First Christian Church

December 15, 2024

I CAN'T HELP IT!

Many people have given up on battling their sin nature. Their excuse is, “It’s just the way I am. I can’t help it!” While there are many contributing factors associated with sins/addictions, the common cause in every case is we choose to do it. Why?

It is evident that many personal and societal problems stem from lack of self-control: addictions, anger, divorce, greed, immoral sex, materialism, murder, rudeness, over-spending, over-eating, gaming, gambling, just to name a few problems.

However, there is a solution for all people, sinners and addicts. God has granted it to us through Christ to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to walk by the Spirit.

2 Peter 1:1-11

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Notice God has given us everything we need to be like Jesus, but we have a role in it. We must deny our sinful nature and practice the divine nature that has been given to us through the Holy Spirit. We are to grow in these divine qualities and possess them in increasing measure. It is a life-long process. It is not a self-help program. It is giving the Holy Spirit control of ourselves.

Galatians 5:16-25

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.

I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

It is impossible to follow our fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit’s desires at the same time. We must crucify the flesh daily in order to give the Holy Spirit control.

Jesus and the writings of the apostles Peter and Paul could not be clearer on this matter of the Christian life. If a person genuinely comes into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, that person comes into a new way of living. Old ways are passing away. It is this changed way of living which is outlined in a broad and major way in the scriptures we have just heard. We cannot do it in our own strength, but the Holy Spirit gives us grace do it if we give Him control.

Therefore, we need to have our minds set on what the Spirit desires and choose to deny self and obey God. That is what it means to be a Christian—Christ-like.

Romans 8:5-9

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God.

It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.

And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is critical, not only for salvation, but also for victory in this battle for our soul (mind, will, emotions). Only by the Holy Spirit do we have grace to practice self-control. The Holy Spirit turns our thoughts to Christ instead of the temptation. The Holy Spirit gives us power to rebuke and reject the thoughts that come from the enemy or from our sinful nature.

Self-Control is a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. If anyone is growing in the Lord, he is growing in self-control. If there is little self-control evident in the life of a professing believer in Jesus, then there is little of the Holy Spirit’s power in that person’s life.

Self-control is like a double-edged sword. It accomplishes two major things in us. 1. It stops us from doing wrong things. 2. It keeps us doing right things.

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Let us look at some scenarios and questions concerning the presence of the Holy Spirit and self-control. Examine yourself.

• How are you as a finisher of responsible actions? When it is your turn to do the dishes for instance, and you look over at the overflowing countertop, do you go to it and complete the task in a responsible manner, or are you more likely to end up on the couch for the evening, or ignoring the dishes to go do something fun?

• When the pornographic pop-up ad entices you on your computer, do you delete it immediately every time, or do you tend to get drawn away by the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh?

• When someone upsets you, are you careful not to say negative things about that person to third parties who are not involved in the situation?

• When it is getting late and you know that you need to be at your best at school or work early the next morning, do you shut off the TV, or put away the phone, and get the sleep you need, in order to be sharp the next day for God’s glory?

• When you need to deal with some negative situation, but you know that to do so will be unpleasant, do you do the hard thing and deal with it in a timely way?

• When you walk into the mall, and you have a pocket full of credit cards, what is likely to happen?

There could be hundreds of scenarios suggested, and some of them are more drastic than these, but all self-control situations in our life are important.

Self-control is really a confusing term. Self-control is actually God, the Holy Spirit, controlling our "self". Self-control trains our "self" to say “No” to self and “Yes” to God for the rest of our life. Self-control may sound like a “death sentence” to some of you. Well, it is.

It is death to self, but it leads to life in Christ.

There are many benefits from being controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Self-control will stop us from doing or saying vengeful and hurtful things.

Self-control will create ways for us to escape from bad habits and addictions.

Self-control will enable us to do what is right and what is needed, and it will create a firm foundation in our life of faithfulness and accountability.

Self-control enhances our reputation on the job and at home as a reliable person, and as one whose word can be trusted.

Self-control enables honesty to flourish; whereas, a lack of self-control has turned many honest promises into lies.

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The effort all of us must make is to daily deny self, present our bodies as living sacrifices, and ask the Father to fill us with His Spirit so we have grace to follow Jesus instead of our sinful nature.

Jesus said in Luke 11:13

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

If we are filled with the Spirit, we will get His permission before we say and do things. It is called “following Jesus.” Jesus is in the lead. We are no longer in control. It is a life-style of loving Jesus and being controlled by His Spirit.

Jesus is not supposed to be our “co-pilot.” And we are not supposed to be His co-pilot. Jesus is to be in total command and control! With God, the Holy Spirit, in control, we will walk in the Light as Jesus is in the Light.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

To ensure we stay in the Light of Christ, it is good to be accountable to trustworthy people who are also walking in the Light of Christ. An important component of self-control is for each believer to have peers who care about their spiritual condition, who will provide help in areas where they struggle. Therefore, seek trustworthy friends in the Lord, and be open with them. Call them when the urge to gamble, to spend foolishly, to get high, or to view pornography is hitting hard!

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Flee from sexual immorality.

Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.

So, glorify God in your body.

Sexual immorality comes from a lack of self-control. God gave us sexual desires, but the devil perverts them through temptations. The best prescription for exercising self-control during these types of temptations is to flee! “Run for your life!”

Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, sometimes self-control requires physically leaving the scene of temptation, or avoiding such situations to begin with.

Furthermore, we also need to make sure that we do not become emotionally intimate and vulnerable with members of the opposite sex, except for our wife or husband. What may seem like innocent friendship and personal supportiveness, is actually a time bomb waiting to destroy many people.

It quietly feeds the ego when a man tells a woman, or a woman tells a man “Nobody else understands or listens to me as well as you do.” Beware of that! It is an illegitimate intimacy, and it is dangerous. Flee to Jesus and let Him take control!

In a similar way, if you are angry with someone, and you sense that you are about to say things which should not be said, you may need to leave the area, pray, and re-visit the issues at hand some other time when the Holy Spirit is in control.

Our society and our lives have proven that apart from Jesus we cannot control our sinful nature. Surely, God can control our lives and produce a better outcome if we daily deny ourselves, pick up a cross of self-sacrifice, and follow Jesus.

Romans 8:12-14

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

There is no other way for the child of God to live. Life in Christ requires death to self and being led by the Spirit, who produces self-control. Most people will try to “do it their own way”, live their own life, and be in control, but that way of life leads to eternal death and damnation.

We are not right with God when self-control or any other fruit of His Spirit is not evident in our life, when we have not daily presented our bodies as living sacrifices unto the Lord, when we have not given Him control, and when we are not obediently following Jesus. We must be honest with ourselves and confess we are walking in sin and in darkness where there is no fellowship with Christ.

After we confess this, the good news is forgiveness is offered to us today through faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done on the cross to atone for our sin. We still can give our life to Jesus to receive the life He died to give us. This means giving up control and living for Him with the Holy Spirit in control.

Will you die to self and be filled with the Holy Spirit every day hereafter? You get to choose. The consequences before us are life or death, blessings or curses. I pray we all will choose life and blessings every day.

Initially to give Jesus control of your life, you must believe He is the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross. If you believe that, profess that faith publicly and repent of your own self-determination.

Then put your old life to death in a watery grave of baptism, and you will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will teach you to say “No” to all ungodliness and “Yes” to Jesus Christ. Then the divine characteristics of God, the fruit of the Spirit, will be formed in you. It is a life-long process. Begin that process today by accepting the invitation of Jesus to come to Him.

December 8, 2924

Making a Bucket List

None of us knows how much time we have left. Mostly, we live as though we have all the time in the world. We forget our frailty and God’s sovereignty in all of life’s plans. James gives us a proper perspective about life.

James 4:13-16

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

As it is, you boast and brag.

All such boasting is evil.

Isn’t it ironic that as soon as we begin our careers after school, we start retirement planning? We study hard to get an education so we can get a job. After we get the job, we plan to retire.

We put part of our salary into a retirement account and make big plans about things we want to do during retirement. When retirement finally comes, we find we are unable do those things and we spend our money on medical bills. There must be something more to life than this.

There is.

All of us, regardless of our age or career, should engage in expiration planning rather than retirement planning. We are not guaranteed a retirement. Although we do not like to think about it, we cannot avoid our expiration date.

We need to quit considering our death as “unthinkable” and realize it is “inevitable.” We need to prepare for our expiration, which could come at any moment, and not waste our time before it comes.

Psalm 39:4-6

Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to

and fro:

He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

David prayed this because he recognized that when we are mindful of the shortness of our lifespan, it changes our perspective about what to do with the time that we have. There is not enough time to do everything, and some things are not important in the light of eternity. Therefore, we need to prioritize what is really important and focus on accomplishing those things.

Some people call that making a “bucket list.” A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish before you “kick the bucket;” in other words, before you die.

Before we begin making our list, we need the right perspective. A bucket represents our limited life. Regardless of whether our bucket is large or small, it represents all the time we have, and we get to fill it with either rocks or sand. Let’s say the rocks illustrate our priorities, and the sand represents all of the other things in life that we have to do.

What happens if we put the sand in the bucket first? We can’t put many rocks in can we? Our priorities get crowded out. However, if we put the rocks in the bucket first, the sand filters around the rocks. They fill in the cracks or the time we have left after our priorities are accomplished.

Proverb 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Therefore, before making our bucket list, we should ask, “what does God want me do to do with my life?” Because if we do not do what God wants, we are sinning by being our own god. After all, God knows the future, He knows what we really need, and He has a purpose for our life. It makes lots of sense to let God determine our bucket list. Furthermore, His bucket list for us is bigger and more exciting than we can imagine.

What are the “rocks” that should be on our “bucket list”?

Jesus said the two most important things we can do are to love God and to love others. If we make these our top priorities, the rest will fall into its proper place. It is our relationships, first with God and then with others, which we will be judged by when we meet Jesus face to face.

Matthew 22:36-40

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

"This is the first and greatest commandment.

"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

"All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

God created us for relationships, but we often fail to give these the same priority God does. Our tendency is either to avoid relationships, or have superficial relationships where we do not reveal anything about ourselves. We talk about the weather, sports, the latest news, but nothing about what is really going on inside us or in our lives.

These are not really relationships or friendships, but acquaintances.

God wants us to invest in friendships for the benefit of each other. Friendships are not just about what we get out of them, they are about what we can give. Invest time with people. If today were your last day--or their last day--on earth, what would you like them to know? Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them about Jesus.

Investing in friendships will cost us time and perhaps money, too. There is a passage of Scripture, where Jesus was teaching about money, and he makes a curious statement.

Luke 16:9

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

As followers of Jesus, we are to use all our gifts and resources to help others and make friends for the purpose of bringing them closer to Christ. This earthly investment will have eternal rewards. We invest in others, even sometimes at a personal sacrifice, for their benefit. That is what God’s love does. It is what Jesus did for us. In fact, He gave His entire life for us.

John 15:13-15

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Jesus called his disciples friends because He shared with them everything His heavenly Father revealed to him. As a friend, He spoke God’s truth in love.

We should share God’s good news, even if it may not be what they want to hear at the time. Life is short and they need to plan for their expiration, too. Love will motivate us to share Jesus with them. None of us knows the day or the hour when we will be called to stand before the Lord. So do not delay sharing the truth in love. Make it a “rock” on your bucket list.

1 Peter 4:7-10

The end of all things is near.

Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Peter says that because time is of essence, we ought to be “clear minded and self-controlled.” To be “clear minded” means to be aware—to recognize what is going on around you. Someone, who is clear minded, is ready to respond to the Holy Spirit’s “whisper” at a moment’s notice.

Peter also says we are to be self-controlled. This means to be in control of our thoughts and not susceptible to irrational thoughts, confusion, emotions, and fantasies. In other words, to be self-controlled is to accept the Word of God as being reality, to believe in the truths it reveals, and to live it out in our life. Living it out includes loving each other deeply from our heart and showing that love by serving with the gifts God has given us.

Furthermore, we are to be clear minded and self-controlled so that we might pray! Every believer, regardless of age or physical condition, can and should pray continuously. Prayer is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, for others, and for God. Prayer is relating to God and aligning with His will.

1 Peter 5:7-8

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Prayer is how we battle Satan, who tempts us and distracts us with anxiety. If he can succeed at that and keep us from prayer, we will not be fighting against him; we will not notice the evil around us; we will live to please our fleshly desires; and we will serve Satan. Therefore, add constant prayer to your bucket list and begin today.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

If you get nothing else out of this message this morning, please get this and take it to heart: Jesus did not die just so we could run an event called, “Church,” on Sunday mornings.

What God has done through Jesus is meant to have a far deeper impact, a far greater influence, in our lives and in the world than what takes place in this building. As important as it is for us to gather together and worship with one another, Jesus died and rose again, and called us to be His disciples for something much greater than this.

If the doors of this church are where your faith begins and ends, you have completely missed the will of God! We are to be Christ’s ambassadors to this world 24/7.

Romans 14:12

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

God has given all of us a limited amount of time. We will be called to give an account of ourselves before a holy God for how we invested our gift of time. This is not about salvation. This has to do with the ministry that Jesus commissioned and entrusted to us. Make sure fulfilling this ministry is a “rock” on your “bucket list”.

Matthew 28:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Everything we do should relate to this ^^^ commission.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Make sure your bucket list glorifies God. Whatever is on our bucket list, do it as for the Lord, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. Whatever we do should reflect Jesus, His love, His grace, His mercy, and His power, so others may believe in Him and become His disciple.

We belong to God, and He appointed us as ambassadors with great responsibilities until Jesus returns. It is important to be faithful and not forgetful of our duty. Remember who you are in Christ. Remember to whom you belong!

Our life is but a mist, but God has a purpose for us. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come. All we can do today is to love and serve Jesus. We do that by loving and serving others.

So, do you have an expiration plan? What would you do if you were told you only had 40 days to live?

God told Jonah to inform the people of Nineveh that they only had 40 days left before God destroyed them. Here is how they spent their time.

Jonah 3:1-10

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you."

Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh.

Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days.

On the first day, Jonah started into the city.

He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned."

The Ninevites believed God.

They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.

Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink.

"But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth.

"Let everyone call urgently on God.

"Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.

"Who knows?

"God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

What things is the Holy Spirit telling you to repent of before Jesus comes again—which could be today? What will you do? Will you respond like the Ninevites and repent?

There are a lot of things that we can put off until tomorrow and it’s no big deal. They are like the sand in our bucket.

Moreover, there are a great many more things that are not worth spending our time on at all.

But there are some things that are too important to put off even for one day. There are some things that should not wait for tomorrow, because for you, or for someone close to you, tomorrow might never come. One of those things we should not put off is repenting of our sin and making Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Maybe you have never considered God in your plans. Today, before you “kick the bucket”, you can make an expiration plan.

No matter how sinfully you have lived to this point, God will redeem your past through faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Don’t delay making Jesus your Lord through repentance and being born of the Holy Spirit in baptism. Not many of us get a warning of how many days we have left to live. Today could be our last. We need to be prepared to face Jesus Christ. It is better to face Him now in repentance than to face Him in judgment.

December 1,2024

GOD OF MERCY

Did you ever get caught doing something you shouldn’t do? Has a policeman ever stopped you for speeding while you were driving? What were you hoping for when you got caught?

Mercy, right?

Mercy is refraining from inflicting suffering or punishment by the one who has the right and power to inflict it. Fortunately, God Almighty, the Creator of all, is a God of mercy.

Joel 2:12-13

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your clothing.”

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents from punishing.

God is often referred to as gracious and merciful; however, grace and mercy are not the same thing. Grace is God doing something for me or in me that I cannot do myself. For example, I cannot save myself and I cannot act like Jesus. God saves me by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ and by His grace the Holy Spirit enables me to act like Jesus.

Whereas, God shows mercy to me by not sending me to Hell or sparing me from experiencing the full consequences of my sin. In other words, through faith in Jesus Christ, God shows us mercy for who we are and what we have done, and He gives us grace to believe in Jesus, to become like Him, and to do what He does.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

God first shows us His mercy (not giving us what we deserve) by giving us His grace (His power) to believe, to repent, and to become like Jesus.

Exodus 34:6-8

The LORD passed before him (Moses) and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped.

We find here that God reveals His character to Moses. God is both just and merciful. When God says He is merciful, He is saying to us that His gaze upon us is one of tender compassion. However, God’s mercy does not mean that He will set aside justice. He does not turn a blind eye to sin. God will not clear nor cleanse those who refuse to confess and repent of their sin. He offers mercy through faith in His Son, but He will not prevent us from going to Hell if we refuse to believe in His Son and follow Him.

Justice treats us as we deserve. Mercy treats us better than we deserve. However, no one has a right for mercy. Mercy is not in the hands of the one who pleads for it. Mercy rests in the hands of the one to whom the plea is made.

Jesus, who is God in the flesh, illustrates God’s mercy in John 8:2-11

Early in the morning he came again to the temple.

All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.

"Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.

"So what do you say?”

This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to

bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older

ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

You see, in order for us to appeal to God for mercy, we must be aware of our sin. Mercy can only be exercised where there is a confession of guilt. This woman knew she was guilty, and the penalty, according to the law of God, was stoning. She was standing before God, the only one without sin, who would have been justified if He condemned her. By His law and decree, death is what she deserved. But Jesus saw she was repentant and He gave her mercy plus the command to go and sin no more.

Jesus also told a parable about a prodigal son to illustrate the Father’s mercy. The prodigal son lived sinfully and ended up in a pigsty, feeding pigs. He was so hungry he considered eating the pig’s food. He knew he was guilty of squandering his inheritance and deserved nothing but rejection from his father. Nevertheless, he decided to return to his father, confess his sin, and become his father’s servant, if his father would hire him.

Luke 15:17-24

“But when he came to himself, he said,

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

"' will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

'I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

'Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’

And he arose and came to his father.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

And the son said to him,

‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

'I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

But the father said to his servants,

‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

' And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.

"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’

And they began to celebrate.

This is how our Father in Heaven treats every sinner who humbly comes to Him, confessing his sin, and asking for mercy to repent. The father had allowed the Prodigal to squander his inheritance and end up in the pigsty—not because he did not love his son—but because by suffering the consequences of sin, his son might learn the truth and repent.

Likewise, our Father will allow us to wallow in the mire of our sin so that we will see the Truth and the consequences of our sin, in hope that we will repent and return to Him for mercy.

In order of us to receive God’s mercy, we must come to the realization that we are guilty and that we deserve the punishment prescribed by the Law.

So out of His love, God shows us exactly who we are before Him – a sinner.

He shows us where we are before Him – lost and on our way to Hell.

He shows us exactly what we deserve before Him – eternal damnation.

Furthermore, God shows us what we can do to save ourselves – nothing.

That is the purpose of the Law. It is only when we are convinced and convicted that we deserve eternal damnation in Hell, that we are led to God to cry for mercy.

However, God cannot set aside justice when His law is broken. Justice must be fulfilled or God would not be just. God’s holiness and His justice demand our eternal damnation.

And yet, because God is also merciful, He has provided the means for us to escape eternal death and receive eternal life through faith in what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for us on the cross. The sacrificial blood of Jesus, satisfies God’s demand for justice and allows God to show us mercy.

Ephesians 2:4-9

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Titus 3:4-7

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 Peter 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

I know this is a lot of Scripture, but I’m trying to hold the light of God’s Word up high to you in hope that you can see God’s mercy and be attracted to it! Let me illustrate with this story:

Deep in the backwoods of Arkansas, a hillbilly’s wife went into labor in the middle of the night, and a mid-wife was fetched to assist in the delivery. Since there was no electricity, the mid-wife handed the father-to-be a lantern and said, "Here. You hold this up high so I can see what I am doing." Soon, a baby boy was brought into the world.

“Whoa there,” said the mid-wife, "Don’t be in such a rush to put that lantern down. I think there’s another one coming." Sure enough, within minutes she had delivered a baby girl.

"Keep that lantern up, there’s another one!" said the mid-wife. Within a few minutes, she had delivered a third baby. "No, no, don’t put that lantern down! It seems there’s another one coming!" cried the mid-wife.

The astonished hillbilly asked the mid-wife, "You reckon it might be the light that’s attractin’ ’em?”

I hope the light of God’s mercy is attractin’ you to Jesus! The Law says, “You deserve Hell and damnation!” God’s mercy says, “I took your punishment. Come to Me! Confess your sin. Repent and die to your old life in baptism and be born again of my Spirit!”

Psalm 89:14-15

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!

They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.

We often hear people say “God helps those who help themselves.” That is not true! Furthermore, it is not in the Bible.

The truth is “God helps those who are unable to help themselves.”

That is why God is a God of mercy and grace. He does not treat us as our sin deserves. In His love and mercy for us, He sent Christ to die in our place, to take our punishment, to give us a new life, to fill us with His Spirit, to give us His righteousness, to make us His children, and to make us His ambassadors in this world.

1 Peter 2:10

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

This may seem unloving to you, but this morning my prayer for every one of us is that God would make us miserable in our sin, so that our eyes might be open to the light of His mercy. As long as you and I remain un-convicted of our sin and the fact that we are sinners, then our sin will damn our souls and corrupt our lives. It is only when God opens our eyes to the convicting light of the Holy Spirit that we can see our guilt, beg for God’s mercy, and have faith to be redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

Jesus is the narrow road to redemption. We get on that road by believing and trusting in what Jesus did on the cross. By admitting our guilt, we no longer seek excuses or for our sin. We beg for God’s mercy and rest in the assurance that God will forgive our sin on the grounds of the shed blood of His Son. And it is that Blood which brings justice to God for our sin, and the mercy of God to us.

God’s mercy is available to you right now. “Come to Me,” says Jesus. (Matthew 11:28)

If you have never received God’s mercy, then you are facing a death sentence. It is not just “you die and it is all over”. No, your body will die, but your soul will spend an eternity in Hell. In Hell, you will be separated from God, His goodness, His love, and everything you love. But today, is the day of salvation! Today you can receive God’s mercy and by His grace be born again of the Holy Spirit.

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God who atoned for your sin on the cross, publicly confess your faith in Him, repent of your sin, and die to yourself in baptism. You have a choice. You can either die to yourself now and receive eternal life in Heaven, or you can die later and receive an eternal death in Hell.

Either way, you will die. Therefore, I pray you will choose to die now by giving your life to Jesus and receive eternal life through God’s mercy and grace. Your sin will be forgiven and you will be born again of the Holy Spirit.

November 17,2024

FAITH PRODUCES WORKS

James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?

Can such faith save him?

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

You believe that there is one God.

Good!

Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James asks some very good questions, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? In other words, what if a person says, “I’m a Christian. I believe in Jesus.” But he seldom goes to church, he can’t control his speech, he spends no time in prayer or reading the Bible, he is not concerned about others, and he acts like unbelievers. Can such a faith save him?

For centuries, there has been a theological debate about this question.

For the answer, we must consider the behavior of the first Christians in the Book of Acts. They did not have the New Testament. They did not have church buildings. They did not have denominational doctrines. However, they had the Holy Spirit, which testified to their salvation. Their faith was demonstrated in that they loved Jesus so much they were willing to give up everything and die for Him. That is saving faith—being filled with the Holy Spirit and living and dying for Jesus because you love Him more than your own life.

As soon as they put their faith in Jesus Christ, they repented of their sin, were baptized, and born again by Holy Spirit. They started denying themselves and began carrying a cross of self-sacrifice. Their meetings were informal and exciting. Believers were praying, giving, worshipping, studying God’s Word, and acting like Jesus. They told others about Jesus and the Church grew rapidly.

After these believers went on to Heaven and persecution of Christians ceased, the Church gradually changed. It became a formal, ritualistic, religious organization.

Priests baptized infants instead of believers.

They controlled the belief and behavior of the people through fear, but there was no true repentance, no rebirth, no filling with the Holy Spirit.

People started trusting in deeds, knowledge, and indulgences for their salvation.

Consequently, the Church became rich and powerful.

To correct these errors, church reformers emphasized the truth that “we are not saved by works; we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus.” Some over-emphasized this truth by saying we are saved by “faith alone”. Over-emphasizing is how heresies are produced. The only place in the entire Bible where you see, “faith alone,” is in James 2:24 where we just read:

“You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”

We are not saved by faith alone and we are not saved by our works.

We are saved when our faith is in the works of Jesus and we deny ourselves, pick up a cross of self-sacrifice, and follow Him, which will cause us to produce the works that Jesus because we love Him and we love others.

The balance between faith and works is found in Ephesians 2:8-10:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

In other words, salvation is a gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ and His works. (The faith to believe is also a gift from God.) Faith is revealed to us when we hear His Word. Salvation is not something we earn by doing good. The combination of God giving us grace to believe, and the presence of the Holy Spirit producing conviction and repentance in us, is how God saves us. Evidence of salvation is a new life, born of the Holy Spirit, that does good works and produces the fruit of the Spirit. More simply stated, faith produces works.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

We need to understand that without change, our faith is dead.

If there is no transformation of the heart and mind,

no transformation of our schedule,

no transformation of our words,

no transformation to our way of life,

no deeds that express our faith,

then there was no birth of the Spirit;

thus, no new creation.

Otherwise, we would see the Life of Christ developing in the person claiming to have faith.

Some people are afraid to express their faith, for fear of persecution or being challenged with questions they cannot answer. They say their faith is personal and they don’t want to talk about it. Yes, faith is personal, but it is definitely not private.

Jesus said in Mark 8:38,

“For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father and with the holy angels."

If we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ—if He is our Lord and Savior—if He abides in us—our faith will not end up being a private matter. We cannot keep it quiet. Regardless of what it costs us, we will let the whole world know whom we love and follow.

Faith is seen and heard.

James says,

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

Here is a brother or sister in Christ who needs some help. If we don’t care for our own, James says our faith is dead, because someone who has real faith; that is, God in them, will show their faith by what they do. Faith is active. Faith is involved. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident.

Galatians 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

The proof, of whether we are a Christian, is not according to what we claim. The proof is what we show with our life, what is on display for the world to see. A deep faith and love for Jesus Christ will cause us to crucify the flesh and act like Him, to deny ourselves, to pick up a cross, and to share Jesus with everyone by what we say and do. To the believer who loves Jesus and has faith in Him, it is a joy and privilege to suffer for His Namesake.

Furthermore, true faith is not something we turn on and off, depending on what we want to do. Faith is not a part-time, Sunday activity. It is a full-time lifestyle.

2 Corinthians 5:15

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Faith is not intellectual knowledge of Jesus Christ. James says in verse 19:

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

So, just because we have read the Bible and believe there is one God, that belief alone does not save us! Just like reading a traffic sign does not make you safe—you must obey it. To illustrate this point further, allow me to present a parable.

Imagine Satan walking down the aisles of this church and saying he wants to join our congregation.

We think we would not allow that, but Satan takes many disguises, and he has successfully joined a countless number of churches without detection.

Most likely, we would not recognize him and we would respond by asking our normal questions to ascertain his faith, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?”

He would say, “Yes, He is my creator. I saw Him speak everything into existence.”

“Next question—do you believe that Jesus was born of a virgin?”

He would say, “Yes, I was there when the archangel made the announcement that the Savior of the world had been born.

"In fact, I even saw the star in the east that led the wise men.”

“Third question—do you believe that Jesus died on the cross?”

And Satan would say, “Yes, I did everything I could to make that happen, but I offered Him a way to avoid that horrible death by worshipping me.”

“Next question—do you believe that He was resurrected?”

Satan would reply, “Yes, it was a miracle like no other. I saw it. It was my worst nightmare.”

“Well, you believe all these things, are you willing to be baptized?”

“Yes,” Satan would say, “let’s do it today. You can baptize me a hundred times if you want.

"I will get baptized here or in the lake.

"I will even go to Israel and you can baptize me in the River Jordon.”

“Well, will you commit to come to church every week?”

Satan agrees, “I won’t miss a service.

"I will be here every time the door is open.”

So far, Satan’s answers have shown he believes all the things in our Statement of Faith.

So is he saved?

Do we let him join the church based on what he says he believes about Jesus, baptism, and church commitment?

How many false conversions have we made and accepted into the Church by considering people saved at this point?

Well, there is one last question we need to ask, “Are you willing to repent, to quit rebelling against God, and to start your life over by trusting and obeying Jesus Christ as your Lord in every area of your life?"

Satan replies, “Oh, no! I don’t want to do that. I just want to join your church.”

The point of this parable is we can have all the head knowledge in the world about who Jesus Christ is and the plan of salvation, but that is not going to save a person. James says even the demons believe. However, their faith has never lead to repentance and submission to Jesus Christ as Lord. Head-knowledge alone is useless and ineffective. Saving faith causes believers to trust and obey Jesus in every area of their lives, because they know Him and love Him.

What we do is what we truly believe!

Faith produces works! And although faith is freely given to us by God, it will cost us everything to follow Jesus!

For example, James gives us two illustrations of people of faith, Abraham and Rahab. Abraham is called the father of faith. Before any of the Bible was written, Abraham had a relationship with God, he talked to God, and he did whatever God told him to do, even to the point of sacrificing his son.

That is the description of faith. Faith hears, believes, and obeys what God says. Abraham believed and obeyed God regardless of the cost, and God called him righteous.

Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute, who believed the God of Israel was the true God. This faith caused her to take a dangerous risk. She forsook her own people, saved the lives of Israelite spies, and sought refuge in their camp. She gave up everything to be in the family of God. As a result, she became an ancestress of Jesus Christ.

These two examples drive home the point that God doesn’t care who we are—a great patriarch or a prostitute—as long as we have faith in God and obey Him in every area of our life.

Let’s look at the last verse of our text, verse 26,

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. If a believer has the Holy Spirit, he has God in him, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident in his life. If there is no fruit, there is no Spirit, no God, and his faith is dead. Genuine faith produces the Holy Spirit’s fruit.

Again, our works and knowledge do not save us. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ and His works. The moment God gives us grace to believe and we repent of our sin and self-determination, our faith becomes active.

The first work we will desire to obey is to be baptized, to die to our old life, and to be born again of the Holy Spirit. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will desire to tell others what Jesus has done for us, we will desire to be His servant, and we will desire to be like Him.

Unfortunately, some Christians get weary in well doing. Their faith grows cold, causing them to quit praying, seeking the Spirit, and doing good works. Persecution causes them to keep their faith under cover and not share it any longer. This is a dangerous condition. Their faith is dying. Jesus gives us a warning and tells how to revive our faith.

Revelation 2:4-5

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

"Remember therefore from where you have fallen!

"Repent and do the works you did at first.

"If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent.”

Jesus is saying, “You took your eyes off me and began to love other things. Repent, and do the things you did at first or you will lose my light entirely.”

Do you remember a time when you loved Jesus more, when you were full of peace and joy, when you prayed, read your Bible, avoided temptations, and obeyed Him in everything?

If so, ask the Father to forgive you and revive you with the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, take your eyes off yourself and keep them on Jesus. Spend time with Him. Fall in love with Him again. Then use whatever gifts and talents He gives to you to minister to others.

That is how you show love to Jesus. When others see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, they will desire Jesus, too.

Again, I ask you, “Do you truly believe in Jesus Christ?” I’m not asking if you have knowledge of Him.

Have you made Jesus your Lord as well as the Savior of your life?

Is there any fruit or evidence that Christ lives in you by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

If you cannot answer “Yes” to all these questions, confess it to God and ask Him for grace to believe and to obey out of love.

If you need salvation, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, repent of your sin, and die to your old life in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit and have grace and power to produce good works.

November 10, 2024

PATIENCE DURING AFFLICTION

James 5:7-12

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.

The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.

Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Most of us, when we recognize the need for patience, pray a prayer that goes something like this: “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me NOW!”

James uses the farmer to illustrate the necessity of waiting and the reward for patience. The farmer begins by tilling the ground. Then he plants the seed. He protects the crop from weeds, insects, and animals. He knows that he is going to have a long wait before he sees the fruit of his labor.

Parents must be patient too. I remember when we were waiting on our first child to be born. It seemed like those nine months would never be over. When those 9 months were over, did we have a strong, mature child who was able to survive on his own? No, of course not.

Parenting takes years of work, caring for a child and instilling in him the training, discipline, and encouragement that he needs to survive on his own. It takes patience. In the same way, our Father is patiently training, disciplining, encouraging, and maturing us through afflictions that teach us how to survive and be more like Jesus.

James 1:4

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

In that verse, “perfect” does not mean “sinless.” It means “mature, strong, having everything necessary to withstand the storms of life and the wiles of the devil.

Patience also enables us to wait for the return of Jesus. When Jesus returns, He is going to reward all those who have faithfully served Him and He is going to remove all the curses and consequences of sin. There will be no more cancer, no more dying, no more crying, no more separation. Sin will be absent. We will never be tempted again. We will enjoy the presence of Jesus for all eternity. All those things that seemed so unfair to us during our life here on earth will finally make sense and be set right.

While waiting for Jesus to return, we also must be patient with each other. James said, “Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.” It is possible to look at other people’s lives and grumble about them because they aren’t acting like Christ.

We forget God’s patience with our slow rate of maturity. Remember, Jesus will judge us according to His Word and apply the same judgment we use to judge others.

Believers in Jesus Christ should find great comfort and practical encouragement in the promise of Christ’s return. Unfortunately, the return of Christ is seen by many people today as nothing more than a futuristic concept, fun to discuss, debate, and study, but it has little effect on their daily living or attitude.

2 Peter 3:3-9

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?

"Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.

By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Patience is developed through afflictions. For example, James reminds us of the afflictions of the prophets and Job. Job had the same questions we have during afflictions, “Why am I suffering?” and “How long must I suffer?”

I will not test your patience by reading the whole Book of Job to you at this time. I will summarize it:

God permitted the devil to cause the loss of Job’s wealth, his health, and his children.

Job’s grieving wife told him to give up, curse God, and die.

Job’s friends accused him of some terrible hidden sin, deserving the judgment of God.

Even God would not answer Job's questions for 37 chapters.

Nevertheless, Job endured patiently and never cursed God.

Therefore, the devil was defeated, and God was glorified.

God rewarded Job for his patience during affliction.

He blessed Job again by restoring his family, health, and fortune.

Job lived another 140 years and saw four generations of his family.

Moreover, through patience during affliction, Job grew to know God in new and deeper ways.

Job 42:5 He said,

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.”

Through affliction, Job learned that we do not merit any blessing from God regardless of our personal righteousness. All blessings come from God's righteousness, not ours. Without God's mercy and compassion toward us, we would be vulnerable to Satan's torture all the time, and life on earth would be like Hell.

Here are a few facts of life from the Bible:

If there is nothing to endure, we cannot learn endurance.

We cannot persevere unless there are afflictions in our life.

There can be no victories without battles; there can be no peaks without valleys, no joys without sorrows, no strength without trials, and no blessings without sufferings.

If we want God’s blessing, we must humble ourselves before God and patiently endure life's afflictions. Again, God first humbled righteous Job, then He honored him with blessings. Job learned God's heart and mercy after enduring the trial, not before it.

In contrast to Job, most people today are characterized by impatience and a love of ease. They want immediate rewards. They seem unwilling to study, train, work hard, and wait for financial success. Instead, they are drawn by the lure of instant lottery tickets, casino gambling, or some other get-rich-quick scheme.

And in the spiritual realm, people are attracted to preachers who preach immediate healing and wealth as rewards for faith.

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

God may not tell us all we want to know about our afflictions, why we are not healed, or why we lost our job, or why we lost a loved one. There are many things in life that belong only to the Lord. He wants us to trust Him and persevere when afflictions come our way. He wants to be our strength. At such times, we must believe that God is a God of compassion and mercy, who orders all things for our good and His glory. Some insight may come later, sometimes years later before we can say, “Now I see why that happened, and now I see how it was a display of God’s compassion and mercy towards me. Now I see how the Father was loving me and disciplining me as His child.”

John 15:1-2

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Through affliction, God is pruning us so that we will bear more fruit of the Holy Spirit. Be sure to respond to His pruning with trust and perseverance. If we do, God will develop in us the characteristic of the Spirit called patience along with all the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit in us will glorify God. A believer who endures affliction with patience glorifies God because he abides in God and God abides in him.

Therefore, have the same attitude as Paul, who said

Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

On the other hand, we can create our own affliction and suffering by sinning or being foolish. Still, we can learn from these mistakes if we humble ourselves and repent. One way we create our own affliction is by the foolish things we say.

For example, a man’s wife bought a new line of expensive cosmetics, absolutely guaranteed to make her look years younger.

She sat in front of the mirror for hours, applying the "miracle" products.

Finally, when she was done, she turned to her husband and said, "Honey, honestly, what age would you say I look now?

The husband nodded his head in assessment, and carefully said, "Well, dear, judging from your skin, I say twenty. Your hair, mmmm, eighteen. Your figure, twenty-five."

"Oh, you're so sweet!” she cooed.

"Well, hang on,” he said, “I’m not done adding it up yet."

More seriously, when affliction is happening and the days are difficult, many people will promise God anything to get out of the pain and suffering. James warned Christians in the midst of trying circumstances, not to swear; that is, don’t make an oath or promise to God of what you will do if God allows you to escape the affliction. This is a foolish thing to do; something for which God holds us responsible. Swearing in this manner shows a lack of trust and faith in God. It is totally unnecessary, because God already is merciful and compassionate, having our best interest in mind. Our verbal response to affliction should simply be “no” to sin and “yes” to God.

Numbers 30:2

When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

A foolish man, who made such an oath when he was in a difficult situation, is found in Judges 11. Jephthah was commanding Israel’s army and swore to God that if he was victorious in battle he would sacrifice the first thing that came through the door of his home when he returned.

I don’t know if he had animals in his house that usually ran out the door as soon as it was opened, or what he was expecting, but his only child, a daughter, was the first to come out of his house to greet him. He sorrowfully kept his pledge to God, but how foolish and unnecessary that oath was!

Sometimes we wonder why the Lord doesn’t come back now and put an end to this sin-filled world. Maybe, once again, God is showing us His mercy and compassion. Maybe our Father is giving us time to get ready for Jesus’ return.

2 Peter 3:10-18

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters.

His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

We don’t know when, but Jesus is coming again! Are you ready for the Lord’s return? If not, today is the day of salvation when you can change your destiny from eternity in Hell to eternity in Heaven.

Today you have an opportunity to confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, to repent, and to give Him your life in baptism. Today you can be born again of the Holy Spirit. Then patience and all the fruit of the Spirit will be developed in you.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation,” and He also said “I will be with you always, even to the end of the world.” James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when that person has stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Remember God’s promises.

November 3 , 2024

Special Prayers

James 5:13-20 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

There is a lot of instruction in these 8 verses. Although we are to pray continously, this passage mentions some special occasions for prayer:

1. We have trouble or afflictions

2. We are happy

3. We are sick

4. And, we are in sin.

1. The first part of verse 13 asks a question: “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.” The word “trouble” refers to affliction of any kind. It can include sickness but also covers grief, disappointment, financial troubles, and persecution.

Psalm 118:5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the Lord answered me and set me free.

In Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of prayer. We can go to God at any time, in any situation, with whatever is on our hearts. We can tell our Father all our troubles and receive His comfort, strength, wisdom, and direction.

The Bible is clear that painful trials are the normal expectation for every believer. Peter puts it rather bluntly in 1 Peter 4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Although we know this truth, we are still tempted to self-pity, resentment, and discouragement. That is why James says, “Pray.” Praying is what Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Father gave Him strength to endure the suffering He faced.

Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

2. Now, consider the last part of verse 13: “Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” Praying and singing are important elements of worship in the church, as well as in our personal time of devotion, and as go through the day praying continuously.

Psalm 96:1-2, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.”

We are encouraged to sing songs of praise when we are experiencing happy times because these carefree times can cause us to ignore our relationship with God. Praising and singing to God keeps our relationship intimate, just like when we serenade and praise those we love. People may ask, “Why are you so happy?” That is an invitation to tell them what God has done.

3. Now, let’s look at verses 14-15 to discover what we are to do when we are sick. “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”

God is sovereign and we know that He can do anything He wants to do. Moreover, God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

The focus when we are sick is not on the elder, nor on the oil. The focus is on faith in what God is able to do through the church when it obeys what God says to do! There are several steps in praying over the sick.

Step #1: The sick person calls for the elders; otherwise, they don’t know your need. The Greek word here for “sick” is very broad. It includes any serious physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or sin problem for which you need prayer.

Most of the requests Al and I get are to notify the church to pray and put them on the prayer list. Rarely does anyone ask us pray over them and anoint them with oil. Could it be we lack faith in God to heal through this kind of prayer, or have we just been ignorant of it?

Step #2: If possible, the elders should pray together over the sick person because sickness is not just a physical problem but also a spiritual battle against the evil one. There is strength in numbers and together their prayers can be more fervent, powerful, and earnest. This is what Jesus’ disciples did when He sent them out in pairs.

Mark 6:12-13 So they went out and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Step #3: The elders anoint with oil in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The word “anoint” means to put oil on him. The type of oil is not specified, but it was not motor oil! More than likely, it was olive oil. Oil is used to dedicate or consecrate things for the Lord.

Exodus 40:9 Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.

The same is true when the elders anoint the sick person. They consecrate or dedicate him to the Lord. There is nothing magical about the oil, but God works supernaturally when we do what He said. Another example is with water in baptism. There is nothing magical about the baptismal water, but God responds when we do what He instructs us to do.

Notice that the anointing is to be done “in the name of the Lord.” This is very important because God is the ultimate source of all blessing and healing. The power is not in the elders, nor in the oil, nor in the prayers. The power is in the mighty name of Jesus.

Step #4: Verse 15 says, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.” In one sense, every prayer should be offered in faith or it can hardly be called prayer. A prayer offered in faith is NOT faith in faith or faith in prayer. It is faith in the One to whom we are praying. When we pray, we are to pray in the Name of Jesus, for He is our righteousness, which allows us to approach the Holy Father. Our prayers, in the Name of Jesus, are effective in battling Satan and enabling the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will.

The text says nothing about how the Lord will raise the sick person up, nor does it rule out medical care. Whether the healing comes quickly or slowly, by miracle or by medicine, or by some combination of the two, God will heal His children in His time and in His way. We are to pray for the sick because there is a spiritual battle going on for the lives of God’s people, and God told us to pray and how to pray.

Step #5. There’s another significant step to praying over the sick in this text. Notice the last part of verse 15 and verse 16: “If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Do you see the close relationship between the physical and the spiritual here? Sickness can be the consequence of unhealthy or sinful living. In this case, confession and repentance are necessary for God to hear our prayers. We should not expect healing until we confess our sin, repent, and change our lifestyle that causes us to be sick. After we do these things, forgiveness of our sin and continuing repentance will bring us healing.

Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

David, after committing some horrible sins, felt the effects in his body until he confessed, repented, and received God’s forgiveness. He wrote in Psalm 32:3-5: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Step #6. James says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. He uses Elijah as an example. Elijah was just like us. But, do we pray like Elijah? He prayed earnestly (sincerely, eagerly, urgently, zealously, fervently, intensely, deeply convinced). Elijah also prayed for what he knew God wanted and when God told him to pray. He prayed until God told him to stop. (7 times for rain. Likewise, Paul prayed 3 times for deliverance until God answered).

Psalm 34:15-19 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

To pray effectively, we need to live righteously, but our power in prayer comes from the righteousness of Jesus, not our righteousness. That is why we pray in the Name of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Therefore, when Satan tells us we are too unrighteous to pray or tempts us with doubt, we can confess our sin and pray based on the righteousness given to us through Jesus Christ.

Although we are to pray earnestly, we are also to pray humbly and submissively, because God’s understanding of the total situation is much greater than ours. Just because we think physical healing would be best doesn’t mean that God agrees with us. We should ask for what we want without telling God how to answer our prayers. We should listen for His response to our prayer so we know how to continue praying according to His will.

Most of us think of healing as “getting rid of the disease.” But healing is a very broad concept that involves coming into a right relationship with God first and foremost. Healing touches every part of our life: body, soul, and spirit. This includes the healing of all broken relationships, sinful behavior, and bringing us to a place where we can receive God’s Spirit in a new and powerful way.

Someone has said that, “Healing in the Bible is not becoming what we were, but becoming all that God intends us to be.” When we pray for healing, we should not focus on the physical to the exclusion of the spiritual, emotional, and relational sides of life. We are not completely healed until we are made whole on every level of our existence.

Step #7 That is why James tells us in verses 19-20, My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

When one church member hurts, sins, or has trouble, all the church family suffers with them. When one wanders from the faith in deception and sin, it effects all of us. We are to love each other so much that our love motivates us to minister to that wandering sheep and restore him to the Body. That love also covers a multitude of sin; that is, God’s love in us holds no grudges or unforgiveness towards the wanderer. That is how God heals the entire Body of Christ.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

As we survey this text in James in light of the whole Bible, two statements are true:

1. It is not always God’s will to heal physically; otherwise, no sick believer would ever die.

2. It is often God’s will to heal. That’s why this passage is in the Bible. We should always pray in faith for God to heal someone, and not give up until God makes His answer clear. F.B. Meyer writes, “The greatest tragedy is not ‘unanswered’ prayer, but unoffered prayer.” This statement reminds me of what James said in chapter 4:2, “You do not have because you do not ask God.”

Part of our problem is we are too proud to ask. Part of our problem is that we have lost our faith in God’s will to heal and ignored how the Church is to pray for healing. We need to repent of our pride and lack of faith and ask God to forgive us, and to restore our faith in Him and His Word. Then, we need to obey what He said.

