Studies by Stephen Reynolds Jr

All biblical studies and outlines by Stephen Reynolds Jr.

What Prayer Says

TEXT: Matthew 6:9-13

As we face life's challenges there is no better weapon available than prayer to God. Much attention has been given to what we should or could say in prayer, but the act of prayer itself "says something" as well.

To be a person of prayer is a mark of distinction and a testimony of how we view ourselves and or problems in light of the glory and power of God.

What does my prayer life say about my experience with God?

Introduction - The Closet

Jesus gives us some specific directives concerning the form and spirit of Biblical prayer. He calls us to the closet of intimacy with God. Prayer is not to be a performance made for social advantage among men but a drawing near to the Eternal.

vs. 5 Don't Be Like the Hypocrites

vs.6 Pray in Secret to Your Father

vs.7 Vain Repetition (heard for their much speaking)

vs. 8 Your Father Knows what we need BEFORE we ask

If it isn't to inform God what I need, why do I pray?

1. Prayer is Submission to the Master - SUBMISSION & THE PATTERN

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Many live their lives with no confession of their NEED from God for guidance. In prayer and especially praying according to the PATTERN given is a testimony of submission.

The prayer of faith in low or high times recognizes it is truly God who is in control. He reigns Supreme over all my life and before I seek other help or advice, I go to the throne room in prayer. God's word is the final say in every situation of life.

2. God is Our Father and His name is to be Revered - CONFIDENCE & REVERENCE

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

How do we make our approach to God? As confidently and yet more reverently than we would approach our earthly father.

How I USE His name is a testimony of what He means to me. Some may carelessly address him, "Dear Dad..". But, He is more than a DAD to me!

"HIS NAME" - Jehovah (self-existent), Jehovah-M'Kaddesh (Sanctifier), Jehovah-jireh (Provider), Jehovah (Rophe), Jesus (Jehovah Saves).

3. God's Will is the Best Way - BREAK THROUGH THE RESISTANCE (IN ALL HEARTS)

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Intercession for the needs (even if they are blinded to it) of others.

4. Gratefulness and Moderation

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Php 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Knowledge of the nearness of the end and the closeness of the Lord, ought lead us to moderation in our desire for earthly things.

There is a profound and powerful truth in this request: Give us this day our daily bread.

5. The Debt of Sin and the Need for Forgiveness (God doesn't just forget) - CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Something owed, a due, morally: a fault [1 John 1:9 - if we confess…]

vs. 14,15 God wont' forgive and unforgiving person

6. The Lord is Our Defense - RELIANCE & LOYALTY

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

It is not a well planned life, it is not a well-calculation of the risks and our best judgment. It is the all powerful arm of God on which our success rests.

I'M YOURS LORD!!!

7. Glorify Yourself in My Need - SACRIFICE & COMMITMENT

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 26:42 Not my will, but your will be done [the cross]

ILLUSTRATION: During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He couldn't disappoint his people, and to capitulate to the enemy was unthinkable. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he determined to exchange a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed, "I gave gold for iron, 18l3." The response was overwhelming. Even more important, these women prized their gifts from the king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, is clear. The decorations were proof that they had sacrificed for their king. Indeed, it became unfashionable to wear jewelry, and thus was established the Order of the Iron Cross. Members wore no ornaments except a cross of iron for all to see. When Christians come to their King, they too exchange the flourishes of their former life for a cross.

Conclusion

Prayer is a testimony that says, When it comes down to the meat of the matter, my life and its course is in God's hands and I'm so glad it is!

A partial treatment of this outline:

Our Sacred Trust

TEXT: 1 Chronicles 23:24-32; 1Ti 6:20

Live Stream recording of a treatment of this outline:

October 5, 2021

Our Sacred Trust

Posted by Deliverance Center - Arundel, Maine on Sunday Night, October 17, 2021

1 Chronicles 23:32 — And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.

1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Phillipians 2:12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Introduction: A Charge to Keep, The Duty of Keeping Care

Time is Against Us ( So Little Time)

<<< Retirement for Levites -- from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: 26But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. >>>

Seasons of Life are Against Us (I can't do what I use to)

Singers (Nehemiah 12: Dedication of the Wall)

Nehemiah 12:45-46 — And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. 46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

In Nehemiah 12, 2 Great Groups were divided to SING:

Numbers 12:27-43 — 27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. ... 30And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. 31Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall ... 38And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, ... 40So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, ... And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. 43Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Psalm 92:4 —For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalm 96:1,2 — 1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

1 Chronicles 23:30 — And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;

Humanity is against Us

Porters

-- WARD

To "keep the ward" is to observe the regular times and seasons of sacrifice and thanksgiving. — Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

John 10:1-3 — Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

THERE IS NO OTHER HAND"

Psalm 84:10 — For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

A Bible Study Method

A Bible Study Method

If I am going to do more than nibble at the truth, then I am going to need a Bible study method. Search, study, learn, read, seek, receive the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 :STUDY; Deuteronomy 17:19 :READ; Isaiah 34:16 :SEEK; John 5:39 :SEARCH; Acts 17:11 :RECEIVED, SEARCHED; Romans 15:4 :LEARNING

Studying by topic: like "Church Customs and Practices Inspired by Scripture":

Verse By Verse: 1. Observe 2. Investigate 3. Apply

1. READ: Observation - What does it SAY?

2. RESEARCH: Investigation - What does it MEAN?

3. REALIZE: Application - What can I DO with it?

Danger of Never Growing Up

Song 8:9 &mdsh; If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar.

Hebrews 6 read

I. The Danger is Real

II. Stunted Growth

  1. Genetics - Genetics account for 86% of height
  2. Environment - Diet, Habits of Life (Diet in child hood is crucial to height development)

III. How Do We Grow?

1. Not Enough to Hear the Word but are we "DIGESTING IT" (Chew your food!)

3. Worship

Man's Need for God and God's Need for Man

text: James 4:1-10, vs. 7

With more frequent violence in militant Islam and battle lines drawn over doctrinal differences, religion is increasingly being blamed as

I won't try to defend religion so much tonight as combat the most dangerous inference of these statement….that, for whatever reasons, man does not NEED God.

But not only does man severly need God, but God also in another sense needs man.

2. Man's Need for God

Man is Needy (In Time of Need)

Heb 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.

How often do we face circumstances too much for us? Where can you run to?

Man Needs a Physician

Matthew 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

God is the Supplier

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

3. God's Need for Man

Why would an eternal God need anybody?

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

God's need is born not out of a shortcoming in the Divine God, but out of His LOVE for His creation.

God willingly yokes up with the repentant.

Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

He Has Born Our Need

John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

The Donkey

Matthew 21:3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

Daily Prepare to be Useful to God

Isa 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

illustrations in Scripture:

  1. Clay in the Potters Hand

Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

  1. A Trumpet to Sound Forth a Certain Sound

1Co 14:8,9 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

  1. A Nail in a Sure Place

Isa 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

  1. A Light in a Dark Place

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

Celebrating Christ's Appearing

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.

His Appearing

  1. Until His Appearing

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7

  1. Having Appeared

2 Timothy 1:10 — But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Titus 2:11-13 — For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Possibly in September which would make his conception around December 25th.

Luke 2:7 — And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  1. Day of Visitation

1 Peter 2:12; Luke 19:44

Our Celebration

John 15:11 — These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

(Let's celebrate!)

Psalm 118:24 — This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 2:11 — And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Keep the Feast

PRIORITY: "Keep the Feast" (Spiritual: Leading the Christian life of joy in Christ's finished work.)

1 Corinthians 5:7 — Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Proverbs 15:15 ¶ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The early church had times of food and fellowship much as we do today, and it seems that these times were called "love feasts."

Memorialize with Scripture

Changes Before the Rain

“God gives us a timely word that produces faith.”

Changes Before the Rain

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come form the presence of the Lord; [so there may come a season of refreshing...]

INTRODUCTION

Why doesn’t it effect us like it use to?

The rain will effect GREAT CHANGE of it’s own. But before the RAIN are also changes that are made to better receive the rain.

Correct, “I turned this camp around.” Stephen, turned himself around, the rest is up to you.

I. SOWING & BREAKING

A. BREAKING UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND

The fallow are the UNDISTURBED areas of your heart. Farmers allow land to rest so that it may become more fruitful. But a lack of attention, results in an overgrowth of thorns and weeds. (Tillable but UNTILLED)

!!! SOW NOT AMONG THORNS.

Jeremiah 4:3 break up your fallow ground, and so not among thorns ===== WHY???

- The Seed Will Produce the Will of God, thorns choke it out (God must not be moving anymore like He used to…)

- What was intended for LIFE will produce JUDGMENT. (Ananias and Sapphira)

Break up the fallow ground

Break off evil habits, clear the weeds and roots.

B. so to yourselves in righteousness

Sow Good seed

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore and be converted...

Reap in Mercy (Faith & Obedience)

III. IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD till He come…

How do we know it is time for the rain ???

Just because we set a date on a calendar for youth camp, it does not obligate God one bit to show up! It is only for God when the rain comes, but it is ours to seek HIM until He sends it!

I don’t feel anything… Do we need it? … I don’t see it … seek the LORD...

-----Sensitivity to the Spirit

- Change in pressure

- Subtle

- Some know it’s coming but most don’t

- A SOUND

1 Kings 18:41-45 (Before a rain, Elijah heard a sound!)

1 Kings 18:41 …Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

vs. 44 prepare they chariot and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

vs. 45 ...there was a great rain.

There is preaching, there is singing, there is testimony, but then there is a different sound to it when God is about to send the rain.

Ahab prepare your chariot and get thee down...

CONCLUSION

Acts 2 - What’s it look like?

Acts 1:8 - What’s it do? (dynamite power)

author: unknown

“God gives us a timely word that produces faith.”

Changes Before the Rain

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come form the presence of the Lord; [so there may come a season of refreshing...]

INTRODUCTION

Why doesn’t it effect us like it use to?

The rain will effect GREAT CHANGE of it’s own. But before the RAIN are also changes that are made to better receive the rain.

Correct, “I turned this camp around.” Stephen, turned himself around, the rest is up to you.

I. SOWING & BREAKING

A. BREAKING UP YOUR FALLOW GROUND

The fallow are the UNDISTURBED areas of your heart. Farmers allow land to rest so that it may become more fruitful. But a lack of attention, results in an overgrowth of thorns and weeds. (Tillable but UNTILLED)

!!! SOW NOT AMONG THORNS.

Jeremiah 4:3 break up your fallow ground, and so not among thorns ===== WHY???

- The Seed Will Produce the Will of God, thorns choke it out (God must not be moving anymore like He used to…)

- What was intended for LIFE will produce JUDGMENT. (Ananias and Sapphira)

Break up the fallow ground

Break off evil habits, clear the weeds and roots.

B. so to yourselves in righteousness

Sow Good seed

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore and be converted...

Reap in Mercy (Faith & Obedience)

III. IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD till He come…

How do we know it is time for the rain ???

Just because we set a date on a calendar for youth camp, it does not obligate God one bit to show up! It is only for God when the rain comes, but it is ours to seek HIM until He sends it!

I don’t feel anything… Do we need it? … I don’t see it … seek the LORD...

-----Sensitivity to the Spirit

- Change in pressure

- Subtle

- Some know it’s coming but most don’t

- A SOUND

1 Kings 18:41-45 (Before a rain, Elijah heard a sound!)

1 Kings 18:41 …Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

vs. 44 prepare they chariot and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

vs. 45 ...there was a great rain.

There is preaching, there is singing, there is testimony, but then there is a different sound to it when God is about to send the rain.

Ahab prepare your chariot and get thee down...

CONCLUSION

Acts 2 - What’s it look like?

Acts 1:8 - What’s it do? (dynamite power)

Following Jesus

“Following Jesus”

Text: Matthew 4:19; John 21:18,19

Matthew 4:19—And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

John 21:18,19–Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. _This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Follow me</span>**._


THOUGHT: Christ has made us a promise, “I will make you fishers of men” and that promise was given with a condition, “If we follow.”


INTRODUCTION

There are no quick fixes in the work of God, but long term processes instead. People can get emotionally stirred and even get caught up in the ‘spirit of the moment’, but successful soul winning requires a season of sowing, followed by the labor of reaping.

We can enter into His promise of successful soul winning only as we follow Christ thereby 1)Knowing His Word, 2)Receiving his power, and 3)maintaining our faith and confidence steadfastly in Him. This is true because following Jesus results in becoming like Jesus.

  1. PROMISE: Made a Successful Soul Winner.
  2. CONDITION: Follow Me.
  3. Know His Word
  4. Receive His Power
  5. Trust His Word
  6. He Reveals his Promise through His Word

Christ travelled throughout Galilee (Matt. 4:23) and Palestine not only healing, but preaching and teaching. Christ’s disciples, in following their master, were enlightened to the truths of the kingdom of Heaven and God’s will. They were given:

  1. A Will to Submit To – CHRIST’S WILL

  2. A Law to Obey – CHRIST’S LAW

  3. A Promise to Have Faith For – CHRIST’S PROMISE

  4. He Relays his Promise with Power

    Mt 4:23 ¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

    Lu 9:1 ¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

    Lu 10:1 ¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

  1. He Relates his Promise with Faith.

In our text, John 21:18,19, Christ gives a startling prophecy to Peter: When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

  1. Deny Reliance on Self

We could loosely restate Christ’s message to Peter as follows, “Peter, You are young and strong now, but later it is not going to be so. You cannot place your confidence in your own strength because, as a matter of fact, it is going to fail you. Follow me, Peter, and I will make you and teach you to be strong when you are weak.”

…when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

  1. Place Hope in Christ
  1. Maintain Confidence in God’s Word.

He has promised to make those that follow Him effective witnesses. That is, witnesses with a real experience. This experience you will never forget and will win others.

The Liberty to be Christian

20190707

20190707-the-liberty-to-be-christian

The Liberty to Be Christian

1. The Bible's Influence in REASON

Founding Documents have the source of their ideas in the Bible -- rooted in Scripture. Over 100 Colonial Constitutions and Compacts written affirm depends on and authority of God, Jesus and the Bible. Many default to Scripture "if there be any lack of ordinance".

The Political ideas of 1760-1865 most quoted source was the Bible (34%). The majority sources (85%) where that of Biblically Informed and/or Christian scholars: Blackstone, Locke, Montesque.

1970's book "The Light and the Glory", by Peter Marshall Jr. and David Manuel (Did God have a plan for America). "U. S. had originated as a Christian nation, had had a special calling from God to be a light to the world, and had fallen away from God, forgetting the Lord’s “definite and extremely demanding plan for America.”"

2. The Bible's Influence in FOUNDING DOCUMENTS

The FORM of government set forth in the Constitution is harmony with God's view of man in the Bible: Man is a Sinner and Prone to Sin

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Thomas Jefferson explained the constitution acts as a chain to bind down the power of men. The U.S. Constitution is is regarded as the oldest written and codified national constitution in force. A Major part of the content of US Constitution is the LIMITATION and SEPARATION OF POWER.

7 Original articles gave the FRAME of government -- Articles 1-3 describe the 3 branches of government.

  1. LEGISLATIVE - bicameral Congress: Senate and the House (Article One) -- CREATES THE LAW
  2. EXECUTIVE - president (Article Two) -- CARRIES OUT THE LAW
  3. JUDICIAL - Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article Three) -- INTERPRETS THE LAW
  4. Articles Four, Five, and Six embody concepts of federalism describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the states in relationship to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment.
  5. Article Seven establishes the procedure used by the thirteen States to ratify it.

SUPREME COURT - In an 1892 Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, justice DAVID JOSIAH Brewer stated that America is a "Christian nation".

These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation. 143 U.S. 457 (1892)[3]

In a 1905 book titled: The United States: A Christian Nation, Brewer explained further:

But in what sense can it be called a Christian nation? Not in the sense that Christianity is the established religion or that people are in any matter compelled to support it. On the contrary, the Constitution specifically provides that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Neither is it Christian in the sense that all of its citizens are either in fact or name Christian. On the contrary, all religions have free scope within our borders. Numbers of our people profess other religions, and many reject all. Nor is it Christian in the sense that a profession of Christianity is a condition of holding office or otherwise engaging in public service, or essential to recognition either politically or socially. In fact, the government as a legal organization is independent of all religions. Nevertheless, we constantly speak of this republic as a Christian Nation—in fact, as the leading Christian Nation of the world. This popular use of the term certainly has significance. It is not a mere creation of the imagination. It is not a term of derision but has substantial basis—one which justifies its use.

3. The Bible's Influence on FOUNDING FATHERS

Who were the FOUNDING FATHERS?: There’s no official consensus on who should be considered a Founding Father. On the whole, though, it’s applied to those leaders who initiated the Revolutionary War and framed the Constitution. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Samuel Adams, John Jay, John Hancock, Joseph Warren, Nathanael Greene, etc.. <<Historian Thomas Fleming: "I find the term Founding Fathers trite. The Founding Generation did not view the "founding fathers" as we do. Adams was despised by half the people, Jefferson by the other half. At first, the men Americans most venerated were military heroes, Washington of course, and many local favorites: in New England, Old Put, the Fighting Quaker, Henry Knox, and the martyred Joseph Warren; in the South, Lighthorse Harry, the Swamp Fox, the Carolina Gamecock. Then, with Jefferson’s ascent to power and the politically inspired veneration of the Declaration of Independence, the 56 “signers.” Not until the 50th Jubilee, when both Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, did Americans begin to feature the small crew we know today.>>

Toward mid-century, The Great Awakening swept the English-speaking world, as religious energy vibrated between England, Wales, Scotland and the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s. In America, the Awakening signaled the advent of an encompassing evangelicalism--the belief that the essence of religious experience was the "new birth," inspired by the preaching of the Word. It invigorated even as it divided churches. The supporters of the Awakening and its evangelical thrust--Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists--became the largest American Protestant denominations by the first decades of the nineteenth century. Opponents of the Awakening or those split by it--Anglicans, Quakers, and Congregationalists--were left behind.

Another religious movement that was the antithesis of evangelicalism made its appearance in the eighteenth century. Deism, which emphasized morality and rejected the orthodox Christian view of the divinity of Christ, found advocates among upper-class Americans. Conspicuous among them were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Deists, never more than "a minority within a minority," were submerged by evangelicalism in the nineteenth century.

DEISM: the religion of nature -- religious truth should be subject to the authority of human reason rather than divine revelation. . In his widely read The Age of Reason, Thomas Paine, the principal American exponent of Deism, called Christianity “a fable.” Paine, the protégé of Benjamin Franklin, denied “that the Almighty ever did communicate anything to man, by…speech,…language, or…vision.”

Whatever their beliefs, the Founders came from similar religious backgrounds. Most were Protestants. The largest number were raised in the three largest Christian traditions of colonial America—

  1. Anglicanism (as in the cases of John Jay, George Washington, and Edward Rutledge),
  2. Presbyterianism (as in the cases of Richard Stockton and the Rev. John Witherspoon), and
  3. Congregationalism) (as in the cases of John Adams and Samuel Adams).
  4. Other Protestant groups included the Society of Friends (Quakers), the Lutherans, and the Dutch Reformed. Three Founders—Charles Carroll and Daniel Carroll of Maryland and Thomas Fitzsimmons of Pennsylvania—were of Roman Catholic heritage.
  5. Most were baptized, listed on church rolls, married to practicing Christians, and frequent or at least sporadic attenders of services of Christian worship. In public statements, most invoked divine assistance.

The Great Awakening (Mid-17th Century to 18th Century)

Churches in eighteenth-century America came in all sizes and shapes, from the plain, modest buildings in newly settled rural areas to elegant edifices in the prosperous cities on the eastern seaboard. Churches reflected the customs and traditions as well as the wealth and social status of the denominations that built them. Hence, a new Anglican Church in rural Goose Creek, South Carolina, was fitted out with an impressive wood-carved pulpit, while a fledgling Baptist Church in rural Virginia had only the bare essentials. German churches contained features unknown in English ones.

The fundamental premise of evangelicalism is the conversion of individuals from a state of sin to a "new birth" through preaching of the Word. (John 3)

The first generation of New England Puritans required that church members undergo a conversion experience that they could describe publicly. During the first decades of the eighteenth century in the Connecticut River Valley a series of local "awakenings" began. By the 1730s they had spread into what was interpreted as a general outpouring of the Spirit that bathed the American colonies, England, Wales, and Scotland. In mass open-air revivals powerful preachers like George Whitefield brought thousands of souls to the new birth. The Great Awakening, which had spent its force in New England by the mid-1740s, split the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches into supporters--called "New Lights" and "New Side"--and opponents--the "Old Lights" and "Old Side." Many New England New Lights became Separate Baptists. Together with New Side Presbyterians (eventually reunited on their own terms with the Old Side) they carried the Great Awakening into the southern colonies, igniting a series of the revivals that lasted well into the nineteenth century.

George Whitefield (1714-1770) was ordained in the Church of England, with which he was constantly at odds. Whitefield became a sensation throughout England, preaching to huge audiences. In 1738 he made the first of seven visits to the America, where he gained such popular stature that he was compared to George Washington. Whitefield's preaching tour of the colonies, from 1739 to 1741, was the high-water mark of the Great Awakening there. A sermon in Boston attracted as many as 30,000 people.

George Whitefield used a collapsible field pulpit for open-air preaching because the doors of many churches were closed to him. The first recorded use of the pulpit was at Moorsfield, England, April 9, 1742, where Whitefield preached to a crowd estimated at "twenty or thirty thousand people." Members of the audience who had come to the park for more frivolous pursuits showered the evangelist with "stones, rotten eggs and pieces of dead cat" Nothing daunted, and he won many converts. It is estimated that Whitefield preached two thousand sermons from his field pulpit.

The Revival of Northampton Jonathan Edwards's( account of a revival in his own church at Northampton, Massachusetts, and in neighboring churches in the Connecticut Valley was considered a portent of major spiritual developments throughout the British Empire. Consequently, his Narrative was first published in London in 1737 with an introduction by two leading English evangelical ministers, Isaac Watts, the famous hymnist, and John Guyse. In their introduction the two divines said that "never did we hear or read, since the first Ages of Christianity, any Event of this Kind so surprising as the present Narrative hath set before us."

Jonathan Edward's Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was not representative of his vast theological output, which contains some of the most learned and profound religious works ever written by an American. Like most evangelical preachers during the Great Awakening, Edwards employed the fear of divine punishment to bring his audiences to repentance.

Gilbert Tennent

Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764) was the Presbyterian leader of the Great Awakening in the Middle Colonies. Upon George Whitefield's departure from the colonies in 1741, he deputized his friend Tennent to come from New Jersey to New England to "blow up the divine fire lately kindled there." Despite being ridiculed as "an awkward and ridiculous Ape of Whitefield," Tennent managed to keep the revival going until 1742.

4. Evidences

The Debate and confusion at present regarding the faith of the founding fathers is due in part to this aspect of their lives not being taught in schools anymore.

An 1848 textbook, in use for decades, was titled Signers of the Declaration of Independence. It included a biography of each of the signers of the 1776 document declaring separation from Britain, openly discussing the Christian beliefs and faith of many of them.

Conclusion

Ps 119:45 ¶ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 2 Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Ga 5:13 ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Safeguarding Our Espousal

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

2 Cor. 11:1-4—Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

INTRODUCTION

1. The ministry and responsiblities of the FAMILY/BODY towards his members.

2. Jewish Wedding

- 3 Stages: 1) Match Making 2) Bethrothal (1 year) 3) Consumation (week long)
- PRICE PAID
- [MOHAR] Father of groom paid "Dowry" / "BRIDAL PRICE" / "PURCHASE PRICE OF THE BRIDE" to father of the Bride <<< This Price is logical as the marriage was not view merely as an agreement between 2 individuals but between 2 families. <<< the newly married man did not found a new home for himself but occupied a "NOOK" in his father's house. So the groom's family GAINED and the bride's family lost a valuable household member. (no suggesting of slavery here.)
- [MATTAN] Gifts given by the groom to the Bride in addition to the MOHAR.
- It became customary for a "GOOD FATHER" to give the whole or at least part of the MOHAR to his daughter. If he didn't he was viewed as unkind and harsh.
- at Betrothal contract was signed
- IN RECEIVING THESE GIFTS WAS A LEGAL RESPONSIBIILTY
- "PUTTING AWAY and WRITING OF DIVORCEMENT"

3. THERE ARE UNDERCURRENTS OF DECEPTION (UNDERMINING OF THE WORK OF GOD)

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (clean, innocent, perfect, pure) 6:1 “Workers Together” 9:2 “Boasted of your zeal in Macedonia” (visited twice and making 3rd trip) What defenses do we have against deception? Deuteronomy 11:16—Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived…

I. Family Meeting (the spirit Paul presents with in our text)

2 Cor. 11:1,2—Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

II. BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF DECEPTION

THE DANGERS ARE REAL & ARE MANY

3 But I fear, lest by any means, 2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 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. 🡪AS LOOSE AND CARELESS AS WE ARE, THE DANGER IS EVER SO REAL.

THE DANGERS ARE SUBTLE

II. GLORY IN THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (CORRUPT—PINE AWAY, WITHER) (Simplicity –completeness, singleness, purity) 1 Cor 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Satan makes additions to our godly profession that he might draw our attention away from Christ. --though eve was beguiled 1. (v. t.) To delude 3. to while away; to divert.

  1. works to our justification, Faith without works ( which stinks, dead! James 2:20)
  2. exceptions to our love
  3. detours to our walk
  4. dogma to our doctrine(such a stronghold)
  5. darkness to our light joy peace Matthew 6:23 ... the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! ( I Peter 2:9 Out of darkness into his marvelous light)
  6. distractions to our mission

IV. DON’T BE SO QUICK TO CHASE AFTER ANOTHER (ESPOUSED TO ONE)

1. Another PREACHER, JESUS

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

know them which labor among us : Paul makes a directly personal plea to the Corinthians -to the flock not elders as Tim Titus revelation etc --substance or style??? Tho I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge rood: Not "impolite" in English Versions of the Bible ( 2 Corinthians 11:6 (idiotes, `though I lack technical training in rhetoric') --accepted in god or exceptional? Not a whit behind ... Gods ministers are some of his gifts to the church eph 4:12,13... Do we appreciate them and honor properly --heart or hirelings?? 2 Corinthians 12:15 Will gladly spend and be spent for you! 2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy...

2. ANOTHER SPIRIT

3. ANOTHER GOSPEL

Study the word of god --REALstudy of what is there instead of what you want to be told or have been told only looking for confirmation of your preconceptions. Real study allows the word to speak for itself. 🡪READ, STUDY, MEDITATE, MEMORIZE, BELIEVE

Safeguarded from Error

TITLE: Safeguarding Your Espousal (Safeguarded from Error)

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

2 Cor. 11:1-4—_Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him._

INTRODUCTION

  1. **THERE IS AN ELEMENT FIGHTING AGAINST PAUL **

    2 Cor. 11:1,2—_Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. _

  1. THERE ARE UNDERCURRECTS OF DECEPTION (UNDERMINING OF THE WORK OF GOD)

    2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (clean, innocent, perfect, pure)

  1. BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF DECEPTION
  2. THE DANGERS ARE REAL & ARE MANY

3 But I fear, lest by any means,

2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

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.

🡪AS LOOSE AND CARELESS AS WE ARE, THE DANGER IS EVER SO REAL.

  1. THE DANGERS ARE SUBTLE

🡪VULNERABILITY OF THE FLESH AND CARNAL MIND

🡪SO OFTEN IT IS WHAT THE DEVIL LEAVES OUT IN HIS OFFER THAT WILL DESTROY US.

-New Age Bible Versions: 1) I John 5:7 omitted 2)Phil. 4:13 “Christ” replaced “him”

-“The big print giveth, the small print taketh away!”

🡪MUST WATCH & PRAY!

  1. GLORY IN THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (CORRUPT—PINE AWAY, WITHER) (Simplicity –completeness, singleness, purity)

1 Cor 2:2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

  1. DON’T BE SO QUICK TO CHASE AFTER ANOTHER (ESPOUSED TO ONE)
  2. Another PREACHER, JESUS

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

know them which labor among us : Paul makes a directly personal plea to the Corinthians
-to the flock not elders as Tim Titus revelation etc \

--substance or style???

Tho I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge \

rood: Not "impolite" in English Versions of the Bible ( 2 Corinthians 11:6 (idiotes, `though I lack technical training in rhetoric')

--**accepted in god or exceptional?** Not a whit behind ... Gods ministers are some of his gifts to the church eph 4:12,13... Do we appreciate them and honor properly


--**heart or hirelings**?? \

2 Corinthians 12:15 Will gladly spend and be spent for you!

2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy... \
  1. ANOTHER SPIRIT
  2. ANOTHER GOSPEL

Study the word of god
--REALstudy of what is there instead of what you want to be told or have been told only looking for confirmation of your preconceptions. Real study allows the word to speak for itself.
🡪READ, STUDY, MEDITATE, MEMORIZE, BELIEVE

Youth Camp Thoughts

Youth Camp

Difference: Commands, statutes, principles, spirit of the rule Modest attire Entertainment - tv - movies - games Church involvement Standards of living Pertain to Male/female - distinction Sexual purity (important to God) Sanctification - practical holiness - godliness- Sacred Things - life, body, worship/service to God, - some things are sacred - how to handle sacred things? Music Is there a list or formula? Jow to live in a pleasing way to God? And walk in a deeper way. Essentials to drawing near to God. How to please God. A method? Guy

1 thessalonians 4 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. Holiness vs righteousness How now shall we live Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Ezekiel 33:10 KJV Live godly in this present world

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:12 KJV Ask for the old path 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. Jeremiah 6:16 KJV Holiness/Sanctification: set apart from the profane and set apart for Gods use. Examples of practical holiness in bible: Hobbes is A topic that a lot could be said without saying practical .. practical holiness Psalm 86:11 Without holiness no man shall see God The challenges of faith in modern life "Holiness is something we DO" What are the best practices of living as a Christian? Pope Francis -- Needless to say, anything done out of anxiety, pride or the need to impress others will not lead to holiness. (28) Quietness and holiness- prayer and action

Walls Gates and Our Banner

[Walls Gates and Our Banner

The Consecrated Life

The consecrated Life

Christian duties … reasonable service … should be the rule and not the exception … the Christian ideals

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8. Rejoicing in hope

9. Patient in tribulation

10. Continuing instant in prayer

11. Distribution to the needs of saints … give where there is need … hospitality

12.

Christmas: How Do You Rejoice at His Birth?

Luke 1:14 — And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Introduction

How do you rejoice at His Birth? If you don't at all, you are missing out. The Holy Bible may not command a holiday to made to the birth of Christ, but an event as wonderful as the first coming of Son of God has from the beginning inspired joy and cause for celebration.

Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Not as a command but as a matter of personal, spontaneous worship, how do you rejoice at his birth?

  1. I Rejoice at His Birth with the Word of God
  2. I Rejoice at His Birth with Meaningful Traditions
  3. I Rejoice at His Birth with Singing

1. I Rejoice at His Birth with the Word of God

A. I revel in reminding myself what the Bible does tell us, instead of brooding over what it does not say.

1. The Messiah would come from the line of Abraham. Prophecy: Genesis 12:3. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1.

2. The Messiah's mother would be a virgin. Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:18–23.

Matthew 1:18 — Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

3. The Messiah would be a descendent of Isaac and Jacob. Prophecy: Genesis 17:19 and Numbers 24:17. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:2.

4. The Messiah would be born in the town Bethlehem. Prophecy: Micah 5:2. Fulfilled: Luke 2:1–7.

5. The Messiah would be called out of Egypt. Prophecy: Hosea 11:1. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:13–15.

6. The Messiah would would be a member of the tribe of Judah. Prophecy: Genesis 49:10. Fulfilled: Luke 3:33.

7. Jesus will enter the temple. This is important because the temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 and was never rebuilt. Prophecy: Malachi 3:1. Fulfilled: Luke 2:25–27.

8. The Messiah would be from the lineage of King David. Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:6.

9. The Messiah's birth would be accompanied with great suffering and sorrow. Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:16.

Mattthew 2:16 — Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men._

10. Jesus will live a perfect life, die by crucifixion, resurrect from death, ascend into heaven, and sit at the right hand of God. Prophecies: Psalm 22:16; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1. Fulfilled: 1 Peter 2:21–22; Luke 23:33; Acts 2:25–32; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3.

B. I like to re-examine assumptions, pressuppositions and separate the myths from the truths.

As a curiosity, there are some common misconsceptions about Christ's birth that I like to review, and I'm always on the lookout for more!

  1. "Were there Wisemen at the Stable?" The wisemen, it would seem, appear 2-3 years later AFTER the Nativity and were not present that night at all. The shepherds came to the manger (Luke 2:8-10), but not the wise men who came to Joseph's house.

  2. Christmas on December 25th  Jesus was almost definitely not born on December 25 and this glorious event may not have been associated with winter at all for hundreds of years following. (Christ's birth was elebrated about 250 AD in the Spring and on December about 325 AD ) December 25th had importance to pagans, it has since been hi-jacked successfully and used to celebrate Christ’s birth by many Christians.

What's in a day? It is great fun to consider all the different guesses and what possibilites lie behind each one.

- December 25, is used today by most people in the Western Hemisphere.
- Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.
- A deep dive the Biblical text has led some to conclude it was during September or October that Jesus was born.
- Some hypothesize it was in the Spring He was born.

  1. "Mary wanted to spend the night at an inn, but there were no "motel rooms" available because the inn was full." It was much more common for some homes to have a 'guest chamber' than it would be to find something akin to Motel 6. There was no space (room) in the "upper room" of a private house because other family members had got there first. The 'inn' in Luke 2:7 (as in Mark 14:14) was not a public inn, motel, hotel etc. but a 'guest chamber'.

  2. "Mary remained a virgin until the day of her death." If Matthew 13:55,56, is to be understood as the literal "brothers" and "sisters" of Jesus, then Mary and Joseph had many other children.

  3. "They spent the night in a separate building like a barn where the animals were kept." There was no room on the upper floor of the house so they spent the night on the main floor of the house where the animals were kept inside the house. Most ancient Jewish houses had a common area on the main floor, including a manger where animals ate and slept at night, and an upper room where everyone slept. It is possible that there was a separate barn, but this would often be attached to the house directly.

  4. "There were three wise men." There were three gifts, gold frankincense and myrrh. There may have been 10 wise men, we don’t know, but each of them likely brought some gold frankincense and myrrh. Since these were common currency items of value, each wise man, regardless of the actual number, may have brought a little of all three of these gifts.

  5. "The star of Bethlehem shone over the manger only on the night Jesus was born." The wisemen were able to follow the star all the way to Jerusalem.

c. I read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2 particularly with my family.

Reading the Scripture with others is an awesome way to witness to the testimony of Scripture. Reading together what the Scriptures say helps us to see among other things where our traditions may or may not harmonize with the Bible.

2. I Rejoice at His Birth with Meaningful Traditions

a. What the Bible says about Tradition

There are both negatives and positives when it comes to tradition. The Bible speaks to us on both fronts.

1. Negative Side

Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? [‘when prioritized before the commands of God.’]

Col 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. [‘when the only reason is everyone is doing it’]

Some traditions are dangerous in a physical sense. Here are some examples of "Dangerous Traditions":

  1. New Year’s Eve Dive Each year, hundreds of Dutch make their way to the beach at Scheveningen, and charge into the freezing waters for the traditional New Year’s Dive.

  2. December is filled with occult practices across the world and history.

  3. Baby Dropping (Muslims in the India line up to drop their babies off a 15 meter tower in a shrine, catching them in a white sheet. The ritual, which has taken place for more than 500 years, is believed to make the children grow up healthy and strong. The Muslims claim there have never been any injuries during this ritual! )

  4. Fireworks Battle (In Greece in celebration of Easter, two Orthodox churches face each other, firing fireworks!)

  5. Christmas Trees (During 2003-2006, 240 homes fires per year took place, all of which started due to a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average 16 people died because of the fire, and 25 were injured each year. Christmas tree fires are rare, but when they do happen, they are usually catastrophic.)

Some traditions are dangerous in a spiritual sense, as they are not grounded in a Scriptural precedent they may be misleading concerning Spiritual truths.

1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [when concerning matters of the soul, tradition is merely temporal, limited, (carnal)]

  1. Positive Side

There is a positive side to tradition as well and Christian history is rich with examples of these practices that howbeit are not essential to salvation but still are filled to the brim with meaning, value and sacredness to those who practice them.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. [“A GODLY EXAMPLE”]

Joshua 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? ["A Memorial to all generations of the Grace and Glory of God!"]

The traditions we keep, if done right, can serve as memorial stones and illustrations of the truths of God's Word. When it comes to tradition it is most effective when we can teach the next generation, "Why we do, what we do."

3. I Rejoice at His Birth with Singing

Isa 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens**; for the LORD hath done it**: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. <<HE’S DONE IT!!!>>

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

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

a. Psalms -

Literally, a psalm is a poem written to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. Sing the words of Scripture and take them as our pattern for other lyrics.

b. Hymns – (Carols) - Carol “dance in a ring” “song of joy” (around 1500) “Christmas Hymn of Joy”

In the Greek and Roman empires leading up to the time of the New Testament, hymns were sung in praise of heroes and gods. Hymns would not be foreign to these gentiles who were in the habit of celebrating the victories of their generals or exalting their false gods with "hymns".

Christians purposed the hymn for sacred use, and used them as songs of praise to one God of the Bible. The character of these "Christian hymns" puzzled the Romans. In 112 AD, when Pliny, a governor in Bythinia, wrote to Emperor Trajan, asking for advice on how to handle the rising number of Christians in the realm, he commented that the Christians were observed singing “a hymn to Christ as to a god.” In his mind hymns were songs for heroes and champions, not for one shamefully crucified on a cross! GLORY TO GOD!

In our modern time, I tend to think of "the classics" when I talk about Hymns. Some of my favorites are:

If you like good hymn stories, check this article out: Beloved Christmas Carols and the True Stories Behind Them

c. Spiritual Songs –

The term "song" is a generic term in Greek meaning all kinds of songs. Paul added the descriptive "spiritual" to narrow its meaning. Not all music is composed for worship or should be used for worship. I think of spiritual songs as being personal, testimonial, and maybe even simple songs whose object is the glory of God.

Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

One of my great joys of the Christmas season is learning about a song I've never heard of before. Sometimes when so inspired, I like to put to pen an original poem and song about my Savior who died for me. Maybe you could write a spiritual song memorializing Jesus Christ and sing it!

Conclusion

How about you? How do you, if at all, rejoice at His Birth?

For More Information

The Remembrance of His Holiness

Psalm 30:4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. pk Our worship is in Spirit and in Truth Saints singing and giving thanks

Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

O ye saints of his His Saints His Holiness

1Ch 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: Ps 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Cross-bearing and self-denial are in the doctrine of holiness

1Co 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.

1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Ps 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. Ps 48:1 ¶ <> Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Ps 60:6 ¶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Ps 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. } Ps 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Jer 23:9 ¶ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. Am 4:2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

His Holiness is Pure His Holiness is Perfect His Holiness is Powerful His Holiness is Beautiful

1Ch 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 2Ch 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. Ps 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Ps 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

His Holiness is Eternal

His Holiness inspires our faith Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

His Holiness challengers, not to condemn but to change. His Holiness commands our love. His Holiness does not repel but attracts.

Christ’s Holiness must be Remembered, Christ’s Holiness must be Preached Christ’s Holiness must be Received Christ’s Holiness must be Lived

2Co 7:1 ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Heb 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Christ’s Holiness must be A Call to Separation 2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The Christian is not of this world

John 17:17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

There are two great currents of influence in the world.

The indwelling, inward working, outward manifestation of the life and holiness of God Separate from the indwelling inward working, outward death and destruction of Satan The separated believer living for God, received by God and the unseparated believer living for self, rejected by God. Task of the Gospel and task of the world Good and evil Righteousness and unrighteousness Light and darkness Faith and sin Clean and unclean, filthy Spirit of Truth and a spirit of error Christ and the devil Believer and unbeliever- infidel The Holy Ghost and the spirit of the world Temple of God and Idols Perfect Holiness and the filthiness of the flesh, worldliness The church and the world The Christian and the sinner Witnesses of Christ to continue His work and the work of the devil.

Severed, cut off, disassociated, separated, get away from the influence of the world

1John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

HOLINESS IS ATTAINED BY FAITH I. Run to Gain the Prize a. Everyone must run to gain the prize, b. Most believe just grace and that (there is no need to exercise faith diligently to gain the prize)
RUN to Him in worship for His Holiness and in His –Righteousness – understanding - knowledge Salvation is a gift- that cannot be earned. This prize is Christ – like character; only earned by running according to the rules to win the prize. There are conditions that have to be met in order to win. I Cor. 9: 24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Phil. 3: 14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He has produced what we couldn’t – (now run in obedience)

2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
II Tim. 2: 5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” “Nomimos” – “Lawfully” – agreeable, contending and achieving according to the rules. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 10 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Heb 12:1 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. 1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. II. Fight the Good Fight of Faith I Tim. 6: 12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” a. You must Fight the Good Fight of Faith to be an overcomer.
There are forces that will fight against the believer, and for the believer to be an overcomer they must fight to keep what has been given to them by grace through faith.
b. This is a fight of faith. II Cor. 10: 4 “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” Eph. 6: 12, 13
III. Live the Life a. Live life conformed to the Word of God, b. Live life conformed to the image of Christ.
Matt. 7: 21 “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” Tit1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Jas. 1: 22 “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” IV. Make no Provision for the Flesh Flesh struggles desperately hard to survive in the best of men, but with the help of the Holy Spirit the flesh can, and will be overcome. The more of Christ that the believer has in his life, the less the flesh will rule. Rom. 13: 14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” V. Perfect Holiness a. Perfect holiness-visible evidence in conduct b. Perfect holiness-visible evidence in character II Cor.7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This is not perfecting holiness in order to be saved; but because the believer has been saved. Therefore, cleanse yourself “...from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This is not something that we do in ourselves only, as Paul said in Phillipians, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phil. 2: 12, 13) God made great promises and provisions for the believer. We can achieve all that God requires and promises through accepting and acting upon them by faith. II Pet. 1: 4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature...” VI. Crucify the Flesh a. Flesh has to be crucified, b. Flesh cannot reign in the life of the overcomer. Gal. 5: 24 “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Rom. 6: 12 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Rom. 6: 16 –18
“his servants ye are to whom ye obey;” “obedience unto righteousness” II Cor. 4: 10 -11
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Following Christ and continuing to seek after the excellency of the knowledge of Him—continuing to seek to know Him more and more. VII. Follow the Leading of the Spirit a. Know the voice of God b. Follow His leading. Rom. 8: 14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (huios) of God.” Jesus said in Jn. 10: 27 “My sheep (“Probaton” – advanced in years – distinct from “Arnia” lambs) hear My voice, and I know them, and they (the mature sheep) follow Me.” Jn. 10: 4, 5 “And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” Rev. 14: 4 “...These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth...”

Importance of the Resurrection

Ro 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

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

  1. Christ’s Death & Resurrection was God’s Perfect Design for Redemption of Mankind

(near Caesarea Philippi) Mt 16:21-28; Mr 8:31-38; 9:1; Lu 9:22-27

(in Galilee) Mt 17:22,23; Mr 9:30-32; Lu 9:43-45

  1. Christ’s Death—Where was Jesus’ Spirit while His Body was in the grave?

KEY: Matthew 27 & 28, Mark 15 &16, Luke 23 &24, and John 19 & 20 do not give much details if any concerning the period of time that Christ’s spirit was separated from His Body. The EMPHASIS in these passages is the DEATH of CHRIST and the RESURRECTION of CHRIST. We must maintain the SAME EMPHASIS.

Because of the apparent mystery of this period (because of his secondary importance) much false doctrine has been concocted concerning it.

_Word of Faith theology has completely rewritten and redefined the atonement. _(Popularized by the modern leaders of the Faith Movement, especially Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin.) The Word of Faith movement’s doctrine of the visit of Christ to Hell is a full-scale attack on the efficacy of the Cross. In their version, Christ dies spiritually on the Cross as well as physically, and is transported to Hell to be tormented by demonic forces for three days as a final payment on the atonement. Jesus is abused by demons for three days, and wanders around hell in disgrace as a kind of “wormy, washed-up shell of a spirit,” until God allows Him to speak the “faith word” and overcome His enemies. “Jesus is “born again” in Hell”. <<John 19:30—“It is finished.” Atonement was COMPLETE.>>

No Where in Scripture is it said or inferred that the devil had the keys of ‘death and hell.’ God has always been in possession of them!

Revelation 1:18--_I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death._

  1. Arises from the dead (just outside Jerusalem)

            Mt 28:2-15; Mr 16:1-11; Lu 24:1-12; Joh 20:1-18
  1. Too Important not have been Witnessed by Many! God left nothing to chance or mystery concerning the fact of Christ’s resurrection.Those Who Saw Jesus After He Resurrected:
  2. Mary Magdalene (first evangelists of the resurrection!)** Luke 24:1-11**
  3. Appears to two disciples who journey to the village of Emmaus** Luke 24:13-3**5
  4. Is seen by Peter (near Jerusalem) Luke 24:34
  5. Appears in the midst of the disciples, when Thomas was absent (in Jerusalem)** Luke 24:36-49**
  6. Appears to his disciples, when Thomas was present (in Jerusalem) John 20:26-29
  7. Appears to his disciples at Lake Galilee** Mt 28:16**
  8. Appears to the apostles and more than five-hundred followers on a mountain in Galilee** Mt 28:16-20**
  9. Appears to James and also to all the apostles (in Jerusalem**) Acts 1:3-8**
  10. Appears to Paul (on the road to Damascus) Acts 9:3-17
  11. Appears to the Apostle John (on Patmos Island)** Revelation 1:10-18**
  12. The resurrection was the seal that He Keeps His Promises. HE WILL RETURN and judge this world. The resurrection is the seal of authenticity of the GOSPEL.

1Co 15:12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Celebrating Christ's Appearing

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.

His Appearing

  1. Until His Appearing

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7

  1. Having Appeared

2 Timothy 1:10 — But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Titus 2:11-13 — For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Possibly in September which would make his conception around December 25th.

Luke 2:7 — And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  1. Day of Visitation

1 Peter 2:12; Luke 19:44

Our Celebration

John 15:11 — These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

(Let's celebrate!)

Psalm 118:24 — This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 2:11 — And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Keep the Feast

PRIORITY: "Keep the Feast" (Spiritual: Leading the Christian life of joy in Christ's finished work.)

1 Corinthians 5:7 — Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Proverbs 15:15 ¶ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The early church had times of food and fellowship much as we do today, and it seems that these times were called "love feasts."

Memorialize with Scripture

Christmas Lesson 2021

Celebrate Christ's Appearing

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.

I. His Appearing

  1. Until His Appearing

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7

  1. Having Appeared

2 Timothy 1:10 — But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Titus 2:11-13 — For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Possibly in September which would make his conception around December 25th.

Luke 2:7 — And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  1. Day of Visitation

1 Peter 2:12; Luke 19:44

II. Our Celebration

John 15:11 — These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

(Let's celebrate!)

Psalm 118:24 — This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 2:11 — And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

III. Keep the Feast

PRIORITY: "Keep the Feast" (Spiritual: Leading the Christian life of joy in Christ's finished work.)

1 Corinthians 5:7 — Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Proverbs 15:15 ¶ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The early church had times of food and fellowship much as we do today, and it seems that these times were called "love feasts."

IV. Memorialize with Scripture

IV. How Do You Rejoice at His Birth?

Luke 2:8-14 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I READ: << TRUTH: The scriptures do not tell us to celebrate the birth of Christ but to celebrate His death... and not once a year at "Easter" but every Sunday through the Lord's Supper. (Acts 20:7) >>

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

  1. Rejoice with the Word

1. Jesus will come from the line of Abraham. Prophecy: Genesis 12:3. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1.

2. Jesus’ mother will be a virgin. Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:18–23.

Mary & Joseph -- Mt 1:18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

3. Jesus will be a descendent of Isaac and Jacob. Prophecy: Genesis 17:19 and Numbers 24:17. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:2.

4. Jesus will be born in the town Bethlehem. Prophecy: Micah 5:2. Fulfilled: Luke 2:1–7.

5. Jesus will be called out of Egypt. Prophecy: Hosea 11:1. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:13–15.

6. Jesus will be a member of the tribe of Judah. Prophecy: Genesis 49:10. Fulfilled: Luke 3:33.

7. Jesus will enter the temple. This is important because the temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 and was never rebuilt. Prophecy: Malachi 3:1. Fulfilled: Luke 2:25–27.

8. Jesus will be from the lineage of King David. Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:6.

9. Jesus’ birth will be accompanied with great suffering and sorrow. Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:16.

Mt 2:16 ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men._

10. Jesus will live a perfect life, die by crucifixion, **resurrect **from death, ascend into heaven, and sit at the right hand of God. Prophecies: Psalm 22:16; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1. Fulfilled: 1 Peter 2:21–22; Luke 23:33; Acts 2:25–32; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3.

  1. Rejoice with Traditions

  2. What the Bible says about Tradition

  3. Negative Side

Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? [‘when prioritized before the commands of God.’]

Col 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. [‘when the only reason is everyone is doing it’]

ILLUSTRATION: Dangerous Traditions—

  1. New Year’s Eve Dive (Siberia Russia)
  2. Baby Dropping (Muslims in the India line up to drop their babies off a 15 meter tower in a shrine, catching them in a white sheet. The ritual, which has taken place for more than 500 years, is believed to make the children grow up healthy and strong. The Muslims claim there have never been any injuries during this ritual )
  3. **Fireworks Battle **(Greece two churches face firing fireworks at each other!)
  4. Christmas Trees (during 2003-2006, 240 homes fires per year took place, all of which started due to a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average 16 people died because of the fire, and 25 were injured each year. Christmas tree fires are rare, but when they do happen, they are usually catastrophic.)

1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [when concerning matters of the soul tradition is merely temporal, limited, (carnal)]

  1. Positive Side

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. [“A GODLY EXAMPLE”]

Jos 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? () [“A Memorial to all generations of Grace and Glory of God!”]

  1. “Caroling”

[PEW RESEARCH] About 16% of Americans say they go caroling, (32% said they did as children).

  1. “Decorating”

Homes, clothes, tree

  1. Rejoice with Singing

    Isa 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens**; for the LORD hath done it**: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. <<HE’S DONE IT!!!>>

    Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

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

    Psalms -

    Literally a psalm is a poem written to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. Sing the words of Scripture and take them as our pattern.

    Hymns – (Carols) - Carol “dance in a ring” “song of joy” (around 1500) “Christmas Hymn of Joy”

    Hymn was a term that would have been especially familiar to the Gentiles. In the Greek and Roman empires leading up to the time of the New Testament, hymns were sung in praise of heroes and gods. People would celebrate the military victories of great generals and exalt the false gods of mythology in hymns. But as the gospel swept across the known world, the church transformed the hymn into a song in praise to the one true God. Its transformation astounded the Romans. In 112 when Pliny, a governor in Bythinia, wrote to Emperor Trajan, asking for advise on how to handle the rising number of Christians in the realm, he commented that the** Christians were observed singing “a hymn to Christ as to a god.” **In his mind hymns were songs for heroes and champions, not for one shamefully crucified on a cross! GLORY TO GOD!

    Spiritual Songs –

    Spiritual songs. The term song is a generic term in Greek meaning all kinds of songs. Paul added the descriptive adjective spiritual to narrow its meaning. Not all music is composed for worship or should be used for worship. (Personal, write one and sing it!)

    Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

VI. Common Misconsceptions Surrounding Christ's Birth

  1. “Wisemen at the Stable” (3 years later)

  2. Christmas on December 25th  (not until 250 AD in the Spring, 325 AD December 25th ) December 25th had importance to pagans, it has since been hijacked and used to celebrate Christ’s birth.

