pajamas!! 28:04

7/7/2024

Ezekiel 28:21-26 Sidon

Ezekiel 28:21 Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it, Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against her.

Tyre is located in modern day Lebanon. It is 50 miles south of Beirut, Lebanon. Tyre is a 105 miles north of Jerusalem.

Sidon is also in Lebanon. A seaport city on the Mediterranean Sea. Sidon was the firstborn son of Canaan, who was a son of Ham, thereby making Sidon a great-great grandson of Noah. Sidon is 20 miles north of Tyre, and only 30 miles south of Beirut. Sidon is about 125 miles north of Israel. Tyre and Sidon are but a shadow of their former selves today.

Sidon is southern Lebanon which today is where Hezbollah is staging their attacks on Israel. Ezekiel prophesy’s that Sidon will attack Israel and be destroyed by God.

Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamic paramilitary group. Founded in 1985 with headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. They seek to resist the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Israel invaded Lebanon in response to attacks carried out by Palestinian militants which triggered the 1982 Lebanon civil war. Israel occupied the South Lebanon security zone from 1985 to 2000. Israel left in 2000 and gave control to the UN recognized border and left the Lebanese army in control who quickly collapsed and Hezbollah has been in control ever since. They have been proxies for Iran with sporadic attacks against Israel. Now since 10/7/2023 attacks have ramped up and all-out war with Israel will happen soon.

The land south of Beirut would be the land of Sidon from which Hezbollah is sending their attacks from.

Ezekiel 28:22 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her. and say, Tell the people there what I, the Sovereign Lord, say about them: I am your enemy, Sidon; people will praise me because of what I do to you. They will know that I am the Lord, when I show how holy I am by punishing those who live in you. ‘Thus says the Lord God,

“Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, And I will show My glory and be glorified in your midst. Then they will know [by personal experience] that I am the Lord when I bring judgment and punishment on her, And I will manifest My holiness in her.

Sidon is southern Lebanon which today is where Hezbollah is staging their attacks on Israel. Need I say more……

Ezekiel 28:23 For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the Lord. “I will send diseases on you and make blood flow in your streets. You will be attacked from every side, and your people will be killed. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”For I will send virulent disease to her. And blood into her streets, And the wounded will fall in her midst. By the sword upon her from every side, And they shall know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 28:24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord God. Mortal man, denounce the city of Sidon. And there will no longer be a briar or a painful thorn to prick The Lord said, “None of the surrounding nations that treated Israel with scorn will ever again be like thorns and briers to hurt Israel. And they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” the house of Israel from all those around them who treated them with contempt; then they will know [with clarity] that I am the Lord God.”

Hezbollah has been a painful thorn in Israel’s side since 2000. They have harassed the Lebanese Christians and all of their neighbors in some way. They are funded by Iran which has been funded by the United States and a few Islamic nations like Quatar.

Ezekiel 28:25 Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. The Sovereign Lord said, “I will bring back the people of Israel from the nations where I scattered them, and all the nations will know that I am holy. The people of Israel will live in their own land, the land that I gave to my servant Jacob. Thus says the Lord God, “When I gather the house of Israel from the nations among whom they are scattered, and I manifest my Holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their own land which I gave to My servant Jacob.

Check one….God brought His people back in 1948.

Check two….Not happened yet….God will be manifested before the nations.

Ezekiel 38:

Ezekiel 28:26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the Lord their God. They will live there in safety. They will build houses and plant vineyards. I will punish all their neighbors who treated them with scorn, and Israel will be secure. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.”They shall live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgment on all those around them who despise them. Then they will know [with clarity and confidence] that I am the Lord their God.”

Check three….Not happened yet…..but will be soon. They will be dwelling in safety after the Sidonians are destroyed.

Ezekiel 38:11 Dwell safely?….And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates….

Ezekiel 38:14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord God; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

When Gog and Magog invade Israel they will be dwelling safely……After this war which parallels the Psalm 83 war….

Psalm 83:2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

Psalm 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalm 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. This is the sworn goal of all of Israel’s enemies that surround them.

Psalm 83:5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:

Ten groups are mentioned….

Psalm 83:6 The tabernacles of Edom, 1. Tabernacles of Edom—Palestinian refugees and Southern Jordan. The Hezzbolah trains and recruits there.

… and the Ishmaelites; 2. Ishmaelites—Saudi people who are going to be indirectly involved like 9-11 in the US.

….of Moab, 3.Moab—Palestinians and Central Jordan. Jordan is where the Palestinians originated and were created.

….and the Hagarenes 4. Hagrites—Egyptians (Hagar is the Matriarch of Egypt) they are indirectly involved. They have secretly allowed weapons to enter into Gaza but refuse to take Gazan refugees.

Psalm 83:7 Gebal, 5. Gebal/Byblos—Hezbollah and the Northern Lebanese. Nothern Lebanon is the training base for Hezzbolah and Hamas. And Southern Lebanon (Sidon) is the stage for the attack on Israel.

….and Ammon 6. Ammon—Palestians and Northern Jordanians. Palestinians are refugees from Jordan.

….and Amalek; 7. Amalek—Arabs of the Sinai Area. Groups to the south of Israel that hate them.

….the Philistines 8. Philistia—Hamas of the Gaza Strip. The instigators of this war as we saw on October 7^th.

…..with the inhabitants of Tyre; 9. Tyre—Hezbollah and Southern Lebanese. Lebanon again. Their training and recruiting center and where they launch missiles against Israel.

Psalm 83:8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. 10.Assyria—Syrians and Northern Iraqi’s. They can launch missiles from there and Gaza. This is big. Ten groups are conspiring to destroy Israel. Will they come to Hama’s aid? Will they come to free the people of the Gaza Strip? Something is going to get all ten involved in this war. It’s going to be big. But God is much bigger!!!

Psalm 83:9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:

God had great victories then and will do it again!!

Ezekiel 28:26 …….and THEY shall know that I am the Lord their God.

They shall know…..their attacking enemies will know…….. and later MANY nations will know in Ezekiel 38:23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord. Many nations……. not all nations after the Gog-Magog invasion. Ezekiel 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. The heathen will see the judgment and glory of God but they don’t necessarily believe it or bring glory to God. But they will finally at the battle of Armegeddon…… ALL nations will know.

6/30/2024

1 John 1:4-7 The Clear Gospel Message

Intro: The debate last week tells you all you need to know about out nation and the world right now! We are in chaos of confusion and division. The devil has come to kill, and steal and cause chaos and confusion. Nothing is clear anymore. Who is telling the truth? Who has the answers? Why is the world full of chaos and confusion? 1:00

1 No Confusion With God

1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, We write this, We are writing these things to you. John and his ministry partners. The Bible are words written in terms of prophets and prophecy, poetry, history, doctrine, correction and encouragement. John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. The Bible gives us great joy in the salvation it declares. The Bible is a supernatural guide book. It is the book of life. It is the book of God and His Son Jesus Christ! The Bible was written down the hands of men who were inspired by God. The Bible is 66 books, 40 authors written in 1600 years and it flows together perfectly. The theme the salvation of mankind and the hero is Jesus Christ! It is orderly, concise and fits together perfectly in it’s theme and purpose.

There are a lot of books out there.

The world has their books

The devil has his books.

God has His book….ONE BOOK..…The Bible…..40 authors 66 smaller books written within a 1600 year time span with one theme and about one person. Salvation through the blood of the Lamb….the lamb of God…Jesus Christ!

1 John 1:4 …… that your joy may be full. Why was it written? In order that our joy may be complete. so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation]. The word of God gives us joy!! Praying gives us joy…..John 16:24……ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Good news gives you joy! Talking to someone who loves you gives you joy! The Bible is good news…because it gives up hope and assurance! Praying gives us joy because we can bring all of our cares to Him because he cares for us.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you.

What is the message? 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. The gospel. Jesus Christ crucified, buried and risen! The risen is the big part! No man has been resurrected from the dead. Yes the widows son, the Shunammites son, Man thrown into Elisha’s grave, the young man at Nain, Lazarus, Jarius daughter, Tabitha, Paul raised Eutycus. But these were raised to an immortal body. Jesus was raised ta glorified body. An eternal body. That’s the message.

The world has a message too……They say that we are the way… government is the way. Might makes right. WE are god and they are our masters. Very confusing because it has one message but many different would be masters. All regions of man are chaos. Who is right? It’s so confusing. Let’s get one thing straight. Christianity is not a religion. It’s a relationship with a LIVING Savior! It’s not confusing. Jesus Said I Am the way…the only way! John 6:67-68 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. What an answer from Peter!! Where can we go? You alone can give eternal life!! It’s not confusing!

Even you have a confusing message to yourself. ….I AM my own way today but tomorrow I might try a different way. I am my own god but tomorrow I might change my mind. That’s so confusing because there are billions of people who think they are god also!

God is not confused….. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. God doesn’t do Chaos andconfusion. He is clear and concise and that leads to peace in our hearts and in the fellowship of our churches. We know God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Now we may have different ideas about some teachings in the Bible. But that should not cause us to have animosity and cause confusion. We all should agree on the 7 fundamentals of the faith. 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. We should continue in the fundamental truths of the Bible. For we learned them from…..the Bible. Don’t let unbiblical teachers get us off track.

The Seven Essentials Of The Faith………

The deity of Christ and the trinity (God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) –
The Virgin Birth of Christ —
The Vicarious, Substitutionary Blood Atonement–(Jesus Died In Our Place)
The Bodily Resurrection of Christ–
Salvation by Grace Through Faith alone. (God’s free gift)
The Inerrancy (Without Error) and Inspiration of the Scriptures–
The Sinfulness of Man and fallen creation through Sin and punishment of sinners in hell–

1 John 1:5 ….. that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. John 18:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. When people are kept in the dark they get confused and disoriented. Satan wants us in the dark. The world’s leaders want us in the dark. They lie to their constituents in every way and in every thing. If the light shines on something there is not confusion, no missteps, no fumbling around trying to find your way.

The Bible is clear. The light shines on Jesus Christ. God is not confused. It’s all about His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible is a book of life and a book of LIGHT! There is no confusion with God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. If you are confused it’s on you. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God never changes and He won’t change His word and He won’t be giving an updated edition of the Bible. You have the complete word of God…

James 1:17 ……the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not….10:00

1 No Confusion With God 2. People Are Confused

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth.

Man is in spiritual darkness when they are not in Christ. They don’t know where to go and what to do. And they don’t care either. They think that their truth and their feelings are good enough.

Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

People are deceived today by false Christs. False messiah’s. False saviors. You can think you are your own savior if you just get enough money and fame….fortune and good will follow. Not so!! Just look at the lives of the rich and famous.

People are confused today. Who is the author of confusion? The Devil and his demonic hoard only live to deceive humanity. The world is deeply divided today between liberals and conservatives. We should be neither. We should be Bible believers and Christ followers! James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. When people live for themselves and their agenda there is confusion, jealousy, resentment, and anger. Rarely can someone be envious and not lead to sin. It’s one of the ten commandments. Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet. God wants us to not be covetous. Hebrews 13:5 be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have. No confusion, no chaos be satisfied with what you have. If get something else. But don’t try to measure up to what others have.

The world is in Chaos today because they have so many voices telling them which way to go. Facebook is awful about that. Telling you that what you always thought was right is not what you thought it was. Try this….do that…..go to this place……stay away from this place. Buy this product, don’t buy this product anymore. On and on and on. Confusion and chaos.

AS we said the world has a message….believe in them. Trust the science. (yeah….male and female is in your mind not what you are at birth……. That’s a very confusing science) So the world offers you their truth but It is as confusing and a jumbled up jigsaw puzzle. Politicians words and writings are full of contradictions and half-truths. What is a Half-truth? A full lie!!! But we have the truth in this world. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Jesus is the truth of God. John 14:6

We are taught to believe in yourself. I can only believe in myself because I know that God has made me and that God will help me. I can’t do anything without God’s help. Jesus said in John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…..NOTHING!! How is that for believing in yourself? Our confidence is in God who in turn gives us confidence that we can do anything in His strength. People are confused and they will be until Jesus returns and gives this world blessing and order. 19:00

1 No Confusion With God 2. People Are Confused 3. The Clear Gospel

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light. But if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day with Jesus Christ as Lord and light of our lives], He Himself is in the Light. We know Jesus is the light of the world in Him is no darkness at all. As we said the light helps us see clearly. God is not trying to trick us. He is trying to clear it all up for us. It is plain to see.

1 John 1:7………..we have fellowship one with another,—then we have fellowship with each another, b we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with each other [He with us, and we with Him] We see each other as people that God loves and Jesus died for…………. just like us. We see by the light…..that we all have sinned. We see by the light of Christ…..that none of us deserve to be saved. We can see so much when we have the light of Christ! We can see the truth from error. We can discern when something is just not right because we can see by the light of Christ.

But this also means that we have fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. This is not exactly talking about fellowship with other believers but fellowship with God Himself! And nothing can be better than that! You talk about sunshine in your soul. We have it when we walk in fellowship with Christ each day! If you Have Jesus you have everything. He that hath the son hath life, he that HATH NOT the son HATH NOT life! That pretty much says it all!

1 John 1:7….and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanest us from all sin. and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Can’t be any clearer than that! It is the blood…. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Blood is the life of the body. You can live 40 days without food. 3 days without water. 3 minutes without air. They can even put you on a machine that will breathe for you and pump your blood for you…..so that you can live indefinitely. They can even keep you alive without a brain. (I’m living proof of that) But you cannot live one second without blood!

The gospel is Clear. A lamb and bull was killed and the life blood was spilled. The life is in the blood. Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Jesus shed His life, His blood for our sins. You ever wonder why the Bible says that Jesus resurrection body was flesh and bone? Luke 24:39 for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Flesh and bone describes human life. Adam said Eve was flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. Flesh and blood describes fallen, sinful human life sourced by blood. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 15:50. Jesus resurrection body didn’t have blood. His physical life had blood. Our resurrection body has life that is no longer in the blood…..but our source of life will be solely in the life of Jesus Christ. So in a sense our life is in the blood…..the shed blood of Jesus Christ!!

The gospel is clear. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Believe, trust, have faith and come to Jesus Christ alone for salvation is mentioned 185 times in the New Testament. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead and lives at the right hand of the Father every making intercession for us. He is coming for us. He is coming with us. And we are going to rule and reign with Him forever and ever! 27:00

6/30/2024

Ephesians 3:8-12 Unsearchable Riches in Christ

Intro: The world thinks riches are found in money and property and things. They don’t have any idea about the riches we have in Christ. And we don’t really know what we have in Christ. But Paul did and God does. We have everything in Him. Words are hard to find to describe our riches in Christ. But Paul gives a pretty good description. 1:00

Riches In Christ

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, I am less than the least of all God’s people; To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people),

Less than the least….. The world today doesn’t have much humility. The Humility of Paul…the greatest preacher next to Jesus Christ. A man who went to the 3^rd heaven. A man who was taught by Jesus Christ in Arabia. The only man who had a Damascus road experience.

The wicked are proud and boisterous. We just finished PRIDE month! Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. The prideful don’t want to think about God. They don’t want to know God. They don’t seek after God. How can God put up with us another day? Because He loves us and He loves the wicked. He hates their sin but is not willing that any of them should perish.

How do you know you are filled with pride? Very simple……Do you want credit for the results…..or do you want to see results regardless of who gets the credit?

Saints….mentioned 95 times in the King James Bible. There are “Saints” and there are “Aint’s.” Saints simply are those who know God through faith in Jesus Christ. OT saints and NT saints. Both saved the same way….by faith in the Lamb of God.

Ephesians 3:8 ….. is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ, this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand],

Grace is given….to all of us to be able to do anything for Christ! God gives us the ability to serve Him. We can’t brag about anything but Christ!

Paul only wanted People to see Jesus.

People today want others to see them!