So what special prayer do you need today? Maybe you need to prayer for salvation. If so, come and publicly confess that you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Then, repent of your sin and self-determination. Begin to make Jesus your Lord and follow Him, beginning with baptism, and you will receive a new life born of the Holy Spirit.

October 27, 2024

JESUS SHOWS NO FAVORITISM

God did not create man to be a sinner. Neither did God create man to die. Man was created to live forever and have fellowship with God. However, because of his uncontrolled self-will, man chose to go his own independent way. Therefore, man became separated from God’s protection, and sin and death entered him.

Consequently, now all men are sinful, separated from God, and condemned to die. But God still loves man and sent His Son to die on the cross as an atonement for man’s sin. And He gave man His righteousness, which enables man to have fellowship with God again.

Romans 3:22-24

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Jesus shows no favoritism in granting His righteousness. Regardless of what we have done or who we are, if we have faith in Him, we are given His righteousness. Moreover, Jesus redeems us and saves sinners from an eternal death in Hell.

Luke 15:1-7

Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.

But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.

"Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

"And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.

"Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Good works will not save us. Access to God cannot be attained through ministers, priests, Mary, angels, reformation, church membership, sincerity, nor baptism. Our only legal right to approach God is found in the atoning work of Jesus Christ; that is, His death on the Cross, His burial, and His Resurrection.

Again, the Scriptures emphasize that Jesus shows no favoritism and desires all men to come to Him for salvation. We find throughout His life that Jesus always received sinners, and never rejected anyone.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

Though our sins are very great, Jesus will not cast us away. Sometimes we think that we our sins are too wicked for God to forgive. Nevertheless, "His blood cleanses from all sin." Jesus shows no favoritism, regardless of our sin. No one was ever saved because his sins were small; no one was ever rejected because his sins were great. Where sin abounds, mercy and grace abound much more. However, we are not to continue in sin after receiving God’s saving grace.

Romans 6:1-14

What shall we say then?

Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?

By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

When we come to Jesus for forgiveness of our sin, we must come to Him humbly in the manner of coming to Almighty God, who holds our life and death in His hands. Christ receives all sinners who come to Him repentantly, giving up all rights to themselves and their independence.

Repentance means a turning away, in both the mind and heart, from self and sin, and turning to God through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

Mark 8:34-38

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

"Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR:

You do not go to Heaven because God loves you, nor because you love Him.

You do not go to Heaven because you amend your sinful ways and do good things.

Turning over a new leaf is rehabilitation, but it is not salvation.

Education is not the answer.

Reformation is not the answer.

Legislation is not the answer.

Jesus is the answer! We go to Heaven because Jesus saves us through His work on the Cross.

Therefore, don’t be separated from God any longer. Put your faith in what Jesus has done. Give your sinful life to Jesus at the Cross, bury it in baptism, and be born again of the Spirit of God! That is how you enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

After that, you have God’s grace to follow Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 3:3-8

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked.

"Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

"You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

"The wind blows wherever it pleases.

"You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.

"So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

"And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Jesus shows no favoritism. Everyone who sincerely comes to Him in repentance and is baptized will be forgiven and born again of the Spirit of God. There is no sin too ghastly, no deed too awful, no thought too horrible, for the Blood of Jesus to cover.

We can come to Him as we are. However, Jesus does not leave as we are. After salvation, The Holy Spirit gives us grace and power to live changed lives—lives that follow Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?

Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

And such were some of you.

But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

We expect those, who are born again by the Spirit of God, to exhibit the life of Christ.

For instance:

Two cars are waiting at a stoplight.

The light turns green, but the man in front doesn’t notice it.

A woman in the car behind him is watching traffic pass by them.

She begins pounding on her horn and yelling at the man to move.

The man is not paying attention and doesn’t move.

The woman is going ballistic inside her car, ranting and raving at the man, pounding on her horn and dash.

The light turns yellow.

The woman screams curses at the man and gives him the “high sign”.

The man, finally looks up, sees the yellow light, and accelerates through the intersection just as the light turns red.

The woman is beside herself, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection.

While she is still ranting, she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the barrel of a gun held by a very serious looking policeman.

The policeman tells her to shut off her car while keeping both hands in sight.

She complies, speechless at what is happening.

After she shuts off the engine, the policeman orders her to exit her car with her hands up.

She gets out of the car and he orders her to turn and place her hands on her car.

She turns, places her hands on the car roof, and quickly is cuffed and hustled into the patrol car.

She is too shocked and frightened by the chain of events to ask any questions and is driven to the police station where she is fingerprinted, photographed, searched, booked, and placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door for her.

She is escorted back to the booking desk where the original officer is waiting with her personal effects. He hands her the bag containing her things, and says, "I’m really sorry for this mistake, but you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping that guy off, and cussing a blue streak at the car in front of you.

"Then I noticed the 'Choose Life', the 'What Would Jesus Do?' the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper stickers, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally I assumed you had stolen the car."

Ephesians 4:1-2

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Furthermore, Jesus commissions those who are born of His Spirit to go and make disciples of Him. As Jesus showed no favoritism when we were lost in sin, neither are we to show any favoritism toward others, regardless of their sin, their color, their class, or their status in life.

We are not called upon to spread religion, but to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone. Tell them what Jesus has done for you and for them. Leave the results to the Holy Spirit. Jesus will add to His Church those who are saved and He will prepare them for His return.

Mark 16:15-16

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

When we share Christ, we have no idea how much God will use our words and actions. But, our efforts will not be in vain. Our mindset, motive, and message should be: "Christ receives sinful men! He shows no favoritism! Come to Jesus! He is the answer!”

We are the ambassadors of Christ to this world. Therefore, we should act and speak like Christ. Like Jesus, we cannot show any favoritism. We must show His love to everyone we meet.

In closing, Jesus shows no favoritism regardless of who you are, what you have done, or how bad you believe your sins are. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Everyone needs salvation through Jesus Christ. Today is your day to receive it.

Come forward during our hymn of invitation, confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, repent of your sin, and die to your old life in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus will give you His eternal life.

October 20, 2024

What Are You Thinking?

When we travel, Kathy and I have a lot of time to talk in the car. However, sometimes we sit silently, lost in our own thoughts. Then one of us will ask the other, “What are you thinking?” It is amazing where our minds have wandered. My frequent response is, “Oh, nothing.”

Kathy says, “I don’t see how you can think about nothing.”

Well, that is my answer for either:

I can’t recall.

It was disjointed, insignificant, silly. OR

I’m too embarrassed to say.

It is easy to let our minds go undisciplined and focus on the fantasies that come along.

As Christians, we believe we have victory in Jesus, but there is a battle in our minds that makes victory seem possible only in Heaven. This battle is with the enemy--Satan--and his demons lie to us with fantasies, saying, “All this could be yours if you follow me. Try it once. You can get forgiveness later.”

Jesus has given us the grace and power to overcome Satan’s temptations. But this grace must first be applied to the mind if the victory is to spread naturally to our actions.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The words “transformed” and "renewing" suggests a process. At conversion, God gives us the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t mean we become instantly mature in the Lord. Rather, the Spirit of God goes to work developing the character of Christ within us by first renewing our minds. This transformation into the likeness of Jesus continues throughout our lives.

God has created us in such a way that our actions follow our thoughts. In both Hebrew and Greek, the words used for "heart" are connected with the function of the mind, the soul of man.

Hebrews 3:12

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.

Galatians 6:3

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Anyone can act spiritual at a worship service and deceive themselves. A more accurate gauge of our "spirituality" takes place when we are alone with our thoughts. What do we think about when there’s nobody around to impress? Where do our fantasies take us? Do we engage in sensual or self-gratifying daydreams? Are we plotting revenge for something done to us? If these are the things we think about, we are programming ourselves for defeat.

Remember, it is our enemy who brings these evil thoughts that appeal to our fleshly desires. When we resist his temptations, he accuses us, “If you were a Christian, you wouldn’t have these thoughts.”

That is the time to fight back and rebuke this liar by saying, “You are the one who gave me the thoughts, Satan. I rebuke you in the Name of Jesus Christ. Get away from me!” Then immediately draw near to God to refocus on Jesus and follow Him.

Fighting this spiritual battle in our mind is paramount. The failure to discipline the mind will ultimately produce bondage to sinful habits. If we continue to let our mind go undisciplined, we will act on those thoughts and reap the consequences of our thinking.

The point is this: Our thought life is the foundation on which our actions are built. This is the principle behind Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:27-28

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

In the eyes of the Lord, entertaining the thought of adultery is adultery. The sin took place in our heart, which is what God judges. If we don’t repent of the thought, we will do the deed.

Unfortunately, there seems to be an apathetic attitude among Christians when it comes to disciplining the mind. Some dismiss controlling our thoughts as some gimmicky type of positive thinking. Others assume that thoughts are not all that important as long as we follow a prescribed set of "dos and don’ts" in outward conduct.

The person who holds either of these assumptions is only fooling himself. Temptation and sin begin in the mind. We see this in the Garden of Eden when Eve looks upon the forbidden fruit and contemplates Satan’s question, “Did God really say?”

So, how can we gain victory in the battle for the mind?

First, remember: God knows our thoughts and motives, and He will judge us accordingly.

David told Solomon, 1 Chronicles 28:9

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.

If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Psalm 94:11

The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.

Nothing is done in secret. God always sees our thoughts and He knows the motive for what we do. That’s a sobering fact and should convince us that what we think about can either be a source of joy to God, or a source of grief. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, our thoughts will be pleasing to Him, and our actions will be according to His will.

Matthew 6:34

Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

A worrying person constantly thinks about the possibility of future harm or failure. His thought-life centers on a lot of "what ifs." He imagines trouble that may never come to pass and therefore, he misses out on the blessings of the present that come from focusing on Jesus.

Likewise, those who dwell on the past fill their mind with thoughts of "the good old days" or with painful experiences. If we think about past hurts, our emotions begin to relive those experiences. We find that the past has a hold on us, influencing and tainting our present relationships even though the incident may have taken place forty years ago.

Right before He warned about worrying, Jesus said, "seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness." (Matt, 6:33) The Kingdom of God is a worthy subject for our thoughts—worry is not. Seek His Kingdom and His righteousness by thinking about it and pursuing it.

We are familiar with the saying about computers, “Garbage in, garbage out”. It is also true for our minds. The person, who listens to music or TV programs that do not edify his spirit, is only deceiving himself when he says he’s not paying attention to it.

Once we hear the message, it’s sent to our brain and recorded in our memory. Advertisers who write commercial jingles know this fact. That is why when we are not paying attention to their commercial, yet we hear the jingle, we catch ourselves years later singing, “I wish I was an Oscar Meyer wiener”.

Therefore, the input our mind receives does affect us, even though we might not realize it at the time. The mind is like a sponge. Whatever the sponge absorbs will come out when it’s squeezed. Garbage in, garbage out!

Likewise, “Truth in, truth out!”

James 1:13-15

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

During temptation, stop and think about the consequences of giving in to selfish desires. Think about all the lives that will be affected by your decision. This may be difficult while thinking about pleasing self, but God will give us grace to do this if we turn to Him.

For example, consider all the consequences that King David, a man after God’s heart, suffered for yielding to the temptation to sin with Bathsheba. It is a valuable lesson for us. Not only did it lead to more sin in his life, but the consequences also destroyed his family, split his Kingdom, and brought disgrace to his name.

God’s grace through Jesus Christ provides forgiveness, but that does not erase the consequences of sin. Not only will sin create problems in our life, our sin will cause unbelievers to have contempt for us, Christianity, and Jesus Christ. They expect us to do better than they are doing themselves, even if they don’t like us. “At least, we are not hypocrites,” they tell themselves.

Sometimes temptation crosses our path when we have no desire to sin. Again, David wasn’t expecting to see a beautiful woman bathing that fateful night, but after he saw her, the tempting thoughts came to his mind. Temptation isn’t sin, but if we think about the temptation, we usually wind up rationalizing the sin (One time won’t hurt. Nobody will know.). At this point, we are "enticed" by our own evil desire.

Our response to temptation should be:

James 4:7-8

Submit yourselves, then, to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Notice the action we are commanded to take:

1. Submit to God by responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading and conviction of sin. Agree with God’s Word and repent—turn away from the temptation and follow Jesus.

2. Resist the devil by taking authority over him in the Name of Jesus Christ. He will flee.

3. Come near to God, pursue righteousness, and purify your double-minded heart through repentance, worshipping God, prayer, reading His Word and obeying it.

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

A point to remember is that we can’t flee from what we still hold in our mind. We can’t just make our mind go blank and think about nothing. We must take action by pursuing the things of God. We need to replace the tempting thoughts with thoughts that will edify and lift our soul toward God, such as a favorite verse, or song, or a spontaneous prayer of thanks for every good thing we can think of.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Everything we have ever read, looked at, heard, and experienced is recorded in our memory. If the sum of our life experience is negative or self-gratifying, those memories can have a powerful influence over our present circumstances. Even after conversion and baptism, it’s important that we go to work on eliminating the effects of those experiences and allow God to renew our mind.

One way to aid this process is the principle of dilution. “The solution to pollution is dilution”. To illustrate, if a truck carrying a toxic substance has a spill on the freeway, a specialized crew is called to clear the toxins from the scene. To completely clear the contamination, they would have to get rid of the pavement, the dirt, and everything that’s affected. Instead of doing that, they spray a liquid on the contaminated area, which dilutes the toxin, rendering it harmless. In a similar way, we can cancel the poisonous effects of the past in our minds by diluting them with God’s Word. In other words, we need to be brain-washed.

Don’t be disturbed by that word. We are already brain-washed by the enemy through TV, internet, all media, and deceptive teaching from others. How else has homosexuality gone from being a sin of perversion, to a mental disorder, to an alternate lifestyle, to a privileged right?

I will tell you; by taking God out of school and society, and brain-washing the population.

Yes, our brains need to be washed, and it is Scriptural to allow God to do it. Subconsciously, we have let Satan and the world pollute our minds with their garbage. Fortunately, we can stop that pollution and make a deliberate, conscious choice to let Jesus wash our minds with the water of His Word.

Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word

This verse is an excellent exhortation for husbands, but the point of presenting it now is to remind us of how Jesus renews our mind. As we meditate on the Word and obey what It says, Jesus, our Husband, cleanses and purifies us, preparing us to be His Bride. The disciplines of Bible meditation and Scripture memorization are important tools, which not only bring cleansing to our mind, but also help us remain faithful in Christian living.

1 Peter 1:13-14

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

A person involved in warfare doesn’t casually or passively wander into battle. He does whatever is necessary to prepare himself, insuring the best possible chances for victory. Preparing our minds means being totally submitted to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Don’t settle for partial victory, or compromise, or conform to evil desires. Don’t quit if you lose a battle. This is a lifelong war. Repent and obediently follow Jesus again.

The primary way to discipline our mind is to learn to focus our thoughts on Jesus, His ways, His Word, and His character. The more we gaze upon Jesus, the more we will be drawn to Him. As we quit focusing on ourselves and the world, and start fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ, there is a growing dissatisfaction with anything that distracts us from seeing Him clearly.

The bottom line is this: There’s a battle for our minds, and we cannot be passive spectators assuming that God will take care of it while we do nothing. God is already doing His part to convict, expose, and bring healing. He has committed Himself to bring us victory if we will follow His instructions.

It is now time for us to wage aggressive warfare against the enemy of our souls, and that war is not against flesh and blood, but against the satanic realm that attacks our mind!

2 Corinthians 10:5

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

We need to stop listening to the enemy and thinking about his temptations. God’s Word gives us no excuse for not developing a renewed mind. Victory can be accomplished if we will simply devote ourselves to God’s Word and His Spirit. God is more than able to overcome the enemy’s tactics against us.

So, what are you thinking? Our thoughts determine whether we are victorious over temptation, or if we will succumb to it and suffer the consequences. Therefore, take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.

Unfortunately, if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you have no power over the enemy’s temptations. Satan has his way with you, for you belong to him. Even now he wants you to ignore God’s Word and Christ’s salvation.

Fortunately, Jesus invites you to “Come”, just as you are. His blood was shed for your forgiveness. He wants to give you His Eternal Life in place of the death and wrath of God presently upon you.

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, publicly confess Him as your Savior and Lord, repent of your sinful life by putting it to death in baptism, and receive a new life born of the Holy Spirit. Then you will have grace to overcome all the temptations of the enemy and live in the blessings of Almighty God.

October 6, 2024

QUESTIONS, DOUBT, and UNBELIEF

Has God ever spoken to you? One way God speaks to us is by asking questions. God does this throughout the Bible. When God asks questions, He is not asking us for knowledge. He knows the answers. His questions are designed to make us think, to look deep within our soul, to discover our hidden doubts and unbelief, to expose sin, and to correct faulty ideas of faith.

The first recorded question God asks man is, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) Adam was hiding from God because sin made him ashamed of his nakedness. God asks this question today to make us realize sin separates us from God. Separation from God is the definition of being “lost”.

When Elijah was hiding in a cave from the wrath of Jezebel, the Lord asked, “Elijah, what are you doing here?” (1Kings 19:9) Fear had caused Elijah to abandon his ministry. God asks this question today to make us realize that hiding from the world is not where God wants us.

When Peter began walking on the water toward Christ, he did well until he looked at the wind and the waves instead of Jesus. His fear and doubts caused him to sink. Jesus rescued Peter and asked him, “Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt 14:31)

When Saul was on the road to Damascus, the risen Lord asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) Religious pride was causing Saul to persecute Christians, which is the same as persecuting Christ, because Christians are one with Him.

One day, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?" (Matt 16:15) That is a question Jesus asks all of us today and we must eventually answer it. Doubt must be addressed and not ignored. Refusing to consider this question will cause Jesus to say on Judgment Day, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)

When I became a new Christian, I lost all my friends. I complained to God in prayer, “I knew my friends would reject me if I told them about Jesus.” God asked me one question and said nothing else. He spoke to my spirit, “Am I not enough?” Right then, I realized He was more than enough, and I was content with just having Jesus as my friend, the best friend there is.

God’s questions reveal our doubts. There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Unbelief is when people willfully choose not to believe. For example, John 12:37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.

Doubts can be intellectual, where we doubt that the Bible is really inspired by God or that Jesus is really resurrected from the dead. Doubts can also be emotional. When a person has experienced great sorrow or disappointment, such as the loss of a job, a divorce, or the death of a loved one, they might doubt the goodness, love, and wisdom of God.

Whether intellectual or emotional, having doubts of any kind puts us on “shaky ground”. Doubt makes us wonder if we are saved or lost. Doubt robs us of peace and joy.

Doubt can arise when something sounds too good to be true.

For example, John 20:24-29 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Mark 9:14-29 also illustrates doubt after the father of a demon possessed son looks to Jesus’ disciples for deliverance and they were not successful in driving out the demon.

When Jesus arrived in verse 21, Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

The father acknowledged that he has faith that evil spirits can be cast out, but he struggles with some doubt that Jesus can cast them out since His disciples could not. Nevertheless, Jesus honored this man’s little faith and cast out the demon.

This shows the presence of doubt does not mean the absence of faith! What is important is what you do with your doubt. Whenever you have questions, ask God for answers. Confess the doubt you are having and God will do or say something to increase your faith and give you peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If the peace of God does not come when we pray, it is an indication we still have doubt that God that will answer our prayer. We are double-minded like the father in Mark 9. We believe that God can do what He has promised, but we still have doubt. We pray to the Lord “hoping” He will hear us and answer our requests, but we’re just not sure He will, because in the past, we asked for something and He didn’t respond like we wanted.

If we don’t know God’s ways, we will be disappointed in His response. All too often our prayers are accompanied by expectations of how God will answer our prayer. When He fails to intervene according to our timetable or anticipated method, we start to doubt.

The way to get rid of doubt (emotional or intellectual) is to replace our doubts with truth. Jesus is the Truth. He is also the Word. Therefore, we can find answers to our doubts in God’s Word.

Romans 10:17 So faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If we spend time in the Bible to learn God’s principles and ways, we will begin to grasp what He wants to achieve in our life and how He goes about it, which can include enduring trials to make us mature. His Word will give us faith to trust in His good and perfect ways while we wait for His answer to our prayers.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Everyone has opinions, but that doesn’t mean they are based in truth. Only God’s opinion matters. We must align our thoughts and opinions with His Word, and obey what He says instead of what others think or do.

Much of our doubt comes from how we feel. For example, “I don’t feel saved; I don’t feel loved; I don’t feel God has forgiven me”. We cannot trust our feelings. We must remind ourselves what is true, regardless of how we feel or what the opinions of others might be.

For example: Does God have the answer to every question and need in your life?

Listen to this promise in Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

This is hard to believe when our prayers haven’t been answered just like we wanted. We lose our focus on God and put it on our need, wants, desires, and problems. We focus on our lack instead of on God’s promises and provision. Therefore, we must trust and obey His Word to receive the promise.

Another question: Does the Father see what I’m going through, and does He care?

We tend to doubt God when troubles come. Fear enters in and down we go, just like Peter on the water. Like the wind and the waves, our troubles are real. When we look at them, we are overwhelmed, and we begin to doubt. If we cry out to the Lord, He rescues us, and He kindly asks us, like He did Peter, “Why did you doubt?” He asks this question to increase our faith in Him.

Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Therefore, let actual circumstances be what they may. Focus on Jesus. Trust Him completely. We will “walk on the water” in the midst of the “wind and the waves” when we walk with Jesus, who can calm everything, including storms that cause “wind and waves”. All He has to do is say, “Peace, be still!”

Therefore, our faith and trust should be in Jesus, our God—not in “our faith” and not in our circumstances. There are four areas where we need to have faith and trust in God.

1. Have faith and trust in the PERSON of God.

First, we must have faith that God exists. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.

God is spirit. We cannot see Him, but we can we seek Him by believing in Jesus Christ, who is the physical representation of God. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, it is impossible for us to doubt God existence. We become surer of Him than of anything else, because He is in us.

Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. In in the first waking moment of the day, pray to our Father, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and you will see everything stamped with the PERSON of God throughout the day.

2. Have faith and trust in the POWER of God to work in us and through our circumstances.

Ephesians 3:16-21 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

God in us is sufficient grace to do His will, and His grace and POWER is made perfect in our weaknesses. The Holy Spirit is the POWER of Jesus Christ, enabling us to do God’s will in all circumstances. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but sin. On the other hand, Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

3. Have faith and trust in the PRESENCE of God.

Some people seem to think it is a sophisticated and enlightened thing to doubt the existence of God. No, It is an evil thing! Don’t consider their unbelief. Consider the Word of God, which says God is present everywhere.

Psalm 139:7-12 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

We are always in God’s PRESENCE, even if we don’t believe in Him! Ultimately, everyone will acknowledge His PRESENCE. Every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is LORD (Phil 2:10-11). Therefore, earnestly desire His PRESENCE in you now, and you will be in His PRESENCE today and throughout eternity.

4. Have faith and trust in the PRECEPTS of God. (precepts are rules, an order that is established and unchangeable)

For example: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

Therefore, choose to trust and obey the PRECEPTS of God even if no one else does. Only by obedience to His PRECEPTS will we see the promises and blessings of God. That is a rule that God has established and it is unchangeable.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Is there something in your life causing you to doubt God or His Word? Whenever there is doubt, it is an important matter. Don’t ignore it. You must address it.

Watch this video.

If you need help or encouragement to believe, we will be happy to pray with you and help you find answers in God’s Word. Before you leave today, consider this important question, “If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?”

Many doubt the existence of an after-life. Many are not sure of the answer. Don’t leave here with doubts, for you can know for sure where you will spend eternity.

If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross, publicly confess that faith and repent of being your own god by giving your life to Jesus. The first step in obediently following Jesus is baptism, where you bury your old life of sin and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Then you will live forever with God.

John 11:25-26, “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

“Do you believe this?” That is the question Jesus is asking us today. Each one of us must give an answer. To not reply is proof you still doubt Jesus is who He says He is. So now it is time to decide and to act on what you believe.

September 29 2024

Turn, Turn, Turn

I first heard Ecclesiastes 3 as a teenager by listening to the rock and roll song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by The Birds. At that time, I didn’t realize most of the words of that song came from the Bible. You may wonder, “How could a song from the Bible become a number one rock song?”

It was the time of the season. The Jesus Movement of the 60’s and 70’s made being a young Christian “cool”. Jesus was the ultimate peace-loving hippie, who also wore long hair and sandals. Rock operas depicting the life of Jesus were featured on Broadway and had long runs. Biblical songs written to rock and folk music became number one hits on the top-40 charts and were sung as special music in churches. It was a season of Christian revival among the youth. But then, as the Ecclesiastes 3 teaches, seasons turn, turn, turn. Nothing stays the same.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

In this passage, the teacher (we will assume is Solomon) considers the times in which we all live. He wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

The poem that follows isn’t a list of what we ought to do. It is a descriptive list of the way life goes around in cycles. These cyclic times are outside of our control. We merely live in them and must act wisely during them.

Like the seasons of the year, the seasons of our life gradually turn, turn, turn, in a repetitious cycle, and we are mostly unaware of the gradual changes. The best that we can do is revere the One who controls the times, live wisely in each time, and enjoy what we can during each time of our life.

We have never lived in a season, and never will live in a season, that is outside of the plan and purposes of God. God created a perfect world. Man’s sin introduced evil. So we experience both good and evil in this world. This Scripture describes the dichotomy we live in.

Life is beautiful and life is ugly. Life is a joy and life is a pain. Life contains seasons of love and hate; war and peace; killing and healing; tearing down and building up. We certainly prefer the good seasons to the bad. We would make all the seasons good if we could, but we are not in charge. We didn’t have a choice to be born into this season just as we are not in charge of how many seasons we live.

We cannot change the times and seasons God has established. Farmers understand this dynamic of time and seasons quite well, as seen in verse 2, “a time to plant and a time to uproot.” No farmer considers planting corn in the middle of the winter. It isn’t the season to plant. No farmer considers harvesting his corn a month after he plants it. It simply isn’t time. He can wish that corn could be ready in a month, but wishing won’t change the times. He can only wisely do what is appropriate for each season and time.

Like the farmer, we must accept this dynamic of time and seasons and act appropriately. For example, “there is a time to be born and a time to die.” We are not in control of these things. We must accept it and enjoy the blessings of life while we can. We can pretend there isn’t a time to die, and die anyway, or we can respond appropriately by considering what death means, what lies on the other side, and prepare for our eternal destiny while we are still alive.

We must act wisely in the times we find ourselves. Consider, for example, verse 4, “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” If we are wise, we will behave differently when attending a funeral than when watching a comedy show. The day of a couple’s wedding is a much different day from the day on which one of them buries their spouse, but the time comes for both. If they are wise, they will recognize that fact and enjoy each season of their life together. If we don’t recognize the sovereignty of God and the times of life and respond appropriately, we will be quite miserable.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

The Teacher asks, “What does the worker gain from his toil?” Sometimes nothing comes from the best of our labors. I know how frustrating this sense of futility and wasted effort is. I toiled a whole year to reap a harvest of muscadine grapes and the raccoons and opossums harvested them before they were ripe. I tried to trap the animals, but they preferred the grapes over the trap bait. In the end, I didn’t get any grapes for all my labor.

As a forester, planting, harvesting, and managing a forest, I would sometimes stop and realize that up on the Last Day, God said everything on earth will be destroyed by fire. This reflection put my worries and efforts in a proper perspective. I was not in control. All my forestry efforts would not last. Nevertheless, until that time comes, it is still time to plant and manage trees.

This is, in part, what Solomon meant in verse 10, “I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Our lives are continually changing. Each time has its own beauty. When we are young, we are gaining strength. In our latter years, we are losing strength. I imagine some of you, like me, recognize the older we get that there is very little we can control, including our body functions. Now we can complain about that reality, but what we are really complaining about is the fact that we are not God. Complaining also blinds us to the beauty around us.

Life in this fallen world is frustrating because God originally created us for eternity in the Garden of Eden, with all the permanence and beauty that goes along with it. Because of our sin, we find ourselves in the midst of a time and place that overturns so much of what we do. So much of life in this time seems to have no eternal consequence.

That’s the pain of verse 11, “God has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

We have the sense that we were made for so much more than this life cycle. We have the sense that we were made for the permanence and purposefulness we see in eternity and not the futility and pointlessness we experience now. We want our life to matter, but it will only matter in the way that we hope when we enter eternity. Accept that today and your hope will be focused on God and the gifts He has given us in this time and place. Verses 12 and 13 encourage us to this, “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.”

However, don’t forget that this time and season is not all there is. If it were not for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, there would be no hope of eternity in Heaven. Were it not for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, life really would be pointless. Even our faith would be pointless.

1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Life has a meaning only because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The eternal Son of God, who is the Alpha and Omega, entered time so that we might enter Heaven where there is no time. He entered into our futility so that we might escape it. In this world, Jesus experienced our frustration because people lacked faith in Him.

Mark 6:5-6 And he could do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands on a few sick folk and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Humanly speaking, Jesus’ life and ministry seemed pointless while He hung on a cross. His disciples saw that. Listen to two of them express this as they walked to Emmaus after the crucifixion.

Luke 24:13-24 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

At that moment, those words of futility and hopelessness seemed right. However, they were entirely wrong. That’s what the Resurrection proved. Jesus’ Resurrection made effective what seemed so ineffective.

The cross seems to say, “it was all a waste.” The Resurrection says, “No, the best for which any human could hope was futile. This Resurrection makes all life new and eternal.”

So yes, we live in a world governed by times which we do not control and can’t change. God sets the times. He has purposes beyond our comprehension. Whatever God does lasts forever and we cannot alter it. Verse 14 says, “I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him.”

Therefore, we must submit to God during this time of life in order to enter eternal life in Heaven. If we recognize the realities of this and submit, the pain of this life will be greatly dulled, as we wait patiently to experience life as it was created to be.

Therefore, we should revere God because He is eternal and we are not. Unless the Lord returns first, one day I will be long dead and no one who is part of this church then will remember anything about me. No one alive, even among my decedents, will remember me then. Time will take me out. It takes everyone out, except for God. We know this, even if we don’t want to acknowledge it.

Psalm 39:5 You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor.

If you have eyes to see, life will show you that you are only a vapor and that only God is eternal. If you have eyes to see, life will show you that you can never accomplish exactly what you purpose, and that God will always accomplish everything He purposes.

It is good to think about eternity and our short finite lives on earth. And it is good to think about the small pleasures of today that God has given us—That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil. We aren’t going to enjoy eternity today. Accept it because that is the way that it is. But also accept that God has given us many pleasures in this life and we should enjoy them while we are here.

There will be a time to mourn, but there will also be a time to dance. So when it is time to dance—dance! There will be a time to weep, so when it is time to laugh, laugh! There will be a time to refrain, so when it is time to embrace—embrace! There is a time to be young, a time to be an adult, and a time to be old. So, be content and enjoy each season of your life!

Since, we don’t control the times of our life and God does, fear Him. Live according to His Word and you will be blessed. Remember, this life is not all there is! Jesus is preparing a place of eternal life for those who follow Him.

So, are you prepared for eternity? While this season of life is short, eternal life is forever. Jesus died and rose again so that we could enter eternity in Heaven instead of Hell when this life is over.

Therefore, the only way to enter Heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. You must believe that He is the Son of God who atoned for your sin on the cross and rose again from the grave so you can be forgiven and have eternal life. If you believe that, it is imperative that you give your life to Him, making Jesus your Savior and Lord. Repent of being in control of your life. Repent means “turn, turn, turn, from your old life of sin and follow Jesus. You begin following Jesus in water baptism. Jesus was baptized even though He had no sin and the Holy Spirit came upon Him at that time. Therefore, you, too, will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will teach you how to follow Jesus the rest of your life.

September 22 2024

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED

Stress! Just the sound of the word makes us cringe with stress. We try to avoid stress, but we live in a stress-filled world.

Some stress is good for us. Going on vacation is a positive stress that relieves negative stress. Getting a promotion at work is a positive stress. Becoming a parent is a positive stress. Presenting a sermon or teaching a class is a positive stress.

A moderate amount of stress pushes us to exercise our bodies, minds, and emotions, keeping us functioning at our best. But excessive stress can cause real problems in our quality of life. Some typical reactions to excessive stress are:

Injury or increased illness

Overeating

Abusing drugs or alcohol

Abnormal sleep

Loss of interest in normal activities

Increased impatience or irritability

Relationship problems at work and home

Poor performance at school or work

Many things can cause excessive stress. Some are overbooked schedules, unavoidable loss, lack of provision, and persecution. If there is one thing that we need every day of our lives, it is God’s grace to overcome stress. Fortunately, we can take all of our stress to Jesus and have peace in His Kingdom. His Word tells us how to react to excessive stress.

For our overbooked schedules that create a hectic life, Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When we go to Jesus and give Him control and learn from Him, He will show us some things on our overbooked schedule that need to be dropped or given less time. He will give us rest by adding prayer, Bible reading, and meditation on His Word.

Martin Luther said,

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

Listening to God in prayer and Bible reading will refocus your mind on what is important, help you set priorities, identify what is fleshly, and show you how to follow Jesus.

When we have an unavoidable loss, such as a death in our family, Jesus says in John 11:25-26

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?"

What a blessing it is to know that the death of a body is not the end of a life. The soul continues to exist. For those who believe in Jesus, it is comforting to know that there is eternal life in Heaven.

When provisions for paying bills or buying food are lacking, Jesus says in Matthew 6:31-34,

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

When we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, we limit many of our negative stresses, because our Father knows what we need. Therefore, we can trust Him for our food and clothing.

We no longer worry about economic down turns. We no longer worry about a tornado striking our home. We no longer worry about who wins an election. We no longer worry about life and death, because all of these anxieties leave us when we seek Christ and His Kingdom first.

When we suffer persecution, Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-12,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Persecution do not feel good, but when it comes because of our life in Christ, we should receive it with peace and joy, knowing we will be rewarded greatly in Heaven.

Furthermore, we have this encouragement in Isaiah 41:10,

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God has seven blessings in this one verse that will enable us to overcome stress if we do what He says.

1. Do not fear

Stress creates unnecessary fear. We fear because we are not trusting God. We think He is unaware of our situation, or doesn’t care, or is unwilling to help us.

Fear is the opposite of faith. That is why God commands us not to fear anything except Him. If we fear God, we will gain wisdom and He will tell us what to do. If we fear anything else, we will act foolishly.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Therefore, seeking the Lord is the key to being delivered from worry and fear; thereby, alleviating stress. God will deliver us from

fear if we will seek Him and trust Him. Fortunately, we don’t have very far to seek, because He states next:

2. For I am with you

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

God leads His children throughout this life. Even during the time of death, we do not fear evil, because He promises to be with us! Jesus said He would never leave or forsake us, and He would be with us always, to the end of the age. In His Presence, there is peace and comfort. Stress is gone.

3. Do not be dismayed

To be dismayed is to be distressed and demoralized from discouraging events. David was greatly dismayed and distressed when his family and the families of his fighting men were captured while they were in battle elsewhere. They defeated one foe while another enemy kidnapped their families, herds, and burned their city. His army was so upset they were talking about stoning David.

1 Samuel 30:6

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

Notice where David found his strength, not in himself nor in a self-help book, but in the Lord. He didn’t blame God for not protecting their families. It was the work of an enemy. Although he was weary from battle, he turned to God for strength and direction for what to do next. God met his need and answered his prayer.

4. For I am your God

This is a very personal blessing. Notice, it is not the believer who is saying to God, “You are mine.” it is God saying to the believer, “I am your God.” Meditate on that blessing. Almighty God, whose name is I AM, whose character is love, is your God! He chose you! There is no greater security! However, this relationship has responsibilities.

Leviticus 18:4

You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.

So, if Jesus is your God, then you are blessed and you can depend on Him to act on your behalf exactly as His Word says He will, on the condition that you obey His Word.

5. I will strengthen you

God gives us grace to have strength and endurance during times of stress and trials. God uses these trials for our benefit and blessing if we trust Him and go to Him for grace.

Paul shared his personal experience in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God has allows trials for our benefit, blessing, and His glory. Therefore, we should accept what He wants to do in our life with delight and realize we are too blessed to be stressed by these things. After all, God says:

6. I will help you

The Lord says He will help us in every stressful situation. Even when we are so weakened and confused by stress that it is difficult to pray, His Word reminds us that the Holy Spirit will make intercession for us when we draw near to God.

Romans 8:26-28

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Whether our need is physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, at home, at work, or a concern for a loved one, God’s promise remains true—“I will help you!” God may not remove the problem, but the Holy Spirit will help us throughout the problem. He will work it out for good, according to His will.

7. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

John 10:27-30

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I and the Father are one.”

Never forget that He, who died on Calvary and was resurrected, promised that He and the Father would hold our hand, but God will not prevent us from leaving Him if that is our will. So, don’t let go of God’s hand and promises.

Trials and stress will come, but they cannot separate us from the love of Christ if we listen to Him and follow Him. As long as we follow Jesus, no one will snatch us out of His righteous right hand.

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No matter what the circumstances appear to be, Jesus loves us and we are never separated from His love! If we leave Him, He eagerly awaits our repentance and return. Nothing can separate us from God, except our own choice to forsake Him and be our own god.

Yes, there will be trials and stress. To relieve your stress, pray, read His Word, trust it, obey it, listen to His Spirit for directions, and wait on the Lord to act. Waiting can be hard, so we must humble ourselves and ask God for grace to wait on Him.

1 Peter 5:6-7,

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We mistakenly carry our burdens instead of praying and casting them at the feet of Jesus. In the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, it says,

“What peace we often forfeit, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

It takes humility to give God complete control. The prideful try to keep some control. They think they should do something when it seems God is not responding. As a result, they get all the stress that goes with impatience and struggling for control.

God rewards those who earnestly seek Him and trust Him. When we get into His presence, we find rest, confidence, and full assurance that what God said will happen. In His presence, there is joy and peace; stress is gone. This is what God wants for His children. When we quit seeking the Lord, the enemy brings fear, worry, and stress that robs us of God’s joy and peace.

Therefore, we are commanded in Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Stressful situations are unavoidable, but stress can be overcome if we take our situations to the Lord, seek Him, focus on Him, obey Him, and think on the things His Word tells us to think about. His Word shows us that we are indeed “too blessed to be stressed”. Therefore, we will rejoice in the Lord always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances!

The trial will still be there, but the stress will be gone. The joy and peace that Jesus gives us during a trial will be a witness to other people of God’s grace in our lives.

However, if you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, none of these blessings will come to you, because if there is No Jesus, there is no peace. Know Jesus, and you will know peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but only to those that belong to Him.

Therefore, give yourself to Christ Jesus today by confessing Him as the Son of God who saved you from Hell by atoning for your sin on the cross. Then repent of the prideful sin of being your own god. Die to your old life through baptism, and receive a new life, born of the Holy Spirit. Then you will know true peace and joy. The stress will be gone and you will be blessed.

September 15, 2024

SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL

Acts 4:23-31 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Would you be frightened if this place was shaken after we prayed this morning? Perhaps we would be startled initially, but the Presence of God and filling of the Holy Spirit would quickly supply us with peace, awe, joy, excitement, and boldness to speak about Jesus.

Would we like that? We should have a hunger for God’s Presence in our lives and in our church. We should have a desire for a deeper love for Jesus, a deeper worship, a deeper prayer life, a deeper purity, and a more powerful witness for Jesus.

Some of you desire these things, but do we really want to experience a shaking like this, or do we just want a quiet, lackluster, religious club? We get to decide how much of God we want. God will not force Himself upon us. He may not shake this building, but He will shake, rattle, and roll us out as His missionaries in this world if we seek Him with all our heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

God wants to shake us, rattle us, fill us with the Holy Spirit, and roll us out into all the world to accomplish the Great Commission. It may seem a little scary, because we don’t know how we will be changed if God shakes us and rattles us. We have our lives all planned out. We are in control. Besides, it appears those disciples, who sought the LORD with all their heart, were persecuted and martyred. We don’t particularly want that. So, is shaking really necessary?

After all, we are not doing evil things. We are just as good as other Christians. We would prefer to remain comfortable and keep a low profile until Jesus returns. Besides, we are too old, too young, or too busy right now. Can’t we just skip this sermon?

We can. However, before God can unleash us upon the world, He must unleash Himself upon us! The shaking is to get rid of the sin that is deep down in our souls. Like a rug with dirt lodged deeply in the piles, that must be taken outside and shaken vigorously to be thoroughly clean, God wants to shake us, purging us of all sin, so we may become the Bride of Jesus Christ, without spot or wrinkle, who represents Him in this world. Jesus will not receive a sinful bride. So, let’s not skip this sermon. Let’s seek God together with all our heart.

When God shakes and rattles His Church, must stay together and be patient with each other, because each one of us will undergo some changes and trials that will rattle our comfort zones. We will need to love one another and encourage one another, because Satan will try to divide and scatter us, so he can pick us off one-by-one.

Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

The Holy Spirit unites and makes us one. That is His job. Our job is to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. We need to pray for God’s grace, humility, patience, and love.

Four times in John 17, Jesus prays that the Father will make us one with Him and with one another. That is His prayer for the Church. Why is that important? So that the world might believe in Jesus when they see our unity and love for each other. The standard for unity is the oneness that the Father and Son share.

John 17:20-21 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

We are the Body of Christ on earth. We are His dwelling place, with each part of the Body containing His Spirit. He is in us and He is among us. People will know we are part of the Body of Christ because we love one another. Our unity determines our effectiveness in accomplishing our mission.

Ephesians 2:21-22 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Now, back to this prayer meeting in Acts 4? What precipitated it? Peter and John told a man who was lame all his life to rise and walk in the Name of Jesus. The man followed Peter and John into the temple, leaping and praising God. This caused a crowd to develop. They knew this lame man. Peter explained the miracle by glorifying Jesus and His resurrection from the dead, and preaching that only in the Name of Jesus can anyone be saved. This did not set well with the religious leaders. (I encourage you to read the whole story in Acts 3 and 4.)

Acts 4:8-10 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.”

The religious rulers put Peter and John in prison, then later release them, threatening worse treatment if they ever spoke about Jesus again.

We can expect the same persecution from those who reject Jesus and don’t want to hear His Name mentioned unless it is used as a cuss word.

2 Timothy 3:12-13 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Jesus said in John 15:18-21 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.”

Therefore, do not fear persecution. Don’t seek it, but expect it. It is definitely not fun, but rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer the same treatment given to Jesus and His disciples. The Holy Spirit will comfort you and give you endurance and boldness to continue your ministry in Jesus’ Name.

God allows persecution because it purifies His Church, causing it to grow in holiness, truth, and reality. As this happens in our lives, we will feel shaken and rattled. But God emboldens us and rolls us out with more effectiveness, because people will see something true and real in us—something Christ-like and worth dying for.

As we see in Acts 4, we are not defenseless when persecution comes. We can go to God the Father and get grace to endure and be courageous. We can ask Him to defend us, to work miracles, and to defeat the enemy. However, we must remember our enemy is not flesh and blood, but demonic spirits and the ruler of this world. That is why prayer is so important and why the Church prayed with unity to Almighty God, who is our strength and our deliverer.

Fear is a spirit from the enemy, the devil, to make us cower and afraid to speak about Jesus; afraid to give God control of our lives. Satan uses fear to make us ineffective.

Prayer is our weapon against fear and Satan. Notice what the church did upon Peter and John’s return. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. They praised God. They prayed aloud. They acknowledged God was in control and everything was happening as He said it would according to His purpose. That is praying with faith.

Then they prayed for God to show forth His power with signs and wonders to validate their message that Jesus is the Christ. They also prayed for boldness to continue speaking the Word, and God answered their prayers. They rolled out from that prayer meeting praising God and speaking the Word boldly.

Therefore, trust God and ask the Holy Spirit to control of your life. Do not be afraid of the shaking from the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit and we need His shaking. We need the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit as a witness to others that Jesus is LORD!

The Holy Spirit will only act according to the Word, because of His oneness with God the Father and God the Son. They act in union, as one God. God has not changed; we have changed.

The power of God evidenced in the 1st Century Church should be evidenced in the 21st Century church. But, we have become satisfied with religion and traditions instead of the Presence of God. We think we are doing well by coming to church once a week—they met daily for prayer and Bible study. We have become busy with programs and plans—they prayed for the power of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, and God added to the Church 5000 believers as a result of this miracle to a lame man. Here is what happened next:

Acts 4:32-35 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Our challenge is to pray for the Holy Spirit to move in our lives and in our ministries as He did in the first century church. They had such unity that they took care of one another when someone was needy. We need to seek God with all our heart. Then we will have the same effectiveness and love for one another. Notice when the Holy Spirit came and filled the disciples, they were no longer afraid but spoke the Word with boldness.

Wait a second, weren’t these people in Acts 4 already filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2? Yes, they were. What this shows is that the filling with the Holy Spirit is not a singular event. We need to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit

Sin, fear, and lusts of the flesh, grieve the Holy Spirit and we lose the grace of God’s power. Confession, repentance, and going to the throne of God for mercy and grace will allow the Holy Spirit to continue to fill us.

When we are under attack, we must turn to God in prayer and seek His deliverance and power, for apart from Him we can do nothing. With Him, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

John 16:13-15 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

Jesus is the Word of God and He sent His Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. Are we listening to the Spirit of God? Do we even desire to hear Him? Listen to what Jesus is saying to believers:

John 8:31-36 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Baptized believer, will you allow God to shake you, to do some deep cleaning in your life, to set you free of all hypocrisy, shallowness, and game playing? Ask Him to begin shaking you today. Then every day until Jesus returns, pray, draw near to God with your whole heart. Continue to repent, worship Him, praise Him, thank Him, spend intimate time with Him, and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit, so that you may have power and boldness to be His obedient witness, to know the Truth, to be set free from sin, and to endure persecution.