  3. Mary wanted to spend the night at an inn, but there were no "motel rooms" available because the inn was full. was no space (room) in the "upper room" of a private house because other family members had got there first, not a public inn, motel, hotel etc. but a ‘guest chamber’ (Mark 14:14)

  4. Mary remained a virgin until the day of her death. Mary and Joseph had many other children: (Matthew 13:55-56)

  5. They spent the night in a separate building like a barn where the animals were kept. There was no room on the upper floor of the house so they spent the night on the main floor of the house where the animals were kept inside the house. Most ancient Jewish houses had a common area on the main floor, including a manger where animals ate and slept at night, and an upper room where everyone slept. It is possible that there was a separate barn, but this would often be attached to the house directly.

  6. There were three wise men. There were three gifts, gold frankincense and myrrh. There may have been 10 wise men, we don’t know, but each of them likely brought some gold frankincense and myrrh. Since these were common currency items of value, each wise man, regardless of the actual number, brought a little of all three.

  7. The star of Bethlehem shone over the manger the night Jesus was born.

The narrative implies that Jesus was born sometime between the first appearance of the star and the appearance of the Magi at Herod's court. That the king is said to have ordered the execution of boys two years of age and

  1. The wise men arrived the night Jesus was born in a manger. The shepherds came to the manger (Luke 2:8-10), but not the wise men came to Joseph's house. (at least two years to 3 years later)

  2. Vocabulary

    • “Christmas” – Christ Mass
    • “Xmas”
    • “Yuletide”

Yule or Yuletide ("Yule time") (pre-christian) is a pagan religious festival observed by the historical Germanic peoples, later undergoing Christianised reformulation resulting in, the now better known, Christmastide.

Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar, Yule singing,

The Yule log was originally an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony with the purpose being to provide maximum warmth and endurance. {celebration}

Set Up a Standard

Set Up a Standard

Introduction

Most Jeremiah's prophecies were literally fulfilled and during his lifetime. The literal nations of Babylon, Egypt and etc. faced the judgment of God, but also in the Panorama of this HISTORY is an MESSAGE for the church's present and future.

One

Ps 121:1 ¶ <<A Song of degrees. [steps, sung during journeys to Jerusalem]>> I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Jer 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Jer 50:23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

Jeremiah 51:12 — Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Jeremiah's ministry was to MARK OUT EVIL.

Context of Jeremiah 51

Jer 50:2 Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Jer 50:45 Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.

Producing Church

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I Love Church

This article is a consideration of some of my concerns related to production tools and standards in the context of the Christian church service. I am writing from a perspective which is my own. I do not claim to speak on behalf of anyone other than myself, but that does not mean I believe I am alone in these concerns. The truth is, although many of these concerns are indeed my own, they mostly did not originate with me as well.

"The Church" is indeed the people, but the service of corporate worship and preaching and teaching in a gathering together is also "church". I love old fashioned, praying, singing and shouting in the Holy Ghost. I love altar calls and testimony services. I love the laying on of hands and prophetic utterances that given direction and hope to the hearers. Nothing thrills me more than to see a sinner after hearing the simple Gospel are convicted of their sin and convinced of their need of a Savior in the person of Jesus Christ God's only son. Through the lens of all the possibilities and potential the Christian church service holds, I LOVE CHURCH. I'm not so deluded to think that the details of my own experience are the only way to "do church". I see all sorts of gaps and flaws in how I do it, but I am also 100& appreciative of my heritage. These are cornerstones to my faith.

When you love something, you will fight for its defense. we can "lose our minds" on some things. be angry and sin not. On matters of preference, most people I talk to do demonstrate alot of grace. And it is generally considered un-Christ-like for someone to be dogmatic or "lose their minds" on such matters.

When someone takes the voice of authority on a matter it is usually not that they view their position as a personal preference but have chosen to speak emphatically or demonstratively because to them it is a conviction.

A healthy and edifying Christian discourse can only be had in my opinion if we choose to emphasize those things that we are convicted of by the Word and the Holy Ghost. We are chasing our tails if the sum of our Christian discourse is opinions and preferences of man. Every man may have a right to his own opinion but that is not equal to saying that all opinions are accurate or even helpful for anyone else.

"Why have we lost our minds?" In this question is the inference that is without value to speak with authority on a matter as its silly for a teen age Greta Thunburg to scold and educate a world she's bearly experienced. Inexperience is not the only place boldness can be found. It is possible to meet God on the mountain and come away with clear directives for God's people.

Scenario 1 is someone applying a local remedy as if it were a generaly cure. "Because I have experienced it this way, it is therefore true for all." This is foolish, but this fact does not negate a second Scenario where God does still reveal his will to men and those men may with both wisdom and unction declare that will to others. The Bible is full of men who "lost their minds" for God.

Why would someone "lose their mind" on a theological topic? One reason is that God gives conviction to men and women and those people find themselves in a world that has taken a different position and they find themselves wiht no gently or reasonable course. Then just say it like they feel it. I think is an honest and sincere approach even if it is not agreeable.

Imperfect on Purpose

Visited a shaker home as a child and saw a beautifully embroidered alphabet. The embroidery was absolutely beautiful and the great attention to detail by its maker was evident. Except for 1 small detail it was perfect. It was missing the letter v. Our tour guide explained that it was made "imperfect on purpose." The mother was teaching her daughter a lesson in humble worship. The young girl crafted with her utmost skill, but still maintained there is no perfection outside of God.

Isa 64:6 ¶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Herein lies a caution to the Christian not to take ourselves too seriously. Saul before he was king hid among the luggage and had weighty sense of his own limits. Fast forward a few years and King Saul had bought entirely into the propaganda that he was somehow more than just a man. He lost sight of himself.

1 Samuel 14:43, He gives a command that is so nearsighted it condemens his greatest ally and son, Jonathan.

Saul even usurped the role of priest which was especially grievious he being a man of war.

King Saul and those around him produced a persona

It is an attitude of humble sincerity. Christian's should be the ultimate realists armed with the hope of the Gospe.

Enmity with the World

The church needs this fight. This resistance to all that is carnal and earthly helps define and give purpose to the church. The church borrowing the tools created or at least sharpened by Hollywood or Nashville is a concession.

Song: I'll stand for Jesus and let the world go by.

First Things First

Most value judgements cannot be made in a vacuum. On one hand its seems heavy handed to say you shouldn't use a camera or a screen in church. But if you place the question in the context of most of our lives, it isn't heavy handed at all.

Mt 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

It is a less interesting question to me to to ask, "Can someone use production tools and principles to create a better church service?" Less interesting because its too broad and in my opionion the answer is just too obvious. Consider the question, "Should I utilize this[fill in the blank] particular production tool or principle to complement our church service."

Now the conversation gets interesting. Before I seek out a tool not mentioned in Scripture, am I fully implementing the tools explicitly given in Scripture? Before the Bible preacher seeks out a better library of sermon illustrations, he prays, searches the Scripture, waits on the message and meditates, seeks personal application and also for his congrgation. A good story is not out of place in Christian preaching, it just falls in much later in the process. The sermon illustration may ultimately be what most listeners will remember and will testify as what stuck with them or impacted them, but Christian preaching will then lose its authority and power to change lives if the preacher concludes, "I can skip all those old fashioned disciplines and get to the good part. I just need to be a better story teller because that is what the public wants to hear."

There is a real danger here that some things introduced into church will displace some much more important and valuable things.

There is also a potential reality that we could be over compensating for a shortage in "spiritual meat". We can be tempted to disguise our spiritual short comings with trimmings. People are often fooled by such things, we may even fool ourselves, but God sees straight through us. You can't make up for a lack of anointing by getting louder and angrier or even just by becoming more polished. Before we are ready to serve God in a cathedral, each minister must learn to worship Him from an altar of earth. No lights, people, music, production, script, schedule, decorations, and etc. just me, God and a pile of dirt. With so many production tools and princples rooted in phsycology and other sciennse of humna behavior, would't it be wise to seek God first the sanctuary of His creation before we add the noise of human invention?

Ex 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Where are the lines?

Production values

Caution lights verses "don't touch any of it."

Comparison of Quakers Moving Toward "QUIET" meetings and Shakers holding on to trembling, shouting, singing, and other expressions of ecstatic spirituality.

Learn Religions: In addition to the principles and rules of daily life described above, Shakers conduct regular worship services in simple buildings similar to Quaker meeting houses. Initially, those services were filled with wild and emotional outbursts during which members sang or spoke in tongues, jerked, danced, or twitched. Later services were more orderly and included choreographed dances, songs, marches, and gestures.

Quaker song "Tis a Gift to Be Simple," https://hymnary.org/text/tis_the_gift_to_be_simple lyrics & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk4M_d5MvOU

  2. a concern of losing a valuable culture.

  3. over production can kill off spontaneous and personal.

  4. whether highly produced or very little productionefforts we still are helping provide focus. over emphasis on talent beauty or charisma by definition distract from chriat as focal point.

  5. concern of losing what makes the Christian church unique.

  6. concern of losing the honesty of a naked truth. an altar of earth was required long before the luxurious temple of Solomon. whose to say that solomons temple was even the ideal? to begin with.

"Losing Our Minds" Over "Preferences"

"Can someone please explain to me why we’ve lost our minds. A preference is one thing. I got no problem with preferences."

  1. But so many are limiting the move of the presence of God to where lights, words projected on the wall, and a modern song is getting the displeasure of God.

  2. Why is a colored light or a projector such a distraction from worshipping God? Please, for the life of me I cannot figure out how a few spotlights on a stage is such a hindrance.

  3. I wonder if the singers and musicians, the tapestries and decorations of gold and exotic woods that decorated the house of God when Solomon dedicated it was such a distraction that they couldn’t worship God? Oh wait, it wasn’t! In fact the glory of God filled the house to where they weren’t even able to stand to minister. If electricity was a thing back then, Solomon would have had it. GUARANTEE IT!! So again, please tell me why a few colored lights or spotlights and a projector is such a hindrance and limits you from worshipping God. Why can Paul and Silas worship from a prison cell but you can’t worship from a comfortable chair and a pink light. I’ll be waiting….

What About Moderation?

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-shakers-4693219

CONTROVERSIAL POST BUT ALL RESPONSES ARE WELCOME… Please!!! Let’s discuss this!! Can someone please explain to me why we’ve lost our minds. A preference is one thing. I got no problem with preferences. But so many are limiting the move of the presence of God to where lights, words projected on the wall, and a modern song is getting the displeasure of God. Why is a colored light or a projector such a distraction from worshipping God? Please, for the life of me I cannot figure out how a few spotlights on a stage is such a hindrance. I wonder if the singers and musicians, the tapestries and decorations of gold and exotic woods that decorated the house of God when Solomon dedicated it was such a distraction that they couldn’t worship God? Oh wait, it wasn’t! In fact the glory of God filled the house to where they weren’t even able to stand to minister. If electricity was a thing back then, Solomon would have had it. GUARANTEE IT!! So again, please tell me why a few colored lights or spotlights and a projector is such a hindrance and limits you from worshipping God. Why can Paul and Silas worship from a prison cell but you can’t worship from a comfortable chair and a pink light. I’ll be waiting….

CONTROVERSIAL POST BUT ALL RESPONSES ARE WELCOME…

Please!!! Let’s discuss this!!

Can someone please explain to me why...

Posted by Kirk Powers on Friday, February 4, 2022

Why Can't We Be Friends with the World?

Jas 2:23 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.

James 4:4 — Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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.

Introduction

a. The Christian and the World

The Christian should have at the very least an uncomfortable (awkward) relationship with the world.

The Christian needs this fight. This resistance to all that is carnal and earthly helps define and give purpose to the church.

The Christian borrowing the tools created or at least sharpened by Hollywood or Nashville is a concession.

b. Friendship

Exodus 33:11 — And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. …

De 13:6 — If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, … [which is as thine own soul]

Ex 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Romans 12:18 tells us to live peacably with all men, "as much as possible".

Where are the conflicts with the world, Why are there such conflicts and should thse even be in the first place?

1. Agreement. Are We Agreed?

Amos 3:3 — Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

2 Pe 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. [Which way are we going?]

Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: [vs. 18 your agreement with hell shall not stand;]

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Joh 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. [Thou art not Caeasar's friend]

Are we in complete agreement on:

2. Their Portion in this Life

Proverbs 13-15 — Ps 17:13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: 14 From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Matt 6:19 — Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

3. Their Trust is in their Prosperity

Not only having "their portion" in this life, but this portion "has them".

Ps 73:12 — Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Proverbs 11:28 — He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. [The world says "something must be wrong" like Job's comforters.]

4. They Have Their God (no two Gods in one house)

Matthew 6:24 — No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Conclusion - The Resistance

The church needs this fight. This resistance to all that is carnal and earthly helps define and give purpose to the church. The Christian victim to the devil or in harmony with the world is a RED FLAG -- something is not how it should be!

Judg 5:12 ¶ Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.

Ro 13:11 ¶ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The church borrowing the tools created or at least sharpened by Hollywood or Nashville is a concession in the resistance.

2 Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in various capacities in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading to the Civil War. Yet, at age 70, with much of that behind him, he wrote, "My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook."

The Responsibility that Comes with Being Strong

The Responsibility that Comes with Being Strong

September 15, 2013 - Dogwood Church, Maryland (Pastor Andrew Parrett)

The Responsibility that Comes with Being Strong

Romans 15:1--We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

 

INTRODUCTION - Complaints that we have nothing to give.

 

 

I. WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

 

A. Moses - "A Rod" - Exodus 4:1-4

 

 

B. The Bride - "A Vineyard" S.O.S. 1:5-7

-My Own Vineyard I have neglected.

 

 

C. Elijah - "An Anointing" - I Kings 19:1-4-9-13

--What does thou here Elijah?

--In the lowest valley of his ministry, "Go Anoint a King for Syria, a King for Israel and a Prophet for the next Generation!"

 

 

II. WHEN CAN YOU DO?

 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Luke 16:1-8 (The Unjust Steward that did good.)

 

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

 

CONCLUSION--

USE WHAT GOD HAS PUT IN YOUR HANDS.

Victims and Victors

TITLE: Victims and Victors (How Are the Mighty Fallen?)

TEXT: I Samuel 30:19; 2 Samuel 1:19

2Sa 1:17-27—_And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: 18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) _

19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! 20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24 Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. 26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

1. Victims - _How are the mighty fallen? _(2 Samuel 1:27)

1. Are we losing?

Are we losing ground in the battle? It is hard to convince church people that we are losing.

Website--Over the past decade, the number of substance abuse treatment admissions for individuals 12 and older has more than quadrupled nationally from 2.2 percent to 9.8 percent, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Many don’t recognize their addictions for what they are precisely because they have the pretense of a legal prescription to fall back on.

2. Why are we losing? \

Saul and Jonathan were fighting while handicapped. They fought valiantly but a battle they were not fit to win.

Jonathan and Saul died valiantly as two heros
   Skilled men of war
    Courageous men of valor
 

But they fought a battle they couldn't win because of sin, unfit for battle & they were outmatched by the enemy.

How are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perisheth?

One main cause of Israel’s defeat was the Philistines weaponry advantage with the bow. The Philistines were able to kill from long distance, while the courageous and veteran Jews were only prepared for close combat.

2 Samuel 1:[18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow:

Not knowing the skill of the bow was instrumental in their loss

Long range -- they were destroyed at long distance They fought a battle they couldn't win -- outmatched ,unprepared, unfit for battle

1 Samuel 31:3—_And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

Because of this they Relied on flesh instead of the Spirit. (We need simple obedience) \

1Sa 10:11 … all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

18:10 … evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

**Saul humbled **himself but proved not himself in obeying the Word beyond that night

24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? \

2. Victors -David Recovered All (1Sa 30:19)

And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

David was returning from a victory while Saul was defeated
Saul fought philistines & fled to gilboa losing all. David fought the amalekites and recovered all. \

  1. Principle must be more important than Convenience.

1 Sam 24:10-Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed.

   
**2. Gods direction must be sought and followed.
**      Pray again about the big and small   David asked --should I go?
Saul was fighting God’s will while David was completely resigned to it \

2Sa 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

2Sa 5:23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.


**3. We must learn of our master: Skills – prayer/bow
**Main cause of Israel’s defeat was the Philistine’s advantage of the bow, therefore David responds later by Teaching Judah the bow

Ps144:1_ Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:_ \

   We must be taught & We must learn. We must be taught how to trust God and learn. 

Ho 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Pray that ye enter not into temptation -- Have to pray – Truth -- Spirit of God
Solomon prayed the words that david spoke. II Chron.6:41-42; Ps 132:(1,) 8-10,(16)

4. Our goal must be absolute victory-- no compromise \

David recovered all. Saul lost all \

**Saul saved Agag. **1Sa 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag,

**David destroyed them **2Sa 22:38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.


**5. We must be winning at home if we are to win abroad
**David was fighting to recover his family and his mens families

Saul was tormented of the devil in his own mind. He could not pray for himself, let alone his nation.

**6. Favor with God must be sought after and protected at any cost.
**Sin makes us unfit for fellowship and battle. Saul went into battle with sin in his heart

Why did Saul lose favor with god?
 -Murder hate malice  -Envy jealousy  -pride and impatience -Disobedience

REMAIN HUMBLE BEFORE GOD AT ANY COST.

James 4:6—But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Our Duty to Each Other is to Love

Our Duty to Each Other—To LOVE

Mother's day Sermon (May 8, 2022)

Joh 19:25-30— Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

INTRODUCTION

Ro 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

1Jo 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.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1. TO BE THERE

Both Mary and Jesus illustrate true love, by the very scenario at the foot of the cross. We find Mary who though most of the others have fled for their lives can be found with Jesus. Simply being there can most often be the greatest act of love.

John 19:25—_Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. _(Mary stood by.)

Matthew 27:55—And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

What were they doing there? Merely, waiting for an opportunity to help.

2. TO BE ATTENTIVE

“BEHOLD” to see to be aware of

Christ was attentive to Mary’s needs as a widow and as his mother while suffering greatly on the cross. Christ charged John to be attentive to Mary’s needs and care for her as his own mother. Mary is found attentively at the foot of the cross waiting for the smallest opportunity to minister to Jesus and is entrusted with John as her adopted son.

Jesus’ charge to John is not one of worship. Mary isn’t even mentioned in the Scripture after Acts chapter 1. She as a person is not pertinent to Christian doctrine. Our salvation rests no place in the person of Mary, but entirely in Jesus Christ. Christ’s words here are a practical and personal charge. Grassroots Christianity—“You are responsible for each other! Pay attention to each other’s needs.”

It seems we could be found guilty more often than not, of doing everything we can to “SAVE THE WORLD (and rightly so), but at the same time pay little or no attention to the needs of those closest to us.

Galatians 6:10—As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Psalm 32:8—I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

3. TO BE SELFLESS & TO SACRIFICE

With no regard for what might happen to her, Mary isn’t found hiding under a rock for her life, but is found with Jesus.

Christ is dying upon the cross and crucifixion is unquestionably the most horrific way to die at the time. But Christ expends his final energies with six selfless expressions. Christ’s last words were:

  1. “Forgive them, for thy know not what they do.” Words of Forgiveness for his tormentors.
  2. “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) To His Father expressing the deep heaviness and darkness of His atonement. That pain Christ felt of separation from the Father, was mine, not his to suffer.
  3. “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” A promise of eternal life for the thief.
  4. “I THIRST” (Psalm 69:21),

A SOUR WINE. This vinegar must not be confounded with the vinegar and gall mentioned Mt 27:34, and Mr 15:23. That, being a stupifying potion, intended to alleviate his pain, he refused to drink; but of this he took a little, and then expired, Joh 19:30.

  1. “Woman, behold thy son! …Behold thy mother!”
  2. “IT IS FINISHED” (Father’s Will) Fulfilling every Scripture

Do we forego our own security for the well-being of others?

Even greater in number and even less recognized are our mothers who sacrificed health, comfort, girlish figures and endured great pain to bring us into the world. Child birth is not without pain!

Mothers have taught us over and over: It hurts to love, but our own hurt should be non-essential.

4. HONOR & RESPECT – “WOMAN”

Christ’s words convey no idea of idea of disrespect or detachment as is commonly supposed, but more so words of urgent compelling. Man! And Woman! Were titles of as much respect among the Hebrews as sir! And madam! are to us. Adam Clarke states about Christ’s words in this verse, “This was the language of pure natural affection.”

It is too often the wrong people get recognized and the real heros go without thanks. Let us not be guilty of this!

5. TO CARE FOR

It is most likely that Joseph, Mary’s husband is dead at the time, and Christ’s securing of Mary’s well-being is done so for his mother and widow.

Mark 12:40 — Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

They Devour Widow's Houses Scribes and Pharisess often instead of caring for the widows, they demanded gifts and salaries from them. There are definite times when we should not make ourselves burdensome on others, but the opposite should be the case. It would be more right that the scribes and Pharisees should have given of their salaries to help the widows. (Mark 12:43,44)

1Ti 5:3 ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.

1Ti 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Ga 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

John 19:27—…And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home._

This charge is given to the disciple whom “he loved” The greatest care possible. Christ entrusted Mary to the disciple most marked for his tenderness and devotion. Jesus knew that John would care for Mary as he would have done. Can the same be said for us, to whom Christ has entrusted the most precious of His creation?

CONCLUSION --- HOW ARE WE LOVING OUR GENERATION?

It is the testimony of Christian love that pierces the darkness.

Lu 23:47—Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Mt 27:54—Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

It is the person who loves, who best imitates Christ.

Eph 3:17—That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Luke 6:32—For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Luke 11:42—But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.(agape—unconditional love; love feast)

2 Cor. 2:4—For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

2 Cor. 12:15—And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Ro 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Ga 5:13 ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

1Th 4:9 ¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

1Jo 3:11 ¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. {message: or, commandment}

1Jo 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.

Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Thank God for the great illustration of Christian love we see in mothers!

A Clearer Vision of God

TITLE: A Clearer Vision of God

TEXT: Exodus 6:3

Ex 6:1 ¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:

3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

  1. Our Need

Ex. 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

80% profess Jesus as God.

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

A great deliverance, a great revelation—Jehovah.

  1. Our LORD

**Jehovah **Ex. 3:14 self-existent one YHWH; Eternal Loving One I AM

Jehovah-Jireh Genesis 22:14 The Lord will Provide Jehovah-Jireh

Jehovah-Rophi Jer. 8:22 The Lord Physician Physician

Jehovah-Nissi Ex. 17:15 The Lord our Banner Jehovah-Nissi

Jehovah M’Kaddesh Ex. 19:5,6; 23:5 The Lord doth Sanctify I the Lord do Sanctify

Jehovah-Shalom Jud. 6:24; Isa. 9:6 The Lord our Peace Jehovah-Shalom (Gideon)

Jehovah-Tsebaoth I Sa. 1:3; Jer. 11:20 The Lord of Hosts The Lord of Hosts

Jehovah-Rohi Ps. 23:1 The Lord my Shepherd Lord is my Shepherd

Jehovah-Tsidkenu Ps. 23:3 Lord our Righteousness Lord our Righteousness

  1. **We Learn as we Obey His Word - 1Jo 2:5 **But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

Identify Yourself

IDENTIFY YOURSELF -

  1. God - Would You Identify Yourself?
  2. Person

Ge 32:24 ¶ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Introduction

Many people today want to exist in a no mans land of anonymity. By this they cam change their position to fit the mood.

ILLUSTRATION: Man I was working with stopped going to church because he said, the preacher kept saying how other religions were wrong.

It takes faith and great courage to be a Christian.

Before we can get the help we greatly need, we must be willing to step out of the shadow and Identify, align, define, make a clear cut.

To God "Identify Yourself"

Ge 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Ex 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 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.

God to Individual

When addressed by a military you guard you might be required to identify yourself
Who are you?

1. Adam - Where Are You? Gen. 3:8

Confess Your problem.

Ge 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. 9 ¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

2. Jacob - What is your Name? Gen. 32:24-32

3. Cain - What hast thou done? Gen. 4:10

Acknowledge your wrong.

4. Saul - What should you be doing?(running from God’s will)

5. Esther - Who are your people? Esther 2:10; 7:3-6

Are you saved? Are you a Christian? (There are no mongrels)

Esther 2:10—Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it .


Esther 7:3-6—Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: [4] For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. …


Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.' 


**Aircraft**: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.' 


Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!' 


**Aircraft**: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
  1. Disciples - Who is Jesus to You?

Disciples weWho is jesus to you? Matthew 16:13-17 \

  1. **Peter - Where do you stand? **

Peter stood before the servant girl and denied association with Jesus. Matthew 26:69-75

Rachel Scott was the first of 13 to be killed at Columbine High School. The day she died, Rachel Scott carried a notebook in her backpack, on which she’d written the words “I won’t be labeled as average.” The shooters shot her in the leg and asked if she believed in God. She replied, “You Know I do.”

Does God Hate Me?

Does God Hate Me?

TEXT: Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

The hatred of God is no secret and certainly not made a mystery in the Bible.. We desire His love, but can often place ourselves under the spout of his anger (Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. ) “Esau have I hated.” (Consider the context: Who is Esau? The rebel, always carnal and self-absorbed, unforgiving, and UNREPENTANT.) There is nothing especially unique about Esau’s position with God than any other sinner in Scripture. It is only because of the strong language in the text, that someone might read into it that God ESPECIALLY hated Esau. But the testimony of Scripture as a whole manifests God as an impartial and unchanging God. (Always love and yet always wrath: two sides of the one coin.) Remember Cain? Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. God’s opinion of us is relative to our response to His dealing. He hates sin and if we cleave to our sin we are judged with it. If we repent of our sin, then God separates our sin from us.

Ecclesiastes 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

The devil tries to twist the truth to put us and keep us in bondage. For clarification place the anger or hatred of God in this perspective: Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

God’s hatred is truly directed toward the abomination of sin and by association all that commit such are condemned and bear the anger and hatred of God. This is the paradox which is our awesome God. He is holy and must judge sin and he is love and forgives all that repent! He satisfies His holiness by Christ paying the price on the cross for us when we repent and believe!

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

The children of God loving you is also evidence God loves you... Romans 5:1-2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Sermon Illustrations

Evolution -- The Monkey's Viewpoint

Three monkeys sat in a coconut tree Discussing things as they're said to be.

Said one to the others, "Now listen you two, There's a certain rumor that can't be true.

That man descended from our noble race. The very idea! It's a dire disgrace.

No monkey ever deserted his wife, Starved his baby and ruined her life.

And you've never known a mother monk, To leave her baby with others to bunk,

Or pass them on from one to the other, Till they hardly know who is their mother.

And another thing you'll never see A monk build a fence around a coconut tree,

And let the coconuts go to waste, Forbidding all other monks a taste.

Why, if I put a fence around this tree, Starvation would force you to steal from me.

Here's another thing a monkey won't do, Go out at night and get on a stew.

Or use a gun or club or knife, To take some other monkey's life.

Yes! Man descended, the ornery cuss, But, brother, he didn't descend from US!

Husband, Love Your Wife And Do Not Be Bitter

2Timothy 3:1-9, NTME by J.B. Phillips:

“But you must realize that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly self-centered, greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and contemptuous, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly lacking in gratitude, purity and normal human affections. They will be men of unscrupulous speech and have no control of themselves. They will be passionate and unprincipled, treacherous, self-willed and conceited, loving all the time what gives them pleasure instead of loving God. They will maintain a façade of “religion” but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this.

“From their number come those creatures who worm their way into people’s houses, and find easy prey in silly women with an exaggerated sense of sin and morbid cravings—who are always learning and yet never able to grasp the truth. These men are as much enemies to the truth as Jannes and Jambres were to Moses. Their minds are distorted, and they are traitors to the faith. But in the long run they won’t get very far. Their folly will become as obvious to everybody as did that of Moses’ opponents.

Quotes on Selfishness

Selfishness is the root and source of all natural and moral evils. Nathanael Emmons

All selfishness is sin. Charles G. Finney

“ME” is always at the bottom of all sin. One little word M-E. It may spell drink, lust, pride, covetousness, self-will; but it is some form of “me”. Anonymous

The very heart and root of sin is an independent spirit.—We erect the idol self, and not only wish others to worship, but worship it ourselves. Richard Cecil

We men are all thieves who have stolen the self which was meant as a part of God and tried to keep it for ourselves alone. Joy Davidman: Joy on the Mountain, dr 1953—4, Joy Davidman, The Westminster Press

Every personal consideration that we allow, costs us heavenly state. We sell the thrones of angels for a short and turbulent pleasure. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every man for himself, and the Devil take the hindmost. English Proverb

That household god, a man’s own self. John Flavel

Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race. William Ewart Gladstone

Every man for himself and God for us all. John Heywood: Proverbs, Pt. II, ch. 9

Selfishness, Love’s cousin. John Keats: Isabella, st. 31

Usually he is most empty who is most full of himself. A. G. Lawson

No one is happy or free who lives only for himself. Joy in living comes from immersion in something one recognizes to be bigger, better, worthier, more enduring than he himself is. True happiness and true freedom come from squandering one’s self for a purpose. Carl W. McGeehon: “How Free Are We?” Link

Our error is in making ourselves our own centre and thinking more of our claims on others than of our obligations to them. Christ teaches us that these are one. Alexander MacLaren

That which of all things unfits man for the reception of Christ as a Saviour, is not gross profligacy and outward, vehement transgression, but it is self-complacency, fatal self-righteousness and self-sufficiency. Alexander MacLaren

Every man brings an egg and every one wants an omelette—but without breaking his own egg. That poses a most difficult situation.

Frank Mar The world remains selfish enough, but it will not accept a selfish religion. Sir William Robertson Nicoll We are too much haunted by ourselves, projecting the central shadow of self on everything around us.—And then comes the Gospel to rescue us from this selfishness.— Redemption is this, to forget self in God. Frederick William Robertson

To set up self is to deny Christ; to exalt Christ is to reject self. Henry Sandham

You cannot be your brother’s keeper if you are caged by selfishness. Anonymous

One can be a miser or a savage and be selfish, but not a Christian. Anonymous

Self-preservation is the first law of nature, but self-sacrifice is the highest rule of grace. Anonymous

A man is quickly convinced of the truth of religion who finds it not against his interest that it should be true. Joseph Addison: The Spectator

Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for a man with self-surrender. Henri Frédéric Amiel

The world has been controlled by two parties: those who have governed by “love of self to the point of contempt of God” and those who have governed by “love of God to the point of contempt of self.” St. Augustine: The City of God

I think we have one foot in heaven and the other on the banana peel of self-interest. Lawrence W. Bash: Minneapolis Tribune

It is part of our human nature but there is that within us which always wants to make self the center of its own universe and, in that selfish way, wants to tear God from His throne and deny his brother and advance his own ambition. Robert R. Brown

The wretch concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung. Sir Walter Scott: The Lay of the Last Minstrel, VI Twin-sister of Religion, Selfishness! Percy Bysshe Shelley: Queen Mab, Pt. V,

Selfishness is the great unknown sin. No selfish person ever thought himself selfish. Southern Churchman Mere tax-paying is not a substitute for the springs of human brotherhood. Collective self-indulgence cannot take the place of self- sacrifice. Robert E. Speer

He who lives only to tenefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies. Tertullian

Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself. Leo Tolstoy

The selfishness of man goes contrary to the spirit of nature and brings about all the evils for which men blame others rather than themselves. Arnold J. Toynbee

The most difficult thing the good Lord has to deal with in the man of today is his sense of self-sufficiency. He is too prone to think he can get along pretty well without God. Western Christian Advocate

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears. Glenn Clark

Milton has carefully marked in his Satan, the intense selfishness which would rather reign in hell than serve in heaven. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Most men are so possessed by themselves that they have no vacuum into which God’s deep water may rise. Thomas Erskine

Where Did It All Begin?

Let’s see...I think it started when Madeline Murray O’Hare complained that she didn’t want any prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you had better not read the Bible in school-the Bible that says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, OK.

Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said, an expert should know what he’s talking about so we won’t spank them anymore.

Then someone said that teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no

faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don’t want any bad publicity, and we surely don’t want to be sued. And we accepted their reasoning.

Then someone said, let’s let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won’t even have to tell their parents. And we said, that’s a grand idea.

And then some of our top elected officials said that it doesn’t matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesn’t matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.

And the entertainment industry said, let’s make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let’s record music that

encourages homosexuality, rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes. And we said it’s just entertainment, it has no adverse effect,

and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead.

Therefore, now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with... “we reap what we sow.”

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Y2K

Twas the night before Y2K, And all through the nation

We awaited The Bug, The Millennium sensation.

The chips were replaced

In computers with care,

In hopes that ol' Bugsy

Wouldn't stop there.

While some folks could think

They were snug in their beds

Others had visions

Of dread in their heads.

And Ma with her PC,

And I with my Mac

Had just logged on the Net

And kicked back with a snack.

When over the server,

There arose such a clatter

I called Mister Gates

To see what was the matter.

But he was away,

So I flew like a flash

Off to my bank

To withdraw all my cash.

When what with my wandering eyes

Should I see?

My good old Mac

Looked sick to me.

The hack of all hackers

Was looking so smug,

I knew that it must be

The Y2K Bug!

His image downloaded

In no time at all,

He whistled and shouted,

Let all systems fall!

Go Intel! Go Gateway! Now HP! Big Blue!

Everything Compaq, And Pentium too!

All processors big,

All processors small,

Crash away! Crash away!

Crash away all!

All the controls

That planes need for their flights

All microwaves, trains

And all traffic lights.

As I drew in my breath

And was turning around,

Out through the modem,

He came with a bound.

He was covered with fur,

And slung on his back

Was a sackful of virus,

Set for attack.

His eyes-how they twinkled!

His dimples-how merry!

As midnight approached, though

Things soon became scary.

He had a broad little face

And a round little belly,

And his sack filled with virus

Quivered like jelly.

He was chubby and plump,

Perpetually grinning,

And I laughed when I saw him

Though my hard drive stopped spinning.

A wink of his eye,

And a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know

A new feeling of dread.

He spoke not a word,

But went straight to his work,

He changed all the clocks,

Then turned with a jerk.

With a twitch of his nose,

And a quick little wink,

All things electronic

Soon went on the blink.

He zoomed from my system,

To the next folks on line,

He caused such a disruption,

Could this be a sign?

Then I heard him exclaim,

With a loud, hearty shout,

Happy Y2K to you all,

This is a helluva night!

Doing the Will of God Well

Doing the will of God well

Matthew 25:14-30

INTRODUCTION

Our value and success can only be measured in our profitability to God. Are we effective in our calling? Are we of any profit to Gods kingdom? Or, are we a liability? Many gifted and exceptional people have lived wasted lives and were rendered INEFFECTIVE because their primary concern was not their profitability to God.

2 Timothy 4:11 mark... Is profitable to me for the ministry

--> we must clear the table of our ambitions and be committed to a single great task: **DOING THE WILL OF GOD, WELL.**


**I. Live a Cross-Centered Life (not seeking a path of least resistance)**


**   --**every step Christ took was in the shadow of a cross. Swaddling clothes, my time is not yet, I must go to jerusalem, 


      We must not run from yhe reproach of christ the gospel the cross, WE MUST EMBRACE IT. "i will cherish the old rugged cross"


**II. Specialize in Your Calling (_this one thing I do)_**


**    **--i am a preacher, carpentry is just something I do to pay bills. Billy Graham "God never called me to build a university" "thats all you ever talk about! - well, that is all i have to say!"

60+ Apostle Paul defended his faith, worshipped God and exalted Christ Acts 24:14-16,24

80 year old Daniel

Daniel 5:12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">dissolving of doubts</span>**, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

CONCLUSION

. Am I content with a good excuse why we I'm not effective in bringing Christ to MY generation?

-- the world is too sinful

--the devil is too busy

Or am I committed to doing the will of God WELL. Exactly as God intended. To be EFFECTIVE. Influence not just a debate be transformstive change. Turn the world upside down. I want God to see a profitable servant in me.

The profit of spreading the truth everyday shows up in the life of the believer.

Mt 25:30 “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness”

Pursue what is profitable not just allowable

Pursue what is most profitable

Jer 2:11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.

God gave the privilege to the Jews to profit in the opportunity of leadership in spreading the truth among the Gentiles.

Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

The opportunity of leadership in spreading the truth to this generation is upon us!!!

Many, most will miss their opportunity, some won’t.

Mt 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

The Profitable servant walking in the light to the praise of the Glory of God’s Grace is abundantly blessed to do the Will of God well.

Come

“COME” Psalm 65:1-5

Ps 65:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of David.>> Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. 4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. 5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

  1. GOD STANDS IN A MAJESTICLY HIGH & HOLY PLACE
  1. GOD SAYS “COME”

  1. A call to righteousness       No longer hiding

    Isaiah. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

    Ge 17:1 ¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

    2Sa 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

    Heb 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

    1Pe 5:10 ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

    Tit 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

HOW TO COME TO GOD There is a Process to Coming

--Line upon line, here a little, there a little, step by step

--prayer upon prayer, service upon service, reading God’s Word

Isa 28:9 ¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.


COME & KEEP COMING
  1. A call to service for God

The disciples “Come Follow Me” – Take up Cross, Willing to Deny Father & Mother NOT WORTHY OF ME

  1. **A call to refuge from the enemy
    **Ge 7:1 ¶ And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

    Ge 7:7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

  2. A call. To satisfaction (can't draw water from a dry well)
           Wells--graces of god promises
           River of god is full of life

    Adam & Eve found a Covering

    Woman with the Issue of Blood found healing

    Jesus Spoke one Word to Sinking Peter “COME”

     Mt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

  3. A call to be chosen

    2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

    Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

    Mt 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

    IILUSTRATION: WHOM THOU CHOOSEST & CAUSEST TO APPROACH UNTO THEE

CONCLUSION

Re 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 <span style="text-decoration:underline;">water of life freely</span>

Christ’s Second Coming, YES HE IS (Ps. 24:7,9) but He is calling for us to COME.

Because

“BECAUSE”

Why I Serve the Lord – My reason for Worship and Service to God

One of the most important details of any endeavor is its MOTIVE. What is the driving force behind my love and service for God? Our REASON must be Christ!

1Jo 4:19 We love him, **because** he first loved us.


Ge 42:18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; **for** I fear God:


Ge 25:28 And Isaac loved Esau, **because** he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.


Ge 39:23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.


Ps 119:164 ¶ Seven times a day do I praise thee **because** of thy righteous judgments.


1Jo 4:17 ¶ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.


Joh 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

  1. Why Did I Get Saved?

  2. Why Do I Serve the Lord Today?

  3. FEARED GOD BECAUSE…

    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.

    Lu 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

    Re 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  4. FEAR GOD BECAUSE…

    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.

Prevailing Peace

TITLE: God’s Prevailing Peace TEXT: John 14:25-27 DATE: 20120729, 20240116

Joh 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

4 THINGS: The Promise, The Provider, The Power, & The Privilege of Prevailing Peace

INTRODUCTION

A. STATISTICS:

Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

B. **DEFINITION: **

Hebrew = SHALOM; greet and bid farewell; complete peace. It is a feeling of contentment, completeness, wholeness, well being and harmony. TO BE COMPLETE, PERFECT, OR FULL.

DICTIONARY: #12 Obsolete to be quiet.

I. The Promise of Prevailing Peace

Peace I leave with you, ...

Christ is going away. This is a time of great stress, danger, fear, anxiety for the Disciples. There is much UNKNOWN. ==>Peace in the midst of trouble, peace in the midst of the storms....

The disciples are threatened with a great VOID, how can they be COMPLETE?

Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

II. The Provider of Prevailing Peace =

...my peace I give unto you:...

A. “MY” → This peace is HIS to give! God has a monopoly on peace!

Isaiah 9:6 “_For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peac_e.”

B. “GIVE” → This peace is a gift of grace!

III. The Power of Prevailing Peace = ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you....

A. Herein lies a GREAT contrast!

B. False, Lies, Abuse = WORLD

**ILL: ⇒ “**Over 8,000 Peace treaties have been made and broken.””

C. God gives with the best intent and motive. HE WILL NOT LEAVE US HANGING.

Ro 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

IV. The Privilege of Prevailing Peace ...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. <==A Solemn Charge

A. Receive It - GOD’S GIFT, but we must be in a position to RECEIVE IT!

  1. Confess and Repent of all sins known and hidden Ps 38:3 <FORGIVENESS> Mt 6:15

  2. **Praise the Lord **(Praise Makes Perfect) Ps 59:16

B. Keep It - LET NOT...(allowance)

⇒ The Quieting of my own spirit is an act of faith.

  1. Take Comfort in God’s Promises <I Am NOT ALONE> Ps 86:7; 2Co 1:20; 2Pe 1:4

  2. **Resist the Devil ** Jas 4:7 ….Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

C. Share it - Blessed are the peace makers....

(Num 6 =Nazarite) (3times=lord) Nu 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Nu 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

And because the benediction, though pronounced by the lips of a fellow man, derived its virtue, not from the priest but from God, the encouraging assurance was added, "I the Lord will bless them."

CONCLUSION:

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Peace of God

DATE: 20120717

TITLE: The Peace of God

TEXT: Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

INTRODUCTION

IS PEACE OBSOLETE? world has been at peace less than eight percent of the time!

Torment: Judas, Saul, Demoniac Peace: Peter, David, Paul

1. PEACE WITH GOD

Ro 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT--Is my heart right with God? Everything else is secondary.

2. THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S PEACE

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? ...division:

**IS THE BELIEVER's PEACE _John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, …. Ps 4:8; _**Isa 26:3

→ The Quieting of Our own Spirit is an act of FAITH. → It is in God’s Hands!

UNKNOWN-- Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

IILUSTRATION: In 1555, Nicholas Ridley was burned at the stake because of his witness....

3. COME IN PEACE....GO IN PEACE

Am I a whirlwind of trouble everywhere I blow? A QUIET SPIRIT----(A LOUD SPIRIT) ----

1Pe 3:4;1Th 4:11

IILUSTRATION: A Kentucky mountaineer fighting overseas in WW1...

4. HOLDING MY PEACE

Ps 39:2; Isa 42:14; Jer 4:19

5. WHEN GOD JUDGES:

Le 10:1-3...._And Aaron held his peace. _

6. Peace Within Doesn’t Have to be Hindered by the Trouble Without

Something wrong if everyday of life is a CRISIS --

<> Mt 8:26 ILL: Painting Peace TROUBLE WITHOUT----Nothing unique to me! Job 5:7 _ Mt 5:45 **2Ti 2:9 ** Job 14:1-15_

7. Calming the Storm Inside:

  1. Confess and Repent of all sins known and hidden Ps 38:3 _<FORGIVENESS> Mt 6:15 _

  2. Take Comfort in God’s Promises <I Am NOT ALONE> Ps 86:7; 2Co 1:20; 2Pe 1:4

  3. **Resist the Devil ** Jas 4:7 ….Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  4. **Praise the Lord **(Praise Makes Perfect) Ps 59:16

CONCLUSION

Results God Requires Lu 13:6-9

Faith gives God the benefit of the doubt when life doesn’t make sense. Peace is the fruit of such faith! --- Ruby Hamilton, -- In the Shelter of His Arms

Before Everything Else You Must Know Jesus

Title: Before Everything Else, You Must Know Jesus

DATE: 20111211

Text: I Cor. 2:1-7; 3:1

1Co 2:1 ¶ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. <testimony : Gospel> 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. <not only the messiah but the CRUCIFIED Messiah> 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

INTRODUCTION

THEME: The foundation of our faith MUST be Jesus Christ. He must be the apple our eye. It must Be Him and His sacrifice on the cross that attracts our devotion. Our religion must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus or it is a religion without salvation. There are a great many Bible truths and spiritual mysteries to be revealed, but all these follow KNOWING JESUS CHRIST and Him crucified. Until we do, everything else is a distraction and like a CHECKBOOK in the hands of a child.

We can be religious about many things. We can be religious about Church attendance, Bible study, Christian talk and even NASCAAR, but if it is not Jesus Christ who is the very start, end and pivot point of your life, you are not saved from sin and there is ONLY one thing to do---know Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

  1. Jesus The I AM – He is God …the testimony of God…

The God of Creation, The Great Deliverer, The Lamb Slain before the Foundation of the World, IT IS HIM. The Baby Jesus was not a new person, but was the incarnation of God. The Tabernacle and all the spiritual types of the OT talk about HIM!

**Joh 1:1** ¶ _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. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. …14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth._


**Ex 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._


**Joh 18:4** _Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground._
  1. Jesus The Christ

anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered "Messiah" (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated to his great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people. He is Jesus the Christ (Ac 17:3; 18:5; Mt 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (Isa 61:1), and by Daniel (Da 9:24-26), who styles him "Messiah the Prince."

  1. Jesus The Personal Savior

    Joh 3:1 ¶ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 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.

    Lu 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

  1. Jesus The Lord
  2. He is Lord

Joh 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

The only right response to God is SURRENDER.

The Lord Will Never Make a Truce With Sin

After a splendid victory at sea, Lord Nelson confronted the French admiral who was surrendering. The admiral, dressed in all of his regalia, approached Nelson to surrender. With his sword swinging by his side, the admiral put out his hand to the British commander. Lord Nelson stepped back and said, “Your sword first.” There are a lot of people who think they can walk up and glad hand the Lord Jesus Christ. He says, “Your sword first.” Surrender first! Jesus is not an appeaser, and He will never make a truce with sin. Never! We have to abdicate the throne. We have to surrender. (Adrian Rodgers).

Mt 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus does not keep us in bondage but liberates us. **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">True liberty is to walk with Jesus!</span>** (1838 William Knibbs, Island of Jamaica, Emancipation Proclamation)
  1. He Alone is Lord

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (ALL POWER)

….

Hallelujah CHORUS by Mandel

Re 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Ways We Limit God

Preached: November 27, 2011 at Deliverance Center.

Ways We Limit God

Text: Psalm 78:41; Matt. 23:37; 13:57,58

Ps 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Mt 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Mt 13:57,58 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

INTRODUCTION

Nothing we do can change God. But God chooses to deal with us according to our own choices. He shows great mercy to the bound and oppressed, but requires much to whom He has shown His mercy.

Luke 12:48 … For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:… - For the wicked, God waits for their cup of iniquity to become FULL. - For the Believer, God waits for us to apply His promises.

I. Knowing only the Doctrine and not the experiences of God.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Acts 19:1 ¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

II. Through unbelief and small expectations of God

Mt 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

WORRY-- Fewer than one "problem" in every ten that we worry about is a legitimate concern.

2Ki 13:14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. 15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. 17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. 18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. 19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

Faith is the Green Light for God to work.

Mt 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

III. Sin

Unclean Vessels –

1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

God has SET qualifications for service:

1Ti 3:1 ¶ This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

IV. How we Treat Each Other

1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

V. Not Allowing God to be God in Our Life

No time for a miracle – the supernatural, too well and thoroughly planned

Take no script or purse, don’t think what to say before

2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

“If God will”

James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

When did I last “Wait” on God

The 3 Hebrew Children, OUR GOD IS ABLE, but Even He doth not deliver…

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? Isaiah 43:13

The true sense is we limit ourselves from receiving good from God.

Title: Ways We Limit God

DATE: 20111127

Text: Psalm 78:41; Matt. 23:37; 13:57,58

**Ps 78:41_ Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel._**


**Mt 23:37** _O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!_


**Mt 13:57,58** _And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief._

INTRODUCTION

Nothing we do can change God. But God chooses to  deal with us according to our own choices. He shows great mercy to the bound and oppressed, but requires much to whom He has shown His mercy. Luke 12:48 _… For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:…_
  1. Knowing only the Doctrine and not the experiences of God.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

**Acts 19:1** ¶ _And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied._

  1. Through unbelief and small expectations of God

    Mt 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

WORRY-- Fewer than one "problem" in every ten that we worry

about is a legitimate concern.

**2Ki 13:14** _Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. 15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. 17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. 18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. 19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice._

Faith is the Green Light for God to work.

Mt 19:26 _But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible._

Mr 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

  1. Sin

1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

    **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.</span>**

God has SET qualifications for service: 1Ti 3:1 ¶ This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  1. How we Treat Each Other

    1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

    1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

  2. Not Allowing God to be God in Our Life

Real Salvation

DATE: 20110223A

TITLE: Real Salvation

TEXT: Acts 4:6-14

Acts 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them**, they could say nothing against it**.

INTRODUCTION – Another Jesus, Another Gospel, Another Salvation?

  1. The Popularity of the Alternative

Many follow after a substitute not because it is an improvement or a better choice, but purely because it is an ALTERNATIVE. What is proven and genuine is quickly discarded for what is NEW and DIFFERENT. Within Christianity the movement is great toward whatever is trendy at the moment.

This is illustrated in ALISTER MCGRATH’s comments, _The “Christian heretic” popularity derives largely from the fact that we picture it in ways that resonate with powerful ideas in contemporary culture. The heretic is the innovative underdog who challenges authority and freely chooses for himself what he will believe. The fundamental Christian is the oppressor who refuses both to see other possibilities and to allow others to explores those possibilities for themselves. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Which would you rather be?</span>_

The devil has successfully turn the debate from WHAT IS TRUTH?, to WHAT FEELS GOOD? Or What fits my preferences best?

  1. The Deception of a Substitute for Real Salvation

  2. “We are Losing not Gaining”

  3. Give me that OLD TIME RELIGION

    1. Not because it is old and familiar but because it WORKS.

    Lu 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

    1. Because Truth is our standard not preference

  4. Real Salvation is Exclusive

An exclusive way. ONLY through Jesus. A Narrow Way.

_8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole<span style="text-decoration:underline;">. **11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. **</span>12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved._



    1. **The Narrow Mind**
1. Narrow minded? Is it narrow minded to say the sun will give its light tomorrow? Is it narrow minded, to say Birds have wings and most dogs bark? 
2. It is never considered narrow minded to state a fact having general consensus. If we all generally agree, then there is no complaint of narrow mindedness. 
3. The complaint of narrow mindedness against the Christian, comes not because the facts of the Gospel can be disputed, but because **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">they are in conflict with how the sinner WANTS  things to be</span>**

    **Nothing is more narrow minded, than to live your life guided soley by your own selfish and very deceptive heart.**


    ILLUSTRATION on the truly narrow mind:


    **PERSON:** (someone on the phone.) I’m trying to serve God but can’t find a church. I can worship God at home because there is no church good enough for me. 


    **ME**: You need to find a place of worship. If nothing else the church down the street will provide you with someone you won’t agree with you everytime. IF you are the only member in your congregation you won’t have the accountability and value of someone else’s opinion.

The truly narrow mind, eliminates the heart and will of God from its thinking and is limited to the bounds of the temporal, earthly and that which is of human origin.

_Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner._

In their narrow mindedness, They have discarded this stone, and it is the very stone that has become the CORNERSTONE. The discarded because it didn’t FIT their system.

** **The Gospel confronts the sinner and exposes his WRONG and WEAKNESSES.

EXPOSES US. “I don’t none of that hard preaching!” If God anoints it, I want it! Why is the preaching and teaching always so challenging? Why can’t it be soothing and comforting? Because have a problem and real Gospel EXPOSES it!

    2. **The Narrow Way**

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Luke 13:23,24_—Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able._


Matthew 7:13—_Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it._

  1. Christianity is a straight and narrow way. A way bounded and restricted by TRUTH, Righteousness and Holiness. * Pr 4:14 ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. * **AMOS’ PLUMBLINE **Am 7:8 And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

  2. **Being EXCLUSIVE, Christianity EXCLUDES. **

    1. The opportunity is all inclusive (WHOSOEVER), but God’s benefits are only for the redeemed. This leaves the sinner without the umbrella of God’s protection and the blessing of His favor.

    Joh 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.

    Mt 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

    Mr 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

    **1Co 6:9 ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. **

  3. While modern preachers rework and try to re-write the manual on salvation:

     There is already a **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">definite formula for salvation</span>**: HOW are you Saved?

    Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

    Ro 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

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

  4. Real Salvation is an Experience

    Acts 4:13,14—Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them**, they could say nothing against it**.

  5. It is not a club you join, a name tag you put on. It is something that Happens to you when full faith is placed in Christ out of a repentant heart.