That I should preach….God gifted Paul the ability and desire to preach

Among the Gentiles….Paul had the difficult job to reach the gentile world to the gospel. He was the most Jewish man in the world and God sent Him to the Gentiles. God knows what He is doing. We can’t see it at the time so we just have to trust Him each day. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Riches in Christ…Incomprehensible. We can only see partly. 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. One day we will see everything through holy and righteous eyes. Right now we are in our fallen sinful bodies and we can’t see the supernatural and holy things. But we have riches in Christ that are beyond our imagination! 10:00

Riches In Christ 2. The Mystery Of Christ

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery……. and of making all people see how God’s secret plan is to be put into effect. And to make plain [to everyone] the plan of the mystery [regarding the uniting of believing Jews and Gentiles into one body] The mystery is the church. Including the rapture and all things concerning the church…not revealed in the OT.

The word “mystery” is not in the OT. The church is the mystery not revealed until Christ revealed in the NT. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. God is Jesus Christ clearly in 1 Timothy 3:16. There is no controversy here….not question about it. If you are wrong about Jesus you are wrong about everything! And it doesn’t matter what you are right about! The world today is WRONG about Jesus! Totally wrong. Man is god and god is man according to all these false religions and cults.

Ephesians 3:9……which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, which [until now] was kept hidden through the ages in [the mind of] God. kept his secret hidden through all the past ages until in His perfect timing the time was right. Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. God hid Jesus until the time was right we are hid in Christ so that God cannot see our sin but only Christ and His righteousness. So things hidden are for a purpose and where God is concerned it’s for a good purpose. We aren’t ready until God says we are ready. Now Christ has come and the world is not ready…..but God says He is ready to receive us when we put our faith and trust in Christ. The world as a whole will never be ready for Christ!

Ephesians 3:9…..who created all things by Jesus Christ:. God, who is the Creator of all things meaning that Jesus Christ is God who created all things. Jesus Christ is revealed in about 3-4 BC at His birth. What a statement God is making here! Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Incredible statement about Jesus. He is no longer a mystery. He has been revealed as the Son of God. Now God has commanded all men everywhere to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ. 17:00

Riches In Christ 2. The Mystery Of Christ 3. The Church of Christ

The church of Christ is a denomination known for baptismal regeneration….but we are talking about THE church of THE Lord Jesus Christ! All of the church!

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places….. in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects]

We know that principalities and powers are angelic both good and bad. We don’t know who these angelic beings are. But it says they are in heavenly places…..and we know some names…Michael and Gabrial—good angels and Baal, Molech, Asteroth, etc…..evil angels. Evil angels apparently have access to heaven until Michael kicks them all out during the war in heaven.

Ephesians 6:12 or we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul is talking about evil angels who are seeking to destroy God’s creation and destroy man who is made in God’s image. They will never do it! There are rulers of the darkness in this world and spiritual wickedness in this world. We see them in government, entertainment, media, corporations and elites of this world. They are following the anti-Christ agenda and are getting the world ready to meet the man of sin, the beast and his system!

The church of Christ is involved in a battle with the powers of darkness of this wicked world. And we will win!

It is a battle….we wrestle….we are to fight1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith…… It’s called the “good fight.” The good fight of FAITH! It takes faith in Jesus Christ to fight the good fight of faith!

1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Jesus Christ came to destroy the things the devil has done to men and creation. To end His dominion of this planet that he claimed by default when Adam sinned.

Ephesians 3:10:……. might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms. might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

God knows what He is doing. The church is the only vessel by which He reveals Jesus Christ to the world! The church of Jesus Christ period! Not the latter day saints…not the churches of Christ. But THE church of THE Lord Jesus Christ!

The church reveals God’s wisdom to the world. The church reveals the wisdom of God….who is a person….Jesus Christ! 1 Corinthains 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…..All of our wisdom in medicine, in electronics, in military weapons, in building and in media is all child’s play with God. It’s like your child is so proud when he ties his shoes….. “look what I did mommy.” It’s something for the child but not much to the parent. Oh of course mommy is glad Junior is tying His shoe but there is so much more to learn. To God all our wisdom and inventions…..is like tying our shoes!!

Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. This is in accordance with [the terms of] the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God is eternal and everything He does has eternity in mind. Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms….. God is eternal and has everlasting arms to guard us, protect us, shelter us and keep us close to Him. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish…...God’s purpose is for us to share eternal life with Him. God will never die and neither will we when we trust in Him!

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God’s presence with all confidence. in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him [that is, our faith gives us sufficient courage to freely and openly approach God through Christ].

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. God has made us His children when we trust in Jesus Christ. We can always come before our Father. We are important to Him. Prayers of the saints are mentioned a lot and are important to God in the book of Revelation. Three times possibly four times prayers of the saints are described around the altar of God.

If you don’t pray as a Christian and I mean pray regularly and pray seriously…… you will NEVER amount to anything for Christ! He wants us to talk to Him. To ask Him. When you ask Him that means you trust Him! That means you worship Him. He is your God, your only God and King. The church of Christ are the only people who can pray to the living God! We pray in Jesus name for it’s His church! 27:00

Riches In Christ 2. The Mystery Of Christ 3. The Church of Christ

The unsearchable riches of Christ!

His ways are past finding out! We cannot know all of His ways but we can know Him! And one day we will understand everything! Do you get the idea that the Bible is not a book about God but a book about Jesus Christ and His people Israel and most importantly the church! For that was what God was working on all along. To save the whole world through faith in Jesus Christ! 28:04

6/23/2024

Philippians 1:20-21 Ready To Live

Intro: I believe that if you are not ready to die you are not ready to live. We live in this world with our greatest enemy….death….lurking at every corner, in every crevice of our lives. How do we live with the fact of death? How do we live with death? 1:00

One Life to Live

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty. It is my own eager expectation and hope, that [looking toward the future] I will not disgrace myself nor be ashamed in my efforts. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of (disappointed in) 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 should live so that we are not disappointed in our service for Christ. We left it all on the table. We gave it everything we had. Well, none of us can do that…..but we can TRY to do that.

Effort is not what Paul is talking about here. He is talking about faithfulness to stay with Christ despite the criticism, the moaners and complainers. To stand when everyone else has quit. When all is said and done you are still standing with Christ. We can’t do everything that we ought to do or need to do…but we can be faithful in our love for Christ, our devotion to Christ. Never hesitating to proclaim Him to the world!

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

It’s not a matter of doing but……Standing!!! Standing your ground!! You have one life to live…..who’s side will you stand on? Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. Come and stand for truth and righteousness in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Philippians 1:20 …… but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. but that with courage and the utmost freedom of speech, even now as always, Christ will be magnified and exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

It takes boldness, courage to stand up against the tide. The world wants you to live in fear of the elites. The world wants you to be on the side of their wicked Anti-Christ agenda. We have to stand for the Lord! Deuteronomy 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.

You only get one life…..we only have one chance to stand for Christ in these last days. How are you going to live with this gift of life that you have? 10:00

One Life to Live 2. Reason To Live

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, For what is life? To me, it is Christ. For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] Our focus is Christ. Our purposes is Christ. Our goals are to glorify and proclaim Christ. Our day is built around Christ.

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. He is going to appear one day and we will be with Him in His glory. 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. The reason for the Christian to live is Christ is coming for us. We are going to be with Him forever and ever! He is our Savior and Lord and King and our beloved! We love Him because He first loved us!

The number one message on suicide notes is….”I didn’t have a reason to live.”

What is your reason to live? Is it for fame, forture, and fun? Maybe it’s for family? Maybe it’s for yourself! You want to live because you don’t want to die! But your dead already inside. Without Christ we are DEAD in trespasses and sins!

What is the world’s reason for you to live? They tell us that having a successful career, great vacations, a big house, and fancy car, partying with friends and a beautiful spouse will make you happy. Or they tell you that being true to yourself will make you happy. But the most miserable people in the world are those who have tried to be happy instead of having peace. And no amount of change in your body, your bank account or your friends or even great fame can make you happy.

Note: Jesus didn’t die on the cross to make you happy….but to make you HOLY and in being Holy you will be happy!

The Bible says a lot about the world’s reasons to live…..Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. I have seen everything done in this world, and I tell you, it is all useless. It is like chasing the wind.

Proverbs 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The rich who have worked all their lives to have wealth really have nothing because the poor who have peace of mind are far richer than those who have given their lives to be rich.

The only reason to live….Is Jesus Christ who is life itself! 19:00

One Life to Live 2. Reason To Live 3. Ready To Die

Philippians 1:21….and to die is gain. Death, then, will bring more. and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. Sounds like Paul is ready to live and ready to die if need be. That is the way we are. Ready for service lowly or great…ready to suffer and die. For we know only our body dies….we will be alive more the moment of death than we have ever been before or could imagine!!!

People who commit suicide think that that will solve all of their problems. They think they are gaining peace in death. We tell dead loved ones to “rest in peace.” But did you know that that phrase is NOT in the Bible. So if they think just being dead brings peace…. they are DEAD wrong. Hebrews 9:27 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. There is no rest for the wicked according to the Bible. Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Only the righteous in Christ find rest in death. Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Not only peace in death but peace in life…..Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

How do you feel about death? Do you fear it and will do anything to avoid it? Of course we are all apprehensive about death, the unknown, the end of this life. But we don’t have to fear it at all. It’s a natural part of life. The Bible says in Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. The believer gets LIFE after death. Not peace…. but LIFE!

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

What do you believe about death? Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. What we think about life after death is not even close to the reality of it. We cannot imagine what we will see and be.

How does the world feel about death? They will do anything to avoid it. Even put you in a AI creature of some sort. Geneally they don’t want to talk about death. But today we see a trend where many embrace death due to the pressures and disappointments of this world! So we have assisted suicide. And suicide in general is increasing all the time! People have lost hope. So they party and enjoy life and try to forget about the death that lurks around every corner. Are they ready to die? No but ready to party!!

1 Corinthian 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. This is why people are miserable today. They have no hope of eternal life. This life is all there is. Even Paul said if we could serve Christ in this life and then die and cease to exist……it would be dreadful. But we have this hope in Christ of eternal life! We are ready to die because we know that we will live!!

What does the world believe about death? They are miserable. They hate death. They love the death of enemies but are depressed at their own demise. Now some believe that everyone lives on. And they are correct. Every person has an eternal spirit and soul. Only the body dies. So they are correct. But where will the Spirit and soul be and what will it be? The general consensus of most people in the world is that everyone goes to some sort of Godless, Jesus-less heaven. They are not ready to die. That’s not being ready! That’s putting trust in a fantasy that makes no sense or makes no allowance for our sinful lives.

Are you ready to die? But the Bible says that after death is JUDGMENT! Hebrews 9:27. Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Woah….that is not good for humans. Everyone of us…….I would rather face God with my account paid in full by Jesus Christ wouldn’t you? Would you take a chance that your life will not add up to God’s standards and wind up in hell? Most people in the world today are taking that chance…..some out of ignorance and some out of plain simple rebellion against God.

Paul said to die is gain….we get everything in death. Christ’s death for us. You cannot get your parents inheritance unless they die and you receive it. You would not believe how many people have never bothered to claim their inheritance. Sometime it’s millions of dollars!!

Jesus died and we inherit eternal life in Him the moment we put our faith in Him and receive what He has given us……salvation. Jesus rose from the dead so that we can also have a new body fit for heaven. And we receive all the promises because of God’s uni-lateral covenant with mankind. God’s gift of salvation to us through faith and trust in Jesus Christ and in Him alone! But some have not received their inheritance that is just waiting for them. Jesus provided salvation free for every person but sadly most have not claimed it. They are NOT ready to die. Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 27:00

Conclusion:

1. One Life to Live Reason To Live 3. Ready To Die

You only get one life…This life is all you get. One life to live. One Lord, One faith, one baptism. One way to salvation….Jesus Christ. I’m Jack Ward forever. I will always be just me. God made me the way He wanted and gave me ONE savior Jesus Christ and that’s all I could ever want or need. 28:04

6/23/2024

Jonah 1:1-3 We Have Too Many Jonah’s Today

Intro: The book of Jonah stands among the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. It is distinguished from other prophetic literature by its unique style. Jonah except for a poem in the second chapter, it reads like a short story.

The book of Jonah recounts the journey of Jonah, a reluctant prophet who attempted to evade God’s explicit command to warn the people of Nineveh in Assyria. From boarding a ship to spending three days in the belly of a fish, Jonah experienced the repercussions of his disobedience, prompting him to repent and fulfill his duty by warning the Assyrians. The remainder of the narrative illustrates how God’s mercy can be as discomforting to humans as His justice. How many times do we bristle at God’s mercy toward those we deem undeserving? We find ourselves often in Jonah’s shoes, making this short story relevant to us.

2 Kings 14:25 portrays Jonah as a historical figure who lived during the reign of King Jeroboam II, He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher.

……And Jesus Himself references Jonah and the events in the book as factual (Matthew 12:39–41But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.).

Sometimes we don’t want God telling us what to do and sending us where we don’t want to go. At times I am as guilty as anyone of this. I used to love going to the difficult places….jails, troubled homes and to hate filled people. We all are guilty at times of running from God. I don’t want to be a Jonah.

We have too many Jonah’s today. Preachers who are running from God. Preachers who don’t want to tell people of God’s judgment for sin and the judgment to come for our sin. Preachers who are running from Bible prophecy. They are hiding the book and Daniel and Revelation from their people. They are afraid of or hate the people of God, or both! 3:00

WE Have Jonah’s Today That won’t Preach His Word

Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

One day the Lord spoke to Jonah son of Amittai. Now the word of the Lord came to [a]Jonah the son of Amittai, saying…God spoke to Jonah. That would be hard to ignore or disobey. Today God speaks to us through His word and through His Spirit.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The Bible is the word of God. Jesus is the word of God. We depend upon the living word of God, the eternal word of God as God’s message to us. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. It’s very comforting to know that the Bible that you have will always be. It will always be important to us!

How much do you read the word of God? According to Pew Research….25% of adults seldom or never read the Bible. 25% read the Bible once a week. 50% never or don’t know. Now you know why our generation is going to hell. But a 2021 survey found that 11% of American’s read the Bible daily! That might tell you how many people are truly saved.

If that’s the case then that means about 37 million Christians in America will be taken in the rapture! That leaves 303 million people left behind in America after the rapture. That’s enough for business as usual. In the last four years and over the next couple more years….our government will easily bring in 37 million Illegal aliens. It seems we are truly being replaced!! Satan knows the rapture is coming. Maybe this is why we are being replaced!

Today America is truly a mission field!

Satan hates the Bible…the word of God. One of the first things He said to Eve was……”Yea Hath God said….Did God really say that? Who cares what God said!” That attitude has continued since that time. People doubt the word of God despite concrete evidence from archeology and Biblical prophecy and the testimonies of millions of people around the world and in the past! They doubt the Bible because they don’t know the Bible. They obviously don’t read the Bible. How can you know someone if you don’t read His letters to you? How can you know someone if you don’t ever listen to them? If you don’t care what they say? Answer….You can’t. That the world’s problem with God today.

And we have preachers that would rather tell stories than preach the Bible. They might read one verse and that’s it. The rest of their sermons and stories and quotes from poets or philosophers. They will not preach the Bible because most don’t even believe the Bible. Or believe only the parts that don’t offend people. Some only preach the Red letters of Jesus. What does that mean? Only the things Jesus said that don’t offend anyone. 10:00

WE Have Jonah’s Today That Won’t Preach His Word 2. Jonah’s Message Was to Go….and Preach

Jonah 1:2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. He said, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and speak out against it; I am aware of how wicked its people are.” “Go to [b]Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.”

Jonah was told to go and preach against the sin of Ninevah. We are told to go and preach and teach the word of God……. Jesus commandments. Some are offensive to sinners…actually most are offensive to sinners. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jonah was told what to preach….God is against their sinful ways and Judgment is coming and repentance is mandatory if you want to live! Today preachers obviously ought to be warning people about judgment that is coming. If people don’t repent they will face eternal death in the lake of fire!

If the wickedness of Ninevah had come up before God what about our wickedness today? I think God has just about had enough. So we better preach repentance and judgment! No better time to do that which includes the return of Christ….the rapture of the church….the plans of God for the future.

Where is Ninevah and what were they doing?

Nineveh is notable in the Bible as the capital city of Assyria, a longtime enemy of Israel. Located in what is now modern Iraq, Nineveh is mentioned in Scripture as a place that turned away from sin through a warning by God, but which was later destroyed.