If you have never confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, don’t wait another day! You can’t clean yourself up. Come to Jesus humbly as you are, confessing that Jesus is the Son of God who atoned for your sin on the cross. Then repent of your sin, die to the old life in a watery grave of baptism, and receive a new life in the Spirit. God will clean you up with a gentle, kind, and loving shaking from the Holy Spirit.

September 8, 2024

THE TEMPTATION TO QUIT

A temptation is a strong desire for a wrongful pleasure that offers a temporary escape from stressful situations. Wrongful pleasure can be overeating, sexual immorality, drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, pornography, or any fleshly indulgence.

Another way we temporarily escape a frustrating situation is to prematurely and selfishly quit our responsibilities. It could be a job, a marriage, a recovery from addiction, even a ministry.

I suppose all of us at some time have been frustrated, discouraged, and tempted to quit. We tried hard, but we didn’t immediately get the results we expected. Therefore, we declared, “It is not worth the effort. I quit!”

The temptation to quit affects us in the Church. We witness, teach, preach, do good works, and it seems no one’s life is changed. It can be very discouraging, especially when someone returns to their sin. As a result, we are tempted to quit sharing the Gospel, quit teaching a class, quit preaching, and perhaps quit attending church entirely.

Everyone that has ever attempted to faithfully serve the Lord and live a life that honors Christ has encountered frequent oppositions, disappointments, and discouragements. These can become so severe and prolonged that the temptation to quit seems inviting.

Galatians 6:9-10

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

As the Lord’s coming draws nearer, it is going to become even more difficult to live the Christian Life. The wicked will seem to prosper and persecution against the righteous will increase. Instead of quitting, we need to prepare ourselves, encourage one another, take care of each other, and continue in the work of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

When people you love leave the fellowship, or go to another church, or return to a sinful lifestyle, it is disheartening. You wonder how you failed them and what you should have done differently. The tempter tells you that you caused them to leave, and you should quit before you drive anyone else away. But God’s Word reminds us of Jesus’s experience. Thousands of followers left Him when He preached a difficult message to understand. And He was left with just 12 disciples.

John 6:66-67

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”

Jesus tells us that many will quit and leave the fellowship in the last days. Furthermore, they will persecute us after they leave.

Matthew 24:9-13

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

"And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Therefore, we need to expect this, prepare for it, not be overcome with discouragement and quit. We need to remain faithful to our Lord and persist in sharing the whole Word of God until Jesus comes.

2 Tim. 4:1-5

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for

themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Another area of life where we are tempted to quit is in our marriages. At the first sign of difficulty or disappointment, many are tempted to escape by ending the relationship. Their vows before God and man mean little to them. Selfishness has overcome them and they continue to commit one sin after another against each other. If they prematurely quit on the marriage, they may escape temporarily from the difficulty, but they will take the consequences and their personal problems with them.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:31-32

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’

But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Today, people think they can escape the sin of adultery by living together without getting married. Since they are not married, they reason that they can have other relationships and leave the one they are living with without being guilty of sin. They are wrong.

In God’s eyes, the day you sexually consummate a relationship with someone is the day you married them. Multiple partners outside of marriage is committing the sins of fornication and adultery.

1 Corinthians 6:16

Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her?

For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”

Therefore, if you have ever experienced an unscriptural divorce or sex outside of marriage, you need to tell God that your behavior was wrong and ask for His forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive your sin and will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

No one knows on the day of their marriage what the future may hold, but each should determine, regardless of what they encounter, that they are committed and will not quit.

Many times, the world tells the Church that it must quit bringing our Faith in Jesus Christ into politics, education, entertainment, science, and the workplace. But the Lord Jesus, who is the Creator and Owner of the Universe, has both commanded and commissioned His Church to take the Gospel everywhere.

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. "And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Therefore, by the authority of Jesus Christ, no place can be off limits to the Church. We must say to a rebellious world, that doesn’t want us to publicly mention Jesus, the same words as Peter and John spoke to their opposition.

Acts 5:29

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Jesus commands us to share the Gospel to everyone, every day, everywhere we go. It is our lifestyle. The opposition, the devil, and our flesh will tempt us to quit sharing, to be quiet, and to enjoy a quiet worldly life. But remember: Thousands die and slip into Hell each and every day. We must reach those we can with the Gospel before death does.

So, don’t quit. Be persistent in ministry.

Keep on, in spite of your feelings or frustrations.

Keep on, even though you are forgotten, as was Joseph.

Keep on, even though you have failed, as did Peter.

Keep on, despite fears and foes, as did Paul and Elijah.

Keep on, even though you are forsaken, as was Jesus.

Keep on, through all the discouragement, knowing your labor is not in vain!

Trying times are not the time to quit trying! Those times, when we feel like quitting, can be times of great opportunity, if we take our eyes off of ourselves and look at the opportunities around us.

We can help someone who is doubting to believe. We can offer peace to someone who struggles to find calm in their storm. We can give comfort and hope to someone who has suffered a tragedy.

You can be Jesus to needy people, for there’s someone who needs your friendship and the strength of your presence. So don’t quit. This is your season, be it hard, or long, or filled with trouble. For you serve Christ, and He is the miracle worker and the One who is giving you the grace to minister to others. Go and be Jesus to a person today! Give them the hope and life that is found in Christ!

Remember, in addition to one-on-one evangelizing, don’t quit praying, teaching, and preaching. All of us are teachers and preachers of the Gospel, telling people what Jesus has done for us and for them, and living according to His Word.

Nevertheless, living daily as a disciple of Jesus, is not easy in this world.

Some days we need God’s grace just to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Some days we need God’s grace to keep praying, keep standing, and keep working.

Some days we feel like the only success we had that day was that we didn’t quit. Perhaps this morning, you are tempted to escape a trial by quitting and you need some encouragement to persevere.

Remember Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

Don’t focus on your situation and don’t focus on what you see. Trust God and focus on Him. He alone is our refuge and our strength. Every trial and tribulation we go through in this life has a reason, a purpose, that can make us stronger in our faith, draw us closer to God, and make us more like Jesus. So go to Him for grace in your time of need.

Quit thinking about quitting, because quitting is not a good option. Instead think on the Word of God. For example:

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Deuteronomy 31:6

So be strong and courageous!

Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.

For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.

He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

If you are in Christ this morning, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have been adopted into God’s family, making you a child of God. God will not abandon His children.

Ask your Father to help you trust Him. Ask Him for more faith and for the Holy Spirit. Speak to Him in prayer, read His Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, trust God’s promises, trust His grace, and don’t quit regardless of the severity of your trial.

Jesus warned us that there would be trials and tribulations in this world and He encouraged us to endure to the end.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Mark 13:13, You will be hated by everyone because of my Name. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”

I repeat, the Christian life, living daily as a disciple of Jesus, is not the easy option, but the consequences of quitting are worse.

Hebrews 3:12-14 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart, that turns away from the living God.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Christians need to recognize that the world is a battleground, not a playground. However, God does not leave us defenseless in this war. We can draw on His power and grace to endure. Remember: As long as you are in the battle, you are not a captive of Satan.

Romans 8:37

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

The challenge for us is to keep on keeping on. When the temptation to quit presses in, we need to go to our Father for grace to persevere and to focus on Jesus instead of our trials or our results. In Christ, we are called not to be quitters; we are called to be overcomers; we are called to be victorious; we are called to endure to the end.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Victory doesn’t always look how we think it should. The cross certainly did not look like a victory. It looked like a defeat and a hopeless situation. Sometimes victory is the seed that falls to the ground and dies for a new life to be born.

You can experience victory by dying to your old life of sin and unbelief in order to be born again of the Spirit of God. The victory and blessings of God are only for the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who gained our forgiveness by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

If you believe this, put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and a new life by repenting of your sin and self-determination. Die to your old life through baptism. Then you will be born again of Holy Spirit, who will empower you to be a witness for Christ and give you grace to overcome the world, the devil, and your flesh. Then you will have God’s power to resist the temptation to quit and His grace to persevere and endure until Jesus comes again.

September 1, 2024

GOD IS LOVE

1 John 4:16-19

And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, for we are as He is in this world.

There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment.

So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love.

We love because He first loved us.

Love is God’s identity, for God is love. This characteristic of God is also to be our identity. When we are born again of God’s Spirit and He abides in us, we have grace to love God and others, because God first loved us and we have His character in us.

However, we must grow into perfect love. It is a process. In the meantime, God’s love makes us confident of salvation on the Day of Judgment, and we have confidence in the present to draw near to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace in our time of need.

Love is the identifying feature of a Spirit-filled Christian. Not only do we love God, we love each other with God’s love. Where love is absent, so is the Spirit. Where the Spirit is absent, so is love.

In John 13-16, Jesus spent the major part of His last words to His disciples on love. He first demonstrates love by washing their feet and then He teaches about love and servanthood, love and obedience, love and the Spirit, love and prayer, love and His friendship, love and joy.

Then Jesus concluded the Last Supper, praying these final words in John 17:26

“I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

This love is an intimate love between a loving God, the beloved Son, and a love-needy people. If there is any single mark of faith that testifies to the world about God, it is His love. Do not be deceived: No matter how spiritually mature a believer is, it is a false spirituality if he or she is not thoroughly saturated with God’s love.

When I examine myself, I find God’s love lacking in my life. I have to confess this, and draw closer to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to repent and to be filled with God’s love. Unless I am filled with the Holy Spirit, all the correct doctrine in the world will never alter me, nor anyone else.

The Holy Spirit is the gift of Jesus Himself. His Spirit abides in believers and expresses itself in a strong likeness to Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit, the character of God, is what testifies to unbelievers that Jesus is alive and living in those born again of His Spirit.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:16-18

“By their fruit you will recognize them.

Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

When we have the unfortunate job of confronting someone over a moral failing, they will quickly remind us that the Scriptures tell us not to judge. However, we are urged by Jesus, who is the Judge, to look at the fruit that a person is producing to determine the state of their spiritual life. It is a loving act to let them know what type of fruit they are producing so they may go to God for mercy and grace to repent.

We are either producing fruit of the flesh or fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts our life when we walk according to our flesh, to our life when we walk according to the Holy Spirit. He starts by telling us that the works of the flesh are evident, and then he lists a bunch of obviously sinful behaviors. It is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is enough to describe our unrighteous works of the flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21

I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Then Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

The Holy Spirit is God. Therefore, if God is in us, He produces His character and nature in us. Without the Holy Spirit, we naturally produce the fruit of the flesh.

Notice, these are the “Fruit” of the spirit, not the “Fruits” of the spirit. In other words, the fruit of the Spirit is a description of one thing. It isn’t a buffet or smorgasbord of qualities that we browse through trying to become a better person.

“I think I’ll take some love and joy, a little bit of patience, but I think I’ll pass on the self-control; I really don’t enjoy it much.”

No, when the Spirit controls our lives, then our lives exhibit all these qualities. If we lack some of these qualities, we need to deny self some more, and seek a closer fellowship with Jesus, who is the source of these qualities. When we are filled with His Spirit, the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will be the fruit we produce.

Secondly, notice Paul does not say, the fruit of Holy Spirit is: speaking in tongues, casting out demons, healing the sick, prophesying, nor performing miracles. Those are not fruit; they are gifts of the Spirit that God gives to believers according to His will.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

This is not an exhaustive list of the gifts of the Spirit, but these draw our attention. Nevertheless, miraculous gifts are not irrefutable evidence of the Holy Spirit because Satan can perform miracles, too.

Revelation 13:13

“And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men.”

However, Satan cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit, the characteristics of God, because God is not in him. His character is sly, deceptive, and fake with flattery. His motive is to look good, not be good.

Therefore, if you do not exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, then your life is not controlled by the Holy Spirit.

I will say it again for those who were hoping they heard me wrong.

If you do not exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, then your life is not controlled by the Holy Spirit. You may speak in tongues, heal people, cast out demons, preach and teach, walk on water and then turn it into wine, but if you don’t exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, then you are not controlled by the Spirit.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons, and many miracles?’

And then will I tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; away from me, you evildoers.’”

Again, listen to Romans 8:5-9

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God.

It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.

And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

It is important to remember that fruit of the Spirit is still fruit even when it’s immature fruit. Even fruit trees don’t go from having no fruit to having fully mature fruit on them the next day. No, there is a process, and we can watch the fruit grow and mature. Likewise, the Fruit of the Spirit takes time to grow and mature.

However, we cannot use immaturity as an excuse to sin. If we aren’t exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, then we can expect some pruning from the Father, or we are in danger of being cut off of the vine, which is Christ.

Jesus said in John 15:1-2

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

One of the best descriptions of God’s love is given in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Let’s change the word “Love” to the Name of Jesus and see how it reads:

Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not boast, Jesus is not proud. Jesus is not rude, Jesus is not self-seeking, Jesus is not easily angered, Jesus keeps no record of wrongs.

Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Jesus always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Does that describe Jesus? Yes, because God is love. And, Jesus is God.

Would it be fair to say that Christians are to be like Christ? Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ

Now, let’s take it a step further and substitute love with “I” and see how 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reads:

“I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud.

I am not rude, I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs.

I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.

I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.”

Does that accurately describe you? Maybe we could stand some more maturing and pruning so that there is less of self and more of Jesus. Therefore, what can we do? There are two things we must do before the fruit of the Spirit is produced in our lives.

1) It’s not just going to happen. We have to want it to happen. We have to come to the place that we intentionally seek God and pray, “I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

2) We must give our entire lives to Jesus. We must abide in Him and He must abide in us. Therefore, Jesus must be in control. Jesus said in John 15:4,

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

We all have the same need—God’s love—but we are separated from God’s love by sin. Sin makes us God’s enemy. So God, who is love, sent His Son to atone for our sin on the cross and reconcile us to Himself.

Then Jesus Christ, who is God in the flesh, rose from the grave, and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. But He did not leave us alone.

He sent God, the Holy Spirit to be in us, to comfort us, to lead us, to teach us, to empower us, and to bear fruit in us that would reflect His image. Now, God’s love can abide in us and we can know God and produce His fruit.

Ephesians 3:16-19

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

To receive the Holy Spirit, we need to personally accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repent of our sin, and be baptized. To mature and become more like Jesus, we must die to self, seek Him with all our heart, and ask the Father to fill us with the Holy Spirit every day. To walk by the Spirit, we need to listen to His voice and obey His Word each moment of our lives.

Aug 25, 2024

GOD'S GRACE AND OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Last week, I defined God’s grace this way: God’s supernatural gift to mankind to believe and act on the Truth. This gift is God doing for us, and in us, and through us what we cannot do ourselves.

Again, for example:

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith.

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them[our responsibility].

God’s grace does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He has saved us and is working in our life to prepare us for good works and make us holy as He is holy.

1 Peter 1:14-15

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

God does not command us do something without providing the grace to do it. Through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s grace gives us salvation, forgiveness, righteousness, and power over sin.

It is that same grace that makes us holy and gradually changes us into the image of Christ so that we can do the works that Jesus did. Apart from Jesus, His grace, and His Spirit in us, we are unable to do anything but sin, for even our good deeds have impure motives.

Therefore, our responsibility is to abide in Christ and allow Him to abide in us. That way, we can hear His voice and follow Him. By God’s grace, we are guided by the Holy Spirit and no longer by the desires of our flesh (although the desires of the flesh still abide in us). Through faith in Christ, God gives us grace to love Him, to love others, and to do what He desires.

Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

These commandments sum up all the other commands in the Bible. While these sound simple, only by God’s grace can we love Him and others with pure motives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the perfect love of God in us, giving us the grace and power to obey these commands.

Although God’s grace is a gift, our responsibility is stated in Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Instead of striving to be perfect, our responsibility is to strive to be near the throne of grace, where we receive mercy and find grace to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who will perfect us and empower us to be like Jesus. Much of the New Testament describes this Spirit-filled living.

Since we are looking in Ephesians about salvation by grace, we will continue in this book to see how Paul went on to explain God’s grace and our responsibility.

Ephesians 4:1-7

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace [notice fruit of the Spirit].

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

All of us have different testimonies about how we were saved and the path we walked to be here today. These are testimonies of God’s grace. We are called to continue in His grace and be witnesses for Jesus Christ by walking in a manner worthy of this calling.

When we are walking in the grace of the Holy Spirit instead of the desires of our flesh, there will be unity in the Body of Christ. There will be humility and respect for one another since no one considers themselves better than another. The fruit of the Spirit will be evident. We will use the gifts of the Spirit to benefit the Church.

Ephesians 4:11-15

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ

We all have a job to do for the Lord. We have different gifts of the Spirit so that the whole Body of Christ depends on one another and builds itself up in love. We speak the truth in love and gradually grow together in every area into the fullness and image of Christ. When a church does this, it is a powerful witness of God’s grace to a “dog-eat-dog” world.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

All this is from God [grace], who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them [mercy], and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us [grace].

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God [grace].

One of our jobs is to share the Gospel. Most people have never read the Gospels in the Bible. The only Gospel some people will ever hear is the “Gospel According to You”.

We have the Gospel message and a ministry to tell others about God’s mercy and saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who has reconciled us to God by atoning for our sin on the cross. Therefore, tell people what Jesus has done for you.

In addition, people should see the reality of this Gospel in our life. They should see the righteousness of Jesus in us. That is our responsibility, but we cannot do it apart from God’s grace and power. Therefore, ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit. That is how we abide in the Lord Jesus Christ and how He abides in us.

Ephesians 4:17-24

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.

They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

The grace of God does not give us a license to sin. On the contrary, the grace of God renews our minds and gives us the ability not to sin. We have an innate sin nature that naturally sins, but the new birth from the Holy Spirit gives us a righteous nature that has God’s grace not to sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

This new birth is the work of the grace of God. As a new born baby has to grow and mature, so we, who are born again of the Spirit, have to grow and mature.

Therefore, put to death the desires of your sin nature and walk after the Holy Spirit, who leads us in true righteousness and holiness. We can ask God for the grace and power to do this. And He will give it to us, but we must listen to Him and obey.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

By totally resting in the grace of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives are radically changed.

Our speech becomes the words of Christ and they offer God’s grace to those who hear it.

Liars begin telling the truth and nothing but the truth.

Thieves quit stealing and begin working and sharing with others who are in need.

Gossips repent and begin building up the Body of Christ instead of tearing it down with their corrupting talk. Instead of anger, bitterness, malice, slander, and wrath, the members of the Church are loving, kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, and acting like Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Again, without the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, we cannot do this. However, with Them, we can be imitators of Jesus, because we live in Christ and He lives in us.

Ephesians 5:3-14

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Sexual immorality and crudeness are so common today, that they have become accepted in many churches. Those churches claim, since we are “saved by grace” and not by our morality, it is OK to continue sinning in the area of sexually immorality and especially homosexuality. They have even quit calling those things sin, deceiving themselves.

However, declaring a sin to no longer be a sin does not change the truth of God. Judgment will fall upon those who continue to sin and upon those who declare sin no longer a sin.

Romans 6:1-2

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?

By no means!

How can we who died to sin still live in it?

If we have been born again of the Holy Spirit, we are to die to the sinful nature in us. Sin belongs to the old life of the flesh. Therefore, resist the temptation to sin and die to self.

Hebrews 10:26-27

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Truthfully, grace gives us the ability to be moral after we are saved. If we still deliberately walk in immorality, then we are still in rebellion against God and will suffer His judgment.

Again, the grace of God does not give us a license to sin. Sin separates us from God. That is why the Church cannot condone sin and why all church members must walk in repentance (not perfection) instead of excusing their sin. God doesn’t accept excuses. Telling God I can’t change is actually saying I won’t change. God’s reply will be, “I gave you grace to change, but you didn’t do it.” Therefore, draw near to God and receive His grace to repent and to obey His Word.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Grace is the mightiest power you will ever see at work in your life. It’s the only power that brings real fruit to your walk with God, your prayer life, your witness, and your good deeds in His name.

Only as we enter fully into God’s grace and walk by His Spirit will we be delivered from the power of sin and empowered to do the glorious works He has set before us.

In conclusion, if you put your faith in Jesus Christ, His righteousness is given to you and you are already holy in God’s eyes. Now, your responsibility is to constantly draw near to the throne of grace, die to self, and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has called you to an intimate relationship with Him. Love, peace, joy, patience, self-control—all of these and more are yours through the Holy Spirit. It is your responsibility to walk by the Spirit and not by the desires of your flesh.

Galatians 5:16 But

I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

For those of you who have never experienced God’s grace, there is also good news. God wants to save you by His grace. But you, too, have a responsibility.

Acts 2:37-39

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God and what He has done for you on the cross, enter into God’s grace of forgiveness and transformation by publicly confessing your faith in Christ. Repent of your sin and give your life to Jesus by following Him in baptism.

You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you grace and power to do all that God calls you to do.

Aug. 18, 2024

Moving in God’s Grace

Last week we learned what it means to walk by faith. If we believe in Jesus as Lord and the Son of God, we will obey what He said. That is a challenge when we cannot see the outcome and those around us live by sight. Therefore, we need God’s grace to trust and obey what is unseen.

So, what is God’s grace? Grace has been defined as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That is catchy, but without a definition for God’s riches, we still don’t understand grace. Grace has also been defined as God’s unmerited favor. This, too, is an incomplete definition. Grace is indeed unmerited. We don’t deserve it. We cannot earn it. But what is God’s favor? We need a more comprehensive definition to understand grace.

Grace is God’s supernatural gift to mankind to believe and act on the Truth. This gift is God doing for us, and in us, and through us what we cannot do ourselves.

For example, Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

We cannot save ourselves. We cannot earn salvation. God’s salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not good works, not going to church, nor anything we do. The conviction of sin, the drawing to Christ for salvation, and the faith to believe Him and obey Him all come from God’s grace.

God’s grace gives us faith to believe Jesus when we hear the words of Christ, who is the living Word.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

By God’s grace, we see our sinfulness, our need for a savior, our need to repent, and a hope for a new life through baptism and rebirth by the Holy Spirit.

Faith is not produced by man, but by the grace of God that is generated by the Holy Spirit, convicting the heart of sinners, and enabling them to believe Jesus and what He has done for us. Again, this shows God’s grace working in man and not man’s ability to generate faith by his own effort. When the Holy Spirit is speaking to us, we need to be responsive to this grace of God in our life. God’s grace is freely given, but God also gives man a choice to receive it.

If there is no longing to hear and no desire to obey the Words of Christ, then that person either does not have grace to hear and believe, or he rejects the conviction from the Holy Spirit. In the latter case, he chooses to be his own god.

If we have been born again of the Spirit of God, there is a desire to talk about the experience and the reality of Christ. There is a desire to walk by the Spirit and do good works by the grace God. This is God’s purpose for our new life in Christ. By God’s grace, we are empowered to be ambassadors for Christ in this world.

Ephesians 2:10 We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

By God’s grace, we can die daily to our will and follow Jesus. It is a continuous choice. Most of the time, the choices are very subtle between our desires and God’s Spirit. We must stay focused on Jesus or we will miss the grace of God.

It is possible to attend church, praise God, take Communion, and listen to sermons, but fail to move in the grace of God the rest of the week. It happens when we become focused on ourselves instead of Jesus Christ. It is God’s grace that we can hear the Holy Spirit’s correction and recognize we have drifted away from God’s Light. It is God’s grace that we have a desire to come back into the Light and be restored back into fellowship with Him.

John 3:19-21 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Darkness is symbolic of evil, sin, and ignorance. It is the folly of most men that they love darkness, for it ends in death and damnation. It is God’s grace that those, who believe and follow Christ, do not remain in darkness, but continue to repent and work out their salvation as they obey the Spirit of God who abides in them.

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you [grace], both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

The miraculous grace of God gradually changes the sinner into the image of Christ. Man cannot cause a Christ-like change by his own efforts. He can try, but he soon tires from the effort. Works of true faith are performed out of obedience inspired by the Holy Spirit. This grace of God enables believers to work out their salvation purely out of love for Christ.

God’s grace gives us a new life, but God will not force us to live according to His will. “Working out” our salvation is our responsibility. Christians obediently work out their salvation by hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit, who reminds them of the Word of God.

Therefore, God has graciously given us His divine power to obey and experience His great and precious promises. As we move in His grace, we will have His divine nature to be like Jesus and escape the corruption caused by evil desires.

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need [that is grace] for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

The ultimate experience on earth is to know Jesus Christ, to know God’s Word, and to be able to move in step with the Holy Spirit. God’s grace empowers us to live in the center of His will and enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.

Romans 6:11-14 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

By God’s grace, sin no longer has power over us. We have power over sin. We can say “No” to sin, for it is no longer our master. We have the ability and authority to do this from the Holy Spirit, which is God’s grace working in us.

Therefore, we walk by the Spirit, not by focusing on the Law, but by focusing on Jesus as Lord and master of our life. His grace changes our personality and responses to the world.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

This passage presents one example of moving in God’s grace. We live in a crooked and depraved generation where people constantly grumble, complain, and argue. It is easy to go with the “flow” and join the gripe sessions or act the same as everyone else. However, if we obey the Spirit of Christ abiding in us, we will act like Christ and be thankful. This grace will make us different from the world and cause us to shine like lights in this darkness as we walk out what God has put into us.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit to takes the Word of God and renews our mind, washes our heart, heals our emotions, and changes our personality and actions. The Holy Spirit leads us according to the will of God. By God’s grace, we move by the power of the Holy Spirit through trials, tribulations, difficulties, sickness, and death; thus, glorifying Jesus Christ. As a result, we become righteous through Christ by grace of God.

Galatians 2:20-21 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Through the works of Jesus Christ, believers have victory over sin and all the grace they need to be like Jesus. Through the Word of God and regeneration of the Holy Spirit, repentant believers are increasingly changed into the image of Christ by God’s grace. They have His power over the temptations of the world, the lies of the devil, and the cravings of the flesh. They have the guarantee of His provision as long as they are seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness. They have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to have all the gifts they need to accomplish God’s will and to edify the Body of Christ. By grace, believers crucify their flesh and supernaturally produce the fruit of the Spirit, which marks them as members in the family of God.

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

God’s plan is not simply to improve us and make us better people. His plan is to inhabit us and recreate us to be like Jesus. If you find yourself lacking some fruit of the Spirit, ask the Father to fill you with Holy Spirit and to give you His grace to deny your fleshly desires.

Every person born is condemned to die and go to Hell. God sent His Son to save us from this fate. And He has given us grace to believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord of our life. A day is coming when all who reject the grace of God will be judged and destroyed. There is a day already appointed when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What determines a man’s eternal destiny is when he bows that knee to confess Jesus Christ is Lord. The wisest choice a man can ever make, when the grace of God reveals to him his need for a Savior, is to confess his sin, repent, make Jesus his Lord by dying to his old life through baptism, and being born again of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives grace to a believer to continue to walk in repentance. He reveals truth from God’s Word. He baptizes, indwells, seals, and empowers believers. Without His presence in the heart and life of the believer, all acts of religious worship are nothing but expressions of an empty religion.

If you are a believer, you have the privilege to receive all the grace from God you need to be what you are called to be—a Christian—someone who is like Christ! So don’t fail to go to the Father, who is on the throne of grace, to find grace to help you in your time of need!

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Are you moving in the grace of God today? Have you asked the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit and for His gift of grace to live for Him?

Apart from the grace that comes from faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can do nothing but sin. Now is the time to approach the throne of grace, to receive mercy, and find grace to believe and grace to follow Jesus.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today? You have a choice to accept it and obey, or to reject it and go your own way.

Perhaps God is giving you grace today to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who died on the cross to atone for your sin and rose from the grave to give you eternal life. If so, confess that faith publicly and die to your old life in baptism. God will forgive your sin and give you a new life born of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give you continuous grace to follow Jesus and to deny the sinful desires of your flesh.

Aug. 18, 2024

WALKING BY FAITH

2 Corinthians 5:5-10

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always of good courage.

We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

This last verse is a very sobering thought, and we must not forget it. We will all face judgment for what we have done in the body. The good news is God has prepared us for this judgment by giving us faith in His Son. We, who believe and repent of our sin, are born again by His Holy Spirit. The Son took our punishment, and the Holy Spirit gives us courage, hope, and grace to walk by faith in the Son—not by what we see. By this grace, our aim is to please God because we trust Him and love Him more than ourselves.

Unfortunately, we sometimes fail to get God’s grace before making decisions and this causes us to make decisions by sight. Sight usually takes one of three forms:

(1) we let our emotions be the guide. In other words, we do what we want to do, because pride and feelings rule;

(2) we take a commonsense approach, evaluating the pros and cons and the risks involved in each course of action; and

(3) we seek supernatural guidance.

There are profound problems with each method.

Consider the first one: we let our EMOTIONS be the guide.

This method traps many believers. God created our emotions, but He does not intend them to rule us. If they did, our lives would be a roller-coaster ride, up and down with every whim and trend. There can be a lot of drama in such an approach to life, but there can be no faith in God. God transcends our emotions, and when we elevate them above His wisdom, we are placing ourselves on the throne of our own heart—where only God should rule.

Emotional guidance is a disastrous way to live, based on the mood of the moment. We end up living with immeasurable regrets. Sooner or later, we find out: He, who does whatever he feels like at any given moment, is like an animal—and a fool.

Philippians 3:17-21

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

God’s prescription for our wisdom is to find His wisdom. His is constant; His is eternal; His is deeply rooted in reality—the way things really are. His wisdom is not trendy, and it is not superficial. In short, His wisdom is everything our emotions are not.

A believer who forsakes his or her own feelings for the much more reliable guidance of God Almighty becomes wise. God created us for emotional fulfillment, but not when we try to fill ourselves with our own shortsighted cravings. Sight is limited; faith is not. Therefore, we must walk by faith, not by sight.

Now, consider the second approach to decision making—COMMON SENSE.

It is higher and nobler than the selfish life of those who walk by their emotions and desires. It is based on the best logic we can muster. We make lists of pros and cons; we evaluate the risks involved in each course of action; and we determine the clearest, safest, most profitable direction. It is the best, most reliable path that human reasoning can offer. But it is still human reasoning. It is walking by sight, not by faith.

In essence, the commonsense approach is an intellectual way of “playing the odds” in life. It is not much different than a gambler at the racetrack who has thoroughly studied the horses and jockeys and calculated the best candidates to win, place, and show.

We can approach life the same way. We aim for the best education, locate in the safest, most comfortable area, plan for the most satisfying career, and save for the future. Nothing is wrong with any of those activities if they are built on a foundation of eternal wisdom and under the guidance of God. But we often skip the foundation and miss the guidance. We trust in our own devices and calculations. In short, we exalt our limited logic over the wisdom of the God. Even if we succeed in the eyes of men, we fail in the eyes of our Father in Heaven.

Again, God’s prescription for our wisdom is to find His wisdom in His Word, but His wisdom is only revealed by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand the Word. Those filled with the Holy Spirit can hear the voice of God when they read the Word. By faith in God, they forsake the ways of the world and the things of the world for the lasting treasures of the Kingdom. Faith looks not for the longest physical life possible but for the most fruitful life possible. Faith understands that God’s wisdom often appears absolutely senseless to those in the world.

For example, everything Jesus taught was contrary to worldly commonsense. So, people thought He was crazy.

John 10:20

Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?”

Therefore, to follow Jesus, we must walk by faith and not by what we see in the world, even though people think we are crazy.

Of the three approaches to decision making, we usually take third—supernatural guidance. It can be the most rewarding. It can also be the most disastrous. It all depends on where we place our faith. Just as it is possible to walk by faulty sight, it is possible to walk by faulty faith. We must not put our faith in faith, but in Jesus Christ; in what He has done, in what He has promised, and in what He has commanded.

Consider all of the supernatural guidance our world lays before us: séances, mediums, horoscopes, channelers, fortune cookies, spirit guides, psychics, crystals, palm readers, and more. How many of these have you consulted? Although popular in the world, these methods invite demonic spirits, who will speak to your spirit and mislead you.

These methods can also be found in unsuspected places, such as children’s books and cartoons. They can also be found in self-help books and are often promoted by motivational speakers. Some of it appears as biblical wisdom, but much of it has pagan associations, and it is the same old lies and satanic deceptions. Our age is not lacking in mystics proclaiming the way to happiness, fulfillment, success, and self-fulfillment. However, unless it comes from God’s revelation of reality, it is always the wrong way that leads to destruction.

All supernatural sources of guidance apart from Almighty God are forbidden in Scripture—even when dressed up as “advice” and marketed to a general audience. The Christian who seeks them for guidance is an idolater.

Deuteronomy 18:10-14

No one among you is to make his son or daughter pass through the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, cast spells, consult a medium or a familiar spirit, or inquire of the dead.

Everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable things.

You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do this.

It is a slap in God’s face to seek advice from horoscopes, other religions, and method falsely claiming divine wisdom. It is detestable idolatry and has serious consequences.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14

So Saul died for his breach of faith.

He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.

He did not seek guidance from the LORD.

Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

Seeking supernatural guidance is a biblical mandate. But we must obey this mandate with care and discernment. It cannot be just any supernatural guidance. It must be Almighty God, I AM’s, revelation, and He will not tell you anything contrary to His written Word. Do not trust your emotions, your commonsense, or the spiritual seductions of this age. Depend on God alone. Walk by faith in His Spirit and His Word.

The problem most of us encounter in this walk of faith is that we must base our decisions on realities we cannot see. Not only can we not see them clearly—though God will open our eyes to them more clearly if we ask and obey—those around us cannot see them at all. That is where the misunderstandings, the rejections, and even the ridicule come in. When we walk by faith, we can’t see very far in front of us. While we barely understand our next steps, our family members and friends, can’t understand them at all.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

The principles of this world are all based on sight. Our human nature likes to see before it believes and acts. If you begin to walk by faith instead of sight, you will see how quickly people begin to reject you.

When you refuse to live by sight, you refuse to play the games of this world. You reject its most traditional beliefs. Instead, you walk by the Truth, and much of the time you walk alone, following Jesus.

Our world doesn’t mind us believing whatever we want, as long as we don’t base our lives on the unseen. When we walk by faith, the label of “unstable” or even “crazy” comes quickly upon us, as it was on Jesus. Tell people you hear God and watch how they respond to you. Jesus told us to expect these things.

Matthew 10:24-25

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.

If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Consider Abraham, whose mission it was to move to a place he would be told of later, and who was promised a most improbable son.

Or Moses, who was called to demand from a hostile ruler the release of a million profitable slaves.

Or Elisha, who was surrounded by a vicious army, but more greatly encompassed by heavenly hosts.

Or Mary, who bore the Son of God by unconventional and socially unacceptable means.

If you are afraid to walk by faith, welcome to the club. But the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 was made of such a club. They not only listened to God, they overcame their fears, and they did what God said.

Listening to God’s Word is immensely profitable, but it can be dangerously deceptive as well. When we hear the Word, meditate on it, and let it become a part of our thinking, we often make the mistake of believing it has become a part of our lives. That is a deception. The Word is only our faith when we have acted on it. It is only effective when we have allowed God to move it from our minds into our spirit, and then outward into our actions.

James 1:22

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Most of us try to get through life on human wisdom. Some of us succeed. Others of us make so many mistakes that we die with innumerable regrets. If only we would hear God.

The truth is: We can.

The Voice of God has spoken. His written words are available to us. But there’s a catch. We have to be willing to obey what He has said. Otherwise, we won’t have “ears to hear” what the Holy Spirit is saying in our situation.

Those, who obey what they know God has already said, have their ears opened to more guidance from the Holy Spirit; and those who obey that guidance will hear more. It is a precious cycle, conceived in the mind of God:

Obedience begets hearing, hearing begets obedience, which begets hearing, which begets obedience, which begets hearing, which…and so on. In other words, this walk of faith develops from one obedient step to another.

The walk of faith is a life of obedience, and a life of obedience is a life of faith. The root of our problems is that most of us have trouble, however minor it may be, with obedience. When we disobey, we lose our “ears to hear” the Holy Spirit, and as a result, we fall back on human wisdom and suffer the consequences of disobedience.

James 2:18-26

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.”

Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

You believe that God is one; you do well.

Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says,

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Human wisdom would not have pushed Abraham up a hill to sacrifice his son;

it would not have led God’s people to the edge of the Red Sea with an army in pursuit;

it would not have marched around Jericho seven times and blasted a trumpet for the wall to fall;

it would not have matched David with Goliath in the valley;

and, most strikingly, human wisdom would not have sacrificed the holy Son of God on a cross in order to save wicked people.

We get to choose how to make our decisions. Would you prefer to live by your emotions, or your commonsense that results from losing your ability to hear God? Or would you prefer the exciting life of hearing God and walking by faith? The answer isn’t clear for everyone. But we have seen in the Word who endures to the end.

They walked by faith, not by sight.

Perhaps you need to initiate your walk by faith today. Begin by believing Jesus is the Son of God who atoned for your sin on the cross. Repent of being in control and follow Jesus in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you “ears to hear” and grace to walk by faith as you obediently follow Jesus.

July 28, 2024

OVERCOMING BOREDOM

Jesus summed up His mission to earth in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Yet many people, including Christians, are utterly bored with life. Boredom is a combination of weariness, slothfulness, apathy, and unconcern that causes depression. One survey reports that 54% of all Americans go to work primarily to escape the boredom of life at home. And 70% of American teenagers say they are bored with school. The survey also reported that 25% of people drink or use drugs because they are bored. Bars and casinos are full of bored people. The thief has stolen life and offers sin for excitement.

Besides the thief, there are two primary causes of boredom. The first is overstimulation. We live in a society that encourages us to believe that more is better. If a little of anything is good, then more will always be better. If one drink is good, two is better, and five is better still. If one pill helps, two is a kicker, three is a party, and five will knock you out. We also see this in relationships, as people jump from one person to another. We see it in the pressure to constantly move “up the ladder,” (achieve goals). Boredom causes people to move from city to city, and from church to church. We make friends, keep them for a while, get to know them, and then we move on. Advertisers prey on this desire for stimulation when they urge us to buy more, buy new, and buy now.

We are so bombarded with images, with lights, and sound that we are uncomfortable with peacefulness. That is why the TV is always on in the average American home. We are not watching it, but we must have noise in the background or we feel uneasy, even fearful. We are so overstimulated by TV, radio, music, movies, the Internet, and video games, that we are hyped up, tensed up, wound up, and as a result, easily bored without those stimulations.

The second cause of boredom is under-commitment. Too many people live at a 20% level of commitment. We are 20% committed to our marriage, to our work, to our relationships, to our families, to our church, and we end up being 20% committed to Jesus Christ. We are not committed enough to anything to find a reason to get out of bed in the morning. No wonder we feel bored.

Under-commitment is lukewarm, dangerous, and fatal. Jesus said in Revelation 3:16, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Underneath all this boredom is a deeper problem. Boredom comes from an excessive self-focus. Bored people are essentially selfish people who view the universe through their own stunted perspective. Boredom is a sign that your life is moving in the wrong direction. Bored people are following self instead of Jesus Christ, who came to give us real life.

Luke 9:23-24 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Jesus said if we want the full life He came to give, we must desire to lose our life and pursue Him. In other words, to overcome boredom and enjoy an abundant life in Christ, we must deny self, take up a cross, and follow Jesus. There are some simple, practical ways to do this every day.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

First, we overcome boredom by doing whatever your hand finds to do. This challenges us to take hold of the ordinary responsibilities of life around us and make sure they get done. It is easy for any of us to live in a dreamland of what we plan to do tomorrow. So, we dream about starting a diet, or getting a new job, or meeting the person of our dreams, or painting the living room, or learning a foreign language, or going back to college, or any of a thousand other worthwhile ideas. Meanwhile, there is work to be done today, much of it tedious and repetitive, that we also plan to do someday. Unfortunately, “someday” is not a day of the week.

When Solomon said, “Whatever your hand finds to do,” he did not mean, “If your hand does not find something to do, then take the day off and watch TV.” No! Your hand can always find something that needs to be done. There is so much to do that we must set priorities for ourselves.

That is what life is—a whole bunch of duties, large and small, that “someone” must do. It is wrong to complain and say, “I don’t feel like doing it.” Our feelings do not matter. The Word of God says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it!” We all have work to do, we all have chores, jobs, responsibilities, assignments in life. No one gets a free ride. And we will feel much satisfaction after we have finished the task. Boredom will disappear after we get busy.

One of the best cures for boredom is to get involved helping others. One doctor said that whenever a patient comes to him complaining of vague symptoms with no medical cause, he tells them to “crawl out of yourself.” He means to crawl out of the cave of self-pity and get involved in the world of hurting people.

It is very difficult to be bored when you are helping those around you. Boredom comes when we focus on our own needs. “Crawl outside yourself”, and your problems will seem smaller, and your boredom will soon disappear.

Second, Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “do it with your might.” Not only are we to do whatever lies close at hand, we are to tackle our work with gusto. Whatever we do, we should do it heartily, with enthusiasm, with passion, with zeal, and with 100% commitment.

But most of us do not approach our work that way. The worldly view is “That is not my job. Let someone else do that tedious chore.” The biblical view of work is that all work is noble if it is done for the glory of God. Even the most mundane task is worthwhile if we do it in the right spirit that honors God.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We all struggle with this sometimes. Society tells us that some jobs matter more than others. Certainly, some jobs pay more than others, and some jobs gain much more praise than others, but all jobs are important. We learn this lesson when the garbage collectors go on strike or mother gets sick.

Be thankful for your job. It is easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I hate my job. I do not like the place where I work. I am surrounded by jerks. My boss hates me. The woman next to me is mean. The pay is lousy. No one likes me.”

If those things are true, what should you do? Go to work anyway. Do what you have to do. And do it with all your might. Thank God for the job and your circumstances, and see what happens when your positive attitude and superior efforts are noticed.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Again, Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” It does not say, “Do it with all your might if you feel like it.” Nor, “Do it with all your might if you enjoy it.” Nor, “Do it with all your might if they treat you right.”

God’s Word is saying, “Do it with all your might even when you do not feel like it, you don’t like it, and you don’t want to be there. Don’t complain and argue. Instead, work with all your might and shine with the light of Jesus Christ.”

If you believe in the sovereignty of God, then it must be true that you are where you are because God wants you to be there. You are His ambassador in the workplace, and you will glorify Him if you work with all your might without arguing and complaining.

Third, we overcome boredom by pondering the brevity of life.

The rest of Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol [the grave], to which you are going.”

An old hymn (“Softly and Tenderly”) offers this sobering verse: Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me; Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, Coming for you and for me.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. We only get one chance to do whatever we are going to do for the Lord. Soon enough, sooner than we think, our life will be over. The point is, do whatever you are going to do now. If you intend to do some good deed, do it now. If you intend to train your children, train them every day. If you intend to do something or be something or try something, do it or be it or try it now, while you have the opportunity. You do not have time to be bored.

Fourth, we overcome boredom by giving thanks and representing Jesus in everything we do and say.

I repeat, Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Jesus’ name is attached to our words and deeds because His name is attached to us! We are “Jesus people” who claim to walk the “Jesus road.” We call Him our Master, our Savior and our Lord. We tell the world that we have left everything to follow Him. We even call ourselves “Christians”, meaning “Christ-like.” Whether we intend it or not, His name attaches to everything we say, even the foolish remarks, the unkind words, the angry insults, the swear words, the threats we utter, our complaints, our excuses, our boasts, our lies, our flattery, our moral compromise, our laziness, our dishonesty, and to every sin that we commit.

Perhaps we would be more concerned about the details of life if we remembered that we are the face of Jesus on the earth today. We like to say that Jesus is the light of the world, but He transferred that commission to us. Jesus is the Light, and if He abides in us, He intends for us to be a light of the world.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We are the only Bible some people will ever read, and we are the only Jesus some people will ever see. Therefore, remember who you are and what God’s purpose is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.

Fifth, we overcome boredom by being thankful for things large and small, as the last part of Colossians 3:17 says, “giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Be thankful for the daily blessings of God. Think about your eyes. Thank Him for being able to see the birds that fly overhead, the clouds that float in the sky, the snow that falls in the winter, the brilliant colors of the sunset, and the rain that waters the soil. Then consider your ears, your nose, your sense of smell, your sense of taste, the things you touch with your hands, the places you go with your feet.

Give thanks that you can arise from bed and go to work, do the housework, and wash the laundry. Give thanks for your friends and family by name. And as you give thanks throughout the day to the God the Father, your heart will be refreshed and you will realize how much you He has blessed you.

Jesus came to give us a full life. Therefore, if you are bored, it is because you have chosen to live a boring self-centered life. Boredom is not an issue of bad circumstances. It is caused by excessive self-focus. And it comes from being overstimulated and under-committed. Life is never boring when you commit yourself 100% to Jesus Christ, give thanks in all circumstances, do all you can to serve Him and bless other people.

Therefore, crawl out of yourself and make a new commitment to the Lord today. Reach outside yourself to help someone less fortunate and your perspective on life will radically change. Boredom is a warning sign that we are living for self when we ought to be living 100% for Jesus Christ.

As long as we live at the 20% level, we will be miserable, unhappy, frustrated, angry, upset, and bored. There is no one unhappier than a 20% Christian. As I close this sermon, I want to call out all the 20% husbands, the 20% fathers, the 20% wives, the 20% mothers, and all the folks who give 20% at work, 20% at school, 20% at church, and 20% to Jesus Christ. It is time to give 100% in every area of life. Commit all your ways to Jesus and your life will never be boring. It will be full and satisfying.