  6. The Evidences of Salvation are a Great Contrast 1. Our sin must be past tense. Such WERE some of you!

     I Cor. 6:11 “And such **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">were some of you:</span>** but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

     1. Sinner Saved by Grace? You are either a SINNER or you are saved! If you are saved, The Life you NOW live,  must CONTRAST the life you use to live!
 1. It is not just a talk, it is a walk.

 v. 14 _they could say nothing against it._

     2. _THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS, v.13_
     3. _THE MAN HAD BEEN IMPOTENT, BUT NOW WAS WHOLE, v.14_

  7. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty. 2 Cor. 3:17

  8. Not the same, ever since the savior found me!

CONCLUSION – ALTAR CALL

If you have embraced a substitute there is still ROOM at the cross for you. REAL SALVATION. ALIVE, POWERFUL, LIFE CHANGING, ETERNAL.

Christ is in the business of changing lives!

JOSH MCDOWELL

Josh McDowell was a hard-nosed skeptic regarding the accuracy of the Bible and Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. His intense quest to disprove it led him into a spiritual experience with Christ that radically changed his life. There were obvious changes in his behavior, but the most significant change happened as he faced the need to forgive people who had damaged him as a child.

DAD

The small community where the McDowell family lived knew his father as the town alcoholic. Josh hated him for the abuse and the shame he brought them. When Josh accepted Christ as his Savior, a powerful love consumed his life. He described how it affected his feelings for his father: “God’s love took that hatred, turned it upside down, and emptied it out. I looked my father in the eyes and said, ‘Dad, I love you,’ and I really meant it.”

A short time later, his dad visited him. “It was one of his few sober days,” Josh said. “Dad paced nervously around the room and finally blurted out, 'Son, how can you love a father like me?'”

Josh answered, “Dad, six months ago I despised you, but I have placed my trust in Christ, received God’s forgiveness, and invited Him into my life. He has changed me. God has taken away my hatred and now I love and accept you just the way you are.”

After they talked for almost an hour, Josh’s dad said, “Son, if God can do in my life what I’ve seen Him do in yours, then I want to trust Him as my Savior and Lord.”

His father’s life changed right before his eyes. Josh saw his father touch alcohol only once after that. The beverage got as far as his lips before his father thrust it away.

HIRED COOK

There was another person Josh needed to forgive. Between six and thirteen years of age, he was abused by a man hired to cook and clean on their farm. When his parents needed to leave for any reason, they would stand Josh in front of him and say, "You do everything Wayne tells you to do or you'll get a thrashing when we get home.” He was afraid of their punishment, so Josh did what Wayne told him.

When Josh told his mother what Wayne did to him, she didn’t believe Him. “I felt totally alone and unprotected,” he admitted. “Even at the young age of six, I knew what Wayne did to me was evil, and I hated him for it.”

Josh’s work on the farm made him stronger, so by the age of 13 he waited for an opportunity to confront his abuser. When his parents were out of sight, he walked into the house, cupped his hands around Wayne’s neck and pushed him against the wall. His grip tightened as he spoke. "If you ever touch me again, I will kill you!" Wayne never touched him after that.

Years later, as a new believer, Josh told his pastor about Wayne. His pastor looked at him sympathetically and said, “You need to forgive him.” Josh’s anger exploded. The years of abuse and his personal battle for his own protection had scarred him deeply. He admitted, “I hate the man! I want him to burn in hell!”

Josh faced his abuser once again, but this time he didn't threaten him. “Wayne, what you did to me was evil,” he said, “but I‘ve trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died as much for you as He did for me, so I forgive you.”

“I had no warm emotions,” Josh admitted. “I simply said the words in faith because I knew it would please my Heavenly Father. Faith carried me through both experiences of forgiving my father and Wayne. Through it all, I had the haunting conviction that the Bible was true and I could trust Jesus to give me victory.”

ITS NOT FOR SALE

During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her, wanted to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders. But she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, "Colonel, just ask for it!" A smile broke over Roosevelt's face. Now he understood--the provisions were not for sale. All he had to do was simply ask and they would be given freely.

GOD IS CHASING YOU

In 1981, a Minnesota radio station reported a story about a stolen car in California. Police were staging an intense search for the vehicle and the driver, even to the point of placing announcements on local radio stations to contact the thief. On the front seat of the stolen car sat a box of crackers that, unknown to the thief, were laced with poison. The car owner had intended to use the crackers as rat bait. Now the police and the owner of the VW Bug were more interested in apprehending the thief to save his life than to recover the car. So often when we run from God, we feel it is to escape his punishment. But what we are actually doing is eluding his rescue.

Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

You Can't Know God from There

DATE: 20110619P

TITLE: You Can’t Know God from There!

TEXT: Luke 19:1-10, v.5

Lu 19:1 ¶ And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.** 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.** 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

INTRODUCTION

  1. Our success in God depends so much on our approach to Him. We are on a journey of FAITH.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  1. Faith takes root in the HEART and not in the head .

Ro 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

God and his ways are greatly mysterious to the carnal mind.

  1. We CAN find God by searching, but success depends on how and where you look. There are permanent obstructions to your spiritual life, unless removed, you CANNOT find God and never will.

Zacheaus was permanently prevented from knowing Christ. It was impossible for Zacheaus to know Christ!

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

1. Jericho

    Jericho his moon; his month; fragrant

Jericho is the lowest permanently inhabited site on earth. (846 feet below sea level.) It is also believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. You cannot get any more earthly minded!

RELIGOUS

2. A Man Name Zacchaeus

    Zaccheus pure; clean; just


    Self-righteous, DISTANT, You have got to get close!

3. Chief Among the Publicans

    A traitor, bitterness, unforgiveness

4. He Was Rich

Things have you

CONCLUSION

Christ must be brought to your house

Lu 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

Lu 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold

Allow Christ to influence EVERY part of your life.

Six Things God Won’t Do for You

DATE: 20110102P

TITLE: Six Things God Won’t Do for You

TEXT: I Samuel 30:19; 2 Samuel 1:19

1 Samuel 30:19—And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

2 Samuel 1:19_—The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!_

INTRODUCTION

  1. BACKGROUND TO OUR TEXTS:

I Samuel 30:1-10 David’s Story David had been in hiding with the Philistines, but when it came time for the Philistines to engage in battle with Israel and king Saul, some of the Philistines became nervous about David being around. The Philistines sent David away and David on his return home found his city burnt down and his family and the families of his men stolen away. David calls for the ephod and prays Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

I Samuel 31:1-7  Saul’s Story

Saul and Isreal fought the Philistines. Israel was defeated. Saul and his sons fled to Gilboa and Saul, his armourbearer, and Saul’s three sons including Jonathan were all killed.

  1. INTRODUCTION OF OUR SUBJECT

It is miraculous and extensive the work God does in a person. He does great and mighty things to us and for us. He does those things for us that we cannot do for ourselves. Ultimately all the glory and credit for the victories of life belong solely to Him. He makes it possible, enables us and guarantees the victory. In comparing Saul’s Story with David’s Story, where is the disconnect from Saul and his victory?

As a measure of proving us, there are things God does not do FOR us. The Christian experience is not entirely reactionary or consisting of that which happens TO us. We are not still born infants. There are things (though by God’s grace) we must do for ourselves. And if we do not do these things, we absolutely can lose that which God gives us and does for us.

    REPENT – ASK – CHOOSE - LEARN** – **FIGHT** - **BELIEVE

  1. REPENT -Transparently deal with our sin before God.

    **Favor with God must be sought after and protected at any cost.
    **Sin makes us unfit for fellowship and battle. Saul went into battle with sin in his heart
    Why did Saul lose favor with God? Unrepented Sin PRIDE
    REMAIN HUMBLE BEFORE GOD AT ANY COST.

    James 4:6—… resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Saul was mistaken for one of the prophets, but did not HUMBLE HIMSELF.

  1. PRAY - Ask, Revival, We have not because we ask not.

**Gods direction must be sought after and followed.
**      Saul was fighting God’s will while David was completely resigned to it
2Sa 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines?...

2Sa 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest **the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees,** that then thou shalt bestir thyself: …
  1. CHOOSE - God will not move further until we have done what we already know to do. We must choose to do good. WILL to do

**Principle must be more important than Convenience.**

1 Sam 24:10-Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed.

  1. LEARN - Our mastery of faith, truth and the life in the Spirit must be continuous.

**We must learn of our master: Skills – prayer/bow
**Main cause of Israel’s defeat was the Philistine’s advantage of the bow, therefore David responds later by Teaching Judah the bow

Ps144:1_ Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:_ \

   We must be taught & We must learn. **We must be taught how to trust God and learn.
**Ho 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Pray that ye enter not into temptation -- Have to pray – Truth -- Spirit of God
Solomon prayed the words that david spoke. II Chron.6:41-42; Ps 132:(1,) 8-10,(16)

  1. FIGHT/PURSUE - The battle is the Lord’s, but we must pursue the enemy.

**We must be winning at home if we are to win abroad
**David was fighting to recover his family and his men’s families

Saul was tormented of the devil in his own mind. He could not pray for himself, let alone 


his nation.


**WE Must Pursue the Enemy**


2Sa 22:38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them

**Saul saved Agag. **1Sa 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag,

We must Destroy the Enemy \

  1. BELIEVE/EXPECT – Raise our Level of Expectation from God.

Our goal must be absolute victory-- no compromise
Compromise will never win against satan. He will get the better end of the deal every time.

Pattern of Good Works

Standards: A Pattern of Good Works

Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Ultimately, Christ is the Pattern

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

What was the Pattern he left us?

  1. Humility & Meekness (came as a baby in the manger)
  2. Simplicity ( Mt 8:20 foxes,birds...the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.)
  3. Full Surrender (Gethsemane, not my will but thine)

The Work of Building Up the Church was only beginning when Christ ascended

John 16:13-14 —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. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Titus 2:11,12 11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

**Titus 2:14 **Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The Holy Ghost works through the Word

(preached, read, memorized, revealed, etc.)

The Holy Ghost Works Through People

1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Standards (Church, Camp, etc.)

Reasons for the Pattern (shewing thyself a pattern)

Usually standards are discussed in the following way, "If you wear ear rings you are going to hell."

Your testimony for Christ is Being Watched

Sinners are Watching (not just for the preacher, just started with Titus)

Christians are Watching

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Somethings Act as a Stumbling Block for Someone Else

God is Watching

Bring honor to our father. In his likeness!

Camp Rules Explained

What good are the camp rules as for the most part, we abide them for a week and then go home leaving off the better part of them.

You are being shown a pattern, an example.

=================================================================

==================================================================

What are the reasons. Is the pattern worth continuing after camp? You are being shown a pattern

Fleeing Lust

2Ti 2:22 ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Culture undervalues your body. When to God, it is the TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST.

1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

We live in a time of great rebellion against God's design:

De 22:5 ¶ The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Ge 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Distractions: "No Cell Phones, Electronics"

How could I possibly continue this pattern?

The Liberty of a Sanctified Life

Freeing Strongholds/Harbors for Sin

Pride is a tricky thing and is harbored by many things. And those things are not universal. What might be cause by pride in one, might be the result of insecurity in another.

Biblical Selfworth, value. Respect for your person.

Something in itself may not be a sin, but is it an in route to my spirit to sow seeds for sin? How is it effecting my spiritual walk.

The work of the devil hides behind many pretenses: fun, entertainment (the play with BS, walked out, parents wonder about his behavior.).

Freeing Distractions

Spiritual Emphasis - Not Self Emphasis - Right Focus

Freeing Weights

Heb 12:1 ¶ 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,

The Lord's Prayer

Title: The Lord’s Prayer

TEXT: John 17:13,21

INTRODUCTION

John 17:13—And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

John 17:21—That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Christ Desires a one-ness or unity for his people as he shares with the Father.

Joh 17:11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them**; that they may be one**, even as we are one : Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;…

ONENESS IN_: GLORY – POSSESSION – AUTHORITY – POWER – MISSION – TRUTH – SANCTIFICATION – JOY _

  1. SHARED EDIFICATION— BUILDING EACH OTHER UP— GLORY -- SPIRIT

    v.1 Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

    v. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

    Joh 17:24 ¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

    Meal Time

    KINDNESS TO ONE ANOTHER:

    Ga 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

    Repair the Breaches (Unforgiveness and Bitterness destroy UNITY)

    Ga 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

    Gain by Trading

    Lu 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

  2. SHARED CAUSE

    ONE THE GIVING OF ETERNAL LIFE – Power ability, authority

    v.3 It is Life eternal to know the only true God and Jesus Christ

    Joh 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

    2Co 6:1—We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

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

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

  3. SHARED MESSAGE & DOCTRINE, TRUTH, SANCTIFY

    V. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me;

    Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

    persuasion, credence; moral conviction, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, faith

  4. SHARED POSSESSION – WE belong to each other, WE share all in common!

    v.10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

    Joh 17:6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.<--We are Christ’s

  5. Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

  6. Joh 17:13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

  7. Joh 17:17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

  8. 17:23B and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them**, as thou hast loved me**. … 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

CONCLUSION

This is not just our ambition to have unity. But this is our Lord’s Prayer!

The War on Sin

TEXT: Titus 2:11-14, v.12

THESIS: The grace of God teaches us to live above sin. (It is never a license for sin. Jude 4)

Titus 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

INTRODUCTION: Epistle to Titus Background

Tit 1:5—_For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting…_

Crete was an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete means: carnal; fleshly

In common Greek speech, the expression, "to Cretanize," meant to tell lies;

Tit 1:12 _… a prophet of their own, said, **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">The Cretians are alway liars,</span>** evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">that they may be sound in the faith;</span>_



            1. **Declare War and Recognize the dangers**,    

We must never take sin loosely, but SERIOUSLY.

The decision to go to war is always compelled by the extant of potential loss if action isn’t taken.

SOME OBJECTIVES: (Operation Enduring Freedom)

  1. Identify, locate and destroy terrorists along with their organizations
  2. Deny sponsorship, support and sanctuary to terrorists
  3. Diminish the underlying conditions that terrorists seek to exploit
  4. Defend US citizens and interests at home and abroad

We are at War! (The devil wants to discredit the fact that we are at war.)

    1. **The wages of is still death! Sin is an enemy!**

Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    2. **EVERY sinner is in imminent danger of the wrath of God.**

        The language of Scripture concerning sin is very VIOLENT: **Language of War**

* Dead to sin
* Destroy the body of sin
* Crucify the flesh
* Mortify
* Judge
* Wrathful vengeance
* Abomination

Ps 7:11 _God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. _

Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

  1. The war must be personal.

     Everyone is in need of DELIVERANCE --- redeemed from all iniquity

What should our disposition be toward sin? Seeking a deliverance from it! Sin is something to run hard from! Never toy with sin. Bring it immediately to the cross!

We must take sides against ourselves with Christ and His Holiness.

  1. Know and believe the path to victory.

    1. Denying ungodliness and Worldly Lusts

      There are certainly things we must deny at any cost. Deny this flesh his lustful cravings and desire. REJECT, REFUSE—SAY NO!

      Christian liberty is in part the ability to live above the law of sin and not God’s law!

In this Present World

  1. In Relationship to Our Self — soberly

  2. In Relationship to our neighbor — righteously

  3. In Relationship to our Maker — godly

  4. Believe and pursue total victory. -- “in this present world”

    ** Anything not purified in this life will not be purified in the next**

    Provide no quarter and accept no compromise with the enemy.

    Our denial of sin must be absolute! ZERO TOLERANCE

    ”The presence of terrorism anywhere in the world is a threat to our liberty.”

    Incomplete Conquest is fatal. --- ISRAEL

    We must not relent in our resolve against sin . The anser the first time must be the answer the 1000th time!

    1. IT IS POSSIBLE -- VICTORY OVER SIN IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE THROUGH CHRIST.

    1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

    Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Because a sin offering has been made!

1Jo 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:

CAIN’S SIN

 Gen. 4:7; “sin lieth at the door” or ACC “Sin-offering lieth at the door; Family Bible Notes:

Sin lieth at the door; according to some, crouched at thy door, like a beast of prey, ready to destroy thee; according to others, a sin-offering (such as I require) lieth at the door, by offering which in a right spirit, thou mayest gain my favor.

--“a sin offering in waiting, God provides atonement for sin. (as in Ho 4:8; 2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28).

SIN MUST BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE BLOOD OF JESUS!

4. **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">VICTORY OVER SIN is REQUIRED. God expects great things from us!</span>**

1Co 4:2  _Moreover it is **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">required</span>** in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (search will be made!)_


Col 4:12 _Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">that ye may stand perfect and complete in</span>** all the will of God. _


Titus 2:14—_Who gave himself for us, **<span style="text-decoration:underline;">that</span>** he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works._

As long as there is a parcel of territory we consider unconquerable in our life that is where the devil will always have a stronghold in our life and therefore be able to undermine every other victory.

The Difficulty of Hearing

TITLE: “The Difficulty of Hearing”

Text: I Timothy 4:1-16

  1. Hearing is Difficult:

  2. IF THEY WOULD ONLY HEAR!

    1. Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

  3. Listening is Difficult: The Difficulty of Hearing 2. Often times, we are “NOT GETTING IT.”: OT Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, Priesthood.

  4. Israel didn’t hear was MOSES was hearing on that mount SINAI.

  5. Judas didn’t hear what Jesus and even what John the Baptist heard at Christ’s Baptism.

  6. Nicodemus wasn’t hearing what Jesus was saying: John 3:

  7. There are So Many Voices –WE NEED SELECTIVE HEARING.

    1. Paul instructs timothy to command, teach, instruct as if he is commissioning someone with a great military task.

    Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

    1. Oh be careful little ears what you hear! You will miss God’s voice in the midst of the noise. DISTRACTIONS

    Lu 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

    1. ILLUSTRATION: AT one time, a family destroyed by false teaching. (They were hearing the good Word as Well. But it get’s lost in the multitude of voices.)
    2. We need a singleness of heart, eyes, & ears. (Laura’s cousin trying to fool me on the phone, but so far I’ve known who it wasn’t)—God just doesn’t speak that way!!!

    Mt 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

  8. THE IMPERFECT HEART IS ALWAYS --IN VARYING DEGRESS-- DULL OF HEARING.

    1. We can be DULL of Hearing (Heavily dull, A load Abundance) 1. 3 Times this phrase is used: Matthew 13:15; Acts 28:27; Heb. 5:11 2. HEART is waxed gross (TO THICKEN, FATTEN, CALLOUS)—Doesn’t effect me like it use to! 3. It isn’t just the sinner on the street that is dull of hearing, but the servants of the lord 4. Sin not only blinds, it deafens our hearing! I cannot hear properly as long as there is sin in my life. 5. SPIRITUAL Hearing is directly related to the condition of the HEART.
  1. I Must get the STORMS INSIDE silenced if I am going to hear anything.

  1. God can speak in your language. (So You can Hear)

    CENTURION:

    Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. :9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

DISCIPLES:

Mt 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

PAUL:

1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

CONCLUSION:

The Marriage Metaphor

There is no ‘secret language’ or hidden message requiring ‘decoding’ in Scripture, but there is symbolism and metaphors that are consistently used, therefore by comparison of references a general comprehension can be achieved.

Have been saying it backwards? By portraying the union with Christ and his Bride as being ‘elite’ and an ultimate relationship. Do we exclude too many from the ‘opportunity?’ Should not the union of Christ with His Bride be taught as the ideal relation which Christ desires to have with ALL His people? ETC….

FIRST, what do we know about the marriage relationship that can parallel God’s relationship with His people?

Isa 62:5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Ps 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Ro 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Ro 2:29; 2Co 4:16; Eph 1:7;3:16; Col 1:11

Isa 49:18—thou shalt surely clothe thee with…[CHILDREN], as with an ornament… as a bride doeth.

Isa 61:10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Jer 2:32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

The Bridegroom and the Bride

Jer 7:34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Jer 16:9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

Jer 25:10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

Jer 33:11 The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

Joe 2:16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Joh 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.

Re 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Re 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Re 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.

Re 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.

You will go out into eternity knowing you had opportunities to be saved and were not saved.

Contract yourself a debt.

You have the promise of being born again, all that is you have a promise.

Espousal, Betrothal

2 Corinthians 11:2 — For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Mt 1:18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 1:27 — To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 2:5 — To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. {taxed: or, inrolled}

Marriage and Marriage Feast Distinction

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.

- gamov: of uncertain affinity; nuptials:--marriage, wedding. (Matthew 22:2, 3,4,8,9,10,11,12; 25:10; Luke 12:36; 14:8; John 2:1,2; Hebrews 13:4; Revelation 19:7,9)

Luke 12:36 — And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. [KJV]

- The main idea of Luke 12:35-40 is the "Watchful Servant"
- Servants Waiting for their Master's return **from the wedding** in Luke 12 & Virgins Waiting for the Bridegroom to come **to the marriage** in Matthew 25.

Revelation 19:9 —

- deipnon [1173]: from the same as 1160; dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening):--feast, supper. (Matthew 23:6; Mark 6:21; Mark 12:39; Luke 14:12,16,17,24; Luke 20:46; John 12:2; 13:2,4; 21:20; 1 Corinthians 11:20,21; Revelation 19:9,17)

The Importance of the Resurrection

TEXT: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20

 Ro 6:5 _For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:_


 1Co 15:21 _For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead._


 Php 3:10 _That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;_
  1. Christ’s Death was God’s Perfect Design for Redemption of Mankind

(near Caesarea Philippi) Mt 16:21-28; Mr 8:31-38; 9:1; Lu 9:22-27

(in Galilee) Mt 17:22,23; Mr 9:30-32; Lu 9:43-45

  1. Christ’s Death—Where was Jesus’ Spirit while His Body was in the grave?

KEY: Matthew 27 & 28, Mark 15 &16, Luke 23 &24, and John 19 & 20 do not give much details if any concerning the period of time that Christ’s spirit was separated from His Body. The EMPHASIS in these passages is the DEATH of CHRIST and the RESURRECTION of CHRIST. We must maintain the SAME EMPHASIS.

Because of the apparent mystery of this period (because of his secondary importance) much false doctrine has been concocted concerning it.

_Word of Faith theology has completely rewritten and redefined the atonement. _(Popularized by the modern leaders of the Faith Movement, especially Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin.) The Word of Faith movement’s doctrine of the visit of Christ to Hell is a full-scale attack on the efficacy of the Cross. In their version, Christ dies spiritually on the Cross as well as physically, and is transported to Hell to be tormented by demonic forces for three days as a final payment on the atonement. Jesus is abused by demons for three days, and wanders around hell in disgrace as a kind of “wormy, washed-up shell of a spirit,” until God allows Him to speak the “faith word” and overcome His enemies. “Jesus is “born again” in Hell”. <<John 19:30—“It is finished.” Atonement was COMPLETE.>>

No Where in Scripture is it said or inferred that the devil had the keys of ‘death and hell.’ God has always been in possession of them!

Revelation 1:18--_I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death._

  1. Arises from the dead (just outside Jerusalem)

             Mt 28:2-15; Mr 16:1-11; Lu 24:1-12; Joh 20:1-18
  1. Too Important not have been Witnessed by Many! God left nothing to chance or mystery concerning the fact of Christ’s resurrection.Those Who Saw Jesus After He Resurrecte:
  2. Mary Magdalene (first evangelists of the resurrection!)** Luke 24:1-11**
  3. Appears to two disciples who journey to the village of Emmaus** Luke 24:13-3**5
  4. Is seen by Peter (near Jerusalem) Luke 24:34
  5. Appears in the midst of the disciples, when Thomas was absent (in Jerusalem)** Luke 24:36-49**
  6. Appears to his disciples, when Thomas was present (in Jerusalem) **John 20:26-29 **
  7. Appears to his disciples at Lake Galilee** Mt 28:16**
  8. Appears to the apostles and more than five-hundred followers on a mountain in Galilee** Mt 28:16-20 **
  9. Appears to James and also to all the apostles (in Jerusalem**) Acts 1:3-8**
  10. Appears to Paul (on the road to Damascus) Acts 9:3-17
  11. Appears to the Apostle John (on Patmos Island)** Revelation 1:10-18**
  12. The resurrection was the seal that He Keeps His Promises. HE WILL RETURN and judge this world. The resurrection is the seal of authenticity of the GOSPEL.

1Co 15:12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

When God Speaks of Judgment

Text : Matthew 24:1-5, 37

** Mt 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.**

Jer. 25:1-9 Because you have not hearkened unto my Word.

Am 8:11 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

  1. SOME NEVER EVEN HEAR HIM. Perished in the Flood

    1 Samuel 28:6—And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. (Saul went to see the witch of Endor.)

BECOMING SENSUAL THEY ARE LED AWAY BY EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE. Unbelief is directed by the senses and operates in a different realm than faith which is spiritual. Thoughts & Feelings that Destroy Faith must not rule our decisions, but GOD’s WORD.

Many live their lives out of earshot of God. It isn’t that God isn’t calling and reaching, but they have set themselves just out of range of their ability to hear Him.

**Stay where you can hear God. **It is MY responsibility to remain in the place I can hear His voice.

  1. SOME HEAR AFTER DIFFICULTY. Preserved Through

    Genesis 6:8—But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 13 ¶ And God said unto Noah,… I will destroy them with the earth.14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood;….

    Lu 12:36_—And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately._

    GOD HAS A PLAN OF KEEPING!3 Hebrew Children, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Obadiah & 700 prophets,

  2. SOME HEAR HIM WHEN HE SPEAKS. Escaped!

    Ge 5:21 ¶ And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

ENOCH: dedicated, teacher, METHUSELAH”When He is gone, it shall come” died just before the flood.

Lu 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. GOD HAS A PLAN OF ESCAPE!

Enoch, Lot, Elijah, Jesus, Philip

**CONCLUSION:

**STAY WHERE WE CAN HEAR HIM, KEEP SENSITIVE. Develop AN EAR TO HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING…There is great advantage given to those who are listening and hearing what God is speaking.

Matthew 17:5—_While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. _(Transfiguration.)

Things the Devil Would Like You to Forget

That We Must Remind Him Of!

  1. ** Satan has usurped his power and position and one day Christ will declare His right claim!**

God of this world, prince of this world, the devil==

Re 10:1 ¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: <no more delay>

  1. The Day I got saved.

Ps 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

  1. Every Victory We have Won!

  2. WE WERE SAVED BY FAITH

    Lu 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

    Heb 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.

Living an Overcoming Life

Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Paul’s Testimony

Christ’s Testimony

Peter’s Testimony

How Many Promises in the Bible?

The difficulty of numbering the promises is due to questions like:

  1. “Is a promise with several parts counted as one or is each part counted as a promise?”
  2. “What is considered a promise?” If every verse of God’s Word is considered a ‘promise’, that would be 31,102 promises! Or, if each verse portion was considered a ‘promise’ that total 31,102-PLUS promises!

The Human Condition & Faith

TITLE: The Human Condition & Faith

TEXT: Hebrews 11:21—By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

What should the Believer’s Disposition be toward the human condition?

Our manner of life should not be domination by the human condition but by faith.

INTRODUCTION

  1. THE HUMAN CONDITION
  1. SIN  PRONE to SIN, Selfsih

Ps 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.


Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.


Ge 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. (v. 8 “Noah found grace”)
  1. SICKNESS
  1. NEEDS

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  1. FAITH

    We are captives as long as our limits/liberty does not exceed the human condtion.

  2. Faith Reaches Beyond the Human Condition

A CRY FOR DELIVERANCE.

Heb 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

There is only one profitable way to hide our weakness:

1Sa 25:29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  1. Faith is not influenced by the Human Condition

CONSUMED BY THE DECREE OF GOD.

  1. Faith is Guided by the Will of God.

…worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

A CRUTCH???

Fallen, but not Finished

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

  1. There have been times when we have fallen
  1. God can help us to get up after falling
  1. God can keep us from falling

When Safety is Far From You

TITLE: When Safety is Far From You

TEXT: Genesis 28:10-22, v.16

INTRODUCTION

16 ¶ And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.

THESIS: God is an ever present help and we can abide in His presence. When safety is far from us, we can enter his presence! The Impossible has been spanned by Christ. FAITH CAN ALWAYS TOUCH GOD.

  1. Jacob Running for His Life

[trying to swim to the island, I panicked and tired so the canoe came to me.]

Jacob is RUNNING for his life. (That old trickster, supplanter) With the help of his mother, has dug his own grave!

  1. Jacob Far from Safety
  1. Jacob’s Ladder
    • Jacob wasn’t going to make it to the sanctuary of LUZ, but God gave him a dream! God with us wherever we are!
    • It was IMPOSSIBLE for Jacob to make it, so God showed him a ladder (staircase) built! (Jesus)
    • This ladder speaks of Christ: By him God comes down to man; through him man ascends to God. Our Lord applies the vision in this way himself, 1st, In that remarkable speech to Nathanael, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man, Joh 1:51
    • Emanuel_—God with us_

All the while Jacob was doing his own thing trying to secure blessing through deception and trickery, God was at work.-angels ascending and decending.—much activity going on in the spiritual realm.

    God coming down to man.

CONCLUSION

After the dream, Jacob’s entire attitude changed. His fear turned to faith. His deceptive ways to commitment to God.

GOD IS IN THIS PLACE.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS WHEN KNOW YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

Ge 28:10 ¶ And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16 ¶ And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Living Outside the Gate

TITLE: Living Outside the Gate

Text: Genesis 28:16,17

Genesis 28:16—And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

INTRODUCTION

The Greatest privilege of the Believer is to dwell in the presence of God. There is no more desirable place than where you are fully aware of the awesome presence of God.

Ps 140:13 _Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence._

INTO HIS PRESENCE

  1. THERE IS NOTHING PARTICULARY UNIQUE ABOUT JACOB AND HIS IGNORANCE, BUT WHAT IS TRULY REMARKABLE IS HOW OFTEN JACOB’ STORY IS REPEATED.

     _Surely the LORD is in this place; and <span style="text-decoration:underline;">I knew it not</span>_


 Most people live their lives entirely without the presence of God.


 Jacob was running for his life but getting nowhere!
  1. THERE IS NOTHING ESPECIALLY UNIQUE ABOUT THE LADDER TO HEAVEN, WHAT IS TRULY REMARKABLE HOW FEW EVER SEE IT.

God is omnipresent

He is never farther than a prayer faith can reach Him!

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.


Ps 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

BUT STILL CAIN WENT OUT FROM THE PRESENCE OF GOD. (Gen. 4:16)

Phineas’ wife with child “ Ichabod”

Livng outside the gate of God’s presence is always a personal problem.

The mole is not born without eyes or born blind, but has very good eyes. They merely deteriorate for lack of use.

CONCLUSION—“SHUT OUT”

**Zephaniah 1:6,7_—And them that are turned back from the LORD; and <span style="text-decoration:underline;">those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him</span>. 7 ¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests._**

Leaning on the Lord

Job 8:15—He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.

Proverbs 3:5—Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

INTRODUCTION

Psalm 18:18—They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

Psalm 37:23-24 Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 94:18—When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

Isaiah 26:3-4Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Phil. 4:6-7—Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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.

The name "Jesus" means "the LORD our Salvation," a further revelation of the magnitude of the LORD. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Jesus’ seven I Am statements are:

  1. I Am the Bread of Life. (John 6:35, 48, 51)
  2. I Am the Light of the World. (John 8:12)
  3. I Am the Door of the Sheep. (John 10:7, 9)
  4. I Am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11-14)
  5. I Am the Resurrection and the Life. (John 11:25)
  6. I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
  7. I Am the True Vine. (John 15:1, 5)

1. LEANING ON MY BELOVED - Never act as though I am alone.

Song of Solomon 8:5—Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee.<to recline:--lean.>

The only means of enduring to the end is learning how to lean on God. Leaning on God requires us to get the relationship right with God.

“He’s so much more than just a swear word, more than just an I don’t care word, How could we use his name so recklessly, Our only hope is in his one word, Whosoever will be come word, He’s more than just a swear word, He is the precious son of God.” –NIEL ENLOE, 1970’S

=> WHO IS HE TO YOU? (But Whom say ye that I am? Matt. 16:15) BELOVED – Song 8:5 ¶ Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. Lean on God like HE Loves you and you love Him!

He is my MASTER TEACHER-- Joh 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

HE IS THE TEACHER, I AM THE STUDENT.

NEVER Carry the Burden alone.

Never act as though I am alone. – He is with me every step of the way through this wilderness.

2. LEANING ON MY MASTER - Never act as though there is no answer.

John 13:23—Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Noah WEBSTER’s PREFACE to HIS 1828 DICTIONARY:

In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed.. .No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.

Never act as though there is no answer. – He has the answer and is the answer to every problem. LISTEN

* _When the student is ready, the teacher will appear_.—Buddhist Proverb
* **Dwight L. Moody's advice**: "Spread out your petition before God and then say, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me."  HE IS MY MASTER, TEACHER, GUIDE

1. THERE IS NO FAULT IN HIS COUNSEL. HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER – He Knows HOW to teach us (TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART)

**HIS instruction Can be trusted and He SHOULD be trusted -Kings, Priests, prophets, laborers, **

Dwight L. Moody's advice: "Spread out your petition before God and then say, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me." HE IS MY MASTER, TEACHER, GUIDE

What is He teaching you? What has he taught you?

Heb 2:1-4—Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Pr 6:23—For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

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.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

John 8:32—And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

HE SHOULD BE MORE THAN A SOMETIMES SOLUTION. There are Many sometimes, but God ALWAYS is!

Where is your advice coming from?

Ps 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

2. OUR REASONING IS FAULTY –

Lean not unto thine own understanding Whose trust shall be a SPIDER’S WEB

In comparison to God, I’m ignorant and dumb! –You don’t learn anything the 2nd time your kicked by a mule

BUT HOW do I not lean on my own understanding? We lean on the Lord in PRAYER.

1. WAIT ON THE LORD, NOT IMPULSE

Psalm 106:7-13 understood not…They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

You can do more than pray once you have prayed, but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.—A.J. Gordon

"Sometimes we think we are too busy to pray. That is a great mistake, for praying is a savings of time." –Charles Spurgeon

2. Listen to the Lord

3. LEANING ON MY GOD - Never act as though God is not well in control.

 **Heb 11:21**—_By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff._


Ps 27:1—_The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid_?

Luke 20:38—For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Jacob Leaned upon the Top of His staff.

Never act as though God is not well in control. – God is not Dead.

Ps 24:1—The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

“We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord”

We've come this far by faith, Leaning on the Lord
Trusting in His Holy word, He never failed me yet
Oh' Can't Turn Around, We've come this far by faith \

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

“I Must Tell Jesus”

I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles; He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver, Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior; One Who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus; He all my cares and sorrows will share.

O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me Over the world the victory to win.

READINGS:

Psalm 106:7-13 — Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. 13 ¶ They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Potential of Perfection

James 3:2

“The Potential of Perfection”

 

TEXT: James 3:2

 

Self interests prevent perfection.

Perfection is unattainable if our only motivation is self-centered; our motivation must be God-centered. For a life to be God-centered, it must first be God-sensitive.

 

Genesis 10:12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.

John 10:1 ¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

 

 

      I. A Prideful City - “The Same is a Great City” Gen. 10:12

                definition of Resen: to curb, restrain ------- halter, bridle

  halt: hesitance, imperfect progress

               a. Nineveh---Resen---Calah

                     Jonah 1:2; 3:2, 3; 4:11  

 

               b. Calah---to be complete, maturity, full {old} age

                     Job 5:26; 30:2

 

               c. Ham ---the middle son of Noah

                             Shem    Ham   Japheth

                  definition of Ham: to enflame self

                   Ps. 105:23, 27; 106:22

 

     II. A Pitiful Case - “The Same is a Thief and a Robber”

 

         Acting through motives of self interest alone is highly criminal before God.

 

         Lk.10:30-37

                   1. Thieves —what’s yours is mine—I’ll take it.

                   2. Priest and Levite —what’s mine is mine—I’ll keep it.

                   3. Good Samaritan —what’s mine is yours—I’ll give it.

 

     III. A Perfect Man - “The Same is a Perfect Man”

                   1. Offend not in word v.2

                   2. Bridle the whole body ““

                   3. A wise man—good, clear, honest thinking v.13

                   4. Endued with knowledge ““

                   5. A good conversation—behavior, conduct ““

                   6. Meekness of wisdom—character ““

Laborers in His Harvest

Peter’s sermon outline on the Day of Pentecost:

Stephen G. Reynolds, Jr.

Homiletics II

May 11, 2005

 

 

TITLE: “Laborers in His Harvest”

TEXTS: Matthew 9:35-38

 

 

Introduction

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Verse 36

 

  1. His Laborers are Sensitive

“The Harvest truly is plenteous,”

 

  1. His Laborers are Scant

“But the laborers are few.”

 

  1. His Laborers are Sent

“that He will send forth laborers into His Harvest.”

 

Conclusion

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

A Mind for God to Work

A Mind for God to Work

TEXT: John 12:1-8 Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8; && Luke 7:36-50

John 12:1-8—Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

THEME: Maintain a mind that allows God to work. Our mind can work contrary to God if we do not put it in submission to Jesus.

A Contrary Mind is Distracted

Where is your mind at? Been doing some thinking.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS: How can I Stop this? (Other Priorities)

In Mark 14 The Chief priests and the scribes was figuring how they might take Jesus by CRAFT.

Flesh screaming, "I need to get out of here." (preaching on Hell Sunday -- looking for an exit.)

I Can't Get Over How Much it Costs -If I was in Charge,would do Differently

I Don't See How I benefit from this? (JUDAS)

...This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

We benefit when Christ is glorified, but ultimately the primary purpose is the glory of Christ and not my comfort.

DENIAL of God's Handiwork: Can't be God, God wouldn't Use a Sinner Woman

How simple of a ministry, that really anyone could have done it. They were embarrassed they didn't think of it first before this woman. (Matthew 26 and Mark 14 a memorial unto her.)

**2 Cor 10:5 **—Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

A Mind for God to Work

My Gift I BRING to the Master

My Work of Obedience is Much in the hands of the Master

Her anointing of Jesus was a prophetic act. She did not REALLY know what she was doing.

...against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

I'm Ready to Receive the Ministry of the Master

Just enough is said by the minister to get your attention toward God for Him to do the work. An example without becoming a Lord over your faith.

1 Cor. 3:6,7 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Vague challenges. "Give it all to God." But what does that mean, specifically for me? How do I work through this.

My Troubles I Give to the Master ("Troubled Mind" The Battle ground of the mind)

Jesus knows how deep the trouble runs.

Who is this woman? - Mary the sister of Lazarus? They loved her, but she seems to always make them look bad. - A Sinner? Her Tears and Hair washed the feet of Jesus, "Thy sins are forgiven."

Conclusion

Break the seal. Perfume. You have been holding back. Break the seal. Sensitivity to the move of the Spirit of God. Tarry at his feet.

Bible

Ending the Pattern of Defeat

keep-your-shoes-on

Keep Your Shoes On - Ending the Pattern of Defeat

text: Song of Solomon 5:2-8

Song 5:2 ¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. 3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? 4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. 5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. 6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me. 8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.

In her love-sickness, she is determined to both FIND Him whom her soul loves and not to miss Him again! --- Ending the Pattern of Defeat.

INTRODUCTION - Shoes

[Barefeet] Slavery and Servanthood [Moses at Burning Bush (Ex. 3:5)]

Exodus 3:5 PUT OFF thy shoes, holy ground

[Shoes] Power and Authority [Prodigal Son Put Shoes on His Feet "Luke 15:22".]

Lu 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

READINESS - Shulamite Lady (SOS 5:3)

Song 5:3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them

Exodus 12:11 eat it, with your shoes on...[passover]

Do not enter that battlefield unprepared. A state of readiness Or a state of leisure. We have become far TOO COMFORTABLE around carnal devices. [computers, phones, tablets even in church.] READY TO RUN

2Ti 2:22 -- Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

RIGHTS - The Brother (Having both the POWER and RIGHT still refused)

Deut. 25:5-10 she will take off his shoe, spit in his face before the elders...his name shall be called in Israel, THE HOUSE OF HIM THAT HATH HIS SHOE LOOSED. [refusal to marry]

CONCLUSION - ALTAR CALL

Song of Solomon 7:1 - How beautiful are thy feet with shoes,...

These, like all her other ornaments, are the gift of her heavenly Bridegroom.

Never Quit Traveling - aware of the danger, uncomfortable.This world is not my HOME

Never Quit Worshiping - Singing enroute to dodge ball. "I've got a right to praise the Lord"

Never Quit Feeding - church, Sunday school,at home in the altar

Considering the Poor

TEXT: Psalm 41:1

Introduction

Acts 10:38 — How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Psalm 64:9 — And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Proverbs 21:12 — The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

2 Corinthians 8:2,3 — How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

The Macedonians, though both poor and persecuted, rejoiced exceedingly that an opportunity was afforded them of doing good to their more impoverished and more persecuted brethren. We can scarcely ever speak of poverty and affliction in an absolute sense; they are only comparative. Even the poor are called to relieve those who are poorer than themselves; and the afflicted, to comfort those who are more afflicted than they are. The poor and afflicted Churches of Macedonia felt this duty, and therefore came forward to the uttermost of their power to relieve their more impoverished and afflicted brethren in Judea. — Adam Clarke Commentary

Definitions

Word Study: SAKAL

Scriptures on Poverty

Matthew 26:11 — For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Song

I'm gonna live the way He wants me to live
I'm gonna give until there's just no more to give
I'm gonna love, love till there's just no more love
I could never, never out love the Lord

Written by William and Gloria Gaither 1972.

Worship and Work

TEXT: Isaiah 1:11-17

Introduction: WORSHIP And WORK

When Richter was conducting a rehearsal, with the composer present and listening intently. at one point he could't read the manuscript and pauses everything and askes "for confirmation of the next key F or F sharp of the composer. He responds, "Anything you like. Anything you like but GO ON!"

Only one life, Twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last.

1. We are the Work of God's Hands

Genesis 2:7 — And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Isa 60:21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

2. Work is a Gift that gives Place and Purpose

3. There is no Sacred and Secular Divide

Os Hillman in his study on work in the Gospels points out “ …that of Jesus’ 132 public appearances in the New Testament, 122 were in the workplace. Of the 52 parables Jesus told, 45 had a workplace context. Jesus never addressed the sacred and secular divide because such a divide never existed in Jewish thinking. The Jews understood that everything they did in work and in the synagogue was to be done to God’s glory. This is why quality is so important to Jewish workers. They are not working solely for themselves, but their work is also a worship to God.

Hebrews 3:5 — And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

4. When our WORK is disconnected (by sinful living) from our WORSHIP, God rejects our worship.

Isaiah 1:11-17 — 16 ¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Whatever we choose to do, we should seek to glorify God in it.

5. Both Work and Worship = Service to God can be difficult (BOWED DOWN)

Genesis 22:5 — And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Isaac's blessing to Jacob:

Genesis 27:29 — Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 — But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Who we are serving makes a difference!

Ex 1:14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

6. DO All to the Glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Word Studies:

1. Word Study: SHACHAH

shachah to depress, prostrate:--bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.

Genesis 22:5 — And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

first time "shachah":

Genesis 18:2 — And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Genesis 27:29 — Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

Exodus 18:7 — And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

2. Word Study: "Work"

The King James Version of the Bible translates twelve different Hebrew words with the word "work," but each one of these Hebrew words have a specific meaning.

  1. (m'la'khah, Strong's #4399) used 160 times; translated : work (141), business (12), goods (2), cattle (1), stuff (1), thing (1), labour (1) and occupation (1).= it can be the occupation or business of anyone, even God. Genesis 2:2.

  2. (Ah.B.D, Strong's #5647) used 290 times; to serve; Genesis 2:5

  3. (avodah, Strong's #05656) service (96), servile (12), work (10), bondage (8), act (2), serve (2), servitude (2), tillage (2), effect (1), labour (1)

  4. (Ah.S.H, Strong's #6213)

  5. (ma'a'seh, Strong's #4639)

  6. (P.Ah.L, Strong's #6466)

  7. (po'al, Strong's #6467)

  8. (p'ul'lah, Strong's #6468)

  9. (davar, Strong's #1697)

  10. (y'gi'a, Strong's #3018)

  11. (yad, Strong's #3027)

  12. (a'li'li'yah, Strong's #5950)

The King's Record

The King's Record

TEXT: Ezra 5:17

Ezr 5:17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

INTRODUCTION: A LETTER TO THE KING

After 70 Years of Captivity in Babylon, A group of the Jews were allowed to Return back to their Home Land. Ezra is a scribe leading this group to Jerusalem and in rebuilding the temple. While they are working the neighboring nations constantly harass the Jews. Eventually they send a letter to King Darius.

I. God's Word is with Authority (God's Word is His Will)

NO MATTER WHAT MEN MAY SAY:

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,…

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

II. Your Commitment to God's Word Will Be Tested

A. The Devil Will Challenge Your Commitment to God's Word

He is a master at inserting question marks where God has placed a period.

B. It's Important to Get Your Facts Straight

They repeated exactly what the Jews told them. You need a WORD from God and KNOW what He said. (Bro. Correy's Testimony)

The Devil won't be able to tell you any different. Ezra didn't have to check the Record, He told his enemies to check for themselves.

C. Doing Something For God Has ALWAYS Been a Battle., we must get distracted by the NOISE of the ENEMY.

Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

Come down from that Wall Nehemiah and Discuss this with us!

Nehemiah 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

III. The King's Record Defends the Innocent

God Keeps Good Books

The Only Record that Counts is God's

Ezra 6:1-3a, 7 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written: 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,..

God Always Has the Last Word

DARIUS' DECREE

Ezra 6:7 Let the work of this house of God alone;…

Revolution and Revival

Text: 2 Kings 9:22,32,33

If it could be done from behind this pulpit, it would have been done already a thousand times over. There is a hunger that must arise out of each individual for more God than ever before. We need revival but we are not going to sing it down or preach it down, we are only going to pray it down and LIVE IT OUTLOUD.

INTRODUCTION

DEFINITION: “revolution” refers to a movement, often violent, to overthrow an old regime and effect complete change in the fundamental institutions of society.

Matthew 11:12 — And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. ["gotten or taken by force"]

ILLUSTRATION: 70 minutemen (farmers, cobblers, silversmiths and metalworkers, carpentars) faced an entire regiment of trained British regulars. Instructed not to shoot unless fired upon. Some unknown man shot the first shot of the Revolutionary War. It has been described as “the shot heard around the world.” A Spiritual Revolution.

I. Prophets in Hiding -- SPRITUAL BONDAGE

II. Jezebel’s Influence --- SPIRITUAL TYRANNY

Jezebel’s Influence is that of Idolatry and exaltation of the flesh. We are not ineffective as a Body because of the world’s spiritual indifference, but because we are steeped in idolatry ourselves. Modernism has crept into the Church trying to mix faith and flesh.

ALL THAT SHOWS JEZEBEL’S INFLUENCE MUST BE DESTROYED. (70 sons, Ahaziah, Jehoram 2 Kings 10:11)

Jezebel Puts a Question mark everywhere God puts a period. (There is not absolute standard.) Jezebel= whence? Hence How? Whether? Which Way? Dwelling in Uncertainty & Doubt.

The church as been reduced to “SILLINESS”. We are a silly people. Why silly?

III. Jehu’s Cry --- SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION (a REVOLT)

 

2Ki 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

 

Why was Syria winning and defeating them at every advance? JEHU RECOGNIZED AS LONG AS JEZEBEL REIGNED THERE WOULD BE NO PEACE.

 

Throw her down! Revolt Against Jezebel. No revival without revolution. If there is going to be a restoration of former things, there must be an end to the present things. The spirit of Jezebel exists in the church only because we have yielded to it!

 

A. Courage

Because of the rightness of our cause. (Nathan Hale “Give me liberty or give me death!”

B. Faith

I am on the Lord’s Side and no enemy can defeat us.

C. Anointing

It’s not by might, not by power, but by MY SPIRIT saith the Lord. A vessel flooded and overwhelmed by the Holy Ghost. (Demon’s manifest.)

Understanding How God Works

Cry, Grace, Grace Unto it, v. 7

TEXT: Zechariah 4:1-14

Introduction

Zechariah 4:1-14 — 1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. 11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

This vision of the Golden Lampstand, Golden Bowl and the two Trees is a picture of God's designed method of working through and in his people. The vision is declaring ""how the work of God is to be done."

1. "As a man wakened out of his sleep", v.1

2. "What seest thou? v.2-5

On the left side and right side stood two OLIVE TREES from which flowed OIL into the GOLDEN BOWL upon a GOLDEN CANDELSTICK. Upon the GOLDEN CANDELSTICK also were SEVEN LAMPS from each lamp to the GOLDEN BOWL a pipe (seven in total)

4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

3. "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel" v.6-10

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

GRACE, GRACE unto it! (AS it is NOT by might!) We prepare for the rain, but only God can send it!

8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

FOUNDATION laid will be finished ... Phil. 1:6-8 ..he they has begun a good work in you will finish it

Eyes of the Lord ... To asa the king ... A fuller quote ... Don't you know the eyes of the Lord go to and fro ... ---> to show himself strong on behalf this ehise heard are perfect towards him ...whose heart despite the failures past are set on God's ideal Having d having discovered that we can't do it is a good thing because it's not by might that's the first part of the lesson the second part of the lesson and still are and that it's by the spirit

[plummet: a plumb line]

4. The Two Anointed Ones, vs. 11-14

11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

A. Immediate Interpration

B. Far Off Interpretation

Revelation 11:3,4 — And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

C. Ultimate Interpretation

The vision is declaring ""how the work of God is to be done."

The Gold

Isaiah 13:12 more precious than goldI will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Pure gold is scarce

Two Olive Trees

1 John 5:7 — For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Psalm 119:105 thy word

This oil is anointing oil, call, position, authority, emissary, representative, holy ghost,

the message is "by my spirit" therefore the oil is the holy Ghost. As the primary message is the ministry of the holy ghost. THE OIL

Golden Candlesticks

Revelation 1:13; Revelation 2:1, and, it is said, “the seven candlesticks are the seven Churches Matthew 5:14-15, compare Philemon 2:15). Cyril: “The golde

Purpose of a lamp? Bring light to the world. In ot it was ... You are theIsrael in nt it is the church You are the light of the world

Missionaries more interested in bringing a western culture to the heathen than a revival by the spirit of God

1 John 2:20 — But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 1 John 2:27 — But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

The PIPES

The Flow - Worldliness

Eccl

Gambling -cards - Swimming separate from girls Shirts Language "Dangerously specific"

I John 2:15-17 1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Jude 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jesus, I Hear You!

TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

vs. 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Spiritual Sleep (vs. 1-3)

1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

vs. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.

Eli is going blind. There's no open vision from God. A Prophecy from God in those days was scarce. The lamp of God ( a symbol of God's presence and revealing of truth) is about to go out.

This gives a sense of urgency, but for Samuel this was normal. It was all he ever new. It was night time, and it was only natural to have been asleep. The light going out was usual as it was light every morning and though they were suppose to burn till morning, it just was common sense that as you neared morning some of the flames might go out ALTHOUGH he did notice there seem to be one that NEVER WENT OUT.

What was happening around him: [FLICKER]

Samuel ministered unto the Lord BUT DIDN'T YET KNOW GOD'S VOICE FOR HIMSELF. Somewhat FAMILIAR with the things of God.

Pay attention to Samuel for something AWESOME is about to happen to him.

What does God's Voice Sound like?

Spiritual Awakening -- God's Voice

Eli was on his way out, but Samuel is about to be BORN AFRESH!

He's not dead, he only sleeps! -- Jesus about lazareth

1Sa 3:4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

Here is a PROCESS to LEARNING what to do and to recognize God's voice.

Spiritual Response -- Our Response

1Sa 3:9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Be Sensitive and guard that sensitivity to the Spirit of God.

Respond Immediately, Pray NOW.

God Speaks in the Night

TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [SAMUEL]; 1 Kings 19:11,12 [ELIJAH]; John 12:27-30 [JESUS];

[Do not beleager the points. Keep moving.]