The first mention of Nineveh is in the Table of Nations, which describes the many cities Nimrod built in Assyria including “Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah and Resen, which is between Nineveh and Calah—which is the great city” (Genesis 10:11–12). Nineveh was known for its great wealth, power, and prestige. The Assyrians were notorious for their cruelty and idolatry (Nahum 3:19). Their capital, Nineveh, contained many temples, including one to Ishtar, the Assyrian goddess that some scholars believe was the namesake of Nineveh.

In 2 Kings 19:36 and Isaiah 37:37, Nineveh is depicted as the center of the Assyrian Empire and home to King Sennacherib. Sennacherib led a successful campaign against many nations, but he failed to take Jerusalem due to the Lord’s intervention. He returned to Nineveh and was later killed in the temple of the Assyrian god Nisrok (2 Kings 19:35–37).

In Nineveh, Jonah proclaimed the coming judgment on that city (Jonah 2:10; 3:1–4). Instead of rejecting the Lord’s warning, the Ninevites humbled themselves and repented of their sin, from the king on down. The whole city fasted, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes—they even dressed their animals in sackcloth (Jonah 3:5–9). Seeing that the city of Nineveh repented of their wickedness, “God relented concerning the judgment he had threatened them with and he did not destroy them” (Jonah 3:10,).

Jesus mentioned the Ninevites and their repentance, contrasting that response to the unbelief of the Pharisees and teachers of the law (Matthew 12:39–41). Rejecting Christ has no excuse: The Jewish people still refused to believe in Him or repent of their sin (Matthew 12:22–24). The Ninevites had responded to God’s message delivered by a lesser man (Jonah 3:5), and here was God’s message delivered by the Son of God Himself.

Although Nineveh escaped destruction during the time of Jonah, a later generation still had to face a reckoning. The prophet Nahum prophesied of the destruction of the city because of the people’s evilness. Nahum’s predictions for Nineveh’s destruction came to pass when the Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians sacked the city in 612 BC. Nineveh’s walls had been breached by flood waters, allowing their attackers to enter the city. The city’s ruin was ultimately a product of God’s divine wrath (Nahum 1:8–10). The Lord declared judgment on the city because of Nineveh’s wickedness: “Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!” (Nahum 3:1).

WE are to preach Jesus Christ and the gospel. What is the gospel? 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Our job is to preach the word of God….the scriptures. The whole council of God. The gospel is the death buriel and resurrection of Jesus and believing that saves us. But we are to tell people everything about Jesus….His church, His return. Our future with Him. How Jesus was revealed in the OT and will be revealed in the future. 19:00

WE Have Jonah’s Today That Won’t Preach His Word 2. Jonah’s Message Was to Go….and Preach
Jonah’s Response To God…. Run!

Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, . Jonah, however, set out in the opposite direction in order to get away from the Lord. But Jonah ran away to Tarshish to escape from the presence of the Lord [and his duty as His prophet].

Can we really hide from God? Psalm 139:7-8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

We can ignore God…… to our own peril. If you are lost and ignore God you will go to hell. If you are a Christian and ignore God you will be taken to the woodshed. Satan worshippers call Satan the first Rebel against Authority! The authority of God. Well how has that worked out for him? We cannot be separated from the source of life and truly live! Can your arm leave your body and be better off? Can your brain leave your body and be better off? No both will die without each other. The mistake that atheists make is two fold.

First they ignore Jesus who is our life and our light. John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Second they ignore the Creator who gave us life. 2 Peter 3:16 ……which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Jonah 1:3….and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: He went to Joppa, where he found a ship about to go to Spain. He went down to [c]Joppa and found a ship going to [d]Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading cities].

So Jonah decides to flee to Spain. The furthest most destination at that time.

What about Joppa?

Joppa, one of the oldest cities in the world, is mentioned several times in both Old and New Testaments. Joppa is known today as Jaffa and was most likely part of the land allotment given to the tribe of Dan, although it doesn’t seem the Danites ever took possession of it (Joshua 19:40–48). Located between 30 and 40 miles northwest of Jerusalem, Joppa perches on a high cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and served as the primary port city for Jerusalem. Its low ledge of rocks hangs out over the sea and forms a small harbor.

It was through Joppa that the timber for Solomon’s temple arrived from the forests of Lebanon (2 Chronicles 2:8–9, 16). Joppa was also the port through which timber came for the rebuilding of God’s temple, authorized by King Cyrus of Persia and overseen by Ezra and Zerubbabel (see Ezra 3:7). The cedar trees were harvested in Lebanon and the trunks lashed together in large rafts that were then floated south to the port of Joppa.

Jonah went to Joppa, a harbor city, where he knew he could find a ship sailing in the opposite direction. In Joppa, Jonah boarded a ship to Tarshish.

In the New Testament, Joppa is notable as the home of Simon the tanner. Simon the tanner housed Peter while Peter ministered to believers in Joppa (Acts 9:32–43). Most likely, Simon the tanner chose to work in the seaport of Joppa to more easily receive the pelts coming in and to ship the finished product out. His house was “by the sea” (Acts 10:6), probably at some distance from the rest of the community, to allow the offensive smells related to his work to dissipate. It was on Simon’s rooftop that Peter had his vision of unclean animals being lowered from the sky in something like a sheet. Joppa was also the home of Tabitha, also called Dorcas, whom Peter raised from the dead (Acts 9:36–43). When the Roman centurion Cornelius sent a delegation to find Peter, they found him in Joppa.

Most preachers today have fled to Joppa. An average city known for sending people out instead of bringing people in. A lot of people there, a lot of activity there…. but not really doing much and didn’t really make an impact on anyone. A Non-Conversional city. Peter did minister to some believers there.

Preachers today are running to Joppa to do a little ministering, tell a few stories, don’t make anyone mad, don’t stir anyone up, don’t create controversies, don’t rock the boat. But Jonah found out that the boat will get rocked if you try to flee to Joppa and catch a boat out of controversy!

So Jonah didn’t get very far away from God at Joppa. We cannot get very far from God. He will find us.

Jonah 1:3. So he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He paid his fare and went aboard with the crew to sail to Spain, where he would be away from the Lord. So he paid the fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish away from the presence of the Lord.

Jonah paid the fair and went down to RUN from God. Notice Jonah went down into the ship. He went to the lowest level of the ship. You can’t go up only down when you try to get away from God. Well a little later Jonah will go down further into the fishes belly. It will always cost you more than you want to pay and take you farther than you want to go to get away from God! He loves us! He doesn’t want us to depart from Him. He can give us life and light and joy forevermore. 28:04

6-16-2024

Hebrews 1:1-3 The Perfect Son

Intro: My father had a perfect son……My brother….He could do no wrong……. and I couldn’t do anything right. No one today has a perfect son. But God did… 1:00

The Son Is The King

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, God, having spoken to the fathers long ago in [the voices and writings of] the prophets in many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the truth], and in many ways.

God used to prophets to prepare the world for Jesus. Every OT prophet was actually prophesizing about Jesus. Who would come and be the Lamb of God. The Prophets told about a kingdom to come and a King who is coming. 2 Peter 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour. Prophets and the apostles talked about the same person…..Jesus Christ!

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision (the Jews) for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Jesus confirmed the promises made to the prophets and the OT patriarchs. He was the confirmation that God will fulfill the promises He made to them. Jesus would be King. Jesus Is KING!

Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. God has in these last days spoken [with finality] to us in [the person of One who is by His character and nature] His Son [namely Jesus], whom He appointed heir and lawful owner of all things, through whom also He created the universe….that is, the universe and time and space.

A son a lot of times takes over the fathers business or his vocation. My father and grandfather were both postmasters and I became a postmaster. Jesus Christ fulfills the Kingship of His Father’s will.

Can your son be king? Not unless you are king! Kingships are handed down by family heirs. Jesus is the only heir of God the Father. Therefore Jesus is King. Only the Son of a King can be King! Jesus is the King by the fact that His Father is King! But more than that….the Son is King because He is God in the flesh!

The last days….the days of the church….after the death of the Lord Jesus Christ! The last of the last days are after Israel is back in their land again. WE are in the LAST Of The LASTS DAYS! Jesus is the king of kings and Lord of lords in the last days. He is King in the hearts of all who trust in Him! Is the world today ready to make Jesus Christ the King? I don’t think so. They are fighting Him at every turn and in evil ways. 10:00

The Son Is The King 2. The Son Is Just Like The Father

Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, He reflects the brightness of God’s glory The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s [a]Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine]. Do you reflect your father? Do you reflect his good qualities or more of his bad qualities. It’s funny how people become saints after they die. But it seems to me in all my years of being around families and many funerals that when a dad is a bad dad he becomes worse to his family after death. The bitterness becomes worse to his kids. But a good dad becomes more good than he was in life. His glory is spread among his family.

Jesus is the glory of God. Does the world want to give Jesus the glory? They want to down play Jesus and God. They want to deflect the glory of Jesus. The world want Satan to get the glory. Listen….Satan and Jesus ARE NOT brothers!! The Mormons believe they are! Even the JW’s believe that Satan and Jesus are both the same. The believe that one went bad and the other good. But according to the Bible…..Jesus get’s all the glory because He is the ONLY begotton Son of God! He has no rival!!

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Paul is telling us in this verse that Jesus Christ is the glory of God for He is God! The son is exactly like the father! How much are you like your father?

There is no question…no controversy about this…….Jesus is the glory of God and is all that God was and is and is to come!! If you are wrong about Jesus….you are wrong about everything else!!

Hebrews 1:3…..and the express image of his person, and is the exact likeness of God’s own being. Jesus is the EXACT person of God the Father. How much are you like your father? How much is the world like their father the devil? 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. The first liar was the serpent in the garden. The second liar was Eve. God said they were not to eat of the fruit of the tree. Eve told the serpent God said they were not to eat or TOUCH the fruit of the tree. She added to the truth which is always a lie. The Cain told the next lie about murdering his brother.

You can tell who the father is by the son and by how much he looks and acts like his father. How much is the world like their father the devil? How much is the world even looking like their father? With all the tatoos, clothing and piercings who are they trying to look like? Not Jesus Christ for sure! Who are they acting like? Certainly not like God the father or His Son Jesus Christ! 19:00

The Son Is The King 2. The Son Is Just Like The Father
The Son Has All The Power and the Glory

Hebrews 1:3…….and upholding all things by the word of his power, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal].

The word of His power…..Who spoke the world into existence? The Bible says that God did. Hebrews says that Jesus Christ made all things and holds all things together. How? By His word!! John 1:1-3 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Jesus Christ the word of God….the fulfillment of the word of God. Words mean a lot. How much did your father teach you from His words? All of our fathers had words or phrases they said a lot. My father always said “hey yo” when something surprised him or pleased him. He also said a lot by saying nothing. When my father just shook his head at me I knew what he was saying….”you have disappointed me.” I hated that. I wished he would have whipped me than give me that look.

The world today thinks they have the power of the word. Their words…that they repeat all the time….Diversity, Equity, and inclusion. Abortion. My body, my choice. Climate Change. Hamas good, Israel bad. Follow the science. Government experts. Gender fluidity. Digital currency. The border is secure. The US is a democracy. (I read recently where CNN is reporting that anyone who says that the US is a Constitutional republic and not a democracy is a terrorist!) The world’s words are lies and deceptions.

Hebrews 1:3………when he had by himself purged our sins, After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt.

God took the initiative and He sent His own Son to die for OUR sins. He Himself gave Himself for our sins. What would you do to save your Children? You would give your own life. You wouldn’t depend on someone else to do it? You would save them.

The world thinks man is getting better and better. They are offended by the world “sin.” They don’t acknowledge man’s sin. They don’t believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. They believe that none have sinned….we just need to be more loving, kind, and gracious and then we will be accepted by the ascended masters. (who are demons from hell that have deceived these fools.)

Hebrews 1:3…………….sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power. He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority]

Jesus Christ is the supreme power of the universe. Jesus has what Satan and his servants, the elite of this world want….supreme power over the world and the universe!! As a father you want the best for your children. You want them to reach their highest potential! God’s son destiny, His purpose, His essence IS glory and majesty! He is our life! He is the source of life! He is everything to us and to all of creation!

The right hand signifies power and authority. Jesus has ALL power and All authority. The wicked will NOT succeed in their plans to destroy Israel so that Jesus cannot be King! They will fail. They have failed and will continue to fail in their goals.

Jesus SAT DOWN. His work of salvation is done. He sits and awaits our entrance into heaven. He sits as our King. He sits in assurance! He sits in confidence! He sits in complete peace! He sits in glory at the right hand of God!

The world hates this Jesus! They don’t believe this will happen. They have made up all kinds of lies to deceived people about Jesus. But the Bible is definitive about Jesus…..Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We look to Jesus! We confess Jesus! No wonder the demonic and their followers hate Him! No wonder they hate His followers so much! Jesus is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth and the ONLY life! 27:00

The Son Is The King 2. The Son Is Just Like The Father
The Son Has All The Power and the Glory

The Perfect Son

As a dad I hope you were a good son and are a good dad. You cannot be a perfect dad but you can be a good dad. To be a good earthly father is one who loves his children, does not spoil them, or abuse them, but loves them as God loves us. God loves us by His instruction, justice, Kindness, compassion, peace, comfort, gifts, joy and salvation! But only some of us do have a perfect father! If you have trusted in His Son Jesus Christ! You have a perfect Father. If you have not you don’t have a father but God is your creator! He does not know you as a child until you put your faith and trust in Him! 28:04

6/9/2024

Jeremiah 32:32-42 God’s Promises of Judgment and Of Hope

Intro: Jeremiah the prophet lived in the final days of the crumbling nation of Judah. He was, appropriately, the last prophet that God sent to preach to the southern kingdom, which comprised the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. God had repeatedly warned Israel to stop their idolatrous behavior, but they would not listen, so He tore the 12 tribes asunder, sending the 10 northern tribes into captivity at the hands of the Assyrians. Then God sent Jeremiah to give Judah the last warning before He cast them out of the land, decimating the nation and sending them into captivity in the pagan kingdom of Babylon. Jeremiah, a faithful, God-fearing man, was called to tell Judah that, because of their unrepentant sin, their God had turned against them and was now prepared to remove them from the land at the hands of a pagan king.

No doubt Jeremiah, who was only about 17 when God called him, had great inner turmoil over the fate of his people, and he begged them to listen. He is known as “the weeping prophet,” because he cried tears of sadness, not only because he knew what was about to happen but because, no matter how hard he tried, the people would not listen. Furthermore, he found no human comfort. God had forbidden him to marry or have children (Jeremiah 16:2), and his friends had turned their backs on him. So, along with the burden of the knowledge of impending judgment, he also must have felt very lonely.

Jeremiah preached for 40 years, and not once did he see any real success in changing or softening the hearts and minds of his stubborn, idolatrous people. The other prophets of Israel had witnessed some successes, at least for a little while, but not Jeremiah. He was speaking to a brick wall; however, his words were not wasted. They were pearls being cast before swine, in a sense, and they were convicting every person who heard them and refused to heed the warning. 2:00

The Charges Against Israel

Jeremiah 32:32 Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem….. because of all the evil that has been done by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, together with their kings and leaders, their priests and prophets. because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah which they have done to provoke Me to anger—they, their kings, their princes, their priests, their prophets, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Israel has thumbed their noses at God. Both Israel and Judah did this….. all of Israel! The preachers, the teachers led them in their rebellion because they did not preach the word of God. So have we thumbed our noses at God today and His word? Have our preachers been faithful to His word? Have they told truth or lies to the people. Have our leaders told lies and provoked God’s anger today?

Jeremiah 32:33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face…. They turned their backs on me; They have turned their back to Me and not their face. They have no conscience or remorse or fear of God.

Have we turned our backs on God and His word today? Have we changed the word of God to suit our sins? Have we in our arrogance denied God to His face? Yes we have!

Jeremiah 32:33….. though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. and though I kept on teaching them, they would not listen and learn. though I taught them repeatedly, yet they would not listen and receive instruction. God did not give up on them despite their stubbornness. They refused to heed the words from God.

God gave us wonderful instructors and we sent them packing or ignored them as ignorant and foolish. Have we done this to our Biblical leaders today?