And if you have never committed your life to Jesus, you can do so by publicly professing your faith in Jesus as the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross. Then repent of following your fleshly desires and follow Jesus—first in baptism—then by obeying everything He said.

July 14 2024

PREVAILING OVER PANDEMONIUM

We have learned that pandemonium, an uproar or chaos, can be generated by the Holy Spirit or by evil spirits. In either case, God has a purpose in allowing it. Therefore, we need not be afraid, but we need to be prepared so that we can accomplish God’s purpose during the pandemonium. We can be confident of prevailing because Jesus made a promise to His Church.

Matthew 16:16-18

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!

"For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

If we are going to be part of the Church God uses to prevail against the gates of Hell, we, too, need the Father’s revelations through the Holy Spirit. We do not have the power to prevail, nor the ability do the work of God without the Holy Spirit.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.

The Holy Spirit will conform us to the image of Christ Jesus. The transformation will cause some turmoil in our lives while we are going through that change. Whether we meet in a building, a home, in the woods, in a tent, or in the catacombs, there are at least 7 things in God’s Word that the Holy Spirit does so that the Church is effective, perseveres during persecution, and prevails over pandemonium.

1. The Holy Spirit creates diversification in ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Too often, a church relies on a preacher and paid staff to do the work of the ministry. This arrangement makes the church body ineffective. Contrary to this arrangement, the Holy Spirit equips all believers in the Church with a gift to be used in ministry for the common good.

The Church of Jesus Christ will have many ministries, but only one message, Jesus Christ. Therefore, we need to recognize each person’s gift and let them use it. Everyone is needed and everyone needs to be busy in the Body of Christ.

2. In the midst of our diversity, the Holy Spirit will unite the Church in its mission.

The Holy Spirit gives us grace and love for people with different gifts and backgrounds. For example, In Acts 15, some Jewish leaders came from the Church in Jerusalem to Antioch, insisting that Gentile believers be circumcised. From their background, they believed the Gentiles must become Jews before they could become Christians. However, the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit without circumcision in the same manner as the Jewish believers.

The Apostles met to discuss this issue. After much prayer and searching the Word of God, the Holy Spirit showed them that the Gentile believers did not have to become Jews to be saved. In return, the Gentile believers were to deliberately avoid offending the Jewish believers by openly practicing their Gentile customs. Everyone was to act in love toward one another.

God’s love, given to us by the Holy Spirit, prevails over our differences and binds us together. Love fulfills the Law and it will cause us to stay together and stand together during times of pandemonium and persecution. The Holy Spirit will make us a loving and forgiving body of believers.

Colossians 3:11-17

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Forgiveness is very important and it must be a quick, loving response toward one another, because Satan attempts to create pandemonium through misunderstanding, unforgiveness, hurt, and bitterness. However, the Holy Spirit gives us love that keeps no record of wrongs and will prevail over the pandemonium created by Satan. By the grace of God, we will forgive as God has forgiven us through Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him.

And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.

For we are not unaware of his schemes.

To maintain unity, the Holy Spirit will also develop humility and submission in us toward one another. Humility and submission provide the channel for God’s love to flow through the Church and accomplish the mission He has given us.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

3. The Holy Spirit will increase the Church’s faith and effectiveness in prayer.

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Everyone has access to the Father and can pray. Prayer prepares us with God’s vision. Prayer brings God’s anointing. Prayer moves us into God’s will. Prayer prevails over the devil and his tactics, no matter what kind of pandemonium he brings.

Ephesians 6:16-19

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

4. The Holy Spirit will develop new leaders and move them to begin new ministries that spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Acts 13:1-3

In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

The Holy Spirit will identify future leaders and empower current leaders to disciple them. Discipling is a process that teaches the younger believer to walk in the Spirit, trains them to obey the Word, and provides them with ministry opportunities. When they are ready, the Church gives them responsibilities, assignments, and supplies to do the work of the ministry.

5. The Holy Spirit will bind the Church together with love and it will restore those who fall.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

People get hurt in spiritual warfare by yielding to temptation, stress, and attacks. We must not allow Satan to create pandemonium when someone falls in battle and thus injure more believers. The Church will act as a field hospital. It does not shoot its wounded nor forsake them. We will love and nurture the wounded to spiritual health during their repentance and help them to re-submit to Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:1-10

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.

But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Each one should test his own actions.

Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

A man reaps what he sows.

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

6. As pandemonium and persecution increase, the Holy Spirit will cause the Church to give and share what it has.

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

All the believers were together and had everything in common.

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

As persecution increases and more needs arise among us, those that belong to the Church will share their lives, homes, and food with one another. Furthermore, as the Holy Spirit adds people to our church, we will extend our fellowship to them and include the new members in our activities and sharing.

7. The Holy Spirit will cause believers to stay focused on their purpose and not get distracted. All activities will be for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our great mission and purpose is--

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

If we give our life to fulfilling the Great Commission while living out the Greatest Commandment (to love God and others), we will accomplish God’s purpose.

The ministry and the purpose God has for every member in the Body of Christ is to love God, love your neighbor, love one another, and to go and make disciples of Jesus by teaching them to observe all things He has commanded.

God does not call the powerful and influential. God calls the humble and equips the faithful. God equips us with His grace to prevail through all persecution and pandemonium. He gives us power through prayer, power through the Holy Spirit, and power through love.

Are you prepared for the pandemonium that is coming? A large percentage of society hates Jesus and His Church. They are very open about it now. Do you have God’s power to prevail? Do you pray and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Do you love others, even your enemies?

Apart from Christ, we can do none of these things. We must be born again of the Spirit of God. And we must stay filled with God’s Spirit on a daily basis through repentance, denying self, and following Jesus obediently.

Only God can give us the grace to accomplish these things. Come to Him this morning in repentance, faith, and submission. Confess your sin to Jesus. His Blood, shed on the cross, has atoned for your sin. Go to Him for forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Through humility, confession, trust, obedience, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will prevail over all the evil pandemonium in the world. Encourage and pray for one another often until Jesus returns.

If you are ready to prevail over the pandemonium in your life through faith in Jesus Christ, publicly confess your faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Give Him your life and follow Him in baptism.

July 7, 2024

INDEPENDENCE CAUSES PANDEMONIUM.

Christians, seeking religious freedom started several colonies in this country. When England’s rule became oppressive, the colonies declared themselves independent from England.

That declaration caused pandemonium throughout the English empire and forced the colonists to risk their lives and fortunes in a war to secure their freedom. Fortunately, the new Americans prevailed in the war and in the subsequent difficulty of establishing a country governed by free people.

Today, I’m thankful for our freedom and for those who struggled and gave their lives so that we can be free.

But in 1776 not everyone was free. Later, a bitter civil war was fought that resulted in freedom from slavery. Since then, America has fought several wars so others in the world could be free. Today, freedom continues to be something Americans must fight for. Within our own borders and government, there are those who want to take away our freedom.

1 Peter 2:16

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

How have Americans used our freedom in recent years? We have used it to do whatever we want independent of God. By declaring independence from God, this nation has rejected the Truth and become a slave to sin which will lead to its destruction.

John 8:34-36

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Freedom is found in serving Jesus Christ and living according to His Word. Therefore, independence from God is the cause of America’s problems that we are currently experiencing.

The biggest threat Americans face today is not the hoax of man-made climate change. It is something called, “Political Correctness.”

Anyone who speaks contrary to a socialist political persuasion or shares the Truth of Jesus, is branded a “hater or bigot.” They can lose or be denied a job. There is no debate nor different opinion allowed. This is a threat to free speech and the exchange of ideas.

So, when we do not allow the Truth to be heard, all we are left with are lies. As a result, America is being led by dishonesty, distortion,

misinformation, deception, fabrications, and propaganda.

Without the Truth, America has lost the guidance of God Almighty. We have taken Jesus Christ out of our society and we are plunging headlong into a dark and painful misery that looms ahead. And misery does not just apply to nations—it applies to every individual who fails to live according to the Truth of Jesus Christ and His Word.

When God is removed, evil prevails. Everywhere we turn, we see hatred and belligerence. We see God and Christians being attacked, and our society is unravelling before our eyes.

Many Americans are no longer industrious by seeking an education or a job. They are seeking government handouts and electing those who promise more giveaways. If the election does not please them this year, they will create more pandemonium in the streets.

America is on the path of receiving God’s punishment just like the ancient Israelites received when they ignored God and His Word. The prophets who witnessed Israel’s destruction described a horrible sight, culminating in suffering, slavery, and death.

What can we do? We are not responsible for what others have done in the past, nor are we responsible for what others may do in the future, but we are responsible for what we do today. We must exercise our political freedom while we still have it, but more importantly, we must pray for a gift of repentance.

God has brought revival before, and He can do it again, if we humble ourselves, repent, and seek God’s face. It will not be a quick fix. We did not get this way overnight, nor will national revival happen quickly, but it spreads like a fire. This is a call to seek God with persistent and persevering prayer and repentance.

John MacArthur said,

“Certainly God can bless America, but the necessary prelude to national blessing is a sweeping spiritual renewal that begins with individual repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Apart from such a profound spiritual awakening and a decisive return to the God of Scripture, we have no right as a nation to anticipate anything but God’s judgment.”

On the other hand, revival may not be God’s plan. We could be living in the last days before Jesus returns. In such a case, people will not repent and the evil pandemonium will increase. This, too, calls for humility, prayer, repentance, and perseverance.

Matthew 24:3-14

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.

"Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.

"For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many.

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.

"Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

"All these are the beginning of birth pains.

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

If these are the days Jesus is speaking about, Christians should not fear the coming pandemonium and persecution, but they should get prepared for it by repenting of all sin, and be willing to suffer and die for their Lord. At the same time, we should be focusing on Jesus, loving one another, and spreading the Gospel.

A light shines brightest in the darkness. Like the early days of Christianity, the coming darkness could be our brightest hour. Many of our brothers and sisters in Islamic countries are already experiencing the ultimate persecution, leading to death. Do not be afraid. Keep your eyes on Jesus and His Word.

Jesus continues in Matthew 24:44-51,

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?

"It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.

"I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

"But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.

"The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.

"He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Since we do not know when Jesus is coming, we need to be in a state of readiness for His return. While we wait, we must do God’s will.

1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near.

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

While the world kills and destroys one another, Christians must be filled with the Holy Spirit so they have grace to love one another deeply, bind together, encourage one another, serve the Lord, and glorify Jesus Christ.

Pandemonium may be created by the Holy Spirit or by evil spirits. In either case, we need to realize God has a purpose for permitting it and we must trust Him. For example, God had a wonderful purpose for the most evil event in history—our salvation.

Matthew 27:22-26

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar [pandemonium] was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.

“I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said.

“It is your responsibility!”

All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”

Then he released Barabbas to them.

But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Here we see the forces of darkness creating pandemonium in the presence of the Light of Jesus. This has happened throughout history. There will always be those opposed to the Truth, who will create an uproar in the family, on the job, in the Church, and in the world.

If we walk according to the Truth, they will persecute us, but we are not to fear them. We are to expect persecution and act like Jesus as we go and make disciples. The darker this world gets, the more our light will be seen.

After all, people should be able to look us in the eye and see the light and love of God.

Matthew 6:22-23

The eye is the lamp of the body.

So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.

If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

One problem with our witness to the world is that not everyone, who calls themselves a “Christian”, is filled with the Light of Jesus Christ.

For example, people can be steeped in religion that is not the Truth. On the outside, they may look proper, but inside they are full of darkness. We must not assume they are saved because they go to church. Just going to church is an “inadequate religion”.

In their self-deception, they are the hardest to convert, but we are not to leave them satisfied with empty ritual. We need to show them they can have a vital, thriving, saving, relationship with Jesus Christ! But before we can do that, we must repent of all darkness in our soul and be filled with the Light of Christ—the Holy Spirit. We must have a vital, thriving, saving, relationship with Jesus Christ ourselves before we can share it with others!

We must also beware of imitation religions, superstitions, myths, traditions, and those who practice them! They may be popular, but they will not accomplish God’s will. We need the real thing to accomplish real things.

People do not need an inadequate religion or an imitation religion; they already have those. They need Jesus and our job is to introduce Jesus to them through our words and actions.

The mighty revival of God that this county needs will begin when believers clean up their own lives by confessing and repenting of the hidden practices they do in private. Unbelievers will take notice after believers repent and fall in love with Jesus, becoming humble, and Christ-like.

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples. However, we have a tendency to camp where things are pleasant. Therefore, God uses pandemonium is to awaken us, to keep us going, and to spread the Gospel.

That is how He got the first Church out of Jerusalem and into other countries. At the time, I’m sure the pandemonium did not seem like God’s will.

For example, why did the minister, in my testimony last week, have to leave when people were being saved? Why did God allow the religious hypocrites to create a pandemonium that forced his removal? It appeared evil was victorious.

At that time, I wondered who will teach us the Truth? I feared all of us left behind were in danger of falling away without our teacher. But, God had a plan for our minister. And God had a plan for us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I soon learned the Holy Spirit is our mentor and teacher. So, when God moves a man to minister elsewhere, the Holy Spirit remains in the hearts of the new believers and He imparts the Truth directly to them through His Word. Consequently, new believers learn to cling to God for comfort, direction, power, and grace to witness.

Although we see pandemonium has a purpose, we still tend to avoid it. For example, when we see sin tolerated in the church, should we keep quiet to keep the peace?

Speaking the truth that comes against man’s traditions, false religion, or a denominational hierarchy in the church is a fearful act. It will create pandemonium and persecution. (share experience)

Regardless of what people do to us, we must always speak the truth with gentleness and kindness. The truth does not need to be loud to be heard. It is powerful enough when spoken with love.

Even then, a lot of pandemonium will erupt when we speak the Truth. Knowing that, we feel a temptation from fear to say nothing. But that is Satan’s will, not God’s will.

We can take comfort from Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10-12,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Jesus told us to expect the same pandemonium and persecution that He received for speaking the Truth. After all, Jesus did not come to earth to leave people in the same lost condition. He came against the power of darkness---the ruler of this world, the father of lies---to set us free.

Satan causes pandemonium, but Jesus said, “Fear not!” Jesus is with us as we follow Him and come against the powers of darkness in His Name!

We need to be busy making disciples while there is still time. Besides, we haven’t seen anything compared to the biggest day of pandemonium yet to come.

2 Peter 3:10-14

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.

The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Are you ready for that pandemonium if it came today? Are you ready for the day when Jesus returns? If not, you can get ready by believing Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Savior of your life.

If you believe that, then publicly confess your faith. Also, confess your sin to the Father and ask Him to forgive you. Repent of all independence from God and become dependent upon Him and His Word.

Begin obeying His Word by submitting to baptism. In exchange for your old life of independence and sin, He will give you eternal life, born of the Holy Spirit.

June 29, 2024

PANDEMONIUM

Pandemonium is a riotous uproar, complete disorder.

Recently, we witnessed pandemonium in our city streets. The purpose was to create chaos, tear down the established order, and generate fear. The protesters have been taught by socialists that the system of this country is racist, therefore evil, regardless of the freedoms, privileges, and economic opportunities available to all.

But, they are not seeking equality and freedom for all. They are seeking a system where they are privileged and in power. They will eventually fight amongst themselves for this power.

And once they gain power, our rights and property will be taken away. We will be subjects of those in power. They will determine if we live and how we live. This is nothing new. It has happened in other countries that experienced socialist revolutions. We are just seeing the beginnings of it in this country.

Sharing the Gospel can create pandemonium too, among both unbelievers and church members. Although the Gospel is Good News, to believe it and accept it requires humility, confession of sin, and dying to self. People reject the Gospel because they pridefully believe they are not evil, they like their traditions and lifestyle, and they want to control their life.

Being convicted of sin and facing the Truth upsets people. Some react violently.

For example, the Gospel caused pandemonium in Thessalonica.

Acts 17:1-9

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.

But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”

And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things.

And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

When Jesus came in the flesh of man, the nation of Israel was under the dictatorship of Roman rule. Religion had become oppressive with rules and devoid of spirit. Even so, Jesus performed miracles, gave the people hope, and spoke of another Kingdom where there was freedom.

People were excited everywhere Jesus went. Some zealots wanted Jesus to lead a revolution, overthrow the Romans, and become their king. He rejected all such attempts.

However, when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, pandemonium broke out. The people hailed Jesus as the King of Israel. Then Jesus drove out the money changers in the Temple and the “deep state” of the religious order was alarmed. To protect their authority, the religious leaders told the Roman government that Jesus was a threat to their rule as well. Together, they crucified Jesus to quench the pandemonium.

The disciples of Jesus, who had experienced so much joy, hope, and excitement in the presence of Jesus, now felt deep guilt, disappointment, hopelessness, and fear for their lives. The Kingdom and freedom, Jesus preached about, seemed like an impossible dream.

Then the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost and pandemonium broke out once again. They had the grace and the power of God in them, and they created pandemonium everywhere they went preaching Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. They began turning the world upside down without any use of force, without protesting, without rioting, and without looting. Nevertheless, the pandemonium they created cost them their lives. But their persecution and death only caused the Gospel and the Kingdom of God to spread.

As it was for the first disciples, every disciple today who follows Jesus can expect an exciting life—Jesus’ life—a life that affects others around us. And we can expect a wide range of reactions, from excitement and acceptance, to rejection, hatred, and death.

Jesus said in John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

"Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’

"If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

"If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

"But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”

There is more to life and Christianity than following a bunch of religious rules. Following Christ will result in an abundant life, an exciting life. But it will cost us everything—including our present life, which we cannot keep anyway.

Mark 8:34-35

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."

The abundant, exciting life that comes from following Jesus and living in His Kingdom requires denying self, taking up a cross, and losing our worldly life. It begins by being born again of the Spirit—a new life that never dies.

John 3:5-8

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

"You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

"The wind blows wherever it pleases.

"You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.

"So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Being born again is not something we do or determine. The Holy Spirit does it in a manner that is according to His will. We cannot control when or how it occurs, but some things commonly happen during this spiritual birth.

First, the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and reveals that we are condemned. He gives us grace to believe Jesus is the Savior, the Son of God, who died for our sins on the cross and rose again from the dead.

This faith leads us confess our sin and ask for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit gives us a desire to die to ourselves in baptism and to be born again.

When the Holy Spirit takes residence in us, we are a new creation in Christ and He continues to renew our mind, will, and emotions. Through this regeneration process, the Holy Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ from one degree of glory to another.

The Holy Spirit also gives us a love for Jesus that desires to obey His commandments. The result of our obedience is peace, joy, and an abundant, exciting life that witnesses to others.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God has a plan for our life. He will reveal it as we walk after His Spirit instead of our flesh. While we simply focus on following Jesus, we are often unaware of the affect we create in other people unless they express it. We will never know the far reaching effects of a simple act of love in the Name of Jesus. Even the persecution and rejection we receive from some people can be turned into an effective witness to other people.

For example: Acts 11:19-21

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.

Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Instead of going to the synagogues where there were people familiar with the Holy Scriptures, some unnamed believers took the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Greeks in Antioch, who were steeped in mythology, superstition, and paganism. Consider the long-range effect of their faithfulness.

All of us Gentiles are here today because those persecuted believers left their homes and remained faithful to the Great Commission by “going and making disciples of all nations.” Persecution did not deter them from sharing the Gospel with people who did not know God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Today, when we consider the condition of our society and the power of darkness around us, it may seem impossible for us to have any influence. But look at the results of those 120 disciples at Pentecost, who lived in a world darker than ours. The darkness has never been able to put out the light of Jesus Christ, even in godless and oppressive Moslem and Communist countries.

After all, our only hope is Jesus Christ, not anarchy, not Communism, not capitalism, and certainly not political parties. Although the protesters don’t know it, Jesus is the answer to the disenchantment they are feeling in the streets. Every generation has to discover this.

For example, some of you are old enough to remember the riots and assassinations of political leaders in the 1960’s. Young people were protesting the Vietnam War and people were marching for civil rights. The country was in turmoil. Do you remember what happened next?

In the last part of 60’s and early 70’s, a spiritual revival broke out among the disenchanted youth. Millions were saved. The Broadway play “Godspell” ran for years and is still played in theaters. All over the nation, football stadiums were filled with youth who came to praise and worship Jesus.

This became known as the “Jesus Revolution,” and it created pandemonium in the Church for a while, because these new believers were not following religious traditions. As the new believers matured, they had a profound effect on Christianity, worship, and on the country.

The Holy Spirit will take you out of your comfort zone. Instead of being comfortable, predictable, and impassionate—yes, even boring, the Holy Spirit will lead you to take risks and make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel. If we fail to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will miss God’s blessings.

I learned this lesson early in my Christian life. It happened in 1976, during the Jesus Revolution era. Although I was very new in Christ, I was asked to be a chaperone on a youth retreat one weekend. I didn’t want to go. It sounded boring. Camping out with a bunch of raucous teenagers was not my idea of fun.

To prepare for the retreat, we were to read Prison to Praise, a book about being filled with the Holy Spirit and praising God in all circumstances. I read the book and unenthusiastically went to the retreat out of obedience to the Holy Spirit.

During the disorderly activities, Beth, a 16-year-old girl, lost a diamond ring that her grandmother had given her. She was devastated and weeping. Many tried to console her, others searched for the ring, but the pastor saw this as an excellent opportunity to apply the lessons in the book.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Beth could not see any reason to rejoice, give thanks, or praise God in this circumstance. Neither did the other teens around her. But Beth finally agreed to try. She prayed and began to sacrificially praise God and trust Him with her grandmother’s ring. Then she asked God to fill her with the Holy Spirit so she would have grace to truly trust and praise Him for everything in her life.

God immediately answered her prayer!

The Holy Spirit came upon her and she began laughing, declaring praises, thanksgiving, and love for God. She was filled with exceeding joy because she knew Jesus was real, for He now lived in her! She felt His Presence! The ring no longer mattered so much. She had received something far more valuable! And she began sharing her new joy and experience with the other teens.

Excitement began to spread throughout the youth group. John, who was 18, wanted what he was witnessing in Beth. So several, including Beth, began praying for John. (I was just watching; I did not know how to pray for this.) Then John asked God to fill him with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said in Luke 11:13

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Again, God immediately answered John’s prayer. But instead of laughter, John fell to the ground and began to weep uncontrollably. I thought something was wrong. Eventually, he recovered and explained. He saw a vision of Jesus on the Cross dying for his sin! For the first time in his life, John sincerely confessed of his sin and gave his life completely to Christ. Then the Holy Spirit filled him with indescribable peace.

We met John 25 years later. He was still joyfully walking by the Spirit and is a leader in the Church.

These conversions were amazing, for these teens had been taught that they were already saved because they had religiously followed the doctrines and traditions of their church.

But God was not finished showing us His mercy and glory. Near midnight, I was walking with the pastor to our tent area when we both noticed a small light shining brightly in the grass. The pastor went over to inspect and it was Beth’s diamond ring! When he picked it up, the light disappeared.

Pandemonium and revival broke out in that youth group. God was real! They were alive in Christ, praising Him and rendering thanksgiving in their church! And they continued with Bible studies, prayer meetings, worship, and obedience to their parents!

However, a different kind of pandemonium broke out among the religious people in the church.

They complained to the bishop that the kids were not being taught correct doctrine by the pastor. The evidence was the kids, who were sprinkle-baptized as infants and confirmed by the church, were now wanting to get baptized by immersion and filled with the Holy Spirit!

Even Beth’s mother told the bishop:

“Something is wrong with my daughter. All she wants to do is stay in her room and read the Bible. That is not normal behavior for a 16-year-old girl. She ought to be out having fun with her friends.”

(Maybe some of you are uncomfortable with this testimony of what God does outside of church tradition. But Jesus went against religious tradition in Jerusalem and He continues to do so today.)

Like Jesus, the pastor never spoke a word in his defense during the inquisition that followed. He was at peace, for he had done no wrong according to God’s Word. In the end, he was dismissed, but he continued to praise and trust God, believing God had something else for him to do.

As I reflect back, I realize I almost missed this experience. If I had followed the desires of my flesh and stayed comfortably at home, my faith and my life would be very different. The experience showed me that if you follow Jesus and His Holy Spirit, you will experience things you never imagined. On the other hand, following Jesus will also bring persecution from unbelievers, family, friends, and religious people, as it did in Thessalonica.

But following Jesus is not complicated—just ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so you can love God and love people. Ask Him for grace to be a living sacrifice. Place your life every day before God and let Him lead you to bless others—stirring up hope and a little pandemonium wherever you go.

Whatever happens, following Jesus is definitely not boring. The reward is God’s constant Presence and a future in Heaven. Are you ready to receive the abundant, Spirit-filled, life Jesus died to give you?

Acts 2:37-39

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

June 23, 2024

A TIME FOR BOLDNESS

Today, as Church membership decreases and persecution of Christians increases, we are in need of boldness from the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill our Commission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

When we were children, our wise mothers said, “Do not talk to strangers!” At that time, her instruction was for our protection. As Christian adults, we cannot use our mother’s teaching as an excuse not to share the Gospel. You see, people who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and therefore, do not obey His Word, are going to Hell! That is not my judgment. It is a fact that we need to keep in mind.

Jesus said in John 3:17-19

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

Either we don’t believe these Scriptures or we don’t care if people go to Hell. Otherwise, we would look for opportunities to tell them about Jesus so they can believe in Him and be saved from Hell. That is the only way to add to the Body of Christ.

Entertainment, programs, playgrounds, and soft preaching do not create disciples of Christ. They make people religious and comfortable in their sin. Such a church is devoid of the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit convicts sinners when they hear the Truth and gives them grace to repent. Only the Holy Spirit gives them a new birth and power over temptation and sin.

Therefore, our job is to repent of our sin and pray that the Holy Spirit fills our lives. Then as we share the Gospel, the Holy Spirit can give people grace to believe in Jesus when they look at our lives and hear our testimony. Are you doing these things? Are you filled with the Spirit and sharing the Gospel, or are you relying on a program or a tactic to increase church membership?

Sometimes, we feel an urge to share our testimony, but we are quickly overcome by a fear of rejection or feelings of inadequacy. Fear is an evil spirit sent to us to keep us quiet. We rationalize that people probably don’t want to hear about Jesus, or the subject would make them uncomfortable.

So to be “kind” to them, we refrain from talking about Christ. This is an evil deception, because the kind thing to do is to inform them about their condemnation and that they do not have to go to Hell if they will believe in Jesus as their Savior and make Him their Lord.

In addition, there are three main reasons why should we be bold and risk rejection and persecution for sharing the Gospel, and they have little to do with the person we talk to. They are the same reasons the Apostles spread the Good News of Jesus to the world and died for it.

1. LOVE FOR GOD

If you love someone, you desire to help them at the point of their greatest need, even if it costs you your life. We have a Father in Heaven who loves a world that doesn’t know Him. That is why He sent His Son. After dying for our sin and resurrecting from the dead, Jesus gave us the commission of taking the Good News of God’s love and redemption to the world.

John 20:21

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

We are part of the “Body of Christ.” As His Body, we represent Jesus to the world. This means our hands are His hands, our eyes shine with His love, and our voices speak His words. We are His ambassadors in this world.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has entrusted us with the tremendous privilege of expressing His heart of love to condemned people. If we love God, we cannot fail His trust. We cannot ignore people who are condemned and walk in ignorance of God’s plan of reconciliation and salvation.

When we see strangers, we don't immediately love them. Many Christians search their heart for some feeling of love that will propel them into bold evangelism. It will never happen. We find it impossible to deeply love a stranger in a photograph, let alone something as vague as “all the lost people.”

Neither does God relate to abstractions. He knows and relates to individuals. He does not see a conglomerate such as the nation of China, as much as He sees every Chinese person, whom He has known intimately since conception.

Therefore, don't wait for a feeling of love in order to share Christ with a person. Take an interest in them and their needs, because God loves you and you love God; and therefore, you desire to serve Him by relating to a lost person.

Ephesians 6:7

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

The fact is: people are condemned to Hell unless they believe in Jesus as their redeemer. Look at them as condemned individuals and try to make them aware of their condition and tell them there is a Savior, whose Name is Jesus. It is a loving thing to tell them what Jesus has done for you and what He has done for them.

We are not condemning anyone. They are already condemned! We are serving Jesus, the Lamb of God, who sacrificed Himself so that men could be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. That is the Good News. That is sharing the Gospel!

When you boldly open your mouth to testify to others, because you love God, you'll be amazed at the change that comes in your feelings and emotions. The love of God will begin to flow from your words and actions. This brings us to the second reason to boldly share the Gospel.

2. THE LOVE OF CHRIST COMPELS US

A great many opportunities to share the Lord are a result of contact with acquaintances in our work, school, or neighborhood. Do they know they are condemned without faith in Jesus? We must inform them, but we must also press beyond routine contacts. There are millions who will never be reached unless Christians are bold and share with strangers.

The strongest motivation in the world for boldness is the indwelling love of Christ, given to us by the Holy Spirit. People may think we are crazy, but it is our love for Christ that compels us to tell others about Jesus dying for our sin and saving us from Hell.

2 Corinthians 5:13-15

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Having taken the initial bold step of speaking to a stranger, you'll be amazed at the power of the Holy Spirit within you to arouse compassion and empathy for the people you talk to. Don't sit around waiting for God’s love. He IS love, and He dwells within you!

If you will just obey Him in making the initial contact, Christ’s love, wisdom, power, and knowledge will be poured out through you. The Holy Spirit in you will do the convicting of sin and give faith to believe.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

After 48 years as a Christian, I still grapple with fear and inadequacy in sharing the Lord with others, but this human weakness serves to remind me that witnessing and preaching can only be accomplished in total dependence on Jesus, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. He will give us the words to say to another person.

Colossians 1:28-29

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

3. The third reason to share Jesus with others is OBEDIENCE.

John 14:15

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

We are commanded to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with whole world. Our love for Jesus will cause us to obey His commands and the Commission He gave us.

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Making disciples not a special ministry for a few, it’s a normal activity of every believer. We do not need training in sales to share Jesus. We need to love Jesus. Then sharing Christ is as easy as telling about your best friend, someone you love, and living like He is present with you.

Furthermore, there are many unpretentious ways you can initiate sharing the Gospel and making disciples. Here are a few you can start with:

1. Have a supply of favorite tracts that you carry with you in your handbag or briefcase to leave with person after you talk to them.

2. Show one of the many excellent Christian films in your home to a non-Christian audience.

3. Invite people to Church services and offer them a ride and lunch afterwards.

4. Give away fascinating testimony books like The Hiding Place or God's Smuggler to non-Christian acquaintances.

5. Become involved with ministries that reach out to the unsaved.

6. Use social media to express your faith and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Those are all simple things, but we never know what work the Holy Spirit is doing in drawing a person to Jesus. When we obey the Spirit’s urge to share Christ, we may not reap a harvest, but what we share may be another seed that God plants or waters. Salvation is God’s work, and we may be only a small contribution, but we are part of God's loving pursuit of mankind.

Therefore, look for divine appointments. The Holy Spirit will place you in contact with people who need to hear that God loves them, and desires to forgive, heal, and reveal Himself to them. If the Holy Spirit prompts you to speak to a stranger, don’t hesitate.

Don't be afraid of them. Their exterior may be intimidating, but all people struggle with guilt, hurt, and a need for real love. Look past that veneer of self-sufficiency, or the unkempt appearance of rebellion.

Underneath is a child who needs a father—a sinner needing God’s mercy and grace. Tell them the GOOD NEWS of what Jesus has done for you, and for them. If possible, pray with them!

How do we testify?

2 Timothy 4:5

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Peter 1:14-16

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Our strongest influence as witnesses is our example. "Actions speak louder than words." But where words and actions are both displayed, the greatest impact is made.

Every Christian makes an impression by his conduct. Our looks, dress, attitudes, and whole demeanor make a constant impression, one way or the other. We cannot help testifying for or against God. We are either gathering for Christ or scattering abroad. Every moment of our lives, we are exerting a tremendous influence that will affect the eternal destiny of souls all around us.

As to the manner in which we are to testify, first we should live as if we believe the Bible. People should see Jesus Christ living in us. Words without example will do no good. All the arguments in the world will not convince anyone that you believe the Bible, unless you live as if you really do believe it.

The idea "we can't be perfect" has prevailed for so long that many “Christians” do not even seriously aim at living a life without sin. They drift along in a loose, sinful manner, at which the devil and the world laughs, because it makes our testimony ineffective.

Christians are to warn and exhort sinners to flee from the wrath to come and to take hold of everlasting life, which is Jesus Christ. But if we speak or live in such a way as to show that we have not left a life of sin, that we are not following Jesus, how can they believe we are sincere?

Christians are called to show by their conduct that they actually enjoy serving Jesus. They are to live like this world is not their home. But many act like they cannot be happy unless they have the things of the world.

Their professed belief is that Heaven is a reality, and they expect to dwell there forever. But as far as going to Heaven, they act like they much rather remain here on earth, than to die and go there!

Christians ought to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. That is the most powerful preaching---the kind which shows sinners the great difference between themselves and a life full of the Holy Spirit. Unbelievers are most impressed by something that is real and really works when it is lived out in this evil world.

Therefore, when we speak to them, we are to testify with love, kindness, humility, and gentleness, which are some of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The people of God should always show a temperament like Jesus. We should be willing to suffer while following Christ.

After all, who impresses you most: the wealthy TV evangelist asking for money for his ministry and promising blessings if you give, or the persecuted Christian who loses everything, because he will not deny Jesus Christ?

Don’t be deceived. It is not how wealthy we are that witnesses to the life of Christ in us, but how well we suffer. We witness best when we depict the love and peace of God as we suffer for our faith in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:21-23

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

If a professing Christian is irritable, ready to resent an injury, to fly into a rage, or to take the same measures as the world does to get even, how is he to make people believe there is any reality in Christ? Nothing makes a greater impression upon sinners than to see a Christian be truly Christ-like, bearing injuries with the meekness of Jesus. That behavior is powerful!

There are many more ways we can share Jesus, but I will conclude with this. Christians need to show the strictest attention to integrity in all their dealings with their fellow man. Don’t cheat or lie. Do what you say even if it is costly to you.

This country is in a mess because Christians have not spread the Gospel with the character of Christ, resulting in a population that is unsaved and votes godless people into office, who appoint godless judges that kick God out of schools, government, and nearly all public life.

The result is the immoral society we have today. Indeed, this is a time for boldness; otherwise, America will never be great again!

To turn things around, we must start with turning ourselves around. Turn from the world and turn toward Jesus. Repent and be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that you will be on fire for Jesus! Love God and live for Him. That is how you lift up Jesus to the world.

Then share boldly about Jesus to others with gentleness, kindness, and love. Expect persecution and suffer like Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Do good to those who persecute you and love your enemies.

May our words and actions lift up Jesus so that the world can be drawn to Him! God, the Father, is counting on us. So are those who are seeking to know the Truth.

Perhaps you need to be bold right now and trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

June 16, 2024

GOD’S PLAN for MEN

Father’s Day is that one time of the year when men get complete obedience from every member of the family. We tell them not to spend a lot of money on us—and they don’t.

Fathers watch their children go through 4 stages. First, they call us DaDa. Then they call us Daddy. As teens, they call us Dad. When they leave home, they call us collect.

If there is anything in shortage today, it is fathers who are men. Not everyone who is a male is a man. You can be born a male, but it takes maturity and self-sacrifice to be a man. You are young only once, but you can be immature forever. I know some 50 year old males that still act like boys. So, let us look at God’s plan for mature godly men.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

God created man in His image, then He created female to complement the male. In a marriage, the man and woman become one just like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal, but They are not the same, and They have different roles. Men and woman are equal in God’s sight, but they are not the same. God made them different so they, too, could fulfill different roles.

Homosexual relationships and shacking up together rebel against God’s plan and pervert the image of God. That is why the devil is attacking marriage and doing all that he can do to blur the distinction between men and women.

If we buy a washing machine or an automobile, we get an instruction manual. God has given us an instruction manual, too. It is the Bible and from the Word of God we find God’s plan for men. Although most men believe they already know how to operate the new car and never read the instruction manual, serious mistakes can be made by doing that. Even more serious errors are committed if a man does not read and follow God’s instruction manual for life and for being a man. One of the instructions is found in:

Psalms 128:1-6 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem, and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

The man who fears the Lord and walks in His ways will be blessed. This is the pattern that a husband and father is to set before his family. He fears the consequences of willful ignorance, so he not only reads the Bible, but obeys what it says. Such a man is wise.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

In the home, the man is to be a picture of our Father in Heaven to his children, and the Lord Jesus Christ to his wife. However, he cannot be those things unless he is following Jesus Christ by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.

Men, listen. Don’t ever get the idea that God and spirituality are primarily for the woman and the children. God puts a bigger responsibility on a man than on a woman. A man is to be the priest of his home. And if your home is not right, you are the primary reason; not your wife and not the children. Men, we are the head of the home. Many men have turned that responsibility over to their wives. But that doesn’t change what God’s Word teaches. Even if we abdicate our position as head of the home, God still holds us responsible for how our home turns out.

Again, the reason this is so serious is that fathers are modeling before their family what God the Father is like and what the Lord Jesus Christ is like. While God the Father and God the Son are co-equal, God the Father is the head of God the Son. And while the husband and the wife are co-equal, the husband is the head of the wife, just like Christ is the Head of His Bride, the Church. The man models Christ and the woman models the Church, the bride of Christ. They are one body.

Do not depart from this pattern, because God’s instruction manual—the Bible—says if we walk in His ways, we will reap blessings and prosperity.

Philippians 3:17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

If we choose to deviate from God’s Word, we will reap the consequences of a dysfunctional home.

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

God’s plan for men is to provide for their family. God said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.” (Genesis 3:19) It’s not easy to be a provider, and that provision goes beyond food, clothing, and housing. It is more than giving our kids things and putting our wife in a beautiful house with freezers full of food. We are also to provide the emotional and spiritual security of our home. Unfortunately, many men today have not been taught these principles by their fathers nor by other males in their family and community.

A man, who fears God and walks in His ways, receives God’s blessing. Furthermore, his wife and children are blessed. The blessing goes beyond his family. The blessing goes to the community and ultimately to a nation when men devote themselves to Jesus Christ. America will never be great again until our homes are right. Our homes will never be right until the men get right with God. It is a choice that each man must make.

Joshua 24:15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

When a man makes this decision and lives by it, then the consequences will be according to God’s promise: Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

“Vines” need to be tended to or else the shoots go wild. How men tend to them determines what kind of fruit they will produce.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

That means don’t frustrate them, lie to them, wound them, or humiliate them. God is love. Fathers are to demonstrate God’s love towards their children while he trains and disciplines them. Whether you are aware of it or not, men, we are always training our children—for good or for evil by what we do or neglect to do.

The word for discipline here is the idea of carefully tending a garden. It takes knowledge, instruction, demonstration, correction, and patience. We cannot bring our children up in the instruction of the Lord if we haven’t read the instruction manual, and if we aren’t doing what It says. Children learn by watching what we do more than by what we say.

Training also takes much time. I read that the average father spends 7½ minutes per week with his teenagers. Their excuse is they don’t have time. That really means they just don’t care. We make time for the things that are most important to us. Research tell us that if a father does not spend time with his daughter, her chances of becoming promiscuous are greatly increased. The same is true for sons. Josh McDowell said “rules without relationships create rebellion”.

How should men tend to their wives? Ephesians 5:25-33 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Husbands, do you know your chief assignment from God is to make your wife a radiantly, beautiful Christian by loving her and caring for her spirit, soul, and body? To do that, we must give up our lives to make her holy, just like Christ gave up His life to make us holy. That is why the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church. We are to wash our wife with the Word of God by reading it and performing it. If she is not reading it herself, read it to her in a loving, caring way. Talk about the Word, pray with her, and be an encourager rather than a critic.

Some say, well, my wife and I believe in mutual submission. That’s a contradiction of terms, like jumbo shrimp. Christians in general are to mutually submit to one another, but in the home God has assigned headship. Anything with no head is dead, and anything with two heads is a freak! Husbands, we are to be the pastor in our home, not a tyrant. Wives are to submit to our leadership, not to our abuse. If we do not provide headship for her (that is provision, protection, and pastoring) where is she to find it—in the arms of another man? The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother as Christ loves His Bride, the Church.

The great problem in America today is not primarily rebellious women, although feminism is a serious problem. Now there are some rebellious women. I hope you’re not married to one of them. But the great problem is primarily men, failing to be the men that God planned them to be. They do not fear the Lord nor walk in His ways. They are either lazy, self-centered, or spending their time seeking wealth or personal pleasure.

Shortly before her death, Lucille Ball did a remarkable TV interview with Merv Griffin. He asked her some very serious questions: “Lucille, you have lived a long time. What is wrong with our children today? Why are our families falling apart? What is missing?” Lucille Ball answered without hesitation: “Papa’s missing. Things are falling apart because Papa is gone. If Papa were here, he would fix it.”

Wow, such wisdom from a comedian! Where has Papa gone? Some papas have left to seek their fortune or personal pleasure. Others may sleep at home, but they are detached from their wife and children. Papas have lost sight that their fortune is at home and they are losing their marriages and children.

True wealth is seeing children that love God and love their parents. Children don’t make a rich man poor, they make a poor man rich. The rich man can’t take his money to Heaven, but a godly man can lead his kids to Christ. He can do the same for his grandkids, too. A man’s true wealth is that his entire family will all be together in Heaven for eternity.

Therefore, men, we must become God’s man, created in His image, and be transparent about our faith. We must love the Lord and we must not keep it private. There are many children who never see their father kneel and pray. Worse yet, some children never see their father. What children need to see in their father is a man who not only talks about God, but who talks and walks with God. Transparency means that our children will also see us make mistakes and sin. At those times, it is important for them to see that we humble ourselves, and admit we are wrong. We can show them how a man repents and how God changes a man through repentance.

Also, a man, who is transparent with his family, is a man who allows them to see him laugh when he is happy, and cry when he is sad. It is not un-masculine or unchristian to do that. They should see us go to the Lord for grace to deal with stress and trials in life, because our world is filled with these things. They should see us pray over decisions that we must make, because they will have to make those same decisions some day. They need to learn how to properly relate to the opposite sex as they watch us relate to their mother. They need to learn how to handle failure and how to handle finances.

Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

It is time for fathers to become real men, but more than that - to become God’s man - to become a man who is not ashamed to love God, his wife, and his children - to be genuine and transparent before them - to work hard - to provide for them - to be authentic - to be holy and righteous before them - to be the spiritual leader in the home. But more than that, to be a leader that will set their feet on the right path and cause them to be the kind of people God created them to be. That’s what our Heavenly Father did for us. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to redeem us and lead us in the Truth and the Way of Life.

Jesus said in John 13:15-17 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Men, what kind of example are you setting? We cannot be a good example without giving our lives to Jesus. We cannot be like Jesus Christ without the Holy Spirit living in us, ruling us, and empowering us.

Our Father in Heaven loves all of us so much. He has created us in His own image, and He wants us to become His children through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. If you need Jesus to become your Lord and Savior, repent of your sins, follow Him in baptism, and be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will gradually transform you into a godly man, father, husband, and an image of Jesus Christ to your community.

June 9, 2024

Could You Be Arrested for Praying?

On December 23, 2022, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce was arrested in Birmingham, United Kingdom for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. The clinic was closed and she was standing in a public place outside the clinic. A police officer approached her and asked, “Are you praying?” She replied, “I might be in my head.” She was immediately searched and arrested for having prayerful thoughts in her head near an abortion clinic.

This is shocking, but it is not new. Do you remember Daniel, who read the handwriting on the wall? Because Daniel was able to interpret the handwriting, the king, Belshazzar, made Daniel the third ruler in Babylon. We left that account a couple weeks ago with this verse:

Daniel 5:31

That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed.

And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Daniel is an incredible person to study. He illustrates how to live in a society that wants nothing to do with God and the Bible. By his example, we learn it is possible to remain faithful in a perverted world, to separate ourselves from the evil, and at the same time be a testimony for God and influence society.

Like Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Daniel was also arrested for praying. The account begins in--

Daniel 6:1-9

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss.

Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him.

And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever!

"All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

"Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.”

Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

Because of Daniel’s moral character, Darius, the Persian king, believed he could trust Daniel explicitly. Therefore, the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Anytime you are considered for advancement, there are those who do not like it. In Daniel’s situation, the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel to disqualify him for this supreme position. They may have been envious, but I suspect this is another example that the "world" (unbelievers) do not like Jews or Christians, unless we ignore our faith and look, sound, and act like them. Our moral behavior offends and convicts them. They do not want to submit to us if we are obeying God’s commandments.

This conspiracy against Daniel also shows that the world does not object to our prayers. It is permissible to pray to a king or any god except Almighty God. And if you pray, do not mention the Name of Jesus, for it is offensive to the spirit of the anti-Christ in this world. Unbelievers will call you a hater, a bigot, and unenlightened. In the work place today, if your Christian faith is spoken, it can cost you promotions or even your job.

Jesus warned us of this in John 15:18,

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you."

Since the devious satraps could not find anything wrong with Daniel’s character, they conspired to trap Daniel with his religion. They flattered the king by telling him they ALL agreed that it would be good to have a 30-day period when no one could pray to anyone except the king. The king assumed Daniel approved of this temporary edict. So, the deceptive plan became an irrevocable law. Prayer was regulated for 30 days and Daniel would have to stop praying to God or disobey the law.