THEME: We are going to consider in paralell 3 experiences when God spoke in the night. God spoke audible over Jesus life 3 times, God spoke to Samuel and Elijah in the night.

Joh 12:27 ¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

1. The Night

I. For Your Sakes

There confusion, their heart condition effected their ability to understand the message. to hear clearly. Some are going to hear God clearly today. Not all. But some will. - Some said it thundered - Some said an angel spake to Him - This VOICE, came for YOU not me.

2. The Lamp of God was Going Out

[SAMUEL] spiritual sleep is all I've ever known,

Samuel was just a child. The greatest spark of spiritual life in Samuel's life was Eli and he was dieing while Samuel was just a child.

3. Just Let me Die

[ELIJAH] let me die i'm no better than others)

II. The Voice

1. Israel's Opportunity

2. Samuel's Awakening

3. Elijah's Recovery

1Ki 19:9 ¶ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

END MATTER

3 Times God the Father Spoke Audibly Over Jesus

  1. Mattthew 3:17 -- @Baptism, Coronation in the midst of a power struggle (Rome, Herod (tyrant), Religious leaders, a voice crying in the wilderness.) = rebellion
  2. Matthew 17:5 - @Mount of Transfiguration = blindness
  3. John 12:28,29 - @Jesus prayer concerning his death == confusion

God leas His dear children along

What do They Know?

Introduction

Malachi 3:6 — For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

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!

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Those That Know not God

Job 18:21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.

God's People know that God is Among them.

Joshua 3:10 — And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. [1Sa 17:46]

Those that have Seen His Hand know that God is mighty.

Joshua 4:23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:

Joshua 4:24 — That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever

Those that have been deliverd by God know there are Battles to Fight.

Jos 23:13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

That these remainders of the Canaanites, if they should harbour them, and indulge them, and join in affinity with them, would be snares and traps to them, both to draw them to sin (not only to idolatry, but to all immoralities, which

The Redeeemed Know God keeps His promises.

Joshua 23:14 — And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.

Conclusion

so much more

You are Purpose Built

TEXT: Psalm 139:14

Psalm 139:14 — I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Introduction

A. Theme: We are made for a particular purpose.

DEFINITION: "purpose built": designed and made serve a particular purpose instead of a universal one.

Psalm 139:14 —

B. In this struggle for "what I want" our Godly purpose is being lost.

1. Wonderfully ("Male and female")

Psalm 139:14 — ... I am ... wonderfully made

Genesis 1:27 — So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY: 37.2 trillion cells --every cell contains our DNA : how to grow function and reproduce ... The recipe to make every genetic trait --- DNA is made of genes men have an X and a Y chromosome and women have two X human Y contains only 27 genes. One of these is the sex-determining region Y gene (SRY), which kick-starts the pathway that causes a ridge of cells in a 12 week-old embryo to develop into a testis. Fearfully and wonderfully made A 1/3 of 'same'genes behave differently in men then woman Male biased and female biased Confusion.. how do we deal with it? The clock in our genes ... Biological clock ... Sleep/ wake ... Even in a cave for 40 days .. 25.5 hrs long ... Light is primary synchronizer of our rythms We have 3 billion base pairs in our genome A genome is The clock toggles a switch and the other genes respond 1 way to on or off position Within Every cell is clock that cycles in and off every day As we are awake and Brain has a master clock ... Ever cell has an internal clock …

2. Fearfully ("I will praise thee")

Psalm 139:14 — I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

what can we do better,? we can eorship God better.

fear from what we dint know vs fesr of god insoired by what we do know.

the mystery of God his holiness his othernesd. we can enlarge what we think about God.

Conclusion

that my soul knoweth right well.

Preachers

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899–81), a British evangelical born and brought up within Welsh Calvinistic Methodism, he is most noted for his pastorate and expository preaching career at Westminster Chapel in London.

New England Preachers

Movemements and Denominations

References

Filled with the Spirit

TEXT: Ephesians 5:1-20

vs. 18 — And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Introduction

Being Filled is not the Same as Experiencing the Fullness of the Spirit

"To know the love of Christ" ... is a required ingredient to be "filled with all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:19 — and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the Fullness of God.

1.There is a Fullness

2. There is a Filling

Luke 24:32 and they said one to another did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way and while he opened us the scriptures?

This filling we are discussing is not to confused with the empowerment of God for service or the Spirit coming Upon, but the Spirit abiding within.

The Spirit Came Upon (power, ability for service and witness)

God has used many people mightily, by sending His Spirit upon them. The Spirit of God comes upon a person with PURPOSE.

Genesis 1:2 — And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Numbers 24:2 — And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

Judges 3:9,10 — 9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. 10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Judges 6:34 — But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

Judges 16:20 — And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

Acts 1:8 — But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Luke 10:20 — Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

3. There must be an emptying (EMPTYING OF SELF)

Pr 27:17 ¶ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

There are rich opportunities for the filling of the Spirit of God in our interactions with each other. Handling conflicts and disagreements within the church body according to the Scripture.

Mt 5:23-24 — Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Mr 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our Tone

1 Timothy 5:1 — Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

Entrapment is Un-Christlike

Job 6:24-27 — Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? 26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? 27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.

You act toward your friend as hunters do toward wild beasts. They dig a pit and cover it over to conceal it, and the hunted animal falls into it. So you endeavor to entrap your friend. Jeremiah faced this treatement:

Jeremiah 18:20 &mdahs; Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.

And ...

ALTERNATIVE TRANSLATION: Ye would cast lots upon the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

PERNICIOUS WORDS: having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way:

ORPHAN: a solitary person in distress; as well as, an orphan or one desolate (forsaken, abandoned)

Thoughts to Develop

Conflict: our doctrines of sin and grace greatly influence our spirit when dealing with conflicts with people.

Our beliefs concerning how God accomplishes his work of salvation and sanctification in the individual.

My experiences are not necessarily normative or to be expected as so.

Disfellowship... When ? Lessed are the peacemakers

Reconcile to God , others to others, others with yourself

Genuine concerns and conflicting concerns

Honesty should be the only policy regarding our commitment to the truth.

Willingness to Let wheat and tares grow together. What limits are there to this?

Willingness to bear a reproach in order to help someone.

Know your place ... Bro sis son father mother friend

Judgment in where the breakdown in relationships are. And act as it is and not what I think it should.

Not my desire but God's glory in every situation.

Words wound.take up for each other.

Compromise....

The Sealing and Earnest of the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 1:22 — Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13 — In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 5:5 — Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Acts 8:14-16 ¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

1. A Seal

2 Corinthians 1:22a — Who hath also sealed us …

DEFINITION: to stamp with a signet or private mark for security or preservation

1 John 3:24 — And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Ephesians 4:30 — And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2. An Earnest

Ephesians 1:14 — Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

DEFINITION: earnest--the first installment paid as a pledge that the rest will follow

Acts 19:1-6 — 2 … Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? …

Baptism of the Spirit (=immersion, poured out, falled upon, given) (initial experience)

Mt 3:11 — I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The baptism is the initial experience of this awakening to the glory reality of Christ.

No essential difference between early church and us. They could KNOW if they were filled or not. Did you receive the Holy Ghost? This BAPTISM is a definite experience that the individual can and does know whether or not they have received this BAPTISM.

Acts 19:2 — He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:5 — For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Biblical Ingredients of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Before we consider some testimonies of being Baptized with the Spirit, let us consider the Biblical ingredients of this experience.

The Baptism of the Spirit of God includes an experience of AWAKENING to the glory and reality of God.

Connected with the hearing of the Gospel for the first time a well as a deepening of the revelation of Jesus.

Testiomnies of Baptisms with the Spirit

When measuring our spiritual progress it is much simpler to assess what we HAVE experienced versus what we HAVEN'T experienced.

It is important to remind ourselves that not every interacting with the Spirit of God is necessarily to be universally applied, but we must first consider each experience within its own context.

John 3:8 — The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Let's consider these testimonies keeping in mind the Scriptures in the previous section.

Filling of the Spirit

D.L. MOODY: “We all need it [the filling of the Holy Spirit] together, and let us not rest day nor night until we possess it; if that is the uppermost thought in our hearts, God will give it to us if we just hunger and thirst for it and say, ‘God helping me, I will not rest until endued with power from on high.'”

Mt 7:7 — Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Giving and Receiving

Galatians 3:2 — This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Acts 5:32 —

Luke 11:13 — If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

An Abiding Presence

1 John 3:20-24 — For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 ¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Conclusion -- Desire

This filling:

  1. Gives authority power ability (for service and witness, absolute necessity) not just advocates but witnesses.

1 cor. 2:4 not words of mens wisdom but demonstration of power

  1. Essential for a Christian quality in our life. Filled with Spirit. To bear the fruit.

What are we filled with.

Ephesians 5:

Revival is the pouring out of God's Spirit. Pray for revival.

Make us a mighty flame for Christ.

Bible Believers Treatment of Bible Believers

The Civil War Among Bible Believers

THEME: Lessons we can learn from our history as Bible Believers of our treatment of other Bible Believers.

REAL PUBLIC PERSECTION

Persecutions by the PURITANS

Ministry Wrongs

Biblical Conflict Resolution

Handling conflicts and disagreements within the church body according to the Scripture.

Mt 5:23-24 — Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Mr 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our Tone

1 Timothy 5:1 — Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

Entrapment is Un-Christlike

Job 6:24-27 — Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? 26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? 27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.

You act toward your friend as hunters do toward wild beasts. They dig a pit and cover it over to conceal it, and the hunted animal falls into it. So you endeavor to entrap your friend. Jeremiah faced this treatement:

Jeremiah 18:20 &mdahs; Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.

And ...

ALTERNATIVE TRANSLATION: Ye would cast lots upon the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

PERNICIOUS WORDS: having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way:

ORPHAN: a solitary person in distress; as well as, an orphan or one desolate (forsaken, abandoned)

Thoughts to Develop

Conflict: our doctrines of sin and grace greatly influence our spirit when dealing with conflicts with people.

Our beliefs concerning how God accomplishes his work of salvation and sanctification in the individual.

My experiences are not necessarily normative or to be expected as so.

Disfellowship... When ? Lessed are the peacemakers

Reconcile to God , others to others, others with yourself

Genuine concerns and conflicting concerns

Honesty should be the only policy regarding our commitment to the truth.

Willingness to Let wheat and tares grow together. What limits are there to this?

Willingness to bear a reproach in order to help someone.

Know your place ... Bro sis son father mother friend

Judgment in where the breakdown in relationships are. And act as it is and not what I think it should.

Not my desire but God's glory in every situation.

Words wound.take up for each other.

Compromise....

Why do You Ask?

TEXT: Genesis 32:24-30

Ge 32:24 ¶ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

1. Don't You know by Now? (Acknowledge the Hand of God in Your Life)

-- GOD ALMIGHTY --

Ge 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

This event does not occur spontaneously detached from Jacobs life. His life was truly leading to this moment. The Wrestling Match of a Lifetime

2. Is the Question in order? Is my life in order?

Rachel Scott was the first of 13 to be killed at Columbine High School. The day she died, Rachel Scott carried a notebook in her backpack, on which she’d written the words “I won’t be labeled as average.” The shooters shot her in the leg and asked if she believed in God. She replied, “You Know I do.”

8. Is what you have with God worth dieing for?

3. What is Your Name? Do You want More?

4. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW?

Judges 13:18 — And the angel of the LORD said unto him [Manoah], Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret? [wonderful]

Jacob left that day with only a blessing. I say ONLY, not that his blessing was a minor thing, but ONLY in that there is much more of God to know than to know of his works. He is worth knowing, but is is going to cost you!

Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'

1Pe 1:6 ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Ex 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 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.

Ge 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The story God was writing was much bigger than Jacob and his little family.

We are made STEWARDS of the MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD. Multifaceted.

He gives the Holy Spirit to those that obey Him!

Are you after more than a blessing?

What is name?

  1. Have You BEEN to the Cross?
  2. Have You TAKEN up your cross?
  3. Are you WALKING IN DAILY OBEDIENCE?

By His Own Blood

By His Own Blood

TEXT: Leviticus 17:10-11; Hebrews 9:12-14

Leviticus 17:10-11&mdsash;And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 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.

Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

INTRODUCTION: The Bible is a Bloody Book

The word "blood" is found in 378 verses in the Bible (285 OT; 93 NT).

1Jo 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Why does the Bible Emphasize the Blood? Why is it so Important?

I. The Lesson in the Blood

The Secret to the Favor of God is in the Blood

…I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood…

God is making a strong and serious point. As the the master teacher, he is giving Israel a shadow of a fuller revelation to come.

The Life is in the Blood (Leviticus 17:10-11)

For the life of the flesh is in the blood…

Without the Blood, there can be no life. When the blood fails to reach the cells in the body, even in that partial way, those cells begin to die.

Every cell in the body, is dependent on the continual flow of the blood.

The Atonement is in the Blood

… it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

ATONEMENT: to cover; to purge; to cleanse; to pardon; to reconcile;

If Israel would perform the sacrifice as commanded by God, that blood (through faith) would serve as COVERING for their sin.

II. The Power in the Blood

The last part of text spans over the realm of instruction and shadows and introduces us to God's POWERFUL plan of redemption.

BY HIS OWN BLOOD

By His Own Blood, Alone

Matthew 26:28—For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Without the Blood of Jesus, the blood of the bulls and goats mean nothing.

By His Own Blood, He hath Purchased His Church

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

He created us but it was through His shed blood that he restored himself as the head of the body. The blood of Jesus was the price paid.

Not the miracles, the teachings, the personal self-sacrifice of our lord throughout his ministry, not even the rising from the dead in itself, but it is upon His shed blood the plan of God is founded.

By His Own Blood, The Word of God is Life Giving

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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.

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Do We Want a Bloodless Bible?

Without the Blood of Jesus, the Bible would be just like any other book.

By His Own Blood, We Experience Christ's Death and Life

1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

By His Own Blood, God Brings Us Close

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

FAR: to be far off signifies to be under his displeasure.

NEAR: To be in the favour of God.

The Full Reward of the Righteous

Psalm 16 &

Psalm 58:11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. <<reward: fruit>>

--FULNESS, REPLETE, COVERED OVER

Introduction - (Its Difficult) Is it worth serving God?

A. It is Difficult to be Christian

Mt 16:24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Lu 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

1Jo 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:

1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Php 2:12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Lu 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

It is difficult, but is it worth it?

Mt 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

-- He is worthy!

Eze 36:22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

B. It is Easy, but not Worth it to be Wicked

Ps 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

1. Fullness of Preservation

David, sojourning among idolaters, and being obliged to leave his own country through Saul's persecution, cries to God for help; expresses his abhorrence of idolatry, and his desire to be again united to God's people,

Psalm 16:1-4 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. 2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; 3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. 4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

ILLUSTRATION: Henry J. Westermeyer --- Have you become discouraged? Have you allowed something to keep you from being what you know you should be? Have you allowed depression or disaster to make you lose heart and to slacken your effort? If so, remember the Word of the Lord: "That no man take thy crown." Be diligent; in season and out of season. Be faithful in the face of storm, as well as in times of sunshine, for if there is "no battle, there will be no victory; no cross, no crown."

Re 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

2. Fullness of Provision

Psalm 16:5-7 — The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

Ezekiel 36:27 — [God promised to restore scattered Israel and that "I will put my Spirit within you"]

3. Fullness of Power

Prophecy of the Resurrection of Christ

Psalm 16:8-11* — I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

==================================

Lu 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Joh 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Ac 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Ac 6:3 Wherefore, 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.

Ac 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Ac 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Ac 7:23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

Ac 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Ac 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did

Ac 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Ro 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Php 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1Jo 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

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September 5, 2022 Tent

"Amen"

Joh 21:1- 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

How Old Were the Disciples?

Matthew 10:2-4

Simon, who is called Peter,

and Andrew Peter's brother; and

James the son of Zebedee,

and John James' brother;

Philip and

Bartholomew (Nathanael);

Thomas and

Matthew the tax collector;

James the son of Alphaeus (James the Less), and

Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James);

Simon the Zealot, and

Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

Laboring in God's Harvest

TEXT: Matthew 9:35-38

Mt 9:35 ¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Introduction

1. His Laborers are Sensitive

Matthew 9:36 — But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Verse 36

A. To the Fact that it is God's

B. The Need

The Harvest truly is plenteous

C. History, Context (CAREFUL)

Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2. His Laborers are Scant (DIFFICULT)

But the laborers are few.

3. His Laborers are Sent

Matthew 9:38 — Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Conclusion

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

The Measuring of a Christian

2Co 2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

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?

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Exegesis of 2 Corinthians 13

2Co 13:1 ¶ This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 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? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 11 ¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Introduction

  1. Do YOU know that Christ is in You? ASSURANCE
  1. Being Lost, All Begin as Sinners ( Ps 51:5; Ro 3:23; 5:12)

2 Timothy 2:26 — And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Co 4:3 — But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

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

1 John 2:11 — But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

  1. Being Saved, No Longer Lost, Saved by Grace through Faith (Romans 10:9,10; Col 1:13)
  1. Being an Overcomer, Having a new Relationship to sin (1 John 2:1)

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:

Ephesians 4:28 — Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

2 Cor 2:14 — Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Romans 12:21 — Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 3:2 — For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

1 John 1:7 — But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  1. Being Doers of the Word, A New Relationship to the Will of God / Doing the Will of God

1 John 2:3 — And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Romans 2:13 — (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

James 1:22 — But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Eph 6:6 — Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

  1. Being filled with the Holy Ghost

Acts 19:2 — He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

  1. Being a Labourer in God's Kingdom, / Laboring for the Kingdom of God

Matthew 9:37 — Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Pr 23:4 ¶ Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Joh 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

  1. Being Sanctified / Walking in the Light

2 Corinthians 7:1 — Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

  1. Being True Worshippers, Perfecting our Worship/Praise

Matthew 21:16 — And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

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.

  1. Being No Longer Children with Doctrine

Ephesians 4:14 — That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

  1. Being Christ's Body / Church

  2. Being Humble

Psalms 19:13 — Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

1 Corinthians 15:10 — But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

  1. Being the Enemy of the World

Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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.

  1. Being Disciples / Teachable

The Glory and Beauty of God's Son

A study on the garments of the High Priest and what they speak concerning Christ.

Hebrews 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Exodus 28:2 — And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

1. The Beginner and Completer of our Faith

Hebrews 12:2 — Looking unto Jesus the author ['beginner','pioneer','captian'] and finisher [consummator] 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.

2 Pe 1:1 &mdash Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2. The Glory and Beauty of God's Son

The priest would must put on these garments in order to minister in the tabernacle

Exodus 28:2 — And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

2 Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (2 Chronicles 20:21 ; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 96:9)

Psalm 93:1 — The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength*, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalm 104:1 — Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

3. A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY: The Tabernacle and All its Details are a Type of Christ and His Ministry - The Ministry of Christ

Hebrews 9:23 — It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 8:1-6 — Heb 8:1 ¶ Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 ¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

4. The Many Layers of this Garment

Exodus 28:1-5—And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. 4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. 5 And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.

A. Overview of the Priestly Garments

common: (all of white) (even the relatively plain uniform of the oriest was as well for glory and besuty - v. 40 compare with v.2 )

  1. coat : tunic, ribe, white linen, no seam ( thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen)
  2. miter: bonnet, close fitting cap, turbun,miter (and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, : turban; a head wrap)
  3. linen breeches - to cover nakedness, under garment (underneath the robe of the Ephod was the linen tunic and breeches.)
  4. girdle, sash, belt,

HIGH PRIEST ONLY

  1. (v. 6-14) Ephod- 1 piece vest or apron, 2 onyx gem stones on shoulders, held on shoulders by 2 stones shoulder pieces, having the embroidered girdle of ephod
  2. (v. 15-30) Breastplate - (of judgment) - 12 stones - not loosed from the ephod - within it the 'urim and thummim' were kept
  3. (v. 31-35) Blue Robe - wrap - seamless skeeveless all of blue, outer garment, pomegranates and bells
  4. (v. 36-39) Golden Plate, crown engraved "Holiness unto the Lord"

B. Depth/Complex of Experience

We can read over and over and still be left questioning, 'what did these garments actually look like?' or 'How was it all put together?' =========> cunning work, spirit if wisdom or skill, inventiveness

Ex 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

5. The Ephod, v. 6-14

Exodus 28:6—And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning (embroidered) work.

Ex 28:6 ¶ And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work. 7 It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

Exodus 26:1 — Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

6. The Breastplate, v. 15-30

Where the ephod crossed on the breast there was a square ornament called choshen, the breastplate, in which twelve precious stones were set, each bearing one of the names of the twelve sons of Jacob engraven on it.

Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

John 7:33 — Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

A Pocket was created in the folding of the Breastplate in which were placed: urim and thummin

7. The Robe of the Ephod / Blue Robe, v. 31-35

this meil, or robe, was one long straight piece of blue cloth, with a hole or opening in the centre for the head to pass through; which hole or opening was bound about, that it might not be rent in putting it on or taking it off

Exodus 28:31-39—31 ¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent. 33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: 34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.

John 19:23 — Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

2. You can not Improve on What God Does

3. The Sound of the Bells and Pomegranates

God is Purposeful, There is no Beauty Without a Function and not Function or work of God that is not Beautiful

33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: 34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.

PRAYER: Prayer offered to God, ringing of these bells

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.

8. The Golden Plate, v. 36-39

Exodus 28:36 — And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. 38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. 39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.

36 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

Conclusion

Notes on Song of Solomon 5

This chapter is a charge to wake up spiritually. There was a change in this ladies condition or situation because of a charge given (S.O.S. 5:8)

Song 5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

2 ¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. 5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. 6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.

9 ¶ What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. 11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. 13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. 14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. 15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. 16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Ebenezer

TEXT: 1 Samuel 7:12

The Scripture: Samuel & Ebenezer

The meaning of Ebenezer originates more than a thousand years before Christ, during the ministry of the prophet Samuel.

First Occurrence

1 Samuel 4:1 — And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.

What we do know is that during his early days as a prophet, Israel received back the ark of the covenant from the Philistines after seven months, having lost it in war. So distressing was it to lose the ark that when news of it had come to Israel’s judge Eli, he fell backwards from his chair, broke his neck, and died (1 Samuel 4:18). Sadly, even with the loss of the ark, the nation was not yet ready to come before God in full repentance. It took twenty years for the people to be sufficiently humbled to turn to Samuel to lead them in restoring their relationship with God.

Second Occurrence

1 Samuel 5:1 — And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

Origin Text

1 Samuel 7:12 — Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. {Ebenezer: that is, The stone of help}

Samuel gathered the people at the town of Mizpah. There the people would fast and confess their collective infidelity to God (“We have sinned against the Lord,” 1 Samuel 7:6) and Samuel would pray for them (1 Samuel 7:5). But when the Philistines heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they took it as an opportunity to march on their enemies — and when Israel heard they were coming, the nation panicked. The people pled to the prophet, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 7:8).

Samuel responded by sacrificing a lamb to God on behalf of the people, and as he did, the Philistines began to attack. But God heard Samuel and answered with a magnificent display of power. “The Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them” (1 Samuel 7:10–11). God heard the cries of his people through Samuel, and came to their rescue.

Then, to commemorate God’s mighty intervention on behalf of his people,

Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. (1 Samuel 7:12–13)

In Hebrew, Ebenezer means “stone of help” (eben = stone; ezer = help). Samuel wanted the people to remember, not just for a few days, but for years, for decades, for generations, how God had come to the rescue of his people when they humbled themselves before him.

Samuel erecting the stone Ebenezer was not the end of Israel's story. Many more dangers, toils, and snares were to come. Samuel raising the “stone of help” was in no way a declaration that the final victory had been won, but that up to that point God had helped them. “Till now the Lord has helped us.” And because God’s people weren’t yet out of the woods, this Ebenezer had a part to play in reminding the nation to keep the faith in the days ahead.

The Hymn Writer: Robert Robinson

Robert Robinson (1735–1790) was born at Swaffham, Norfolk, in 1735. Whilst in his eighth year the family migrated to Scarning, in the same county. He lost his father a few years after this removal. His widowed mother was left in sore straits. His mother was a godly woman, and far above her circumstances. Her ambition was to see her son a clergyman of the Church of England, but poverty forbade, and the boy (in his 15th year) was indentured (seven year apprenticeship) in 1749 to a barber and hairdresser in London.

It was an uncongenial position for a bookish and thoughtful lad. His master found him more given to reading than to his profession. Still he appears to have nearly completed his apprenticeship when he was released from his indentures.

In 1752 came a life changing event, Out on a frolic one Sunday with like-minded companions, he joined with them in sportively rendering a fortune-telling old woman drunk and incapable, that they might hear and laugh at her predictions concerning them. The poor creature told Robinson that he would live to see his children and grandchildren. This set him a-thinking, and he resolved more than ever to "give himself to reading”.

Matthew 3:7 — But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Coincidently he went to hear George Whitefield. The text was St. Matthew iii. 7, and the great evangelist's searching sermon on "the wrath to come" haunted him blessedly. He wrote to the preacher six years later penitently and pathetically. For well nigh three years he walked in darkness and fear, but in his 20th year found "peace by believing."

He soon after began to preach, and ministered for some time in connection with the Calvinistic Methodists. He subsequently joined the Independents, but after a short period preferred the Baptist connection.

Robert Robinson wrote “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” at age 22 (1757).

Robinson remained in London until 1758, attending assiduously on the ministry of Gill, Wesley, and other evangelical preachers. Early in this year he was invited as a Calvinistic Methodist to the oversight of a chapel at Mildenhall, Norfolk. Thence he removed within the year to Norwich, where he was settled over an Independent congregation.

In 1759, having been invited by a Baptist Church at Cambridge (afterwards made historically famous by Robert Hall, John Foster, and others) he accepted the call, and preached his first sermon there on Jan. 8, 1759, having been previously baptized by immersion. The "call" was simply "to supply the pulpit," but he soon won such regard and popularity that the congregation again and again requested him to accept the full pastoral charge. In 1761, he became pastor of the Baptist congregation at Cambridge, after persuading the people to "open communion."

In 1770 he commenced his abundant authorship by publishing a translation from Saurin's sermons, afterwards completed. In 1774 appeared his masculine and unanswerable Arcana, or the Principles of the Late Petitioners to Parliament for Relief in the matter of Subscription. In 1776 was published A Plea for the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in a Pastoral Letter to a Congregation of Protestant Dissenters at Cambridge. Dignitaries and divines of the Church of England united with Nonconformists in lauding this exceptionally able, scholarly, and pungently written book. In 1777 followed his History and Mystery of Good Friday. The former work brought him urgent invitations to enter the ministry of the Church of England, but he never faltered in his Nonconformity.

In 1781 he was asked by the Baptists of London to prepare a history of their branch of the Christian Church. This resulted, in 1790, in his History of Baptism and Baptists, and in 1792, in his Ecclesiastical Researches. Other theological works are included in the several collective editions of his writings. He was prematurely worn out. He retired in 1790 to Birmingham, where he was somehow brought into contact with Dr. Priestley, and Unitarians have made much of this, on exceedingly slender grounds. He died June 9, 1790.

About the year 1780, he began to incline towards Unitarianism, and at length his people deemed it essential to procure his resignation. While arrangements for this purpose were in progress he died suddenly at Bingham, in June 1790. He wrote and published a good many works. His three changes of ecclesiastical relationship show that he was somewhat unstable and impulsive. His hymns are terse (abrupt) yet melodious, evangelical but not sentimental, and on the whole well wrought. His prose has all that vehement and enthusiastic glow of passion that belongs to the orator.

The Hymn: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The Lyrics

Verse 1:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;

streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.

Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it - mount of God's redeeming love.

Verse 2:

Here I find my greatest treasure; hither by thy help I've come;

and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

he, to rescue me from danger, bought me with his precious blood.

Verse 3:

Oh, to grace how great a debtor - daily I'm constrained to be!

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee:

prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

here's my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

Scripture References

Tune My Heart

TEXT: John 4:19-26

Joh 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 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. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

Woman at the Well

Robert Robinson

Robert Robinson was born in England in 1735. He lost his father at age 7. His mother was a godly woman, and far above her circumstances. Her ambition was to see her son a clergyman of the Church of England, but poverty forbade it, at 15 years old Robert began a 7 year apprenticeship to a barber.

He never was very good or attentive to barbering as he was a bookish and thoughtful boy. His master found him more given to reading than to his profession.

In 1752 came a life changing event, Out on a frolic one Sunday with like-minded companions, he joined with them in sportively rendering a fortune-telling old woman drunk and incapable, that they might hear and laugh at her predictions concerning them. The poor creature told Robinson that he would live to see his children and grandchildren. This set him a-thinking, and he resolved more than ever to "give himself to reading”.

Matthew 3:7 — who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

By an act of grace, a few weeks later he went to hear George Whitefield to mock him. The text was St. Matthew iii. 7, "the wrath to come" haunted him. He wrote to the preacher six years later penitently and pathetically. For well nigh three years he walked in darkness and fear, but in his 20th year he found "peace by believing."

Introduction: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

"Come thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace"

"Come Thou fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love

Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, oh take and seal it Seal it for Thy courts above

A New Heart - CREATE IN ME CLEAN HEART

When mending will not DO --

Psalm 51:10 — Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Isa 1:5 — Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Tune My Heart

Offerings of God - Sermon Notes

What Manner of Love

1 John 3:1 — Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

John 4:13-14 — Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 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.

John 4:18-19 — For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

Does my experience measure up to the words that I speak?

There is a LOVE relationship with God, that goes beyond the 'demands of the law'.

People Follow Spirits

John 4:22-24 — Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Questions on Prophecy and Tongues

questions:

I was thinking about the paper you gave us with all the verses about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and how they say when they were filled they spoke in tongues

When people speak in tongues for prophecy is that different?

And then like after someone's received the baptism the first time does when they speak in tongues again mean they're being refilled?

These are great questions. I will answer simply and then give as detailed a follow-up as I can to each of them.

1) Speaking in tongues is a different/separate gift than prophecy.

The 9 spiritual gifts are often used in combination with other gifts and are not only used by themselves. So, it is in order to see a prophetic word be given in response to a message in tongues. But the nature of the gift doesn't necessarily require that.

By definition, prophecy is a directed, timely word from God (either foretelling or forthtelling).

Speaking in tongues is a supernatural utterance in a language unknown, unlearned by the speaker as they are given unction/inspiration by the moving of the Holy Ghost within them. Where IF the tongue is INTERPRETED (interpretation of tongues is another of the 9 gifts of the Spirit) could contain a word of prophecy.

An additional thought to note is that the Bible demonstrates a distinction between this GIFT of prophecy as I described and the OFFICE of a prophet. God may give a word of prophecy through someone who does not have the ongoing ministry of being a prophet. Acts 11:27,28 is a good example of the OFFICE OF THE PROPHET and Acts 2: 17,18 of the GIFT OF PROPHECY.

The difference can be understood as like there is a difference between BEING A PASTOR and GIVING A SERMON. You don't have to be a pastor to share a sermon but being a pastor does definitely include preaching sermons.

2) Speaking in tongues does not necessarily mean someone is being refilled with the Holy Ghost, but it does mean someone is using a spiritual gift that is given by the Holy Ghost.

Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Spirit seen at work in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost but it is not bound exclusively to the experience of the Baptism of the Spirit alone.

A person may speak in tongues when they are Baptized in the Holy Ghost but they also may speak in tongues at other times as well like Paul describes in 1 Cor.14:18.

Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a one time, initial (first time happening) experience where the Holy Ghost enters into an individual as an indwelling, continual presence.

After experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Ghost there can be more experiences where the Holy Ghost fills us more (refilling).

Further Thoughts on Speaking in Tongues and Prophecy

1. Offices, Gifts and Fruit

The doctrines of the Ministry of the Holy Ghost within a Spirit filled person could be summarized in the following:

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 — Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

There are 5 Offices/Ministries a Spirit filled person could be called to:

Ephesians 4:11-12 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

There are 9 different gifts that could be demonstrated by a Spirit filled person.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 — For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

There are 9 different fruit that are to be seen in the life of a Spirit filled person.

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

2. There are at Least Three Manifestations of the Gift of Tongues

a. An Unknown Language to the Speaker, But Known to the Hearer

This manifestation of the gift edifies the hearer and in particular the sinner.

Acts 2:4-8 — And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 ¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

b. An Unknown Language to the Speaker, and Understood only by the Holy Ghost

This manifestation of the gift edifies the one doing the praying.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Ro 8:26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

1Corinthians 14:2 — For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

c. An Unknown Language to the Speaker and to be Coupled with an Interpretation of that Message in a Known Language

This manifestation of the gift edifies the church, the body of Christ.

1Co 14:15 ¶ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:4 — He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Co 14:5 — I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

d. Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues and Prophecy are to be Demonstrated in Order and ideally Witnessed by Others

1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Able Ministers of the N.T. - Sermon Notes

2 Corinthians 3:5-11 — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 ¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 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: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

2 Timothy 2:15 — Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Research on the Messaging and Events of Christian Ministers

In order of Birth:

Gordon Lindsay

birth date: June 18, 1906 death date: April 1, 1973 https://www.hopefaithprayer.com/books/apostlesprophetsandgovernments-GordonLindsay.pdf

Gordon Lindsay employed his unique gifts to bring stability, cohesion and unity to the multi-facetted healing movement. His orderly mind, keen business sense, sharp literary skills and an ecumenical spirit conspired together to maintain the movement’s integrity, coordination and growth. His first-hand experience as an itinerant evangelist in the 1930’s gave him an understanding of both itinerant ministry and local church leadership, providing great wisdom as the movement spread.

Gordon Lindsay's parents were members of J. A. Dowie's Zion City, Illinois when he was born. The city’s financial difficulties forced the family west in 1904, where they temporarily joined another Christian-based community led by Finis Yoakum at Pisgah Grande, California. When similar problems emerged the family moved to Oregon after only a few months. From here the family moved to Portland, Oregon where Lindsay attended high school and was converted during a Charles F. Parham evangelistic campaign. During his youth he came under the influence of John G. Lake, former resident of Zion City, missionary to South Africa, and founder of the Divine Healing missions in Spokane, Washington, and Portland, Oregon in 1920. Lindsay joined the healing and evangelistic campaigns of Lake, traveling throughout California and the southern states. Lindsay began his own ministry in California as pastor of small churches in Avenal and San Fernando and for the next eighteen years, he travelled across the country holding revivals in full gospel churches. This period of travel prepared him as perhaps no other man in the nation to establish communication among a variety of Pentecostals. When World War II began, Lindsay felt compelled to give up his evangelistic ministry because its rigorous lifestyle was taking its toll on his young family. He accepted a call to pastor a church in Ashland, Oregon.

By 1947 he had witnessed the extraordinary ministry of William Branham and responded to the invitation to become Branham’s manager. His managerial skills were soon obvious in the Branham campaigns, and in April 1948, he furthered the cause of the of the revival when he produced the first issue of The Voice of Healing, specifically to promote Branham’s ministry. To Lindsay’s great surprise Branham announced that he "would not continue on the field more than a few weeks more."

One such evangelist was William Freeman who had been holding meetings in small churches. Lindsay visited one of his campaigns and immediately felt it was the will of God to team up with him and organise a series of meetings through 1948. The Voice of Healing featured the miracles of the Freeman campaigns.

Voice of Healing Conventions By March 1949 The Voice of Healing circulation had grown to nearly 30,000 per month and had clearly become the voice of the healing movement. It’s pages successfully spread the message of the Salvation-Deliverance-Healing revival across the world.

In December 1949, Lindsay arranged the first convention of healing revivalists in Dallas, Texas. The assembly was addressed by Branham, Lindsay, Moore, old-timers such as F. F. Bosworth and Raymond T. Richey, and a number of rising revivalists including O. L. Jaggers, Gayle Jackson, Velmer Gardner, and Clifton Erickson. This historic conference symbolized the vitality and cohesion of the revival.

The following year, the convention, now about 1,000 strong, met in Kansas City, with virtually every important revivalist in the nation, with the notable exceptions of William Branham and Oral Roberts. Lindsay exercised great skill and wisdom exposing several points of danger and tension in the movement proposed guidelines for the future. Lindsay understood the fears of the older Pentecostal denominations and leaders and tried his utmost to deal with the offending issues.

In an article announcing "the purpose, plan and policy of the Voice of Healing Convention," he denounced "free-lancers who violently and indiscriminately attack organization in general," and he urged avoidance of "novel prophetic interpretations, dogmatic doctrinal assertions, sectarian predilections, theological hair-splitting."

Many of the new leaders of the early 1950s owed their early success to the literary support of Gordon Lindsay through the Voice of Healing, but by 1958, many of the revivalists believed that Lindsay's work was over.

the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship was designed to provide teaching and wisdom for charismatic leaders, many of whom held Lindsay in high regard.

His death on April 1st 1971

David Harrel summarises the life of Gordon Lindsay perfectly: ‘The death of Gordon Lindsay closed a major chapter in the charismatic revival. No single man knew the revival and its leaders so well. No man understood its origins, its changes, and its diversity as did Lindsay. A shrewd manager and financier, Lindsay had been as nearly the coordinator of the healing revival as any man could be. When the revival began to wane, Lindsay was faced with a crisis more severe than those of most of the evangelists themselves. Never a dynamic preacher, he found himself virtually abandoned by his most successful protégés. But Lindsay proved able to adapt. Always a balanced person, Lindsay built a balanced and enduring ministry.’

William Branham

birth date: April 6, 1909 birth place: death date: December 24, 1965 death place:

Branham claimed that he had received an angelic visitation on May 7, 1946 that began his ministry.

Branham died following a car accident in 1965.

David Walker ("Little David")

Birth date: Sept 20, 1934 Birth place: Phoenix, Arizona Official website: https://www.biblemissionsinc.com/

(1940s) His ministry began after a five hour vision of heaven traveling with his family .

William Branham and Little David become a team. Filled auditoriums in Portland, Seattle, Spokane Washington, Florida, West Virginia, Ohio and Georgia. In January 1949 he ministered alongside William Branham in Miami and Dale Hanson in Tacoma, Washington in Nov. 1949.

(1950s) marries Kathleen McDonald in Zion Gospel Temple in 1959 whom he met while preaching at Zion Bible Institute in E. Providence, RI.

Jim Jones

Paul Schäfer

birth date: 4 December 1921 death date: 24 April 2010 birth place: Troisdorf, near Bonn, Germany

Was a Nazi,child rapist, German-Chilean Christian minister and the founder and leader of a sect and agricultural commune of 300 German immigrants called Colonia Dignidad (Dignity Colony) (later renamed Villa Baviera) located in Parral in southern Chile, about 210 miles south of Santiago from 1961 to 2005.

By 1952 Schäfer had gathered a number of followers and in 1953 set up a children's home and orphanage. Schäfer's early followers were predominantly made up of war widows and their children who were refugees from Soviet occupied East Prussia. In 1959, he created the Private Sociale Mission, purportedly a charitable organization. That same year, Schäfer was charged with sexually abusing two young boys. Schäfer was charged and a warrant issued for his arrest by local authorities in Germany. Schäfer fled the children's home in Siegburg, West Germany with some of his followers to the Middle East to relocate his congregation. He came into contact with the Chilean ambassador to Germany, who invited him to Chile.

Schäfer led his followers in the teachings of William Branham. Aside from human rights abuses against members of Colonia Dignidad, including the sexual and physical abuse (including torture) of young children, Schäfer maintained a relationship with Pinochet's military dictatorship (1973–1990) and was involved in weapons smuggling and the torture and extrajudicial killings of political dissidents. After the end of Pinochet's government, increased public awareness of the activities of Colonia Dignidad following testimony by former victims led to the issuing of a warrant for Schäfer's arrest. Living underground for eight years, he spent the last five years of his life in prison in Chile.

Schäfer's family was Lutheran. In an accident with a fork, he lost his right eye. He joined a German YMCA. During World War II he served as a medic in a German field hospital in occupied France, later in life claiming that his glass eye was the result of a war wound.

Following World War II in 1945, Schäfer served as a young people's leader in the Evangelical Free Church. He was removed from his position there after rumors arose that he was molesting young boys.[4] He then set out as an itinerant preacher and singer, traveling around Germany and preaching. During the 1950s, Schäfer became a follower and promoter of the teachings of American preacher, William M. Branham, one of the founders of the post-World War II healing revival who was also an influence on Jim Jones.[7][8] Branham advocated "a strict adherence to the Bible, a woman's duty to obey her husband and apocalyptic visions, such as Los Angeles sinking beneath the ocean."[9] Branham held multiple revival campaigns across Europe and Germany during the early 1950s. Schäfer became a friend of Branham who promoted a return to "a more pristine time" of religious and racial purity.[10]

Robert Martin Gumbura

Leo Mercer

Voice of Healing conventions & The Voice of Healing Association

The conference programs were workshops on the problems of healing evangelists. Typical topics were "prayer and fasting," "preparation for a campaign," "the follow-up work after a campaign," "the system of cards for the prayer tent and the healing line" and the delicate issue of finances. As the association grew in importance in the 1950s, the program was frequently headed by Roberts or Branham.

Criticisms of Christian Ministry

Ministerial Ordination

Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Being Sent:

Romans 10:15 — And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

. God must set apostles in the Church.

The Gifts of God

General: Ephesisan 4:1-8

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

gift a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty:--(free) gift.

  1. (an endowment) A free gift; a present; a donation; that which is given without a compensation
  2. (unmerited favor) a position, a relationship of PEACE with God
  3. (divine influence) being AFFECTED and moved by GOD

2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

II. What We Have Been Given

A. Eternal Life, (Romans 6:23; John 3:16 -- ...that He gave ...)

Romans 6:23 — For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Some Highligts:

This is a HOPE WITHOUT END. An ETERNAL light that outlasts temporal darkness.

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

B. Liberty

What value would ETERNAL LIFE hold unless its QUALITY was that of FREEDOM?

As great conquerors, when they rode in their triumphal chariots, used to be attended with the most illustrious of their captives led in chains, and scattered their bounty among the soldiers and other spectators of their triumphs — all our spiritual enemies, who brought us into captivity before.

C. Grace

Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

"charis" "the divine influence on the heart"

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

1Co 6:9 ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

II. What are we Doing with it?

Engaging the Gift: Dad and mom giving my first car and having no plans or particular place to go or any specific plans, but I sat in it. I clean it. I checked its fluids. I sat in it. I backed out of the drive way and pulled back in. I drove around the block a few times. EXCERCISE THE GIFT.s

Conclusion

Lu 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

The Altar God Sees

TEXT: 2 Samuel 24: 3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

10 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

15 So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.

18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. 19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded. 20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. 23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

Introduction

Embrace God's Design

Exodus 20:24,25 — An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

Sanctify the Gift

Matthew 5:23 — Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Isaiah 6:5 — Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

A Ready Mind (Driven or drawn to the altar?)

A Willing Offering

A Word and a Plumb Line

TEXT: Zechariah 4:1-14

Introduction

Zechariah 4:1-3 — 1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

4-14 — So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. 11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

This vision of the Golden Lampstand, Golden Bowl and the two Trees is a picture of God's METHOD of working through and in his people. The vision is declaring how the work of God is to be done.

1. A Sleeping Man, v.1 (Are we listening with our heart? AS one that has been quickened? )

Ephesians 5:14 — Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

  • The 70 years of babylonion Capitivity is over.
  • Decree has been signed by Persian King
  • First group of about 50,000 made trip to Jerusalem.
  • Ezra received money and temple objects taken away by the Babylonions.
  • Started to rebuild the temple and those in the area having settled in the last 70 years began to conflict.
  • The temple was just a huge mountain of rumble.
  • The people began to get discouraged with the effort and turned their efforts to restoring their own homes and vineyards and farms.

    • 2. A Vision of God's Method, A Word, v.2-3, 11-14 (HOW THE WORK OF GOD IS TO BE DONE)

    6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

    3. The Work Will be Completed, v.8,9

    4. Small Things, v.10

    5. A Plumbline, v.10 && The Eyes of the Lord (Seven), v.10

    FOUNDATION laid will be finished ... Phil. 1:6-8 ..he they has begun a good work in you will finish it

    Eyes of the Lord ... To asa the king ... A fuller quote ... Don't you know the eyes of the Lord go to and fro ... ---> to show himself strong on behalf this ehise heard are perfect towards him ...whose heart despite the failures past are set on God's ideal Having d having discovered that we can't do it is a good thing because it's not by might that's the first part of the lesson the second part of the lesson and still are and that it's by the spirit

    [plummet: a plumb line]

    Let us Hold Fast

    THE BEST THING ABOUT US IS JESUS.

    2 Pe 1:1 &mdash Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

    Hebrews 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

    1. The Beginner and Completer of our Faith

    Hebrews 12:2 — Looking unto Jesus the author ['beginner','pioneer','captian'] and finisher [consummator] 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.

    2 Pe 1:1 &mdash Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

    2. Having Been Alloted this FAITH, we have made PROFESSIONS/CONFESSIONS -- Moved Upon by God's Spirit we have declared:

    3. Let Us Hold Fast

    2 Timothy 1:11-12 — Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

    Hebrews 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

    4. How?

    1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (2 Chronicles 20:21 ; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 96:9)

    A Fire Kindled Within

    text: Luke 24:13-32

    Luke 24:32 — And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

    Acts 4:13 — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

    1. So Many Things Were Happening

    Lu 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

    2. Two Men Walked and Talked and were BLIND / VIELED

    3. Two Men were MUCH AFFECTED by His presence and His Word - Hearts Burn

    JOHN WESLEY & ALDERSGATE MEETINGS: "60 of our brethren were present at our love feast at Fetter Lane. About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the presence of His majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.'".

    when we are much affected with the things of God, especially with the love of Christ in dying for us, and have our hearts thereby drawn out in love to him, and drawn up in holy desires and devotions, then our hearts burn within us;

    I Love to Tell the Story

    Luke 24 two men on the road to Emmaus walking and talking

    this is how it starts

    thwre are two worlds brought on a collision course when we talk of the things god is saying and doing.

    v. 16 eyes weee holden

    -vs45 then opened their unseestanding The Fight for LIFE (DEATH IS AN ENEMY)

    Obstacles to fellowship thorns in the side of fellowship

    Guarding the gift

    Father seeking

    Building up faith

    How we are gonna gonna A make it

    Starting over - why - how

    Are we dangerous to the devil's plans?

    The stories we tell

    In the beginning God created

    Now the birth of Jesus was in this wise

    I was in the spirit on the Lord's day

    There was a man sent from God whose name was John

    Rehearse in each other's earss

    Oral history the mode of most of human history has been passed on orally in the stories we tell.

    1. Testify - tell your story of walking with Jesus

    2. Whereqecame from is an important element to how we can get to where we are going.

    3. Tale bearer

    4. John 4 woman at the well

    5. Blind man

    6. I love to tell the story

    We live our lives as a tell that is told

    The Cup of Salvation

    TEXT: Psalm 116:12-14

    Romans 10:13 — For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

    Psalm 116:12-14 — What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

    From the Grave to the Land of the Living (THERE IS A LIVING DEATH)

    It appears to have been written after the captivity, and to be a thanksgiving to God for that. The psalmist compares this captivity to death and the grave; and shows the happy return to the promised land, called here, The land of the living.

    15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

    Romans 6:23 — For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    Romans 7:24 — O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

    Ephesians 2:1 — And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

    God Would Provide a Panacea (A Cure All for for the Whole Man)

    Revelation 22:2 — In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

    Isaiah 53:5 — But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

    LOVE is the First Response (LOVE BEGATS LOVE)

    Ps 116:1 ¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

    1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

    A Natural Response to this NEW LIFE (CALL UPON HIS NAME)

    The people recollect the vows of God which were upon them, and purpose to fulfil them. They exhult at being enabled to worship God in the temple at Jerusalem.

    13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

    Scriptures

    Psalms 95:1 — O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

    Ps 116:1 ¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. 5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. 7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. 10 ¶ I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: 11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. 12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, 19 In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

    Bible Verses on Trusting God

    Psalm 56:3 — “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

    Psalm 112:7 — He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. [evil tidins means bad news]

    Psalm 118:8 — It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

    Psalm 23:4 — Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

    Seeing the Unseeable, Approaching the Approachable, and Touching the Untouchable

    Hebrews 11:27 — By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

    Exodus 3:5 — And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

    Exodus 19:12 — And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

    Introduction

    Paradox

    DEFINTION: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

    Paradox #1 "Worthless Servants" and "His Workmanship"

    Lu 17:1 ¶ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, **forgive him"*. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

    Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Paradox #2: Longingly satisfied

    “Blessed are those who hunger.” (Matthew 5:6)

    “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.” (John 6:35)

    Paradox #3: To yoke or not to yoke?

    “Take up my yoke and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29)

    “Don’t submit again to a yoke.” (Galatians 5:1)

    Paradox #4: The role of works

    “A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

    “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

    Paradox #5: The Christian life—easy or hard?

    “My yoke is easy.” (Matthew 11:30)

    “How difficult the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14)

    Paradox #6: Who’s the judge?

    “The Father judges impartially according to each one’s work.” (1 Peter 1:17)

    “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22)

    Paradox #7: Optimist, pessimist, or realist?

    “Everything is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

    Everything is meaningful—“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

    Paradox #8: Going public with good works

    “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.” (Matthew 5:16)

    “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)

    Application questions: How should Christians go about doing good works? Is it OK to post on social media when you’re having devotions or going on a mission trip?

    Paradox #9: Give up your tunic; withhold your pearls

    “Give to the one who asks you.” (Matthew 5:40-41)

    “Don’t toss your pearls before pigs.” (Matthew 7:6)

    Paradox #10: Testing God

    “Test me in this way.” (Malachi 3:10)

    “Do not test the Lord your God.” (Luke 4:12)

    Paradox #11: Is Christ a peacemaker?

    “He will be named…Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

    “Don’t assume that I came to bring peace.” (Matthew 10:34)

    Paradox #12: Judging the rightness of judging

    “Do not judge.” (Matthew 7:1)

    “Judge according to righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

    Paradox #13: Wise dealings with fools

    “Answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:5)

    “Don’t answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:4)

    Paradox #14: The reason for Christ’s coming

    “I did not come to judge the world.” (John 12:47)

    “I came into this world for judgment.” (John 9:39)

    Shut Out

    There are limitations of the creature that make it impossible to comprehend its Creator.

    Ex 19:12a — And thou shalt set bounds unto the people …

    1. The Vision

    THE BOUNDS - THE ROPE

    1 John 4:12 — No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

    1 Timothy 6:14 — That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

    THE UNBINDING

    Hebrews 11:27 — By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

    Ex 19:16 ¶ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. 21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them. 23 And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. 24 And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them. 25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them.

    2. The Approach

    God Makes the First Move

    Ex 19:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

    GOD IS (Is there a God? If so, is He the God of the Bible?)

    James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

    3. The Touch

    Understanding the Bible

    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:

    Paradox

    DEFINTION: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

    People Lie

    Be patient and allow the Bible to speak for itself. People have agendas and bias that influence their conclusions about the Bible.

    Tools of Writing

    Ecclesiastes 1:4 — One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

    Matthew 24:35 — Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

    Contradiction

    a combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another.

    There are Contradictions Mentioned in the Bible

    1. Loving God, but hating your brother.

    1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

    There are no explanations. The variations in comparing original Biblical texts are mostly in the spelling of proper names and in numbers.

    A. King Jehoiachin (What age was Jehoiachin when he began his reign?)

    2 Chronicles 36:9 — Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. [KJV]

    2 Kings 24:8 — Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. [KJV]

    B. God sent Gad, to threaten David with how many years of famine?

    2 Samuel 24:13 — So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him,

    now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

    1Ch 21:11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee 12 Either

    Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.

    gimmel-zayin.png

    C. When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture?

    2 SAMUEL 8:4—DID DAVID CAPTURE 1,700 HORSEMEN OR 7,000 AS 1 CHRONICLES 18:4 SAYS?

    D. How many stalls for horses did Solomon have?

    E. The Temple contained how many baths?

    The Best Translation (Knowing mistranslations exist, what is the Best Translation? Is there a perfect one?)