Jeremiah 32:34 But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it.

. They even placed their disgusting idols in the Temple built for my worship, and they have defiled it. But they put their detestable things (idols) in the house which is called by My [f]Name, to defile it. they even set up idols in God’s house!!!

Have we defiled God’s house today? Have we committed abominations in His house today? I can think of a few can’t you?

Jeremiah 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sinThey have built altars to Baal in Hinnom Valley, to sacrifice their sons and daughters to the god Molech. I did not command them to do this, and it did not even enter my mind that they would do such a thing and make the people of Judah sin.” They built the high places [for worship] of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom (son of Hinnom) to make their sons and their daughters pass through the fire to [worship and honor] Molech—which I had not commanded them nor had it entered My mind that they should do this repulsive thing, to cause Judah to sin.

This is amazing arrogance from Judah! They not only built places to worship their idols…but they sacrificed their own children to these false gods!! God never even thought that man would do such a thing!

Have we sacrificed our children on the altar of Abortion and the Gay agenda? Yes we have!! 12:00

The Charges Against Israel 2. A Promise of Judgment

Jeremiah 32:36 And now therefore thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; The Lord, the God of Israel, said to me, “Jeremiah, the people are saying that war, starvation, and disease will make this city fall into the hands of the king of Babylonia. Now listen to what else I have to say. Now therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel concerning this city of which you say, ‘It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword and by famine and by virulent disease.’

God will judge His own people. War starvation and disease are promised in the seven year tribulation to the whole world! It is coming due to God’s charges against the world. When Noah and His family went into the Ark they were lifted up to safety above the waters. Noah went up and judgment came down from heaven in the form of waters upon the earth! 17:00

. The Charges Against Israel 2. A Promise of Judgment 3. A Promise of Hope

Jeremiah 32:37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: I am going to gather the people from all the countries where I have scattered them in my anger and fury, and I am going to bring them back to this place and let them live here in safety. Behold, I will gather them out of all countries to which I have driven them in My anger, in My wrath and in great indignation; and I will bring them back to this place and make them live in safety.

God promised to bring them back. The Abrahamic promise. The Promise to Moses to bring them into their own land to dwell forever and ever! But they got kicked out for their sin that led to the church age and the day of grace and the end of the law. God is not through with Israel. Seven years of gentile domination remain. The Bible talks about ten kings and 7 mountains which are the seven gentile nations that dominated Israel and will end with the last one being one of the seven but part of the 8^th….the anti-Christ who will be the last of the time of the Gentiles to dominate Israel.

He brought them back of May 14^th 1948 and they will never be put out again. They will dwell safely one day! They are in war right now and in serious trouble. But God has not deserted them entirely nor will He ever leave them……

Jeremiah 32:38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. They will be My people, and I will be their God.

God is the God of Israel and the land is HIS land! Israel is God’s chosen people. His betrothed. His promised ones. The church is His bride. Different but saved the same way through faith in Jesus Christ!

Jeremiah 32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: I will give them a single purpose in life: to honor me for all time, for their own good and the good of their descendants. and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may [reverently] fear Me forever, for their own good and for the good of their children after them.

Israel’s purpose is to love God and walk humbly with Him. That is all of our purposes. But as a nation Israel has not yet fulfilled this purpose. But they will! Today they are in disobedience and secularism. They invoke God but they do not really trust in Him and certainly they still reject Jesus Christ. But one day they will received Him as their Savior!

Jeremiah 32:40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. I will make an eternal covenant with them. I will never stop doing good things for them, and I will make them fear me with all their heart, so that they will never turn away from me. I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will do them good and not turn away from them; and I will put in their heart a fear and reverential awe of Me, so that they will not turn away from Me.

One day Israel will be faithful to God. They will never stray again. They will respect and love God one day and be totally devoted to Him. Today they are not doing that at all! But God still will spare some of them as 1/3 will survive the tribulation out of about 14 million in the world.

Jeremiah 32:41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. I will take pleasure in doing good things for them, and I will establish them permanently in this land. I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.

God wants to do good to all of us especially His chosen. But He cannot due to their disobedience. But God has planted them in their land and as we said will never uproot them again. So Hamas, Hezbollah and all the other Islamic enemies will NOT succeed in pushing Israel into the sea! They will never fulfill the devils prophecy….”From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!”

No army will defeat them. The Beast will put them on the run to Petra but God will save them there.

Jeremiah 32:42 For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them. Just as I have brought this disaster on these people, so I am going to give them all the good things that I have promised. For thus says the Lord, ‘Just as I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them. 27:00

Conclusion: Just as God gave them disaster after disaster to get them to repent….So He will give as many if not more blessings to them to fulfill all of His promises to them! What an awesome God we serve! 28:04

6/9/2024

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Things To Pray For

Intro: When you pray do you pray with confidence? What do you pray for when you pray? Paul gave us some things to pray about and a great reason to keep praying with absolute confidence. 1:00

Pray That God’s Word Will Spread

2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, Finally, our friends, pray for us Finally, brothers and sisters, pray continually for us. 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. Recent surveys say that everyone prays. But who do they pray to? It matters. That’s why God leads us to pray in Jesus Name. that separates Him from every other false god in the world today! When you can do nothing else……we can always pray. Hide God’s word in your heart also….but it all comes down to prayer for the Christian. That gives us our power and our strength and our victories!

What were they to pray about???? 2 Thessalonians 3:1……that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: that the Lord’s message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor, just as it was among you. that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored [triumphantly celebrated and glorified], just as it was with you.

The world today want’s to STOP the spread of God’s word. But it will not work. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. God’s word will bless and it will accomplish great things. James 5:16-18 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Pray for each other. The prayers of a righteous man or a believer in Christ….are heard and answered by God! When we get to heaven we are going to be saddened by the fact that we did more work than prayer! God accomplishes more by one hour of prayer than by a thousand sermons!

They wanted them to pray that the word of God would spread. Gideons and others have sent Bibles all over the world! So the devil is combating that by getting people to call the Bible “hate” speech today. Is it? Yes it is…God hates sin but loves sinners!!

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. No wonder they hate the Bible! It cuts them to the heart! People HATE the Bible! Literally would stomp on them and burn them all if they could! 10:00

Pray That God’s Word Will Spread 2. Pray that We May Be Delivered From the Wicked

2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men……. Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and evil people. And [pray] that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men. News flash…not everyone loves Jesus! In fact most DO NOT! I love Him and I tell Him so every day!

The world hates His name. The devils hate His name….so use it! Another reason Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. In the book of Acts and over a dozen other passages speak of doing God’s work in the Name of the Lord Jesus!

We pray that we will be delivered from wicked and evil people. Not everyone loves Jesus. You know you love Jesus when you love others who love Jesus! When you hate people that love Jesus then you are His enemy. These people are enemies of the gospel of Christ. And we sometimes need to be delivered from their evil plans against His followers!

2 Thessalonians 3:2……for all men have not faith.; for not everyone believes the message. for not everyone has the faith. A big DUHHH on this one! I’m not a smart aleck but the Apostle Paul is stating the obvious…not everyone will have faith in Jesus Christ. Broad is the way that leads to destruction and many will find it.

More people will reject Him than receive Him. Why are you rejecting Him? Well… I’m not rejecting Jesus…..I just haven’t received Him yet…The Bible says that He that is not with me is against me. Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

If you are not WITH Jesus you are AGAINST Jesus! You are His enemy! James 4:4 ….know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Who is the friend of the world? Anyone who is against Jesus Christ or who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Not all men have faith…..Not all men want to have faith in God. Many have faith in themselves and the pitiful little lives they have built on grains of sand. Many have faith in faith….they just believe every things will work out and everyone will be in heaven. They miss one crucial fact……All have sinned and come short…….of the glory of God. God is holy and we are far from it. We need to be made holy and righteous. Jesus did that for us.

We are delivered from the wicked when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We are not perfect but legally righteous as Christ’s righteousness is applied to our lives…… because of our faith in Him who knew no sin but became sin for us! 19:00

Pray That God’s Word Will Spread 2. Pray that We May Be Delivered From the Wicked

3 Pray With Confidence

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one.

The Lord is faithful….Lamentations 3:23 ……great is thy faithfulness. Our God is many things….and being faithful to do what He has said is assured because of who He is. In a world full of liars, deceivers, users and traitors….the Lord is faithful to us. Who can you depend upon but God? If you depend upon a person they are only human they can fail you…..If you depend upon your government….they have proven that they will fail you. If you depend upon family they can only do so much…..But God is faithful to you in EVERY way and in EVERY thing!

Who shall establish you…..He will set you on a firm foundation……He will strengthen you when you need it most. And we need it now more than ever in this world today that is against the things of God.

The world elites are desperately trying to establish themselves as god in this world. A “little g” God. The devil is the god of this world and he has been in charge since Adam defaulted when he sinned. But….he can only go so far and even now he is restrained by the Holy Spirit working through the church of Jesus Christ!

They are desperately trying to establish themselves so that they might control the world. They just need a man who can pull it off….their man is coming….the Bible calls him the “man of sin.” But we are already established by our faith in Jesus Christ who was and Is and Is to come!

2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord gives us confidence in you, and we are sure that you are doing and will continue to do what we tell you. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things [which] we command.

We have confidence in God in those who follow Jesus Christ not that they are perfect but are living by the word of God. And that gives us great confidence in those who follow and live by the Bible. That tells us a lot about them…1 They have the truth the Bible….2 they have the Spirit of God indwelling them 3. They have the proper motivation…..they simply want to please Jesus their Savior. They have no other motivation. We have confidence in God because He is faithful to us.

The world is motivated by selfishness and greed and the lust for power. Why do people want to be famous? It gives them power and pride. God hates pride because it gives you credit and takes it from the God who made us. 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: We have complete confidence in Him because we CAN pray to Him. The Lord is faithful to hear us when we call.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God…… May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God’s love. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God . We have hearts full of love for God. It’s hard to love someone who you are unfaithful to. God is faithful to us and we are faithful to Him because we KNOW that He loves us. It’s all over the Bible. For God SO loved the world…..

2 Thessalonians 3:5 …..and into the patient waiting for Christ. and the endurance that is given by Christ because we are looking for Him all the time. And into the steadfastness and patience of Christ for we know that He is coming for us one day.

Christ is coming for us one day….and if He is faithful to come the first time as Savior we know that He will not fail to return again as King of kings and Lord of lords! 27:00

Conclusion:

Pray That God’s Word Will Spread 2. Pray that We May Be Delivered From the Wicked

3 Pray with Confidence

Things to Pray for

I hope that we pray for the word of God to accomplish His goals for it. I pray that we will not fall into the clutches of wicked people who deceive us by their lies and deception. The only way to pray is to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus the only way, the only truth and the only life….God was faithful to send us His Son as our Savior. And we just have to believe (trust) in Him to have everlasting life and have this great confidence in Him that no amount of money, no amount of power or fame can give. 28:04

6/2/2024

Philippians 1:6-10 Being Confident In God

Intro: In a world of uncertainty and doubt we can know for sure some things because they are found in the inerrant word of God. The only reliable, revelatory and truthful book ever written. We can have not only full assurance but full confidence in the word of God because one person……Jesus Christ! 1:00

Confident That God Will Do What He Says.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing…. And so I am sure. I am convinced. I have no doubt.

and confident of this very thing. WE are confident in God and what He says in His word. We are sure that God can and will do what He says in all of His word not just here but everywhere!!

The problem with the church today is that we are confident in our experiences and not in the word of God! We are basing everything on emotions and not facts! It’s great to be emotional about Jesus! I get emotional when I think about what He has done for me! But there is a time to work and listen to what God is saying to us in His word. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the WORD of God!

God WILL Do what He said in His word!!! 5:00

Confident That God Will Do What He Says. 2 Confident in the One who Saved You

Philippians 1:6…. that he which hath begun a good work in you that God, who began this good work in you, that He who has begun a good work in you. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

Jesus died for you so that John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. He came to seek and save that which was lost….you and me! He is not going to fail to do that job. He provided salvation for the world. All we have to do is believe…trust in Him! How can you not have confidence in the one who loves you? For God SO loved the world! I have confidence in everyone who loves me! They will always be trustworthy until they no longer love me anymore. But Jesus will never stop loving us. Jesus is for us! 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 end. Expected end means He will give us a future and a hope. Hope means stedfast assurance! It will happen! 10:00

Confident That God Will Do What He Says. 2 Confident in the One who Saved You
Confident that He Will Complete His Work In You

Philippians 1:6……will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus., will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return.

He will keep us saved!! We don’t take a boat ride and worry the whole time the boat will sink. What kind of miserable experience would that be? We enjoy the ride because we have confidence in the boat. We enjoy our salvation because we have confidence in the God who guaranteed our salvation……

How long does He guarantee our salvation? Until the day of Jesus Christ!! 1 Corinthians 1:8

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

What is the day of Christ? 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

The day of Christ is the rapture of the church which begins the day of the Lord and His judgments being poured out on the earth and seven years later the revelation of Jesus Christ in all of His glory on this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 discuss Jesus taking away of the church off the earth. 2 Thessalonians were written to assure the Thessalonians that they HAVE NOT missed that day!

Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart….. You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. It is right for me to feel this way about you, because [you have me in your heart as] I have you in my heart.

Paul loved His fellow believers in the church at Philippi. We should love one another. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. You know why we love one another?………..

Philippians 1:7 ….inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. Since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news [regarding salvation], all of you share in [His matchless] grace with me.

We are partakers together in the grace of God and we will be together forever! God put this grace, this gift of love for each other for we are forever people! We will never part from one another. We have a spiritual kinship deeper and stronger than any blood relationship! We share the same trials, the same hardships, the same joys, the same hope and the same Savior Jesus Christ!

Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus [whose great love fills me].

We should and I think we do long to be with each other each week in church. If you don’t long and have joy in being together each service and talk about Jesus then there is something wrong with me as pastor, or you as a Christian! We gather for one reason…..to praise, adore and talk about Jesus!! 17:00

Confident That God Will Do What He Says. 2 Confident in the One who Saved You
Confident that He Will Complete His Work In You 4. Preparing Confidently for The Day of Christ….

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight.

How do we prepare for the Day of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 tell us how to prepare for the day of Christ…….

*We should be not be trapped in a sin…….

*Abstain and back away from sexual immorality……..

*Don’t cheat your brother in any way….

*God has called us to holiness [to be dedicated, and set apart by behavior that pleases Him, whether in public or in private]…..

*Love one another………

*live quietly and peacefully, mind your own affairs and keep busy…….

*Behave properly toward outsiders [exhibiting good character, personal integrity, and moral courage worthy of the respect of the outside world]……….

*Be dependent on no one and in need of nothing. Be self-supporting…………

Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent….. so that you will be able to choose with Godly wisdom what is best. So that you may learn by God’s grace to recognize and treasure what is excellent. God will lead you to identify the best choices and see moral differences. If you are consistent with a Godly lifestyle God will enable you to maintain that lifestyle.

Philippians 1:10 ……that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. And that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin.

We must take our walk with Christ seriously and be without offense. We must not give up and lapse into sin. 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.

Scoffers are everywhere today. They have given up. That’s like quitting after running 25.9 miles in a 26 mile marathon and giving up when you are almost at the finished line! Why would you do that? You have become distracted by the pain of life, the distractions all around you and you have lost sight of the goal. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We should all be excited to meet Christ! We walk with Jesus now so that we will be ready to meet Christ then! Are you excited to meet Him today? 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. When we are looking for Christ we are always ready to meet Him. looking for Him encourages us to be ready to see Him! Do you love His appearing?

We may have to suffer before Christ takes us away. We have no guarantee’s to escape trials and troubles and persecution. Jesus said if they persecuted me they will persecute you.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. The crown of life is the Martyrs crown. There is no way that God will not keep His promise to you or me! God keeps His word, His integrity is on the line. God is perfect. He cannot fail you or me.

That is why we are to fear nothing from man. Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear…… what can man do unto me? I won’t fear because God is for me. If God is on my side, what can any man do to me? He might beat me, he might hurt me or even kill me…… but He cannot keep me from my Savior Jesus Christ! In fact….. my enemies desperate attempts to stop me actually draw Jesus closer to me. 27:00

Confident That God Will Do What He Says. 2 Confident in the One who Saved You
Confident that He Will Complete His Work In You 4. Preparing Confidently for The Day of Christ….