This concept of regulating prayer is happening today in public schools, the military, and the government. There something seriously wrong in our nation when prayer is regulated and evil sexual perversions are protected, promoted, and celebrated for 30 days.

It flattered Darius to have the people pray to him, so he signed the temporary law. We are not to pray to any worldly authority; however, we are to pray to God for those in authority.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Daniel could have stopped praying. It was only for one month. What could it hurt? That question is Satan’s deception. When we don’t pray, we are obeying the enemy’s desires and allowing him free reign over the earth. Furthermore, Satan wants us to pray to him.

You say, “I wouldn’t pray to the devil!” Maybe not consciously, but what is most important in your life?

What is your first priority?

is Where do you put most of your energy? Where your life devoted?

If your full devotion is not to Jesus, you are lukewarm and serving Satan, at least part-time. To prevent this, we are exhorted in:

Ephesians 6:18 (HCSB)

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

What was Daniel’s response to this devious 30-day suspension of prayer?

Daniel 6:10

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem.

He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Daniel placed his relationship and commitment to God above the law. Is it right to intentionally break a law? Yes, there are times when we shouldn’t submit to the government. That time comes when the government or any other power tries to force us to disobey God.

Jesus and his apostles never disobeyed the government for personal or political reasons. When they disobeyed, it was to obey their higher authority, Almighty God.

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Their decisions often had severe consequences. They were threatened, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, and executed for their faith. Like them, if we choose to stand for obey God, we have to be willing to accept the consequences.

So we read in Daniel 6:11-13

Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God.

Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction,

“O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”

The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.”

Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”

They had tricked Darius into getting rid of Daniel. Even though Darius was king and liked Daniel very much, Darius had to obey his own law.

Daniel 6:14-18

Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel.

And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him.

Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”

Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions.

The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him.

I wonder if the king broke the law by praying to God for Daniel that night while he fasted.

I suspect Daniel continued to pray to God.

So, how did God answer Daniel’s faithfulness and prayers?

Daniel 6:19-22

Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions.

As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish.

The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!

"My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”

So, God rescued Daniel from the lions. It turned out wonderfully, but why did Daniel take the risk? Why not just take an easy 30-day vacation from praying? You see, Daniel had three choices. Each choice was a risk with consequences.

1. He could cease praying, but that would cost him fellowship with God. To Daniel, (and to us) that would have been like dying, for Jesus is our life. To separate ourselves from God by not communicating with Him leaves us vulnerable to Satan.

Acts 17:28

for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

2. Daniel could close the window and pray in secret, but that would not fulfill God’s purpose nor glorify God. That would fulfill Satan’s purpose.

Jesus said in Matt 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world.

"A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

"Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

3. He could continue to pray and trust God with his life.

Daniel’s choice was to continue praying openly for "all" to see. He "knelt down" and humbled himself before God three times a day. He gave thanks in all circumstances, even during the conspiracy against him. Daniel praised God in the midst of it all. This is God’s will for all of us, and it glorifies God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We need to pray without ceasing because we are constantly being pulled in directions away from God. We need to pray continuously because we need His strength, wisdom, encouragement, and Spirit every day.

But, how can anyone pray without ceasing?

Remember prayer is not just talking to God. Prayer also includes listening to God. Prayer is not about the position of our body; it is about the condition of our heart and our faith in the One to whom we pray, regardless of what our body is doing.

We can have a conversation with a loved one anytime, even while working together. So pray throughout the day. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and listen to Him. Order your life around God’s will and Word so that your very life is one with God.

You don’t have to isolate yourself from other people or from daily work in order to pray without ceasing. You can make prayer your life and your life a prayer, while living in a world that rejects God. Your witness will have a powerful influence in the community. Daniel epitomizes how you and I are to live in a dark and perverse world.

So, after the lion’s den, what happened to Daniel?

Daniel 6:23-28

Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den.

So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives.

And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.

Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:

“Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.

He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.”

So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Whether we live or die for our faith, we must remain faithful. That is how we worship God and glorify Him. We need to be like Daniel, faithful and willing to suffer the consequences. Dare to pray in Jesus’ Name even under threat of ridicule, rejection, or arrest! Pray in Jesus’ Name even though it offends unbelievers, for there is no other Name by which we are saved. Pray for those offended unbelievers. Consequently, they will either harden their heart against us or soften their heart toward God. Their salvation is worth the risk we take in praying for them.

Daniel’s faithfulness to God had national repercussions. Daniel’s prayers for his earthly king made the Persian ruler sympathetic to the Jewish faith and their God. Consequently, subsequent Persian rulers allowed the Jews to return to Israel.

We should be encouraged by this story of Daniel and remain faithful to Jesus Christ in this perverse, evil world. There is much work to do for the Lord and it all depends on our faithfulness to pray—to get our instructions from the Lord, to obey Him rather than man, and be willing to suffer the consequences for Christ.

Jude 1:17-25

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”

It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

June 2, 2024

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

Sometimes when I awaken at night, I cannot go back to sleep. My mind begins to think about things I can do nothing about at that hour, but I can’t stop thinking about them. Does that ever happen to you?

The cause might be a sermon to prepare, events that happened that day or will happen in the morning. Whatever the subject and whatever I excuse I make for myself, the fact is: I am worrying. I am not fully trusting in the Lord.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-25

What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun?

For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation.

Even in the night his heart does not rest.

This also is vanity.

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.

This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

From Adam to this present day, God has desired to bless people who will entrust their lives to Him and commit themselves wholly to His keeping and rest.

The Lord has always had a few select individuals throughout history who were totally committed to him. For example, Abraham failed at times, but he learned to trust God completely. So, God blessed Abraham and made promises to him and his descendants. If they obeyed the Lord’s commands they would be receive the blessings and promises. This would make them a witness to the rest of the nations.

Deuteronomy 7:12-15

And because you listen to these rules and keep and do them, the LORD your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that he swore to your fathers.

He will love you, bless you, and multiply you.

He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you. You shall be blessed above all peoples.

There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your livestock.

And the LORD will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you.”

God gave incredible promises to Israel. They were to trust Him and live their days without anxiety or fear, leaning on His wonderful promises. However, Israel failed to fully trust the Lord. Although they saw miracles, they did not have faith in God’s promises. Unless they could see the promise, they did not believe it. This caused them to build a golden calf, to fail to enter the Promised Land, and to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until the next generation trusted and obeyed the Lord.

The writer of Hebrews tells us there was a holy “rest” available to Israel. It is also available to us today:

Hebrews 4:1-2

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.

For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

What is this “rest” that is promised? God’s rest about is a supreme confidence in God, a trust so sure and complete that it ends all fear and anxiety.

This rest means placing one’s whole salvation, life, and future into the caring, loving arms of the Lord. Have you done that? Don’t answer too quickly!

Let us examine ourselves. Have we truly trusted and rested in the Lord? Well partially perhaps, but there are still things that keep me awake at night. These anxieties are needless, even irritating, and they accomplish nothing.

We brush wakeful nights off as no big deal. It just happens sometimes, we say, but it shows that we aren’t fully trusting and resting in the Lord. We have not committed our life and future completely to His control. We have not entered His rest with full confidence in His keeping power.

Oh, we like to think we trust the Lord, but most of us have seasons of unbelief, times when things happen beyond our comprehension, and we feel overwhelmed. Our lives consist mostly of one crisis after another, a seesaw of faith, up and down, hot and cold. We become weary or frightened by our trials, and we become anxious. Our prayers go unanswered for months, and we give up our hope that God will ever do anything on our behalf.

We forget the many times the Lord performed an amazing work for us, and we responded, “I’ll never doubt him again!” However, when our next trial arose, we didn’t sleep well that night.

What happens when you have become entangled again in a sin that you once were delivered from, haunted by the promise you made to God never to do it again? Do you trust the Lord and His righteousness or are you trusting in your righteousness?

What happens when your finances are a mess? The bills are piling up, and you’re constantly losing ground, with no hope ahead. You lose sleep wondering, “How deep in debt will I be in a year from now?” You have become discouraged, worried, with no self-control in your spending. God already has a way out for you, if you put Him first. When you seek Him first, trust Him, and give Him control of your life and finances, His miraculous provision will come.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:30-34,

“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

"For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

What happens when you need guidance and direction? There is confusion in your life, and you desperately need a word from God. You want to do His will, but anxiety is troubling you. You are losing sleep. You have prayed for days, but no word of direction has come. Do you panic and do what seems good to you, or do you continue to wait and trust the Lord?

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Our understanding and logic will lead us away from God and His will, not to Him. God promises us in His Word that He will take care of us, that He will shelter us because He knows we need shelter. He will feed us, because as our Creator, He knows that without food we will starve and die.

God has promised in His Word that He will save us. Jesus has atoned for our sin on the cross. The Holy Spirit has been sent to lead us, discipline us, and conform us to Jesus Christ. All we have to do is to trust Jesus and obey His Word.

What happens when there is sickness in your body? You love the Lord dearly and know you are not living in sin, yet you don’t understand why you have to go through this great testing, perhaps the biggest trial of your life. So what do you do? Do you lose sleep? Again, it is time to trust the Lord! He is your deliverer and healer.

What happens when you are facing death? Even then, God wants us to trust Him, to enter His rest, to have peace, and to look forward to being with Him forever.

God has created us and given us eternal life. Before Jesus Christ comes into our lives, we are already dead and we don’t realize it. The world is filled with dead people walking. Not a single one of them realize that they are already condemned until someone explains Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life to them and the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need for a Savior.

John 3:18

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

People struggle to live from moment to moment seeking riches and pleasure here on earth. Death to them is something to fear because they don’t know where they are going or even if there is anything to go to. They reach for and grab every little bit of pleasure that they can get their hands on. Their greed knows no bounds.

Some don’t ever realize how miserable they really are. They are losing sleep, but they will argue that they are happy and content with their life, that they don’t need any God to tell them how to live. They refuse the One who can give them life because they don’t believe He is able to save them or that He even exists. Therefore, they do not know God’s peace and rest.

Jesus came to give us real, abundant life when we place our trust in Him for salvation. He comes into our soul, changing our mind, will, and emotions. He awakens our dead spirit and causes it to live. He heals our broken heart. The pain that once was there is gone, to be replaced by a joy that knows no bounds and a peace that can’t be destroyed. The assurance of salvation causes us to enter His rest.

So, why do people reject so great a salvation? Some tell themselves, “Oh, I have plenty of time before I need to give my life to Jesus. I have things I want to do first.” Others just want to be their own god.

Instead of entering God’s rest, they try to have the pleasures of sin and the world. Instead of God’s joy and peace, they receive the consequences of sin, worries, fears, and burdens. These things keep them awake at night.

They fear death because they don’t know when it will come and what happens afterwards. One moment we are here, the next we are gone. Just like that, it is over. No more opportunities, no more chances, for our choice has been made. Hell-bound we are because we refused Jesus’ call to come to Him. After death, there is no appeal. It will be too late to change our decision when we face eternal damnation in Hell. Hell will not be a party with friends. It will be a painful fire with no relief. Without Jesus as your Savior, the thought of Hell should keep you awake at night!

However, Hell does not have to be your fate. Jesus can and will save you from Hell. He will give you real life, peace, and joy now and forever. He will strengthen you so that this world can no longer control you. He will make you into a new creation by being born again of the Holy Spirit.

Why is being born again of the Holy Spirit important?

John 3:3

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot see the Kingdom of God because we are spiritually blind. Without the Holy Spirit, we attempt to solve problems using our own knowledge and wisdom. But the Holy Spirit is the Light of Jesus in our life. He will cure our blindness so that we may see. He will guide us out of the darkness.

The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and produce peace, joy, love, and all the fruit of the Spirit in us. No longer will we do what we want to do. We will follow Jesus and He will be with us every step of the way, guiding us safely home to Heaven. We will rest in the Lord and sleep without fear and anxiety.

God loves you. He wants you to have His peace and rest. So let Him be God by giving Him control of your life. He is concerned about your specific circumstances, and He is not going to let you down. So repent of all your reasons for fear, doubt, and unbelief.

Trust God completely and enter His rest. His blessings are innumerable. Then, instead of counting sheep when you are awake at night, you can count your blessings. You will fall asleep before you count them all.

Philippians 4:6-7

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Are you wandering in the darkness this morning and losing sleep? Then let Jesus be the light that guides you out of the darkness. Surrender everything to Jesus and trust Him. Let Him lead, guide, and bless you every day.

Perhaps your heart is broken this morning. You have tried to heal it with drink, drugs, sex, things in the world, and nothing helps. Now you feel like you are in a huge black pit of despair. If that describes you, look up and believe Jesus is the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross, and surrender your life totally to Him this morning. He is the Healer, Savior, and the Lover of your soul. He is calling you to trust Him and follow Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30,

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

To follow Jesus, you must lay aside your sin. Sin is a heavy burden. Jesus’ burden is light. Publicly confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and die to your old life by following Jesus in baptism. Then you will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will continue to guide you in following Jesus. As you obey Him, you will find rest for your soul and you will sleep well at night.

May 26, 2024

Causes of Decline

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, an annual holiday to remember those who laid down their lives in war defending family, country, and freedom. One week after the Pearl Harbor attack President Roosevelt said, “Those who long enjoy such privileges that we enjoy forget in time that others have died to win them.” So, tomorrow take time to remember and be willing to lay down your life for freedom. Jesus and all Christian martyrs have set that example. Remember them, too.

Currently, Americans are facing a real war for the very soul of our nation. The outcome will determine if any freedom and justice exists in the future of this country. The decline of our society has been a slow process, but we have seen it accelerate rapidly in the past few years. It really does not matter whether there is a Democrat or a Republican in the Oval Office, we have lost our moral compass because we have rejected God. We no longer trust Him. The position we are in today is because of what we tolerated yesterday. And, if we continue tolerating instead of resisting, our decline will continue. We need a spiritual revival across the nation.

In Daniel’s day, he saw a lot of what we are seeing, which were the consequences of forgetting God and His Word. Israel and Judea eventually rejected the LORD and turned to other gods of pleasure. For this reason, the LORD stopped protecting them and they were captured by Babylon. However, Babylon was just as evil. The LORD used Babylon to discipline His people, but He did not protect Babylon from their enemies.

In the fifth chapter of the book of Daniel, Daniel describes the collapse of Babylon. Babylon was proud, comfortable, and secure within the confines of their strong walls, but they made four huge mistakes that caused their decline. They lost all sense of remembrance. They lost all sense of reality. They lost all sense of restraint. And, they lost all sense of respect.

Daniel 5:1-23 King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand. Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. Then the king’s color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed. The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will.

And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.

Belshazzar’s problem was the same that many people have today. He had forgotten some of the valuable lessons from the past. His father and predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, learned some lessons through the humility of insanity. After God delivered him, Nebuchadnezzar stated in Daniel 4:37, Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Belshazzar was repeating his father’s error. Those who do not know or do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. We too, are to remember and learn from past mistakes. The Old Covenant is in our Bible so that we learn from its history.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Daniel gives us an important lesson when he points out to the king that “you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of Heaven.” That’s what Belshazzar was doing, boasting about himself. Pride always leads to a fall. Pride is at the top of the list of those things which God despises, especially among rulers and nations.

Amos 6:8 The Lord God has sworn by himself, the Lord, the God of hosts, has declared: “I abhor Jacob’s pride and detest his citadels, so I will deliver up the city and everything in it.”

America’s leaders used to honor God unashamedly and openly. It is etched in numerous monuments all over the nation’s capital. It is carved in granite on many of the government buildings. It is printed on our currency. There was a time when we credited God with our blessings and our successes and turned to Him in our trials and our losses.

But today, like Babylon, we seem to have lost a sense of remembrance. President Woodrow Wilson said it best, “A nation that does not remember what it was yesterday does not know what it is today, or what it is trying to do. We are about a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”

In many ways, we have forgotten our past because there is a deliberate effort in academia and media to ignore our history and rewrite it. Spanish and French explorers came to the Americas looking for gold. The United States was settled by men and women who came primarily to freely worship God in spirit and truth. They escaped persecution in Europe and started communities with laws to govern their society according to the Word of God.

We have fallen a long way from where we once were. We have gotten so far off our founders’ path that it is not uncommon to see the federal courts repeatedly removing God from government and society. Laws are now enacted contrary to God’s laws. And just like Israel and Babylon, we have lost all sense of remembrance of who we are and where we have come from.

Furthermore, with a false sense of security, Belshazzar lost all sense of reality. Outside the city walls of Babylon, the Medes and the Persians were threatening. So, what did Belshazzar do? He throws a big party and invites thousands of guests when destruction is at his door.

When we begin to feel secure in our own strength that is when we are the most vulnerable. Like those ancient nations, we too, have lost a sense of reality and think we are invincible. Instead of teaching true history, we focus on gender identity. We have become blind to the continual invasion of people from all over the world who illegally cross our borders.

Our defeats by small nations of Vietnam and Afghanistan should have been reality checks. We are not as strong as we think we are. Remember, there was a time when Israel was the world’s only superpower. They were one nation under God. Their motto was “In God we trust.” But then, they forgot God and began worshipping gods of pleasure and self-indulgence. So God let ungodly Babylon destroy Israel.

Three thousand years later, God inspired Christians to start this nation with laws built and based on Israel’s ancient commandments. Therefore, more than ever, it is time for us to remember who we are and where we have come from. It is time for us to remember, to look at the reality of what is going around us, and truly pray, “God forgive us” instead of “God bless America”.

When a nation, or an individual, loses all sense of remembrance and reality, they also lose all sense of restraint. The Babylonians were too blind to see any connection between their moral decay and national decline. We have become blind to this as well.

Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them.

Concubines were women who were kept for the purpose of the king’s sexual gratification. With his permission, you could use one of his concubines for a night. Their religion and laws permitted it. There were no restraints nor respect for anything sacred. That is why they had no qualms about using the vessels of gold and silver taken from the temple in Jerusalem.

Like Babylon, our nation, has been virtually given over to sexual permissiveness and perversions of all types. These perversions have become a religion of which we are not to speak against. We are no longer called to tolerate them, but to embrace them and prefer them.

Since we will be attacked with another Gay Pride month soon, I am not going to take time to describe all the various forms of sexual perversion that bombard our society through movies, television, media, schools, libraries, shopping centers, and parades.

But I will point out some other subtle causes of decline that we have accepted as “normal”. For example, men have stopped leading their families in spiritual and moral development. They have neglected their wives and children in pursuit of material wealth and power. They have become so busy with their jobs that they ignore their wives and become involved with other women outside the home. As a result, their wives begin to seek their own worth and value outside the home. Then, because male and female role models are no longer prominent in the home, children are developing identity problems of their own. Many of them are neglected, and for the most part, undisciplined. These causes of decline are so ingrained in our culture that people are offended if you call them “causes of decline”.

For example, just this past week, a Kansas City Chief football player, Harrison Butker, who is a Catholic, spoke at a Catholic college commencement ceremony, pointing out these and other facts that have caused our decline. He encouraged the graduates to return to the Word of God for restoration of the family and the nation. Now he is facing public scorn and a demand that he lose his job. This persecution is happening all over our country to Christians in the public work place if they share the truth of God’s Word, even on their own time or their personal Facebook page. Unbelievers want Christians to shut up! Therefore, we must be prepared to suffer and resist in this battle so that the Truth continues to be heard and continues to set people free.

When we lose all sense of remembrance, reality, restraint, and respect, we become blind to the fact that our problems are not primarily political, economic, or social. The decline of any nation stems from spiritual factors. Everything else is just symptomatic of rejecting God.

Back to the party in Babylon. The handwriting is on the wall. The hall is silent. Daniel is called in to interpret the message. Daniel holds nothing back. He is not there to party or be popular. He is there as God’s ambassador. He boldly delivers God’s edict against King Belshazzar.

Daniel 5:24-31 “Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed. And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; Peres [singular form of Parsin], your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

“That very night.” History records that while Babylon partied with no sense of restraint or remembrance, the armies of the Medes and the Persians diverted the Euphrates River, which supplied the city with water. This allowed the armies to enter the city on the waterless river bed that ran under the city walls and capture the city.

God’s judgment is certain. There is not a wall high enough or thick enough to prevent a person, or a nation, from falling when “God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.” Who knows how many days America has before we face God’s judgment? One thing we can determine is which side we will be on when God says, “The end.”

We often hear people say, “God is our only hope.” That is true if we turn to Him; otherwise, God might be our biggest threat! There is nothing special about America that makes us an exemption to the consequences that Judea, Israel, Babylon, and other nations have suffered?

Very few nations have a history like America. For nearly two hundred years and fifty years, we’ve been a shining light of freedom to the world around us. But we have forgotten God and our history. So our light is growing dim, and our freedom is diminishing. Unfortunately, there is a concentrated effort within this country to “fundamentally transform” our society. If this transformation excludes God, we must stand up, be heard, and resist this effort.

We do that by first humbling ourselves, praying, seeking God’s face, and repenting before it is too late. God does not desire our destruction. He desires our repentance and devotion. He wants a people who will glorify Him until Jesus returns.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Unbelievers will not do this. So, God is speaking to His people. Believers must humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. Only then will God hear, forgive, and heal our land. Only then, will there be a revival in the land. If we do not do it, nobody will, and then we are doomed as a nation.

We don’t know when it will come, but here is a last night for every nation, and for every individual. But we do know that Today is the day of salvation. You can be saved from this evil generation and its eternal damnation by believing in Jesus as the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross. Publicly confess your belief. Then repent of your sin (turn from your wicked ways) and die to your old life in water baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will lead you into an ever-lasting Kingdom where no evil exists.

May 19, 2024

NEW BEGINNINGS

A baccalaureate is a sermon given to those who have completed an education degree. Before God was removed from the public schools, a baccalaureate was given during the commencement celebrations.

Commencement means a beginning. For example, Joseph has finished his high school education, and he is commencing a new phase in his life. Therefore, I want to exhort and encourage him today, and I hope everyone will receive some inspiration this baccalaureate because today is also Pentecost Sunday.

Many Christians are unaware of this and what Pentecost means. After all, it does not appear on most calendars. There are no “Happy Pentecost” cards in the store, and no commercials encouraging us to buy something for Pentecost. So, it must not be important, right?

Very wrong. Pentecost was the beginning of the Church, and it is a new beginning for everyone who is born again of the Holy Spirit.

Christians did not invent the phrase Pentecost, which means “fifty”. It came from Greek-speaking Jews referring to the Feast of Weeks, which is the second great feast in Israel’s yearly cycle of holy days. It occurs fifty days after Passover.

Deuteronomy 16:9-12

You shall count seven weeks.

Begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain.

Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the LORD your God blesses you.

And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite who is within your towns, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are among you, at the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make his name dwell there.

You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt; and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.

On the first Pentecost after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there were followers of Jesus, but nothing that could be meaningfully called “the Church.”

There were only 120 fearful people huddled in a room for prayer. They had no power to affect anyone or anything. The last thing Jesus told them to do was to wait in Jerusalem for the promise from the Father. They were waiting.

Acts 1:4-5

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

They didn’t know what to expect, so they prayed and reminded each other what Jesus had said while He was with them. They remembered He said it was good that He was going away, but it didn’t seem that way. They missed Jesus.

Jesus said in John 16:5-15

“But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’

"But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.

"But if I go, I will send him to you.

"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

"He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

"All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

“The Helper” and “the Spirit of Truth” are names for the Holy Spirit, who is the power and presence of God all over the world. What Jesus did in one location when He walked the earth, the Holy Spirit does everywhere through the Church today. The Holy Spirit heals the sick, casts out demons, and saves the lost in every part of the world.

So, yes, it is good that Jesus left the earth, ascending to the right hand of the heavenly Father, from where He sends His Spirit to us. The Spirit gives us grace to believe in Jesus and empowers us to live in obedience to His Word. It is the Holy Spirit who first compelled us to give our life to Jesus Christ, and we need His power every day to live the life of promise, righteousness, and service He has purposed for us. Apart from the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing.

Remembering Pentecost presents each of us with an opportunity to reconsider how we are living.

Are we relying on the power of God’s Spirit or on our natural abilities?

Are we open to the Spirit’s gifts or do we consider His gifts as for the Apostles only?

Are we attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit or are we operating according to our fleshly desires?

Is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) produced in our lives or do we exhibit the fruit of the flesh?

If we are not living by the Holy Spirit, Pentecost reminds us that we can have a new beginning.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Most Christians I know, including me, live in the presence and power of the Spirit, but only to an extent. We are limited by our fear, our sin, and our low expectations, not to mention our tendency to be distracted from God’s Spirit in us by temptations.

1 Peter 1:14-16

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance, but just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Joseph---

Jesus is the standard of holiness! Not your grandparents. Not your mom. And certainly not your preacher. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...” (Romans 3:23)

Therefore, we have all missed God’s standard! Being better than someone else is not anything to boast about, because we still have failed to achieve God’s standard! We cannot compare ourselves to one another. The Lord Jesus Christ is our standard and we must compare ourselves to Him and His Word.

Our helper and instructor is the Holy Spirit, whom we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches us how to follow Jesus, but you will discover, Joseph, that few people obey His instructions, nor do they walk with Him. Some abandon His Way because they want to please themselves. Most people are on the easy, twisted road of deceit and destruction. They are missing the standard, but they have lots of fellowship and encouragement.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14,

“Enter through the narrow gate.

"For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It is easy to miss a target, as our shooting team can attest. You do not need any training; you do not have to practice missing the target.

Many today are missing the target because they don’t even know what the target looks like. Again, the target is Jesus Christ who is the Word of God, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Some people will miss the standard because they are not rightly handling the Word of Truth. They don’t attend a church or Bible study. They think the Church is nice but unnecessary. They assume that as long as they believe something about Jesus, they don’t need a church or a Bible study class. Without teaching, it is easy to misconstrue the Word of Truth and be deceived. Through teaching and discussion of the Word, the Holy Spirit broadens our understanding and corrects our misinterpretations. The Word enlightens our mind and guides our life.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

As many have learned on the shooting range, a person who has never picked up a gun or very seldom uses it will not hit the target as much as someone who practices regularly. And spiritually speaking, a person who does not study the Bible cannot hit the target of rightly handling the Truth. The Word of God will keep you on the target, which is obediently following Jesus Christ! Therefore, read it daily and do what it says.

Psalm 119:11

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Sometimes people miss the target because they get distracted. Between the devil, the world, and everything that they offer, there is a lot of deceit and distraction out there! This has caused a lot of folks to miss the target.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness whose end will be according to their deeds.

For this reason, we will pray for you and always be available for counsel. As for you, keep your focus on the standard, the Lord Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith!

Let us be honest this morning. We have all missed the standard of Jesus Christ and His Word. To stay on target we need an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of the Holy Spirit. Without faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are doomed to miss the target. Therefore, each of us needs to experience Pentecost—the filling with the Holy Spirit.

How does that happen?

First of all, you have to desire it. The disciples in the upper room were waiting and praying for the Holy Spirit, even though they didn’t know what it would be like to receive the Spirit.

God said in Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

In His mercy, the Father sends the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin. He takes a person, full of pride and the arrogant belief that he can find fulfillment on his own, and reveals to him his emptiness, brokenness, and eternal destiny. Then the Spirit shows that person the Savior, who died so that he might have life and eternal hope. The Holy Spirit gives that person grace to believe the Gospel and to make Jesus their Savior and Lord.

For example, during Peter’s simple sermon on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit convicted thousands who heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then they responded this way:

Acts 2:37-41

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

"For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

That is the new beginning, but it is only a beginning. There is much more that comes afterwards as the Spirit continues to convict of sin, give grace to repent, and transform a believer into the character of Jesus.

Joseph, when you confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we made a commitment to you to pray for you and help you to follow Jesus Christ. Your graduation does not change that commitment. Whether you stay in town or move to attend college or a new job, we are still committed to pray for you and help you stay on the pathway of life in Christ. You always have a church home here. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. Walk with the Lord and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

You have been given a lot of good counsel and encouragement over the past month. If you don’t remember any of it, I hope you will remember this one thing: To be successful, ask your Father in Heaven daily to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Then do what He tells you. That is the most important admonition I can give you!

This is true for every one of us. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing but sin. But with the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Jesus said in Luke 11:13,

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Now, the Holy Spirit may be convicting one of you this morning of your sin and its judgment. Only faith in Jesus can save you from that judgment. Today, you have a choice. If you reject Jesus as your Savior, you bring that judgment on yourself, the same judgment that will fall on all evil that stands apart from God’s righteousness.

God doesn’t send anyone to Hell; He just allows us go there if that is our choice. God has made the way of salvation from Hell through faith in Jesus, His Son.

You can choose to follow Jesus instead of traveling on the broad road leading to destruction.

Therefore, if you believe Jesus is the Son of God whose blood atoned for sin on the cross, then publicly confess of your faith in Jesus and repent of your sin.

Put your old life to death in baptism.

Then you will be raised to a new life, born again of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will make you a new creation, giving you a new beginning.

He will develop in you the character of Jesus, the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you, and lead you daily until you are called to your home in Heaven.

May 12, 2024

Mothers Day

Mark Twain said, after he read a mistaken account of his death in the newspaper, that the obituary was highly exaggerated.

This statement will hold true for much of what is going to be said from pulpits across the nation about motherhood. It will be highly exaggerated, because it will be unrealistic about the fact that mothers are not earthly angels, but sinners like the rest of us.

Fred Smith put it like this: "Many a minister on Mother's Day allows his emotions to run away with his ethics. Glittering generalities fall from his tongue which, weighed in the balances, are found to be wanting in truth. It is not required of any man that he become a liar for the sake of his mother on Mother's Day."

Motherhood is a strenuous full-time job. It should be taken seriously, for the well-being of our society is dependent on how well mothers do their job. It has been said the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. If that is true, then some mothers ought to stop rocking cradles, for their ungodly rule is undermining the very foundations of society. Of course, it is unjust and highly exaggerated to suggest that all mothers are the cause of the world's mess. This is no more valid than the exaggeration that idolizes motherhood.

Motherhood, like every other human endeavor, stands under both the judgment and mercy of God. It has potential for both good and evil. Mothers are the source of so many of our blessings, yet mothers in their ignorance and sin can be a cause for their children to be perverted in many ways.

Listen to the account of king Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 22:2-4 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done. For after the death of his father they were his counselors, to his undoing.

Here is another example in Mark 6:22-25, For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

These are just two of the biblical examples of how mothers misguided their sons and daughters into the pit of damnation. Even today, we can read about mothers aborting their children, killing their children, neglecting their children, abandoning their children, and failing to lead their children to faith in Jesus Christ.

Just one more example comes from Edmund Bergler in his book Money and Emotional Conflicts. He tells about the numerous problems caused by mothers who use an inheritance to control their children. He writes, "Through the course of the years I have analyzed many neurotics with the 'inheritance complex.' They had mothers who acted as if their sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law had no life of their own but were born for the one purpose: to please them, to cater to them, and to suit them exclusive of all others.... Said one such victim of his mother's emotional dictatorship, "I have either to postpone my life until my mother dies, or renounce my inheritance."

We could go on and on looking at negative examples, but we are not interested in a down-with-motherhood message. All the bad things we can say about mothers will never alter the fact that we are commanded to love them, praise them, honor them, and we will continue to do so to the end of time. After all, if they did no other good thing, they gave us life.

In spite of how sinful mothers can be, they also have the potential for infinite good and love, and there are numerous examples of their success. There are Hannahs who dedicate their Samuels even before birth to God's service. There are Eunices who train up their Timothy's in the knowledge of God's word.

God could find no better comparison than mothers when He sought to express His own tender and compassionate nature.

Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

John saw this Jerusalem where we are comforted.

Revelation 21:9-14 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed—on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Notice, this heavenly city, called Jerusalem, is the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. Furthermore, in Galatians 4:26, we are told, “But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.”

As God is our spiritual Father, so the Jerusalem above is our spiritual Mother. How can we say that? The Jerusalem above is abiding place of the risen Church, “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb”.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church [as a glorious bride], without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

The Church is the bride and wife of Christ. As a result, the Church is the mother in whom the children of God are born.

As the LORD is both the Shepherd and the Lamb, the Alpha and Omega, He is also our Maker and Husband. Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD Almighty is his name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, He is called the God of all the earth.

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Jesus had only one literal mother, but He did not limit the concept of motherhood to Mary. He said that whoever does the will of God is His brother, sister and mother.

Matthew 12:48-50 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Paul says that the Jerusalem above is our mother. Of course, he means the mother of all who are born again of the Spirit of God. Just as we need both a mother and father for our physical life, we need both a mother and father also for our spiritual life. If God is our Father, as believers, who then is our mother?

It is none other than Christ's own bride, the Church.

The New Testament is clear that the Jerusalem above is the mother of the risen Church. The Christian on earth is already a citizen of that heavenly city. When we leave this place, we will go home to be with God and His family.

Hebrews 12:22-24 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

This Jerusalem above, which is the mother of us all, is the whole Body of Christ on earth and in Heaven. This has been understood for centuries by Protestant reformers. Martin Luther said, "Jerusalem, our free mother, is the Church itself, the spouse of Christ, of whom we all are gendered." John Calvin said, "To the Church under God, we owe it that we are 'born again'... and from her we obtain the milk and the food by which we are afterward nourished."

Jesus says that we must be born again. We cannot enter into our mother’s womb again, but we have a mother involved in this spiritual rebirth. The Church is the womb in which the seed of the Holy Spirit becomes fertile and brings forth new life. No person can see the Kingdom of God apart from this new birth.

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The Bride of Christ is the mother of all believers. She is the Church by which the new birth is made possible and the children of God are nourished. The Holy Spirit impregnated the Church at Pentecost, and immediately she gave birth to 3000 children of God.

Acts 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Afterwards, they met daily to be nourished by the apostles’ doctrine, which is the Words of Jesus Christ.

This symbolism can be confusing but also fascinating. For if the Church is mother of all believers and we are the Church, then we are all a part of the concept of motherhood. All of us take part in someone being born again and in their subsequent development.

When the Church is out of fellowship with God there is no fruitfulness, and new births do not take place. The success of the Church depends upon good motherhood, where we give birth to new believers and take good care of God’s children in the Kingdom.

Honesty compels me to be just as tough on this spiritual mother as with our physical mother. The conclusion will also be the same—that the Church, like all mothers, has both good and bad points. But Jesus has no other plan of salvation other than what the Church declares to the world. Everything bad the world can say about the Church is partially true, but there is no substitute.

To further symbolize, the Church is something like Noah's Ark. If it weren't for the storm outside you couldn't stand the smell inside. The stench of self-righteousness, pride, and hypocrisy, just to name a few of the odors, are offensive to the nostrils of God. The pettiness and inconsistency of believers is a poor witness, but the fact remains, there is no alternative. In spite of her imperfections, the Church is the one mother that God uses to birth people into His Kingdom. To seek elsewhere for an answer to man's greatest need is like jumping off the Ark because you don't like the way the animals are behaving. You stick with the Ark and its Captain (Jesus) or you drown. There is no other choice. There is no other hope of salvation.

The Church is under attack from without and from within. The evidence against the Church is just as valid as that against motherhood, but it is folly to reject motherhood, for there is no other way to be born and to be born again.

We have only one choice, and that is to love and honor the Church, and to labor to bring her up to Christ’s ideal. Each of us are a part of this motherhood, and each of us is responsible to make her what Christ wants her to be.

Christ died for the Church, not because she is worthy, but because He loves her. We are to live for her and fight for her, not because she is worthy, but also because we love her and her husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

All of its imperfections do not change the fact that the Church is the only body on earth which represents the heavenly Jerusalem. It is the only group in time with a message from eternity. Symbolically, the Ark was the only vessel of salvation in the flood. If you didn't like what was going on inside, you could gripe, but you had to stick with the Ark or perish. Likewise, we can complain about the falsehood and follies of the Church, but if this is all we do, and do not also defend, praise, and serve her, we will drown in the sea of self-centeredness with no other vessel to rescue us.

On this day, when we honor our physical mothers in spite of all their negative realties, let us also honor the Body and Bride of Christ, which is the Church, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the mother of us all who are born again of the Spirit.

After all, if the Church is not our Mother, then God is not our Father. The Church bears and brings forth children, who are called sons and daughters of God.

Godly mothers give good counsel and instruction to their children. Likewise, the Church must give good counsel and instruction to all her children. The Church must teach only the Word received from the mouth of Christ, her Husband.

Children are commanded to obey and reverence their mothers. Mothers are commanded to love and tenderly care for their children. Mothers and the Church are honored when children humbly and faithfully submit to good order, corrective discipline, being peaceful, cooperative, selfless, loving, forgiving, and kind.

Therefore, honor your mother today. And honor Christ by being a Church that reflects His character.

Just like this building is where the Church meets temporarily on earth, the New Jerusalem is where the Church meets eternally in heaven. God will be there providing the only light needed. Jesus will be at the right hand of the Father, who sits on a throne. The Holy Spirit will be present in all inhabitants. Angels will be leading worship. The streets will be made of gold. The fruit from the tree of life will be available to all.

However, unless you believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross, and confess your sin to Him and repent (stop doing it), you will not see the New Jerusalem. Therefore, come to Jesus and give Him your life. Die to your old life in water baptism and you will be born again of the Holy Spirit. Then you will be a child of God with an inheritance in the heavenly Jerusalem.

May 5, 2024

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE LEFT!

I have a 55-year high school class reunion this summer. Sadly, some close friends died after the 50th reunion. Also, several members of my senior bowling league have recently died or become physically unable to bowl.

I do not intend to be depressing, but these facts illustrate that none of us knows how much time we have left to live. So, we need to quit wasting it and putting off important decisions.

This is how we should live:

James 4:13-17

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

As it is, you boast and brag.

All such boasting is evil.

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins.

Therefore, if the Lord wills, I will live, I will continue preaching, I will go to that class reunion and make amends for past offenses, I will make another trip to Missouri for a 5 generation picture, and I will go to my grandchildren’s birthday celebrations and graduations. These occasions could be the last time I see them.

It is wise to consider our finality when making decisions. As soon as we begin our careers after school, we start retirement planning. We put part of our salary into a retirement account and make big plans about things we want to do during retirement. Ironically, when retirement finally comes, we are physically unable do those things and so we spend our money on medical bills. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher in Eccl 1:2.

Therefore, all of us, regardless of our age or career, should put "expiration planning" ahead of "retirement planning". We are not guaranteed a retirement, and we do not like to think about it, but we cannot avoid our expiration date.

We need to quit considering our death as “unthinkable” and realize it is “inevitable.” We need to consider our expiration, which could come at any moment, and not waste the time we have left.

Psalm 39:4-6

Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

David prayed this because he recognized that when we are mindful of the shortness of our lifespan, especially in light of eternity, it changes our perspective about how we relate to people and what we are doing here on earth during the time that we have.

Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Therefore, we should ask, “what does God want me do to do with my life”, because if we don’t do what God wants, we are sinning by being our own god. After all, God knows the future, He knows what we really need, and He has a purpose for our life. Do not be afraid to let God determine your future, and do not limit yourself by your age or strength.

Remember Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

If the Holy Spirit or God’s Word tells us to do something, then God will give us the strength, the ability, and the means to do it.

You say you do not know what God wants you to do? Jesus said the two most important things we can do here on earth are to love God and to love others. If we make these our priorities, the rest will fall into its proper place. It is our relationships, first with God and then with others, by which we will be judged when Jesus returns.

Matthew 22:36-40

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

God created us for relationships, but we often fail to give these the same priority God does. Our tendency is either to avoid relationships or have superficial relationships where we do not reveal anything about ourselves. We talk about the weather, sports, the latest news, but nothing about what is really going on inside us or in our lives.

God wants us to invest in relationships for the benefit of each other. Relationships aren’t just about what we get out of them, they are about what we can give. Invest time with people. If today were your last day or their last day on earth, what would you like them to know? Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them about Jesus. (That is my purpose for going to a high school reunion.)

Investing in relationships will cost us time and perhaps money, too. There is a passage of Scripture, where Jesus was teaching about money, and he makes a curious statement.

Luke 16:9

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

As followers of Jesus, we are to use all our gifts and resources to help others and make friends for the purpose of bringing them closer to Christ. This earthly investment will have eternal rewards. We invest in others, even sometimes at a personal sacrifice, for their benefit. That is what love does. That is what Jesus did for us. In fact, He gave His entire life for us.

John 15:13-15

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Jesus called His disciples friends because He shared with them everything His Father revealed to Him. As a friend, Jesus spoke God’s truth in love.

A true friend is not someone who just engages in small talk about football, or the latest news, or the weather, or tells us what we want to hear. A true friend is someone who invests in our life, but also tells the truth in love from God’s perspective. Life is short and your friends need to plan for their expiration, too. Love will motivate us to share Jesus with them. None of us knows the day or the hour when we will be called to stand before the Lord. So do not delay sharing the truth in love.

1 Peter 4:7-10

The end of all things is near.

Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Peter says that because time is of the essence, we ought to be “clear minded and self-controlled.” To be “clear minded” means to be aware. To recognize what is going on around you. Someone, who is clear minded, is ready to hear and respond to the Holy Spirit’s “whisper” at a moment’s notice.

Peter also says we are to be self-controlled. This means to be in control of our thoughts and not susceptible to irrational thought, confusion, and fantasies. In other words, to be self-controlled is to accept the Word of God as being reality, to believe in the truths it reveals, and to live it out in our life. Living it out means loving God and each other deeply from our heart, and showing that love by serving with the gifts God has given us.

Furthermore, we are to be clear minded and self-controlled so that we might pray! Every believer, regardless of age or physical condition, can and should pray. Prayer is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, for others, and for God. Prayer is communicating with God. He tells us what to do and how to pray.

1 Peter 5:7-8

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Prayer is also our defense and offense against Satan. We have an enemy who tempts us with the world and distracts us with anxiety. If Satan can keep us from praying, we will not be fighting against him; we will not notice the evil around us; we will live to please our fleshly desires; and we will serve him. Therefore, add constant prayer to your life and begin overcoming Satan today. Remember, prayer includes listening to God constantly. He will tell you what to do and what to say in this life.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus did not die just so we could have “Church” on Sunday mornings. What Jesus has done is meant to have a far deeper impact, a far greater influence in our lives and in the world than what takes place in this building. As important as it is for us to gather and worship with one another, Jesus died and rose again, and called us for something much greater than this.

We have a divine purpose and godly work to do! We are to be the Body and Bride of Christ, and His ambassadors to this world 24/7!

Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Furthermore,

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Whatever we do should bring glory and praise to God by pointing people to Jesus and revealing His love, His grace, His mercy, His power, so others may know Him and become His disciple. We must live with this perspective every day.

Having the right perspective is extremely important.

It is possible for us have the wrong perspective. We can unconsciously act like this world belongs to us and mistreat the people in it. But this world and the people in it belong to God.

We also belong to God, and He appointed us as managers and stewards with great responsibilities until Jesus returns. It is important to be faithful and not forgetful of these important truths. Remember who you are. Remember whose you are!

Our life is but a mist, but God has a purpose for us. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, all we have is today to love and serve Jesus. All we have is today to love and serve others. Make amends with those you have hurt and forgive those who hurt you.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

So, do you have an expiration plan?

There are a lot things that we can put off until tomorrow and it is no big deal. Moreover, there are a great many more things that are a waste of time. But there are some things in life that are too important to put off even for one day.

There are some things that should not wait for tomorrow, because for you, or for someone close to you, tomorrow might never come. One of those things we should not put off is making Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Maybe you have never considered God in your plans. Today, you have time to change that. No matter how sinfully you have lived to this point, Jesus’ blood will redeem your past. Do not delay making Jesus your Lord through repentance and giving Him your life in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit who will lead you into a blessed future.

Not many of us get a warning of how many days we have left to live. Today could be our last. We need to be prepared to face Jesus Christ. It is better to face Him now in repentance than to face Him later in judgment.

April 28, 2024

Lessons of Wisdom from the Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

The Wisdom of the World

The wisdom of the world would never have chosen a cross for salvation. The wisdom of the world always chooses the path of obvious victory. It acts on what it sees on the surface and grabs as much visible glory as it can. To the sensual, the greedy, the proud, and the ambitious, the Cross opposes their desires and timelines. They want what they want. And they want it quickly!

The Cross points us toward eternal realities, not temporary glory. While earthly wisdom tells us “to get all we can and to can all we can get”, God’s Spirit shows us the wisdom of Cross, dying to self, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Those who are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see more of God's wisdom and power in Christ crucified, than in all His other works. And the Holy Spirit leads them to the Cross daily to die to all worldly wisdom and fleshly desires. The Cross becomes their place of security, rest, and peace.

Those of us who seek true wisdom do not simply desire information from God. We want to know God and the power of His Word. We see Him as the source of all truth, and we take our direction from Him. We are not satisfied with the Word telling us what to believe. We desire to live it and experience God’s promises!

What Jesus did in surrendering to the Cross was absolute foolishness in the eyes of the world. And it still is! Saint Augustine said, “We were deceived by the wisdom of the serpent, but we are freed by the foolishness of God.” This freedom gives us a glimpse of Heaven. With eternity in view and with God’s grace, we can embrace the Cross, endure temporary hardship, and have confidence in God’s promises.

Therefore, the first lesson of wisdom from the Cross is this: Never exchange eternal glory for momentary gain. The world will always urge us to seek a superficial victory today. Don’t do it. Following the wisdom of the world is always more foolish than following the “foolishness” of God.

The Wisdom of God

Secondly, God’s wisdom is vast and knows no bounds. We cannot understand eternal realities and God’s wisdom without a revelation from His Spirit. One way the Holy Spirit reveals God’s wisdom to us through the foolishness of preaching.

Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

If we never heard God’s Word, we would never be sure of His love; we would never know His ways; we would never seek His face. If we found Him without hearing the wisdom of His Word, we may never be certain of what we found.

By hearing of God’s redemption through the preaching of Christ crucified on Cross, we learn about the intensity of God’s love, the wisdom of His ways, the power of His Spirit, and we are given faith to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior.

God did not choose philosophers, statesmen, nor men of wealth and power, as apostles of His Son and preachers of His gospel. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

The second lesson of the wisdom from the Cross is this: Never forget God’s wisdom. God supplies all revelation, all strength, and all means of knowing Him. Knowing Him requires our diligence, but it is a diligence of reception, not a diligence of acquisition. We receive only what God has already given. God has given His Son, His Word, His Spirit, His Wisdom, His grace, and His gift of faith. We learn about God’s gifts by hearing the Word of God preached. As a result, we cannot boast about our wisdom. We can only boast about God’s wisdom and what we have received from Him!

The Wisdom of Jesus

That is why our life of faith begins with a confession that we have nothing to offer God! In the song “Rock of Ages” we sing, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy Cross I cling.”

In order to be saved, we must humble ourselves, realize our bankruptcy, and confess our need for Jesus, the Savior. We cannot have His righteousness without denying our own. We cannot have His holiness without getting His grace to repent of our sin. And we cannot receive His deliverance without acknowledging our bondage. We cannot enter His Kingdom unless we are born again of His Spirit. We are bankrupt before Jesus, and we are fools if we do not acknowledge it!

The beauty of the Cross is its ugliness. Jesus left us no attractive religion to idolize, no self-effort to perfect, and no Law to fulfill. He completely undid us by doing it all Himself! The way to become godly today is not to become godly; it is to declare our ungodliness and come to Jesus. The way to become pure today is not to be pure; it is to declare our impurity and rely on His Blood to purify us. Likewise, the way to live is not to seek life; it is to die to self and let Jesus live in us.

We thought the wisdom of God would be to make us better people—through works, service, intellect, philosophies, religion, and more. But in His wisdom, Jesus did not come to make us better. He came to do away with the old entirely, and to birth something new! We take hold of that new birth by clinging to the ugly, shameful Cross and crucifying self. Only then can we be born again of the Spirit.

The third lesson of wisdom from the Cross is this: Never despise the humble appearance of God’s plan. Make no mistake—at first the Cross was not gilded with gold to adorn our steeples and necklines. It was a place of disgrace! It was the symbol of death. It was brutal, ugly, horrid, and shameful. But it was God’s way!

Luke 9:23-24 And he [Jesus] said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Therefore, if you are ever tempted to avoid the unattractive path God has planned for you, look at Jesus on the Cross and follow Him. The Cross leads to eternal life.

The Wisdom of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Immigrants cannot expect to prosper in another country without learning its language and obeying its laws. So it is when we enter the Kingdom of God. We must be learn God’s Word and obey the King.

The means for doing this is by being born again of the Spirit of God. Then we become citizens of the Kingdom and children of God. The Spirit of God is given to us and He imparts God’s wisdom to us.

John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Being born again into the Kingdom of God is like putting on a set of strange, new clothes. We look different and we feel different. This is no illusion; we are different! We are not to be content with a superficial religion, for God has called us to an intimate relationship. The Cross is our holy invitation to enter the Kingdom of God and to put on the righteous clothing of the King.

The fourth lesson of the wisdom from the Cross is this: Never be afraid to go deep into the things of God. It is your privilege as a believer in Jesus Christ. The Cross was a secret mystery from before the beginning of time, but now it is revealed for our glory. We are united with Christ in His death and we are born again by His Spirit. Then we become co-laborers with Him, sharing in His likeness! Never be content with staying on the surface, and never assume you have learned enough. Dive into the depths of His wisdom and become like Jesus. Embrace His Cross! Pick it up daily and follow Jesus!

The Wisdom of the Believer

Lastly, our journey of faith is a remarkable one. We started out acknowledging our complete bankruptcy. We end with knowing the deep mysteries of God and understanding what God has freely given us. The amazing result is: “We have the mind of Christ.”

It is true that we can never know everything there is to know about God. We will explore His depths for eternity and still be near the surface. But the mysterious God has made Himself known in the Cross.

In the Cross, He is both Judge and Redeemer; He is both wrath and love; He is both holy and merciful; He is both the Shepherd and the Lamb; and He is both the Son of God and the Son of Man!

The wisdom of God’s salvation was revealed on the Cross, and no one expected it to look like that. It seemed shameful, but it resulted in victory, life, and peace with God. Everything we will ever need was made available there!

The fifth lesson of wisdom from the Cross is this: Never underestimate the availability of God. Never cry out to God, “Where are You?” without first looking at the Cross. Consider what God has freely given, receive it, and base your life on it.

In the Cross, His wisdom is ours. The Cross invites us into its victory through death to self and the resurrected life that follows. He want us to know it, to experience it, and to tell it to others about it.

If you realize you are bankrupt and need a savior, look upon the Cross today. Jesus atoned for your sin with His Blood upon the Cross so you could receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God!

Therefore, give your life to Jesus! Ask Him to take control and become your Lord and Master. Repent of all sin and self-determination. Die to your old selfish life by entering a watery grave of baptism. You will be raised to live a new life, born of the Holy Spirit, who will reveal to you the lessons of wisdom from the Cross and give you grace to pick it up daily and follow Jesus!

April 24, 2016

DON'T DO IT!

Consequences are things we rarely consider until it is too late.

We just do it.

But even the smaller issues of life, like having an extra piece of chocolate cake, has its consequences.

It is difficult for most of us to consider the long and short term outcome of our actions. Courses of action that look appealing "inspire" us. But in considering consequences, we must analyze where our inspiration comes from.

Are we being inspired by God or tempted by Satan?

One way to tell the difference is that Satan will offer lots of reasons why we should do something; whereas, the Holy Spirit may give no explanation other than a warning, “Don’t do it!”

Hearing and obeying God’s command requires love for Him, faith in His character, and trust in His Word. We must remember and obey what He said when the tempter brings his doubts and deception.

We see the first example of this in the Garden of Eden. God warned Adam that the ultimate consequence of disobedience—which is sin—is death.

Genesis 2:16-17

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

God gave Adam enough information to live forever, but here comes the tempter. Satan never advertises the disadvantages of sin, but denies them and seeks to blind us to them. Satan’s appeal to Eve encouraged her to sin by telling her of the benefits of sin, while denying its consequences. Satan always denies God’s Word.

Genesis 3:4-5

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

To be like God—now that is appealing!

What could be wrong with that?

So Eve takes a bite. When she doesn’t immediately die, Adam figures God didn’t mean what He said or maybe he misunderstood God. So he also takes a bite. Suddenly they lose their innocence and receive the knowledge of good and evil. Man can’t handle this knowledge properly.

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.

It appears to us that sinners get away with disobedience. Some sinners even appear to prosper. Another reason we don’t consider the consequences of sin is because of God’s patience. Therefore, if you don’t accept that God will judge your sin—if you don’t believe He’s faithful to His Word—you’ll try to see how far you can go. You’ll keep pushing the edge to see how long you can indulge your lust.

The law of sin and its consequences are established by God. We can only ignore it to our eternal hurt or obey it to our eternal blessing. A patient God gives time for repentance between the acts of sin and the consequences of sin. We should not enter into unbelief about the consequences of sin when we don’t see immediate results or problems.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. He is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Every action has consequences to it. Therefore, nothing should be judged by its initial enticements. This is easily seen in overeating.

We don’t immediately become over-weight or suffer health problems; nevertheless, the consequences of gluttony begin to take effect. Eventually, our sin will be exposed for all to see. So if we don’t want anyone to find out what sin we are committing, don’t do it!

Luke 12:2-3

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Habits and bondages are also consequences of sin. The enemy tells us “one time won’t hurt and no one will know about it.” However, the pleasure of sin is like eating potato chips: We can’t eat just one. Once we sin and seemingly get away with it, it is easy to do it again to get the same pleasure. We may become disgusted with our lack of resistance, but find we can’t quit.

We become slaves to our sin.

John 8:34

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

When we yield to temptation, demonic spirits take control of our will instead of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can deliver us from evil and set us free. We must go to Him for grace to repent and for courage to crucify our flesh, which is a life-long discipline.

Romans 6:6

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Have we made this decision about sin—that it must be killed right out in us?

It takes a long time to come to a moral decision about sin, but it is the great moment in life when we do decide that just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world, so sin must die out in me—not be curbed or suppressed or counteracted—but crucified.

No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be earnestly convinced, and religiously convinced, but what we need to do is get alone with God every day and make the moral decision that sin in us must be put to death.

Romans 6:9-11

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

I cannot consider myself “dead to sin” unless I have been through this radical issue of my sin before God. Like Jesus in Gethsemane, I must die to my will. Then I can claim Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Eternal life is not a gift FROM God.

Eternal life is the gift OF God.

When once we make the decision to be identified with Jesus, the life that was in Jesus is made ours as we crucify our sin and are filled with the Holy Spirit. If it is difficult to get right with God, it is because we will not decide definitely about crucifying sin. Immediately we do decide, the full life of God comes in. Jesus came to give us endless supplies of life—that we might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Eternal life is the life which Jesus lived when He was down here.

Now He wants to live it in us.

The only source of eternal life is the Lord Jesus Christ.

The weakest saint can experience the power of the Holy Spirit once he is willing to “let go” and die to self. Any strand of our own energy and righteousness will blur the life of Jesus. We have to keep letting go, and slowly and surely the great full life of God will invade us in every part, and men will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

Ephesians 5:1-21 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Sexual immorality is rampant in our day, and the world approves of it. We should not consider the world’s opinion, but consider the consequences outlined in God’s Word. Three of the first nine chapters of Proverbs are dedicated to the subject of sexual morality and marital faithfulness.

This emphasis is for good reason.

Consider the high percentage of unwed mothers, fatherless children, broken marriages, the increase of AIDS, venereal disease, rape, incest, homosexuality, and transgenderism. These are all the consequences of ignoring God’s Word about morality and marital faithfulness, listening to the lies of Satan, and committing sin.

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

The word “way” points to a person’s lifestyle.

A person’s “way” is a continued pattern that takes in all the places he goes, the people he associates with, the work he does, the entertainment he pursues, his whole life scene. There is a course of life which seems very appealing, so man in his self-deception pursues it with vim and vigor only to find out, in the end, the final result is he has walked in the way of death.

By “death” is meant a broad range of unhappy experiences from simple trouble, to premature departure from this life, to eternity in Hell.

The choice of this “way” describes the course most people choose, since most select a lifestyle from a basis other than God’s Word. According to the philosophy of the world, the exercise of self-determination is commendable. But to God, following our own way is never right. Our own way leads to death. To gain life, our self-will must be subordinated to His will, as our Savior submissively prayed in Gethsemane’s garden, "Not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42)

Regardless of how painful the surrender of our will may seem, obedience to God saves us from greater pain and unhappiness in this world and eternal loss in the world to come.

Regarding salvation, many people believe, "As long as I’m sincere, do good, and don’t harm anyone else, I’ll come out all right in the end." They believe they can get to heaven by their good works; but no matter how right their own way may seem, it’s "the way of death."

Jesus said, in John 14:6

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me".

Christ is the way to Heaven, all other ways lead to damnation.

God makes a firm promise that He will help those who live faithfully for Him and punish those live for themselves.

2 Peter 2:9-10

the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.

Do you indulge in the lust of defiling passion?

Do you despise authority?

Do you read romance novels or look at pornographic pictures, believing you are not hurting anyone? Consider the consequences.

Do you believe it is OK to get high from drugs or alcohol? Consider the consequences.

Do you despise rules and rebel against your parents, teachers, supervisors, husband, other authorities, and ultimately, God’s Word? Consider the consequences—punishment until the Day of Judgment.

The pleasure of sin is short-lived. The consequences of sin is lasting. A visit to where the homeless hang out will convince you, if nothing else does, that "the way of the transgressor is hard" (Proverbs 13:15b).

Remember the fellow we call the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-19)? He started with pleasure and riotous living, then went to poverty and misery.

The Holy Spirit cries out in the streets, “Don’t do it!”

Galatians 6:7-9

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

You may repent and be forgiven of your sins before you leave here today. But there may be some consequences to those sins that will last the rest of your life.

Your sin has a lasting impact on others as well. It has a negative effect on: your spouse, your children, your extended family, your friends, your church, your school, your community, your place of employment. Every area in your sphere of influence is affected by your sin! There are people that at one time you may have had an influence, and now, that influence is damaged beyond repair.

Not only will there be some permanent consequences, there will be some painful consequences. In spite of God’s forgiveness, the pleasure of sin is not worth the consequences!

One of the worst consequences of our sin is that we are not just damaging our reputation and witness; we are dishonoring the name of our Father in Heaven. This has a great impact on the people of God. But it also has an impact on unbelievers, as well. If God were to allow us to get by with sin and not address it, the heathen would see our hypocrisy and say that the Lord was unfair in His judgment of sin.

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

As believers, we are “ambassadors for Christ”. How well are you representing Him today? Or would you be honest and admit that temptation came and you fell into sin. That sin began to grow and you went farther and farther away from the Father.

You began to do things that you once said you would never do.

You began to go places that you never thought you would go.

Do you realize the negative impact you are having on others and the name of your Heavenly Father? There are consequences for your disobedience, but you have a Father who is merciful and desires to restore you right here and right now.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Christian, your Father in Heaven has been patient with you. He wants you to come to Him for deliverance from evil, for cleansing of sin, for forgiveness, and for restoration. We have spent enough time doing the things unbelievers do, thinking we won’t suffer the consequences. Repent and die to sin today while you still have time.

If you have never given your life to Jesus, the consequence is death and eternity in Hell.

Jesus came to save you from this. To have life and eternal life in Heaven, give your life to Jesus and believe in Him as your Lord and Savior. Begin dying to self by being baptized and you will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will say every time the devil tempts you, “Don’t do it!”

Right now, He is saying “Give your life to Jesus.” Will you obey?

April 14, 2024

Wisdom Shopping

Proverbs 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

God tell us to buy things that we cannot see and money cannot buy. They are valuable treasures that we can only get from God. And once we acquire them, not to sell them or lose them. But beware of worldly imitations. They look good, but they will ruin us.

Let’s consider the first one—Truth. Jesus said in John 14:6, Jesus said to him [Thomas], “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Since Jesus is the Truth and He doesn’t change, we can depend upon Truth not to change. If a “truth” is shifting, reject it because it is not the real thing.

You’d think that Truth would be highly valued by people. But, too often it’s not! Many do not want any absolute Truth. They want to determine Truth for themselves.

I saw a cartoon that said, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even though nobody has any idea what that is anymore?”

Even Pilate asked Jesus in John 18:38, “What is truth?” (Ironically, he was looking at it.)

Seriously, after a person rejects Jesus as the Truth, they lose all basis for Truth and become fools. For example, when so called “experts” won’t tell you whether a man can get pregnant or not, they do not know what truth is anymore. Or when sports authorities won’t tell men (who identify as “women”) that they can’t compete in women’s sports, neither the athlete nor the authority know what truth is anymore. Or when Supreme Court nominees say they don’t know the definition of a woman, that is evidence that they do not know what truth is anymore and should be disqualified as a judge.

These real examples are absolute nonsense, but that is where foolishness leads you when you reject Jesus, who is the Truth and the Word of God!

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Word of God, condensed in the Bible, is the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth!

Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

But, too often people don’t want to BUY God’s Truth. They want to create their own truth, because God’s Truth doesn’t tell them what they want to hear.

Therefore, if God’s Truth isn’t the authority in my life, I make decisions based on what “I” think is best. So, what is moral for you may not be moral for me.

To ease my guilty conscience, I reject God’s reality and declare Him dead or non-existent. But that foolish thinking has disastrous consequences.

Romans 1:21-32 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

Now keep in mind: we’re talking about “Truth”. You can go on the Internet and find all kinds of “facts” there, but they are not the Truth. But you have to be careful about those facts. Some of those “facts” can be false, or distorted, or slanted to a particular point of view. It all comes down to what you use as your “filter.” Do you filter the “facts” with your emotions and with your ideas, or do you use God’s Word?

In John 8:31-32 we read, So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

So, the first thing we need to buy is Truth and we get it by believing Jesus, who is Truth and the Word of God. If we learn to rely on Jesus and His Word, we won’t be easily deceived by people who distort the truth.

Next, we are to buy Wisdom. Wisdom is not knowledge. You can be the most educated person in the world. You can have your Doctorate Degree in 10 different fields and NOT have Wisdom. Wisdom is NOT intelligence. You can be a genius. You can solve the most difficult of equations. You can solve the hardest of riddles and not be wise.

So what is Wisdom? Again, Proverbs 9:10 tells us “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

But the Devil is trying to sell us something else. Foolishness. Psalms 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.

Similar lies are, “There is no Heaven; There is no Hell. So just live your life however you want. Morals don’t matter. Other people don’t matter. Just be happy!”

But this life of without God produces the opposite of happiness. Without the fear of the LORD, sin becomes a non-issue or something to be tolerated and overlooked. Therefore, that person will suffer the consequences of sin and fear death.

So, buy Wisdom. We do that by fearing the Lord, trusting Him, and doing what He says.

Also, we are to buy Instruction. We do that by reading God’s Word, the instruction manual for life.

Do you need to know how to raise children? Read God’s Word. Do you need to know how to make a marriage work? Read God’s Word. Do you need to know how to deal with people? Read God’s Word.

Buy Instruction from God’s Word because the Devil is trying to SELL us something else. Ignorance! He doesn’t offer a book about ignorance. Instead, he sells entertainment on television, internet gaming, casinos, sports arenas, theaters, and anything that will keep us ignorant of God’s Word.

The devil hates for people to read God’s Word, to learn God’s ways, to see the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The last thing we need to buy in addition to Truth, Wisdom, and Instruction is UNDERSTANDING.

Understanding is the ability to comprehend something we cannot see. It’s more than head knowledge. It’s heart knowledge. It involves what we call “faith”.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

For example, It’s only by faith in Jesus that we can be saved. We cannot see Jesus. We cannot see salvation. Faith is graciously given to us by God. Faith gives us the assurance and conviction that Jesus is the Son of God, who atoned for our sin on the cross and rose from the dead to give us eternal life. How do we know for sure? We just know it in our “knower”, that is our spirit, which has come alive by the grace of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

If you have this simple faith in Jesus, offered to you by the grace of God, buy this understanding, because Satan wants to sell you something else. CONFUSION! He is selling all kinds of confusion when it comes to salvation. And he markets his confusion in the Body of Christ!

For example, some will tell you that baptism is what cleanses us of all sin. That sounds correct, but it is a deception—a twisting of the truth—so don’t buy it.

1 John 1:5-10 declares, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us of all sin.

Hebrews 9:22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Jesus had no sin, yet He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, not to cleanse Him of sin.

Matthew 3:13-15 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

Baptism is an appeal to God for a good conscience. 1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Baptism in the Name of Jesus is like the Ark of Noah, in that, it keeps us safe from the coming judgment when Jesus returns. Baptism is also a death to our life of sin, and we are raised from that death to live a new life born of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Therefore, we are to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness, to obtain a good conscience with God, to put to death our sinful life, and to be born again of the Holy Spirit, but remember Jesus is the Savior, whose blood cleanses you of all sin. It is faith in Jesus that saves us and gives us eternal life. We can do nothing to save ourselves, except to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and what He has done to save us. And even that faith is a gift from God, so no one can boast in anything they have done.

Jesus said in John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Some churches have additional criteria that you must meet to be saved or to be part of their church. For example, you have to pray to Mary, or confess your sins to a priest, or take classes, or memorize certain Scriptures, or be re-baptized, or be voted on by the membership.

These things create confusion among the Body of Christ and the Devil loves that. God wants us to buy some Understanding. He wants us to really grasp His Truth, Wisdom, and Instructions. So seek Understanding from the whole Word of God when you see confusion in the Church.

Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Lastly, God tells us not sell these things. Once you acquire them, do not part with them. They are an eternal investment. They are worth your whole life.

Jesus said in Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

Everybody starts life with an empty shopping cart. The sad thing is people are filling their cart with junk, things that will satisfy for just a short time but have no eternal value (vacations, pleasure of the world, new cars, and bigger houses). There’s nothing wrong with some of these things, but you better leave room for the hidden treasures of the Kingdom of Heaven: TRUTH, WISDOM, INSTRUCTION and UNDERSTANDING.

Some people wander down the SIN aisle. We all know the junk that is on this aisle: pornography, adultery, fornication, drugs, selfishness, and self-indulgence of all kinds. The things they pick up there cause a lot of damage that affects them the rest of their lives. If they don’t repent and discard those things, they will end up in Hell instead of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The question is: Have you bought God's Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding? If not, you can purchase them by drawing near to God. No money is needed, for God gives these treasures to those who seek Him with all their heart/soul—mind, will, emotions. In addition to these treasures, God will give you His eternal love and make an everlasting covenant with you through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son.

Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.

April 7, 2024

WAYS TO GAIN GOD'S WISDOM

The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom as one of the many blessings of Christ’s salvation. Wisdom includes His guidance, His counsel, His purposes and plans, and His ways.

But how does God’s wisdom flow from His mind and into our small, finite minds? There are several ways, but first we must fear Him and acknowledge His authority, which is the beginning of wisdom. Without the fear of the Lord, we are fools, following our own thoughts. Since we have already considered this way, let’s look at some other ways.

WISDOM THROUGH PRAYER

Psalm 119:169-176

Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!

Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.

My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.

Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

God is generous with all things of His Kingdom, but He does not force them upon us. If we desire God’s wisdom, we must ask Him for it.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

If you desire God’s wisdom, ask Him for it, but be extremely open to change. His thoughts are much higher than ours. Therefore, be willing to repent, to deny yourself of all self-determination, and to obey His wisdom. Otherwise, you will not benefit from it.

Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.

Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

WISDOM THROUGH MEDITATION

Receiving God’s wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and with asking Him for His wisdom, but it does not end there. God must renew our mind, and it requires our full cooperation. We are not passive recipients of His wisdom. God offers His wisdom, but we must want it, and there is more to wanting than just asking. We must meditate on it.

Psalm 119:145-152

With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!

I will keep your statutes. I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.

Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.

They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.

But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.

Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.

We can acquire God’s wisdom by studying the Word of God, but it does not become a part of us until we meditate on it and obey it. Otherwise, we become knowledgeable without becoming wise.

Meditate means to “chew” on it, think how we have failed to do it in the past, and how it might be applied in our everyday lives. The Word of God is not given simply to be admired; it is given to be followed. It is not written to make us smart; it is written to change us and to conform us to the image of Jesus.

That transformation process is the greatest earthly fulfillment we can ever experience. Therefore, meditate on His Word. Let it soak deeply into your soul. Then, let wisdom do its powerful work through obedience.

Psalm 119:97-104

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.

Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.

I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Wisdom through Recall

We can pray for God’s wisdom. We can meditate on His Word. But the best way for the Word to be written on our hearts is to memorize it. This is not a boring task of memorizing long portions of Scripture. Memorize a verse that speaks to you when you read the Bible every day. It will continue to guide you as you carry on your daily duties.

Psalm 119:9-16 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies, I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

After we have memorized a variety of Scripture passages, we will find them more relevant than ever before. When we are in the midst of a crisis, the Spirit will bring the Word into our situation. When we are tempted, we can rebuke the tempter with the Word of God like Jesus did during His temptations in the wilderness. Through memorization, the Word of God becomes part of us and we become its handiwork.

Wisdom through Words

We just read: Psalm 119:13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.

After we have prayed for God’s wisdom, meditated on His truth, and memorized some Scriptures, we will find that wisdom is furthered when we speak what we have learned. There is power in the spoken Word of God. When God created, He spoke. When His prophets blessed or cursed people, they spoke. What was said out loud could not be unsaid.

That should cause us to examine our heart and speech. What we say cannot be unsaid. So, are we reinforcing negative thoughts and false beliefs when we speak, or are we reinforcing truth? Do we speak righteousness and praise or discouragement and doubt?

Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Do you have trouble remembering a person’s name? Experts in memory techniques tell us that if we say a new acquaintance’s name in our conversation, we will be more likely to remember it. Likewise, those who have a hard time remembering good jokes are those who don’t repeat them. Therefore, share the wisdom of God with others when you learn it and you will remember it.

Wisdom through Practice

Wisdom is not knowledge. Knowledge does not become wisdom unless we practice it.

Psalm 119:49-56 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.

I took a course in college called “Fire Control and Use”. The first day of class the instructor said, “You will learn more about fire control and use by using a fire rake on a fire line than you will in this class.” That statement was true.

Although the class provided me with knowledge, I learned more about fire behavior and how to manipulate it through practicing controlled burns and fighting wildfires.

Perhaps you cannot relate to fire, but I’m sure you can relate to water. For example, we cannot learn to swim by reading a book. We must learn to swim by practicing in the water. Gaining God’s wisdom is like that.

James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he is blessed in what he does.

This isn’t just a matter of hypocrisy; it is a matter of training. It is easy to forget the things we have heard or read. It is much more difficult to forget the things we have spoken and practiced.

The wisdom of God is not theoretical, it is intensely practical. It is not a matter of speculation for religious intellects, it is a matter of instruction and training for real life situations.

Psalm 119:129-133 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

If we want God’s wisdom, we must determine that we will practice it. Knowing God and living according to God’s wisdom must be our top priority. If it is, we must accept God’s loving discipline and correction. Through discipline, we participate in God’s holiness and are trained by it.

Hebrews 12:9-11 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

There is one more way to gain God’s wisdom.

Wisdom through Fellowship

Psalm 119:57-64 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!

We like to think of our relationship with God as a highly personal matter involving no one but ourselves and Him. But God does not operate that way. He did not call us to be lone rangers. He calls us into His Kingdom. Therefore, we must learn God’s wisdom in God’s Kingdom, and that is achieved by experiencing fellowship in Christ’s church.

Fellowship is more than a common interest; it is a spiritual bond. God has poured out His Spirit on all members of His Body. He has distributed His gifts widely, and so, if we want to know Him in fullness, we must fellowship with one another.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

There is no way to be well-rounded in God’s wisdom without fellowship in His body, the Church of Jesus Christ. But that can be difficult at times. Sometimes it is hard to see Christ in a congregation. Though He dwells with His Church, sometimes we do not let Him dwell in us. When that happens, we do not reflect Christ. If we remain proud and unrepentant, the Spirit of God will depart from a congregation.

The Spirit of God dwells among the humble and broken in spirit. They are being conformed to the image of Christ and they become His ambassadors in this world. God’s wisdom is too great to be completely absorbed by a solitary mind, so He has spread it among the many members of Christ’s Church. Therefore, we need each other. God’s wisdom is in His Word, written on our hearts, and refined in the fellowship of His people.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

If sin is keeping you out of fellowship with God and others, confess it and repent. If you have not done so, believe that Jesus atoned for your sin on the cross, and die to your old life by being baptized and born again of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead you in all the ways of gaining God’s wisdom, and remind you of everything Jesus said.

March 31, 2024

Responses to the Resurrection

Charles Colson was an aide to President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal. He served time in prison for his involvement in the cover-up. He became a Christian and was founder of Prison Fellowship, a ministry to prison inmates. In March 2002, he said these words in his Breakpoint commentary:

“Watergate involved a conspiracy to cover up a crime perpetuated by the closest aides to the President of the United States—the most powerful men in America, who were intensely loyal to their president. But one of them, John Dean, turned state’s evidence. That is, he testified against Nixon, as he put it, "to save his own skin". And he did so only two weeks after informing the president about what was really going on—just two weeks! The cover-up, the lie, could only be held together for two weeks, and then everybody else jumped ship in order to save themselves. Now, all that those around the President were facing was embarrassment, maybe prison. Nobody’s life was at stake.

“But what about the disciples of Jesus. Twelve powerless men, peasants really, were facing not just embarrassment or political disgrace, but beatings, stoning, and execution for preaching the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every single one of the disciples insisted, to their dying breaths, that they had physically seen Jesus bodily raised from the dead.

“Don’t you think that one of those apostles would have cracked before being beheaded or crucified? That one of them would have made a deal with the authorities? None did.

“You see, men will give their lives for something they know to be true, but they will never give their lives for something they know to be false.”

What do you know about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? Would you die for it or deny it? In Matthew 27 and 28, we will see four possible responses to the Resurrection of Christ.

Matthew 27:62-66 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

The reaction of the religious leaders, who had been instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus, represent the first possible response to the Resurrection:

1. I can try to deny the Resurrection.

It’s very interesting that out of all the people involved with Jesus, the group that was most concerned about His Resurrection was not His disciples, but rather the religious leaders, who had been instrumental in having Jesus executed on the cross. And their approach to the Resurrection was to try to keep it from happening. They wanted to deny the Resurrection.

It must have been comical to God, the Father, watching the priests and Pharisees going to Pilate, hearing Pilate issuing orders, observing the soldiers straining to roll the stone in front of the entrance of the tomb, watching them sealed it with the seal of the Roman Empire, and then standing guard to make sure that nothing happened. Can you imagine someone, who spoke the universe into existence, being hampered by a mere stone in front of a tomb, or a seal made of wax and rope, or by a few Roman soldiers armed with swords and spears?

But no matter how hard those religious leaders may have tried to deny the Resurrection, the stone could not stop it, the seal could not stop it, nor could the soldiers stop the Resurrection.

Jesus said in John 10:17-18, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Nevertheless, there are still those who try to deny the Resurrection today. Some deny that the Resurrection ever happened. They come up with all kinds of theories to try to disprove the Resurrection. Claiming to be wise and enlightened, they have become fools.

However, there are many more who accept the fact of the Resurrection, but deny its significance and power. They concede that Jesus probably rose from the dead, but they deny that His death and Resurrection should have any influence on their lives.

Let’s look in the following chapter of Matthew and see what the soldiers and the religious leaders decided to do after the Resurrection.

Matthew 28:11-15 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

From this portion of scripture, there appears to be two more possible responses to the Resurrection:

2. I can be distracted from the Resurrection.

Even though they had been eyewitnesses, the Roman soldiers were distracted from the reality and the significance of the Resurrection for a couple very good reasons. First, they had failed in their duties and they feared for their own lives. Second, there was the money. It was a substantial amount. All they had to do was lie.

Even today, most of the world, including Christians, are distracted from the significance of the Resurrection. Instead of focusing on the Resurrection, they celebrate Easter, a pagan holiday honoring a goddess of fertility that witches worship. Easter is all about activity. There are Easter outfits to buy, eggs to be colored and hidden, candy to purchase, and meals to be prepared. People are so busy and distracted by the pagan activities and traditions that they don’t take time to really focus on what the Resurrection means. They may talk about it briefly, even pay homage to it by going to church, but its significance is lost because they have Easter on their minds.

There is one other possible response to the Resurrection that we find in this portion of Matthew’s account:

3. I can be deceived about the Resurrection.

The story which the religious leaders concocted and convinced the soldiers to spread was obviously intended to deceive people about the truth of the Resurrection. In fact, by the time that Matthew wrote his gospel, probably more than 20 years after the Resurrection, the story that the disciples had stolen His body was still being circulated among the Jews.

We have already seen that the religious leaders tried to deny the Resurrection, but they were also deceived about the significance of the Resurrection because of their own selfish interests. Not only did they despise Jesus because He had frequently pointed out their hypocrisy and selfishness, but they also realized that if people knew Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, they were going to lose respect and much of the power and influence that they held over the people.

Even today, one of the reasons so many people are deceived about the Resurrection and its significance, is because of their own selfish interests. As we’ll see in a moment, the only proper response to the Resurrection is to acknowledge Jesus is LORD! He is God Almighty! And give Him control of our life!

Most people just aren’t willing to do that, but they still think they will go to Heaven. That is the most dangerous deception of all.

Now, let’s go back and finish Matthew’s account by reading about the other events which were sandwiched in between the two accounts that involved the religious leaders and the soldiers:

Matthew 28:1-10 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ’He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

In this passage we find the fourth, and only proper, response to the Resurrection.

4. I can delight in the Resurrection.

The first people, other than the Roman soldiers, to learn of the Resurrection were the two Marys. From the other Biblical accounts, we know that the stone has already been rolled away by the time they arrived at the tomb early that morning. They certainly were not expecting a Resurrection, since Mark records that they had purchased burial spices which they intended to put on Jesus’ body.

Imagine how frightened the women must have been upon seeing the angel and realizing that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb. But as soon as they realized that Jesus had risen from the grave, just as He had predicted, they were filled with joy and ran, not walked, to share the news with the disciples. And then, when Jesus met them along the way, they fell at His feet in submission and worshipped Him.

Now they knew for sure, that what Jesus had proclaimed, was true! They responded by rejoicing and humbling themselves at the feet of Jesus. He was indeed LORD—GOD ALMIGHTY! Therefore, they would devote their lives to Him!

It is likely there are people here who have responded to the Resurrection of Jesus in each of the four ways I have described. Perhaps in different periods of your life, you have responded to the Resurrection in all four ways.

For some of you, you have responded with delight and have given Jesus control of your life. He is your Lord as well as your Savior. And if that is your case, you are blessed. I encourage you with the words Jesus spoke to Thomas after His Resurrection.

John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

But it is also likely that some of you have come here and would honestly have to say that you have not responded with delight. Perhaps you would have to admit that you are one of the people who have been denying the Resurrection. Or perhaps you have always believed in the fact of the Resurrection, but you have denied the significance of the Resurrection in your life.

There may be some of you here who have been distracted when it comes to the Resurrection. It is not just the busyness of all the Easter preparations that have distracted you, but the demands of living your life on a day-to-day basis have kept you from really thinking about the significance of the Resurrection and what it means for your life.

Or some of you would honestly have to say that you have been deceived about the Resurrection. You have believed the lie that Jesus’ body was stolen or some other theory. Worse yet, you have been deceived by believing you are capable of directing your own life and still go to Heaven.

Or, maybe there is some combination of denial, distraction, and deception that has kept you from delighting in the Resurrection. I can honestly say that is exactly where I was for many years. I have responded to the Resurrection in all those ways.

And if that is where you are, I want to encourage you to respond to the Resurrection with delight by believing in the Resurrection. That means Jesus is who He claimed to be: the Son of God! He is LORD, God Almighty! He gave His life on the cross to atone for your sin in order that you may have eternal life with Him.

Jesus said in John 11:25, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.

When some people in Jerusalem realized the significance of the Resurrection, they responded this way: Acts 2:37-38, Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

March 24, 2024

Why Do We Live?

This is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly. But by Friday, He is crucified. Why did He live and die a violent death? The world does not know. It is our duty to tell them, but let’s make sure we know the answer.

1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may wish that you have eternal life.” Wait, I got it wrong. Again, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may guess that you have eternal life.” Sorry, I got it wrong again, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may hope that you have eternal life.” That is what many believe, but the Word says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may [K N O W] that you have eternal life.”

God wants us to know we have eternal life. He doesn’t want us to wish-so, guess-so, hope-so; He wants us to know-so.

Now in order to know that we have eternal life, we have to be aware of what God said to do to receive eternal life. First, as the scripture says, we must believe Jesus is the Son of God. Without this faith, it is impossible to receive eternal life.

Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Salvation is a reconciliation with God that pardons us from the guilt of our sin. Sin made us God’s enemies. But, by the blood of Jesus on the cross, that sin debt was paid, that warfare against God was ended. We have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

You see, God doesn’t just forgive our sin and say, “Now, it’s up to you.” When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit of God comes into him, and lives in him. The Holy Spirit gives us intimacy with God. We hear Him speak to us, and He gives us grace to follow Jesus.

During the Passover Supper, that took place this week before His arrest, Jesus explained in John 14:15-17 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

Last week after the service, Rosie asked me, “Why do we live if we are just going to die?” Now, that is a very profound question! In other words, if this is all there is, what is life all about? Does our life have a greater purpose than the chickens at Pilgrim’s? To answer these questions, let’s first consider how we are made.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

So, we see from this verse that we are spirit, soul, and body—a three-part entity, made in the image of a triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

First of all, we consist of a body. We are here in a body, right? So obviously, we have a body. Our body is like a space suit we wear while we are on spaceship Earth. When we leave this Earth, we will leave this earthly body behind.

Now the second part is not quite as obvious. We also have a soul. The Greek word for soul is the word psyche. It’s the word from which we get psychiatry, psychology, psychological, and psychic. All of these words refer to the soul. The soul is you; that’s your personality, your idiosyncrasies, your intelligence, your sense of humor, all of those things that make you the person that you are. That is your soul. In other words, your soul is your mind, your will, and your emotions. You—your soul—lives inside your body.

Thirdly, there’s the spirit. Now what is the spirit? I used to think that soul and spirit were about the same thing, just the invisible part of a person. But Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and of spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Clearly, the soul and spirit are invisible and connected, but they are not the same. The spirit is that part of us that makes us different from any of the animals or plants in Creation. The spirit is that part of us that enables us to know and worship God. Our spirit can contain the Holy Spirit or evil spirits.

John 4:24 says, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Romans 8:12-17 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

See, plants have a body, but they don’t have a soul. Animals have body and a soul. Animals have mind, will, and emotion, but they don’t have a spirit. Only man has a spirit. Only man can worship God. Only man can pray. Only man can conceive of eternity. Only man was created in the image of God and can be filled with the Spirit of God.

Our spirit speaks to our soul: the mind, the will, and the emotions. The spirit gives the mind discernment. The spirit gives the will desires. The spirit directs the emotions (either evil emotions or the fruit of the Holy Spirit). And so, the human spirit speaks to the soul: the mind, the will, and the emotions. What is in our spirit controls our soul.

Now what does the soul do? The soul (the mind, will, and emotions) controls the body: the hands, the feet, the eyes, the ears; the mouth.

What does the body do? The body does what the soul commands. It moves out into the world and does things. Put all the parts of man together (spirit, soul, and body) and there is a life—a person—created in the image of God.

God wants to occupy our spirit. So does Satan. Whoever occupies our spirit is who will control our soul and body. Therefore, if the Holy Spirit fills our spirit, we will show the fruit of the Spirit, which is the life of Jesus abiding in us. Without the Holy Spirit, we are vulnerable to evil spirits and “lost” eternally. Now, what does “lost” mean?

In the beginning, God made Adam healthy, happy, and holy, and God was living in Adam’s spirit. Adam was with God in the Garden of Eden. But Adam sinned by disobeying God. And when Adam sinned, God moved out of Adam and cast Adam out of the Garden. Why? God has no fellowship with sin. He is a holy God.

Genesis 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Did Adam die the day he and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? Physically, Adam went on living for hundreds of years. Nevertheless, he died that day. He did not die immediately in his soul. He did not die immediately in his body. He died immediately in his spirit. Death is not just the separation of the soul from the body. Death is the separation of the spirit from God. Eternal death is eternal separation from God. Adam was created to live forever with God. But, Adam died immediately in his spirit after sinning because God departed from his spirit. After that, Adam died progressively in his soul, and ultimately in his body.

A lot of folks are like Adam; they are spiritually dead. Their soul is operating. Their body is operating. But they are minus God in their spirit. That is the definition of being lost.

We don’t have to rob a bank, commit murder, or commit some perversion to be lost. No, we don’t have to do anything, because we are lost the day are born. We are born with a sinful spirit that we inherited from Adam. We are lost because God is not in us. As a result, we follow evil spirits instead of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

We can be fine, upstanding, wonderful, and religious, just like Nicodemus, who came to Jesus secretly at night, and still be lost. Jesus told Nicodemus he had to be born again of the Spirit in order to see the kingdom of Heaven.

John 3:3-8 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Here is the situation. Sin has separated us from a holy God. So, man has an emptiness, where God was in the spirit. Now that’s the condition of every man, woman, boy, and girl without the Lord Jesus Christ. We feel empty, without purpose, and lost until we are filled with God, the Holy Spirit! Therefore, we must be born again of the spirit to be saved.

Because we cannot save ourselves, Here is what God did: Ephesians 2:1-9 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind [soul], and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth as an infant. He experienced everything we experience, yet without sin. When this week came, He took our sin upon Himself and shed His blood on a cruel cross to atone for that sin. That sacrificial act of shedding His blood on the cross is what provided a new covenant with God, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. That is what we celebrate this week.

Jesus did not die as a martyr. His death wasn’t an accident. No one could take His life from Him. Jesus had the power to lay down His life and to take it up again.

Jesus willingly obeyed the Father and died on the cross so we could have His life in our spirit. He came to Earth so that we might go to Heaven. He became the Son of Man that we might become sons and daughters of God. He was born of a virgin so that we might be born again of the Spirit. All this is the grace of God—doing for us and in us what we cannot do ourselves. Why did He do it? Because He is loving and merciful. Jesus died so we can live eternally with Him, just like it was in the Garden of Eden.

In summary, salvation is not primarily getting man out of Earth and into Heaven. It is getting God out of Heaven and back into man! Salvation is you living in God and God living in you!

Now a saved person is not somebody who merely believes intellectually that Christ died for his sins. A saved person is somebody who believes AND has given Christ control of his life. If you’re not willing to make Him Lord, Jesus can’t be your Savior. When we are born again of the Spirit, Jesus comes into your spirit to take control of your life and fulfill the reason we are alive. We don’t just live to die. God gave us a purpose. God gave us eternal life, and God gave us His righteousness.

Romans 5:19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

Remember what we said about how Adam died? When he sinned, Adam died immediately in his spirit, progressively in his soul, and ultimately in his body. Now, when we get saved, we become a new creation. We are justified immediately in our spirit by the blood of Christ, we will be made righteous progressively in our soul as we conform to Jesus, and we will be glorified ultimately in our body when Jesus returns.

The Lord Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.”

Now I’m hoping that you’re hearing His voice today, and if you hear His voice, that you will open the door of your heart. Jesus will not break in. You have to open the door and invite Him in. That is the act of faith. You open wide the door and say, “Come, Lord Jesus! Forgive me of my sin and take control of my life. Fill me with your Spirit and make me the person You want me to be.” Then you do what the first believers did:

Acts 2:37-41 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

March 17, 2024

ROCK OF WISDOM

God is like an immovable, solid Rock. He does not change. It is wise to fear and trust Him.

Deuteronomy 32:4

The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

1 Samuel 2:2

No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

Matthew 7:24-27

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man …

That’s what the past 2.5 years of sermons have been about. Hearing the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. It is easier said than done, but it is imperative that we do it.

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Jesus’s words penetrate our soul and spirit. They are convicting. Sometimes they appear to be way beyond our abilities. And yet, Jesus desires that we both hear His words and obey them, because they are the wisdom of God and beneficial to our life. That is why Jesus concludes His Sermon, by telling a short story about two home-builders. He points out something concerning the builders that is identical as well as something that is different.

What is identical in the story?

STORMS!

Storms know no boundaries. Storms do not play favorites. Storms are a common experience to every person in life. Both builders in the story experienced the same storm. Notice the similarities: The rains came down. The streams rose. The winds blew and beat against the house.

Now, we may want to ask questions about the storm – why did it come – why was I not spared from its harshness. But instead of focusing on the storm, Jesus wants us to focus on what is different in this story.

We all face storms, but the difference is how the builders prepared for the storms. It’s a real difference that shows up in the lives of real people. We know storms are coming, but not everyone is properly prepared when they come.

One of the builders in Jesus’ story built his house on the sand – perhaps some attractive beachfront property. When complete, I’m sure it was a lovely house. The other man built on rock – possibly just up the hill from the other man’s beachfront property. The casual observer might not have noticed any difference in the two structures. The difference was in the foundation. Foundations are not easily seen, but storms make them evident.

We live in a culture where many have unwisely built their lives on shaky foundations. They do this because they are convinced that there are no absolute ways to believe and live. They end up building their foundation on sand and their life looks good until a storm comes.

A wise life is built on the solid, unshakeable Rock of Jesus Christ. Once we start compromising with that foundation, we create serious flaws and consequences in our life. To build wisely, requires complete surrender to the Lordship of Christ.

Wisdom hears Jesus’ words and puts them into practice. Wisdom understands that the entire Sermon on the Mount is not an exaggeration to make a point, but the truth about how to live. Obeying the words of Jesus brings His blessings into our life and prepares us for life’s storms.

So, how do we completely surrender our lives to Jesus Christ? Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-26

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"

Complete surrender to Jesus Christ requires a daily regimen of denying self, picking up a cross, and following Jesus. Not only are we to deny ourselves of things contrary to the Word of God, but we are to give up all self-determination and dedicate our lives to Christ.

It is a sacrifice, a death to self—like being nailed to a cross.

This is a daily sacrifice we make in order to follow Jesus. Otherwise, we will drift back to unwisely following our own desires. When we surrender, we lose our life to wisely gain the life of Jesus, which is eternal blessings. In this life-long surrender, our minds will be renewed to God’s way of thinking.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

For our minds to go through this transformation, we must saturate our thinking with Jesus’ words instead of TV and social media.

His teaching must become the first set of criteria used in our decision making.

His wisdom must become the fire that melts us and the mold that shapes us.

We must define truth as "His Word" and define all that is outside of His Word as "untruth".

Building your life on the words of Jesus is building on a solid rock that will withstand all the storms of life.

Proverbs 2:6-11

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you…

God wants us to be wise in everything that we do or say. “Everything”—think about what that means!

God wants us to be wise in making good decisions.

God wants us to be wise in handling our finances.

God wants us to be wise in our relationship with our wife, husband, children, relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, enemies, boss, strangers, and with people in general.