    More Info & Lists

    List of Paradoxes

    Paradox #1 "Worthless Servants" and "His Workmanship"

    Lu 17:1 ¶ Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, **forgive him"*. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

    Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    Paradox #2: Longingly satisfied

    “Blessed are those who hunger.” (Matthew 5:6)

    “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.” (John 6:35)

    Paradox #3: To yoke or not to yoke?

    “Take up my yoke and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29)

    “Don’t submit again to a yoke.” (Galatians 5:1)

    Paradox #4: The role of works

    “A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

    “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

    Paradox #5: The Christian life—easy or hard?

    “My yoke is easy.” (Matthew 11:30)

    “How difficult the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14)

    Paradox #6: Who’s the judge?

    “The Father judges impartially according to each one’s work.” (1 Peter 1:17)

    “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22)

    Paradox #7: Optimist, pessimist, or realist?

    “Everything is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

    Everything is meaningful—“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

    Paradox #8: Going public with good works

    “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.” (Matthew 5:16)

    “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)

    Application questions: How should Christians go about doing good works? Is it OK to post on social media when you’re having devotions or going on a mission trip?

    Paradox #9: Give up your tunic; withhold your pearls

    “Give to the one who asks you.” (Matthew 5:40-41)

    “Don’t toss your pearls before pigs.” (Matthew 7:6)

    Paradox #10: Testing God

    “Test me in this way.” (Malachi 3:10)

    “Do not test the Lord your God.” (Luke 4:12)

    Paradox #11: Is Christ a peacemaker?

    “He will be named…Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

    “Don’t assume that I came to bring peace.” (Matthew 10:34)

    Paradox #12: Judging the rightness of judging

    “Do not judge.” (Matthew 7:1)

    “Judge according to righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

    Paradox #13: Wise dealings with fools

    “Answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:5)

    “Don’t answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:4)

    Paradox #14: The reason for Christ’s coming

    “I did not come to judge the world.” (John 12:47)

    “I came into this world for judgment.” (John 9:39)

    Foundational or Marginal

    Foundational or Marginal?

    TEXT: Hebrews 2:1-3

    Heb 2:1-3—Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

    Introduction

    What is the Bible and what should we do with it? Modern Christianity tends to a pattern where the Bible is in practice, left to collect dust.

    In the Margin, Sidelined, An Afterthought

    Philosophy driven Christianity is a shortcut that comes with a price. "Follow your heart" - "It's okay, everyone else is doing it" - "If it feels good, its ok" - "God understands your heart, even if you miss the mark" - "Name it and claim it" - "God helps those who help themselves."

    - The Emergent Church
- Purpose Driven Life
- Third Wave Movement
- Prosperity Gospel
- Entertaining Instead of Educating Believers
- Returning to Mysticism and Symbols instead of a genuine life in the Spirit. (the cross as a charm, the communion as the instrument of atonement)
- "You have to get down to their level" In a time when we still dress up for weddings, graduations and alot of jobs, **evidently worship no longer counts as that significant to merit respectful dress**.

    Isa 59:14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

    2 Th 2:10 … they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

    Ps 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

    The danger in mishandling the Word and it not given a proper role in our life is at best an anemic christian experience and at worst apostasy.

    The sidelining of the Word hasn't been entirely on purpose. The agenda of the spirit of error, is an overwhelming influence when we marginalize God's Word.

    What is the Bible?

    The Disclosing of God's Will

    Re 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Jer 30:2; Jer 36:2;

    His Word is a Witness/Testimony

    Ex 17:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

    Isa 30:8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

    As a Divine Record it testifies for truth which depending on how we respond to truth, will be a witness for or against us.

    A Revelation of God Himself

    Jeremiah 2:8—The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

    …they that handle the law knew me not:…

    John 5:39—Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

    For our Education and Edification in Righteousness

    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:

    Heeding the Words of this book will bring you closer to God and through mixing faith with its promises we are receive the righteousness of God.

    2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

    A Covenant Filled with Promises

    1 Chronicles 16:15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

    What Should We Do with the Bible?

    Read It

    Hab 2:2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

    Memorize It & Believe It

    Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (to hoard; to keep in place; "hide it so as to preserve it place")

    Receive it. Its for me. It involves me and effects me. Take it to heart and make it part of me.

    Understand It

    Good study habits are a bulwark (a defensive wall) against be led into error. Our approach to Bible study should not be similar to our approach to a textbook, but our study of God's word should be considered an act of worship --- not of knowledge of the God of truth.

    Acts 17:10-11— And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

    Share It

    teaching, preaching,

    Share it in the same spirit in which God gave it to us.

    Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

    "The Jesus that men want to see is not the Jesus they really need to see." —G. Campbell Morgan

    Malachi 2:1-2,7— …priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, … v.7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

    1. Forgiven of Past, Present and Future sins. (OSAS)
    2. Overemphasis of Prosperity - vs. strangers, in it but not a part of it
    3. Grace as a license to sin. The "Permissive Will of God"
    4. Rejection of an absolute Standard, Law, Absolute Principles -- everything is subjective
    5. Deification of Man - Much modern preacher does more to improve your awareness of your self than does your awareness of God. Such a theology places ME at the center and not Christ.

    Conversation

    Proverbs 8:7—For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

    Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

    Singing

    Let our music be of a quality that it inspires faith in God. There is no better way to build faith than through the testimony of God's Word.

    Often we rebuke operating in the "soulish realm" when it comes to music. The rebuke is against music that merely opens the well of our emotions without opening a connection with God. This music connects us with our self in a deeper way and encourages self-worship.

    The key to victory, peace and liberty is not IN us! It is in God. We sanctify our soul through holy song. What is a holy Song?

    The Minister (Who is creating the song)

    Everything matters to God. God's ministers are to be sanctified.

    Romans 15:16—That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

    Are the ministers we expose our hidden man to, ministering light?

    Our song is to be a testimony of an experience with God.

    God's not dead, [no] He is alive God's not dead, [no] He is alive God's not dead, [no] He is alive

    I feel him in my hands I feel him in my feet I feel him in my heart I feel him in my soul I feel him all over me

    An Experience empty song is dangerous because encourages us to equate what we FEEL by the movement of the song with the presence of God.

    Bound in chains but exultant that "this is the best it gets." Israel was right to hang up the heart until they could sing the song of FAITH.

    John 17:17—Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

    The Mood / the Spirit

    Every genre of music has a particular mood that is characteristic to it. Christian music should be composed in a balanced way.

    Balanced meaning, it should be reigned in when:

    The Words - The WORD - Not just sound good, must speak the WORD of God faithfully

    OBVIOUS: Irreverence in Christian song is never acceptable worship.

    The Drinking Song If you feel too serious and kind of blue, I've got a suggestion, just the thing for you! It's a little unconventional, but so much fun, That you won't even mind when people think you're dumb! Just come to the party God is throwing right now, We can all lighten up and show the pagans how Christians have more fun and keep everyone guessing, Since the Holy Ghost sent us the Toronto blessing!

    …the Holy Ghost's got me, and I'm out of control! Now I'm just a party animal grazing at God's trough, I'm a Jesus junkie, and I can't get enough! I'm an alcoholic for that great New Wine, 'Cause the Holy Ghost is pouring, and I'm drinking all the time! Now I laugh like an idiot and bark like a dog, If I don't sober up, I'll likely hop like a frog! ….

    We should be frequently re-evaluating our song. The following examples are not absolutely wrong, but given to inspire thought. If we make compromise after compromise, when it is all said and done: what do we have left?

    "Above All" -- Crucified, laid behind a stone You lived to die, rejected and alone Like a rose, trampled on the ground You took the fall and thought of me Above all

    "Took the Fall" -- intended meaning: "Took the Blame". But in the context of Scripture, depicting Christ's sacrifice as a "Fall" is not harmonious with Scriptural doctrine of the "Fall of Man" and the victory Christ won at the cross.

    Do we prefer the passing and contemporary "slang" over the Word pictures God created in His Word?

    Draw Me Close

    You're All I Want 
You're All I've Ever Needed 
You're All I Want 
Help Me Know You Are Near

    Sparse on truth. Nothing false said, but not much truth said either. If our worship diet consisted of 7/11 songs, there is bloatedness about being filled with feeling but lacking the substance of conviction.

    WARNING: "Third Wave" Christianity.

    An undercurrent to most modern music is Third Wave Christianity.

    Wagner (Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary) explained the Third Wave as "a gradual opening of straightline evangelical churches to the supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit without the participants becoming either Pentecostals or Charismatics.

    Provides a Spiritual Experience without the doctrines that govern living the Life of the Spirit. (Sanctification, Purging, Obedience, Yielded, Holiness, Waiting on God and preparing the vessel.) Jumping over the PROCESS of waiting in the Upper Room and all it entails and skipping ahead to the power of spiritual gifts and experiences.

    CONCLUSION

    There are many undercurrents and spirits that motivate our actions. It is only through a proper handling of the Word that we safely navigate this wilderness.

    Ps 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

    The Family

    The Family

    Introduction: Etymology

    GREEK ("family" N.T. 1 verse)

    Ephesians 3:15— Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

    1. "GROUP OF FAMILIES" patria: paternal descent, i.e. (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation):--family, kindred, lineage.
    2. Greek patria [3985] found in 3 verses: Ephesians 3:15; Luke 2:4 ("lineage"); Acts 3:25 ("kindreds")

    HEBREW ("family" O.T. 75 verses)

    1. Hebrew - mishpachah [4940] : a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a tribe or people:--family, kind(-red).
    2. mishpacha [3985] found in 224 verses: "kinds", "families", "family"

    Some Questions

    1. What makes a family? What Does the Family Unit Look like in Scripture?
    2. What destroys a family?
    3. What strengthens a family?

    What does the Family "Unit" Look Like?

    Relationships in the Family (How do we relate to each other?)

    Husband and Wife: Marriage

    Family is the fundamental building block of all human civilizations, and marriage is the foundation of the family.

    Ecclesiastes 4:9 — Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

    Mark 10:9 — What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

    Song of Solomon 8:6-7 — Song 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

    Husband to Wife

    Ephesians 5:25-33 — Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

    Genesis 2:24 — Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

    Wife to Husband

    Ephesians 5:21-24 — Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Children to Parents

    Ephesians 6:1-3 ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

    Father to Children

    Deuteronomy 6:1-7 — ¶ Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: 2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 ¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

    Ephesians 6:4 — And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    Parents to Children

    Proverbs 22:6 — Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    The Most Important Lesson from the Family Structure

    Ephesians 4:6 — One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

    Matthew 23:9 — And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

    Matthew 3:16 — And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    What Weakens Families?

    Half of all marriages end in divorce.

    "The American Family: An Endangered and Disappearing Species" : "Several statistics suggest that traditional families (husband and wife with children) and family life are disappearing in the United States. One major factor in the disintegration of families in America is the movement of young adults away from marriage. Nonmarital cohabitation and temporary “hooking up” have to some extent replaced marriage in some segments of the young adult population."

    PEW Research Center: "The U.S. marriage rate (percentage of persons married at age 18-32) has steadily dropped by generation from 65 percent of the Silent Generation (1960) to 48 percent of the Baby Boomer Generation (1980) to 36 percent of the Gen X Generation (1997), to just 26 percent of the Millennial Generation (2013)."

    Is there an attack on the family? YES

    1. The Decline in Morals - God Fearing

      • Lost of a Moral Compass
      • Lust of the Flesh
      • Loss of Value for the Human Body
      • Not Watchful of Dangerous things: pornography, pride, loose living

    2. Selfishness - Mother's leaving babies in trashcans. "Ruining my plans."

    3. Carelessness: Insults and Criticism eat like cancer at what bind us together (Gossip)

    Professor Bradley Wright, a sociologist at the University of Connecticut, explains from his analysis of people who identify as Christians but rarely attend church, that 60 percent of these have been divorced. Of those who attend church regularly, 38 percent have been divorced.Bradley R.E. Wright, Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites … and Other Lies You’ve Been Told, (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2010), p. 133.

    What Strengthens Families?

    What goes on in the world and in our nation, concerns us and we engage best we can. But the WORLD we have the most opportunity to impact is our FAMILY. NATIONAL VALUES are established on the foundation of FAMILY VALUES.

    values held to be traditionally LEARNED or REINFORCED within a family, such as those of high moral standards and discipline.

    I come from that society and there is a common thread, specifically family values - the idea that you do anything for your family, and the unconditional love for one's children. Ednita Nazario

    In 1978, Thomas Hansen of Boulder Colorado, sued his parents for $350,000 on grounds of “malpractice of parenting.” Mom and Dad had botched his upbringing so badly, he charged in his suit, that he would need years of costly psychiatric treatment.

    After the dedication of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally the boy replied, “That pastor said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!”

    1. God Centeredness - A Focus on the WILL of God (leadership)

    2. Love - Compassion - Kindness ("All things in common, brothers and sisters, a success that seems to be able to take over the world!)

      Tenderness: words go a long way! ---- Never speak unkindly behind anyone's back. LOYALTY SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER apologies and forgiviness

    3. SPIRITUAL TOGETHER: Godly Disciplines in the Home (Spiritual Home)

      1. Praying Together
      2. Reading Together
      3. Fasting Together
      4. Teaching in the Home
      5. Memorizing Scripture

    General Verses of Our Values

    1. Unity

    Psalm 133:1 — Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

    Ephesians 4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    2. Training Ground

    Ephesians 6:4 — And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 — Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    3. Honor, Respect, Obedience

    Exodus 20:12 —

    4. Development

    Proverbs 17:17 —

    Hebrews 10:24-25 — And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.

    5. Mutual Comfort and Blessing

    Proverbs 17:6 — Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

    3 John 1:4 —

    6. Forgiveness and Unconditional Love

    Colossians 3:13 — Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. [mutual love] 1 John 4:20 — If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

    7. Faith, Trust and Honesty

    Luke 18:16 — But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

    <!- Preaching: 1 .20170716P 2. Edited and Preaching in Arundel, November 20, 2022 -->

    Believers: The Meeting of Reason and Faith

    Introduction

    Romans 8:7 — Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

    gullible: easily persuaded to believe something; credulous (having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.)

    skeptical not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.

    critical thinking the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.

    Why Should We Believe

    What Should We Believe

    Who Should We Believe

    Questions Asked by Believers

    Scriptures on Beleivers

    Mark 16:17 — And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

    John 1:12 — But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

    Ro 3:22 — Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

    Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. Ga 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 2Th 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

    Remember Shechem

    Josua 24:1 — And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

    Joshua 24:15 &madsh; And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

    2. Thus Saith the Lord, vs.2

    I'm not saying this, God is.

    1. A Place for Decision: Shechem, vs. 1

    The Ark is at Shiloh, but Joshua gather's Israel at Shechem. There is history here.

    John 4:5 — Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. …

    John 4:10 — Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

    The valley of Shechem extends Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and is about five hundred yards wide; within hailing distance of each other.

    Judges 9:7 — And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

    This is following Moses' Prophecy:

    De 27:11 ¶ And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

    In Joshua 8, One half of Israel was arranged on Gerizim, and the other half on Ebal. The priests in the valley saying aloud, looking to Gerizim, "Blessed is the man that maketh not any graven image," And the people would respond with a shout of AMEN!

    then turning round to Ebal, they cried, "Cursed is the man that maketh any graven image"

    WE Will, No You cannot! and When You Fail There will be Hell to Pay

    The Hope Set Before Us

    Hebrews 6:17-20 — Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

    Introduction:

    There are these things Birthed in the Heart of the Giver Himself, set before us as PROMISES from Him and as HOPE to us.

    The Hope Set Before Us is Established on Unchanging Truths

    Hebrews 6:17-20 — Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

    2 Corinthians 6:16 — And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

    The Hope Set Before Us is to be Obtained in our Escape

    18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

    "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness ..."

    The Hope Set Before Us Anchors our Very Souls

    19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

    Wednesday, May 21, 2003, a date that probably isn't all that important to us, but on that day, a massive earthquake hit Algeria.

    The Hope Set Before Us Lies WITHIN the Veil

    20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

    Ro 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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.

    True Revelation: Enlightened Eyes

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

    Introduction

    enlightened: from 5457; to shed rays, i.e. to shine or to brighten up; illuminate, bring to light; give light; make to see.

    John 1:11 — He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

    Matthew 21:42 — Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

    In the comic strip "For better or for worse" by Lynn Johnston. A mother and daughter are out Christmas shopping and the daughter says to the mother “If Christmas is more about God than Santa. How come people talk more about Santa than God? The mother responds: "God does less advertising"

    Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

    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:

    Psalm 119:105 — Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

    The Goal, Intent, Motive: You May know what You Can Hope for or Expect to Experience and Hold

    He Prays for an "Enlightening of their Understanding".

    THAT (The result of this, or purpose of this being..)

    They would know the Hope of the HIs Calling

    And the Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints

    Being Born Again, Fiiled with the Faith and Spirit of God, What can we expect to HAVE and to EXPERIENCE. What are our PRIVILEGES and RESPONSIBILITIES?

    Every Biblical truth a child can receive as truth, but it takes SPIRITUAL MATURITY to UNDERSTANDING: growth, development, walking in it, experience.

    We can say "Faith is", but to KNOW what faith is there must be a trial of my OWN FAITH>

    Luke 10:2,3 — The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves...

    Then they returned.

    Lu 10:17 ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

    Darkened Eyes: A Little History

    True Revelation is Enlightening (illuminating, Opening, Uncovering, Discovering)

    Ephesians 1:18

    The effects of True Revelation is LIGHT as opposed to darkness.

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

    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?

    True Revelation is Empowering/Freeing

    John 8:32 — Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

    Matthew 11:20 — Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

    True Revelation is a Gift/Blessing

    Being Born Again, Fiiled with the Faith and Spirit of God, What can we expect to HAVE and to EXPERIENCE. What are our PRIVILEGES and RESPONSIBILITIES?

    1 Jo 1:7 — But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

    Conclusion: Personal Revelation

    Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence: the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ; the truthfulness of the gospel; and God's purpose and direction for us.

    He reveals both FACTS and PRINCIPLES.

    Daniel 2:47 — Da 2:47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

    2 Timothy 2:8 — 2Ti 2:8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

    Amos 3:7 &mdahs; Am 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

    Are the answers to these Questions consistent with the Biblical testimony as a whole?

    Yes, I must reconcile all these 'truth statements'. They must balance and harmonize.

    We need community.

    Witnessing Tips

    1 Pe 3:15 — But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    1. Do I know what I'm talking about?

    a. Man’s need –

    In Romans 3:23, God says that we are all sinners.

    Researchers say, The average person lies a minimum of once to twice per day. They call these "normal" liars. Most people are honest. Recent research shows that the majority of lies are told by the same, small group of people known as "prolific liars." — 5+ lies a day (They tell 19.1 lies for every one big lie told by an average person).

    b. Sin's penalty –

    No, because there is a spiritual penalty for sin and not just social ones.

    Rom. 6:23a “For the wages of sin is death…”

    c. God's gift –

    Romans 6:23 “…But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ… God has a gift for every one that believes. You can’t earn it; you must accept Him or reject Him.

    John 1:12 — But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:


    I John 5:12; John 1:12; II Cor. 5:17

    I John 5:2 – Salvation is in the SON

    Our confidence as witness, is our confidence in Him and not ourselves.

    If I say you may have this gift. It is yours because I gave it to you, but will not benefit you as much was when you receive it into your possession.

    That is the way it is with the gift of Eternal Life. You must receive Jesus in your heart – not just believe, but RECEIVE.

    John 1:12—“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

    d. Man's action –

    Revelations 3:20 — “I stand at the door and knock.”

    Luke 13:3 — I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

    2. A Christian is not merely someone who 'asked Jesus into their heart'

    “Yes, a Christian does that, but what is a Christian?” Some believe that a Christian is one that **doesn’t** drink, smoke, lie, cheat, steal, fight, doesn’t go to the movies, dances, game rooms. No – that is a fence post. Christian living is not a matter of can or cannot, does or does not, but ultimately **will or won’t!**

    The Prayer of faith is not an 'incantation' or magic.

    A Christian is not merely someone who 'asked Jesus into their heart' (Requiring mere intelectual assent): Romans 10:9,10; Matthew 5:13-16; Luke 14:26-35; Acts 10:38,39; Acts 4:13

    Acts 11:26 — And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

    1Pe 2:21 — For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

    1 Cor. 11:1 — Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

    John 8:31 — Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

    John 13:35 — By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

    3. Witnessing is not Debate Tricks

    1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    Proverbs 11:0 — The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

    4. Get Some Experience

    How does a fisherman catch fish? Where should you fish? When should you fish? What tools do you need to fish? etc. How do you know all these things?

    He must be a fisherman – Experience

    He must go – Patience

    He must be prepared – Ability

    Prov. 11:30 Dan. 12:3 Mark 16:15 I Peter 4:11

    Acts 2:46, 47 — Ac 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

    5. Salvation is within a Person

    Salvation is an EXPERIENCE.

    Salvation is not just believing something. It is receiving Christ. What does it take to make a millionaire? One must have a million dollars. What does it take to be a Christian? One must HAVE Christ.

    H – Heaven A – Accepted V – Vicariously E – Effected

    Salvation involves the whole man.

    I John 5:12 John 1:12 II Cor. 5:17

    Man is made up of three parts –

    Intellectual Emotional Volitional
    Today many have intellectual conversions. They believe Christ died with a mental consent and believe they are saved. "Feel Something". Walk by faith not feeling. Some fear God and what the Spirit is doing and cry out to the Lord, but don't accept Him as Lord. Will. To accept Christ you must be willing.
    Believing truths about Christ. Feeling and fearing things. Matthew 16:24

    6. Soul winning is introducing a person to Jesus.

    John 1:29

    John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the world.

    John129, 35

    We must introduce Him to people – using a plan.

    II Tim. 4:2; I Peter 3:15; Col. 4:6; Luke 4:18; Acts 8:30

    Two things to depend on in introducing Christ.

    The Word of God – Your Bible

    I Peter 1:23; John 6:63

    The Spirit of God – The Holy Ghost

    Acts 1:8

    You speak the Word and the Holy Spirit will complete the work. If you do your part, He will do His. Ps. 29:4; Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17

    Summmary of the Soul-winning Plan

    Are you interested in Spiritual things?

    Have you ever thought about becoming a Christian?

    If someone was to ask you what is a Christian, what would you say?

    Gather as many examples from them as you can without it being obnoxious.

    “Yes, a Christian does that, but what is a Christian?” (Remember not to start an argument.) If they are answering with ease and interested, listen for what they believe.

    Would it be all right if I showed you what the Bible says a Christian is?

    Rom. 3:23 – The Bible says “for all have sinned” Every sinner must acknowledge his sin and need for the Savior to be a Christian.

    a) Man’s need –

    Rom. 3:23; Rev. 21:8; Man is sinful and spiritually dead. Spiritual death is separation from God.

    b) Sin’s penalty –

    Rom. 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death… The wages will either come to us or on Christ on the cross.

    c) God’s gift –

    Rom. 6:23 Jesus died for all. John 1:12 – The gift of eternal life is in receiving Jesus.

    d) Place of the gift –

    John 1:12 Faith makes the difference. Believing, receiving, and becoming a child of God. Rev. 3:20 “Open the door” (Jesus is knocking at your heart’s door.)

    e) Man’s action –

    Rev. 3:20 Jesus is knocking. With a slight knock on the heart say, “Jesus is now knocking on your heart’s door and wants to come in, but you have to open the door and receive Him in.”-----Pause-----

    The Decision –

    Then ask, with a slight nod of the head, “Wouldn’t you like to receive Jesus as your Savior?”Jesus is standing and knocking. If their claim to be a Christian is questionable, ask them:

    “Are you in right standing with Jesus and living in obedience to His Word?”

    Test them with the Word.

    Scripture Verses for 2023

    Stephen Reynolds Sr.

    Galatians 5:13 — For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

    Ephesians 6:4 — And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    2 Peter 1:19 — We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

    Judith Carle

    Hebrews 10:7 — Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

    Hebrews 3:7 — Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

    James 2:5 — Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

    Robert Carle

    Psalm 94:21 — They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

    Psalm 50:15 — And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

    Psalm 95:8 — Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

    Psalms 92:10 — But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

    Laura Reynolds

    1 John 1:7 — But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

    Robert Geraghty

    Hebrews 1:1 — God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 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; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

    Hebrews 2:1 — Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

    Robert McGehee

    Psalms 66:18 — If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

    Mark 7:21 — For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

    Paul Chorlian

    Psalm 1 — ¶ Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 ¶ The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

    Benjamin Carle

    1 Peter 5:8 — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

    Jessica Carle

    Ezekiel 3:3 — And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

    Stephen Reynolds, III

    John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    Benjamin Stephen Carle

    Ephesians 4:2-3 — With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    John Lemuel

    Philippians 3:13 — Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

    Stephen Reynolds, Jr.

    Romans 7:4 — Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

    Jeremiah Luke Carle

    Jeremiah 33:11 — The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

    Philip Carle

    Revelation 2:4-5 — Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

    April Reynolds

    Philippians 4:19 — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

    Elva Wing

    James 1:17 — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

    Rosemary Geraghty

    Lamentations — La 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

    Elyanna Carle

    Isaiah 25:1 — O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

    Elizabeth Geraghty

    Psalm 34:1 — I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

    A Brother in the Lord :)

    Psalm 18::1-3 — I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

    Old and New Covenants

    TEXT: Heb 13:20-21 — Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    Introduction: What is a Covenant?

    It is important to be able to answer, "how did we get here?" If we are to properly embrace the New Testament or the New Covenant.

    convenant: a compact; confederacy; league; divine-human partnership

    Made By God

    Job 23:13 — But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

    There are at least 5, but they can also be considered as one developing plan. (Like a flower comming to blossom.) The particulars of each covenant are binding only to those between it was made. That is details made specifically with Israel cannot just be applied universally to all mankind. And yet because the "God" side of the equation is constant, each covenant progressively reveals to us the nature and intentions of God.

    Relational in Nature

    These God-made covenants are different from a contract as they are relational and personal in the same way a business contract to partner in business is different from a marriage covenant.

    These covenants are made up of various promises and blessings on God's part, and commanded obligations or conditions on man's part accompanied by various signs and or ceremonies.

    We can consider these covenants as defintions to the nature of mans relationship to God and God's relationship to man. We see that man will forget, break and turn away from his end of the arrangement over and over and yet we will see by contrast the persistance and faithfulness of God. God's actions work faithfully toward redemption and reconcilliation of the broken relationship with man.

    Numbers 14:22 — Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

    James 4:4 — Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 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.

    Shared Purpose

    As far as their reason, each covenant established a distinct shared purpose or goal.

    God made man for a purpose and these convenants remind and motivate man in this purpose. By God making such convenants, he also is cementing the nature of man's existence as being an interection with God and His will. These covenants provide the bounds, definitions and meaning of man's existence.

    Daniel 9:4 ¶ And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

    A covenant is more than applying universal principles and benefiting from them. To them that love him and keep his commandments. God's covenant making with man, brings man into cooperation with God.

    Details are Revealed Progressively

    Do Not Forget It (Give Attention to It)

    forget: to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

    The nature of a Covenant is that the parties must not "forget" it: Deut. 4:23; Deut. 4:31; 2Ki 17:38; Ps 44:17; Jer 50:5

    1. God's Convenant with Adam and Eve (Genesis 2-4)

    Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

    God blessed Adam and Even with the Garden of Eden and commanded them to dress and keep it. God also gave a restriction to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and even for if they do they would surely die.

    a.Why Would God Place the Tree of the Knowledge of God and Evil in the Garden

    1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

    temptation: a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:--temptation, X try.

    James 1:12 — Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

    1. Temptation can PROVE what we are made up. highlight what is in us (good/bad) - An Effective temptation pulls at something that is in us.

    2. Temptation can PROVE our commitment. (Fairweather Fanatic)

    Luke 22:31 — And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. Lu 22:34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

    1. Tempation can BUILD our resilence.

    Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

    1. Temptation reminds us to FULLY RELY ON GOD.

    Mt 26:41 — Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

    Adam and Even, violate/break this covenant in the fall.

    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.

    Ps 51:5 — Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

    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:

    God's covenant with Adam and Eve established the nature of man's relationship to God concerning His will. God has a will and man's actions will be judged in light of that will.

    2. God's Covenant with Noah and his Sons (Genesis 6 and 9)

    In Genesis 6, v.13 The end of all flesh is come ... v.18 with thee [Noah] will I establish my convent

    Genesis 6:18 — But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

    Genesis 8:21,22 — And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. 22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

    This covenant included a promise of blessing, a command to be fruitful, mulitply and replenish the earth, restrictions concerning blood and taking a life, a promise to never destroy the earth again with a flood and an accompanying token — the rainbow. This covent was made not just with Noah but his children in perpetuity.

    God's covenant with Noah established the partnership of God and man in the keeping and ruling of all of God's creation.

    3. God's Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12,15,17)

    Review

    Genesis 17:2 — And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

    Genesis 17:1-22

    God Establishes this covenant as tokenized by circumcision (progressively revealed):

    Through Moses leadership, God expands the details of the obligations of His covenant with Israel (upon the rules concerning blood and living things and upon the sign of circumcision) in Moral/Civil Laws, Health Laws and religious ceremonies and rituals which included the Tabernacle (with an "ark of the Covenant", 45x's mentioned) and the Levitical Priesthood.

    Judges 2:1 — And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

    2Sa 23:1 ¶ Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

    Isa 24:5-7 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. 7 The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

    **God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and ultimately the Jewish people established an exclusive spiritual marriage (and that an eternal concept) where God would represent Himself as "their God" and they would represent themselves as "God's people". This is the first step in redeeming man after the fall in the garden.

    1. Blessing/Benefits

    Conditions/Terms

    What did the Relationship look like?

    4. God's Covenant with David ()

    God also makes a particular covenant with David. Israel eventaully are infected with a desire to be like other nations and be ruled by king instead of by God through his chosen prophets and judges. God gives them what they want as a judgment in giving them Saul as their king. Saul starts out good but his relationship with God corrups to the point, he dies as one that had never been anointed (2 Samuel 1:21). David is Saul's successor and not by accident, but is a particular part of God's plan of redemption and reconcilliation.

    Acts 13:22 — And when he had removed him [Saul], he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

    Psalm 132:12 — If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

    2 Smauel 23:4 — And he shall be as the light of the morning …

    5. The New Covenant/Grace through Jesus

    There is no covenant with cutting ... Blood.

    Concerned with Falling Back? 'neo-judaizing'

    Phillipians 3:1 ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

    Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology

    Framworks, maps, major systems:

    Dispensationalism (alot of discontinuity, Israel and the Church stand apart) and Covenant Theolgy (maybe some continuity, Israel and the church 'sit on top of each other')

    Covenantalism

    Dispensationalism

    Unorganized Thoughts

    No one saved bc they are jew alone. Being chosen doesn't mean salvation. But chosen for a purpose ... Demonstrate gods plan to the world.

    *From his own loins"

    No distinction between Jews and gentile in salvation

    But prophecy of Jewish restoration? 2 different things spiritual restoration and national restoration -- nationalist Israel. A light. God has not abandoned Israel. all Israel will be saved characteristically identify Christ as messiah?

    "Covenant Theolgy* denies distinction between national and spiritual Israel.

    As frameworks not just ... -disoebsaruin -and covenants

    Maps to orientate us when reading bible.

    Formal agreement to redeem. "Covenant of Redemption" B4 foundation of the world. Plans, provides, accomplishes..... Agreement of God with God.

    2 Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2; John 17 relationship B4 works began. ETERNAL PURPOSE.

    Use the lens of new nt to understand ot

    3 forms of Covenant Theolgy (frameworks)

    1. Presbyterian Covenant, only 2 covenants: works (gen1) and grace (gen 3:15) ... Adam fell and in 3:15 actually the "cutting of a new covenant". Noah,Abram,Moses ,David do not replace 2:15 but continue it the covenant of grace is same throughout ot. "Different administrations" or "dispensations" ... Israel then to the church in New Testament to all nations. ... Administered in OT as types and shadows 3:15 widened with Abram (circumcision), etc. More stipulations with Moses (temple worship), etc. (A different administration). .... In Jesus ( baptism added as stipulation, administration). "Differently administered" it still had salvation by Jesus and faith was produced by the administration particulars.
    1. Baptist Covenant 1689 Federalism, London Baptist 2ns Confession ... Reformed Baptist. John Owen and coxe.

    Hebrews 7:12 new priesthood = new law -- "The Mosai Covenant is a Covenant of Works" "do and live, do not and die"

    The whole law of Moses was inconsistent with Gospel. The whole Mosaic institution. He was cursed in keeping if not entire law. 2 different covenants and that whole thing (mosaic covenant) is abolished. ... Seen as opposing vs different administrations working together. The old is slavery and the new is for liberty.

    Benjamin keech : the law of Moses was of same nature as given to Adam : a covenant of works. Moses is a second administration of the covenant of works.

    Gen 3 is not a cutting of the new covenant but promised.

    All of that old economy has been abkushed and a new cov taken it's place

    Jer. 31:31-32; 2 Corinthians 3; Galatians 3,4; Ephesans 2:14,15; Hebrews 8-10 The Whole Law of Moses how it functioned in the Old Covenant has been abolished including in the 10 Commandments. Not one part of the Law of Moses functions as Old Covenant Law anymore. (Going back to Judaism.) -- Richard Barcellos 'neo-judaizing'

    1. New Covenant Theology

    Primary Texts

    Jeremiah 31:31-34 — 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: 32 Not 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: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And 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.

    Heb 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:

    Matthew 5:17 — Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

    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.

    Hebrews 8:12,13 — For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 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.

    Old and New ("The Old is Better")

    Lu 5:36-39 — And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. 37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

    The miraculous draught of fishes-the cleansing of the leper-the healing of the paralytic person-the calling of Levi-and the parable of the old and new bottles, and the old and new wine-all are related in this chapter.

    ADAM CLARKE: The institutes of Christ, and those of the Pharisees, could never be brought to accord: an attempt to combine the two systems would be as absurd [as illustrated in cloth and wine].

    Understanding the New through the Old

    [ADAM CLARKE] Christian prudence requires that the weak, and newly converted, should be managed with care and tenderness. To impose such duties and mortifications as are not absolutely necessary to salvation, before God has properly prepared the heart by his grace for them, is a conduct as absurd and ruinous as putting a piece of raw, unscoured cloth on an old garment; it is, in a word, requiring the person to do the work of a man, while as yet he is but a little child.

    What Does this Covenant Entail?

    Hebrews 9

    Heb 10:16 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;

    Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

    Heb 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.

    Condensed Outline

    Rules for Living

    Text: 1 Samuel 17:38-51, —

    Introduction - What are the Means by which God Accomplishes his Work in our life?

    1Sa 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

    2 Timothy 4:5 — But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

    Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

    2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

    Acts 2:42 — And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    I. The Word of God

    Luther: For feelings come and feelings go, And feelings are deceiving; My warrant is the Word of God - Naught else is worth believing.

    I'll trust in God's unchanging Word Till soul and body sever, For, though all things shall pass away, His Word shall stand forever!

    Nailed pulpit to the floor : Dr. Martin Loyd Jonnes. ...thinking about building church, tell everyone pastor will be preaching in swim trunks next Sunday.

    The Bible is a great and comprehensive library and we can adopt rules not to replace the WORD but remind us of it.

    I. Do No Harm

    Romans 12:17 — Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

    II. Do Good

    Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” -- John Wesley

    III. Stay in the Love of God

    Drawing nearer

    1. God must draw so respond when he does

    2. What does that look feel like

    3. What can I do to draw nesr

    4. _--------feelings? L

    5. 2 peter 1

    6. 2 cor6:1 receive grace not in vain

    7. Professing Christian Titus 1:16 the profession of faith is good unless it is incongruent with our lives.

    8. The engrafted word is needed to be spiritually fruitful ..." God can use a donkey"

    9. FJohn Wesley’s 3 Simple Rules are: 1. Do No Harm 2. Do Good 3. Stay in Love with God

    10. Disciplined

    12. The Word of God .... Personification

    The Practical Side of Love

    text: Matthew 22:37

    Matthew 22:37 — Mt 22:34 ¶ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

    1.TIME: Urgency and Immediacy (biger than me)

    2. Who are You?

    Psalm 139:4 — made for a purpose

    3. Lean Heavily on the People that Know You Best

    4. Is the Gospel Missing?

    Who were the Apostles?

    Matthew 10:1-4 — And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

    Ages when Called?

    Why Twelve?

    Lists

    Matthew 10:2-4 — 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

    Ephesians 4:11 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

    There was an Inner Circle - Peter, James and John (3)

    Let's look at the type of people our Lord chose as his disciples.

    Group A: Peter, Andrew, James and John

    1. Group A: Simon, who is called Peter,

    1. Simon, who is called Peter

    a. The Oldest
    b. "Simon called Peter"

    Matthew 16:17 — And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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.

    c. Peter was quick to act (maybe impulsive, not afraid to speak his mind).

    John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

    Matthew 16:22 — Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

    1Pe 4:11 — If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

    d. Peter was a leader and pillar of the early church

    John 21:3 — Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

    Acts 1:15 — And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

    Acts 2:14-16 — But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

    Galatians 2:11 — But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [The partiality against gentile believers.]

    e. Peter wrote at least 2 Epistles

    1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

    2 Pe 3:1 ¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 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:

    f. Peter's Death

    The character of Peter is transparent and easily analyzed. He appears to have been the leader of the apostles on every occasion. He is named first in every list of them, and was their common spokesman. Peter was known for being bold, confident, courageous, frank, impulsive, energetic, vigorous, strong, loving and faithful to his Master in spite of his defection prior to the crucifixion. It is true that he was liable to change, and inconsistency prevailed at times. Because of his peculiar temperament Peter sometimes appeared forward and rash. Yet, his virtues and faults had their common root in his enthusiastic disposition. Such was Peter's makeup, his nature, and his personality traits. Peter was not a phony. However, at times, he was the type of individual who did not think before acting. He apparently had the strongest character in the group, and he frequently served as a spokesman for the disciples. He was their recognized leader. MAR 1:35-36 "And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there. And Simon and his companions hunted for Him."

    An inner circle of three apostles existed among the Twelve. Peter was also the leader of this small group. This trio - Peter, James, and John - was present with Jesus on a number of occasions. These three witnessed the raising of a young girl from the dead, MAR 5:37; LUK 8:51. They were present at Jesus' transfiguration, MAT 17:1-2. And they were present during Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, MAT 26:37, MAR 14:33.

    GROUP A: 2. and Andrew Peter's brother; and

    LUK 6:14 "Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother;"

    Andreas means "manly," and has also been interpreted as "the mighty one" or "conqueror." Andrew was the first called of the Twelve Apostles, which is significant. The choice was an important one, for Andrew's influence on the remaining followers of Christ would be one of searching and desiring higher things and a deeper knowledge of God. These character traits are what encouraged Andrew to first follow John the Baptist and then the Lamb of God to whom John pointed Andrew. Along with a keenness of perception regarding spiritual truths, Andrew also had a strong sense of personal conviction which enabled him not only to accept Jesus as the Messiah, but to win his brother Peter also as a disciple of Christ. Andrew was not the greatest of the apostles, yet he is typical of those men of open-minded understanding and sound common sense without whom the success of any great movement cannot be assured. Void of the boldness and ruggedness of Peter's character, to which only a few can aspire, Andrew had that feature which makes him a pattern within the reach of all - a simple, earnest determination in carrying out the dictates of his personal convictions. Another feature in Andrew was his eagerness to win souls in private to Jesus. Andrew was not a powerful public speaker. He was a low-keyed individual who was very trustworthy.

    While we admire Peter as the foremost apostle through whom 3,000 were added to the church on the day of Pentecost, let us not forget that without Andrew, "Simon" would never have become "Peter." So well known was his love for souls, that when certain Greeks desired to see Jesus, Andrew was the person to whom Philip brought them.

    JOH 12:20-22 "Now there were certain Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these therefore came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came, and they told Jesus."

    However, Andrew had his faults; in JOH 6:8-9 he shared in the disciples' unbelief when Jesus tested their faith.

    JOH 6:8-9 "One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?'"

    LUK 6:12-16 "And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, He spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon [not Peter] who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."

    GROUP A: 3. James the son of Zebedee,

    The next Apostle we will look at is James, the son of Zebedee and the older brother of John. From the time he was ordained an apostle, James occupied a prominent place among the apostles, and, along with Peter and John, became the special confidant of Jesus. These three apostles alone were present at the raising of Jairus' daughter, (LUK 8:51), at the Transfiguration, (MAT 17:1-8), and at the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, MAT 26:36-46.

    Shortly after the Transfiguration, when Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem, in LUK 9:51, they were passing through Samaria, the fury of James and John was kindled by the unkind reception given to our Lord by the crowd, LUK 9:53.

    LUK 9:51-56 "And it came about, when the days were approaching for His ascension, that He resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him. And they went, and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make arrangements for Him. And they did not receive Him, because He was journeying with His face toward Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.'"

    It was probably for this type of hotheaded rashness and fanaticism that the surname "Boanerges," which means "Sons of Thunder," was bestowed on them when they were ordained to the Twelve, MAR 3:17. Note, however, that there was some excuse for their action. The impression left by the Transfiguration was still greatly upon them. They felt strongly that their Lord, whom they had just beheld "in His glory" with "His countenance altered" and "shining garments," should not be subjected to such indignities by the Samaritans. Upon the occasion of our Lord's last journey to Jerusalem, MAR 10:32, the two brothers gave expression to this presumptuous rashness in a more selfish manner, MAR 10:35-45. They presumed upon their intimacy with Jesus, and made the following request.

    MAR 10:35-40 "And James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Him, saying to Him, 'Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.' And He said to them, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' And they said to Him, 'Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left.' But Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?' And they said to Him, 'We are able.' And Jesus said to them, 'The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.'"

    In MAT 20:20-28, these words are put in the mouth of their mother, not directly from James and John. However, this request drew forth the rebuke of Jesus and moved the other ten with indignation, MAR 10:40-45 "And hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, 'You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'"

    James was the first of the 12 apostles to be put to death. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, killed James some time between A.D. 42-44. His death is the only martyrdom mentioned in the New Testament, ACT 12:2.

    GROUP A: 4. John James' brother;

    LUK 6:14 "Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John;"

    Both John and James were men of considerable wealth, assumed from the fact that they had "hired servants" with them and John's wife was one of those women who ministered of their substance to Jesus and His disciples, MAT 27:55-56. A comparison of MAR 15:40-41 identifies the wife of Zebedee, John's mother, with Salome. It seems a fair inference from JOH 19:25, though all do not accept it, that Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Salome, the wife of Zebedee, were sisters. If true, James and John were cousins of Jesus, and were also related to the family of John the Baptist.

    John also held an intimate connection with the Lord. He was a young man of fiery zeal and a tendency toward intolerance and exclusiveness, evident in his desire to call down fire upon the Samaritan village. His tendency toward exclusiveness is manifested in the request of his mother as to the place her sons were to occupy in the kingdom - the highest positions. Jesus did not encourage this and rebuked these tendencies, but the tendencies reveal the man. John was in the inner circle of the disciples. Indeed, nearest of all to Jesus, he was called, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (JOH 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20). Because of that love, John became the apostle of love. Interestingly enough he is the only one who wrote that he was the disciple that Jesus loved.

    John was the kind of man who could profit by the rebuke of Jesus. John's passionate disposition was held in check, and under control, and was allowed to vent only on occasions when it was permissible, and even necessary. In John's gospel writings, note the intensity that he had displayed, but directed only against those who refused to believe in, and to acknowledge, Jesus as the Christ.

    JOH 13:21-23 "When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.' The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus' breast one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved."

    Did Jesus love all the disciples? According to JOH 13:1,"having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." However, John calls himself, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Note JOH 19:26 "When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, Woman, behold, your son!"

    JOH 20:1-8 "Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. And so she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.' Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and they were going to the tomb. And the two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. Simon Peter therefore also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he beheld the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb entered then also, and he saw and believed."

    In JOH 21:7 "That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord.' And so when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea."

    In JOH 21:20 "Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper, and said, 'Lord, who is the one who betrays You?'"

    John had "a quiet and thoughtful temperament" which is not inconsistent with a certain fierceness. It is not without significance that in the three narratives which are cited from the gospels to prove the overbearing temper of John, we are told that Jesus corrected him all three times. Are we to suppose that these rebukes made no impression? Is it more likely that they sank deep into his heart, and that the agony of beholding his Master's crucifixion made them impossible to forget and reject? And as he grew older and wiser, he began that long development which changed that youthful "son of thunder" into the "aged apostle of love." Never forget that love itself has its side of vehemence and passion, and the intensity of love toward a person or a cause may be measured by the intensity of antagonism and of disdain toward those who oppose and contradict that which they love. There are many reflections in the gospel of John and in his epistles, which display this energy of hatred toward the work of the devil and toward those dispositions under the influence of the father of lies. John, as a fervent youth devoted to his Master, carried with him to the end this same disposition which was characteristic. The power options - namely the filling of the Spirit and Bible doctrine - caused him to redirect that energy, fervency and passion toward the things of God.

    Group B: "Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas" / "Philip ..."

    Group B: 1. Philip

    Next we have Philip. Along with Andrew and other fellow-townsmen, Philip had journeyed to Bethany to hear the teaching of John the Baptist, and there he received his first call from Christ, "Follow me," JOH 1:43. As with Andrew, Philip's Greek name implies he had Greek connections. This is strengthened by the fact that he acted as the spokesman of the Greeks at the Passover. Of a weaker mold than Andrew, he was the one to whom the Greeks would first appeal when seeking answers from the Lord. Philip was very inquisitive, asked probing questions, and sympathized and understood the doubts and difficulties that the Greeks had.

    1 Corinthians 1:22 — "For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom;"

    While Andrew was practical, strong-minded and naturally the type of man to win the impulsive, head-strong Peter; the slower Philip, versed in the Scriptures, appealed more to the critical Nathanael and the cultured Greeks. Philip was very cautious, deliberate, and desirous of submitting all truth to the test of sensuous experience.

    JOH 14:8-11 "Philip said to Him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves.'"

    Philip concluded the same criterion would also be acceptable to Nathanael.

    John 1:44-45 — "Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'"

    Note two things wrong that Philip said:

    1. Philip did not find Jesus; Jesus found Philip.

    2. Jesus was the Son of God, not of Joseph His reputed father.

    We can deduce that in the beginning, Philip was sincere but deficient in knowledge; for it was Christ who found him, not he Christ. This was a fulfillment of a prophecy in ISA 65:1 "I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here am I, here am I,' To a nation which did not call on My name."

    JOH 1:43 "The next day He [Jesus] purposed to go forth into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, Follow Me."

    JOH 1:46 "And Nathanael said to him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him, Come and see."

    It was the natural mindedness of Philip that influenced Jesus to awaken in Philip, His disciple, a larger and more spiritual faith, in JOH 6:6, seeking "to test him."

    JOH 6:4-6 "Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?' And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do."

    This shows Jesus discipling His disciple. The natural reservedness, which affected Philip's beliefs, found expression in his outer life and conduct also. It was not merely modesty, but also a certain lack of self-reliance, that made Philip turn to Andrew for advice when the Greeks wished to see Jesus. The story of Philip's later life shows that he overcame those initial defects in his character, fulfilling the great commission in MAT 28:16-20. Philip stands at the head of the second group of the twelve apostles.

    Group B: 2. Bartholomew (Nathanael);

    LUK 6:14 "Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew;"

    Not much is known about Bartholomew. Many scholars believe Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same, JOH 1:45-49. In the first three gospels, MAT 10:3; MAR 3:18; LUK 6:14, Philip and Bartholomew are constantly named together, whereas Nathanael is not mentioned. In the fourth gospel Philip and Nathanael are correspondingly combined, but nothing is said of Bartholomew. Therefore, Nathanael is considered to also be Bartholomew. Bartholomew was born in Cana of Galilee, JOH 21:2. He was a very sincere man in whom there was no guile or wickedness.

    JOH 1:45-46 "Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' And Nathanael said to him, 'Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'"

    One of the first characteristics of Nathaniel or Bartholomew was what appeared to be a prejudice in him, as when he says, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" This is not to condemn or judge, but merely to try to give you a picture of what he was like in the natural realm as well as the spiritual realm.

    JOH 1:47-51 "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!' Nathanael said to Him, 'How do You know me?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' Nathanael answered Him, 'Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.' And He said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"

    Nathanael or Bartholomew appears to be a calm, retiring, behind-the-scenes type whom man may not recognize, but God does. According to tradition, he was crucified upside down after being flayed alive. There is no further reference to him in the New Testament.

    Group B: 3. Matthew the tax collector;

    Matthew, the apostle and evangelist, is mentioned in the four catalogues of the apostles in MAT 10:3; MAR 3:18; LUK 6:15; ACT 1:13, though his place varies between the seventh and eighth and places exchanging positions with Thomas. The call of Matthew illustrates a very prominent feature in the public action of Jesus - 8*Jesus' utter disregard for religious opinion and worldly wisdom**. A publican disciple and even more as a publican apostle, Matthew could not fail to be a stumbling block to Jewish prejudice; and therefore, overtly, a source of weakness rather than of strength. Yet, while perfectly aware of this fact, Jesus invited Matthew, one who had pursued the occupation of a tax-gatherer, to the intimate fellowship of disciplehood and apostleship. The call of Matthew is all the more remarkable when contrasted with the manner in which our Lord treated others who had overt reputations - outward advantages which would seem to recommend them for a position with Christ.

    MAT 8:18-20 "Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side. And a certain scribe came and said to Him, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.' And Jesus said to him, 'The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.'"

    Most likely Judas was upset with that statement since he wanted Jesus to join the bands of the scribes and Pharisees. This scribe in MAT 8:10-20 showed a desire to follow Jesus by volunteering to become one of His disciples, but the Lord deliberately discouraged him with a challenge. This scribe, whose social position and professional attainments seemed to point him out as a very desirable acquisition for the Lord, was deliberately scared away by Jesus as He gave him a gloomy picture of the destitute condition our Lord's followers might face at times. Confident in the power of truth, He chose the base things of the world in preference to things held in esteem, assured that they would ultimately conquer in the end. Aware that both He and His disciples would be despised and rejected of men for a season, Jesus went calmly on His way, choosing for His companions and apostles "whom He would," undisturbed by the opinions of His generation. He knew that His work concerned all nations and all time.

    Matthew is called "Matthew" in the first gospel while in the second and third gospels he is called "Levi." Then in the book of Acts, he is once again called Matthew. Being a tax-collector Matthew was especially hated by the Jews because they considered the tax-collectors to be evil wicked men. Whether he had more to repent of than his neighbors, we cannot tell. It is true that he belonged to a class of men, many of whom were truly guilty of fraud and extortion, but Matthew may have been an exception. We can only say this, if he had been covetous, the spirit of greed was now gone. If he had ever been guilty of oppressing the poor, he now despised such work. He had grown weary of collecting revenue from a reluctant population, and was glad to follow one who had come to take burdens off instead of laying them on, to release from debts instead of collection from them with severity.

    Matthew 9:9 — And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

    Luke 5:27,28 — And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

    Matthew had the attitude of the apostle Paul in PHI 3:7.

    Philippians 3:7 — But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

    Group B: 4. Thomas

    Next we have Thomas, who was also called "Didymus" or "the Twin," JOH 11:16; 20:24; 21:2, and is referred to in detail by the gospel of John alone. In JOH 11:1-54, when Jesus, despite imminent danger at the hands of hostile Jews, declared His intention of going to Bethany to heal Lazarus, Thomas alone opposed the other disciples who sought to discourage Him, and protested, "Let us also go; that we may die with him."

    JOH 11:11-16 "This He said, and after that He said to them, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep.' The disciples therefore said to Him, 'Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.' Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. Then Jesus therefore said to them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.' Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with Him.'"

    Thomas, as many of you know, was known as the doubter in the group. When he said "Let us also go, that we may die with Him," this was not a statement of courage but one of pessimism. Thomas had a tendency to stress the negative or unfavorable or to take the gloomiest possible view of things. On the night before our Lord's death, Thomas asked that famous question.