Confidence IN God!!

Man has made some great things that we can be confident will perform every time. Your car you have to admit will work 99 percent of the time. Your electric and gas will come on 99 percent of the time. We can have confidence that many things in this life work. But would you bet your life’s savings or bet a million dollars that your car will start and drive tomorrow? No you wouldn’t because there is always that ONE time! God never has that ONE time of failure. God cannot fail! God will not fail! God couldn’t fail if He wanted to because He has promised not to fail you.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. God cannot fail because the victory has already been one. The game is fixed. Christ fixed it for us when He died on the cross for our sins and paid our sin debt. It is finished!! 28:04

5/19/2024

Proverbs 14:34 Proverbs of The Righteous Versus the Wicked

Intro: Who is Righteous? Romans 4:5-6 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. All those in Christ are made righteous by His shed blood and our faith in Him. We who cannot be righteous are made righteous in Christ.

Who are The wicked? James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. The wicked know what is right and what is wrong but would rather do wickedly. 1:00

It’s Never Good To Be Wicked

This is a oxymoron but a truth of the universe also.

Proverbs 10:3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. The Lord will not let good people go hungry, but he will keep the wicked from getting what they want. The Lord will not allow the [a]righteous to hunger [God will meet all his needs],

But He will reject and cast away the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. The righteous get what they want, but the wicked will get what they fear most. What the wicked fears will come upon him, But the desire of the righteous [for the blessings of God] will be granted.

Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. Storms come, and the wicked are blown away, but honest people are always safe from guilt and condemnation and disastrous results of being evil. When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. Righteous people will always have security, but the wicked will not survive in the land. The [consistently] righteous will never be shaken, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.

Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. Honesty makes a good person’s life easier, but the wicked will cause their own downfall. The righteousness of the blameless will smooth their way and keep it straight, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

Proverbs 11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. The righteous are protected from trouble; it comes to the wicked instead. The righteous is rescued from trouble, And the wicked takes his place in that trouble.

Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. A city is happy when honest people have good fortune, and there are joyful shouts when the wicked die. When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

Proverbs 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. The wicked always have company. Always a crowd joins in with the wicked and inspire the wicked. Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be freed. 10:00

The Wicked Think They Are Good

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Righteousness makes a nation great; sin is a disgrace to any nation. Righteousness [moral and spiritual integrity and virtuous character] exalts a nation, But sin is a horrible shameful disgrace to any people.

Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. The Lord hates the ways of evil people, but loves those who do what is right. The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord,

But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character].

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble. The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way], But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. When good people pray, the Lord listens, but he ignores those who are evil. The Lord is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them], But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. Kings cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong. It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God).

Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness. God, the righteous one, knows what goes on in the homes of the wicked, and he will bring the wicked down to ruin. The righteous one keeps an eye on the house of the wicked—He seeks to learn how the wicked are cast down to ruin so that he will know their tactics and avoid them. A wise man knows how to recognize the wicked. He knows their devices. He knows where they are coming from. 19:00

The Wicked Will Fall

Proverbs 24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: Show me a conceited person and I will show you someone who is arrogant, proud, and inconsiderate. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Peoples will curse him, nations will denounce him; Telling wicked people that they are doing what is right is going to lose you respect and loyalty of the people. Our president tells the Palestinians they have a just cause. Telling Americans that abortion is a righteous cause.

Proverbs 25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice. Bad counselors lead to bad leaders. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. Wicked advisors lead to wicked leaders. Take the wicked advisors from a leader and he will be righteous.

Proverbs 25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. A good person who gives in to someone who is evil reminds you of a polluted spring or a poisoned well. Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields and compromises his integrity before the wicked. When a righteous man gives in to the wicked’s demands and bows to the wicked he becomes corrupted himself. You cannot compromise with the wicked….EVER!

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. The wicked are cowards and run at the first sign of trouble. The wicked flee when no one pursues them,

But the righteous are as bold as a lion. The righteous never give up or give in.

You can tell a righteous man or woman by their loyalty, their stedfastness, never-give up attitude and consistency. Give me person who never changes their attitude, their character, and their demeanor and I’ll show you a righteous person.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Show me a righteous ruler and I will show you a happy people. Show me a wicked ruler and I will show you a miserable people. When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.

The people will mourn over their wicked leaders. But they brag about their good leaders. Wicked leaders have dwindling support among the righteous and it will eventually be their undoing. The only hope for the wicked to survive is to repent…………….. or go all in on their wickedness. Which is what we see most world leadership doing today….going all in on the global agenda of wickedness!

Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. A good person knows the rights of the poor, but wicked people cannot understand such things. A righteous person tries to help poor and unfortunate ones. The wicked just ignore them or make their plight even worse with their attempts to use them for their advantage. See our homeless crises and border crises in the world!

Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. When evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such people. The righteous man cares for the rights of the poor, But the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge.

We will see the fall of all the wicked in the world today eventually when Jesus Christ comes to rule in His righteousness. The wicked will call for the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb of God! 27:00

Conclusion: Which side do you want to be on? Wicked or Righteous?

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness…God’s anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known. For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth.

Do we understand that God is a God of not only love and holiness but of wrath!!!

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. For the Lord watches over the righteous

and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil.” For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer).

……But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.” I know what side I want to be on!!

Who is Righteous? Romans 4:5-6 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness Those who don’t work for their salvation but those who have faith and trust in the finished work on the cross of Jesus Christ the Lord! .28:04

5-19-2024 AND 6/2/2024

When Are the Old Testament Saints Resurrected?

Five resurrections in the Bible.

There are five bodily resurrections in the Bible…..

Jesus Christ the first

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

The Church At Rapture

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. See Also 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Only the church is the bride of Christ and will go to be with Him at the rapture. The fact is ALL living believers at the time of the rapture are the church. And the church was formed at Pentecost. So everyone saved from then to the rapture are the church! John the Baptist and OT saints are friends of the bridegroom.

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

Revelation 20:4-5 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……The first resurrection is for all believers. The first resurrection refers to the resurrection of all believers, though separated in time Jesus first, then the church, then the tribulation saints, the OT saints. All the wicked dead are the second resurrection.

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

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: (The tribulation) and at that time thy people shall be delivered,( the Jews will become tribulation saints) every one that shall be found written in the book. (The Jews who survive go alive into the millennium after the tribulation)

Daniel 12:2 And many of them (children of thy people– Israel) that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Them…..dead Jewish people during the tribulation. Clearly this is at the end of the tribulation (for thy people…many of THEM…) Jewish dead believers are resurrected to eternal life. Those who get “everlasting contempt” are resurrected at the end of the Millennium according to Revelation 20:5 and 7-14 ……But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. The Unbelievers.

Unbelievers of all time And Millennial Saints resurrected after the Millennium

Revelation 20:5 ……But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (The DEAD are Unbelievers who have died in all of world history including the millennium. Some believe that NOT ONE believer will die during the millennium. Hence no millennium saints will need to be resurrected. We do not know but it would make sense.)

When are the OT saints Resurrected? At the end of the tribulation. Will they be at the marriage and the marriage supper of the Lamb to His bride the church? Let’s see….

Daniel 12:1-2

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. The angel wearing linen clothes said, “At that time the great angel Michael, who guards your people, will appear. Then there will be a time of troubles, the worst since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, all the people of your nation whose names are written in God’s book will be saved.

At that [end] time Michael, the great [angelic] prince who stands guard over the children of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; but at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the [a]Book [of Life], will be rescued.

Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Many of those of your people who have already died will live again: some will enjoy eternal life, and some will suffer eternal disgrace. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake (resurrect), these to everlasting life, but some to disgrace and everlasting contempt (abhorrence It seems that this prophecy is telling us that the Old Testament saints are resurrected after the tribulation.

The church is raptured before the 70^th week of Daniel. More on that in a bit.

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Seven times seventy years is the length of time God has set for freeing your people and your holy city from sin and evil. Sin will be forgiven and eternal justice established, so that the vision and the prophecy will come true, and the holy Temple[b] will be rededicated.

Seventy weeks [of years, or 490 years] [e]have been decreed for your people and for your holy city (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make atonement (reconciliation) for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness for Israel (right-standing with God), to seal up vision and prophecy and prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy Place

Daniel 9:24….Thy people….not the church but Daniels people the Jews. 70 weeks is 490 years the Jews will be under Gentile domination. The church is not Israel so the church will not be present for the last seven years for that would be double jeopardy for God to have His bride and His promised people Israel there also. God saved His bride the church and will take them to a wedding. He is preparing His chosen ones Israel for a King and His kingdom. Not the same things. One must go to a wedding and one must prepare for a King.

The seventieth week is a time of Jacob’s Trouble. Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. A terrible day is coming;

no other day can compare with it— a time of distress for my people, but they will survive.” Alas! For that day is great, There is none like it; It is the time of Jacob’s [unequaled] trouble, But he will be saved from it.

Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. For the trouble at that time will be far more terrible than any there has ever been, from the beginning of the world to this very day. Nor will there ever be anything like it again.

or [d]at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again].

The seventieth week occurs after the first 483 years. Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Note this and understand it: From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until God’s chosen leader comes, seven times seven years will pass. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, and will stand for seven times sixty-two years, but this will be a time of troubles.

So you are to know and understand that from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Messiah (the Anointed One), the Prince, there will be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it will be built again, with [a city] plaza and moat, even in times of trouble.

69 weeks or 483 years.

Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: And at the end of that time God’s chosen leader will be killed unjustly. The end of the 69 weeks of years or 483 years. Then after the sixty-two weeks [of years] the Anointed One will be cut off [and denied His Messianic kingdom] and have nothing [and no one to defend Him]

Danile 9:26….and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. The city and the Temple will be destroyed by the invading army of a powerful ruler. The end will come like a flood, bringing the war and destruction which God has prepared. and the people of the [other] prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week That ruler will have a firm agreement with many people for seven years,: And he will enter into a binding and irrevocable covenant with the many for one week (seven years), The last week of years….seven years. The tribulation begins with a peace treaty confirmed.

Daniel 9:27…and in the midst of the week and when half this time is past, The mid-point of the tribulation… but in the middle of the week.

Daniel 9:27…..he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings. He will stop the temple sacrifices…. He will stop the sacrifice and grain offering [for the remaining three and one-half years];

Daniel 9:27…..and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, The Awful Horror[d] will be placed on the highest point of the Temple. The beast will enter the temple and declare Himself to be God. ….. and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate,

Daniel 9:27…..even until the consummation, Until the end of the tribulation the Beast will continue to declare that he is God. The end of all things…. even until the complete destruction of the wicked.

Daniel 9:27…and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. and will remain there until the one who put it there meets the end which God has prepared for him. The whole world is under the wrath of God. What is decreed, is poured out on the one who causes the horror.”

Meanwhile in heaven during the tribulation there is the judgment seat of Christ. Only for the church.

Then then there is a wedding ceremony. The church is married to Christ.

Then there is the marriage supper of the Lamb. It must be after the tribulation since there will be guests

there.

Friend of the Bridegroom.

John the Baptist called himself the Friend of the Bridegroom.

John 3:28 See yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’

John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom’s friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete.

He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this pleasure and joy of mine is now complete.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. He must become more important while I become less important. He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease.

I believe John was important for many reasons….. but one was that He was the last of the OT saints.

He was sent……………. to end the OT saints………… and now move onto the New Testament and the church. John was the last of the OT prophets who were saved looking forward to Jesus. To make the division between the church and the OT saints who looked forward to the Lamb of God. As was John’s first words to Jesus the Christ. John representing the OT law had to decrease but Jesus representing the grace of God had to increase.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Lambs were the OT saints looking forward to the Christ to come.

The Bride is the church.

Revelation 22:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. and flowing down the middle of the city’s street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Nothing that is under God’s curse will be found in the city. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion];

Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came to me and said, “Come, and I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a vast and lofty mountain, and showed me the holy (sanctified) city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. Most likely only the church is going to dwell in the New Jerusalem.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe[a] in God and believe also in me. “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.

John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so.[b In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself. ] that where I am, there ye may be also. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. The New Jerusalem is the place Jesus is going to prepare for His church.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” Everyone who hears this must also say, “Come!” Come, whoever is thirsty; accept the water of life as a gift, whoever wants it. The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost. ONLY the church (as they preach the gospel) and the Holy Spirit who brings conviction can give this invitation.

The marriage and the marriage supper are two different things.

The Marriage

Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. So the foolish ones went off to buy some oil; and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The five who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was closed. But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked.

Some were not ready for the wedding. They missed their chance to be married to the Savior.

Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. The bride is rewarded and all is set for the wedding. Revelation 4 if the 24 elders are the church they have their crowns.

Revelation 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” The linen is the good deeds of God’s people. She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white—for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God’s holy people).

The Marriage Supper

Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And the angel added, “These are the true words of God.” Then [the angel] said to me, Write this down: Blessed (happy, [b]to be envied) are those who are summoned (invited, called) to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me [further], These are the true words (the genuine and exact declarations) of God.

They are “called” to the supper are the OT and tribulation saints. The Bride will already be there. This is marriage supper. The supper is NOT for the bride and groom but the family and friends of the bride and groom. So I believe this will happen at the end of the tribulation for that reason. It is only for the friends and family of the bridegroom. The OT saints and tribulation saints will be there.

5/12/2024

Revelation 17:4-6 Mom’s In The Bible

Intro: We all have a mom. Mommy’s baby, Daddy’s maybe. Good bad or indifferent we all have a person we call mom. The Bible says a lot about mother. All types of mothers in the Bible. Let’s look at the mom’s in the Bible.

A Horrible Mother

Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, [and she was] holding in her hand a gold cup full of the abominations and the filth of her [sexual] immorality.

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth. On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.”

And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery: “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES (false religions, heresies) AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

Revelation 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus. When I saw her, I was completely amazed. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints (God’s people), and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus [who were martyred]. When I saw her, I wondered in amazement.

This is not a “mother” per say but representative of a woman who commits atrocities against the followers of Jesus Christ down through the years. Is this the Catholic church? Don’t know. She is called “Mystery Babylon.” She is the mother of those who have prostituted herself out to the abominable activities in God’s sight. She is a persecutor of Christians down through the years. She is the religion of doing whatever you happy or gives you pleasure no matter how evil it is. Why is she called a “mother” and not a “father.” The devil is called the “father of liars.” No wonder if the devil had a mate it would be mystery Babylon. The mother of all evil religions that are against Jesus Christ and His church!

A Bad Mom…

Herodias asked her daughter to dance seductively for the head of John the Baptist.

Two starving moms in 2 Kings 6 who make a deal to eat their sons.

Athaliah in 2^nd Chronicles tells us how evil her son Ahaziah was. She was a terrible influence on him according to 2 Chronicle 22:3 which tells us how evil King Ahaziah was in some measure because of his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly. This mom was an evil influence on her son. Normally we think of dad’s being evil influence on their sons…not the mothers. I know in 15 years of prison ministry I can honestly say I never heard a prisoner say a bad thing about their mothers.

The Helicopter Mom

I think this describes most mom’s today. They are good mom’s…… but they are helicopter mom’s …….hovering over their children. Jesus confronted a helicopter mom in the Bible. Now I’m not talking about anyone here today okay!

Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 7:00

Matthew 20:20-22 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Salome or Mary Salome was the mother of James and John. Making her Jesus aunt. Tradition tells us that she was one of the three Mary’s who were daughters of Saint Anne, making her the half-sister of Mary the mother of Jesus. Mark 15:40 says that Salome was at the crucifixion of Jesus. And Matthew 27:56 says that the mother of Zebedee’s children was at the crucifixion. Mark 16:1 tells us that Salome is among the women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus body. So she was a good woman and good mother and a follower of Jesus Christ.