God wants us to be wise in choosing a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife.

God wants us to wise in following the laws of the land.

God wants us to be wise in taking good care of our bodies and our health.

God wants us to be wise in what we eat and drink.

God wants us to be wise in planning our daily affairs.

God wants us to wise in handling the problems that we face in life. God wants us to be wise in handling our business affairs.

God wants us to be wise in handling our emotions.

God wants us to be wise in our thoughts and in our prayers.

God wants us to be wise when we are at home, at work, at school, in the neighborhood, in the supermarket, while driving our car, while we are on vacation, or wherever we may be.

God wants us to be wise with the time we have on earth.

Yes, God wants us to be wise in everything we do or say.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Understanding God’s will changes how we spend our time, our money, and our talents. It changes how we approach our circumstances, our relationships, our work, and our attitudes.

A focus on self leads to devastating shortsightedness and has evil, destructive consequences. A focus on God—His character, His ways, His eternal nature—leads us to wisdom and blessings.

For example, from God’s Word, we learn that the will of God is to abstain from sexual immorality.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that each of you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.

The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.

For God did not called us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

We do not learn this truth from the world because the world rejects God and His Word. The world is on the broad road that leads to destruction. They are building on the sand. Therefore, our society is teeming with sexual immorality and suffering the consequences (Broken hearts, suicide, abortion, divorce, single parenting, poverty, and crime).

Placing any faith in our own wisdom is a form of pride and self-deception. It dooms us to failure.

We do not know anything about the future for certain;

we don’t know the intricacies of our own hearts;

we don’t see all the motives and moods of other people;

we don’t fully grasp the spiritual realities of God’s Kingdom.

God has a handle on all of these things; we have a handle on none of them. To act as if we do, is the ultimate act of foolishness!

Jesus said in John 14:25-26

These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

To become a wise person, we must believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and make Him Lord of our life. If we do that, He has promised to give us the Holy Spirit, who will remind us of everything He taught.

But before the Holy Spirit can remind us of what Jesus taught, we need to first hear what He said by reading the Word of God, and praying for understanding on how to apply it to our life. Then, when you hear the still, small voice of the Spirit reminding you what to do, do what He says!

That is what wisdom is all about.

Wisdom is living according to the words of Jesus. You are a wise person when you build your life upon the solid Rock of Jesus Christ by trusting Him and being obedient to His Word.

Trusting Christ is not natural to the fallen human heart. Even the redeemed heart has to learn how to trust Jesus. Trust makes a conscious decision to forsake our own understanding and lean on Jesus Christ, obeying what He said, whether we are in a storm or at peace.

Are you faced with a decision today? Make up your mind not to act until you have sought God’s wisdom diligently, persistently, and patiently.

Ask Him for His wisdom. God promises to give it. When He gives it to you, follow it, no matter how hard it seems at first. I assure you, living according to our desires is much harder in the end than following Jesus.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became a man and demonstrated wisdom as well as taught wisdom. However, He was rejected. Although He committed no crime, He was arrested and sentenced to die by crucifixion. At that time, Jesus and His wisdom appeared foolish.

But in three days, He rose from the dead, proving He is who He says He is, having all power in His hands, even power over death. And because Jesus Christ is alive today, the wisest thing to do is to trust in Him for our salvation, for our healing, for our deliverance, for our hope and strength, and for the way to live.

Psalm 30:2-5

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

No matter what storm you may be facing, do the wise thing by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Rock of Wisdom. Obey His Word in the midst of the storm, and your joy will come in the morning. In other words, you will be glad you did.

March 10, 2024

Deception, Wisdom, and Waiting on the LORD

In the nineteenth century, a theological student went to see the famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon. The student was very concerned that he could not understand the meaning of certain verses in the Bible. Spurgeon replied kindly but firmly, “Young man, allow me to give you this word of advice. Don’t be overly concerned. Give the Lord credit for knowing things you don’t understand.”

Many centuries before this, Job learned that lesson. He said in Job 12:13 “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”

If we desire to be wise, we must first fear the Lord, for that is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord will cause us to obey His commands and hate evil, which are wise things to do. But most people refuse to fear the Lord and prefer to do as they please. Others do not believe God even exists, and they think this unbelief makes them wise and enlightened. However, those who do not fear the Lord are deceived and foolish.

1 Corinthians 1:18–31 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Through philosophy and rational thought, humans try to determine the mysteries of their existence. This approach leads to wrong conclusions and self-deception because they have the wrong premise. They have not believed in God nor in the truth in His Word, so they are deceived and doomed to come to false conclusions.

Romans 1:22-25 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

The one who can deceive us the quickest is our self. Self-deception is visible in our behavior. What we do, or how we act – that is our belief system – that is what we truly believe, regardless of what we say we believe. So, if our believing is wrong, our acting will be wrong.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

Notice how we can counter self-deception, “… let him become a fool that he may become wise.” Becoming a fool is simply another way of saying that we must renounce worldly wisdom and wisely submit to the wisdom of God. This is a universal law. We must be empty of self, in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We must renounce our own righteousness, in order to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ. We must renounce our own strength, in order to be made strong in the Lord. We must renounce our own wisdom, in order to have God’s wisdom.

The world does not understand God nor the gospel of God. So, they mock Christians who believe God and the gospel of His grace. You see this clearly in the media. The only group in our society that can be mocked and ridiculed is Christians. Even if they are not mocking, those who are not Christians mentally agree that Christianity is “foolishness.”

And so, what often happens is Christians remain quiet to avoid ridicule. They compromise their faith to gain respectability and to be seen as wise in the eyes of the world. Unfortunately, when they do that, they lose their witness to the world and they become insignificant. Therefore, Christians must embrace persecution and respond like Jesus.

Those who live according to the wisdom of the world, think they are wise and enlightened, but they have actually become fools. For example, the worldly wise of today are so “enlightened” that they cannot determine whether people are male or female. They are even confused about their own gender and make extreme efforts to change their gender.

This foolishness began with the acceptance of homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. In a few decades, homosexuality became the popular enlightened lifestyle. Marriage was redefined. New genders were invented to legitimize sexual perversions. Not only can we be attracted to our gender, we can become the opposite gender. Better yet, we can be whatever gender we feel like on any given day.

This foolishness will destroy our society. Worse yet, it will eternally damn those who practice this lifestyle and do not repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ. This is the truth, but those in the world consider me a hater and bigot for speaking the truth on this subject. Listen to God’s judgment and the hope of redemption in Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

“Atheists” love to debate Christians on the existence of God and other Biblical issues. Whenever I listen to them or read their arguments, I cannot help but notice a certain arrogance as they put on sophisticated airs about their enlightened superior wisdom.

However, I remember I was once like that. I thought like that. I considered myself enlightened with superior wisdom. I had no fear of God, for in my mind, He did not exist. Thinking I was “wise,” I had become a “fool.” I thank God for His mercy and saving grace. Therefore, pray for those who consider themselves to be wise in this world—that their ears and eyes might be opened to the reality of God.

Psalm 94:8-11 Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge—the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.

God knows, sees, hears, and disciplines. Therefore, be wise and fear the Lord.

Put no confidence in the wisdom of this world. To do so is to set ourselves up for deception and disappointment. If we are wise, we will learn the truth of God’s Word and follow Jesus. The consequences of following Jesus will result in a great inheritance.

Ephesians 1:11-14 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Believers have a distinct and blessed position in being saved. Believers belong to Jesus Christ. They are His blood-bought possession and treasure. They are no longer their own. They were born again into God’s family. They are a child of God. They were redeemed by God’s mercy and given grace to become the Bride of Christ. They are to become like Christ and to serve God and others. They have a divine purpose in this world – to tell others about Jesus so that they may believe in Jesus Christ and be saved from damnation.

Now, because of this blessed position in Christ, believers can go about their lives, being excited about things that really matter – God’s ideals, His plans for us now, and His presence in Heaven when we leave this world.

Despite our blessed position and divine purpose, there are times when we do not know what to do. Those are not the times to lean on our own wisdom and understanding. Wisdom tells us to wait on God. That can be hard to do, especially when unbelievers are doing whatever they want and they seem to be “successful”.

Psalm 37:1-9 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

If you are not sure what to do, do not act on your own wisdom. Wait on the Lord to direct you. It is very important to read His Word so that you remember what God has said.

Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel.

The temptation goes like this: You have asked God for direction. It has not yet come. You feel as if you must act soon. Surely, God must want you to go with your best instincts. If He did not, He certainly would have answered by now. Therefore, His silence must mean nothing other than to go ahead and do what you think is best. When we yield to that temptation, we suffer the consequences of our thinking.

To wait on God is wisdom, but it requires a joyful attitude and patience, both fruit of the Holy Spirit. It also requires humility to ask and trust God. Waiting patiently for God’s will further develops His patience and wisdom in us.

James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

While waiting patiently on the Lord, selfish desires must be quelled. God must be asked. We must listen. The Word must be read and obeyed. The counsel of others in the Body of Christ must be sought. In time, one course of action will stand clear. The voice of God will whisper in your spirit: “This is the way. Now walk in it.” But, the question is: will you wait to hear His voice? Do you trust the wisdom of God enough to wait until after it is “too late”?

God will not heed our deadlines, but He is never too late. His direction will eventually come, His way will be clear, and His timing will be perfect. Trust Him.

There is one decision each of us must make and we do not have to wait to know God’s will, because He has already made it clear on the cross. God’s will is that we be saved from damnation, but we must decide if Jesus is the Son of God to whom we will submit our entire life and repent of our sin and self-determination.

If you are ready to make that decision, die to your old life of sin by following Jesus in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you grace to wait on God, trust Him, and lean on Him for all your understanding and decision making.

March 3,2024

Making Wise Decisions

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Not only is this a popular scripture, I have already used it in during this series on wisdom. Familiarity can breed contempt, or at least boredom. Being familiar with a scripture can cause you to think about something else. Recognizing the risk involved, I still want to revisit these scriptures because I see so many “Christians” making unwise decisions, especially with relationships. It does us little good to be familiar with a scripture if we do not act on it.

First, there are some common myths that we need to dispel. A myth is a belief or story that is not the truth. These myths cause us to make unwise decisions.

Myth #1: God’s will is hard to find. Not true. Much of what God desires is already revealed in the Bible. A substantial part of knowing God’s will is learned by reading His Word. How can one make wise decisions if they do not know what God has said?

Those who want to benefit from His blessings, but do not read His Word, are fooling themselves. They are expecting an impossibility, like having good health without eating a balanced diet nor exercising, or the benefit of passing a college course without attending classes, reading the textbook, and doing the work.

The Word of God guides us, protects us, and speaks to us about wisdom and God’s will. Proverbs 6:22 says, “When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”

We have learned in Proverbs recently that God’s will is for us to fear Him and to seek after wisdom instead of folly. It is also God’s will that we guard our hearts because our mouth will reveal its contents.

God’s will is also mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Many of our problems would dissolve if we followed these simple and easy commands.

Myth #2: God wants us to know the future. Not true. God does not reveal what is coming next month or next year, but instead, He commands us to walk by the light of His Word.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The picture here is not of a spotlight that fills the entire room but of a man who is out in the dark, walking along a dangerous trail. The only light he has is an old oil lamp that glows just enough to reveal the terrain right in front of him. When he takes a step, then the light provides guidance for the next step. One reason that God does not reveal our entire future is because He wants us to trust Him moment by moment as we take one step at a time.

Myth #3: God’s greatest goal for me is happiness. Not true. As Americans, we are familiar with the statement, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” In case you did not know, that statement comes from the Declaration of Independence, not the Bible.

Still, some “Christians” believe that God wants us to pursue happiness. So they do what they think will make them happy. This is a false gospel. God wants us to pursue righteousness.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

God is committed to our holiness, not our happiness. And, in order for us to become holy, sometimes He allows us to go through some very tough discipline.

Hebrews 12:5-6 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

While God cares about our concerns in life, He is much more interested in the kind of person we are. Therefore, instead of focusing on your happiness, commit yourself to personal transformation, becoming more like Jesus.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 For this is the will of God, your sanctification [purification]: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Now, that we have dealt with some myths that cause us to make unwise decisions, let’s dissect Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

This passage gives us three key responsibilities. 1. We need to trust in the Lord with everything we have; 2. Stop leaning on our understanding; 3. Acknowledge Him in all our ways. Only when we do these three things, (I emphasize “do” because I hear too many “yes, but…, but…, but…”) only when we do these things, does the promise stand that God will make our paths straight.

Trusting in the Lord is more than having our assurance in Him. Trust carries the idea of sitting on a stool with full confidence that you will not be let down. When you trust God, you put your full weight on Him.

Notice that we are called to total trust and complete commitment: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” God does not want half-hearted devotion.

Jesus said in Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

God calls us to full commitment every day of the week. Partial commitment is not trusting in the Lord with all our heart. The word “heart” refers to our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions. It is what makes you, “You”. We are to trust God with all our heart; that is, with all our feelings, thoughts, emotions, and our decisions—with everything about us.

I will illustrate total commitment with a story: A chicken and a pig were walking together towards the Hurrah Festival when they came to a sign in front of the community building that said, “Annual Fundraiser. Ham and egg breakfast.” The chicken said to the pig, “Hey, that is right up our alley. Why don’t we go in and help out?” To which the pig replied, “That is easy for you to say. For you, that is just a contribution. For me it is total commitment.”

God is not looking for contributions. He is looking for commitment. What are you giving?

Verse 5 continues: “and lean not on your own understanding.” “Understanding” refers to the mental process we use to analyze a problem, break it down into smaller parts, and then decide what we are going to do. Most of us think we can figure things out on our own this way. But, if we are serious about making wise decisions, we must fight against that natural inclination to trust what we think is best. That does not mean we should not use common sense, but it does mean that we should not “lean” on our understanding for total support.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 28:26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

While God wants us to trust and lean on Him, He also encourages us to get godly council from others when we need to make a major decision.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 20:18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.

Do not seek council from someone disobeying God, nor someone who will tell you what you want to hear. Seek advice from someone walking in obedience to God because that person can hear God’s voice and give you God’s wisdom from His Word.

So, here is what we have so far from verse 5. Lean on the Lord. Give yourself totally to Him. Do not automatically trust what you think you should do, but get the advice of others.

Now let us look at verse 6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him…” “All” means all, not some. In “all your ways” means, in everything you do, in every detail of your life; every day, in every way, all the time. This requires a constant focus on the Lord every moment of the day, listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The words “acknowledge Him” carries with it the idea of “acting like you know” God. Too many times, I see “Christians” act like they don’t know God, for they act like unbelievers. Acknowledgment is the kind of knowing that only comes by an intimate personal relationship. A husband and wife know each other. When we really know God, we will never question His will.

To acknowledge God is to give Him control of every area of life and to focus on Him continuously. Make it a priority to learn who God is, what He is like, how He relates to us, and what He is doing in this world. Then invest your entire life in what you learn. Even if it costs you all your have, it is well worth it. Only a life based on this kind of intimacy with God will satisfy. Only godly wisdom can make everything else meaningful.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, “For whoever wants save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

The last part of verse 6 tells us that God “will make your paths straight.” Notice that God does not promise to make us wealthy, healthy, popular, or comfortable. He promises something much deeper and better. He will make our paths straight, which means He will make it clear what direction we should go and He will help us navigate through whatever life throws at us.

When we decide to give God first place and trust Him totally, He will straighten out our paths and even remove obstacles. The straight path is not always easy, in fact it is narrow, but it does lead away from sin and destruction and give us a deeper relationship with Christ.

Recognizing that we may be facing a difficult decision right now, or soon will be, let us review what has been said today and over the past few weeks that will help us make wise decisions.

1. Fear the Lord. Proverbs 3:7 “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. When you hate something, you avoid it at all costs. Hatred of evil is wisdom.

The fear of the Lord will also cause us to obey Him and to make wise decisions. There are too many who unwisely pick and choose what they want from God’s Word, instead of obeying God whole heartedly. Warren Wiersbe writes: “The will of God isn’t a curiosity for us to study, it’s a command for us to obey; God isn’t obligated to reveal His will unless we’re willing to do it.” This brings us to number two:

2. Read the Word of God and do what it says. Proverbs 13:13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. Search the Bible for the principles, commands, or prohibitions that apply to the decision you need to make, and to your relationships with other people, especially the opposite sex. Then do what it says. Most of the situations we are faced with are already dealt with in the Word of God. Most of the problems we have are because we didn’t obey the Word of God.

3. Pray. Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Most of the bad decisions we make are the result of not taking the necessary time to lay things out before the Lord and pray about the decision. Seek the Lord daily, repent of all known sin, and allow Him time to answer your prayer.

4. Listen to advice, but remember, God is sovereign. Proverbs 19:20-23 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

God is in control. Even when we make bad decisions, His purposes will prevail. He will lead us unto repentance and wisdom if we humble ourselves before Him and repent. Therefore, do not fear man nor the future. Fear the Lord, read and obey His Word, pray, and you will make wise decisions according to His will.

The wisest decision you will ever make is to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. If you believe Jesus is the Son of God who atoned for your sin on the cross, confess your sin to Him and repent—stop doing it. Die to your old life of sin by following Jesus in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you grace to trust God with all your heart and lean on Him for all your understanding and decision making.

Feb. 25, 2024

Christians Need to Hate More

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD. As Christians, we want to wisely live a pure life for God, but we struggle with the temptations in the world and the desires of our flesh. We know sin is wrong. So, why do we foolishly give in to temptation and commit sin?

Romans 7:14-25 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Paul explained our situation and our problem. Sin dwells within us. He also declared our hope and deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ!

When tempted, we must realize and confess that we have a desire to sin. Then immediately, we must run to our Father for grace to overcome. If we fail to do this, we will stop denying self, we will stop picking up our cross, and we will stop following Jesus. We will give into the desire to sin. Why? Because to our shame, we do not love God more than our desires and we do not fear God enough to hate evil.

I say that because Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” And Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, and evil behavior and perverted speech.”

Hate is a very strong emotion. The dictionary defines “hate” as having an “intense hostility and aversion to.” When we hate something, we never want to be around it, and we will do everything in our power to avoid it. We will deny it a place near us. (i.e. Spiders, snakes, mice, etc.) So, maybe the answer to “Why do we sin?” is simpler than we think. We do not hate it enough. We only dislike its consequences.

As a result, we are comfortable with a little sin in our lives. Besides, everyone sins. God made us, we were born with a sin nature, so it is just the way we are. That thinking shifts the blame for our sin onto God and we accept sin as our normal behavior.

The progression of this thinking is like this: We struggle with our sin; we find we cannot overcome it, everyone else is doing it, so we accept it as part of who we are. We end up with a perspective of “I’m okay, you’re okay”, for we all sin. We may try to do better, but we are comfortable if we fail.

The problem with being comfortable with sin is that it is entirely contrary to the nature of God. God is not comfortable with sin. He has no fellowship with sin, nor with sinners. Romans 7 is a description of our struggle, but it is not a description of our life in Christ. Jesus paid a terrible price to redeem us from sin and its power. From Genesis 3 to Revelation 20, sin is never a light matter to God!

There is a false faith in many segments of the contemporary Church. It is the belief that sin, being universal to human nature, is not all that serious. Therefore, we must love ourselves and forgive ourselves. That psychological tenet makes us god, or it creates a false god who is lenient, as opposed to I AM who hates sin. We cannot forgive our sins. Only God can forgive sin through the shedding of Christ’s blood. Therefore, we must turn to Jesus as our redeemer and the atonement of our sin. When we come under the blood of Jesus Christ, our sin is forgiven. When we die to sin during baptism, we are born again to live a new life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Only then do we become a new creation, a holy child of God, forgiven and loved by God, with the power to deny sinful desires.

Furthermore, Almighty God is calling His born-again children out of this world. He tells us that we are not to be like the rest of this world. We are to be conformed to the standard of Jesus Christ and that is a life-long transformation through confession, repentance, and being continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

We are not to stay in our Romans 7 condition. We are to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus by the renewal of our mind, as Paul writes in Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good pleasing and perfect will.

If we do not hate sin enough to avoid it regardless the personal cost, we will conform to the pattern of this world, instead of conforming to the pattern of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. Instead of loving ourselves and giving into our desires, we are to love God and fear Him. That love and fear for God causes us to obey His commandments and avoid sin.

Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.

Whomever has a real love for God and a hatred for sin, dies daily to self in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then that person has God’s grace and power to live a righteous life for God’s glory. He has no desire to “be like the world”. He desires to be like Jesus everywhere he goes, among his family, friends, and everyone else, no matter what people say about him.

God’s Word tells us numerous times to love the LORD and hate evil:

Psalm 97:10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 101:1-4 I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh, when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.

Psalm 119:104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor [hate] what is evil; cling to what is good.

There is no valid excuse for tolerating sin in ourselves. If we truly love and fear the LORD, we tremble at the thought of being involved in things that He hates.

When God calls something sin, it is sin, and we are not an exception to that! Because God hates sin, He hates it when people know what is right and do not act accordingly.

Therefore, God calls us to hate sin, and to hate the deeds of people (not the people) who willfully choose to sin against His Holy ways. We are to speak out about sin and warn people of its consequences, not tolerate it. Warning sinners is a loving act toward them, even if we must suffer the consequences of speaking the truth.

Yes, there can be severe consequences in this world for choosing not to sin. Remember Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39:7-9 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

For Joseph, the very thought of committing adultery with his master’s wife was unthinkable. His attitude shows his love and fear of the LORD. Therefore, he would not betray his master and sin against God. So, he quickly left her, but he was still falsely accused of rape by the spurned wife and spent years in prison.

Do you respond like Joseph regardless of the consequences? Or do you think, “That sounds like fun! No one would ever know! Everyone does it. Besides, I can get forgiveness later!”

Our reaction to temptation illuminates our love and fear of the LORD, or it shows our lack of it. The degree to which we are willing to tolerate evil (or even invite it) in our life is the degree to which we do not yet love and fear the LORD. We don’t muster up hatred for evil in order to develop a love and fear of the LORD. It doesn’t work that way. The more we learn to love and fear the LORD, the more we will super-naturally hate evil and its influence in the world and in your life.

That secret sin in our life is not a secret to the LORD! He is not tolerating it. He hates it, but He is patient with us, waiting for us to repent and turn to Him for grace to hate it, too. He loves us, and He wants us to love Him and to desire His blessings and life.

If we fail to wisely fear the LORD and hate evil enough to repent, there are eternal consequences. Listen to these scriptures:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators [sexually immoral], nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous [greedy], nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners [swindlers] will inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Jesus said in Revelation 22:12-15, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Consequently, if we do not fear the LORD, and if that fear does not translate into a hatred for evil and repentance, we have something very real to fear—the Judgment of God and an eternity in Hell!

Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Now, it is important at this point, to clarify the difference between a momentary moral lapse (of yielding to our sin nature) from deliberately choosing a lifestyle of sin. It is not falling into sin, confessing it, and repenting that will condemn us. It is deliberately choosing to sin without repentance that brings God’s wrath upon us.

For example, some people are in obvious, willful disobedience to the clear commands of God regarding sexual relations outside of marriage, homosexuality, abortion, and gender identity. Stating this does not make me popular, for these sins are idolized and very popular in our culture. Nevertheless, it is the duty of every Christian to speak the truth with love and gentleness because people are unwittingly on the road of eternal destruction.

Others are in less obvious, but just as destructive sins, with pornography or substance abuse. They keep it hidden and excuse themselves by thinking they are not hurting anyone else. Sin is not an issue of hurting other people, it is an issue of rebelling against God!

Whatever sin you are excusing, repent (stop doing it) and be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Recognize the awesome power and holiness of the LORD, and ask God for grace to love Him and fear Him, and to hate your sin as He hates it.

Some of us are doing this. For example, those in addiction recovery are taking these steps and overcoming their sinful desires through the power and grace of God. All of us are addicted to sin, and therefore, all of us need to take these same steps to overcome our sin.

1 Peter 1:14-19 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

To summarize, we need to realize that we have sin in our lives because we have a sin nature, and also, because we have not hated sin enough to stop yielding to that nature. Furthermore, we need to acknowledge that when we do not deny ourselves of sin’s temporary pleasures, we do not love the LORD more than we love ourselves.

The remedy is to stop loving and forgiving ourselves, and to start loving and fearing the LORD! We need God’s forgiveness and His hatred of sin.

Therefore, we need Jesus Christ to save us from our wretched sinful life. We need to be born again to live a new life, filled with the Holy Spirit, so that we have His power over our sin nature. We need to stay near to the Father so we can get His grace to hate sin the same way He hates sin, to be holy as He is holy, and to love as He loves.

The temptation to sin will be a continuous battle that will last the rest of our earthly lives. Therefore, we must focus on Jesus Christ instead of the temptation, and continuously get God’s grace to deny ourselves and pick up a cross to follow Jesus. We must continuously ask our Father for this grace, because we cannot hate and overcome sin without Him.

There is good news in Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Feb. 18,2024

SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE 2ND COMING OF CHRIST!

Zechariah 14:4

On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.

Acts 1:9-11

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?

“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Revelation 1:7

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.

And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.

Even so, Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:50-54

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Listen, I tell you a mystery:

We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

For the perishable must cloth itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will be true:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 John 3:2

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as he is.

1 John 2:28

And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at his coming.

Matthew 24:36

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Romans 14:10-12

But why do you judge your brother?

Or why do you show contempt for your brother?

For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.

For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1 Corinthians 3:9-15

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.

But each one should build with care.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what its is, because the Day will bring it to light.

It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Revelation 6:17

For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?

Revelation 7:14

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Jeremiah 30:7

How awful that day will be!

No other will be like it.

It will be a time of trouble for Jacob [Israel], but he will be saved out of it.

Zechariah 12:1-3

The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel.

Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him:

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem.

And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut to pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.

Zechariah 14:1-3

Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst.

For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished.

Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.

Revelation 19:6-7

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!

“For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready.

Revelation 19:14-16

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.

And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.

He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND

LORD OF LORDS.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.

Zechariah 14:9

The Lord will be King over the whole earth.

On that day there will be one Lord, and His Name the only Name.

Revelation 20:6-6

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.

The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Psalm 2:9

You will break them with a rod of iron; You will dash them to pieces like pottery.

Isaiah 11:4-5

But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Revelation 20:7-9

When the thousand years are over, satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle.

In number they are like the sand on the seashore.

They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves.

But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the Lake of Burning Sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.

They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:11-13 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away.

And there was found no place for them.

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened.

And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.

And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.

And they were judged, each one according to his works.

Revelation 20:14

Then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire.

The Lake of Fire is the second death.

Anyone whose name was not written in the Book of Life was thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Mark 9:47-48

And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out.

It is better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye than have two eyes and be thrown into Hell, where, “The worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.”

2 Peter 3:13

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new Heaven and a new Earth, where righteousness dwells.

Revelation 21:2-3

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them.

They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.

2 Peter 3:11-14

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?

You ought to live holy and Godly lives as you look forward to the Day of God and speed its coming.

That Day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new Heaven and a new Earth, where righteousness dwells.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Feb. 11. 2024

Two Invitations

Wisdom and Folly are portrayed in Proverbs 9 as rival women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. Wisdom is a lady of godly character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Their invitations are worded identically. Wisdom appeals to the mind. Folly appeals to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses than the mind, but the pleasures of Folly are deceptive and temporary. By contrast, the blessings of Wisdom are true and eternal.

THE INVITATION OF WISDOM

Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Wisdom dwells in a well-constructed house. A banquet is prepared inside. The meat and the wine are ready. All are invited to dine with her and to live with blessings, but not all will, as Jesus described with a similar banquet in one of His parables.

Luke 14:16-24 But he [Jesus] said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

We may intend to go to the great banquet someday, but we may never make it if we get sidetracked by other activities that seem more important at the time. Don't let anything become more important than the invitation you hear today to live according to God's wisdom.

Wisdom begins with fearing God. To fear God is the wisest thing we can do. God is God and we are not! Much wisdom is gained from acknowledging this simple truth. Much trouble is avoided by giving God control and obeying His Word, for He has given us the instruction book for a blessed life.

Unfortunately, we often want to be in control of our life. We think we know what is best, but that is not the case. The One who made us, who knows us inside and out, knows what is best for us. He is the Holy One. We need to fear Him. We need to honor Him. We need to give Him control of our life rather than trying to be in control ourselves. For His ways are not our ways – let’s thank God for that! Our ways have led us into trouble many times. Thank God that when we repent and turn around, He is always there, ready to forgive us when we confess our sin and seek His mercy, forgiveness, discipline, and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

THE INVITATION OF FOLLY

Proverbs 9:13-18 The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol [Hell.]

The foolish woman is the direct opposite of the woman of wisdom, just as the antichrist is the direct opposite to Christ. Christ leads us to life and Heaven – the antichrist leads us to death and Hell. This prostitute, Folly, is similar to the prostitute described in the Revelation.

Revelation 17:1-6 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

The foolish woman acts seductively to lure all of us with whatever we are attracted to. She neither fears God nor loves Him. She is rebellious. She leads people, who are going straight, astray with her wickedness and deception. She says, "Come. Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

Do not be deceived! She is not offering living water nor the bread of life. She is offering adultery and immoral worldly pleasures. Using this symbolism, God’s Word says:

Proverbs 5:15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. This verse is also about sexual pleasure, and we are to enjoy it with our spouse and no one else.

If we forget God’s Word, we can be enticed by the curiosity and excitement of the forbidden. We begin to foolishly think the grass is greener over the fence. But in reality, the grass is only greener over the septic system. It is not sweet nor pleasant. It has bitter consequences.

There are other kinds of adulteries that Folly offers. False worship, superstition, the philosophies of men, idolatry, hidden sins, secret lusts, and willful disobedience are all adulteries against our Lord and husband, Jesus Christ. And these adulteries will lead us to Hell.

Knowing this, beware, for there is still something hypnotic and intoxicating about wickedness. Sinful behavior seems more exciting than the ways of Wisdom. Immediate pleasures are more enticing than future promises. Therefore, many people ignore Wisdom’s banquet and eat the stolen food of Folly. Then they find out that Folly’s food is addictive. One bite or sip of sin leads to another, and that leads to death.

So, don't be deceived by Folly. God is warning us and He will not be mocked. Sin leads to death and Hell. Before eating Folly’s stolen food, take a long look at what happens to those who eat it. God sends us warnings for our own good—not to deprive us of any pleasure.

The Scriptures describe life as a journey on a road. We often come to forks in the road where we have to make a decision. Without realizing it, the decision is often about which god we are going to follow and serve. The Creator gave us a free will and every person throughout time has faced the same decision a daily basis. God’s Word tells us about those who made wrong decisions and those who chose correctly. We are to learn from their experiences.

Joshua 24:14-15 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and truth. And put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Here in Proverbs 9, the Lord uses the symbolism of two women to help us visualize our choice between which god we are going to serve. Wisdom, with her house firmly established, invites all to come and enjoy her godly hospitality. Folly sits at the door of her place, enticing the ignorant to come and taste her forbidden food and drink her stolen water. She claims if you taste something illicit, the pleasure is multiplied. But behind the lie is death. It is the same offer and consequence that Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden. It is the same offer and consequence that we must face every day, too.

For those who choose Wisdom’s hospitality, there is a growth in wisdom, learning, and insight. These have the potential of producing a long successful life for us.

By contrast, for those who accept Folly’s invitation and enter her house, there is a surprise awaiting: "But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Hell." Stolen water may seem sweet, but it is also poisonous. For those who follow Folly, who spouts the wisdom of the world, the end is death and eternity in Hell.

There was a time in my life that I believed Christians were nothing but hypocrites. But I have learned that if you are a Christ-follower, you are anything but a hypocrite, for to follow Christ requires admitting you are a sinner and you need a Savior. At its heart, Christianity is about a lack of confidence in self and a complete confidence in Christ.

For example, how many of you have heard the statement, “Fake it ‘til you make it?” Many have bought into this false way to succeed in life. Sadly, they get stuck with “faking it” and never move on to “making it.” Still, they loudly insist they’re OK, even though they aren’t. The way of Folly, is “fake it ‘til you make it,” but no one will never make it without Jesus Christ. A practicing Christian is not “faking it ‘til they make it.” They are trusting in Christ to teach them, guide them, and enable them to “make it” by His grace and power working in them.

The way of Wisdom is a proven path for a blessed life. This path was demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Even with all of life’s twists and forks, difficulties and disappointments, we “make it” by trusting and following Jesus. At the end, we’ll be able to look back upon a life lived well.

Notice, Wisdom has maids that assist her is proclaiming her message. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town. Symbolically, we are those maids. This is a picture of every believer in Christ whose commission is to share the Good News with everyone we can. We are to tell others which door to enter to find life.

John 10:7-11 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Therefore, choose the house of Wisdom. Eat her food and drink, which come from the Word of God. Jesus is coming again to judge and repay everyone for what they have done.

Revelation 22:12-17 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Wisdom promises everlasting blessing and eternal life. Folly promises a moment of pleasure, and she hides the consequence of everlasting Hell and eternal death. Their voices are similar. Their invitation is identical, saying, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” The only difference between the two invitations is the spirit of the one inviting. Wisdom isn’t flashy, rarely impresses, and never demands. Folly is brash, showy, and frequently pushy. Folly says you were put here to have a blast. Wisdom says you were put here to be a blessing.

Every choice we make is a response to the voice of Wisdom or the voice of Folly. When we are want something to eat, both are speaking. When we are in search of security, both call out. When we are making plans, both compete for our attention. When we are spending our time and money, both are beckoning. They always say the same thing, “Come in here.” Ask the Father to fill you with His Spirit so that you can discern the spirits speaking to you and make the right choice.

Remember what our Father told us last week. Proverbs 3:1-8 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

If you have been listening to the wrong voice, making bad decisions, and suffering the consequences, then listen to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit today. Stop, turn around, run to Jesus and confess your sin. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross and repent of being your own god and decision-maker.

If you haven’t done so previously, make Jesus your Lord by dying to your old life in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will tell you what decisions to make in order to follow Jesus. When you read God’s Word, you will hear Him say, “This is the way, walk in it.”

Feb. 4, 2024

WISDOM AND SUCCESS

We have been meditating on wisdom. It begins with the fear of the Lord. Wisdom enables us to follow Jesus and stay on the narrow road that leads to abundant life here, and eternal life with the Lord. During this journey, our purpose is to successfully do God’s will. In the first 12 verses of Proverbs 3, God gives us clear instructions on what we must do to receive His wisdom and be successful in God’s Kingdom. The first one is this:

1. We must get God’s Word into our heart, obey it, and not forget it.

Proverbs 3:1-4 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

The will of God is revealed in the Word of God. So, if we want to know the will of God, we must read His Book. It is really that simple. I can’t tell you how many times I have tried assembling some new purchase without reading the directions. I think I know what to do, so I skip that part and try to assemble it on my own. That is foolishness, because I make mistakes and waste time correcting my mistakes.

The same is true in life. We make errors when we don’t read and obey God’s instructions. So many people are wandering from place to place, from relationship to relationship, from marriage to marriage, from job to job. And they feel confused, disillusioned, and lost. God says to us, “Read my directions, obey them, and don’t forget them.”

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Notice what happens when we read the Word of God. It judges the thoughts and intentions of our heart. It convicts us and it corrects us.

If we ignore God’s Word, the level of sin in our life will grow larger and larger until one day we are doing things that we never would have tolerated in the past. So, read, obey, and don’t forget God’s Word! Then you will have wisdom, success, and peace.

2. Secondly, to have God’s wisdom and success in our lives we must surrender the control of our life to God.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

People who are wise in their own eyes don’t pray very much, if at all. Why should they pray? They have it all figured out. However, God never tells us that we should have the answer to everyone else’s problems, or that we should be able to solve all of society’s ills, or that we can handle life ourselves. Instead, God says, “Do not lean on your own understanding, do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord, and trust in the Lord with all of our heart.”

Let’s be honest. Our wisdom is limited and our hearts are not pure. We do not desire above all else to glorify God at any cost. Even when we have come into a relationship with Him, our motives are mixed. We want to glorify Him, but we also want to seek our own good in our own way. As a result, we miss the blessings of His wisdom, success, and peace.

For example, God’s plan of success for you might be radically different than what you had planned. His plan of success for you might be in raising godly children who will one day do great things in His Kingdom. That is not going to put you on the cover of a magazine, but that is your holy assignment from the Lord.

Success in the Lord might mean taking a lower paying job and moving into a smaller house so that you can do what God wants. People will not congratulate you for downsizing, but God blesses obedient servants.

Wisdom and success in the Lord might mean staying in a marriage with an unspiritual spouse. Your work is in the prayer closet and to be a holy example within the four walls of your house. The world will not call you wise or successful for being a faithful spouse, but God will bless you for being a faithful servant in His Kingdom.

Beware when you begin to think about abandoning God’s difficult or unexciting calling, for that is an indication that you are becoming wise in your own eyes. God is worthy of all our trust. We are worthy of suspicion. Yet, we often struggle between His wisdom and ours. His way can seem so hard. We forget that our way is harder. Therefore, we must make a conscious decision to forsake our own understanding and lean on His. He has the plan and He will see us through! And when we have successfully walked that straight and narrow path, we will have a faith that is refined, pure as gold, and not only that, we will have God’s wisdom, success, and blessings.

Let us remember that getting wisdom from God means, first and foremost, getting HIM! When God, the Spirit, is in us, He transforms us. His wisdom becomes a part of us, and He conforms us to the image of Christ! It is a life-long process. He changes our character, our outlook, and our priorities. He makes our paths straight when we give Him control. If we want God’s wisdom to successfully direct our paths, then we must read and obey His Word and allow it to control our heart, mind, will, and emotions.

Verse 7 emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” The opposite of fearing the Lord is self-reliance; such as the statement, “I got this!” A focus on self leads to devastating shortsightedness and evil, destructive consequences. A focus on God—His character, His ways, and His Word—leads people into wisdom, success, healing, and health.

3. Thirdly, to be successful and receive wisdom from God, we must surrender our money and possessions to Him. Now, you say I am meddling, but listen to what God’s Word says:

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

The purpose of all creation is to honor God. God promises that when He is honored—in this case, with our firstfruits—that He will grant success and give an increase. What are firstfruits? The principle is very simple. Give to God first of all your increase in wealth and watch how He will abundantly supply all your needs. Those who honor and obey God faithfully in small things will be given greater things by which to honor God even more.

Millions of people miss out on God’s blessings because they will not honor God with their money and possessions. We say we cannot afford to tithe. In reality, we cannot afford not to tithe. There is no better investment in this world.

Malachi 3:8-10 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

That is God’s promise. Trust God with your money and possessions. Put tithing you’re your budget. It will cause an adjustment to your lifestyle. Then watch what God will do as you continue to honor Him this way. This is no guarantee that those who tithe will become worldly rich. It is a promise, however, that God will be generous with those who are trusting and honoring Him.

Beware of the motive to give so that you will get something back. That is not honor; that’s manipulation. That is like saying, “If you scratch my back, I will scratch yours.” Our motives for giving to God should be our love for Him and a desire to trust and honor Him.

4. Lastly, to gain God’s wisdom and be successful, we must receive His discipline as love.

Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Our natural reaction to reproof/correction, from anyone, even God, is to get offended. We don’t want anyone telling us what to do, and we don’t think anyone has a right to do so. Of course, God has that right, but we think He’s always on our side. When He works through others to correct us, we tell them our relationship with God is personal and they have no right to judge. When God works through our circumstances, we complain without considering that He might be wanting a change in our hearts. We have a hard time accepting correction. We flee any kind of discomfort. Therefore, we suffer the consequences of being wise in our own eyes and despising His discipline.

Part of our problem is confusing the Lord’s discipline with condemnation or rejection. His discipline is not for condemnation but always for edification. It can be a painful edification, but it is well worth it if we are trained by it. We should not despise His discipline. Instead, we should receive it in love. His discipline is always for our good even if He has to prevent our dream, end a relationship, or ruin our false reputation.

Hebrews 12:5-11 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

We can take comfort that when God disciplines us, He is treating us His children. His intent is to make us more like Jesus. God does not discipline those He has given up on. He lets them have their way and to suffer the consequences. God disciplines those He loves. You would not be going through tough discipline if God did not care for you as His child.

The hard circumstance that you are in may well be discipline from the Lord to urge you to change something in your life. Or perhaps, it is a divine stress test, planned for your improved character. Regardless of its nature, it is designed to shape you into the image of Jesus. It is wise to trust and cooperate with God’s discipline, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Wisdom and success come to those who are trained by God’s discipline.

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Don’t forget! The beginning of wisdom and the key to success is the fear of the Lord. Give Him control of your life by obeying His instructions. Ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit so you have His grace to do this. Be sure to read His instructions and obey them. This will make you wise and successful in the sight of God and man. That is God’s promise.

The first step in fearing the Lord is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross. Without this faith, you will end up in Hell. Therefore, fear Him and believe in Him. Confess your sin to Him and repent; that is, stop doing it and give Jesus your life by dying to your self-will in baptism. Then you will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will gradually transform you into the image of Jesus as you obediently trust in the Lord and not your own understanding.

Jan. 28, 2024

Guard Your Heart

Have you ever tried painting a room without spattering paint on yourself? Or playing ball without getting dirty? Or washing the car without getting wet? How about staying undefiled in a sinful world? How can we do it? God’s wisdom tells us.

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

The heart is not a reference to the organ in the chest that pumps blood. It refers to our soul. It is that part of us that constitutes the center of our mind, will, and emotions. The heart is pictured as the source from which life flows. It is all that goes into making you, you.

Whatever enters our ears influences our heart and our decisions. So, we need to be attentive to God’s words. We must listen to God's sayings. Words of wisdom are God's divine counsel to us. When we receive and act on God’s wisdom, we reap life and blessings instead of death and curses.

But, what worth are words of divine wisdom to us if we are inattentive or if our ear is tuned to worldly sounds or input? God’s words make no impression on the person that is not attentive to them.

For example, a flight attendant was frustrated by the passengers’ inattentiveness during her what-to-do-in-an-emergency talk at the beginning of each flight, so she changed the wording. She said, “When the mask drops down in front of you, place it over your navel and continue to breathe normally.” Not a single passenger heard the change.

Some parents teach their children not to listen. You know the kind, “I’m not telling you again, then I’m going to do something.” That child has learned that until a certain decibel of scream is reached, that the parent doesn’t mean it. But here, in Proverbs, we are told that it is our responsibility to be attentive to the instruction of our parent, the Father.

Many of you were in Sunday School this morning. Were you listening to hear God speak to you? We are now half way through the worship service. Have you heard from God yet? Yes, the teacher or preacher needs to present the truth in an appealing manner, but you have a responsibility to listen! God’s words are for your benefit, but only if you hear them, keep them in your heart, and obey them.

Not only are we to listen for God’s voice and truth, verse 21 teaches us to keep God’s words in our sight. Don’t just listen to teaching and preaching, consistently read God’s Word daily and do what it says. That is wisdom.

The next verse (22) gives us the reason. The verse begins with the word “for.” For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

God’s wisdom gives life and health of all types: intellectual, moral, physical, and spiritual. Nothing adds to the health of body and the enjoyment of life like continually holding before your mind the truth of God’s Word and obeying it. The reward is a genuinely peaceful life regardless of circumstances. However, you won’t realize this blessing until you listen, read, and obey God’s truth. Then you will reap the blessings promised in God’s Word.

Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

The reason why the heart is so important is because it determines the quality of life you will experience. Therefore, guard your heart with all vigilance (awareness). Guard your thoughts, your desires, your emotions, and the choices you make for or against God. Because those things are going to spill out in the way you speak and live, and they will determine whether your life is meaningful or miserable. In other words, what happens inside you is more important than what happens outside of you.

The heart is to be guarded closely because there is great danger that it will be turned away. There are so many attractive influences, so many seductive forces, and turning away would be catastrophic. Ask the Lord for grace to guard your heart. He will grant that request when we trust Him and rejoice in Him regardless of our circumstances.

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Notice, our focus is to be on the Lord, rejoicing in Him, instead focusing on the worldly concerns around us. The reason for this diligent focus is because whatever the heart concentrates upon, the ears will hear, the eyes will see, the feet will go, and the hands will do.

Therefore, guard your heart to keep it from getting defiled, stained, or poisoned by evil. Maintain your heart like a precious garden. Pull out the weeds of sin, nourish the Word planted by the Lord. Obey it meticulously, otherwise our heart will automatically drift towards a worldly condition. For it is like a garden, reclaimed from the wilderness, and it will naturally return to its wild state if it is not carefully guarded.

Hebrews 2:1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

It is important to guard what comes into the mind, because it will affect our heart and we will become what we think! If we permit hateful thoughts to remain, we will become cruel and heartless. If we let in lustful thoughts, we will become immoral. But when we dwell on lovely, pure, and unselfish thoughts, what flows from our mouths and comes forth in our conduct will be pleasing to God and a blessing to others.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

So, keep the mind pure by thinking on these things, and obey what God says! If we pollute the mind, the infection will spread. Before long, hidden appetites will become open sin and public shame. This is why some Christians fall away or are inconsistent in their Christian growth? They let sin remain lodged in their heart. They were not diligent to guard the pathways to their heart through their ears, eyes, and obedience.

A man must not only be redeemed, he must be sanctified (purified for God’s use). For example, verse 24 says, “Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.” So, the heart needs to be purified. Then our speech will produce good fruit.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:33-37, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Our mouth will reveal the condition of our heart. If we have a habit of vulgar thinking, our words will reveal that. If we think ill of people, our words will reveal that. If we think the best of people, our words will show it. Our words reveal whether we consistently guard our thought life or not. Our words make a huge impact on the quality of life we enjoy, for out of our mouth we speak curses or blessings upon ourselves and others.