    JOH 14:1-7 "'Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.' Thomas said to Him, 'Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.'"

    Now, when Thomas said in JOH 14:5 "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?"

    Jesus had already answered Peter's question, in JOH 13:36. "Simon Peter said to Him, 'Lord, where are You going?' Jesus answered, 'Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow later.'"

    He told the disciples plainly that He was going to "His Father's house," JOH 14:2, ascending to where He had been before, JOH 6:62. However, Thomas still cannot raise his mind to the unseen future home where Jesus is going, or realize the way as being through Jesus. After the crucifixion, Thomas apparently severed his connection with the rest of the apostles for a time, as he was not present when the risen Christ first appeared to them.

    JOH 20:25 "When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.' But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore were saying to him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'"

    Seeing was not enough for Thomas; not even feeling will satisfy him. Unless he feels with both hand and finger the spear mark as well as the nail marks, he says he will not and cannot believe. However, he did rejoin them even though he was not convinced that Christ had risen from the dead. While not convincing him of the truth of the resurrection, which is why he said "Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe," at least they encouraged him to be among their number eight days later in the upper room.

    JOH 20:25-29 "The other disciples therefore were saying to him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then He said to Thomas, 'Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.' Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

    Having received the proofs for which he sought, he made the confession, "My Lord and my God" in JOH 20:28, and was reproved by Jesus for his previous unbelief. Thomas is probably best known for his inability to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, and forever earned the name "doubting Thomas." Although little is recorded of Thomas in the gospels, he is yet one of the most fascinating of the apostles. He is typical of many individuals who have certain conflicting principles difficult to reconcile. He was the type of individual who seemed to have difficulty recovering quickly from setbacks and his inclination was to look upon life with the eyes of gloom or despondency. However, he still was a man of courage and entire unselfishness. With his perplexed faith in the teaching of Jesus there was mingled a sincere love for Jesus the teacher. Even in the incident of Christ's departure for Bethany, his devotion to the Lord proved stronger than his fear of death. Many times his faith and courage triumphed; but when it came into conflict with his standards of belief it was put to a harder test. Thomas desired to test all truth by the evidence of his senses. In this, coupled with a mind consistent with beliefs and disbeliefs, lay the real source of his difficulties with his faith.

    It was his sincerity which made him stand distant from the rest of the disciples until he had attained a personal conviction regarding the resurrection; but his sincerity also drew from him the testimony to that conviction, "My Lord and my God." Thomas was also considered by some a native of Galilee, like most of the other apostles. From all of these incidents came the title of "Doubting Thomas," and is thus characterized as "slow to believe, subject to despondency, seeing all the difficulties of a case, viewing things on the darker side." It may be that he was of a critical tendency of mind, in which he did not recognize the statement of eyewitnesses as a sufficient ground of faith. However, having attained notable faith (for sometimes faith that has overcome doubt is hardier than that of those who never doubt), Thomas is promoted above Bartholomew and Matthew in Acts. The case of Thomas does not sanction but condemns skepticism, for if others were to demand the same tangible visible proofs as Thomas demanded, miracles would have to be so continual as to cease to be miraculous, and sight would supersede faith.

    The testimony of Thomas' doubt is a clear and infallible proof of the identity between the crucified and the risen Lord that he who any longer disbelieves and is consequently condemned is left without excuse.

    Group C. "James, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot" / "James ... Judas"

    Group C. 1. James the son of Alphaeus (James the Less), and

    LUK 6:15 and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus,

    This James is generally identified with James the Little or the Less, the brother of Joseph and son of Mary, MAT 27:56; MAR 15:40. In each list of the apostles he is mentioned in ninth position. He is said to be the brother of Jude, JUD 1:1. We know very little of his background except that some teach that he was known for his quietness and humility. Perhaps the type of individual who doesn't stand out in a crowd, but is always faithful.

    Group C. 2. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James);

    Judas, surnamed Thaddeus was also called Judas the Zealot and was a very enthusiastic and intense individual, MAT 10:3. The only incident recorded of Judas is in JOH 14:22, where during Christ's address to the disciples after the last supper he put the question, JOH 14:22-25 "Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, 'Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us, and not to the world?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you.'"

    He seems to have been a follower who needed to fall in love with his Lord. Tradition says he preached in Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia.

    Group C. 3. Simon the Zealot, and

    LUK 6:15 and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon [not Peter] who was called the Zealot;

    Simon is called the Zealot and the Canaanite to distinguish him from Simon Peter. He was an ex-member of a fanatical Jewish sect, called the Zealots. Members of this group were fanatical opponents of Roman rule in Palestine. As a Zealot, Simon hated any foreign domination or interference. The Zealots were also known for their fierce advocacy of the Mosaic rituals. He was strong-willed, and once he made up his mind he was the type of individual to go all the way with what he believed. He was not a leader, but a tremendous strong-willed follower. Simon received his call to the apostleship along with Andrew and Peter, the sons of Zebedee, Thaddaeus and Judas Iscariot at the Sea of Tiberias, MAT 4:18-22. Although Simon, like the majority of the apostles, was probably a Galilean, the designation "Canaanite" is regarded as of political rather than of geographical significance.

    Group C. 4. Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

    Interestingly, Judas Iscariot is always identified as such - Judas Iscariot. Judas was from Kerioth which means he was near Hebron at birth, and being reared there he is the only non-Galilean that Jesus chose. He was the only one from Judea and probably the sharpest of the twelve - that's why he was treasurer. However, don't be impressed by the sharpest of a group. Don't always think that the brightest is the best of the bunch. What you should pay attention to is character and attitude - not intellectual ability only. Our Lord does not grade according to SAT's, He looks at the heart.

    Note the title the Lord gave Judas in Joh 17. Judas was called the son of perdition in JOH 17:12 "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled."

    Notice what He says, not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Why is that important? If Judas was a believer (which he was not) and he perished, then our Lord did not fulfill the Father's will. JOH 6:38-39 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day."

    JOH 17:12 "While I was with them, I was keeping them in Thy name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled."

    To be the "son of perdition" denotes that Judas is a man identified with eternal destruction and whose destiny is the Lake of Fire. The word "perdition" is also used for the antichrist in 2TH 2:3 "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [perdition],"

    In REV 17:8 "The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction."

    REV 17:11 "And the beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction."

    This makes "son of perdition" a predictive designation. ACT 1:25 says something very interesting about Judas, that he went "to his own place" - the place of his own choosing.

    ACT 1:24-25 "And they prayed, and said, 'Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.'"

    It was not that Judas was foreordained from eternity past to go to hell without an opportunity to be saved. Instead, he chose to reject Jesus Christ and will suffer the consequences of any person who rejects the Savior. Judas also held the position of treasurer in the ministry of TLJC.

    JOH 12:1-6 "Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary therefore took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii, and given to poor people? Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer [steal a little bit at a time] what was put into it."

    Matthew would have been the natural person to handle the money needed to sustain the Lord's ministry because he had been a tax-collector and well acquainted with money matters. However, Judas was the treasurer of the Lord's group of apostles indicating that he was no imbecile. He knew the ins-and-outs of collecting, managing, and spending money better than the others, including Matthew.

    JOH 12:6 "Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor,"

    Character trait #1: He did not care about the poor. He was a hard-hearted man, too concerned with feathering his own nest while others, less fortunate, suffered around him JOH 12:6.

    Character trait #2: He was a thief, pilfering funds from the Lord's treasury, which exposes that Judas was full of avarice or greed. Judas was not in tune with Jesus, and rejected the Lord's message. Jesus preached the gospel to the poor, LUK 7:22. The Pharisees didn't do that. Why?

    LUK 16:14, "The Pharisees were lovers of money." Jesus taught that we should go out of our way to help the needy, as far as we are able (parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37). Judas did not welcome that message, nor did he want to help the needy. The comment from John that Judas was a thief is intended to stress the avarice of Judas, who saw in the price of the ointment nothing of the beautiful deed for which Jesus praised the woman, but only a means by which his funds would be increased, enabling him to line his own pocket. Even this motive was cloaked under a deceptive plea that the money could be given away to relieve the poor. Thus to covetousness there is added the trait of deceit.

    Was Judas saved? JOH 6:66-71 "As a result of this [in context, hard sayings from Jesus] many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. Jesus said therefore to the twelve, 'You do not want to go away also, do you?' Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.' Jesus answered them, 'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him."

    "One of you is a devil" reveals Jesus' omniscience.

    JOH 6:64 "But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him."

    Just like He revealed His omniscience with Nathanael in JOH 1:47-48 "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!' Nathanael said to Him, 'How do You know me?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.'"

    It was the Tuesday night following a dinner party at Mary, Martha, and Lazarus' home in Bethany, when Jesus rebuked His disciples and particularly Judas, that Judas rejected the Lord one time too many. The devil then possessed him the first of two times during the final week of Jesus' life.

    LUK 22:1-3 "Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people. And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve."

    The phrase "Satan entered into Judas" is the preposition eis plus the aor-act-ind of the verb eiserchomai, which is Eiselthen with a capital Epsilon that literally means to enter into someone. This same verb with the same preposition and construction is used in LUK 8:30 "And Jesus asked him, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Legion'; for many demons had entered him."

    In LUK 8:33, the same prepositional phrase with the exact same verb is used, "And the demons came out from the man and entered the swine; [eis plus the aor-act-ind of the verb eiserchomai which is eiselthen again] and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned."

    LUK 22:2-4 "And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people. And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them."

    The gospels do not state why Judas betrayed Jesus. We may infer at least two reasons. Judas did it after becoming convinced that Jesus was going to die and not reign as King, MAR 14:3-11. In that passage Jesus rebukes some of His disciples because a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard broke the vial and poured it over His head. Some of them were irate and they began to ask to one another, "Why has this perfume been wasted?"

    MAR 14:5-10 "'For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.' And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For the poor you always have with you, and whenever you wish, you can do them good; but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. And truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, that also which this woman has done shall be spoken of in memory of her.' And Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests, in order to betray Him to them."

    If Judas was convinced that Jesus was going to die and not reign as King, his hopes for political power and influence were dashed. Then secondly, Judas also did it for money, MAT 26:14-16. Judas' expectation of financial wealth no longer existed either. Therefore, Judas bargained for what he could receive from the religious leaders (30 pieces of silver). The night of Christ's betrayal began with the Passover feast. Judas was apparently still smarting from Jesus' rebuke. Jesus reclined at the table getting ready to explain what was about to happen while at the same time, the religious leaders were meeting to discuss how they could arrest Jesus and put Him to death. The multitudes intimidated them, and they needed and discussed a private way to apprehend the Lord in MAR 14:1-2.

    MAR 14:1-2 "Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread was two days off; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth, and kill Him; for they were saying, 'Not during the festival, lest there be a riot of the people.'"

    Satan's demons attended that meeting. Once they knew of the religious leaders' desire, they hastened to Satan with the news. The devil had stepped out of Judas' life for a short time, but then Satan hatched a plan and imparted it to Judas' soul while Judas sat at the Passover table with Jesus.

    JOH 13:2 "And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him,"

    Satan apparently did this without possessing Judas because it is not until after Jesus gives bread to him that Satan re-enters Judas.

    JOH 13:3-9 "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. And so He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, 'Lord, do You wash my feet?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'What I do you do not realize now, but you shall understand hereafter.' Peter said to Him, 'Never shall You wash my feet!' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.' Simon Peter said to Him, 'Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.'"

    The following very simply describes the fact that Judas was not saved:

    JOH 13:10-11 "Jesus said to him, He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean;"

    "Washing the feet" refers to rebound; "completely clean" refers to salvation. "Jesus said to him, He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you. For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, Not all of you are clean." As the Last Supper continues, Jesus proceeds to train His apostles in humility, servant-hood, and forgiveness, which He illustrates by washing their feet. The Lord's announcement of betrayal, during the solemn Passover occasion, bewilders the apostles. JOH 13:21-27 "When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.' The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus' breast one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore gestured to him, and said to him, 'Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.' He, leaning back thus on Jesus' breast, said to Him, 'Lord, who is it?' Jesus therefore answered, 'That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.' So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. And after the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Jesus therefore said to him, 'What you do, do quickly.'"

    Again we have the preposition eis plus the aor-act-ind of the verb eiserchomai which is eiselthen which means to enter into someone. Judas was possessed by Satan - just like the King of Tyre was possessed by Satan, Eze 28. This is the second time during the final week that Satan possesses Judas. In JOH 13:31, Judas departs the Upper Room where the Lord and the apostles were eating the Last Supper.

    JOH 13:31 "When therefore he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;"

    Comparing the other gospel accounts, we see the devil motivate Judas to tell the religious leaders that he will find a way to betray Jesus. His plan would avoid confrontation with the crowds gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover, LUK 22:6. The religious leaders promptly paid Judas for his treacherous scheme, MAR 14:10-11. Judas thought the Garden of Gethsemane would be an ideal place to arrest Jesus because it was outside the city's eastern wall and away from the crowds, MAT 26:27-28. Satan, who anticipated the Lord's movements, put this plan into Judas' head. Judas, the traitor, notified the religious leaders that he would identify Jesus with a "kiss."

    MAT 26:48 "Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, 'Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him.'"

    Why a kiss? It would be nighttime and not immediately apparent to the soldiers who Christ was among His disciples. Once the religious leaders called together the Roman soldiers (a military unit, or cohort, of 600), they tagged along as well, and Judas led them to the place in the Garden where Jesus prayed. This treacherous act by Judas became embedded in the minds of the apostles, so much so that Paul, when explaining the communion service, says:

    1CO 11:23 "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;"

    If you still believe that Judas may have been saved, look at what Jesus said at the Last Supper. MAT 26:20-24 "Now when evening had come, He was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. And as they were eating, He said, Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me. And being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, Surely not I, Lord? And He answered and said, He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."

    If Judas was going to go heaven after his betrayal, isn't that better than non-existence? Being in a place where there shall no longer be any death; no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; a place of perfect happiness! Jesus said MAT 26:24-25 "'The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.' And Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, 'Surely it is not I, Rabbi?' He said to him, 'You have said it yourself.'"

    How much clearer can you get than that? In JOH 6:64, Jesus says that some of His disciples never believed from the beginning, and He mentions Judas as one of them. Judas did miracles, healed the sick and cast out devils in the name of the Lord; and you mean to tell me he was never saved? In MAT 7:21-23 Jesus speaks of this. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven."

    What is the will of His Father?

    JOH 6:40 "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

    MAT 7:22-23 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'"

    He had no personal knowledge of them. They were NEVER born again. Yet they did these mighty works, as did Judas. Peter denied the Lord three times (Luke 22:31-34), but he had faith and was graciously restored; but Judas was a betrayer who never had faith to begin with, so he died and went to his own place, ACT 1:25. The manner in which the betrayal by Judas was conducted supports the idea that Judas was actuated by malicious, revengeful feelings. Not content with giving enough information which would enable the Jewish authorities to get their victim into their hands, Judas led the band that was sent to apprehend his Master, and even pointed Him out to them by an affectionate salutation - a kiss. To one in a vengeful mood that kiss might be sweet; but to a man in any other mood, even though he were a traitor, how detestable and appalling! The kiss was not necessary for the success of the plot; for the military detachment was furnished with torches, and Judas could have indicated Jesus to them while he himself kept in the background. Judas was an unbeliever who committed suicide and is now suffering in Hades in the place of torments.

    Ask Rain of the Lord

    TEXT: Zechariah 10:1,2

    Introduction

    Zechariah 10:1,2 — Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every* one grass in the field. 2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

    1. God Loves to Bless, GOD IS GOOD
    2. We must APPROACH God - Do we desire HIS BLESSING?

    "God so work Your people, that the world could witness the TRUTHFULNESS of God in their lives."

    1. I. Ask Rain of the Lord - a charge, command, invition to ask
    2. II. Ask Rain of the Lord - What is blessing we can expect?
    3. III. Ask Rain of the Lord - Do we know we are talking to?

    I. Ask Rain of the Lord - a charge, command, invition to ask

    a. Waiting, Expecting

    Romans 12:12 — Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

    to be earnest towards, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises:

    Ro 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

    b. Rain (What are we commanded, invited to ask for?)

    II. Ask Rain of the Lord - What is blessing we can expect?

    God Loves to Bless - He Makes Promises - What is Provided from Him? What blessings can we WAIT upon? So that we can SHOW FORTH THE POWER OF GOD. FULLNESS.

    Ephesians 1:3 — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

    HYMN: There is a fountain filled with blood; Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

    1. v.3 Hath Visited His Flock -- to JUDAH & to Israel (will unite, Ezek. 37)
    2. v.3 Goodly Horse in Battle -- well fitted, everything he would need
    3. v.4 The Cornerstone & Nail (Tent Peg) -- foundation, structure being built, temple --- WORSHIP HE IS THE FOUNDATION of OUR WORSHIP -- Worship of God makes our lives better rather than worse. A WORTHY GOD.
    4. v.4 OUT OF HIM the battle bow -- In Allying with God, there is going to be opposition but God supplies the weapons of our warefare
    5. v.4 Every Oppressor together -- God even supplies the victory
    6. v.5 TRANSFORMATION of his people: (HEROES, POWER) mighty men, as enemy under their feet and might as is WITH them
    7. v.5 Shame those that TRUST IN HORSES
    8. v.6 Make Strong (HEROES) Unite Judah & House of Joseph (Northern Tribes) (its been 2800 years so far!)
    9. v.6 I WILL SAVE Redemption -- because He is MERCIFUL
    10. v.6 PERFECT FAITHFULNESS OF GOD as though I DID NOT CAST THEM OFF -- WITH YOU, I WILL NOT LEAVE --- "Honey, don't ever leave me."
    11. v.7-12 TO ISREAL EPHRAIM is prophetic, 2 sons of Jospeh (ephraim (younger) and mannasseh (older)) - "THE BLESSING" -- "THE COVENANT PROMISE" MESSIAH redemption IN THE LORD
      • "HISS"/"WHISTLE" call to them and gather them
      • v.10, bring again (3x's I will gather them)
      • v.10 "no place shall be found" Israel will have to broaden its tent
      • God will remove all the oposition, God is going to do it anyway

    Zec 10:12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

    III. Ask Rain of the Lord - Do we know we are talking to?

    Is it not Time?

    *NOT APPROACHING GOD but...

    The Name of the LORD

    Ancient Jewish Rabbi Saul, "one who pronounces the divine name with its letters has no share in the World to Come."

    Zechariah 10

    TEXT: Zechariah 10:1,2

    Introduction

    Zechariah 10:1,2 — Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every* one grass in the field. 2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

    1. God Loves to Bless, GOD IS GOOD
    2. We must APPROACH God - Do we desire HIS BLESSING?

    "God so work Your people, that the world could witness the TRUTHFULNESS of God in their lives."

    Zechariah, the Son of Berechiah

    Zechariah 1:1 ¶ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

    In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophe

    Outline

    1. I. Ask Rain of the Lord - a charge, command, invition to ask
    2. II. Ask Rain of the Lord - What is blessing we can expect?
    3. III. Ask Rain of the Lord - Do we know we are talking to?

    I. Ask Rain of the Lord - a charge, command, invition to ask

    a. Waiting, Expecting

    Romans 12:12 — Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

    to be earnest towards, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises:

    Ro 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

    b. Rain (What are we commanded, invited to ask for?)

    II. Ask Rain of the Lord - What is blessing we can expect?

    God Loves to Bless - He Makes Promises - What is Provided from Him? What blessings can we WAIT upon? So that we can SHOW FORTH THE POWER OF GOD. FULLNESS.

    Ephesians 1:3 — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

    HYMN: There is a fountain filled with blood; Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;

    1. v.3 Hath Visited His Flock -- to JUDAH & to Israel (will unite, Ezek. 37)
    2. v.3 Goodly Horse in Battle -- well fitted, everything he would need
    3. v.4 The Cornerstone & Nail (Tent Peg) -- foundation, structure being built, temple --- WORSHIP HE IS THE FOUNDATION of OUR WORSHIP -- Worship of God makes our lives better rather than worse. A WORTHY GOD.
    4. v.4 OUT OF HIM the battle bow -- In Allying with God, there is going to be opposition but God supplies the weapons of our warefare
    5. v.4 Every Oppressor together -- God even supplies the victory
    6. v.5 TRANSFORMATION of his people: (HEROES, POWER) mighty men, as enemy under their feet and might as is WITH them
    7. v.5 Shame those that TRUST IN HORSES
    8. v.6 Make Strong (HEROES) Unite Judah & House of Joseph (Northern Tribes) (its been 2800 years so far!)
    9. v.6 I WILL SAVE Redemption -- because He is MERCIFUL
    10. v.6 PERFECT FAITHFULNESS OF GOD as though I DID NOT CAST THEM OFF -- WITH YOU, I WILL NOT LEAVE --- "Honey, don't ever leave me."
    11. v.7-12 TO ISREAL EPHRAIM is prophetic, 2 sons of Jospeh (ephraim (younger) and mannasseh (older)) - "THE BLESSING" -- "THE COVENANT PROMISE" MESSIAH redemption IN THE LORD
      • "HISS"/"WHISTLE" call to them and gather them
      • v.10, bring again (3x's I will gather them)
      • v.10 "no place shall be found" Israel will have to broaden its tent
      • God will remove all the oposition, God is going to do it anyway

    Zec 10:12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

    III. Ask Rain of the Lord - Do we know we are talking to?

    Is it not Time?

    *NOT APPROACHING GOD but...

    The Name of the LORD

    Ancient Jewish Rabbi Saul, "one who pronounces the divine name with its letters has no share in the World to Come."

    Not So Secret Sin

    Psalms 90:8 — Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

    Introduction

    Deut. 33:1 — And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

    Exposition

    Psalm 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

    1. Thou [God]

    In the midst of the Psalm on the Eternity of God and the contrasted limits of man, the Psalmist declares what is SECRET to man is OPEN before God.

    2. Our Iniquities

    Eph 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

    3. Our Secret Sins

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

    4. Has Set our Iniquities before Thee, .... in the Light of thy Countenance (for judgment)

    Ecclesiastes 12:14 — For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

    God Sees All - "Not so Secret"

    Jeremiah 16:17 — For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

    Hebrews 4:13 — Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

    Job 28:24 — For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;

    Job 34:21 — For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

    Proverbs 5:21 — For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

    Psalm 139:13-16 — For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

    2 Chronicles 16:19 — For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

    Genesis 16:13 — And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

    Examples

    Pr 28:13 — He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

    Achan's Not So Secret Sin

    Jos 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. 20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

    Adam and Eve's Not So Secret Sin

    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.

    David's Not So Secret Sin

    2Sa 11:1 ¶ And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

    2 Samuel 11:6 — And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

    2 Samuel 11:9 — But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

    2 Samuel 11:14 — And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

    Ananias and Sapphira's No So Secret Sin

    Acts 5:1-4 — But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

    Eli, Hophni and Phineas

    1 Samuel 4:11 — And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

    Ezra

    Ezr 9:1 Now when these things were done, the princes drew near to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

    2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy seed have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands: yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.

    3 When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded.

    4 Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering.

    5 At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God;

    6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is grown up to the heavens.

    7 Since the days of our fathers we have been exceeding guilty to this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

    8 Now for a little moment grace has been shown from Yahweh our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

    9 For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the ruins of it, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

    10 Now, our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken your commandments,

    11 which you have commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, The land, to which you go to possess it, is an unclean land through the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness:

    12 now therefore don't give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters to your sons, nor seek their peace or their prosperity forever; that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.

    13 After all that is come on us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that you our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such a remnant,

    14 shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? would not you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?

    15 Yahweh, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that is escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for none can stand before you because of this.

    A Levite, 2 Fathers, and the City of Gibean Judges 19

    TIMELINE

    ADAM CLARKE: "The woman would not go out to them; but her graceless husband forced her to go, in order that he might save his own body. He could have but little love for her, and this was the cause of their separation before."

    It was a custom among the ancient Highlanders in Scotland, when one clan wished to call all the rest to avenge its wrongs, to take a wooden cross, dip it in blood, and send it by a special messenger through all the clans. This was called the fire cross, because at sight of it each clan lighted a fire or beacon, which gave notice to all the adjoining clans that a general rising was immediately to take place.

    Jg 19:30 And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.

    SOME LESSONS:

    Calling Out Sin

    Eph 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

    1 Timothy 5:17-22 — 1Ti 5:17 ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

    Ezekiel 3:17-19 — Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

    2 Timothy 4:2 — Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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

    1 Corinthians 4:14 — I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

    Luke 24:47 — And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

    Christian Morality

    INTRODUCTION

    Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

    MORALITY: principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior:

    I. The Limits of Christian Morality

    A. [SAVED] By Grace are Ye Saved

    v. 8 "through faith" v. 9 "not of works"

    Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

    What does it mean to be saved?

    Romans 10:9 — That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    Ga 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

    B. We are not saved by "good works", but we are "ordained to them"

    v.10 "created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

    1. "CREATED UNTO" --- All this "SETTING IN RIGHT STANDING", "RECONCILING" "BRINGING IN" begins a JOURNEY or a WALKING WITH JESUS

    - Being "born again" is not the end, it is the beginning of a **RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with GOD**

    2. WALK in them

    WALK: from 4012 and 3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).

    Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

    Php 2:12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

    Colossians 2:6 — As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

    3. Let No Man Judge You …

    Colossians 2:16 — Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

    to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:--avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

    Colossians 2:8 mdash; 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.

    Colossians 2:14 — Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

    Colossians 2:17 — Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

    Colossians 2:20 — Col 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

    Colossians 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

    1 Timothy 4:3 — Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

    II. The Standard of Christian Morality

      • math 17:5; hear ye Him

    2. A Good Character

    Mt 5:7 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

    Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

    And sinces Jesus is a "person", is "personable" we cannot merely read an OT precept and do it as that is the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.

    The MATURING comes by experience --- walking with God.

    Lord, what about this ... (Following God's Heart, no mine.)

    Telemachus, A North African monk, pilgrimage to Rome, Swept by crowd in to the Coliseum. 'We who are about to do salute you'. Bloody murderous, behavior STOP THIS IS WRONG! DO NOT SEPARATE GOD's MERCY in your victory in war by murdering one another --- Gladiators struck and killed Telemachus. "When they saw his death, they began to question their own violence. --- These games ultimately even outlawed as a reaction.

    III. The Life of Christian Morality (What does it look like?)

    2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

    A. A New Wine Skin

    Lu 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? 34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. 36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. 37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. 39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

    B. Comparing the OLD Wine Skin with the New Wine Skin

    1. "Thou Shalt not Kill"

    Mt 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

    2. "Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery"

    27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

    3. "Thou Shall not Bear False Witness"

    33 ¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. 38 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

    Christ is Enough for the Christian

    “Christ is Enough for the Christian”

    The principle of Chirstian contentment.

    Introduction: Hebrews 13:1-17; 5,6

     5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

    “a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1Ti 6:6; 2Co 9:8).

    1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (SUFFICIENCY)

    2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

    It is opposed to (BE WITHOUT):

    and repining (1Co 10:10), complacency

    - It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility,

    - and of an intelligent consideration of:

    -  the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps 96:1,2; 145:1-21),

    - the greatness of the divine promises (2Pe 1:4),

    - and our own unworthiness (Ge 32:10);

    - as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter.

    Resting in the assurance that God’s will and ways are perfect.

    James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

    Pr 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

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

    The CONTENTEDNESS of the Christian relies entirely on the SUFFICIENCY of Christ. Christ is enough for the Christian.

    Gen. 17:1 (El Shaddai “All-Sufficient One”)

    1. A Biblical Perspective on Where We Have Been

    2. A Biblical Perspective on Where We Are Now

    3. A Biblical Perspective on Where We are Headed

    1. A Biblical Perspective on Where We Have Been

    Pr 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

     Isaiah 51:1 - Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

    Isa 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

    1. A Biblical Perspective on Where We Are Now

    Complacent: pleasant; ‘pleasing’, feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder:

    CONTENT: 714. the idea of raising a barrier;  to ward off, i.e. (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory):--be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient.

    What is the “LOT” of the child of God? (What are our desires confined to?)

    Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

    Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

    A Biblical Perspective on Where  We are Headed

     Phillippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

    CONCLUSION

    Christ is enough for me. “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)

    Hebrews 13:1-17

     1 Let brotherly love continue.

     2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

     3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

     4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

     5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

     6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

     7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

     8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

     9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

     10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

     11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

     12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

     13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

     14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

     15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

     16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

     17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

    Our Touchstone

    Isa 51:1 — Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

    Introduction

    A. What is a touchstone?

    process is referred to as assaying. The assayer would draw a pure sample of the precious metal across the touchstone, leaving a streak. folowed by acid tedt. 10k and 14k acid.an 1. eye test 2. acid test 3. fire test

    a piece of fine-grained dark schist or jasper formerly used for testing alloys of gold by observing the color of the mark which they made on it.

    a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized:

    B. Comparing what is KNOWN with What is UNKNKOWN

    Examples: Gideon and his fleece, David and sails armor, nation of Israel reminded of Abraham and Sarah.

    Judgment. Discernment. Judge all things as spiritual. Personal and priesthood of home.

    C. Why?

    Rules of Testing

    1. SCRIPTURE.

    2 Peter 1:3 — According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

    2Pe 1:16 ¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    WE HAVE (We are not waiting.)

    2Pe 1:19 ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

    2. LOVE.

    Always with love. The governing passion must be the selfless, uncondituinal love as demonstrated in Christ. It's this motivated and propelled by love? Not wordly ambition loving God and neighbors are inseparable.

    3. ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

    Living in the light of eternity. Does this stand in the light of eternity? Priority. Heaven and Hell both. Accepted of God? Received of God?

    4. SANCTIFICATION

    The ideal character and all virtue in measured by Jesus. Holiness, righteousness. Not comparison with one another. Does this harmonize with what we know of how Jesus lived? (Tempted in like points, form of student, ) How's your walk? My walk? Relationship. ----today ---- self inspection inward and outward consistent. Piety, Holiness, principles and not laws Piety: emphasis on devotional experience and practices", or an "affectation of devotion" --- holy living - sanctification.

    5. GLORY.

    Is this glorifying to God and neighbors good? What do we know as being glorifying to God? (No room for selfish ambition) we live for God's glory and our neighbors good. We know guys glory has fallen = results in our neighbors good. (Good Samaritan am I a good neighbor?)

    6. Believers Testimony. Our witness and our life.

    2 Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

    Other

    educatuin complusoey ... massachussetts uswd nnational guard in 1850's

    Sunday Morning

    Philippians 1 Duty, Oblication, Belonging

    Php 1:21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

    Matthew 11:29 — Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

    1 Peter 5:5 — Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

    The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. Christ is the principle, rule, and end of LIFE.

    READ: Php 1; 1 Chronicles 7:14 "MY People, Called by my name" (Man of God, Women of God, Child of God, Church of God ...)

    Phil. 1:1 — Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

    I'm just a sinner, Saved by grace, When I stood condemned to death, He took my place, Now I live and breathe in freedom, With each breath of life I take, Loved and forgiven, Backed with a living, I'm just a sinner, Saved by grace

    I was once a sinner, but I came, Pardon to receive from my Lord. This was freely given, and I found, That He always kept His word.

    2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

    Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

    Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

    Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

    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:

    Isaiah 62:12 And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

    John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

    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:

    Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

    1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

    2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

    Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

    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:

    Psalm 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

    1 Peter 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

    Ephesians 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

    John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

    Psalm 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

    Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

    1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

    But also, "the choice" that Paul faced.

    A Healthy Faith

    2Th 2:1 ¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 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.

    1. My Mind is a Sacred Space

    Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

    2. The Word of God is my Authority

    Extra-Biblical revelation must be substantiated by what the Scripture says.

    3. The Whole Word of God Gets My Attention

    not segmented attention, over emphasis of a part to the ignoring of the whole.

    John 6:12 — When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

    Emphasizing what it does say rather than what it does not say.: Angels, Demons, Baptism formula, etc.

    4. My Salvation rests in Christ's Righteousness -- Salvation is a free Gift

    Matthew 5:17 — Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

    Galatians 2:16 — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

    I am not producing my own salvation. I have received that by grace through faith.

    1 peter 1:18,19

    5. Servants of the Spirit and not Slaves to to Structure

    Mind control, manipulation, mental slavery and ultimate dependance created on "the structure".

    Church is here as a helpful brick your spiritual house. It is not the end or the ultimate purpose.

    A fear of God, results in a healthy respect of authority. But no person is to be submitted to without qualification.

    Church should be organized, decent and in order but this must not take place of the person of God, Himself.

    1 Peter 5:3 — Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

    John 7:16-17 — Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

    Galatians 5:1 — Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

    6. My Faith and Devotion is not Irrational.

    We serve God with our mind as well as our heart. You do not leave you brain at home, in order to walk with God. Christ becomes Lord of the WHOLE ME.

    1 Cor. 2:12-16 — 1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

    The will of God may to immediately make sense, but it always results in holiness, beauty, goodness and a Divine plan.

    7. My Worship is Exclusive, but my Evangelism is Inclusive

    Eph 4:3 — Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    Luke 14:23 — And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    Salvation, Healing and Deliverance are available to all who come to Jesus. This refers back to #4 and me knowing how "I AM SAVED".

    8. My Faith and Hope is Certain

    Jeremiah 18:12

    You can know that you know that you know that you are saved!

    Hebrews 6:19 —

    9. I have but one Mediator to God.

    Ephesians 2:14-18 — For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

    10. I invest and give with gravity.

    The Gospel is and must always remain free. Do not be prressured in giving to your own hurt and especially the hurt of those that depend on you.

    John 19:30 — When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

    1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

    Head Coverings

    2 Samuel 15:30 — And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

    Geneva Bible Notes — (3) By this he gathers that if men do either pray or preach in public assemblies having their heads covered (which was then a sign of subjection), they robbed themselves of their dignity, against God's ordinance. (b) It appears, that this was a political law serving only for the circumstance of the time that Paul lived in, by this reason, because in these our days for a man to speak bareheaded in an assembly is a sign of subjection.

    Could this "covering" be:

    1. Anything on head at all (hat, veil, formal headress)

      • 2 Samuel 15:30,31, David appears to pray with head covered
      • High Priest wore a headdress in worship.

    1 Corinthians 11:4 — Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

    Sin

    Introduction - What is Sin? "Good and Bad" and "Right and Wrong"

    I. SIN IS NOT GOOD ["GOOD" A Perfect Creation: Harmony, Unity]

    Genesis 1:31 — And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31]

    1. bwj towb, tobe #02896 good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women),-beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well or doing well

    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. {pleasant: Heb. a desire}

    Sin as Bound to Punishment: It’s also important to remember that sin not only has consequences—a broken humanity, a fallen world, a disordered creation—it also makes one liable for punishment. This idea is conveyed through the New Testament Greek word enochos, defined as bound, under obligation, subject to, liable. According to Strong’s Concordance, it can be used in a technical sense, “denoting the connection of a person either with his crime, or with the penalty or trial, or with that against whom or which he has offended.” This is the sense in which Jesus uses the word in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment.”

    II. Sin is an Agenda (Agents of Sin)

    1. The Serpent

    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?

    Mt 4:1 — Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

    Acts 10:38 — How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

    2. Anti-christ Spirit, "Mystery of Iniquity"

    2 Thesalonians 2:7 &mdas; For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

    Ephesians 6:12 — For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    1 John 2:18 — Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

    1 John 2:22 — Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

    1 John 4:3 — And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

    2 John 1:7 — For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

    1 Corinthians 2:12 — Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

    Ephesians 2:2 — Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

    3. Human Agents (co-conspirators)

    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.

    Acts 13:10 — Ac 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

    1 John 4:1 — Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

    III. Sin is Dangerous and Destructive

    (to: relationships, beauty, good, right liberty)

    James 1:14-15 — But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

    John 8:34).

    IV. Sin is "Offensive" (What does it 'offend'?)

    God

    Genesis 1:27 — So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

    Sin has Victims

    Genesis — 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

    V. Sin is not Invicible or Inevitable

    Romans 3:23 — For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    1 John 1:9).Proverbs 28:13).

    Romans 6:12 — Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

    Ephesians 6:11 — Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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

    1 Peter 5:8 — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

    1 Thessalonians 5:6 — Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (Spirital slumber, apathy)

    Foundations of Our Faith

    Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

    1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

    The Bible

    Thy Word is settled

    1 Corinthians 1:10 — Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. {divisions: Gr. schisms}

    God the Holy Ghost

    God the Father

    God the Son

    The Values of a Father - Father's Day Sermon

    subtitle: How to be Right Even When You are Not

    Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-7; Ephesians 6:

    Ephesians 6:4 — And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    1. Provide Healthy (Practically and Spiritually) Motivation in the Right Direction

    All have sinned ... are bent, crooked, selfish and in need of straightening out

    Romans 10:19 — But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

    Colossians 3:21 — Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (spiritless, disheartened, dismayed)

    2. "BRING THEM UP" - NOURISH THEM IN THE GOOD STUFF

    a. Honor, Respect, Obedience (POLITE)

    Exodus 20:12 —

    b. Embrace our Duties and Magnify Them

    c. Unity - Not being a Trouble Maker - "But a + not a - in whatever you are a part of".

    Psalm 133:1 — Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

    Ephesians 4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    d. THE SANCTITY of the HOME - Training Ground

    Ephesians 6:4 — And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 — Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    e. Faith, Trust and Honesty

    Luke 18:16 — But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

    f. Mutual Comfort and Blessing

    Proverbs 17:6 — Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

    3 John 1:4 — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

    Getting Your Grip on the Gospel Plow

    TEXT: Luke 9:51-10:2

    INTRO: The Family Business - Getting Your Grip

    1. I"VE GOTTEN MY GRIP ... through Small Obediences

    2. I"VE GOTTEN MY GRIP ... through Rich Experiences

    3. I"VE GOTTEN MY GRIP ... WEARING DADDY's SHOES (LEARN).

    4. I"VE GOTTEN MY GRIP ... Gaurding against getting caught up in the wrong spirit.

    5. I"VE GOTTEN MY GRIP ... Excerising my gifts,

    Kicking dirt back in my hole

    What is the Gospel Plow? What can I get out of it Before knowing what it even is

    Prqching is Teaching is

    Winning their hearts before demanding their submission.

    Who is Jesus?

    Matthew 16:13-20 — Mt 16:13 ¶ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

    What are they Saying?

    But whom say ye that I am?

    The Christ "the Redeemer of God’s elect."

    Matthew 16:16 — And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

    The Son of the Living God

    Matthew 16:16 — And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

    Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

    The Only Begotten Son

    1 John 4:9 — In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. ["only/sole born"]

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

    Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    1Jo 5:1 ¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

    Hebrews 1:5 — For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

    Hebrews 1:6 — And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

    Hebrews 11:17 — By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

    1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

    "THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD" --- "BEFORE" Jesus Pre-existed the Nativity

    John 6:38 — For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

    John 6:62 — What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

    John 17:5 — And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

    He is not Alone "Jesus Only", "The Second Person of the Godhead"

    Matthew 3:16 — And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    John 8:13-18 — The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

    2 Jo 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

    2 Jo 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.

    He is the LOGOS, John 1:1 (the Divine Expression, The Word)

    Joh 1:1 — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

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

    He is the center of God’s special revelation in the Scriptures

    Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

    Jesus is the Fulfilment of the convenant promises of God

    Ge 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

    Isa. 7:14 — Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

    Matthew 1:23 — Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

    Mt 1:1 ¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

    Mt 5:17 — Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

    Jesus is truly God and truly man, one divine person in two inseparable but unconfused natures.

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

    He is the Only Mediator between God and Man

    1 Timothy 2:5 — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

    He is God

    John 1:1 — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

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

    Colossians 2:9 — For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

    Titus 2:13 — Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

    John 10:30 — I and my Father are one.

    Hebrews 1:8 — But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

    Summary

    Jesus Christ is:

    The Life Jesus

    Introduction

    John 1:4 — In him was ZOE; and the ZOE was the PHOS of men.

    John 1:4 — In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

    We are going to survey what the Scriptures tell us concerning Jesus and His life. We will look at the testimony of the whole Bible with an emphasis on harmonizing the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). When we harmonize these four Gospels it is important to remember that the sequences of many events are a matter of subjective debate.

    1. Jesus Christ of Eternity Past

    a. He was before the Creation of the World

    John 1:1 — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (compare v.14 "Word became flesh")

    John 17:5 — And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

    1 Peter 1:20 &mmdash; Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

    b. He is eternally the same.

    Hebrews 13:8 — Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Yesterday? He is Who He is. - Today? He is Who He is. - Forever? He is Who He is.

    c. He has no beginning.

    Hebrews 7:3 — Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

    Micah 5:2 — But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

    d. He was before Abraham (and was the son of Abraham).

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

    Matthew 1:1 — The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

    2. Jesus Christ of the Old Testament

    Throughout the New Testament, the writers affirm that Jesus wasn't just an important man: he was the one the Old Testament writers prophecied would come. Jesus can be found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We can look at any book in the Bible and hear something about Jesus. Here's a brief look at what the Old Testament says about Jesus.

    The Bible is God’s Word that He breathed out to us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus, God the Son (John 10:30), assured us that His Word would endure: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). His story is woven throughout Scripture because all of it is about Jesus. All of it.

    Further references to Jesus abound in the Old Testament in the form of Pre-Incarnate Theophanies, types, and prophetic utterings.

    1. Pre-Incarnate Theophanies (Old Testament appearances of God the Son):

    THEOPHANY — a visible manifestation to humankind (an appearance) of God (Genesis 3:8)

    CHRISTOPHANY —

    Geneis 16:7-13

    In Genesis 18, a man identified as the Lord appears to Abraham with two companions. The two companions were angels who went on a mission to Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord talked with Abraham about what was coming to those cities, and how Abraham’s wife Sarah would have a son.

    Another stunning Old Testament appearance of Christ is seen in Daniel 3:24-25. King Nebuchadnezzar has Daniel’s three friends bound and thrown into a fire heated seven times hotter than normal (Daniel 3:19). The king observed a fourth man in the fire alongside the three men, one who looked like “a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). This fourth “man” is most likely Jesus.

    He is identified with God:

    Some interesting thoughts about Theophanies and Christophanies.

    2. Types (symbols, a foreshadowing, or something that typifies something or someone else):

    Old Testament Book Main Revelation Types & Prophecies of Jesus
    Genesis The Seed of the Woman Messiah would be born of the seed of a woman (Gen 3:15, Luke 1:34-35)
    Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob (Gen 12:3, 17:19, 28:14, Luke 3:23-34)
    Messiah would be a king in the line of Judah (Gen 49:10, John 1:49)
    Typified in the person of Melchizedek (Gen 14:18)
    The life of Isaac - the sacrificed son (Gen 22)
    The life of Joseph - the rejected brother (Gen 37)
    Exodus The Passover Lamb Typified in the life of Moses - the deliverer
    The Passover Lamb (Ex 12, John 1:29,36)
    The Manna from Heaven (Ex 16, John 6)
    The Rock struck at Horeb (Ex 17, 1 Cor 10:4)
    The Tabernacle (Brazen Altar, Lampstand, Table of Showbread, Ark of the covenant etc) (Gen 25-30)
    Leviticus The High Priest Typified in the sacrifices and offerings (Lev 1-7)
    In the Jewish festivals (Passover, Atonement, Lev 16, 23)
    In the scapegoat (Lev 16:7-9)
    In the person and duties of the High Priest (Lev 16)
    Numbers The Cloud and The Fire Messiah would be a King (Num 24:17)
    Typified in the bronze serpent (Num 21:8-9)
    The Water from the Rock (Num 20)
    Deuteronomy The Prophet Like Moses Messiah will be a prophet (Deut 18:15-19, John 6:14)
    Messiah would be worshipped by angels (Deut 32:43, Luke 2:13-14)
    Typified in the cities of refuge (Deut 4:41)
    Joshua The Captain of Our Salvation Typified in the person of Joshua (our leader into the promised land)
    In the Promised Land
    In the Commander of the Army (Josh 5:13-15)
    Judges The Judge And Lawgiver Typified in the Judges (for He is true Judge of the living and the dead)
    Ruth The Kinsman Redeemer Messiah would be a descendant of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:12-17)
    Typified in the life of Boaz - The Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 2:1)
    1 & 2 Samuel The Prophet of The Lord Messiah exalted by God with power (1 Sam 2:10, Matt 28:18)
    Messiah would be a descendant of David (2 Sam 7:12-16, Matt 1:1)
    Messiah would be the 'Rock' (2 Sam 23:2-3, 1 Cor 10:4)
    Typified in the life of David - The King in Exile (1 Sam 22)
    The life of Jonathon - the faithful friend (1 Sam 18:1-4)
    1 & 2 Kings The Reigning King Typified in the life of Solomon (the Millennial Reign)
    In the life and miracles of the prophet Elisha (multiplying bread 2 Kings 4:42, healing leper 2 Kings 5)
    1 & 2 Chronicles The Glorious Temple Messiah would be from the tribe of Judah (1 Chron 5:2, Luke 3:23-32)
    Typified in Solomon's temple
    In the Wisdom of Solomon (2 Chron 9:22)
    Ezra The Faithful Scribe Typified in person of Zerubbabel, the rebuilder of the temple (Ezra 4)
    Nehemiah The Rebuilder of the Walls Typified in the person of Nehemiah , the rebuilder of the walls of salvation
    Esther Mordecai Typified in the person of Mordecai
    Job The Dayspring From on High Typified in the sufferings of Job and the blessings that would follow
    Psalms The Lord Who Is Our Shepherd Messiah would be the Son of God (Ps 2:7, 12, Matt 17:5)
    Messiah would be resurrected (Ps 16:8-10, Acts 13:30-37)
    Messiah would be despised & crucified (Ps 22:6-8, 14, Luke 23:21-23, Matt 27:35)
    Messiah would be hated without cause (Ps 69:4, Luke 23:13-22)
    Messiah would be Lord, seated at the right hand of God (Ps 110:1,5, 1 Pet 3:21-22)
    Messiah would be in the line of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4, Heb 6:17-20)
    Messiah would be the 'stone' rejected by the Jews (Ps 118:22, Matt 21:42-43)
    Key Messianic Psalms: Chapters 2, 8, 16, 22, 45, 69, 89, 109, 110, 118
    Proverbs & Ecclesiastes The Wisdom of God Messiah would be from everlasting (Prov 8:22-23, John 17:5)
    Messiah would be the Son of God (Prov 30:4, Matt 3:16-17)
    Typified in the Wisdom of God (Prov 8:22-31)
    Song of Solomon The Lover & Bridegroom Typified in the Bridegroom's love for, and marriage to, the bride
    Isaiah The Suffering Servant Messiah would be born of a virgin (Is 7:14, Luke 1:34-35)
    Messiah would be Immanuel "God with us" (Is 7:14, Matt 1:21-23)
    Messiah would be God and Man (Is 9:6, John 10:30)
    Messiah would have the 7-fold Spirit upon Him (Is 11:1-2, Matt 3:16-17)
    Messiah would heal the blind, lame, deaf (Is 35:5-6, Mark 10:51-52)
    Messiah would be proceeded by a forerunner (Is 40:3, Luke 1:17)
    Messiah would be a light to the gentiles (Is 42:6, John 8:12)
    Messiah would be despised by the Jewish nation (Is 49:7, John 10:20, Matt 27:23)
    Messiah would be whipped and beaten (Is 50:6, Matt 26:67, 27:26)
    Messiah would die as a guilt offering for sin (Is 53:10, John 18:11)
    Messiah would be resurrected and live forever (Is 53:10, Mark 16:16)
    Jeremiah & Lamentations The Weeping Prophet Messiah would be God (Jer 23:6, John 13:13)
    Messiah would be a righteous Branch (Jer 23:5)
    Messiah would be our righteousness (Jer 23:6, 1 Cor 1:30)
    Ezekiel The Son of Man Messiah would be a descendant of David (Ez 34:23-24, Matt 1:1)
    Daniel The Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven Messiah would be 'a son of man' given an everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:13-14, Luke 1:31-34)
    Messiah would come 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Dan 9:25, John 12:12-23)
    Messiah would be killed (Dan 9:26, Matt 27:35)
    Revealed as the 'stone' (and His kingdom) that smashes the kingdoms of the world (Dan 2:34,44)
    Typified in the 4th man in the fiery furnace - one like 'the son of gods' (Dan 3:25)
    Hosea The Bridegroom Typified in Hosea's faithfulness to his adulterous wife (Hos 3)
    Joel The Baptizer With The Holy Spirit Messiah will offer salvation to all mankind (Joel 2:32, Rom 10:12-13)
    Messiah would baptize people with the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32)
    Amos The Burden Bearer God would darken the day at noon during Messiah's death (Amos 8:9, Matt 27:45-46)
    Obadiah The Mighty Savior
    Jonah The Forgiving God Typified in Jonah being 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of a fish (Jon 1:17, Matt 12:40)
    Micah The Messenger With Beautiful Feet Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2, Matt 2:1-2)
    Messiah would be from everlasting (Mic 5:2, Rev:1-8)
    Nahum The Avenger of God's Elect
    Habakkuk The Great Evangelist, Crying For Revival Messiah would come from Teman at His return , full of glory (Hab 3:3)
    Typified in the life of Habakkuk (his intercession and prayer for his people)
    Zephaniah The Restorer of the Remnant
    Haggai The Cleansing Fountain Messiah would visit the 2nd temple (Hag 2:6-9, Luke 2:27-32)
    Zechariah The Pierced Son Messiah would be Priest and King (Zech 6:12-13, Heb 8:1)
    Messiah would be ride into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech 9:9, Matt 21:6-9)
    Messiah would be God (Zech 11:12-13, John 12:45)
    Messiah would be pierced (Zech 12:10, John 19:34-37)
    Malachi
    		The Son of Righteousness Messiah would appear at the temple (Mal 3:1, Mark 11:15-16)
    Messiah's forerunner would come in the spirit of Elijah (Mat 4:5, Matt 3:1-2)

    3. Old Testament Prophecies (Prophecies of Jesus spoken by Old Testament prophets):

    Luke 4:16-21 — Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

    Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies. Let us consider some of these beginning with Isaiah

    a. Isaiah's Prophecies

    In Luke 4:18 & 19, Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1,2:

    Isaiah 61:1 — 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; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

    STUDY QUESTION: Why do Isaiah 61:1,2 and Luke 4:18,19 sound similar but not exactly the same? Does the New Testament Misquote the Old Testament? READ: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/does-the-new-testament-misquote-the-old-testament.html

    Isaiah Luke
    , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (omitted)
    (omitted) and recovering of sight to the blind,
    he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, (omitted)

    Compare the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX):

    Isaiah 61:1, 2 (MT) — The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn

    Isaiah 61:1, 2 (LXX) — The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me; he has sent me to preach glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken in heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; 2 to declare the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of recompence; to comfort all that mourn;

    Consider Isaiah 42:1,7:

    Isaiah 42:1 — Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

    Isaiah 42:7 — To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

    Isaiah is probably first on most lists of Old Testament prophets who prophesied about Jesus.

    b. Genesis' Record

    Jesus as Redeemer and crusher of Satan is prophesied in Genesis 3:15 (cf. Romans 16:20).

    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.

    c. Deuteronomy

    What Does Deuteronomy Say about Jesus?

    Not only did Jesus’ followers associate him with the Old Testament teachings about the Messiah; he confirmed that he was who the Old Testament writers had spoken about. In John 1:43-45, Philip told Nathanael, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” In Luke 24:27, following his resurrection, Jesus met two disciples who were walking to Emmaus, “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

    Deuteronomy is an especially helpful example, because Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy more than the other Old Testament books. The New Testament quotes Deuteronomy some ninety times and 22 or so are by Jesus.

    Deuteronomy

    Jesus is foreshadowed through Moses in Exodus and Deuteronomy, serving as a type of Christ before he came. Furthermore, several passages indicate Jesus’ coming.

    For example, Jesus is indicated in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 when Moses spoke to the people. He told them the LORD God would raise a Prophet (like Moses) for them from their midst. They were to listen to Him as their Lord. What He said would be directly from God, and He would do as the Lord commanded Him (see John 14:31).