She came worshipping Jesus. That’s good! Then after buttering Jesus up……she made a selfish request of Him. She wanted her two sons to be seated at Jesus right and left side…… in other words to be given the highest positions of honor and authority in Jesus kingdom. Did the sons ask her to make this request to Jesus? It appears that they may have. And of course Salome thought it was a reasonable request since her sons were obviously better than the other disciples…… Well James and John must have been the instigators of this request because Jesus answered the two boys instead of their mother. It made the other disciples a little upset to say the least. And I’m sure it aggravated Jesus.

But Jesus handled it correctly. He said it is not for me to decide, but my Father’s decision who will sit next to Him in glory. You boys need to be ready to follow me no matter where it takes you. Was her request selfish and uncalled for? Probably. But she made it up for it by being with Jesus at His crucifixion and the tomb. We all make mistakes when we love our children so much and try to prop them up. It’s best to let God decide what He want’s your children to do and become. You raised them….. that’s all you can do……Now give them to God…….that’s what Jesus was telling her.

A Good Mom…..

Moses mother was named Jocobed. She was a Hebrew woman living in Slavery in Egypt before the exodus. She was the daughter of a Levite, and she married Amram also a Levite according to Exodus 2:1

Exodus 1:8-9 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

Exodus 1:22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Exodus 2:1-9 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.

4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.

7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother.

9 And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it.

God rewarded the faithfulness of this courageous mother. She sacrificed her own son to another so that she might save him. And in turn got to nurse her own son! 14:00

God blessed her courage and faithfulness as a mother. God rewards the sacrifices that mothers have to make for their sons. Every son has a mother but not every son has a father present in their lives.

A Great Mom

The Proverbs 31:10-30 a great woman.

I think verses 25-30 sum up a great mom, wife and a great woman.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Do you feel that way about your mom? We all have a mother. NO mother is perfect. But God blessed us all to have one. Angels do NOT have mothers. Only humans. How blessed we are.

The Greatest Mom

Luke 2: 39-41 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

Jesus mother was faithful to God and gave glory to God. God couldn’t have picked a better person to be the mother of Jesus. She was humble, loyal and faithful. When Jesus began His ministry and after His death and resurrection….she never asked for special treatment because she was Jesus mother.

Luke 2:51-52 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Jesus was subject to his mother. He obeyed her and was a good son. Under her guidance he increased in wisdom and stature with God and mankind. He was faithful to God and a good human being. Well liked by everyone. Well rounded. Mannerly. Courteous. Gracious. Kind. Gentle, Godly and obedient. Of course He was the son of God….but He loved His mother even to the end.

She followed Jesus when He began His ministry and took her other sons to check on Him. She followed her son to the cross and it was there that Jesus showed His undying love and devotion to His mother.

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Jesus saw to her protection and care showing His love for her.

A Good Child

Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

Your mother will get old…… if God gives her a long life. Be glad she gets old. That means you have her for a long time. Some of you lost your mother at a young age. Is it fair? No…… but it’s a sinful fallen and unfair world. But think of how sweet it will be when you meet your mom in heaven!

Proverbs 23:25Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Do your parents rejoice over you? I didn’t have children….. but I have the children in the church that I have watched grow up that are still here today. I rejoice over them. I have step-children that I rejoice over. I have watched mothers rejoice over their children and grandchildren. How satisfying it is that you didn’t cause your mother any heartache. Of course we caused our mother to worry. But heartache is when she is disappointed and heartbroken over you. If you have broken your mother’s heart you can always fix that. Don’t let her leave this world with a broken heart over you. 21:00

The Greatest Mom To You?

I hope YOUR mom was the greatest mother to you!! Maybe it was your grandmother who raised you? Maybe you are adopted? Maybe it was a step-mom? Maybe your mother-in-law is like your mom? Maybe your dad had to be both mother and father. Maybe your mom was absent due to her own demons….. and an aunt raised you?

No matter…..do you see to the protection and care for the one you call mom? Do you look out for her? Maybe you had a bad mother? If so, I can understand if you keep your distance from her.

But if you had a good mother…..do you look out for them? Check on them? Visit them? Show your love for them? I haven’t seen my mother in 32 years. She had Alzheimer’s and did not know me anymore after I reached the age of about 27-28. So I haven’t talked to my mother in a real conversation in about 40 years. My mother has never heard me preach. She never knew I was a deacon. She never knew my career accomplishments and never knew we built this church. She never saw her grandchildren. I envy those of you who have had a mother most of your adult life. I think that is really when you need them. I was fortunate to have had a great mother-in-law who treated me like a son……. and still does today.

Did you have a mother like that? A good mother won’t spoil you……… she will groom you….not to be what you want to be…..Not to be what the world wants you to be…….but to be a man or woman of God…..to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who made you….. .to love the Bible and to let God lead you…… and always try do what is right in His eyes.

Listen…. Many of you have lost your mother…….We lose the people we love. We have no guarantees in this world or in this life! The only guarantee we have is that if we trust in Jesus Christ we will be with Him in heaven when we die…… or when He comes for His church. And isn’t that enough! If Jesus didn’t do anything else for you wouldn’t that be enough! But He does much more for us.

We have lots of trials and troubles in this sinful fallen world, but in the midst of them He gives us His salvation, His joy, His peace, His love, His hope, and the anticipation of being with our loved ones again and………… with Jesus Christ forever and ever! Isn’t that enough for you to trust in Him today? The gospel is truly good news…It’s God’s new life given to you. 28:04

4/28 and 5/5/2024

Matthew 24:3-22 It’s beginning to look a Lot like Christ is Coming

Intro: You know the Christmas song…”it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?” I think Bing Crosby did the most well known version of it. Well….. you know Christmas is near when you see the Pumpkins appearing, Right? Halloween is here to scare us and deceive us. Well the pumpkins are already here! Actually the Thanksgiving turkey has already been prepared and ready to be consumed. The world is getting ready for judgment. it is just at the verge. Soon Christmas will be here….Jesus is coming! Not to be born….but He’s coming again to rule and reign this time and judge an unbelieving world. 1:00

Birth Pangs Right Now

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private. “Tell us when all this will be,” they asked, “and what will happen to show that it is the time for your coming and the end of the age.” While Jesus was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, and said, “Tell us, when will this [destruction of the temple] take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end (completion, consummation) of the age?”

Everybody knows the world is coming to an end. It is in our DNA it seems….except the globalists and the Evil–lutionists. They think it will last on and on and a select elite will be in charge of making sure the earth lasts forever!

Matthew 24:4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Jesus answered, “Watch out, and do not let anyone fool you. Jesus answered, “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. Deception, Deception and deception.

Matthew 24:5For 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 the Messiah!’ and they will fool many people. For many will come in My name [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], saying, ‘I am the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ and they will mislead many.

Falst Christs….false messiahs’ giving a false hope to the world. Bill Gates is a false messiah. Klaus Swabb is a false messiah. Climate Crises is a false messiah. Telling us that we are the ones to save the planet and that we must do it.

Matthew 24:6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. You are going to hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away; but do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. You will continually hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end [of the age].

Need I say more????? Wars everywhere.

Matthew 24:7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Ethnic groups will hate one another. Division among people is the key to this verse. There will be a deep division among people and people groups. Ethnic group against Ethnic group. No greater division now than the hatred for the Jews that is off the charts right now and growing.

Matthew 24:8All these are the beginning of sorrows. All these things are like the first pains of childbirth. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish and the time of unprecedented trouble].

These…the things in verses 3-7 are the birth pangs of a world getting ready to be delivered first into judgment and then receive their glorious king! 8:00

Birth Pangs Right Now 2. The Tribulation First 3 ½ years

Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. Then you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. “Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

The tribulation starts when the beast signs a peace treaty with Israel. They will be at peace dwelling safely.

We are already seeing this being set up. People already hate the Jews. But this verse says people will be hated because of Jesus Christ and faith in Him. So this is not secular Jews these are those who are saved at the first part of the tribulation by the preaching of the 144,000 Jews and the two witnesses and the angel. But this is being set up right now. People hate Jews right now and this hatred is spreading to anyone who loves Israel and the Jews. The only group that does that is the Church of Jesus Christ! I don’t know how bad it will get but it will get much worse after the rapture.

Many millions of Christians will be martyred in the next 3 ½ years. Revelation 6 and 7.

Matthew 24:10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Many will give up their faith at that time; they will betray one another and hate one another. At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another.

We are already seeing that people are offended by each other. We are already seeing that people are spying on each other. This will get so awful during that tribulation that if don’t follow the Beast they will tell on you and find you with the technology of today.

People are offended by everything today. We can go to jail for simply calling someone the wrong pronoun! We can go to jail for hurting someone’s feelings.

Matthew 24:11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Then many false prophets will appear and fool many people. Many false prophets will appear and mislead many.

Before the mid-point of the tribulation many false Jesus’s will appear. That’s why Jesus said in verse 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Every eye will see Jesus coming in the clouds.

But way before that the anti-Christ will begin to deceive people. He will have the authority to sign a peace treaty with Israel and when he does that the seven year tribulation begins.

The Gog-Magog war will begin sometime before the tribulation or shortly after it begins. It will take seven years to burn the weapons. Israel has to be at peace and dwelling securely. They have been deceived by the beast.

Matthew 24:12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Such will be the spread of evil that many people’s love will grow cold. Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. They will pretend to love you. There will also be open hostility toward one another. 11:00

Birth Pangs Right Now 2. The Tribulation First 3 ½ years
The Gospel preached from the Beginning until the end of the Tribulation

Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved. But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.

Evidently many of those who receive Jesus Christ aren’t killed. They will be the only ones who survive til the end. That includes Jewish people. Only those that survive are those who have trusted in the true messiah Jesus Christ. Jews and Gentiles. But they will suffer much.

Matthew 24:14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. And this Good News about the Kingdom will be preached through all the world for a witness to all people; and then the end will come. This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.

The gospel will be preached throughout the whole seven year period by the 144 thousand since they have a seal on them and cannot be killed. But when the gospel has been presented to everyone in the world then Jesus will come. This will take seven years. 14:00

Birth Pangs Right Now 2. The Tribulation First 3 ½ years
The Gospel preached from the Beginning until the end of the Tribulation
Mid-point of the Tribulation

Matthew 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) “You will see ‘The Awful Horror’ of which the prophet Daniel spoke. It will be standing in the holy place.” (Note to the reader: understand what this means!) “So when you see the [b]abomination of desolation [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the [c]reader understand),

Now come to the big moment. The mid-point of the tribulation when Satan and the Beast turn their full anger against God. Satan is cast of heaven and can no longer go there. He is angry. He hates the Jews and his only purpose is to kill them so that Jesus Christ cannot be king and fulfill His promises to them.

So he first stops the Jews from worshipping and sacrificing in the temple. He goes to the temple and he declares and end to all other worship but only to him. He has as false prophet to proclaim his deity with signs and wonders.

The Beast is killed but comes back out of the pit alive. This astounds the world. He is full of Satanic power.

Matthew 24:16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: “Then those who are in Judea must run away to the hills. then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge].

The Jews are the target and Israel the nation is under Satanic attack from the devil who knows he has but a short time. He loses the war in heaven to Michael and his angels. Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Matthew 24:17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house Someone who is on the roof of a house must not take the time to go down and get any belongings from the house.: Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things that are in his house [because there will not be enough time].

Jews must flee and flee now. They will go to Petra where they will be saved and protected by God’s holy angels. Only one third of the Jews will make it to safety. 2/3 will die in the last Jewish Holocaust.

Matthew 24:18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Someone who is in the field must not go back to get a cloak. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.

Another reminder to flee as fast as they can. God will provide all they need. Don’t take anything to slow you down.

Matthew 24:19And woe unto 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 who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

John tells us that women with babies probably won’t make it to Petra. They should have put their faith in Jesus Christ from the preaching of the two witnesses who preached in Jerusalem. People cannot put off believing in Jesus Christ as Savior. There will be a time when you won’t have time to repent.

Matthew 24:20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: Pray to God that you will not have to run away during the winter or on a Sabbath! Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish laws prohibit travel].

We don’t know what time of year this will happen. But we will know as soon as the anti-Christ signs a peace treaty or confirms a peace treaty with Israe. We can count 3 ½ years from that moment. But the point is that this is going to be a difficult journey that some will not be able to make. The Sabbath prohibits travel. This tells us that the Jews will be living under the Jewish law at this time.

Matthew 24:21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. For the trouble at that time will be far more terrible than any there has ever been, from the beginning of the world to this very day. Nor will there ever be anything like it again.

For [d]at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again].

Great tribulation is the going to last 3 ½ years. The six trumpet and seven bowl judgments will be completed and about half of the world’s population will die.

Matthew 24:22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. But God has already reduced the number of days; had he not done so, nobody would survive. For the sake of his chosen people, however, God will reduce the days. And if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.

So complete will be God’s judgment and Satan’s wrath that God will stop the carnage or no one would be left alive to enter the millennial kingdom. 1/3 of the Jewish population will survive. 20:00

Birth Pangs Right Now 2. The Tribulation First 3 ½ years
The Gospel preached from the Beginning until the end of the Tribulation
Mid-point of the Tribulation 5 False Hope’s

Matthew 24:23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Then, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There he is!’—do not believe it. Then if anyone says to you [during the great tribulation], ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it.

People will looking for hope. So they look for the Messiah. They will fall for anything so save them from the wrath of God, the devil, the Beast and False Prophet. People are looking for hope. They will look everyone and to anyone who gives them hope except the truth. There will be so many false sightings of the messiah that people will eventually give up looking for the real Jesus. That is why they will be caught not looking for Him when He does come.

Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear; they will perform great miracles and wonders in order to deceive even God’s chosen people, if possible. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones).

They will be deceived by the great miraculous signs by the false messiah’s and especially the Beast and the False prophet. The false prophet will have false prophets working for him. It will be a time of almost zero truth proclaimed except from the 144 thousand Jewish preachers. 23:00

Birth Pangs Right Now 2. The Tribulation First 3 ½ years
The Gospel preached from the Beginning until the end of the Tribulation
Mid-point of the Tribulation 5 False Hope’s 6. I Have Warned You

Matthew 24:25Behold, I have told you before. Listen! I have told you this ahead of time. Listen carefully, I have told you in advance.

Jesus said…..I have told you. The Olivet discourse is in Luke and Mark also. Jesus wanted us to know what is going to happen. He gave us the prophets, Daniel and Revelation to give us detailed explanations of what is going to happen. So we are without excuse to not be in the position of not being saved when the rapture comes. Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

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

People are so easily deceived today. We have not developed our thinking skills. We have been indoctrinated over the years and don’t even know it. It began with the so called evolution of man. It will end with absolute devolution of man to the point that they think of evil 24-7.

We don’t think. We don’t reason. We don’t care about the truth especially the truth of God’s word. 27:00

Conclusion: It’s not looking like Christmas yet. No signs of Christmas yet. But It’s beginning to look a lot like Christ is coming soon. First for His church and then with His church. Don’t be deceived into waiting or I don’t believe that it’s going to happen that way. The Bible has a verse for those people. 2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. Where is He? Well instead of Where is He? They will say He is here!!!! And it’s too late for me. 28:04

4/21/2024

Romans 2:4 The Goodness of God

Intro: What does it mean to be good? We don’t’ know because we are not good. We have times when we are good. We have moments. But God is good all of the time. That should give us great assurance and confidence in Him. He will always do what is right, what is best for us in the LONG run. This is not a sprint……this life we live…… it is an endurance race. And we WIN! We win because God is God and God is Good! 1:00

The evil of man leads to subjection and repression and rejection of liberty.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering…. ? But you think nothing of his kindness. You despise God’s goodness to you. you thumb your nose at God’s order in society. You think God is going to ignore your sin forever. You don’t care that God is good to you.

Man wants to enact laws to suppress free speech and jail people for wrong thinking. Minority report was a Tom Cruise movie years ago that was about computers that could tell if a person was even thinking about a crime. They would arrest those people and charge them for thinking about a crime. Supposedly this would protect society by preventing future crimes. It became a dystopian society of fear and reproach, repression and depression.

God is so good. He’s so good to me and you. People say “why doesn’t God get rid of evil? Two reasons.

Evil is not a thing to get rid of. Evil is the absence of good. Darkness is not a thing. There is no dark light bulb. Darkness is the absence of light. If you want to get rid of evil you need to either make everyone good or destroy those who commit evil. God chose to make everyone good by faith in the righteousness of Christ.

2nd reason. If God gets rid of evil He would have to start with me and you. We have to go. We are not good but evil continually. Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

But thanks be unto God While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

God is so good and man is so bad. The evil of man wants to create AGI artificial General Intelligence and with it control man’s behavior. With it he can suppress speech and actions that they deem mis-information. NO mercy here. No patience with people. NO love for people. Just control. God does seek to control us but love us. Yes we have restraints. We must consider others. We must consider the requirements of our loving heavenly Father who has given us all things richly to enjoy. And why would you not want to love a creator like God. He is loving and gentle and king. His burden is easy and His yoke is light.

There has never been a thing called mis-information in the history of the world. Everyone has a right to their opinion and ideas and thoughts. Who is the determiner of what is mis-information? Did you know that the press and media never used this term until the Covid crises. Now they have found a way to label everyone who does not agree with them as the arbiters of truth (and we still don’t know who that is…… some sort of Global elite)

Man in his sinful fallen state…..in order to create his utopia has to make everyone think the same, act the same and be the same essentially or there would be usurpers and dissidents. And they can’t have people with different opinions and ideas than the creators of this utopia. We know that mankind cannot build a utopia. He is too selfish and arrogant. See Revelation chapters 8 thru 20. It’s a disaster. The Beast has to control everyone and everything. And the more unrest leads to more control and loss of liberty and freedom. 10:00

The evil of man leads to subjection and repression and rejection of liberty.
Not Even knowing…….

Romans 2:4 …..not knowing…..

People are not aware of the truths of God’s love, mercy, patience, Salvation, and judgment. They don’t seem to care either. They have been so brainwashed and entertained that they don’t take the time to think soberly about these things of life. Not even Covid caused people to repent.

People today in general need to know about Jesus Christ. They need to be aware of God’s desire to bring them back to Him.

People today are not aware of God’s love…..John 3:16 For God So loved the world

They are not aware of God’s mercy……Psalm 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The are not aware of God’s patience……Exodus 34:6 he Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

They are not Aware that Jesus is the truth of God…..John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life….

They are not aware of God’s desire For them to be saved……Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

They are not aware of God’s judgment….Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

The saddest words in the human language may be…… TOO LATE….the next saddest words are “I didn’t know”…. “I was not aware”…….Why are people not aware of God’s love, mercy, patience? No one told them…..or they are not interested enough to find out…..or that information is surpressed by the powers that be. The media, education, governments, and the powerful don’t want us to know that God is a God of love, mercy, truth and patience. 19:00

The evil of man leads to subjection and repression and rejection of liberty.
Not Even knowing…….
The Goodness Of God leads People To Repentance

Romans 2:4 ….not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. God has been very kind to you, and he has been patient with you. God has been waiting for you to change and come Him. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so that you will change your hearts and lives.

God gives man the freedom to sin or He could not be called good. God doesn’t strike someone dead when they sin. Now sin has a sowing and reaping effect. You reap what you sow. If you eat a whole chocolate pie everyday and a bag of fudge Rounds and a box of Oreo cookies for a snack everyday you are going to reap sickness and disease. But God does not hinder us from doing that. God is pure and good. Only God is good and in order to be purely good….. God must allow man the freedom to decide what He will do and think.

What if God punished us for thinking about a sin? Wow! We would be in trouble all the time.

Does God want us to be mindless robots? What would be the point of creating man if that’s all we were. There would be no joy, no peace, so satisfaction, no contentment, no anticipation, no accomplishment, no excitement, no fun, no pleasure, no love and no happiness. God is very good and patient and loving to allow us to sin and not kill us immediately.

Psalm 52:1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Why do you boast about your evil plans, O powerful man? God’s loyal love protects me all day long. Why do you boast about your evil that you do? God is good to allow you to do evil without killing you and He is good by not allowing you to kill us all over the evil that you do.

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

The Lord will reward evil one day. As we learned about the parable of the Tares and the Wheat….God said to let them grow together until the final harvest then the angels will separate them.

Because today God is long-suffering….. very patient toward all of us. The reason He allows sin is that he is not out to destroy sinners but to save them. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is does not want anyone go to hell but that eventually all would turn from sin and turn to Him. God wants to change our way of thinking and and seek Him. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Jesus Christ is come into the world to save sinners not destroy them. To give them a chance to repent. Not destroy them at His first opportunity. 27:00

The evil of man leads to subjection and repression and rejection of liberty.
Not Even knowing…….
The Goodness Of God leads People To Repentance

The Goodness Of God…..

We sing “God is so good”… Because HE IS !!

4/21 and 28/2024

Romans 13:1-6 Give me liberty or give me death

Intro: Patrick Henry quoted those famous words. And it has been the clarion call for all nations under God even today. The key word for citizens in Romans 13 to obey the government is the word “liberty.” If we don’t have liberty….liberty of worship, property ownership and basic human rights then we must do all that we can to oppose that government, as it clearly opposes God’s mandates for human governance. We must obey God rather than men which is our first and foremost goal in every part of civil society.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Everyone must obey or submit to state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Let every person be subject or submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.

The Greek word for Subject is to submit….like wives submit yourselves to your husbands. Does as wife submit to abuse? Of course not. We submit to a good husband and rebel against a wicked one? Well we must obey God rather than men. Does God want us to do or approve of the wicked things like drinking, abusing, stealing, cheating that a wicked husband does? Of course not. Does a citizen submit to a wicked evil regime? Only as long as they have the liberty and freedom to worship God. If they do not have that freedom then they must obey God and disobey the government to worship, to follow Christ in righteousness. And if it is possible their goal should be to gain their freedom. Paul told slaves to gain their freedom if possible without doing anything sinful. Even fleeing to another country if you see no hope of governmental reform.

If a government is oppressing the poor and the innocent what is our duty? To stand up for the weak and the innocent and to voice our protest to the government by helping the poor and the innocent whether the government likes it or not. Jesus cleared out the temple of buyers and sellers who were abusing the poor.

We must understand that America is unique for it is a government FOR the people and BY the people. We elect representatives so this government of the United States is…. OURs. WE are the leaders in our government! Therefore we can demand our representatives do not do what WE the people elected them to do. And if they do evil we can expel them by the ballot box! Or impeachment if it gets that bad.

Great Britain tried to oppress the Americans colonialists and put demands on them that were taking away liberty and freedoms from them as British citizens. They were fleecing the natural resources of their own citizens by unfair and unreasonable taxes that caused the poor great financial hardship. Colonialists of America decided not to submit to the abuse and the law breaking British government leadership of King George who was a crook himself.

Israel threw off the yoke of bondage to the Egyptians. The pilgrims escaped the limits of worship put on them by Great Britian in the early 1600’s. One day the church will escape the bonds of this world’s system of wickedness and godlessness. What do we do today until then? We occupy until He comes. We know an escape is coming. We don’t preach anything but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The apostles didn’t preach rebellion against governments as along as they were free to preach they carried on even in great poverty.

It is obvious that we have a government today that is trending toward totalitarianism. We have lost many freedoms in this country. Freedom of speech and of Assembly has been limited in America if you don’t stand for one parties belief system.

We still have freedom to worship in America. We still have freedom to convert the lost in America to a point. We cannot condemn the lifestyle of those who are transgender or homosexual in order to convert to Jesus Christ. So slowly but surely our freedoms will all disappear in America.

In the Apostle Paul’s day his job was to preach the gospel of Christ. He did not preach ebellion against governments especially the Roman government and that is why Paul wrote Romans 13. Yes it was hard. The evil Nero was in charge of Roman government when Paul was alive. Yes Nero’s government was ungodly. But he allowed the Jews to worship their own way and Christianity was considered a sect of Judaism by the Romans. Paul was murdered by Judaizers complaints about him. Rome did not want uprisings within and thought that killing Paul would appease the Jews. Yes, Romes was evil. But they had laws of property ownership, and personal rights for every Romans citizen. Freedom and liberty for Roman citizens meant that a Roman citizen was pretty much free to preach and practice their faith and gain converts. The US constitution was based somewhat on Roman laws of liberty and freedom.

God gave the world…..to keep order and to keep power from consolidating to one group or individual……nation states! In in those nations states He permits men to occupy those positions of power. As we saw in the Tower of Babel God does not want man to consolidate his power for that leads to rebellion against God and tyranny against the people. So God gave us nation states so that we might provide checks and balances with each other so that no one person or group can control the world.

Let Every soul….every citizen should be subject to their rulers…of course if we did not submit to governments there would be confusion. God wants order. God gave us order in society. It is the only way for Godless, sinners to have orderly governments in this sinful, rebellious world is to have many nation states. We cannot gang up. We mentioned Babel earlier. God split us up into nation states so no one group could gain power over the world. So the result is hopefully law and order. People are going to steal, murder, lie, cheat, rape and plunder if they can get away with it. That’s what sinners do.

The powers that be are ordained of God…..You mean God appointed Hitler? God appointed Pol-Pot? God appointed Joe Biden? Well, God ordained nation states after the tower of Babel. His will is for nation states to create checks and balances so that no one group can lead the world into rebellion against God and to create order for societies. God allows governments of men and in that of course He allows wicked leaders. But as far as appointing Hitler? I think they did it to themselves. Every wicked leader has come to power by the weakness, wickedness and complacency of the common people of those governments. And God allowed it for his purposes. To punish and to purge and to renew.

A nation sometimes gets what they deserve. If we depart from God…. He will bring us something or someone that will take us to our knees before Him. Most every communist nation has drifted from their spiritual moorings of years gone by. Some nations like China have never been Christian. They are more Christians today under Communism that they would ever have been under Confucius and their eastern religions. There are more Christians in China than the United States! Look at India. India has a stable government which guarantees many liberties. But you are limited in your liberty as you are only allowed to worship the gods of the Indian people. India’s false gods are mostly peaceful unless you are a Christian. Christianity has not been well received in India. India needs a governmental collaspe to bring them to Jesus. Think about China and Islamic nations how despite the persecution the church grows during that time. When the only hope we have in Jesus Christ!

For India and this is hard to say but Communism would bring more people to Christ than good times and peace with India’s false religions of peace. Hinduism is the prevailing religion in India so they need something to collapse to get them to come to Christ. And that will happen when the repressive rule of the Anti-Christ comes and rules the world. Millions will come to Christ.

Islam has some of the fastest growing Christians movements in the world. Iran has the fastest growing church in the world! Because their leaders are so repressive. Sharia law is repressive. So think about it. Satan has allowed wicked leaders to turn a society built on a false peaceful religion or no religion like Japan…….that gives India and Japan false hope! Japan needs a wicked totalitarian leader to give them hope in Christ. Makes sense then why God allows wicked godless leaders.

Satan can give the kingdoms of this world to whomever he wants. Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. But God has to allow it.

Interestingly we called our United States congress representatives “law makers.” They are not lawmakers….. they represent us in governmental constitutional matters. They are not supposed to spend time making laws that further oppress their citizens…… but work on behalf of their constituents to protect their freedoms and to protect the constitution of “WE the People and By the People.” They are not sent there to support special interest groups and corporations or make laws all day long.

It is clear that Romans 13 is talking about a government that punishes evil and rewards good citizenship. The key here is that a government should reward evil and punish evil and that includes a military and police force funded by the government. They are to punish evil according to God’s standards and reward righteousness according to God’s standards…… not standards that go against the word of God.

Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. Therefore whoever [a]resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.

God gave us human government as the best way for a fallen sinful people to govern themselves. God also gave the desire to have nation states. That came about after the tower of Babel when groups had no choice but to gather together with like tongues and independent nation states came about. Sinful people cannot have a one world government because it always turns our evil, despotic with tin pot rulers trying to force their will upon the people and limit individual liberty. If nations stay splintered into two hundred plus nation states then governments can stay fragmented then there is less chance that one person can control that nation. It takes a while to get that kind of power even though it does happen those nations don’t last very long.

God establishes leaders and heads of state. So the people get what they deserve as a reward or judgment for their obedience to God.

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: For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation.

Many say that Paul wrote this while Nero was persecuting and murdering Christians. The fact is Nero was only beginning in AD 54-56 when Paul wrote Romans. Nero ruled from AD 54-68. He didn’t begin persecuting Christians until after the great fire in AD 64. So he was NOT killing or greatly persecuting Christians at this point until AD64. Paul was making a general statement that Christians should be good citizens, actually Christians should be the best citizens by taking part in and encouraging good government. After AD64 he began using Christians as scapegoats for the fire. Doing horrible things to them. But Nero soon died but Christianity spread to the whole world as as result of persecution.

But…… we should not allow a government to abuse the weak and innocent or any particular group of people. That’s why slavery was abolished. That’s why we have civil rights laws. And we should not allow a government to impede liberty for any person that is a law abiding citizen. That’s why we have a constitution. If a government abuses a certain group of people the righteous have an obligation to speak up and stand up for that group.

And of course…. we should always obey Acts 5:29 We ought to obey God rather than men. Christians are always required to stand up and defend the weak and innocent in righteousness. We should stand up against a government that abuses. When government becomes the evil and harming good citizens it is our duty to demand righteousness from our government. Especially in a Constitutional Republic of representative government like the United States.

We are a government of the people and by the people and for the people.

We elect people to represent US! They should reflect our values and Biblical principles and do what a government should do. Reward the righteous and punish the evil. If they stray from those principles then it is our duty to make our voice heard. We do that through the voting process. But when that becomes tainted then we have no other choice but to fight to take our nation back.

But this becomes iffy for the Christian. If we are allowed to worship fairly freely then we should stay where we are and try to win as many to Christ as we can. That in time can change the nation. The pulpits of the world are a force to be reckoned with if Pastors all join together. But sadly most pastors are already sold out to the government so you get the situation in communist countries and in Fascist Germany under Hitler. Then if we cannot worship freely then we have to go underground……. but we never give up and we must continue to disobey the government. We always are to obey God first and foremost even if we wind up in jail or dead.

Sometimes it’s impossible for a group of Christians to take a country back due to the overwhelming power of the government. Then we do the best we can. We work with what we can….doing all with can…. for as long as we can…… or we can leave the country as the Pilgrims did….for a place where we can have liberty again.

Romans 13:4 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. because they are God’s servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God’s servants and carry out God’s punishment on those who do evil. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.

Is it our duty to stand up and demand righteousness? When government becomes evil we should and we must stand up against the evil (not because of our own lives, for we care not what happens to ourselves) but because of those in our care and responsibilities and to defend the weak and the innocent. Christians should be defenders the weak, the innocent and our families against all enemies of righteousness.

God want’s father to instruct his children in righteousness. Joshua 24:15 ….but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. That means we lead our families to stand on the righteousness of God. That means to lead our family in the ways of the Lord God of the Bible. So if we demand righteousness in our families shouldn’t we demand it in our government?

There comes a time to take a stand against evil. Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Clearly we are to stand against evil of our day to protect our families and our neighbors.

Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God’s punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God].

Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance. Taxation without representation is evil. That is why America declared it’s freedom from Great Britian in 1776. After that constitutional republic of the Untied States of American was formed. Not a democracy….but a government based on the rule of law. The laws of liberty. The pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for each citizen. We elect representatives to Washington. Not law makers….but representatives of us!! The will of the people. The fundamental rights of every citizen must be protected at all times. God was behind the creation of America!

Bottom line……We must obey God and reject wicked governments and the best way to defeat the wicked is to convert them to faith in Jesus Christ…….Which is our reasonable service. If every Christian in America would preach the gospel in our daily lives…..we could change this country. Should we preach politics??….Absolutely!!!

Politics….the Activities associated with the governance of a country or other area like a company, club, school and even a church. It is the activity especially the DEBATE or CONFLICT among individuals or parties hoping to achieve power.

Politics is life….it is the way people living in groups make decisions.

Conclusion:

What do We do as United States citizens when we see all this evil coming upon our government?

We first of all…….Preach the gospel. For it is the power of God. Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen. That is our first duty.

Secondly….We should gain our freedoms back if we can. If we cannot…then we can leave or if we cannot….. then we must continue to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified in defiance of the government. It may require inventive ways and even deceiving the government.

Also…

We are in the last of the last days….we know these things from scripture….