    Another passage, in the middle of Moses’ commandments about laws and punishments for disobedience, is even more telling.

    Does Deuteronomy Prophecy How Jesus Will Die?

    Deuteronomy 21:22-23 describes a punishment for wrongdoing that also seems to be a foreshadowing of how Jesus would die. The Case for Christ Study Bible posits the following:

    “Hidden in Deuteronomy is yet another prophecy about the Messiah; it predicts the way in which the Savior would die and the length of time he would remain on the cross.

    Deuteronomy 21:22-23 says that God cursed any man executed for breaking one of God’s commands. His body hanging on a pole was a public display of judgment. Jesus took on this curse for all of humanity when he died on the “cross” (1 Peter 2:24), fulfilling the prophecy in Deuteronomy 21:23. The apostle Paul reiterates this concept in Galatians 3:13.

    Deuteronomy 21:23 also commanded that the offender’s body not be left on the pole overnight, and as we know from the Gospels, Jesus’ body was taken down and placed into the tomb before nightfall (see Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:42).” — Excerpted from the NIV Case for Christ Study Bible by Zondervan. Used with permission.

    While Moses was a type of Christ, this passage is closer to prophecy. A biblical prophecy is a divine prediction (oracle) given by the Lord to one of His prophets (e.g., Isaiah, Malachi, Zechariah, etc.) That which is from the Lord will find fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:22; Lamentations 3:37). Anything which does not come to pass is not from the Lord.

    Since we know Jesus is seen throughout Scripture, it makes sense that this passage in Deuteronomy is prophetic. Jesus took on all of humanity’s sins—past, present, and future ones. He did hang on the “tree” of the wooden cross. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea removed His body from the cross on the same day he was crucified and died. And yes, they buried Him. Jesus lamented the cup of God’s wrath He was to “drink” that day (Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42), being in the place of the “accursed.”

    The passage in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 is also prophetic because Jesus was (and is) Prophet (John 6:14), Priest (Hebrews 3:1), and King (Revelation 19:16).

    d. Other O.T. Mentions of Jesus

    We learn a very clear lesson from the many Messianic prophecies in Deuteronomy and other Old Testament books: the Bible is all about Jesus. There is no denying He is the One who redeems humanity from the curse (Genesis 3:14-19). The references to Jesus throughout the Bible are called “The Scarlet Thread,” which traces the story of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament—the One who came and was and is to come.

    Theologians have a great saying: The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. We will miss so much of the glory and beauty of Christ if we forego the reading and study of the Old Testament.

    3. Jesus Christ of Obscurity

    a. We are given rare glimpses into Jesus' early years.

    There is a gnostic writing that most Christians regard as heretical, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (completely different text than the "Gospel of Thomas"). This text is very old (2nd century) and as such gives us glimpse into some of the early imaginations at least of Jesus' early years. It describes the life of the child Jesus from the ages of five to twelve. Some interesting things included in it:

    b. Luke interviewed eye witnesses for his Gospel account.

    Luke 1:1 ¶ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

    c. Songs and His Birth

     

    d. Jesus of Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum

    Matthew 3:13 — Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

    John 7:41 — Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

    Joseph, Mary and Joseph had escaped Herod by fleeing to Egypt. After some time, an angel informs Joseph in a dream it was safe to return to the land of Israel. Instead of returning to their home in Judaea, Josph and mary take the child Jesus to Nazareth in Galilee. (Both Herod and his eldest son Antipater were dead, but the surviving next eldest son, Archelaus, governed over Judaea. This was most prudent of Joseph as history tells us now of the cruel and violent character of Archelaus. )

    ADAM CLARKE COMMENTARY: Archelaus partook of the cruel and blood-thirsty disposition of his father: at one of the passovers, he caused three thousand of the people to be put to death in the temple and city. For his tyranny and cruelty, Augustus deprived him of the government, and banished him.

    e. In the Temple

    Was Jesus attending the temple for a "Bar Mitsveh"? There is no mention here or anywhere else in Scripture by name of a "Bar Mitzveh". The modern "Bar Mitzveh" celebration can be traced back to 14th century or maybe even earlier. By the age 13, a Jewish boy reaches an age of accountability without necessarily even marking this with a celebration.

    Leopold Löw (l.c.) has shown that the Bar Miẓwah rite had become a fixed custom only in the fourteenth century in Germany. Nevertheless there are many indications, overlooked by Löw, that its origin must be sought in remote antiquity. — https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2473-bar-mizwah

    4. Jesus Christ The Minister

    Matthew 20:28 — Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

    Mark 2:17 — When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    A powerful devotional habit, is to take a few minutes each day and meditate on a particular point in time of Jesus' life. We probably more often give attention to the bigger picture of Jesus' Life, but much powerful insight can be gained from a more granular, patient look at even the so-called minor details of His Life and ministry.

    1. Baptism and Anointing of Jesus

    References: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:25-36 (No mention of baptizing Jesus); Acts 10:37, 38

    Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

    a. Let the Spirit Descend

    VERSE 1 — When John Came Preaching,
    Preparing The Way,
    For Jesus The Heavenly King.
    That All Who Believe And Trust In His Name,
    Could Stand In God’s Kingdom,
    And Not Be Ashamed.

    CHORUS — Let The Spirit Descend, Like A Beautiful Dove,
    As It Did Upon Jesus That Day.
    They Were Baptized By John,
    In The River Of Jordan.
    God’s Voice Spoke Like Thunder,
    Saying “This Is My Son.”

    VERSE 2 — When Lazarus Lay Dead In The Grave Four Days,
    Martha Sent For Jesus To Come.
    He Said “Lazarus Come Forth”
    And He Heard What He Said.
    Lazarus In Grave Clothes Arose From The Dead.

    VERSE 3: — JESUS HUNG ON THE CROSS,
    HIS TEARS FELL LIKE RAIN.
    THE MULTITUDE MOCKED HIM TO SHAME,
    FORGIVE THEM FATHER FOR THINGS DONE TO ME.
    AS HE DIED ON THE CROSS,
    AT CRUEL CALVARY.

    written by J.M. Purdom. John Mace Masters ("Johnnie Masters") was born near Jacksonville, Florida. His last name was Purdom, but his father died before he was born and his mother remarried P.S. Masters. His wife, Lucille Masters was born in Homerville, Georgia, but her family moved to Jacksonville within a year after she was born. They had three children, Johnnie Owen, Evelyn and Deanna.In 1946, John and Lucille were saved and from that time on, performed almost only sacred material. Johnnie would write secular songs later, but they became known primarily as a bluegrass gospel group. Owen Masters, their 12-year old son joined them in the act in 1947 and they became known as the Masters Family. Later, Lucille also worked with the group, having sung on the radio when she was only three years old, but did not take part in the recording sessions back then.

    "traditionalists might frown upon their compromise with modern instrumentation after 1952, but none can deny that they started a trend followed by virtually everyone in that field."

    b. What is Water Baptism?

    Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; John 1:31; John 1:26; Acts 8:36; Acts 10:47; 1 Peter 3:20-22; 1 John 5:6-8;

    c. Other Things John Does not Mention (Arthur W. Pink)

    1. In John's Gospel there is no genealogy, neither His legal through Joseph, nor his personal through Mary.

    Nor is there any account of His birth. Instead, as we have seen, He was "In the beginning." For a similar reason, John is silent about Herod's attempt to slay the Christ Child, about the flight into Egypt, and subsequent return to Galilee. Nothing is said about the Lord Jesus as a Boy of twelve, in the midst of the doctors in the Temple. No reference is made to the years spent at Nazareth, and no hint is given of Christ working at the carpenter's bench before He began His public ministry.

    1. There is no description of His baptism. Mark refers to the Lord Jesus being baptized by his forerunner, and Matthew and Luke each describe at length the attendant circumstances. John's reason for saying nothing about this is obvious. In His baptism, Christ, in condescending grace, took His place alongside of His needy people, saying to the one who baptized Him, "Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt.3:15).

    2. John says nothing about the Temptation. Here, again, we may observe the superintending hand of the Holy Spirit, guiding the different Evangelists in the selection of their material. Each of the first three Gospels make mention of the season spent by Christ in the wilderness, where He was tempted for forty days of the Devil. But John is silent about it. And why? Because John is presenting Christ as God the Son, and "God cannot be tempted" (Jas.1:13).

    3. There is no account of His transfiguration. At first sight this seems strange, but a little attention to details will reveal the reason for this. The wonderful scene witnessed by the three disciples upon the holy mount, was not an unveiling of His Divine glories, but a miniature representation, a spectacular showing forth of the Son of Man coming in His kingdom (see Matt.16:28 etc.). But the earthly kingdom does not fall within the scope of this Gospel. Here, it is spiritual and heavenly relationships which are made most prominent.

    4. Here there is no Appointing of the Apostles. In the other Gospels we find the Lord Jesus selecting, equipping, and sending forth the Twelve, to preach, and to heal; and in Luke we also read of Him sending out the Seventy. But here, in harmony with the character of this Gospel, all ministry and miracle working is left entirely in the hands of the Son of God.

    5. Never once is Christ here seen praying. This does not come out so clearly in our English translation as it does in the original Greek. In John's Gospel we never find the word associated with Christ which signifies taking the place of a supplicant; instead, the word "erotos" is used, and this word denotes "speaking" as to an equal. It is very striking to compare what each Evangelist records following the miracle of the Feeding of the five thousand: Matt. says, "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray" (14:23). Mark says, "When He had sent them away, He departed into a mountain to pray" (6:46). Luke also follows his narration of this miracle with the words, "And it came to pass, as He was alone praying" (9:8). But when we come to the fourth Gospel, we read, "He departed again to a mountain Himself alone" (6:15), and there John stops!

    The contents of John 17 may seem to contradict what we have just said above, but really it is not so. At the beginning of the chapter we read, "Jesus lifted up His eyes to Heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee" (v.1). And at its close we read that He said, "Father I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am" (v.24). Thus He spoke to the Father as to an Equal.

    1. We never read in John's Gospel of "The Coming of the Son of Man," and for the same reason as this, He is never addressed as "The Son of David" here. The Coming of the Son of Man always has reference to His return to the earth itself, coming back to His earthly people. But here we read, not of a restored Palestine, but of the "Father's House" and its "many mansions," of Christ going on High to prepare a place "for His heavenly people, and of Him coming back to receive them unto Himself, that there may they be also.

    2. We never find the word "Repent" in John. In the other Gospels this is a term of frequent occurrence; what, then, is the reason for its absence here? In the other Gospels the sinner is viewed as guilty, and needing, therefore, to "repent." But here, the sinner is looked upon as spiritually dead, and therefore, in sore need of that which only God can impart -- "life"! It is here we read of man needing to be "born again" (3:7), needing to be "quickened" (5:21), and needing to be "drawn" (6:44).

    3. Neither is the word "Forgive" found in John. This, too, is a word often met with in the other Gospels. Why, then, its omission here? In Matt.9:6 we read, "The Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins." As Son of Man He "forgives;" as Son of God He bestows "eternal life."

    4. No Parables are found in John's Gospel. This is a very notable omission. The key to it is found in Matt.13: "And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (vv.10-13). Here we learn why that Christ, in the later stages of His ministry, taught in "parables." It was to conceal from those who had rejected Him, what was comprehensible only to those who had spiritual discernment. But here in John, Christ is not concealing, but revealing -- revealing God. It is to be deplored that the rationale of our Lord's parabolic form of teaching should be known to so few. The popular definition of Christ's parables is that they were earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. How man gets things upside down! The truth is, that His parables were heavenly stories with an earthly meaning, having to do with His earthly people, in earthly connections. This is another reason why none are found in John -- the word in 10:6 is "proverb."

    5. In John's Gospel no mention is made of the Demons. Why this is we do not know. To say that no reference is here made to them, was, because mention of them would be incompatible with the Divine glories of Christ, hardly seems satisfactory; for, Satan himself is referred to here, again and again. It is, in fact, only here, that the Devil is spoken of three times over as "The prince of this world;" and, Judas, too, as the son of Perdition, occupies a more prominent position here than in the other Gospels. Should it be revealed to any of our readers why the "demons" are excluded from this Gospel, we shall be very glad to hear from them.

    6. There is no account of Christ's Ascension in this fourth Gospel. This is very striking, and by implication brings out clearly the Deity of the Lord Jesus. As God the Son He was omnipresent, and so, needed not to ascend. As God the Son He fills both heaven and earth. We turn now to,

    2. First 2 following Jesus

    3. 40 days in wilderness

    4. 1st miracle (Water to Wine)

    5. Visit to Capernaum

    6. Jerusalem visit

    7. Temple Cleansed (1st)

    8. Nicodemus

    9. Contention between disciples

    10. 1st withdrawal from Judea

    11. Woman at the well

    12. Nobleman's son healed

    13. Prison for John the Baptist

    14. First visit to Nazareth

    15. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

    16. Preaching from Peter's Boat

    17. The "Move" to Capernaum

    18. Madman healed in Capernaum

    19. Peter's mother-in-law healed

    20. First Galilean tour

    21. Lone leper healed

    22. Man let down through the roof

    23. "Harvesting" on the Sabbath

    24. Withered hand healed

    25. Matthew called

    26. The 12 disciples ordained

    27. Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes)

    28. 2nd Galilean tour

    29. Widow's son of Nain raised to life

    30. "Who is my mother?"

    31. Calms sea

    32. 2 demoniacs healed

    33. Blind and mute man healed

    34. Roman Centurian's servant healed

    35. John asks about Jesus

    36. Matthew's feast

    37. Jairus' daughter

    38. One touch heals

    39. 3rd Galilean tour

    40. Sent two by two

    41. Rejected at Nazareth again

    42. John beheaded

    43. Retreats to quiet spot

    44. 5000 fed

    45. Walks on water

    46. Many leave Him

    47. No Jerusalem trip (trap set)

    48. Canaanite woman's daughter healed

    49. 4000+ fed

    50. Blind man healed (Bethsaida)

    51. The Transfiguration

    52. Demon possesed boy healed

    53. Return to Capernaum

    54. Argument about who is the greatest

    55. Tax from fish's mouth

    56. Visit to Jerusalem in secret

    57. Teaches in the Temple

    58. Writes in the dust

    59. Puts clay on man's eyes

    60. Return to Galilee

    61. Begins last journey to Jerusalem

    62. 70 appointed

    63. Visits Mary, Martha

    64. Lazarus Raised from the dead

    65. High Priest, "Better one should die...."

    66. Zaccheaus

    67. Rich young ruler

    68. Blessing of the children

    69. Heals 10 lepers (1 says thanks)

    5. Jesus Christ the Propitiation

    Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

    propitiation: atonement of Jesus Christ; appeasing the righteousness of God.

    Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

    6. Jesus Christ the Risen and Ascended Lord

    Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

    Ephesians 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

    7. Jesus Christ the Soon Returning King

    Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

    Map of the Life of Jesus

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    ()

    The History of the Birth of Jesus

    The Genealogy of Jesus (Mat 1:1-17; Lk 3:23-38).

    Nazareth

    July, 6 B.C.

    Gabriel Announces to Mary (Lk 1:26-38).

    Mary's Visits Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56).

    An Angel Comes to Joseph (Mat 1:18-25).

    Bethlehem

    The Decree of Augustus Caesar and the Birth of Christ (Lk 2:1-7).

    The First Visitors - Shepherds (Lk 2:8-20).

    The Second Visitors - Magi (Mat 2:1-12).

    Jerusalem

    April, 5 B.C.

    Jesus is Circumcised and Presented in the Temple (Lk 2:21-38).

    Egypt

    March, 4 B.C.

    Out of Egypt (Mat 2:13-23).

    Herod the Great Dies

    Nazareth

    Jesus' Early Years

    Jerusalem

    April, 8 A.D.

    The Boy Jesus at the Temple (Lk 2:41-52).

    The Beginning of His Ministry

    The Jordan

    September, 25 A.D.

    Jesus is Baptized in the Jordan (Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-23).

    The Wilderness

    The Temptation in the Wilderness (Mat 4:1-11; Mk 1:12, 13; Lk 4:1-13).

    The Eternal Word (Jn 1:1-18).

    Bethabara

    The Testimony of John (Jn 1:19-34).

    The First Disciples (Jn 1:35-51).

    Cana

    Turning Water to Wine (Jn 2:1-12).

    Jesus Visits Jerusalem

    The First Passover

    Jerusalem

    April, 26 A.D.

    Jesus was 30 Years of Age, A House of Merchandise (Jn 2:13-25).

    Unless One is Born Again (Jn 3:1-21).

    Jesus Baptizes (Jn 3:22, with 4:2).

    Galilee

    He Departed Again to Galilee (Mat 4:12; Mk 1:14; Lk 4:14; Jn 4:1-3).

    Samaria

    The Woman at the Well (Jn 4:4-42).

    Jesus' Ministry in Galilee

    Galilee

    He Taught in Their Synagogues (Mt 4:17; Mk 1:14,15; Lk 4:14,15; Jn 4:43-45).

    Nazareth

    A Certain Nobleman (Jn 4:46-54)

    Physician, Heal Yourself! (Mat 4:13-16; Lk 4:16-31).

    Sea of Galilee

    Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Mat 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20; Lk 5:1-11).

    Galilee

    And Jesus Went About All Galilee . . Teaching (Mat 4:23-25; Mk 1:35-39, Lk 4:42-44).

    A Man With an Unclean Spirit (Mk 1:21-28; Lk 4:31-37).

    Capernaum

    Simon's Wife's Mother Lay Sick (Mat 8:14-17; Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41).

    Then a Leper Came to Him (Mat 8:2-4; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12-16).

    They Brought to Him a Paralytic (Mat 9:2-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26).

    Capernaum

    Matthew the Tax Collector (Mat 9:9; Mk 2:13, 14; Lk 5:27, 28).

    The Second Passover

    April, 27 A.D.

    Jerusalem

    Healing at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath day (Jn 5:1-47).

    Healing in the Synagogue on the Sabbath day (Mat 12:9-14; Mk 3:1-6, Lk 6:6-11).

    And in His Name Gentiles Will Trust (Mat 12:15-21; Mk 3:7-12)

    Then He Appointed Twelve (Mat 10:2-4; Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6: 12-19).

    The Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5-7; Lk 6:20-49).

    A Certain Centurion's Servant (Mat 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10).

    Nain

    Raises the Dead Son at Nain (Lk 7:11-17).

    Are You the Coming One? (Mat 11:2-19; Lk 7:18-35).

    My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light (Mat 11:20-30).

    Capernaum

    The Woman With the Alabaster Flask (Lk 7:36-50).

    Mary Called Magdalene (Lk 8:1-3).

    The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mat 12:22-37; Mk 3: 19-30; Lk 11:14-20).

    Teacher, We Want to See a Sign From You (Mat 12:38-45; Lk 11:16-36).

    Woe to You, Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites (Lk 11:37-54).

    He Began to Say to His Disciples (Lk 12:1-59).

    Parable of the Fig Tree (Lk 13:6-9).

    Parable of the Sower (Mat 13:1-23; Mk 4:1-25; Lk 8:4-18).

    Many Such Parables (Mat 13:24-53; Mk 4:26-34).

    Sea of Galilee

    Jesus Rebukes the Storm (Mat 8:18-27; Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25).

    The Herd of Many Swine (Mat 8:28-33; Mk 5:1-21; Lk 8:26-40).

    Nazareth

    He Came Again to His Own City (Mat 9:1; Mk 5:21 Lk 8:40).

    The Parable of the Wineskins (Mat 9:10-17; Mk 2:15-22; Lk 5:29-39).

    Jairus' Daughter and the Woman With the Flow of Blood (Mat 9:18-26; Mk 5:22-43; Lk 8:41-56).

    The Blind and the Mute (Mat 9:27-34).

    A Prophet is Not Without Honor Except . . (Mat 13:53-58; Mk 6:1-6).

    He Was Moved With Compassion For Them (Mat 9:35-38)

    Sent His Disciples Out With Power and Authority (Mat 10; Mk 6:6-13, Lk 9:1-6).

    Machaerus

    John the Baptist is Beheaded (Mat 14:1, 2, 6-12, Mk 6:14-16, 21-29; Lk 9:7-9).

    Near Bethsaida

    The Disciples Return, Feeding Five Thousand (Mat 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Lk 9:10-17, Jn 6:1-14).

    Sea of Galilee

    They Saw Him Walking on the Sea (Mat 14:22-36; Mk 6:45-56; Jn 6:15-21).

    Capernaum

    I Am the Bread of Life (Jn 6:22-65).

    Do you also want to go away? (Jn 6:66-71).

    Unwashed Hands (Mat 15:1-20; Mk 7:1-23).

    A Woman of Canaan (Mat 15:21-28; Mk 7:24-30).

    Then Great Multitudes Came to Him (Mat 15:29-31, Mk 7:31-37).

    Feeding Four Thousand (Mat 15:32-39; Mk 8:1-9).

    Seeking From Him a Sign From Heaven (Mat 16:1-4; Mk 8:10-12).

    The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Mat 16:4-12; Mk 8:13-21).

    Bethsaida

    Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida (Mk 8:22-26).

    Caesarea Philippi

    He Must Go to Jerusalem and Be Killed (Mat 16:21-28; Mk 8:31-38; 9:1; Lk 9:21-27).

    And He Was Transfigured (Mat 17:1-13; Mk 9:2-13; Lk 9:28-36).

    And Jesus Rebuked the Demon (Mat 17:14-21; Mk 9:14-29; Lk 9:37-43).

    Speaks Again of His Death (Mat 17:22, 23; Mk 9:30-32; Lk 9:43-45).

    Capernaum

    Miracle of the Coin in the Fish's Mouth (Mat 17:24-27).

    Which One is the Greatest? (Mat 18:1-35; Mk 9:33-50; Lk 9:46-50).

    He Who is Not Against Us is On Our Side (Mk 9:38, 39; Lk 9:49, 50).

    September, 27 A.D.

    The Feast of Tabernacles

    Jerusalem

    Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51-62; Jn 7:2-11).

    The Lord Appointed Seventy Others (Lk 10:1-16).

    The Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19).

    Teaches in the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles (Jn 7:14-53; 8:1-59).

    The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37).

    The Report of the Seventy (Lk 10:17-24).

    Bethany

    The House of Mary and Martha (Lk 10:38-42).

    Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray (Lk 11:1-13).

    December, 27 A.D.

    The Feast of Dedication

    Jerusalem

    I Was Blind, Now I See (Jn 9:1-41).

    My Sheep Hear My Voice (Jn 9:39-41; 10:1-21).

    They Picked Up Stones To Stone Him (Jn 10:22-39).

    Bethabara

    Beyond the Jordan (Jn 10:40-42; 11:3-16).

    Bethany

    Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (Jn 11:1-46).

    Ephraim

    The Declaration of Caiaphas (Jn 11:47-54).

    Judea

    The Woman Who Was Bent Over (Mat 19:1, 2; Mk 10:1; Lk 13:10-35).

    Take the Lowest Seat (Lk 14:1-24).

    Count the Cost (Lk 14:25-35).

    More Parables, Prodigal Son (Lk 15:1-32; 16:1-13).

    Exposes the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Lk 16:14-18).

    The Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31).

    Increase Our Faith (Lk 17:1-10).

    Teaches the Pharisees About the Coming of the Kingdom (Lk 17:20-37).

    The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18:1-14).

    Marriage and Divorce (Mat 19:3-12; Mk 10:2-12).

    Let the Little Children Come to Me (Mat 19:13-15; Mk 10:13-16; Lk 18:15-17).

    Rich Young Ruler (Mat 19:16-22; Mk 10:17-22; Lk 18:18-24).

    The Parable of the Vineyard (Mat 20:1-16).

    Again Foretelling His Death (Mat 20:17-19; Mk 10:32-34; Lk 18:31-34).

    Can I Sit at Your Right Hand? (Mat 20:20-28; Mk 10:35-45).

    Jericho

    Blind Bartimaeus (Mat 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-50; Lk 18:35-43).

    Zacchaeus who was a Chief Tax Collector (Lk 19:1-10).

    The Parable of the Minas (Lk 19:11-28).

    Bethany

    Mary Anoints the Feet of Jesus (Jn 12:1-9).

    Jerusalem

    Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11; Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:29-44; Jn 12:12-19).

    Jesus Enters the temple (Mat 21:12, Mk 11:11; Lk 19:45).

    Drives the Vendors Out of the Temple (Mat 21:12, 13; Lk 19:45, 46).

    The Blind and Lame Came to Him (Mat 21:14).

    He Was Teaching Daily in the Temple (Lk 19:47, 48).

    The Withered Fig Tree (Mat 21:17-22; Mk 11:12-14, 20-22).

    The Parable of the Two Sons (Mat 21:28-31);

    The Parable of the Vinedressers (Mat 21:33-46; Mk 12:1-12; Lk 20:9-19);

    The Parable of the Great Supper (Mat 22:1-14; Lk 14:16-24).

    Tested By the Pharisees (Mat 22:15-22; Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:20-26).

    Tested By the Sadducees (Mat 22:23-33; Mk 12:18-27; Lk 20:27-40);

    Tested By a Lawyer (Mat 22:34-40; Mk 12:28-34).

    Beware of the Scribes and the Pharisees (Mat 23; Mk 12:38-40; Lk 20:45-47).

    A Certain Poor Widow (Mk 12:41-44; Lk 21:1-4).

    The Prophecy of Isaiah About their Blindness (Jn 12:37-50).

    Foretells the Destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem (Mat 24; Mk 13; Lk 21:5-36).

    He Saw the City and Wept Over It, (Mat 23:37; Lk 19:41-44).

    The Parables of the Ten Virgins and The Talents (Mat 25:1-30).

    The Sheep and the Goats (Mat 25:31-46).

    Anointed with the Flask of Spikenard (Mat 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 12:1-8).

    The Third and Final Passover

    April, 28 A.D.

    Jerusalem

    The Last Passover (Mat 26:17-30; Mk 14:12-25; Lk 22:7-20).

    Began to Wash the Disciples' Feet (Jn 13:1-17).

    The Hand of My Betrayer is With Me (Mat 26:23; Mk 14:18-21; Lk 22:21; Jn 13:18).

    What You Do . . Do Quickly (Mat 26:21-25; Mk 14:18-21; Lk 22:21-23; Jn 13:21-30).

    Teaches About the Holy Spirit (Jn 14; 15; 16).

    Jesus' Intercession (Jn 17).

    The Prayer in Gethsemane (Mat 26:30, 36-46; Mk 14:26, 32-42; Lk 22:39-46; Jn 18:1).

    Betrayed and Taken (Mat 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-54, 66-72; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:2-12).

    The Trial (Mat 26:57, 58, 69-75; Mk 14:53, 54, 66-72; Lk 22:54-62; Jn 18:13-18, 25-27).

    Delivered to Pilate (Mat 27:1, 2, 11-14; Mk 15:1-5; Lk 23:1-5; Jn 18:28-38).

    He Sent Him to Herod (Lk 23:6-12).

    Tried Before Pilate (Mat 27:15-26; Mk 15:6-15; Lk 23:13-25; Jn 18:39, 40; 19:1-16).

    Mocked by the Soldiers (Mat 27:27-31; Mk 15:16-20).

    Crucifixion

    Led Him Away to be Crucified (Mat 27:31-34; Mk 15:20-23; Lk 23:26-32; Jn 19:16, 17).

    Crucified (Mat 27:35-56; Mk 15:24-41; Lk 23:33-49; Jn 19:18-30).

    Joseph of Arimathea (Mat 27:57-66; Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56; Jn 19:31-42).

    The Resurrection

    He is Risen (Mat 28:2-15, Mk 16:1-11 Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:1-18).

    Has Appeared to Simon (Lk 24:34; 1Cor 15:5).

    Road to Emmaus

    Appears to Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Mk 16:12, 13: Lk 24:13-35).

    Places

    1. Sephoris

    Josephus called Sepphoris “the ornament of all Galilee.” Herod Antipas chose this site in 4 BC as the capital of his government. He most likely built the theater as well. Josephus said Sepphoris was the largest city in Galilee

    Lu 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.

    1. Gush Halav

    Gush Halav is known in Josephus as Gischala and is located north west of the sea of Galilee. Home of Revolt leader John of Gischala who was later captured in Jerusalem and paraded by Titus in Rome in the great processional: Jos. W. 7.118

    1. Decapolis (Matthew 8:30–33; Mark 5:1–17).

    Decapolis (“Ten Cities”) was a region east and southeast of the Sea of Galilee, north of Perea, and belonging to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was so named for the ten cities that lay within its borders. The names of those cities are not certain. Pliny lists them as Scythopolis, Philadelphia, Raphanae, Gadara, Hippos, Dios, Pella, Gerasa, Canatha, and Damascus. Josephus replaces Canatha with Otopos on his list. Of the ten cities, only one, the capital Scythopolis, lay west of the Jordan River. Jesus visited the region of Decapolis during His ministry. Matthew calls it “the region of the Gadarenes,” because Jesus was near Gadara, in Matthew 8:28.

    The ten cities that formed Decapolis probably entered their league with each other about the time the Roman general Pompey defeated Syria in 65 BC. Residents of Decapolis answered directly to the Roman governor in Syria. The alliance of cities enjoyed independence to the extent of being able to mint their own coins.

    During the time of Christ, the ten cities of Decapolis and the surrounding region were inhabited mostly by Gentiles, not Jews, and the area had a strong Greek influence. This fact probably accounts for the presence of a large herd of swine near Gadara when Jesus visited that region to heal the demon-possessed men (Matthew 8:30–33; Mark 5:1–17).

    1. Arbela

    -1. Mount Arbel is located on the west side of the Sea of Galilee and is the tallest mountain around the Sea of Galilee.

    1. Because Christ spent around 60% to 70% of His ministry time around the Sea of Galilee, Mount Arbel would have provided the perfect backdrop as Christ gave His disciples the powerful Great Commission mandate. From this location, we can easily see the following:

    Magdala

    Gennesaret (Ginasor)

    The area where Christ likely called several of His disciples

    Chorazin

    Tabgha - The likely place Christ restored Peter to ministry

    Mount of Beatitudes

    Capernaum

    Bethsaida

    Bethsaida Lookout

    Feeding the 5,000

    Feeding the 4,000

    Kursi

    Horvat Susita

    Where Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea

    Jesus-Birth-and-Early-Life.webp

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    Q & A

    Some brief questions and answers.

    Q & A

    What is the Difference Between HRM and a Christian of Jewish descent?

    Question:

    Can you help me understand the difference between the Hebrew Roots Movement (HRM) and a Christian of Jewish descent? Or point me to some sources? I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around this. Wouldn’t at some point, the 2 belief systems (the Old and the New Covenant) come into conflict?

    Answer

    I will give a brief summary and will consider preparing more Scripture in the future, but for the mean time: this playlist by Mike Winger gives a much more thorough breakdown of the topic: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuOD_BytSxbejzCnGPOcgFw.

    (Note: #2 is what I was addressing in the ORIGINAL POST.)

    1) There is "Judaism as a culture" which Paul makes clear is NOT a roadblock to salvation, but is also not enough.

    The Jew that believes in Jesus as their Messiah/Savior are Christian because of their saving faith in Jesus. Their salvation is not because of or even despite of their Judaism. Trust not in your heritage or culture, but the Gospel which says "…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved … (Acts 16:31)".

    Galatians 5:6 — For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

    Romans 2:28,29 — For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

    Galatians 3:7 — Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

    Romans 9:6 — Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

    Luke 3:8 — Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

    And there are many other Scriptures which emphasize salvation being brought through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which is for WHOSOEVER that believes including someone who also happens to be a Jew.

    Read Romans 3 for some of the "other side" of this teaching so as not to forget the blessing the Jewish people are and their important role in God's Plan of Redemption.

    Romans 3:1 — What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

    2) There are non-Jewish Christians being pulled backwards into Judaism as a means of either salvation or at the very least a requirement for sanctification depending on you ask

    (THIS IS THE GROUP I WAS ADDRESSING IN THE ORIGINAL POST ).

    Galatians 3:1-7 — O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

    Paul Concludes his epistle to the Galatians with the following strong charge:

    Galation 6:11-18 — Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.* 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

    Galatians 6:17 — From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

    We can read the New Testament to find the correct Christian response to Judaism/Old Covenant. There are at least two major concerns voiced in the early church:

    Galatians 2:11 — But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

    Matthew 15:9 — But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

    Consider two relevant origins of a person who may come to Jesus Christ:

    ORIGIN #1 ORIGIN #2
    Born Jew/Proseletyzed Jew (Gentiles converted to Judaism before receiving the Gospel) Non-Jew/Gentile
    They are circumcised and in many cases raised up to follow rules of diet, dress, keeping of days and feasts, etc. In N.T. times at least, Not circumcised, not taught the Torah as part of their raising and not attending upon the temple and its related ordinances.
    Do not roadblock these requiring them to "forget they are Jew" or some such demand in order to be saved. Do not bring these under condemnation of an Old Covenant that was fulfilled in Christ in order to be saved or even just sanctified.
    The Old Covenant is not enough to satisfy the Holy God. You can be a Good Jew AND a Good Christian, but you can also be a Good Jew and a Terrible "Christian". Do not forget HOW you were saved. Do not fall under the condemnation (as particularly the ceremonial laws of Judaism would be to most Gentiles) of another spiritual law other than Jesus Christ.
    Keep on keeping on eating Kosher and celebrating your culture and history (if that is your habit), but do so knowing it is only the sacrifice of Christ that has purchased your salvation. Jesus Christ is the "Desire of the Ages", the "Messiah". Christ is the fulfillment of God's demands in the Old Covenant. Our obedience and sanctification is wrapped up in "Walking in the Spirit" and submitting our ourselves to the Lordship of Chirst. This way is that of a "heart walk" which is not mysterious or indefineable as we have the revealed will of God, we have the Word of God.
    2 Corinthians 3:5-8 — 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 ¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 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: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12 ¶ Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 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. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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.

    Ephesians 2:8 — For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    Thank you for this question and your future questions as I know there is much more to be said on this topic, and any questions directed to me would help me to clarify any parts that I may have overlooked.

    The Church (A Spiritual Body) is not Israel (a nation), And Israel (the nation) is not the Church (A Spiritual Body)

    Israel (the nation) is a separate entity from the Christian Church. Someone can be both of Israel and of the Church, but being a part of the Christian Church does not make someone of Israel. They are two separate concerns and not one and the same relationship with God.

    The Church is not grafted into Israel, but is grafted into Christ — Jesus is the root. Israel is a branch that can be broken off and is not the root.

    Romans 11:11-24 — I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

    Original Post:

    I've seen and heard a few things here and there of the Hebrew Roots and similar systems seeping into Christian's lives and teaching that I personally know over the years and it's had me deeply concerned.

    Concerned that many influenced by it are not fully aware of what it is. Paul first had this concern when he wrote the book of Galatians of Christians being seduced back under Judaism which is a version of Christianity that, in my opinion, undermines the Gospel of Grace.

    Speakers of these teachings speak passionately, forwardly and with enough New Testament lingo to be deceptive (not that everyone is being intentionally deceptive, but when you use words found in the Bible and then give them your own definition that is inconsistent with the Bible as a whole, it is indeed deceptive in effect) .

    To be clear for all that know me and have been in service with us through the years, this is not the Gospel we have preached. If you are being affected by these teachings, at the very least be aware this is a different Gospel entirely and incompatible with the Biblical Gospel as I know it .

    This post is not to stir up any debate in the comments which is never very fruitful, but to throw a lifeline out to those being impacted by these teachings.

    lifeline#1 Read the entire book of Galatians in light of Galatians 3:1-4. It's very short and won't take long to read in one setting

    Lifeline#2 Check out Mike Winger's videos on the topic for a fairly thorough breakdown: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuOD_BytSxbejzCnGPOcgFw

    As always, Please keep comments respectful and thoughtful of other people. I love you and post out of a deep concern for the side effects and potential harm of this direction and emphasis. I'm available to discuss in greater detail in a direct message.

    Antipas and Balaam

    Revelation 2:12-17 — And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

    Introduction

    1. Antipas

    NEVERTHELESS

    2. Doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans

    1. Nicolaitans

    2. Intro to Balaam

    1. Balaam knew it wasn't right, but he thought it paid good.

    Revelation 12:11 — And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

    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;

    The Common Breaking of an Uncommon Bread

    Acts 2:37-47

    Acts 2:41,42 — Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    INTRODUCTION: How The Church Grew.

    Acts 2:41 — Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

    Acts 4:4 — Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

    Continued Stedfastly

    1. in the Apostle's Doctrine
    2. in the Apostles Fellowship
    3. Breaking of Bread
    4. Prayers

    1. They Took Time to Receive

    Genesis 14:18 — And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

    "Continue in Doctrine and fellowship in Breaking of Bread and Prayers."

    John 3:11 — Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

    1. Acts 2:41 -- Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:

    2. JOHN - Re 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

    3. THE LORD's TABLE

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

    1. "LOVE FEAST"

    Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

    2. They Took Time to Reflect

    "Continue in Doctrine and fellowship in Breaking of Bread and Prayers."

    Psalm 27:14 — Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

    Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

    Psalm 1:2 — But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

    Ps 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

    Luke 21:14 — Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

    1Ti 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all

    It is important that we are thoughtful, so that we may be effected by the truth. (Continued in the Apostles doctrine.)

    Revelation 2:14,15 — But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

    3. They Took Time to Respond

    "Continue in Doctrine and fellowship in Breaking of Bread and Prayers."

    Galatians 2:9 — And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

    This fellowshipping in the BREAD was a joyous and rewarding activity.

    Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

    This is how the Gospel spread [The Samaritan woman]:

    Joh 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

    Names of the Books of the Bible

    Hsaias See: Isaiah Hieremias See: Jeremiah Thrnoi Hieremiou See: Lamentations Iezekil See: Ezekiel Danil See: Daniel se See: Hosea Il See: Joel Ams See: Amos Obdiou See: Obadiah Inas See: Jonah Michaias See: Micah Naoum See: Nahum Ambakoum See: Habakkuk Sophonias See: Zephaniah Angaios See: Haggai Zacharias See: Zechariah Malachias See: Malachi Esdras 1. See: Esdras, 1st Tbit See: Tobit Ioudith See: Judith Esthr See: Rest of Esther Sophia Salmn See: Wisdom of Solomon Sophia Seirach See: Ecclesiasticus Barouch See: Baruch Bl kai drakn See: Bel and the Dragon Makkabain 1. See: Maccabees, 1st Makkabain 2.

    What I Do Know

    Psalms 43:1

    1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

    2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

    3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

    4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

    5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

    Context of Psalm 43

    Psalm 43 is a prayer of faith not just for help, but for JUSTICE, for LIGHT and TRUTH. It is a prayer that his current circumstances would resolve with him:

    1. Verse 1 - I Will Make My Appeal to God

    1. Jude me O God

    2. Plead my cause against an ungodly nation

    3. O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

    Ps 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

    Ps 101:1  I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

    Isa 30:18 ¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

    WAIT FOR GOD’S RULING, BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR MOVE.

    1. Verse 2 - I Will not Accept what God has not Ordained

    RELY ON GOD’S PROMISES TO DEFINE WHAT IS NORMAL.

    1. Verse 3 & 4 - I Will Look for the Light

    O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

    Verse 4

    Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

    LET GOD DO THE DIRECTING OF YOUR HEART.

    1. Verse 5 - I Will Keep Praying

    Ps 42:5 …for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

    Ps 42:11 … for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

    Ps 43:5 … for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

    ALWAYS HOPE IN GOD.

    The Scriptures

    Introduction (Isaiah 55:6-13

    Isaiah 55:6-13 — Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 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. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

    1. The Writing

    1. as speaking with Divine authority, John 19:27; Romans 4:3; 9:17
    2. as possessed of foresight, Galatians 3:8; 3:22

    2. The Opening of the Understanding

    Matthew 22:29 — Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. ['who's wife' question in the resurrection]

    Lu 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

    Lu 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

    Luke 24:44 — And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

    Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

    3. Fulfilling the Scriptures - They Must be Fulfilled

    Matthew 26:53 — Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

    Mt 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

    Mr 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

    Matthew 5:18 — For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

    3. To be Witnessed Of ..

    I believe ...

    1. In the Plenary Inspiration of Scripture

      • that the inspiration extends to all parts of the Bible equally (absolutely)

    2. In the Verbal Inspiration of Scripture

      • that the inspiration extends to the very words chosen, tenses, parts of speech.

    3. In the inerrancy of Scripture

      • Contains no factual errors.

    4. In the Infallibility of Scipture

      • Never teaches error
      • although it does records the sins and folly of men

    5. In the Authority of Scripture

      • it is the final authority in all areas of faith and practice.

    6. In that God has Preserved His Words and will preserve them.

      • Many Manuscripts: Hebrew Masoretic, Texus Receptus, KJV

    I Was Glad

    Ps 122:1 — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

    Introduction

    I. It is Good to be "Excited" about Good Things

    Romans 12:15 — Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

    2 Samuel 6:14 — And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.

    Exodus 18:9 — And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

    Psalm 21:6 — For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

    Genesis 30:12,13 — 12 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

    Lu 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

    II. Don't Get Caught Up in the Wrong Spirit, Test What You Feel with God's Word

    1. Not every feeling will lead you in truth.

    Mt 21:9 — And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

    Mt 27:22 — Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

    1. Why am I feeling what I'm feeling?
    1. "As God would Have it"

    Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

    III. You cannot Live off a Spiritual High, but you Can use it to get some Momentum

    IV. When What is Worthwhile is not as Exciting as that which is Not

    Ps 122:1 — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

    Ps 33:1 — Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

    Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

    1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

    CONCLUSION

    Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

    1Pe 1:8 — Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

    The Gospel Spreading

    Text

    Acts 8:26-40 — And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

    Jesus Saves - Give the Winds a Mighty Voice

    We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

    Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

    Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves;

    Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

    Give the winds a mighty voice, Jesus saves, Jesus saves;

    Let the nations now rejoice. Jesus saves, Jesus saves;

    Shout salvation full and free, Highest hills and deepest caves,

    This our song of victory, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

    The Gospel Spreading

    "Open Doors"

    Must it Always be Fashionable to Spread?

    5 Let others hear your words of cheer; Go, bid the souls astray Their steps retrace, by God’s free grace, And face the other way. [Refrain]

    The Book of Lamentations: A Godly Lament

    Lamenations 1:1 — How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!

    Introduction

    2 Corinthians 7:10 — For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. - grief, grievous, + grudgingly, heaviness, sorrow. - Not sorrowing merely because it hurts, but SORROWING AFTER GOD over the contrast of HOW THINGS ARE WITH HOW GOD HAS PROMISED THEY COULD BE

    The song/psalm of lament is a song or poems in which the writer cries out to God in times of deep distress and despair. In psalms of lament, the psalmist asks God for intervention to deliver him from suffering, sorrow, great loss, failures, and enemies.

    Psalm 79:1-5 — O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. 2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. 3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them. 4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. 5 How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?

    2 Chronicles 35:25 — And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

    Lamenations 3:48,49 — Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. 49 Mine eye trickleth down, and ceaseth not, without any intermission,

    Jeremiah 4:19 — My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

    Lamentaions 5:20 — Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?

    Lamentations 2:17 — The LORD hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

    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.

    Lamentations 3:22-24 —It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

    Lamenations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. 42 We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.

    Summary of the Book of Lamentations

    Lamentations 3:22-24 —It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

    Lamenations 5:9 — Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation. 20 Wherefore dost thou forget us for ever, and forsake us so long time?

    1. The Fall of Israel - Lamenations 1:1 (cross ref: Isaiah 30:1,2; Jeremiah 42:19-22)

    Lamenations 1:1 — How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!

    The Fall of the Northern Kingdom

    Fall of the Southern Kingdom

    1. Awful Alliances (This is a 'practical problem'; An orgizational glitch; A few bad habits.)

    SIDE NOTE: Do not so easily break the bond with those who share our union with God. Israel's lost herself in the world, not in what flavor of "temple worship" Now, Egppts influence can appear within sacred circles but in the genuine presence of God the proper constrasts will be made. The devil will try to show up, but where Christ is truly glorified, that old snake cannot abide!

    Jeremiah 42:19-22 &mmdash; Jer 42:19 The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day. 20 For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it. 21 And now I have this day declared it to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you. 22 Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn.

    Psalms 18:2 — The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

    2. Apostasy

    1. What Do I believe?

    2. Pray not just for God to be God but for the grace of FAITHFULNESS

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

    Php 2:12— Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

    1. Our Greatest allies are not those that flatter us, but those who are most loyal to WHAT IS TRUTH
    1. We need more than just good ides to be successful in spiritual matters, we need HOLY GHOST direction. This direction is breathed by the Spirit and is always found in the Word of God.
    The patriort ledger ran a story a few years back stating, **Rev. Paul Haynes is watching and waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ**. And like most of them, the retired New Hampshire pastor is resisting the urge to predict the date.

    “No man knows the day or hour,” he says, quoting a Gospel admonition from Jesus himself.

    Over the centuries, that hasn’t stopped believers and charismatic leaders from predicting. Perhaps the most famous such attempt was made by Baptist layman William Miller of New York. He announced that Oct. 22, 1844, would be the day – to the ensuing disappointment of thousands of followers known as “Millerites.”

    On the morning of Friday, September 24, 1909, about 300 members of the Free Christian Society packed the white clapboard Ashdod Chapel in Duxbury, Mass waiting for the return of Jesus. When the morning passed, the group recalculated the fateful moment to 6 p.m., then to the next day. Then they all went home. One century later, the spiritual descendants of the original society still gather every September – though not with any doomsday or year in mind.

    The Rev. Haynes is one of them that gathers every September. He said the 1909 Duxbury event came up in conversations during this year’s meeting, which drew about 70 people. But he says it is “a point of history,” not a theological inspiration.

    After more than 60 years of Bible study and reflection, “I’ve changed my thinking (about predicting the Second Coming),” the Rev. Haynes said. “You do the work of the Lord, and (work) until the time He appears.”

    “Sometimes I’m asked, ‘Brother Haynes, have we missed something?’” he said. “And I tell them, ‘No, we haven’t missed anything at all. The Lord is setting the time.’”

    Like millions of evangelical and Pentecostal American Christians, the Rev. Paul Haynes is watching and waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ. And like most of them, the retired New Hampshire pastor is resisting the urge to predict the date.

    In 1909, The Patriot Ledger was there reporting on the Duxbury meeting:

    Isaiah 30:1,2 — Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: Isa 30:2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! [100+ years before the fall of Jerusalem, as the North and South made the same error.]

    Genesis 41:38 — And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

    Daniel 4:8 — But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

    Chapter 1: Jerusalem as a Widow

    outrage - the anger and resentment aroused by injury or insult

    Was Is Reference
    Full of People Sits Solitary 1:1
    The Lord was as an enemy: (2:5) widow 1:1
    was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces become tributary 1:1

    The Life Jesus 10-1-2023

    Introduction

    John 1:4 — In him was ZOE; and the ZOE was the PHOS of men.

    John 1:4 — In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

    We are going to survey what the Scriptures tell us concerning Jesus and His life. We will look at the testimony of the whole Bible with an emphasis on harmonizing the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). When we harmonize these four Gospels it is important to remember that the sequences of many events are a matter of subjective debate.

    1. Jesus Christ of Eternity Past

    a. He was before the Creation of the World

    b. He is eternally the same.

    c. He has no beginning.

    d. He was before Abraham (and was the son of Abraham).

    2. Jesus Christ of the Old Testament

    Throughout the New Testament, the writers affirm that Jesus wasn't just an important man: he was the one the Old Testament writers prophecied would come. Jesus can be found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We can look at any book in the Bible and hear something about Jesus.

    1. Pre-Incarnate Theophanies/Christophanies (Old Testament appearances of God the Son):

    THEOPHANY — a visible manifestation to humankind (an appearance) of God (Genesis 3:8)

    CHRISTOPHANY —

    Geneis 16:7-13; Genesis 18; Genesis 24:7 , 40

    He is also revealed to be a distinct Person.

    2. Types (symbols, a foreshadowing, or something that typifies something or someone else):

    3. Old Testament Prophecies (Prophecies of Jesus spoken by Old Testament prophets):

    d. Other O.T. Mentions of Jesus

    3. Jesus Christ of Obscurity

    a. We are given rare glimpses into Jesus' early years.

    b. Luke interviewed eye witnesses for his Gospel account.

    c. Songs and His Birth

    d. Jesus of Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum

    Matthew 3:13 — Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

    John 7:41 — Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

    Joseph, Mary and Jesus had escaped Herod by fleeing to Egypt. After some time, an angel informs Joseph in a dream it was safe to return to the land of Israel. Instead of returning to their home in Judaea, Josph and mary take the child Jesus to Nazareth in Galilee. (Both Herod and his eldest son Antipater were dead, but the surviving next eldest son, Archelaus, governed over Judaea. This was most prudent of Joseph as history tells us now of the cruel and violent character of Archelaus. )

    ADAM CLARKE COMMENTARY: Archelaus partook of the cruel and blood-thirsty disposition of his father: at one of the passovers, he caused three thousand of the people to be put to death in the temple and city. For his tyranny and cruelty, Augustus deprived him of the government, and banished him.

    poi-web.jpg

    e. In the Temple

    4. Jesus Christ The Minister

    Matthew 20:28 — Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

    Mark 2:17 — When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    A powerful devotional habit, is to take a few minutes each day and meditate on a particular point in time of Jesus' life. We probably more often give attention to the bigger picture of Jesus' Life, but much powerful insight can be gained from a more granular, patient look at even the so-called minor details of His Life and ministry.

    1. Baptism and Anointing of Jesus

    References: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John (none found in John); Acts 10:37, 38

    Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

    Let the Spirit Descend Let the spirit descend like a beautiful dove; As it did on Jesus that day; He was baptized by John in the river of Jordan; And God's voice like thunder said, "This is my Son"

    2. First 2 following Jesus

    3. 40 days in wilderness

    4. 1st miracle (Water to Wine)

    5. Visit to Capernaum

    6. Jerusalem visit

    7. Temple Cleansed (1st)

    8. Nicodemus

    9. Contention between disciples

    10. 1st withdrawal from Judea

    11. Woman at the well

    12. Nobleman's son healed

    13. Prison for John the Baptist

    14. First visit to Nazareth

    15. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

    16. Preaching from Peter's Boat

    17. The "Move" to Capernaum

    18. Madman healed in Capernaum

    19. Peter's mother-in-law healed

    20. First Galilean tour

    21. Lone leper healed

    22. Man let down through the roof

    23. "Harvesting" on the Sabbath

    24. Withered hand healed

    25. Matthew called

    26. The 12 disciples ordained

    27. Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes)

    28. 2nd Galilean tour

    29. Widow's son of Nain raised to life

    30. "Who is my mother?"

    31. Calms sea

    32. 2 demoniacs healed

    33. Blind and mute man healed

    34. Roman Centurian's servant healed

    35. John asks about Jesus

    36. Matthew's feast

    37. Jairus' daughter

    38. One touch heals

    39. 3rd Galilean tour

    40. Sent two by two

    41. Rejected at Nazareth again

    42. John beheaded

    43. Retreats to quiet spot

    44. 5000 fed

    45. Walks on water

    46. Many leave Him

    47. No Jerusalem trip (trap set)

    48. Canaanite woman's daughter healed

    49. 4000+ fed

    50. Blind man healed (Bethsaida)

    51. The Transfiguration

    52. Demon possesed boy healed

    53. Return to Capernaum

    54. Argument about who is the greatest

    55. Tax from fish's mouth

    56. Visit to Jerusalem in secret

    57. Teaches in the Temple

    58. Writes in the dust

    59. Puts clay on man's eyes

    60. Return to Galilee

    61. Begins last journey to Jerusalem

    62. 70 appointed

    63. Visits Mary, Martha

    64. Lazarus Raised from the dead

    65. High Priest, "Better one should die...."

    66. Zaccheaus

    67. Rich young ruler

    68. Blessing of the children

    69. Heals 10 lepers (1 says thanks)

    I Have Peace in God's Hands

    Preached at the Deliverance Center, Arundel, Maine on October 1, 2023.

    text: Romans 5:1

    Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

    A most dangerous lie is being spread that, for whatever reasons, man does not NEED God.