Our outlook on governments in these last days reflects the fact that we know from the Bible that evil men will wax worse and worse. We know that the rapture is soon to come. We know that there will be no mass turning to Jesus until the tribulation. We know that all governments will turn against Israel in these days. We know that a one world government and religion is in the preparation stages.

So for us….it’s different than the pilgrims….

It would be futile for us to try to take over a government for that activity would doomed of failure according to Bible prophecy. We can only occupy…… Tell the truth, point out the lies and the liars…and most importantly……Preach the gospel until He comes and reach as many people as we can with the truth of Jesus Christ.

4/14/2024

Psalm 89:29-37 God Will Keep His Promises To Israel

Intro: Has it begun? The end of Israel? Of course not. Let me say this…..The Biden Administration has given relief of sanctions and also flat out given lran one hundred BILLION dollars which has allowed Iran to have 200 drones and rockets. And then the United States has to shoot down their own drones and rockets!! What did they think Iran would do with that money? They could care less if their citizens have medicines or food. They just want to destroy Israel. This is NOT the Gog-Magog war yet! Iran is east of Israel. Maybe slightly north-east. The Gog-Magog invasion will come from the north of Israel led by Russian, Iran and Turkey at a time when Israel is living in peace.

200 drones and missiles attacked Israel last night. Not one penetrated the defenses of Israel. Maybe some slight damage to a military base. The US, Britian, and Jordan helped shoot down some of the drones and missiles. All were shot down BEFORE they entered Israel’s air space. God defended His people again. Why does God keep His promises to Israel? Why did He protect them again? Where was He when Hamas attacked them? Understand this…….Zecharaiah 12:2-3 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 3And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

As long as God allows the United States to exist Israel cannot be defeated. But one day the US will go down. Because of the rapture or we are defeated in a war with our external or internal enemies. They are seeking to take over the US now and they will eventually succeed. Then Israel will sign a peace treaty with the Anti-Christ and will dwell safely. Then God and Magog suddenly attack but God will defeat Gog and Magog but the Beast will take credit for that victory.

It’s Not dependant on their Goodness

Psalm 89:29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

Psalm 89:30 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

It’s not dependant Upon Their Wickedness

Psalm 89:31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;

Psalm 89:32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Psalm 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

It Is Dependant Upon God’s Holiness and His Promises.

Psalm 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Psalm 89:35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

Psalm 89:36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Psalm 89:37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah

4/14/2024

Matthew 13:24-30 Weeds Among The Wheat Part Two

Intro: Let them grow together. Why doesn’t God get rid of evil in the world? Well…..He is going to when the last person has come to faith in Jesus Christ. But why doesn’t He do it now? Why does He allow suffering and death and war and tragedies? This passage answers that question for everyone.

The Kingdom Of Heaven

Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man sowed good seed in his field. Jesus gave them another parable [to consider], saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

A parable is a story that makes a spiritual point. Jesus is telling us what His kingdom is like. It is like a field that God sows the seeds of eternal life and truth among mankind. Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that is worth everything he owns to get it. The kingdom of Heaven is God’s kingdom reigning supreme in the hearts of men that live on the earth. It’s not a place……. it’s people who have given God rule in their hearts and lives. Now it is spiritual place but soon it will be a physical place called heaven and the new earth. It’s basically God is our King in our hearts, our minds and in our lives.

Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed [c]weeds [resembling wheat] among the wheat, and went away.

Men are asleep to the things of God. They are not guarding their hearts by staying close to their heavenly Father. Tares closely resemble wheat, but are poisonous to human beings. They are indistinguishable from wheat until the final fruit appears. Farmers would weed out tares with winnowing forks just before the wheat harvest. They are called chaff then and they blow away and leave the wheat. Until Christ returns, both genuine believers and counterfeits will be allowed to remain together.

An enemy is the devil. The devil has no kingdom but he does sow chaos, confusion and death in God’s kingdom. He does this by putting fake’s among the children of God. He sows deceit and deception. He has plenty of willing accomplices among mankind. He tricks them. HE lies to them to cause chaos among those in the kingdom of God.

He is in opposition to everything God is trying to do.

The tares look like wheat, (they look like me and you. They have churches like we do)

They act like wheat,(they know what to do and what to say to convince you they are wheat)

They behave like wheat, (they act like Christians)

They grow like wheat. (which means the tare led churches will have growth also. They are the largest churches in the world sometimes.)

When It’s time for Harvest it doesn’t look like wheat. Weeds become chaff which easily blows away from the wheat with the winnowing fork. Angels will easily separate the wheat from the weeds. The Godly from the ungodly.

Matthew 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. When the plants grew and the heads of grain began to form, then the weeds showed up. So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the weeds appeared also.

Tares are known as weeds. When you grow a garden you cannot keep the weeds out completely. You cannot get rid of the weeds in life. Remember in the garden of Eden God said that because of man’s sin Adam would have to fight weeds now. Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.

Adam would have to fight the weeds in order to get the food. This is the result of the fall of man. Man sins when he is drawn away of his own lust. James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Matthew 13:38-40 explains verse 24-26…. 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The field is the world. The seed are the Godly ones. The Tares are the ungodly children of the devil.

Who are the children of the Kingdom?

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 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.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Who are the children of the wicked one? 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.

The enemy is the devil

The harvest is the end of the world.

The reapers are the angels.

Revelation 14: 15-20

Revelation 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. Revelation 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. Revelation 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Revelation 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Revelation 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

The Kingdom Of Heaven 2 Why Are There Weeds?

Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? The man’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?’ The servants of the owner came to him and said, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have weeds in it?’

Wheat grows weeds called Darnel. It looks like wheat until the wheat is ready to harvest. The harvesters use a winnowing fork to separate the wheat from the chaff…the darnel…the weeds. The chaff blows away and leaves the pure wheat. It cannot be done until the harvest is ready.

You will destroy wheat with the weeds. God doesn’t want to keep someone from coming to Christ. Weeds cannot become wheat. They would have to be changed….born again as wheat. That is why we must be born again. We must become wheat. God gives everyone every chance to be born again by faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Then why are there weeds? Why does the world have evil in it? That’s the question that everyone wants to know the answer to. Well here is the answer…..

Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. ‘It was some enemy who did this,’ he answered. ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ they asked him. He replied to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Then do you want us to go and pull them out?’

The enemy as we said is Satan. Satan as we said is the enemy of the kingdom of God. The prince of the power of the air. The ruler of the kingdoms of this worlds system. He has a lot of power. It’s as though God is goading him to act..…..”go ahead give it your best shot…Let’s see what you got big guy…”

Matthew 13:28 …..The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

Here is the question that atheists and unbelievers ask us all the time…..”why doesn’t God just put an end to the weeds…the evil?” It makes sense to them. It sounds sensible. God just wave your mighty hand and get rid of evil once and for all! Makes sense doesn’t it? Or does it really?

The fundamental flaw in this thinking is very simple…..It assumes that not everyone is evil. It assumes that most people are good. Let’s see what the Bible says about that….

Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The fatal flaw that athiests and unbelievers make is that all mankind is evil. They have sinned. Well there is a difference in sin and being evil…..Is there?

James 1:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

If you commit ONE infraction of the ten commandments….you are guilty of ALL of them!

1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. If you hate a person for one second you are a murderer! Nothing is more evil than murder!

Yes we know that there is none good but one and that is God. But in this parable Jesus is talking about the kingdom of God. Those that are Godly and those that are not. If you take out the weeds, the ungodly wicked when would you do it? When would anyone have a chance to repent if as soon as you sinned God cast you into hell? If God got rid of the weeds at what point would He do it? As soon as they reach the age of accountability? At the age of 30? 50? 75? It becomes redundant. A good farmer waits until the harvest to separate the wheat from the weeds. That is what God is going to do…..Remember there is a harvest coming!

The Kingdom Of Heaven 2 Why Are There Weeds? 3 God Will Separate The Weeds

Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. No,’ he answered, ‘because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. But he said, ‘No; because as you pull out the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.

Here is the answer to why Gods allows evil in the world. Man cannot uproot the weeds and not uproot the wheat also. This is not our job. Not the churches job. Not your job. When it is time the weeds can be separated from the wheat. And the biggest reason….. it is not time yet. It’s Gods job and He loves us but sin has to have it’s fullness. Daniel 9………………….No one can say that God didn’t give man every opportunity to reach His own utopia. And they will see that only God our creator and the only one who loves us truly…..has a wonderful destiny for all of mankind. God is not being hard. He is being good to us. God is not being unfair….He is being loving and kind. God is a gentleman. He will not force anyone to follow Him. Even those He has chosen for a specific task He has had to wait until they were willing and totally broken to the utter folly of resisting God.

Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until harvest. Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn.’” Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”

When it is time….. the wheat is harvested by the HARVESTERS. It is run through a sifter to separate the wheat from the chaff. The harvest comes at a specific time. At the right time the correct time. God’s time.

Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. It is not time yet for the harvest.

When it is His time His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

Why is it not time yet? Very simple……The let them grow together…. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Why does God allow evil? As I said before…. He is not willing to let anyone perish….He loves us. But there is coming a time for the harvest. It’s not time yet. Let the evil and the Godly grow together. Let the evil have a chance to repent. Let the godly be an influence on the wicked. Let them live together until the time of the harvest. To uproot the wicked now would take many wicked that might have been saved including me and you.

The Kingdom Of Heaven 2 Why Are There Weeds? 3 God Will Separate The Weed

Weeds Among The Wheat.

Adam sinned and was promised thorns and thistles in his new garden. Sinful fallen gardening can be successful but you will have weeds. Just like life. God allows us to live after Adam and Eve and after the flood but we will have weeds among humans also. We can defeat the weeds….. the wicked among humans. But we must have Jesus Christ who claimed the victory of sin, death, hell and the grave in order to defeat the weeds among humans and weeds in the world.

Those who do not love God and do not want to be accountable to Him but actually hate Him. Man loves Himself and as Satan said in Job man will do anything to save his own skin. Man wants to live on his terms and not on God’s terms. Man wants to live his way and not God’s way.

Let them grow together…..Until the harvest. Then God will make everything right. God will set everything correctly. He will right every wrong and make straight everything crooked. He does all things well.

4/7/2024

Psalm 42:5, 11 and 43:5 Why I Should Never Be Discouraged

Intro: Matthew Henry speculates that David might have written this psalm when he was prevented from to the sanctuary in Jerusalem, either due to persecution by Saul or because of Absalmon’s revolt.

David was in despair. Jesus Christ was in despair the night before He was crucified. Some of this describes Jesus human emotions the night before He was crucified. Christians….. we have all been in this situation where we get sad and overwhelmed at times. That will come….. but it’s wasn’t the end for David, Jesus Christ or us today.

Why Am I So Sad?

Psalm 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Why am I so sad? Why are you in despair, O my soul?

There is much sadness in the world today. Just go on Facebook or any news site. It can be overwhelming at times. Do you have things to be in despair about?

Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane the night before he was crucified.

Matthew 26:37-39 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

We know why Jesus was very sorrowful and His heart was heavy the night before He was crucified. His sorrow was so great that it was like a great weight upon Him that felt like death. Jesus asked His heavenly Father to let this cup of suffering pass from Him but if not for His will to be done.

We know why king David was in despair. King Saul was after him. Why are you in despair today? Just look at the things going on around us.

Psalm 42:11 …..and why art thou disquieted within me? Why am I so troubled? Why have I become restless and disquieted, and distressed?

David was not only was in despair but he was greatly troubled and restless in his heart. His heart was heavy. Jesus Christ’s heart was heavy the night before He was crucified. He had to bare the sin of the world. He had the weight of the world upon Him. That’s what disquieted means. To have a heavy burden.

Christians have many burdens to bare. Things that are heavy upon them. But things don’t last including troubles. “It came to pass” is in the Bible over four hundred times. Tough times don’t last but tough people do……and tough people trust and lean on Jesus Christ who gives them unlimited strength.

Why are you sad and distressed? Jesus knows how you feel. He has been there. He knows what it’s like.

Now we have the good news……..10:00

Why Am I So Sad? 2. I Will Hope In God

Psalm 42:11 …..hope thou in God: Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, I will put my hope in God Psalm 38:5 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. Our hope our stedfast assurance is in God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Many put their hope in a better day. Some put their hope in the right person being elected. Some put their hope in the promises of man. Some put their hope in their money and their personal wealth. Some put their hope in the fact that the sun will come up tomorrow. The sun may come up but certainly you won’t be under the sun one day. SUN. Will you be under the SON?

Job 7:6 My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope. You can live without a job, a home, a wife, a family, even a church but you cannot live without hope! Hope is confidence in tomorrow. Many today are living in a false hope for tomorrow. And one day they will have no hope for tomorrow for Jesus will have come and you were not looking for Him.

We not only have hope but we have a blessed hope…..

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. If you know Jesus you have more than just hope that the sun will come up tomorrow but a blessed hope…..Jesus will appear one day and come for you and take you to glory and so you will be with the Lord forever and ever!

Psalm 42:11….. for I shall yet praise him,

and once again I will praise him, for I shall yet praise Him. Everyone who knows Jesus Christ will get to praise Him in His presence one day! Psalm 148: 10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: 11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: 12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Everyone should praise the Lord for His goodness and His mercy and grace. Even in the midst of trials and troubles we know that we once again will be praising Him. For troubles don’t last but our God will be standing when the rest of the world is falling apart. . Psalm 146:10 The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. 19:00

Why Am I So Sad? 2. I Will Hope In God 3. Who is My Victory and My God

Psalm 42:11…..who is the health of my countenance, Who is my savior. Who is my victory by His presence, my present help, whose presence saves me. God gives us the victory over sin, death, hell and the grave. His name is victory! Now listen times can get tough. We are in a sinful fallen world. But all of our pain is deserved because we are sinners in a sinful world. What else could you expect? But the good news is, the gospel is….. we don’t have to stay that way!!

We can have victory over sin. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. That victory only comes through faith in Jesus Christ! The world hates Him. The devil hates Him. Shouldn’t that prove something to you? He is….the only way to salvation! The only truth…the very truth of God is Jesus Christ. They are trying to start a new world order that will bring happiness and peace to the world. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus has nothing to do with this global peace initiative. Jesus has nothing to do with the World Economic forum. Jesus has nothing to do with the United Nations peace. The world cannot give you peace. Peace in the world or peace in your heart. Only Jesus can do that!

These new world orders think that they are winning. They don’t have a clue that they are following the plans of God to bring this world to judgment. I believe they do think that they will win because they are following the devil who is a liar and a deceiver. Satan thinks he will win. But all the deceivers are the ones who are really deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. The deceivers are the ones who are deceived. God is going to bring all the world’s systems crashing down during the tribulation.

Psalm 42:11 …..and my God. Our God is a personal and never changing God. Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not.

Our God can be known personally. Deuteronomy 30:20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:

Our God is with us Always….Isaiah 41:10 ear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Our God will Never leave us nor forsake us. Psalm 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Hebrews 13:5 ….For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 27:00

Conclusion:

Why I Should Never Be Discouraged

Why Am I So Sad? 2. I Will Hope In God 3. Who is My Victory and My God

The Psalmist asks these troubling questions in faith, for he knows that God is his Rock, his protector and foundation. He cannot help but hope in Him in the middle of difficult circumstances. Who is your hope in troubling times? Family, friends, co-workers, are all good things to lean on.

But only Jesus Christ can really give you hope. Family members, friends or co-workers can only do so much…while Jesus Christ does ALL things well. He will protect you, provide for you and guide you into all truth. Joshual 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 28:04

4/7/2024

Matthew 13:24-30 Weeds Among The Wheat

The Kingdom Of Heaven

He is in opposition to everything God is trying to do.

The tares look like wheat, (they look like me and you. They have churches like we do)

They act like wheat,(they know what to do and what to say to convince you they are wheat)

They behave like wheat, (they act like Christians)

They grow like wheat. (which means the tare led churches will have growth also. They are the largest churches in the world sometimes.)

Who are the children of the Kingdom?

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 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.

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

The enemy is the devil

The harvest is the end of the world.

The reapers are the angels.

Revelation 14: 15-20

Why Are There Weeds?