    Man not only needs God, but in God is the only source of lasting peace. It is a life of turmoil that struggles against God. This resistance is futile as every knee will bow.

    On the other hand, having peace with God means peace in our soul. There is no greater peace than that found in working in harmony with God instead of struggling against His will.

    There are four pictures at least given in Scripture of the people of God being in His hands.

    1. Clay in the Potters Hand

    Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

    2. A Trumpet to Sound Forth a Certain Sound

    1Co 14:8,9 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

    3. A Nail in a Sure Place

    Isa 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

    4. A Light in a Dark Place

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

    Follow Peace

    Romans 14:19 — Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

    2Ti 2:22 — Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

    Hebrews 12:14 — Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: - follow: to persue; to flee; to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.

    The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. — G.K. Chesterton

    Christ's Way is Peace

    Peace is Part of WHO HE IS

    Isaiah 9:6 — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

    Isaiah 50:6 — I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

    Romans 5:1 — Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

    Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

    John 16:33 — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

    The Peace Christ Brings is With God, And to be at Peace with God may mean to not be at peace with God's enemies

    Matthew 10:34-38 — Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Mt 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

    Matthew 10:13 — And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

    Peace is the Christian Way

    Matthew 5:9 — Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

    - How? A “peacemaker” is someone who reconciles people with God and with one another. We must PROMOTE HARMONY. -- do not instigate (STEPHEN)

    Romans 12:9 — Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

    from kolla ("glue"); to glue, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively):--cleave, join (self), keep company.

    The Old Testament prophets often see the future Kingdom of God as a kingdom of peace.

    Ps 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

    Ps 122:6 — Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

    Jer 29:7 — And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

    1 Th 5:23 — And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    James 4:1 — From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

    - Evil can prosper from in the infightings of men.
- Do not join every fight. The rule is to not just retaliate because we have been wronged. The rule for the Christ is first "turn the other cheek".

    Matthew 5:39 — But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

    Proverbs 20:22 — Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

    1 Peter 3:9 — Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

    Mt 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

    Pr 6:16-19 — Pr 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

    Conclusion

    Charles Spurgeon — I WISH THAT CHRISTIAN MEN WOULD INSIST MORE AND MORE ON THE UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF WAR, BELIEVING THAT CHRISTIANITY MEANS NO SWORD, NO CANNON, NO BLOODSHED, AND THAT, IF A NATION IS DRIVEN TO FIGHT IN ITS OWN DEFENCE, CHRISTIANITY STANDS BY TO WEEP AND TO INTERVENE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND NOT TO JOIN IN THE CRUEL SHOUTS WHICH CELEBRATE AN ENEMY’S SLAUGHTER.

    My Beloved Birthright

    THEME: There was a shamelessness in Jacob's request, a carelessness in how Esau traded away his birthright, but a preciousness to how I reflect on my spiritual inheritance.

    Genesis 25:29-34 — Ge 25:29 ¶ And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

    Genesis 25:32 — And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

    Maine Church History Research

    Intoduction

    James 1:27 — Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

    Leading to Salvation

    In Calvinism/Reformed/Baptist

    An emphasis on election, predestination and a definition of God's sovereignty that is manifested entirely agnostic of man or his choices. Man is totally deprave and cannot as much as "want" to be saved without God sovereignly choosing to save them.

    Us

    An emphasis on free-will and the necessity of man to respond to God's call and that God manifests his soverignty in election and predestination in concert or foreknowledge of man's choices. Election is conditional and predestination is influenced by man's choices. God is willing that everyone be saved and his actively working toward that.

    Established on the reformed position of original sin, and the subsequent necessity of divine grace for salvation, with the unique doctrine of prevenient grace, (all men have received of the Holy Spirit the ability to respond to God) into his understanding of the doctrine of salvation.

    Sanctification or the Christian Life

    There are many varieties of "Holiness Theologies": Keswick, Deeper Life, Higher life, Victorious Life.

    - IN CALVINISM/Reformed/Baptist: "(Sometimes) Keswickianism" "Higher Life movement" "Entire Sanctification" "Deeper Christian Life"
	- "Second Blessing" "The Second Touch" "Being Filled with the Spirit"

- IN ARMINIAN/Pentecostal/Full Gospel: "Holiness Movement"
	- Following Salvation, is a moral obligation to the holy expectations of God.
    - The lesson was that the heart of true godliness is a motivating spirit of love to God and man; without this all religion is hollow and empty.

    A.B. Simpson

    Albert Benjamin Simpson (December 15, 1843 – October 29, 1919), also known as A. B. Simpson, was a Canadian preacher, theologian, author, and founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), an evangelical denomination with an emphasis on global evangelism that has been characterized as being Keswickian in theology.

    The 30-something pastor had spent long hours on the city’s docks, evangelizing to the immigrants arriving by the boatload at that time. Scores had put their faith in Christ; however, Simpson’s wealthy parishioners didn’t want the unrefined new believers attending their church. Grieved, the husband and father of five sensed God calling him to leave his high-paying position and start a world missions society to make his beloved Jesus known to the “neglected masses.” Within just a few years of that humble gathering, the energetic pastor and his small band of followers planted the Gospel Tabernacle in the heart of the city, a church home for people of all ethnicities and social classes who were coming to Christ through Simpson’s evangelistic campaigns.

    Gospel Tabernacle outreach to the city’s ostracized—including soup kitchens, orphanages, rescue missions, language classes, and healing homes—ignited within Simpson and the growing fellowship a passion to take Jesus’ loving message to distant lands where “Christ’s name has not been named.” To prepare those called to overseas ministry, A. B., as his peers called him, opened the Missionary Training Institute—the first North American Bible college.

    1887: The Christian Alliance—a society of believers devoted to experiencing the “deeper life” in Christ and fulfilling His Great Commission

    By the late 1800s, the fledgling missions society had sent 180 workers overseas—two-thirds of them women—and opened 12 new foreign fields to gospel access.

    Before his death in 1919, our “poet-preacher” founder had penned 101 books as well as countless periodicals, articles, and curricular. He also wrote 172 hymns in which The Fourfold Gospel theme was woven throughout the lyrics—Alliance people of the day were known for singing their theology.

    Unique Characteristics: - Global Evangelism, God is willing that all be saved. - Divine Healing, perhaps "Faith Healing" or "Faith Cure Apostle" by newspaper, 1886 advert. as "Divine Healing Convention" - "Holy Laughter" (uncontrollable laughter) - Being "Filled with the Spirit" is a "Second Blessing" that accomplishes "Entire Sanctification". "inquirers meetings for sanctification" - "Deeper Life", "Fulness of the Spirit or Sanctification", "Christ our Sanctifier", "The Coming of Christ" sermons. Diagnosed the Body of Christ as being made up of those that are "Carnal" and those that are "Spiritual" (Keswickianism, Highter Life). The Christian must fully surrender to recieve perfection and those who are unable are "carnal" Christians. - A. B. wrote The Fourfold Gospel—a summary of the depths of grace and love Jesus provides us as our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. - Founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance.

    "Brooklyn Citizen", September 10, 1899, Brooklyn, NY — We have no personal acquantance with the Rev. A.B. Simpson, who is conduction what is called the Christian Alliance Convention, at Nyack, just now. He may be a very excellent man, and , in that case, however widely we may dissent from his views, and indiscreet as we think his methods to be, we respect him for his motives if not for his works' sake. We observe, however, that the Rev. A.B. Simpson has a record as a money raiser. His purpose in collecting money, as he says, is to evangelize the world. He is said to have raised $134,000 this summer, and we learnthat he is calling upon Christians everywhere to contribute their money for he world's conversion through the Alliance, rather than through the old and somewhat sluggish denominational channels.

    [Questions] Who are the officers of the Christin Alliance? Who is the treasurer of the Christian Alliance? Is his name "A.B. Simpson?" Is there a duly constituted board of trustees who look after the finances of the Alliance? Do not the Rev. A.B. Simpson and his wife direct the disbursements of the large sums that come into their hands? Has any detailed Account ever been given to the Alliance, or to the public of the Alliances' receipts

    Joh 13:17 — If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

    The Alliance mission and vision are rooted in the call to a deeper life in Christ formed during our early days, which continues to fuel our call to “go” wherever and whenever God leads.

    Old Orchard Beach Camp Meeting Association (1873-1950, )

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    John Wesley

    John Wesley viewed the process of Sanctification as one of making the individual worthy of salvation. At one point he explicitly states that good works are a condition of final justification which he regards as necessary for final salvation

    Arminian Theology

    1. God desires the salvation of everyone.

    - Not hypothetical, but God is working to bring salvation to **all**.
- God genuinely wants everyone to be saved.

    2 Peter 3:9 —

    1 Timothy 2:3-4

    1 John 2:2 —

    2. Every person can accept or reject Jesus.

    - Calvin: "Only the elect can come to salvation in Jesus."

    Ephesians —

    - Is sin too great to come? "Provenient Grace"

    Titus 2:11 —

    - Conditional Election (vs. Un-Conditional)? Predestination?

    Ro 8:29 — For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

    God kowning the end from the beginning, ....

    3. Salvation can be lost.

    Hebrews 6:4 — For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

    4. God's chooses to act Sovereignly

    Maine Bible Schools, Seminary

    East Maine Seminary Bucksport

    Cobb Divinity School, Bates Theological Seminary "The Free Will Baptist Bible School"

    Christian Perfection

    Hebrews 6:1-8 — Heb 6:1 ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

    Matthew 5:48 — Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

    1 Thessalonians 5:23 — And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Introduction

    1. Some Language

    Does this mean there is a "division" in the family: carnal and spiritual? - A person is either saved or they are not. -

    2. Quotes on the Deeper Christian Life

    The chief danger of the Church today is that it is trying to get on the same side as the world, instead of turning the world upside down. Our Master expects us to accomplish results, even if they bring opposition and conflict. Anything is better than compromise, apathy, and paralysis. God give to us an intense cry for the old-time power of the Gospel and the Holy Ghost! A. B. Simpson

    The true church lives and moves and has its being in prayer. – Leonard Ravenhill –

    Many times that people judge people by the way they dress or by their stature. Man is not judged by how big he is and how strong his muscles; man's judged by character and character alone. — William Branham

    3. What are the Principles?

    I. Christian Perfection is A Divine Command

    Matthew 5:48 — Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

    Php 3:15 ¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

    Christian perfection in any respect is only possible as we stay connected with God.

    1Co 15:1 &mmdash; Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 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:

    II. Christian Perfection is A Practical Development

    1 Corinthians 3:1-4 — And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

    III. Christian Perfection is Biblically Defined

    John 9:1-3 — And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

    1Co 15:51 ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [most will sleep]

    1 Thessalonians 4:16 — — For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

    John 16:33 — These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

    Hebrews 4:15 — For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

    Ephesians 1:4 — According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

    Romans 5:2 &mdas; By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

    Joh 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.

    A. Perfect in Love (Matthew 5:38-48)

    Mt 5:38 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 ¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

    1 Corinthians 13:1 — Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 ¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 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. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

    B. Perfect in Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

    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. [finisher: the consumator; the completer]

    C. Perfect in Character

    Ephesians 4:11-16 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

    Christian Perfection (Outline)

    Hebrews 6:1-8 — 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

    Matthew 5:48 — Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

    1 Thessalonians 5:23 — And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Introduction

    1. A Deeper Vocabulary

    2. What are the "Principles of the Doctrine of Christ"?

    I. Christian Perfection is A Divine Command

    Matthew 5:48; Philippians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

    II. Christian Perfection is A Practical Development

    1 Corinthians 3:1-4 — And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

    III. Christian Perfection is Biblically Defined

    A. Perfect in Love

    (Matthew 5:38-48; 1 Corinthians 13)

    B. Perfect in Faith

    (Hebrews 12:2)

    C. Perfect in Character

    (Ephesians 4:11-16)

    How We Win: Obedience, Servanthood and Consecration

    2 Samuel 23:13-17 — And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. 14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. 17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

    1. Philistines At "Rephaim" (OBEDIENCE: The Larger War)

    2 Samuel 5:17 — But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

    2 Samuel 5:19 — And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

    2 Samuel 5:20 — And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

    2 Samuel 5:24 — And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

    2Sa 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

    2. Garrisoned at Bethlehem (Servanthood)

    Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

    - Birth place of Jesus

    2 Samuel 23:15 — And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

    3. David Pouring Out Unto the Lord (Consecration === Our Lives Poured out)

    Reconciliation

    Summary

    The ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) is Believers proclaiming (Romans 15:16) the message of reconcilliation (2 Corinthians 5:20,21). This message is that God is reconciling sinners to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19) through the atoning work of the Son (Romans 5:11; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21) and the preparations of the heart by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 2:13).

    Reconciliation is necessary because sin has alienated man from God (Colossians 1:21; Psalm 51:5) and is possible because God in truth desires (2 Peter 3:9) to be reconciled with the sinner — God is willing to forgive.

    Key Scriptures

    2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

    Romans 5:5 — And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

    Romans 5:11 — And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

    Romans 15:16 — That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

    1 Corinthians 2:13 — Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

    1 Corinthians 8:6 — But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

    Colossians 1:21 — And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

    Psalm 51:5 — Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

    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.

    Key Concepts

    The Many Shapes of the Ministry of Reconcilliation

    Zealous of Good Works

    TEXT: Titus 2:1-15

    Titus 2:14 — Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

    Introduction

    I. Negative (2)

    1. Esau's Wives (grief; bitterness of spirit)

    Genesis 26:34,35 — And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: 35 Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

    1. The City of Sodom, The Vexing of Righteous Lot

    2 Peter 2:7,8 — And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

    1 Corinthians 15:33,34 — Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

    II. Positive

    Consider not merely matters of personal sanctification and holiness, but also how were WITNESS for Christ IN us effects others.

    1. Our Mutual Faith

    Romans 1:11 — For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

    Ecclesiastes 4:9 — Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

    1 Timothy 4:12 — Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

    III Titus 2

    Tit 2:1 ¶ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

    The Judaizing teachers in Chapter 1, not only taught a false doctrine, but they lived an unholy life; Titus was to act directly opposite. The people must not only be well instructed, but they must be holy in their lives.

    2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

    3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

    6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

    9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

    Titus 2:11-15 — ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

    1. Timothy's Grandmother Lois and Mother Eunice

    2 Timothy 1:3 — I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

    Philippians 2:16

    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.

    ADDRESSED: Phil. 1:1 Paul and Timthy to all the saints, bishops and deacons at Philippi

    1. The Church at Philippi was a "work in progress" 1:6

    2. Paul Prays they would abound among other things in JUDGMENT (perception; discernment). 1:9

    18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

    3. The testimony of the Philippian church was that they were steadfast in PERSECUTION. (purpose: furtherance of the Gospel; don't be greedy for prosperity when the Gospel can be furthered.)

    Php 1:28 — And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

    Php 1:7 ¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

    Chapter 2,

    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.

    1. v. 1-11 Be Likeminded, Same Love

    2. v. 12,13 Work Out Your Own Salvation with Fear

    3. v. 14-15 Do All Things without Murmuring and Disputing

    Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

    4. v. 16 Holding Forth the Word of Life

    Phillippians 1:27 — Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

    The Gospel is called the word of life, because of the effects which it produces.

    1 John 1:1 — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

    What Has God Wrought!

    Numbers 23:23 — Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

    I. Introduction & Foundation

    A. The Context of the Context

    B. Translations

    C. Commentary

    Isaiah 54:17 — No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

    D. The Build Up

    Nu 10:35 And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. 36 And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

    The high priests sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered alien or strange fire before the Lord and they died. Within that tabernacle was "The Holy Place" as it contained the most sacred of the furniture of the tabernacle the Ark of the Covenant, but also known as the "ORACE" or the "Speaking Place" as it is where Moses would go to talk with God and God, with a voice with speak from the "Mercy Seat". (This is a shadow of Jesus.)

    God fed Israel daily in the desert with mannah (gathered, ground, beat and baked into cakes tasted as FRESH OIL). Once Israel tired of the mannah and complained (Why came we forth out of Egypt?), the fire of the Lord burnt among them and consumed those in the uttermost parts of the camp. Moses prayed for mercy and the fire stopped. The people latter lusted for meat, and God gave them meat for a month (so much it would come out their nostrils, and be loathsome to them.) God did this a wind from the sea, driving quail so many that within 6 ft. of the ground round about the camp each family gathered at least 10 donkey loads.

    Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses because his wife was Ethiopian and justified their rebuke with "God speaks to us just like he does through you, Moses." The lord SUDDENLY calls out Moses, Aaron and Miriam, come out to the taberacle. God rebuked them saying that yes he speakes to prophets with drives and visions, but with Moses God speaks "mouth to mouth" or "face to face". Miriam was made white with leprousy.

    God instructed Moses to spy out the land. When they returned with their evil report, they rebelled saying let us return to Egypt.Moses, Aaron and Joshua layed out on the ground before the people, rent their clothes pleading with them to remember God will bring them in to the land despite the enemies if HE please. "The Lord is with us." The people then began to call for stoning these men BUT THEN THE GLORY OF THE LORD APPEARED IN THE TABERNACLE. "**I will disinherit them and raise up another people. **" Moses plead:

    Numbers 14:15 — Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, 16 Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.

    Numbers 14:20 ¶ And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word: 21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: [Except Joshua and Caleb.]

    Israel still departed from the camp though the Ark of the Covenant stayed and they were most by the enemy. (God did not go up. Samson "Like at other times.")

    Sons of Korah rouse up (250 princes, famous, reknown, Dathan and Abiram) -- And take every man his censer, and put incense -- God caused fire to consume the princes and the rest o Korahh that stood outstide their tents wiht their families and the earth opened up. The next day 14,700 died of a plague

    Nu 22:1 ¶ And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. 2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

    II. The Context (

    Numbers 23:25 — And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

    Nu 23:26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

    Nu 23:1 ¶ And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams. 2 And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram. 3 And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place. 4 And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram. 5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. 6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. 7 And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. 8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! 11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. 12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth? 13 ¶ And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence. 14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. 15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder. 16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus. 17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken? 18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. 21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. 22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. 23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! 24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

    25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

    26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do? 27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence. 28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon. 29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. 30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

    III. Parallel Passages

    Psalms 31:19 — Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

    Psalms 64:9 — And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

    Psalms 126:2,3 — Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

    Isaiah 41:4 — Isa 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

    John 11:47 — Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

    Acts 4:16 — Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

    Acts 10:38 — How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

    Acts 15:12 — Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

    1Th 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

    IV. Great Things (large in estate or honnor, excellent, tower)

    1Sa 12:16 ¶ Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. 17 Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. 18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. 19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. 20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. 22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: 24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 25 But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

    New Page

    The Full Gospel movement is associated with Pentecostalism. According to Pentecostals, the teaching of the “full gospel” is mentioned by the apostle Paul in Romans 15:19, “I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”

    A “Full Gospel Christian” believes that the Holy Spirit is still doing everything He was doing in the New Testament Gospels: He is still healing, giving the gift of tongues, performing miracles, etc. Since Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), Pentecostals believe He is still operating in the world with the same methods.

    The term “Full Gospel” was coined by A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). In the late 19th century, Simpson left his native Canada and pastored a number of Presbyterian churches in the central and northeastern states. In 1881, after claiming a miraculous healing, he requested baptism by immersion in a Baptist church, resigned from the Presbyterian pastorate, and ultimately founded a non-denominational congregation.

    Over the next 30 years, Simpson’s passion for evangelism and overseas missions culminated in the formation of the C&MA, originally an association of various churches. Simpson developed a theology based on four simple truths concerning Christ: the Lord is the Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Soon Coming King. This is the “full gospel,” or the “four-fold gospel,” that influenced many early Pentecostals, including the Foursquare Church. Simpson was also interested in the gift of tongues and other miraculous works for the purpose of overseas evangelism.

    A. B. Simpson never was a part of the Assemblies of God Church, but his work led the way to Pentecostal doctrine. Thus, his term “Full Gospel” has become commonplace in Pentecostal circles, even though he himself never fully embraced Pentecostal beliefs.

    The Sins of My Youth

    Psalm 25:1 — [A Psalm of David.] Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

    I. Introduction

    Joh 9:1 ¶ And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

    TALK ABOUT OF SIN IN THE LIGHT OF THE GRACE OF GOD.

    1. IGNORANCE: Committed without knowing the whole story, but thinking I did. (depth of Consequences)

    1 Corinthians 13:11 — When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

    2. PASSION: Committed in the heat of passion

    2 Timothy 2:22 — Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

    Proverbs 4:24 — Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

    3. CURIOSITY: Committed without understanding how I was led into it (tempted).

    James 1:14 — But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

    2 Ti 2:26 — And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

    4. SELFISHNESS: Commited through inconsideration (how it would effect others)

    Pr 6:20 — My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

    III. Conclusion

    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:

    Jude 1:24 — Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

    God's Covenant Concerning His Words

    God's

    Introduction

    I. God Make a Covenant Concerning His Words with Israel

    1. God made a covenant to be an enemy to their enemies, if Israel would a) Obey the voice of God's Angel/Messenger/Moses and b) Do ALL that God has spoken.

    a. GOD SPAKE ALL THESE WORDS - There is a WEIGHTINESS HERE - 10 Commandments, Social Legislationg

    Exodus 20:1 — And God spake all these words, saying,

    WE'VE ALL HAD SIMILAR CONVERSATIONS: Who said that? Well, you have to consider where its coming from!

    Jeremiah 23:29 — Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

    Zechariah 12:1 — The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

    b. The Setting of the Making of this Covenant was AWESOME.

    Exodus 20:18 — And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

    c. God sent A Messenger to Speak God's Message - Exodus 23

    Ex 23:20-21 — Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

    ILLUSTRATION: 'We he could have said that.' I told Stevie the other day, that I loved him and he said, "HOw much money are gonna give me?" ---- Did he really say that? No, not really, BUT HE COULD HAVE SAID IT.

    d. God Made an Agreement

    Exodus 23:22 — 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

    2. Moses Told the people ALL the Words of the Lord, and jugdments. Moses even wrote this down in a book, read the book to the people and then after building an altar provoked a consecration of the people.

    Exodus 24:7 — And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

    Ex 24:1 ¶ And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. 2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. 3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. 4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

    3. Israel both after the telling and reading of God's Words, consecrated themselves to the doing of them. Not, some, but all these words.

    4. Moses Sprinkled the people with the Blood of the Covenant concerning all these words of God.

    5. The King was to a) write a copy of this law in a book and b) read therein all the days of his life.

    Deuteronomy 17:14 — When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; 15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. 18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: 20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

    God Made a Covenant Concerning His Words with Whosoever Would Believe

    Luke 21:33 — Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

    Matthew 6 - Laying Up Treasures

    Introduction - Lay Up

    Matthew 6:20 — But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

    I. Matthew 6:1-18: The Motive of Our Righteousness, Prayer and Fasting

    Without a God honoring motive, these are missed opportunities.

    II. Matthew 6:19-24: The Location of of Our Treasure

    Mt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    III. Matthew 6:25-34: The Security of Our Treasure

    Hebrews 11:1 — Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

    shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

    Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

    Matthew 7

    Introduction

    Chapter Summaries

    Beattitues; Salt and Light; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil the law and prophets.

    Lay Up Treasures in Heaven: Proper Alms Giving, Prayer, and Fasting, Take No Thought for Tomorrow; Seek First the Kingdom

    Judge not; Give not/Cast Not; Ask, Seek, Knock; Golden Rule; Entering the Kingdom (Fruit)

    Comparison of the Sermon on the Mount and God Speaking from Mount Sinai

    Mt 5:1,2 — And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Ex 19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ex 20:1 ¶ And God spake all these words, saying,
    Began with 8 Beattitudes (Teaching) Began with Ten Commandments (Commanding)
    The Beattitudes were preceded by no apparent drama. The Commandments were preceded by Smoke, Fire and Earth Quake (Ex 19:18)
    Mt 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Ex 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: 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.
    Mt 5:17 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Mt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Ex 19:9 ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
    Mt 5:1 ¶ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: Mt 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Ex 19:12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: (Fear of God)
    Mt 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, (Jesus spoke directly to the people.) Ex 19:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
    Mt 4:23 ¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Ex 19:14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
    Father in Heaven: Mt 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Ex 20:12 ¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
    Mt 7:21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Ex 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:

    1. Judge Not

    Mt 7:1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

    2. Give Not / Cast Not

    6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

    3. Ask, Seek, Kock

    7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

    4. The Golden Rule?

    12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

    5. Do Enter (vs. 13-27)

    13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

    a. Fruit

    15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

    b. Who Shall Enter into the Kingdom

    21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

    6. Conclusion

    28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

    Matthew 8-9

    Introduction

    1. Jesus Coming Down from the Mountain, He is Offensive to All that is not Produced by the Spirit of God, 8:1

    Matthew 8:1 — When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

    The Content of His Teaching

    CHAPTER 6: Your Alms, Prayer, Fasting is NOT GOOD - "SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM" but how being carnal and NEEDING THESE THINGS? CHAPTER 7: Verse 1, Judgment Not Hypocritically (Even you Judgment is Unjust) v. 6 Dogs & Swine compare vs. 7 "Ask, Seek, Knock" v.12 "Empathy is not optional", a STRAIT and NARROW WAY

    The Effect of His Teaching

    Matthew 11:6 — And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. [entrap; stumble; ensare; to entice to sin; to give/take offence; Since the man who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed,]

    John 6:60 — Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

    2 Timothy 4:10 — For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

    Luke 9:62 — And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

    2 Peter 2:20-22 — For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

    Hebrews 6:4-6 — For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

    2 Timothy 4:3,4 — 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; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

    Matthew 24:13 — But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

    2. Jesus Healing the Leper, He is the Purifier, 8:2-4

    Matthew 8:2-4 — 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

    3. Jesus Healing the Centurion's Servant, His Word is with Authority 8:5-13

    Matthew 8:5-13 — And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

    Psalm 107:20 — He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

    4. Jesus Healed Peter's Mother-in-Law, 8:14-17

    Matthew 8:14-17 — And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. 16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

    5. Wishful Discples Approach Jesus, 8:18-22

    Matthew 8:18-22 — Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. 19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

    6. Jesus Rebuked the Winds and Sea, 8:23-27

    23 ¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

    7. Jesus Healed two Possessed of Devils, 8:28-34

    28 ¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

    8. Jesus Healed the Paralytic Man, 9:1-8

    Matthew 9:1 — And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

    9. Jesus is Seen with Publicans and Sinners, 9:9-13

    9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    10. Why Don't Your Disciples Fast?, vs. 9:14-17

    Matthew 9:14 — Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

    11. Jesus Healed the Daughter of a Certain Ruler and a Woman 12 Years Having an Issue of Blood, 9:18-26

    18 ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. 19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. 20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. 25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

    12. Jesus Healed Two Blind Men, 9:27-34

    27 ¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. 32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

    13. The Harvest and its Effect on Jesus, 9:35-38

    35 ¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

    Touched by Jesus

    Jesus Touched

    1. A Man Full of Leprosy

    Mt 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

    1. Peter's Mother-in-Law

    Matthew 8:15 — And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

    1. Maid

    Mt 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

    1. Two Blind Men

    Matthew 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

    1. Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration

    Matthew 17:7 — And Jesus came and touched them, and said,Arise, and be not afraid.

    1. Upon Departing from Jericho, Two Blind Men

    Mattthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

    In his Hand

    Mt 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.

    Bible Verses on the Nature of God

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

    Verses Expressing There is Only One God

    Isaiah 43:10-12 — Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

    Isaiah 45:5 — I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

    Deuteronomy 6:4 — Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

    Isaiah 44:8 — Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

    Verses with: The Phenomon of God "Speaking to Himself"

    Genesis 1:26 — And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

    Argument Response
    This is a "Royal We" or the "Plural of Majesty". The "royal we" is never found in the writings of the ancient middle east. The plural of majesty is an European phenomenon.
    The "us" is God speaking to the angels. Man is not made in the image nor likeness of angels. Man is made uniquely in the image of God.

    Genesis 3:22 — And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

    Isaiah 6:8 — Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

    Psalms 45:6 — Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

    Proverbs 30:4 — Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

    Verses with: Father, Son and Holy Ghost

    Matthew 3:16 — And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    Mark 1:9-11 — And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    Matthew 28:19 — Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

    2 Corinthians 13:14 — The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

    1 Peter 1:3 — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

    Ephesias 4:4-6 — 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

    Jude 20,21 — 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

    Jesus the Son of God Is God

    John 1:1-3 — 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. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

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

    John 5:22-23 — 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

    Revelation 1:8 — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

    Revelation 22:13 — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

    Hebrews 1:3 — Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

    Titus 2:13 — Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

    2 Peter 1:1 — Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

    Water Baptism Verses

    Mark 1:9-11 — And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

    Matthew 28:19 — Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

    Acts 2:38 — Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

    Acts 8:16 — (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

    Acts 19:5 — When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

    Verses with: Father & Son

    Galatians 1:3 — Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Summary Thoughts

    "The Father hath revealed himself in the old covenant; the Son in the new; in human flesh by his miracles, doctrine, resurrection and ascension; the Holy Ghost in his gifts and miracles. Thus the doctrine of the ever blessed Trinity grew by degrees to full maturity. For the arriving to the acknowledgment of which, it was incumbent upon all who professed the true God to be three in one to be baptized into his name." — LIGHTFOOT'S Works, vol. ii. p. 274.

    There is only one God who sometimes appears in the form of the Father, other times as Son or Holy Spirit. This can be analogized with water as: liquid, solid, or vapor.

    Matthew 10: Calling, Empowering and Commanding the Twelve

    Calling & Empowering the Twelve

    Matthew 10:1 — And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

    His Twelve

    1. A Great Multitude had been Following Him (miracle seekers, carnally hungry, etc.)
    2. Some out of that Multitude Asked Jesus to be His Disciples (Jesus revealed their heart, 1) Love God More 2) Not fit looking back)
    3. Some were still following John. (Somewhat open and questioning but still holding on to their ALLEGIENCES., Even to Nicodemus Jesus taught the good news of the kingdom, but not even he was CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE.)
    4. Some positioned themselves as his enemy. (Scribes and Pharisees)
    5. There are just 12 whom Jesus called. (Why 12?)

    Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

    He Gave them Power

    1. exousia ex-oo-see'-ah from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

    Mattthew 9:6 — But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

    "In My Name"

    Mark 16:15-18 — And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

    John 14:26 — But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

    Psalms 89:24 —20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: 21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. 22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. 24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

    Matthew 7:22 — Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

    Jeremiah 14:14 — Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

    Deuteronomy 18:20 — But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

    John 15:7 — If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

    Joh 15:16 — Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

    ILLUSTRATION: IN WHOSE NAME IN REALITY?--- In her Early 20's Christine Eckman left her country in South America recovering from malaria. There was a missionaries wife heading to the states with a plan to return to French Guyana within two months. This lady offered to bring Christine with her to California and then they would return to South America in two months. On the boat ride she noticed her companion overly friendly interactions with fellow passenger, a business man and she confronted her about it. "I'm never going back to that old man." Christine was bothered by her behavior but even more so scared death not knowing how she would get back home.

    Who were "The Twelve"?

    Matthew 10:2-4 — 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

    Ephesians 4:11 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

    1. Simon, who is called Peter

    a. The Oldest

    b. "Simon called Peter"

    Matthew 16:17 — And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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.

    c. Peter was quick to act (maybe impulsive, not afraid to speak his mind).

    John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

    Matthew 16:22 — Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

    1Pe 4:11 — If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

    d. Peter was a leader and pillar of the early church

    John 21:3 — Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

    Acts 1:15 — And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

    Acts 2:14-16 — But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

    Galatians 2:11 — But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. [The partiality against gentile believers.]

    e. Peter wrote at least 2 Epistles

    1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

    2 Pe 3:1 ¶ This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 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:

    f. Peter's Death

    2. Andrew his (Peter's) brother

    3. James the son of Zebedee

    4. John his (James') brother

    5. Philip

    6. Bartholomew

    7. Thomas

    8. Matthew the publican

    9. James the son of Alphaeus

    10. Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus

    11 Simon the Canaanite

    12 Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

    Sending the Twelve

    1. Called Them
    2. Gave Them Power
    3. Sent Them

    He Gave them their Mission Field

    Matthew 10:5-6 — These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

    7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 16 ¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

    Who Will Roll Away the Stone?

    Mark 16:1-4 — And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

    I. The Women: (At least 6, Witnesses of the Empty Tomb)

    Luke 24:10 — It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

    The First two mentioned in Luke 24:10 are women which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities who also ministered to Jesus in Luke 8.

    Luke 8:1 — And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

    1. Mary Magdalene - Luke 8:2

    Mary Magdalene was a Galilean, probably from the town of Magdala South of Capernaum, on the west bank of the Sea of Galilee. We only have one hint at her life before she followed Jesus by that fact that Jesus delievered her from 7 devils.

    (In the 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great authoritatively pronounced that the sinful woman mentioned in Luke 7:36-50 was the same person as Mary Magdalene. He even asserted that Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany were the same person.)

    It was to Mary of Magdalene that Christ later appears first and to whom is the distinction of being the first evangelist of the resurrected Christ and the first "apostle" to the apostles!

    Mark 16:9 — Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

    1. Joanna - Luke 8:3

    The wife of Chuza who was Herod's Steward. "which ministered unto him of their substance." She with Susanna, and others had helped Jesus' financially.

    As the steward of Herod's household, Chuza worked inside the palace in Galilee. He is most unlikely that Chuza was himself a disciple of Jesus. The Gospel of christ brought a sword of variance in that household.

    Mt 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

    1. Mary, Mother of James (James the Less, the Younger) & Joseph - Mark 15:40

    2. Salome, Mother of James (the Elder) & John (Son's of Zebedee) - Matthew 27:56

    Salome is that mother who petitioned Jesus to grant that her 2 sons each sit on his Left and Right in His kingdom.

    Mt 20:21 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.

    Salome initial understanding of the nature of Christ and His kingdom was transformed by her personal witness of his death, empty tomb and resurrected body!

    1. Mary (mother of Jesus, widow of Joseph of Nazareth)

    2. Mary (wife of Cleophas)

    Cleophas was possibly the brother of Joseph of Nazareth. This would make this Mary the earthly "aunt" of Jesus.

    II. Their Question

    Mark 15:40 — There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Mr 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

    These women visiting the tomb of Jesus that resurrection morning had received much in the way of liberty and healing at the minsitry of Jesus. These women had in times past showed their thankfulness by supporting Jesus financially, washing Jesus feet or whichever ways they were able.

    Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.[Joses = Joseph]

    At least two followed from the cross sceme and watched as they placed the body of Jesus in a rock-hewn sepulchre and sealed the entrance with a stone.

    Knowing the door-way was sealed, after the Sabbath ended, early when it was yet dark, before the sun began to dawn on the the first day of the week, these women gathered each other together determined to minister one more time to their Lord by anointing/embalming His body with their sweet spices they had prepared (Luke 24:1).

    As they made their way to the sepulchre, they wondered among themselves, Who..?

    ‭Mark 16:3 — And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

    They could not do what was in their hearts and what they had prepared to do unless SOMEONE roll away the stone. These wome had learned something in their time following Jesus about FAITH.

    Follow the call of God, trusting He will provide what is beyond us.

    III. The Scene They Found

    Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

    Luke 24:2 — And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

    John 20:1 — The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

    Matthew — 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

    God must have done it!

    This stone did not hinder Jesus.

    It was not removed for Christ's sake but for sake of the disicples to see that the tomb was empty.

    Conclusion

    1 John 5:4 — For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

    Ps 94:16-18 — Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. 18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

    Jesus is Interceding for You

    TEXT: John 17:1-26

    Romans 8:34 — Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

    Hebrews 7:25 — Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

    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:

    Introduction - The Day of Atonement & the High Priests Intercession

    1. Intercession

    2. General

    3. Day of Atonement

    THE DAY OF EXPIATION, OR ATONEMENT, was a yearly solemn day, observed with rest and fasting, five days before the feast of tabernacles. The ceremonies of this all-important day are minutely described in Le 16:1-34. On this day alone the high priest entered the Most Holy Place the various acts of the day required him to enter several times.

    1. First with the golden censer and a vessel filled with incense.
    2. Second with the blood of the bullock, which he had offered for his own sins and those of all the priests, in which he dipped his finger, and sprinkled towards the veil of the tabernacle eight times; and having mixed it with the blood of the bullock, he sprinkled again towards horns of the altar of incense seven times, and once above it towards the east; after which,
    3. Third Having again left the sanctuary and taken with him the basins of blood, he poured out the whole on the floor of the altar of burnt-offering.
    4. The fourth time he entered to bring out the censer and vessel of incense; and having returned, he washed his hands and performed the other services of the day.

    4. Washed, Dressed & Prayed

    1. Washed himself, and put on clean linen garments. This Christ appears to have imitated, Joh 13:4. He laid aside his garments, girded himself with a towel. [High PRiest Washed not only his hands and feet (as at other sacrifices) but his WHOLE body. He then put on a plain linen garment identical to the other priests.]

    wearing neither his purple robe nor the ephod, nor the breastplate, because he was to expiate his own sins with those of the people. He first offered a bullock and a ram for his own sins, and those of the priests ; placing his hands on the heads of the victims, and confessing his own sins, and the sins of his house. Afterwards, he received from the princes of the people two goats for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering, to be offered on behalf of the whole nation.

    The lot having determined which of the two goats should be sacrificed (scapegoat). He then washed himself and put on his High Priestly garments, ephod, breastplate, etc. Then sacriced 2 lambs. 1 for the the people and one for himself.

    1. The high priest addressed a solemn prayer to God:
        1. For himself this Christ imitates, Joh 17:1-5.
        1. For the sons of Aaron: our Lord imitates this in praying for his disciples, Joh 17:9-19.
        1. For all who should believe on him through the preaching of the apostles and their successors, Joh 17:20-24.

    5. Prayers of Jesus

    Matthew 14:23 — And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

    Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

    Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

    I. Prayer for Himself, vs. 1-5

    Joh 17:1 — These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

    Joh 1:1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

    II. Prayer for the Apostles, vs. 6-19

    6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

    11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

    15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

    III. Prayer for all Believers for all Time

    20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 ¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

    Lean on the Lord

    The Plans, Ways and Works of a Man

    Proverbs 16:1 — The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

    Introduction

    Proverbs 1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

    Proverbs 3:13 — Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

    Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

    Man God
    Plans Preparations of the Heart The Answering of the Tongue
    Ways All the ways clean in own eyes The Lord weighs the spirits
    Works Commit thy works unto the Lord They thoughts will be established.

    I. The Plans of a Man, vs. 1

    Proverbs 25:27 — It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

    Jeremiah 17:9 — The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

    Jeremiah 17:10 — I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

    Proverbs 19:21 — There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

    II. The Ways of a Man, vs. 2

    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.

    III. The Works of a Man, vs. 3

    Genesis 40:17 — And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

    3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

    Psalm 22:8 — [derogatory] He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. -- Ps 22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

    Dwelling in Love

    TEXT: 1 John 4:7-21, v.16

    1 John 4:16 — And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

    Introduction

    Jeremiah 17:9 — The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

    1 Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

    I. Not As Cain

    1 Jo 3:11 — For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

    One Love! One Heart! Let's get together and feel alright Hear the children crying (One Love!) Hear the children crying (One Heart!) Saying: give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright Saying: let's get together and feel alright. Wo wo-wo wo-wo!

    1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

    II. To know of our true potential for love, we must look godward and not manward:

    1 John 4:10 — Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

    - The Father in Heaven Loving the Son of God the Son's Love for the Father. 
- 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
- The father that received again his Prodigal Son
    1. God's love calls to us. draws us higher; intoxicates, influences

    1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

    1. Are we doing God's Will? wars, fights ... not "pleasures" but "love"

    James 4:1 ¶ From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

    1. Love in Deed

    1 John 3:18 &mdahs; My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

    III. It is a developing (changing & growing) ability

    1Jo 4:16-21 — 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.¶ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

    1. The use of "love" was Jacob saying he loved "savory meat" ("Love me a steak." have affection; like a friend)

    Genesis 27:4 — And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

    1. "[7 Years] Seemed unto him but a few days, for the love ..."

    Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

    1. Now my husband will love me [if she bare a son]

    Genesis 29:32 — And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

    1. "that Love Me [God]"

    Exodus 20:6 — And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

    ISAAC WATTS: Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.

    1. "Loved Joseph more than"

    Genesis 37:3 — Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

    Conclusion

    Psalms 40:16 — Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

    The Salvation of the Lord

    Lamenations 3:26 — It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

    Salvation Promised (Can we EXPECT to be Saved?)

    Romans 10:9 — That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    Revelation 19:1 — And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: [preceding the announcement of the marriage of the lamb. IN THE END, those in heaven will ASCRIBE UNTO HIM SALVATION.]

    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. [overwhelm]

    Isaiah 7:14 — Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. [God with us.]

    Isa 49:8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

    Raphi - The Lord My Provider - Genesis 22
    Rapha - The Lord Who Heals- Exodus 15:22-26
    The Lord My Banner - Our **Claim** to Victory (Israel runaway slaves, centuries since it was home, WHO GOD IS and WHO WE ARE) - The Battle's Not Mine said little David Ex 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

    2 Samuel 22:42 — They [David's enemies] looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

    Psalm 118:15 — The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

    Hoping for Salvation

    1. Waiting, Expecting, Tarrying, Hoping

    Genesis 49:18 — I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. [Jacob blessing Dan]

    Psalms 119:166 ¶ LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. [hope: expect, tarry, wait]

    Psalm 25:5 — Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

    2. result of the waiting:

    Exodus 15:2 — Ex 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. [from the song of moses]

    Ex 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

    The Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites, invade Judah, 1, 2. Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast, and gathers the people together to seek the Lord, 3, 4. Great and small, male and female, seek the Lord, 13. Jahaziel predicts the downfall of their enemies, 14-17.

    2Ch 20:14-17 — Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

    The king, the Levites, and the people take courage; praise and magnify God; and go forth to meet their enemies,

    2 Ch 20:20 ¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

    18-21. The enemies are confounded, and destroy each other, 22-24. The men of Judah take the spoil, praise the Lord, and return with joy to Jerusalem, 25-28.

    2Ch 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

    Isa 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

    REFUGE: (PRESERVED FROM) The God of the Rock of My Salvation

    Psalm 71:3 — Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

    Psalms 95:1 ¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. [refuge]

    2 Samuel 22:3 The God [Elohim] of my rock [a refuge]; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

    2 Samuel 22:32 — For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

    2 Samuel 22:47 — The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

    2Sa 22:51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

    DOTTIE RAMBO: "I Go to the Rock" Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I turn to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable? I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock

    DELIVERANCE (OUT OF)

    2 Samuel 22:4 — I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

    2Sa 22:48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, 49 And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

    Salvation is of the Lord

    Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

    Psalm 121:1 — I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. [or, Shall I lift...?]

    Psalm 121:2 — My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

    Jeremiah 3:23 — Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

    Psalm 5:3 — My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

    Psalms 68:20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

    Deuteronomy 9:29 — Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

    Exodus 32:4 — And he [Aaron] received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

    Isa 51:1 ¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek [worship, beseech] the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. 3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

    - GOD's PROVIDENCE, we had nothing to do with our birth!
- once "a rock & a hole in ground" BUT GOD! "Father of Many" and "a queen" but having no children.

    1 Ch 11:14 — And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance. {set...: or, stood} {deliverance: or, salvation }

    1Ch 11:10 ¶ These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. 11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time. 12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties. 13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines. 14 And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.

    I Go to the Rock

    Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I turn to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable? I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock

    I go to The Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

    Where do I hide till the storms have all passed over? Who do I run to when the winds of sorrow threaten? Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation? When my soul needs consolation, I go to the Rock

    I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

    I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me

    When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock

    I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to The Rock

    I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me

    When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

    I go to the Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

    I go to The Rock for my salvation I go to the stone that the builders rejected I run to the Mountain and the Mountain stands by me

    When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock

    Resolutions Concerning God's Word

    Sections:

    1. Timeline of the English Bibles
    2. The Bible In Languages that would Later Develop into English

    Resolutions

    Be it resolved that the following resoloutions in this document are never to be forcibly imposed with threat of penalty of anykind on a congregant or used as gate to entering into full fellowship with the other congregants of the Deliverance Center, but the acceptance of these resolutions be done in the clear liberty of personal conscience to a person.

    Be it resolved that the congregants of the Deliverance Center use the King James Version of the Holy Bible as its primary source for doctrine.

    Be it resolved that the congregants of the Deliverance Center use the King James Version of the Holy Bible as the primary source for its preaching, teaching, memorization, and song when gathered together for the purpose of Christian worship.

    Be it resolved that the congregants of the Deliverance Center use the King James Version of the Holy Bible as the principle Biblical translation in their homes as the rule and primary textbook for personal study, reading, and memorization.

    Introduction

    the cost for providing the English speaking people with a Bible must be counted in the blood of the men who sought to translate it. — https://bibleversion.org/bible/versions/early-english/the-first-english-bible/

    1. Timeline of the English Bibles

    Progression of the Bibles

    English Bibles have been in agreement with each other and the RECEIVED TEXT from the Gothic to the KJV.

    The Wycliffe Bible.

    John Wycliffe translated a hand written copy of the complete Bible into English. This project took several years to complete which was finished approximately in 1380.

    The Wycliffe Bible predates Erasmus Greek NT so he could not have had access to it. Yet the Wycliffe Bible is in perfect harmony with Erasmus' Greek NT indicating that the then common received Greek text available to Wycliffe was the same commonly received text which was the basis for Erasmus' Greek NT.

    Wycliffe also used the original language manuscripts of Hebrew and Greek.

    Wycliffe did not use the corrupt Latin Vulgate as the basis for his translation.

    The Catholic Church tried many times unsuccessfully to stop the work of Wycliffe.

    The Tyndale New Testament

    Tyndale also followed the Pre-Wycliffe and Wycliffe Bibles closely. The Wording of the Tyndale NT is similar to that of the Wycliffe Bible.

    In 1525-1526 the Tyndale New Testament became the first printed edition of the Scripture in the English language. There are two copies still in existence today of this Tyndale first edition NT.

    Tyndale used the very simple popular language of the people. Tyndale himself realized there would one day be a need for a fuller translation with deeper vocabulary.

    A law punishable by death was enacted in 1530 that forbid owning or selling an English Bible. Foxe describes person after person, burned at the stake for owning the Scriptures in English.

    Tyndale's final prayer before he was burned at the stake in October of 1536 was: O Lord, open the King of England's eyes. This prayer would be answered just three years later in 1539, when King Henry VIII finally allowed, and even funded, the printing of an English Bible known as the Great Bible.

    The Coverdale Bible

    Myles Coverdale had worked with Tyndale on the OT Translation into English. Coverdale finished translating the OT and in 1535 he printed the first complete Bible in the English language.

    THIS WAS THE FIRST COMPLETE BIBLE TO BE PRINTED IN ENGLISH!

    The Coverdale Bible consisted of Tyndale's NT and the portions of the OT that were completed by Tyndale. It was the work of Tyndale with Coverdale finishing the uncompleted portions of the OT.

    Coverdale who worked with Tyndale also used the Pre-Wycliffe and Wycliffe Bibles. The Coverdale Bible is in agreement with earlier English Bibles and the KJV.

    The Great Bible

    This was the first English Bible authorized for public use. Coverdale was hired by Cranmmer the Archbishop of Canterbury at the request of Henry VIII to publish a Bible.

    It was called the Great Bible due to its size. It was a pulpit version measuring over 14 inches tall. It was published in 1539.

    It was not just a reprint of the Coverdale Bible. Coverdale polished and refined the Tyndale Bible. The Great Bible was another step to the KJV.

    The Geneva Bible

    The Geneva Bible is so named because it was produced in Geneva by exiles from England. It was published in 1560.

    It was based on Tyndale's Bible and is almost identical to the KJV.

    The Geneva Bible was the first Bible taken to America. It was the Bible of the Puritans and Pilgrims. It is truly the Bible of the Protestant Reformation.

    The flaw of the Geneva Bible was the marginal notes were written by John Calvin and his assistants. The notes are strong Calvinistic and promote the false doctrines of eternal security and the predestination.

    The Bishops' Bible

    Archbishop Parker along with other bishops produced in 1568 what is referred to as the Bishops' Bible. It is so called because it was produced by the Bishops of the Church of England.

    The Bishops' Bible was produced to conform to the structure of the Church of England, and to stand against the false notes of Calvinism contained in the Geneva Bible.

    It followed the common English translation. Most of the text is Tyndale's and it is very similar to the KJV.

    The Bishops' Bible improved on the word order of earlier versions. The words were the same, but syntax was improved for clarity. This Bible was one of the main sources for the KJV.

    2. The Bible In Languages that would Later Develop into English

    The Bible In Languages that would Later Develop into English

    The Gothic language was an early predecessor of the English language.

    Gothic is an early root of the English language.

    Ulfilas also called Wulfila the Apostle translated the Bible into Gothic in AD 350.

    We start with this primitive root of the English language to show the clear stream of English Bible translation from the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Greek TEXTUS RECEPTUS. The Gothic Bible is in perfect harmony with the KJV and the RECEIVED TEXT.

    Anglo-Saxon is another step of the English language.

    This language is referred to as Old English.

    There is much historical evidence to show the use of Anglo-Saxon Bibles as early as the 6th century. Portions of these texts still remain today.

    The Wycliffe Bible states in the preface that the Bible had been translated into Saxon by Bede a seventh century theologian thus adding more historical support for the existence of at least portions of the Bible in Anglo-Saxon

    Middle English developed from Old English during the 12th through the 14th centuries.

    This pre-Wycliffe Bible English is another step in the development of the modern English language.

    There is archaeological evidence to support the existence of at least part of the English Bible before the Wycliffe Bible of 1389.

    Wycliffe in his preface mentions that he had gathered many older English Bibles.

    Proverbs 22:6 Initiations, Instructions and Impressions

    Proverbs 22:6 — Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    I. INITIATIONS: train, initiate, catechise, dedicate, consecreate, discipline

    INITIATION: the introduction of someone to a particular activity or skill: to get something started

    DEDICATE: The other 3 pages all use this word in the sense of dedicating the house of the Lord.

    Catecise: instruct (someone) in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer

    Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

    Deuteronomy 4:9 — Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

    II. INSTRUCTIONS: "in the way"

    1. Masoretic: TRAIN=ENOCH "As enoch to Methuselah"; AN ANCIENT SIMILE "WAY OF ENOCH" ... "righteous Methuselah lived a long life" will not depart

    Genesis 5:24 — And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

    Enoch walked with God and his son Methuselah lived a LONG life (969 years.)

    1. [Hebrew: "in his way"]

    "Initiate the child at the opening (the mouth) of his path."

    When he comes to the opening of the way of life, being able to walk alone, and to choose; stop at this entrance, and begin a series of instructions, how he is to conduct himself in every step he takes. Show him the duties, the dangers, and the blessings of the path; — Adam Clarke's Commentary of the Bible

    1. "The Way"

    Proverbs 10:29 — The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

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

    Ac 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou [Elymas the sorcerer] child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

    III. IMPRESSIONS: The Promise? of It

    a. Lasting Mark

    Ephesians 6:2 — Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) [Exodus 20:12; As Enoch to Methuselah]

    b. "he will not depart from it"

    " teach your children about God, they will be faithful to Him in adulthood. "

    Yf thou teachest a childe what waye he shoulde go, he shall not leave it when he is olde." — Coverdale Bible

    The Coverdale Bible, compiled Myles Coverdale and published in 1535, was the first complete Modern English translation of the Bible (not just the Old, or New Testament), and the first complete printed translation into English. He used some of William Tyndales manuscript, and translated the rest from various sources and not being a Hebrew or Greek scholar worked mainly from Germon sources including Luther's German translation of the Bible.

    All of Coverdale’s books were condemned on the 8th July 1546 and many were burned at St Paul’s Cross on the 26th September 1546 by Bishop Bonner