As with all of God’s gifts, we should use our speech for His purposes.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

To guard our heart, we must also focus our eyes on the Lord. Much sin is committed when we begin to look aside instead of focusing on the Lord. When the eye is focused clearly on God, the whole body is full of light.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

We all face many choices. Some are big choices that concern our marriage or our children or our job, and our church. We can be blind to our own self-deception and make wrong decisions. We need to ask the Lord to open our eyes so that we can see His will clearly before deciding.

For example, ask the Lord, “How will this effect my relationship with you?” The greatest goal in life is not a comfortable retirement, a healthy body, high achieving kids, or a good marriage. The most important goal in life is to become like Christ. Guard against anything that would distract you from becoming more like Jesus.

If the focus of our life is on Jesus, then a life of integrity can be lived because we will be following Jesus. You will be faithful, loving to your spouse, honest in your business dealings, a good worker, and a good father or mother. These things glorify God.

My dad was a farmer. He told me that if he kept his eyes on a distant object like a fence post or tree while he is plowing the first pass in a field, he would make a straight furrow and all the other furrows would follow it. The principle is the same when you mow your lawn or drive a car. The principle is also true of life—especially as we live it one day at a time. Fix your eyes upon Jesus so that you will not turn to the left or the right.

To guard your heart, verse 26 adds that you must turn your foot away from evil. If you follow Jesus, the promise is that all your ways will be sure. Examine what activities you are presently part of and see if you are honoring Christ in them. If not, forsake them and follow activities where you can honor Christ; and you will be assured of His assistance.

Remove obstacles to your path so you don’t stumble. Stay out of those areas that will bog you down. Know where you are going so you don’t get detoured into things that waste your time and energy.

Watching your foot path has the most value when you view it from God's viewpoint. He sees the beginning and the end. It is most wise to follow His guidance and take the path of His leading even though we cannot see where He is leading. On thing we can know is this straight and narrow way will lead us to eternal life, but don’t expect to find a lot of people traveling it.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and a few find it.”

When Christ reigns in our hearts, our feet will follow Him on this narrow road. It is a hard road but it leads us on a direct route to the gates of Heaven. It is hard because we must make our way through the maze of godlessness that threatens to distract us and wreck us.

So, stay focused on Jesus. Ask God each day to guard your heart, to guide your eyes, to direct your steps, and to fill you with His Spirit. Ask for grace each day to hear and embrace His wisdom and to follow Him with all our heart. God will answer that prayer!

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

Isaiah 35:8-10 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Perhaps somewhere you chose to leave God's way of holiness to enter some pleasurable bypath. If so, run back to Jesus. Confess your sin. Accept His promise of forgiveness and repent.

What is repentance? Repentance is going back to the Lord and returning to the right path.

When the Prodigal Son returned home, he did not just get a ring, a robe, and shoes. The greatest thing he got back was his father. The Lord himself is waiting for anyone this morning who is willing to repent.

In conclusion, I ask, “Have you heard the Holy Spirit speak to you? Has He told you the condition of your heart today?”

Jesus said, "out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries." God’s Word says you can be double hearted (Ps. 12:2); hard hearted (Prov 28:04); proud hearted (21:4); have an unbelieving heart (Heb 3:12); a cold heart (Mt 24:12); and an unclean heart (Ps 51:10).

What kind of heart do you have?

Whatever your heart’s condition, Jesus has the cure. Believe He is the Son of God, who atoned for your sinful heart on the cross. Confess your sin to Him and make Him your Savior and Lord; that is, make Jesus your Master. Repent of your sin and follow Jesus, first in baptism, where you will die to your old life and be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will lead you on the pathway of holiness and give you grace to guard your heart during every temptation along the way. The Spirit will speak God’s wisdom to you and say, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

1/21/24

WISDOM'S WARNING

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It is wise to fear the Lord, and when we do, God shows us the wise way to live.

Wisdom is constantly calling out to us during our busy lives to stop, listen, and obey. Wisdom calls out direction and correction. Should we ignore the call, the consequences can be severe and eternal.

Proverbs 1:20-23

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

The simple ones are the ignorant ones. The most common excuse for doing wrong and falling into trouble is ignorance. “I did not know any better,” we protest. However, at some age of accountability, that excuse is rejected by God.

Wisdom is not some hidden treasure or the sole possession of a select few. To the contrary, Wisdom cries out for us to listen and respond. The wisdom of right and wrong, as presented in the Word of God, is available for all to read and follow. Our problem is our unwillingness to listen to God’s wisdom and follow it.

Wisdom also cries out with a loud voice that everybody can hear, through both creation and our conscience!

Romans 1:19-21

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.

So they are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Like Wisdom, we must declare the Word in an uncompromising way, hiding nothing to make it more acceptable. Our task is to proclaim the Gospel with gentleness and love so everybody can hear, believe, and be saved. It is the hearer’s responsibility and decision to respond.

Sadly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s wisdom are “foolishness” to the majority of people. They scoff at it. They prefer to create their own wisdom, even denying the basic knowledge of when life begins, what is a woman, there are only two genders, who can have babies, etc.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the

discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise?

Where is the scribe?

Where is the debater of this age?

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

In verse 22, Wisdom begins her sermon with an urgent appeal to stop rejecting her, and to respond to the stern rebuke she is about to give them.

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?

How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”

The ways of Wisdom are set before us and the consequences of our choice are clear. Wisdom tells us the way of blessing and curses. Wisdom even tells us which way to choose.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.

Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

We must respond to Wisdom’s cry and respond her words now, before we are in a crisis. The lessons of wisdom occur during careful meditation upon the Word of God, not in a quick solution when we are in a crisis.

Simply sitting in a pew week after week will do nothing unless what we hear becomes the focal point of our thinking. Hearing the Word and agreeing, without meditating on it and applying it to our life, is self-deception because action is required. Faith without works is dead. We will not be changed, and we will not grow, by passive hearing. We must set our affections on God’s wisdom and act on it!

There’s a story about a proud young man who came to Socrates asking for wisdom. Socrates led the young man to the sea, and chest deep into water. Then he asked, “What do you want?” “Wisdom, O wise Socrates,” said the young man with a smile. Socrates put his strong hands on the man’s shoulders and pushed him under. Thirty seconds later Socrates let him up.

“What do you want?” he asked again.

“Wisdom,” the young man sputtered, “O great and wise Socrates.”

Socrates crunched him under again. Thirty seconds passed, thirty-five. Forty. Socrates let him up. The man was gasping.

“What do you want, young man?”

Between heavy, heaving breaths the fellow wheezed, “Wisdom, O wise and wonderful...”

Socrates jammed him under again Forty seconds passed. Fifty.

“What do you want?” “Air!” he screeched. “I need air!”

Socrates said, “When you want wisdom as you have just wanted air, then you will have wisdom.”

Unfortunately, we are like that proud young man. We want wisdom, but we don’t crave it like it was our life’s breath. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is the Lord who gives us His wisdom, but we must fear Him, seek Him with all of our soul, listen to Him, and obey what He says!

If we will not do this, Wisdom gives us a warning:

Proverbs 1:24-31

Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.

Wisdom warns us of the consequences of disregarding what God says. Nevertheless, most people foolishly reject Wisdom. So, God lets us reap the full consequences of our deeds after we have been properly warned and we have rejected His Wisdom.

Galatians 6:7-8

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

So, after all the warnings about curses and the promises of blessings, why do people still foolishly reject Wisdom?

The FIRST reason is because they don’t want to listen. I have heard people say, “Don’t tell me that. I don’t want to know.” They think ignorance will make them less responsible for their actions.

The SECOND reason Wisdom is rejected is because some are just insensitive to it. They hear it, but they refuse to accept it or to submit to it.

Jesus would often speak in parables to separate those willing to accept His teaching and those who were not. At the end of His parables, Jesus would say, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” In other words, if you understand what I am saying, then do it.

Most of us like the parables. They are interesting. Unfortunately, we are insensitive to their wisdom and we miss their lesson for our life.

A THIRD reason Wisdom is rejected is that we think there is plenty of time to accept it later. Many people put off reading God’s Word as if it is something they will get around to later in life. “I’ll worry about that when I’m old and retired and have nothing else to do” is their attitude.

The tragic fact is that most people, who reject the Word in their youth, will not be able to grasp it in their old age. Their hearts and minds will be too hardened. Procrastination is not a virtue, especially not in spiritual matters.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

In verse 25 we see the FOURTH reason why Wisdom is rejected: because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof.

It is rebellion that ignores, neglects, or disregards God’s Wisdom. When confronted with wrong, we come up with every excuse to blame another person or situation for our folly. The first step in acquiring wisdom is admitting that we are wrong and we need Wisdom.

Beginning in verse 26, there is a shocking pronouncement:

“I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you”.

Wisdom shifts, from the denunciation of the foolish, to their judgment. When the Lord speaks of laughing “at your calamity/disaster,” it is not that He is heartless. Rather, it is a reference to the absurdity of your unbelief:

All the foolish can be sure that their own actions and intentions will boomerang against them. What God said would happen will happen, even though it doesn’t happen immediately. And when it does happen, those who scoffed and laughed at Wisdom will find the joke is on them.

Therefore, Psalm 37:1-13 instructs us:

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!

Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.

Wisdom rejoices when righteousness ousts wickedness, knowledge overcomes ignorance, and humility topples pride. Again, God is not mocked.

We will reap what we sow.

Since the foolish did not respond to Wisdom in their time of salvation, Wisdom will not respond to them at the time of their judgment. They will “call on” her, saying they are at last ready to listen, but it will be too late. Their indifference to Wisdom has already condemned them.

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.

Fools, seeing no need for the “fear of the LORD,” do not listen to Wisdom. In fact, they favor other lifestyles. Eventually, they will suffer the consequences of their choices. They became foolishly wise in their own eyes and they will reap the fruit of their “wisdom”.

Can you see how Wisdom’s call is like the Gospel call, with its warning of coming judgment if the call is ignored? Today is the day of salvation. Don’t ignore it and choose your own way of life.

There is a point when it is too late to repent. God will eventually withdraw His invitation to sinners because they have repeatedly rejected Him.

Proverbs 1:32-33

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.

Wisdom’s concluding remarks combines the simple and fools together with in their certain and final doom. Their complacency (willful carelessness) leads them to their eternal death, a destiny that stands in marked opposition to that of the obedient, who remain secure and without fear of disaster or death.

Isaiah 32:17-18

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

If you realize you have been ignoring God’s wisdom, wise up, repent, and begin seeking it with all your soul. Fear the Lord. Ask the Father to forgive you, and to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Then listen to the Spirit’s voice and obey His Wisdom.

Psalm 128:1-2

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

If you lack salvation, you can become wise today by first believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross.

Confess your sin to Him and repent—stop doing it.

Die to your old life of sin and self-determination by being baptized, and make Jesus your Lord and Master.

As a result, you will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will cry out to you with the wisdom of God.

Listen to Him and obey Him.

He will lead you on the pathway of life and holiness as you deny yourself, pick up a cross, and follow Jesus.

1/14/24

The Wisdom of the Cross

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?

So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

At first glance, Paul’s statement, “But we have the mind of Christ,” appears boastful. It would not go over well in our easily offended culture of today. It probably did not go over well in the Corinthian culture then, except within the church. In the church, it would have been a treasured truth and an amazing revelation. So, it is with us today.

We need to realize what this is saying:

The mind of the One through whom the entire universe was created, the origin of all wisdom, is available to us!

We are not limited to human reasoning. We are not bound by the limitations of history’s greatest thinkers, who have all fallen drastically short of discovering the eternal truth. No, we have a supernatural access to the mind of Christ!

We know the direction of history and where it is leading; we know how to escape this fallen world; and we know who holds all power in the palm of His right hand. This vast, incomprehensible wisdom is ours—if we are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, we cannot understand spiritual wisdom.

Our problem is we don’t seek the wisdom that has been provided. We often resort to lesser means of wisdom because we are either unaware that the mind of Christ is accessible, or we are unable to believe the promise, or we don’t take time to seek God’s wisdom and we have chosen our own wisdom instead of doing what God says in His Word.

The mind of Christ is ours through the Spirit of God, who comes to us only through faith in the Son, Jesus Christ. The Spirit searches the deep things of God and reveals those things to whomever seeks Him. Such things are foolish to the world, but they are truth nonetheless—truth that we can know and base our lives on!

Paul states that he did not use “lofty speech or wisdom” when he preached. In other words, he did not try to impress people with his knowledge and ability like the popular philosophers of his day. His message was all about “Jesus Christ and him crucified,” and most of his listeners saw it as complete nonsense. Today, the world’s reaction to this message is no different.

So, how do Christians come to understand the wisdom of Jesus Christ and Him crucified? How do we come to see that the Christ of the cross is the only source of eternal life?

You might say, “Well, I just believed it,” or “I just know it in my ‘knower’”. And that is probably all you understood in the beginning. But it’s not quite as simple as that. The Holy Spirit gives us the mind of Christ and He explains the wisdom of the cross to our mind and spirit.

I. THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS IS ETERNALLY SIGNIFICANT

“Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.”

Though the message of the cross is foolishness to the world, it is a message of wisdom among the mature in Christ. We see it as the wisdom of God, but most do not see it as we do. Why? Because the message of the cross does not agree with “the wisdom of this age.” Therefore, “the rulers of this age” reject it.

“The rulers of this age” are those who determine the outlook and values of our society. They are the so called wise, the influential, and those of noble birth. They are the world leaders, the movie and music stars, the billionaires, the leading professors, economists, and scientists. They tell us what to think, what to wear, what to buy, and so on.

But why should we listen to them? Why should we do what they say? Their wisdom is “doomed to pass away.” It is without eternal value. The latest theory or fad of man might be popular today, but it will one day become totally insignificant.

In contrast, the wisdom of the cross is eternally significant to each person for salvation.

II. THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS WAS ONCE HIDDEN FROM THE MIND OF MAN

Paul said, “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” This secret and hidden wisdom of God is Jesus Christ and the cross.

Most of the Old Testament prophecies of the cross are difficult to understand without the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His followers on the road to Emmaus--

Luke 24:25-27

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

No one anticipated the cross, not even Christ’s disciples. Though it was predicted by the Old Testament prophets, no one saw it coming, because the wisdom of the cross was once hidden from the mind of man, but now it is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.

III. THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS WAS DESTINED FOR OUR GLORY BEFORE TIME BEGAN.

Paul writes that the wisdom of the cross is for us today.

“None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The crucified Christ is “the Lord of glory.” There is a clear contrast between the saved and “the rulers of this age.” Like Christ, the saved are destined for glory, but the rulers of this age are destined for destruction.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Romans 8:16-17

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:29-30

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

The wisdom of the cross is that the authorities who crucified Jesus were unknowingly carrying out God’s plan. The crucifixion was God’s plan, and He used man’s misunderstanding of Jesus to bring it about.

The rulers thought they were doing away with a messianic pretender. In fact, they were illegally and immorally executing “the Lord of glory.”

They thought they were so wise, yet by their folly they brought to pass God’s perfect plan that He designed before time began.

IV. THE WISDOM OF THE CROSS IS REVEALED ONLY BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

No human mind conceived the wisdom of the cross. God prepared the cross and all of its blessings for those who love Him. He fills them with the Holy Spirit, who reveals the deep things of God to us.

The wisdom of the cross has not been revealed to everyone, because most do not love God, and therefore, they do not have the Holy Spirit. As a result, they see the cross as stupidity. But God has revealed His wisdom to us by his Spirit.

Therefore, if we “see” the wisdom of the cross, it has nothing to do with our brilliance or education. It has everything to do with the Spirit of God revealing it to those who love Him.

You can never reason a person into the Kingdom of God. If your friend says, “I just don’t see what you’re talking about,” that is not an excuse; it's reality.

He truly cannot “see” it!

Paul said, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

It is not that your friend does not want to accept the message of the cross; it’s that he can’t accept it. He is unable to understand it because the Holy Spirit has not revealed it to him. Therefore, pray that God will bind the demonic spirits that have blinded him, and pray that the Holy Spirit will mercifully and graciously give him faith to “see” and believe.

For an individual to be saved, the public work of the Son of God on the cross must be combined with the private work of the Spirit of God in one’s heart and mind.

We should express gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, but we should also express gratitude to God for the gift of His Spirit, who enables us to grasp the wisdom of the cross and possess the mind of Christ.

Whatever God knows, the Spirit knows.

Verses 11-13 “For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?

So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”

The only person who knows your thoughts is you. The only way I can know what you are thinking is if you tell me.

As the spirit of a man knows the mind of that man, the Spirit of God knows the mind of God. And the Holy Spirit tells us what God thinks. As you read the Word of God, you can “hear” the Holy Spirit interpreting the meaning for your life.

The Holy Spirit reveals the wisdom of the cross to whomever God gives grace to believe. What an awesome God we have! Not only does He save us through the crucifixion of His Son, but He sends us His Spirit to enable us to understand what He has done! Christ and the Spirit are the key to everything: faith, conversion, and understanding of the Gospel.

We must praise Jesus for our salvation. When He ascended into Heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be in us and among us. Consequently, the Holy Spirit convicted us of our sin and gave us grace to believe in what Jesus did on the cross for our salvation.

We should thank the Holy Spirit for the conviction and the fear of the Lord that He brings; otherwise, we would still be in spiritual darkness.

To summarize, you have your own mind. You can also have the mind of Christ. Which would you rather depend on?

Begin each day by disavowing your own wisdom.

We must acknowledge that we do not have the wisdom to make the decisions we will face each day.

We do not know all the details or future implications of any decision.

But God does, and He makes His wisdom available.

Acknowledge your utter dependence on the Holy Spirit for the mind of Christ. Ask God for His Spirit and His wisdom, and believe His promise to give it to you.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

His wisdom is readily available, but we must ask. Our usual tendency is to pray for direction.

Instead, pray for wisdom, and the direction will become clear. The mind of Christ is more than directions for a way to go; it is wisdom that shows us the way, the truth, and the life. But, when we ask for wisdom, we must believe. Otherwise, God’s wisdom will not come.

James 1:6-8

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

What does this mean? Is it only that we must believe He will answer us? It is that, but it is much more. We must believe—ahead of time—that what He tells us is wisdom to be followed! We must be committed to obey His instructions before He gives them. If we are not committed, we are double-minded and God will not answer!

For example, many Christians ask for God’s wisdom as an option to throw into the mix. It becomes one possibility among a range of many.

If we are only requesting His advice, He will not give it.

God only gives wisdom to be implemented, not suggestions to consider.

The commitment to obey comes first. The mind of Christ is generously granted to us, but only for us to obey.

Perhaps all of this is hard to understand. I pray you realize that what you find difficult to understand—the wisdom of the cross—has eternal significance for you. For upon that cross, Jesus atoned for your sin so that you do not have to go to Hell. That is the bottom line. The wisest thing you can do is believe this and act on it.

Therefore, if you believe Jesus atoned for your sin on the cross, you must commit your life to Him as your Lord, by confessing your sin to Him and asking for His forgiveness.

Then repent of your sin—that is, stop doing it—and die to your old life by being baptized—buried in water.

You will be raised to live a new life, born of the Holy Spirit, who will give you the mind of Christ, including spiritual wisdom to understand the cross, and grace to follow Jesus.

1/7/24

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

The Holy Spirit has led me to speak about wisdom for a few weeks. Where do we begin to approach this subject?

Proverbs 9:8-12

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

An unbeliever has no fear of the Lord. To him, God does not exist, so there is no one to fear. He will scoff and mock your faith in God and consider himself a free thinker, enlightened, and wise. Actually, he is a fool to reject God, and he becomes his own foolish god.

Some of us “believers” are not much better. We are uncomfortable with the idea of fearing God. So, we defend God as One, whose love is so great, there is no reason to fear Him. We redefine fear as “awe” and “reverence.” In doing so, we fabricate a different god out of our imagination.

Although awe and reverence are appropriate reactions to Almighty God, the Scriptures indicate that something more than awe and reverence is appropriate. The fear of God is the kind of fear that terrified the disciples when they heard God’s voice at the Transfiguration. It is the kind of fear that makes you hide your face or die if you were to see Him.

Matthew 17:5-6

He [Peter] was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

Every time someone encountered the living God, this is the kind of reaction they had. Only when God took upon Himself human flesh, could we look at Him and survive.

But then, we did not recognize Him, nor did we fear Him.

We crucified Him.

Indeed, God is love. So why does a God of love tell us that wisdom begins when we fear Him? Because when we approach the Holy One casually, we do not take Him as seriously as we ought, and we do not take our sin as seriously as we ought.

Fear is the proper response of our sinful nature in the overwhelming holiness of God. Fear gives us the correct vision of Him. When the fear of the Lord grips us, we gain knowledge of our God and of the great mercy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That knowledge begins to rearrange our lives. And that is what wisdom is about.

True wisdom humbly receives the Lord's correction. True wisdom is not complacent with what we already know. Wisdom makes us want to know the Lord better. That is why we love the Lord's correction and discipline. It adds to our wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord, that brings wisdom, is not associated with hiding from God, like Adam and Eve did after they sinned. Instead, it motivates us to run to Him for mercy and to look to Jesus for salvation. The fear of the Lord exists in harmony with God’s love only in the heart of a believer who trusts God's forgiveness through the atoning sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

However, if we just focus on God's love and forgiveness and ignore His holiness and hatred for sin, Satan easily misleads us into disobedience. We see much of that in the world today. No doubt, like me, you have struggled with it in your own soul. How easy it is to imagine that since God loves me, He must be like a good friend. He'll be there for me. He'll support me. He'll see me through, no matter what I do. So I can do as I please, and if I get into trouble, I can give Him a call. That thinking is unbiblical and turns God's love and forgiveness into a license to sin!

The security of the believer is not “Once saved always saved”. Our security is found in denying self, picking up a cross daily, and following Jesus. It is an obedient lifestyle.

Romans 6:1-4

What shall we say then?

Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?

By no means!

We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Or don’t you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

On the contrary, the fear of the Lord motivates us not to sin. Realizing sin separates us from God and condemns us to Hell, coupled with how merciful and loving God has been to us, we are thankful and begin to think, "I want to serve Him. I want to obey His commands. I want His will to be my will. I want to dedicate my life to Him."

This fear of the Lord delights in God’s commands and hates what is evil, just as He hates evil. It does not think of using His forgiveness as a license to sin. The fear of the Lord holds God in too high of regard to think of abusing His love in that way.

After all, He is Almighty God, who out of pure love and grace has freely made His promises and faithfully keeps them. In Him alone, there is forgiveness. He alone is the Savior. Why would we dishonor His name? Why would we pervert His holiness? Why would we break His commandments and go against Him? Why would we do these things and disobey Him?

There are two reasons: Because we have lost our fear of Him, and we do not love Him.

The greater our knowledge of who God really is, the greater our love will be for Him, and the greater our fear of Him will be also. The apostle John loved Jesus. He once laid on His breast. He was present at the crucifixion. He took Mary into his home. But when John saw Jesus in all His glory, he fell at His feet in fear, like a dead man.

Revelation 1:17-19

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.

But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.

"I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

"Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this."

The fear of the Lord is a very important aspect in a Christian’s life, but this truth has been neglected by many preachers and teachers today. The fear of the Lord is important because it causes Christians to run to Him, confessing their sin, and seeking His forgiveness and grace to repent.

Without the fear of God, deceived “Christians” go on sinning and believe they do not need to repent. God’s Word warns us about this.

Hebrews 10:26-31

Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.”

And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

If these verses generate a fear of God in you and cause you to repent, then the judgment specified in them doesn’t apply to you now. God sent Jesus to shed His blood for our sin.

But, if we reject that sacrifice and refuse to repent, then there is no other sacrifice for our sin. If we profane the atonement by deliberately continuing to sin without confession and repentance, then we will experience God’s wrath.

God doesn’t play our games or accept our philosophies. He is an awesome God! We better be believing!

John 3:18-21

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.

Jesus said in Luke 12:4-5

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.

Yes, I tell you, fear him!”

Until we understand who God is—that He is holy, just, and righteous—and develop a fear of Him, we will not have true wisdom. Wisdom tells us that God’s commands are for our good.

Therefore, the fear of the Lord is the basis for our walking in His ways, serving Him, and yes, loving Him. As this fear develops our understanding of God and His wisdom, a love for God also develops. As a result, we begin to obey God not because we must, but because we love Him.

The fear of the Lord and a love for the Lord go together in the heart of a believer.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?

Proverbs 8:13

To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Proverbs 15:16

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.

Wherever God appeared to people in the Word, the results were an overwhelming sense of fear and dismay, an alarming sensation of their sinfulness and guilt in the presence of a holy God.

The self-assurance of modern “Christians” and the shocking disrespect shown for God are evidence of deep deception. As a result, they continue to deliberately sin and do not seek the Truth. Instead, they disdain those who speak the Truth and seek those who will tickle their ears.

The Bible tells us that people in the past feared God, and people in the future will fear God. The Bible has also shown that devoted men, such as Moses, Abraham, and Noah, feared God.

What makes us think differently? Who told us that we should not fear God? The answer: Satan and his followers! The same ones who tell us we don’t need to obey God!

Without the fear of the Lord, we will never know Him; we won’t believe; we won’t repent, and we won’t be saved.

When we fear God, we will seek Him and His mercy with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we find Him, we will repent. We will develop a love for God and a hatred for sin. We will want to follow Jesus and to be filled with His Holy Spirit every day. Then we will have grace to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and His Church will grow!

Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened.

Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

So far, all I have talked about is just the beginning of wisdom. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom", the text said. Even if we had the entire Bible memorized word for word and could answer any trivia question about it, we would still not be at the very beginning of wisdom.

Until all that knowledge is combined with the fear of the Lord, we will not have wisdom.

For true wisdom not only knows God’s Word, it obeys God's Word. Wisdom practices God’s commands daily and whole-heartedly believes His promises. Wisdom honors God in our choices and decisions. It glorifies Him in our words and actions.

Gradually, His wisdom becomes more and more the way we think, feel, speak, and act. It shapes our character, thoughts, emotions, attitude, wants, disposition, and behavior. The remarkable thing is: When you fear the Lord, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear the Lord, you fear everything else!

No person can make you wise. Yes, the Lord sends preachers and teachers to proclaim His Word, but they cannot make you obey that Word so that you grow in wisdom. Wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and seeking Him with all your heart!

How often have each of us missed opportunities to grow in wisdom?

We watched another TV program instead of taking a little time to spend with God in His Word.

We let the busy activities of life interfere with hearing His Word publicly preached in church.

Or maybe we do attend church regularly, but we leave the message at church, never thinking about it during the week nor practicing it in our daily lives.

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

This is your spiritual act of worship.

We often think of worship as words and songs that come out of our mouths. It is so much more. It is a lifestyle, a sacrificial way of living that acknowledges every moment of every day that there is One far greater than ourselves. When His interests consistently supersede ours and we act obediently, we are wisely worshiping God.

Therefore, when you pray, imagine yourself in the throne room of Almighty God. You can only enter in by the blood of Jesus. So, don’t do this casually, but fearfully before an awesome God. Lay yourself out before Him and confess your sin.

Then say to Him, “I am Yours. Do with me as You will. I give up my right to govern myself. I exist for Your purposes, and for Yours alone. Fill me with your Spirit so that I have grace to do your will and produce your fruit.”

Do this every morning and throughout the day, then live out your day mindful of who you belong to and what your purpose is. This is true worship. It is the wisest thing you can do.

12/31/23

DISCERNMENT FOR AN UPCOMING YEAR

Larry Vann

Our topic this morning is Godly discernment. We’ll cover the subject of discernment—then put it to use.

Why do we need Godly discernment? Because of our challenge to make disciples.

While our country elects representatives who are immoral, about 2/3 of our people claim to adhere to Christian beliefs (or at least Christian values). What do we make of this? How do we cope with it?

Rapid change defines modern life. This change builds innovative buildings, computer controlled drones for warfare, and satellites that are sent into space in ever increasing numbers.

This rapid change also results in a growing gap in the common experiences between our generations—which in turn creates challenges to the value sets and belief systems between them.

The evil world is using this gap to divide and manipulate us.

A common tactic of the political left is to refuse to debate issues because doing so may give some credibility to their opponents. A common tactic of the right is to fain being insulted and hurt at being demonized by their opponents.

As Christians, we must know how to communicate, not only between ourselves, but also with “them”.

People belittle the Bible because “they” want to do the things “they” shouldn’t do without feeling shame. “They” argue that truth is dependent on circumstances. “They” will determine what is right or wrong, true or false. “They” scorn us for referencing the Bible because, to them, it is old fashioned and out of touch with today’s issues. “They” tell us, “You need to think for yourself.”

Question: How do we deal with “them”?

Answer: By using Godly discernment.

• POINT 1

We are to realize we are on a battlefield which is over our heads, pun intended.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Stand firm with the belt of Truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of Righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the Readiness that comes from the Gospel peace.

Take up the shield of Faith, to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions …”

If we are properly armored, we won’t be distracted and can concentrate on the real battles. We’ll have a peace that comes when we have a good relationship with Jesus.

Throughout the New Testament Jesus makes statements that begin with the words, “I tell you the truth…” We read in John 1:17, “…

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

There is such a thing as truth that is not variable.

We believe this. We know this.

To be suited up properly requires we demonstrate the Truth.

Psalm 86:11

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your Truth.

To live according to the Lord’s truth, requires we understand the personal traits that have no place in it.

In Col 3:8-10, we read, “…you must rid yourself of…anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.”

Get rid of ungodly behaviors. We accomplish this, with God’s grace, by not thinking in evil ways.

The devil hits us with lies, accusations, and guilt. Without righteousness, these attacks will penetrate our hearts. The Breastplate of Righteousness, gained by living a Life according to God’s Truth, is a tool to keep us clean.

Discern we need to be in a good (obedient) relationship with Christ Jesus in order to properly communicate to “them”. WWJD (What would Jesus do?)

Ex 28:15

“Fashion a breastplate for making decisions …”

In 1 Kings 3:9, we have Solomon’s request of God, “So give your servant [and us] a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

We are always to be ready with our quality of life in check and our ability to discern right from wrong. We are to make up our minds, now (in advance) to follow God’s ways, always, as exemplified by Jesus, no matter what.

1 John 5:4-5

“For every child of God overcomes the world; and the victorious principle which has overcome the world is faith. Who, but the man that believes Jesus is the Son of God, overcomes the world?”

Satan attacks our faith—wanting us to doubt God and our Salvation. We MUST trust in the truth of God’s Word. Have confidence in the value of God’s Word.

Study to learn and understand the Bible’s contents.

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

We are instructed to be humble. We must maintain communication with our Commander through prayer. We must always seek God’s guidance in our lives—because it is God’s will that we always be ready to encounter the world’s views of things.

• Point 2

Jesus informs His apostles (and us), in Matthew 10:16, that in dealing with the world we will be “like sheep [His sheep] among wolves. Therefore, [we are to] be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

As shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. Okay—let’s understand the “how” of this because we “discern” it is important. Right?

The reference “shrewd” is another way of saying we are to be “sensible and prudent”.

“Innocent as doves” is another way of saying we must be “not guilty of dealing with others in a self serving way”.

Just like Jesus’ sheep, we are to be kind and gentle—but above all, to know our master—and not to be gullible to the worldly games people play.

In Mark 12:14, Jesus gives us an example of how He handles the “them” He had to deal with:

They [the Pharisees and Herodians] came to Him [Jesus] and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity.

“You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

“Is it right to pay taxes to Ceasar or not?

“Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

Christ answered wisely, in verse 17:

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Jesus didn’t swallow “their” flattery, but instead, understood their true intent. “they” assumed Jesus thought just like “they” did, and so “they” used this tactic to try to bring Him down to “their” level, but Jesus didn’t cooperate—His thinking was not like “theirs”.

Our thinking is not to be like theirs either.

This brings us to the question of: What do we think about?

Are our thoughts on issues and events taking place in this world? If so, then our minds are in turmoil. The Bible says we are to set our minds and keep them on the things of God. (see Colossians 3). This discipline alone will teach us to focus on important issues and not the garbage people add to manipulate us and achieve their agendas.

In “The Parable of the Soils”, some of the plants were choked out and died because of the cares of this life and the distraction of wealth. The real battles are for the souls of people.

Don’t play the game of letting “them” tell us what we are thinking, in order to be pleasantly agreeable.

We can explain what we think, ourselves, thank you very much.

We don’t “play smart” because we are wise enough to know we can be outsmarted if we play games. We don’t owe everyone our opinion and need to know when to reserve it—especially when dealing with those we sense may “adjust” what we say.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days: People will be […] ungrateful […] without love, unforgiving, slanderous […] brutal, treacherous …] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”

In other words, “they” may very well know Christian doctrine, Christian cliches, attend a church…. Don’t be deceived!

Know them by what they reveal about their thoughts in their actions and speech.

A twisted game people try to convince us to play is to follow our emotional heart. Do what we “feel” is right.

The Bible tells us man’s heart isn’t the solution; it’s the problem. Paul declared there was nothing good in him, meaning “in his

human nature.” (Romans 7:18)

Paul could read about this in the book of Ecclesiastes (9:3) where Solomon remarked how people’s hearts are full of evil, universally. Jesus said “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come ….” (Mark 7:21) Christ died and rose so that we can follow THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Another popular game is to try and convince us to compromise on right and wrong. As lambs, we can’t compromise. The Bible makes the transition to salvation as radical as possible. From death to life.

From the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light.

These metaphors express the absolute gap that exists between being children of wrath and children of God. We’ve been recruited to fight “with love” for the souls of people by sharing the Good News.

Thinking we can do better at this, by finding am “middle ground” in the war between God and Satan, is wrong. It isn’t love to compromise regarding sin.

Sin destroys and kills. Love doesn’t.

For some, standing for God’s Truth and not playing “their” games may mean we pay a price. The Bible promises that paying such a price won’t be for nothing. (Rev 12:11) For our sake, and for others, we must stand for what is true, speaking the Truth in a sincere and loving manner.

• POINT 3

We must realize that even people with amazing spiritual gifts are fallible. We must discern by the Spirit what people say, and not simply take their words as true at face value. (See 1 Cor 14:29.) We don’t belong to any man or woman or denomination or worldly organization. We belong to Christ alone. Only He is our Shepherd.

On the Last Day we will each “Man Up” and take responsibility for our own life. (See Romans 2:6-8.)

Don’t be impressed by people’s intellect. Even if we spent every moment of our lives learning information, our intellect would still be woefully limited. Intellect only pays off when we submit to the facts:

God knows all and loves us.

A final deception I’ll mention this morning is the idea that the Gospel is designed to make us happy.

Just as Brother Jerry has preached many times: Happiness is temporary. But knowing we are bound for an eternal life in heaven gives us God’s joy – something no one can take away.

When we try to attract people to church with an emotional appeal, we’re robbing them of the true Gospel of self-sacrifice which will give them eternal hope, joy, peace, and love. We ask and do not receive, because we ask amiss. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. (from James 4:3-4).

Summarizing the lesson thus far:

We MUST realize we are on a SPIRITUAL battlefield—beyond our own capability to cope with alone.

We MUST wear the armor of God through our knowledge of Scripture and accept guidance in discernment by the Holy Spirit.

We must pray to God (our Commander) for grace and guidance and be busy with the commission Jesus gave us: to spread the Gospel as Jesus’ sheep—as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves).

We have to honor the truth, when we communicate with others.

A case for us to discern this morning: Faith and Good Works

You are all familiar with Jesus’ parable, in Matthew 25, about the money a man loaned to his 3 servants. To one servant the master gave five talents, another two, and to a third he gave one. The first two servants doubled their talents, but the third hid his in the ground and simply returned to his master what he had been given.

Beginning in verse 26, the man addressed his third servant. Please listen carefully:

“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

By spiritual discernment we know that the parable relates to us. We are the servants who are given talents (blessings, gifts, etc.) and are supposed to accomplish something with them.

My understanding of the case of the last servant is that we must not face God empty handed—without being able to show some Spiritually inspired good we have done (something of value that will pass through “THE” fire of 1 Cor 3:15).

While we may not be able to persuade our neighbors to come to Christ, we can encourage others to follow our example if we live a consistent life using Godly discernment. We can encourage each other by consistently meeting together in worship. We can let people see our steadfast joy in living a Christian life with Jesus as our Savior. We can tell people through our actions about our love for Jesus. We can make them aware by telling them that “we” know Jesus is the Savior of this world we live in—its only hope.

To be absolutely clear:

Let’s read some verses, beginning with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Now follow that with John 3:36: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son [does not obey Him—AMP, ERV and NLT] will not see life.

If you believe, then you obey.

Added clarity is found in Hebrews 3:18-19

“And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.”

By discernment we are able to say, “In God’s dictionary, “believe in” and “obey” mean the same thing.”

Romans 2:6 says that God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” By using the word substitution just given, the verse could read “God will give to each person according to what he believes.”

We must not be the “lazy servant”. We must look to make a difference while we still can.

We are warned in Ephesians 5:14-16

“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Does your Godly discernment tell you the lesson today was true?

Does belief in Jesus mean “to know and obey him”?

I hope it does.

We’ll all answer to God for our decisions.

I know this has been a relatively “busy” lesson this morning. Let’s leave here and put our faith into practice before the world by living Biblically based lives—full of unselfish, unprejudiced, Biblical discernment.

12/24/23

The Journey to Bethlehem

Bethlehem is the setting for the birth of Jesus. It is significant because it is also the setting for the Book of Ruth. Ruth was the great-grandmother of David. She was not an Israelite. She was a Moabite who married Boaz from Bethlehem. They had a child named Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David.

1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”

God promised David that his kingdom would last forever. But hundreds of years later the earthly kingdom of David crumbled from the consequences of sin. It was conquered by Babylon and became non-existent as a kingdom. As a result, the royal family tree of David looked like it had been sawed off.

Did God fail to keep His promise to David? By what was SEEN, it appeared so. But God told Isaiah what was UNSEEN in the background.

Isaiah 11:1-2 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

There are going to be times when our future looks as hopeless as a stump. But God is working in the unseen background when our situation is bleak.

For example, nation after nation had fallen to the Roman Army. One of those nations was Syria. Syria consisted of several provinces. One of those provinces was Judea, the location of the once mighty Kingdom of Israel under David and Solomon.

Judea was further divided into districts (small kingdoms) and a local “king” judged the matters in his “kingdom”. All the kings in Judea were subject to the Roman governor, who represented the Emperor of Rome. The Israelite kings were not allowed an army, nor could they decree any law. As a result, the Jews and Samaritans, living in Judea, were subjects of Rome with little or no hope of gaining their independence.

The citizens were taxed heavily to support the Roman Empire and its occupation. On top of this burden, a new Roman Emperor was on the throne and he ordered a new tax. To keep anyone from escaping the new tax, a census would be taken.

To be properly identified, every man in Israel had to return to his ancestral home to register for the census. They had to give their names, the name of their employer and job title, the name of their wives, children, servants, slaves, and the location of their property so the Romans could assess a value to their home and to the people associated with that home. The amount of taxes to be assessed was solely dependent upon the decision of the tax assessors appointed by Rome. These taxes could be collected in the form of money, property, and/or family members (if that is all that’s left). In this bleak and oppressive situation, the people wondered, “Where is God? What is He doing?”

Luke 2:1-5 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

In Nazareth, a tiny city in the kingdom of Galilee, there lived a poor, devout carpenter named Joseph, a descendant of Jesse and David. News of this census caused great concern for Joseph, for he knew that somehow, he must make the long 80 mile journey to his hometown of Bethlehem, a small town 6 miles south of Jerusalem. To make matters worse, Joseph’s wife was 8½ months pregnant.

The Bible doesn’t tell us what transportation they used, but any type would still make it an arduous journey for Mary. There were no Burger Kings or McDonalds along the road. There were no Holiday Inns. Even if there were such places, there was no money to pay for these conveniences. So each day, perhaps as much as 10 days on the road, they had to cook their own meals, bathe whenever possible in cold water streams or out of a wash bowl, sleep on the ground, and keep moving until they reached Bethlehem.

We aren’t told what Mary thought, but it would be normal for her to think, “The Angel appeared to me months ago, and I know this baby is God’s! This is the worst possible time to make this dangerous trip! What is God doing?”

Have you ever felt that way toward God? When we look at the circumstances of life, we may wonder, “What is God doing?” The problem is that we are looking at what we can SEE with our eyes. However, reality is so much more than what is visible to the human eye. What we CAN’T see is actually the most important reality of all.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

When I was informed by a company, whom I had served for 26 years, that my employment was ending in 2 weeks, it was shocking news. I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach, but immediately, the Holy Spirit said, “Do not fear, I have something else for you to do.” At that time, the “something else” was UNSEEN, but it was still a reality. That assurance from God gave me complete peace, which astonished my supervisor, and it gave me an opportunity to share my faith in God and His provision.

As shocking as the news of this census was to Joseph and Mary, I believe they also had the assurance and encouragement from the Holy Spirit. Quite likely, they were reminded of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Nothing is said in the Bible about the long journey, but the most direct route Mary and Joseph may have taken went along the Jordon River through Samaria to Jericho. That would be the easiest part. The last leg of the route would have been difficult. Jericho is the lowest city on the globe, and Jerusalem and Bethlehem are situated on top of the mountains. From Jericho’s plain to Bethlehem, it is 28 miles uphill, rising 3,500 feet.

Situated on the top of Mt. Zion was the beautiful Temple of Jehovah. Every year Jews from all over the world traveled to Jerusalem because this Temple was the dwelling place of God on earth. Anyone, who wanted to give thanks to God or to receive forgiveness from God, came to the Temple, which was visible to the travelers on the Jericho road for many miles.

What the travelers on the Jericho road could SEE with human eyes was a magnificent, white structure representing God’s presence on earth. What was UNSEEN, as they passed by Joseph and Mary, was that the baby Mary carried would make that Temple obsolete. God’s presence had already moved from the Temple to the body of a tiny pre-born baby. The very presence of God had already come to dwell in human flesh.

While Jesus was on earth, God’s presence resided in Him. After His death and resurrection, God took up residence, not in a Temple, but in every believer.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

People no longer have to travel to Jerusalem in order to connect with God. Because the Holy Spirit, who is Emmanuel (God with us), has come to dwell with us and in us. But no one could SEE these things at the time.

What was SEEN was an exhausted young couple, forced to take shelter in a stable. What was SEEN was the birth of one more Jewish baby—born in a barn to poverty stricken parents, who were far away from home.

What was UNSEEN was that God had entered man’s time and space. What was UNSEEN was that God had come to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into an oppressive world with salvation and freedom to anyone who believes in Jesus, the Son of God.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The night Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph could not hear the angel’s declaration. They couldn’t see the wise men following that distant Star. While they were swaddling their new baby and lying Him in a manger, the Father was still at work behind the scene.

Soon shepherds would arrive with an amazing story about a host of angels. A week later, two devoted worshipers in the Temple would declare they had seen the Messiah when they saw baby Jesus. Two years later, wise men, following a star, would arrive in Bethlehem with valuable gifts for Jesus, the King of the Jews. Then Joseph was instructed by an angel in a dream to flee to Egypt to avoid the murderous King Herod.

Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

After the death of Herod, an angel appeared to Joseph again in a dream and told him to leave Egypt and return to Nazareth. The next 25 or so years would be normal and uneventful. As a boy, Jesus submitted to His parents and obeyed them. As a young adult, He apprenticed as a carpenter, and then worked to help support His family. As far as we know, the first 30 years were mostly ordinary, not so different from our lives. But during those years, God was working behind the scenes to set the stage for Jesus’ 3-year ministry and the fulfillment of His purpose for coming.

God is working behind the scenes of our daily lives, too As far as what we can SEE, things just go along in a normal way with nothing important happening.

We need to realize that what we SEE with our eyes is not all that is going on. God is working. And when trials come upon us, disrupting our daily life, God is still working His purpose behind the scene.

There is a lesson for us in Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The people who passed them on the road to Bethlehem saw only worn out travelers, one of them heavy with child, plodding along because the oppressive Roman government demanded a census and more taxes. They had no idea that they were walking past the Son of God! They had no idea God was doing His greatest work behind the scenes of an oppressive situation.

God was establishing the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. That baby born in Bethlehem is the eternal King of this Kingdom and the fulfillment of the promise that David’s kingdom would never end.

And through faith in Jesus, the King of Kings, you can be part of that Kingdom.

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

By believing in Jesus as the Son of God, you can know the joy and the excitement and the hope of being a part of a Kingdom that will last forever! It is not a kingdom of this world, but you can experience the Kingdom of God every day!

Luke 17:20-21 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he [Jesus] answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed [SEEN], nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

And behind the scenes of this world, Jesus is preparing a physical Kingdom we will SEE and live in forever!

Jesus said in John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.”

Each of us are on a journey. Sometimes the journey is long and arduous. However, the purpose of our journey is to get us to the place, where God has determined, that Christ is to be born in us by the Holy Spirit.

Maybe this moment, in this place, is where God has been leading you. Your journey has been uneventful, or it has been long and hard. Either way, God has been working behind the scenes to give you faith in Jesus and a desire for a new life.

You see, you have to be tired of your old life before you desire a new one. You have to be tired of being your own god before you give lordship and control to Almighty God.

The journey you have been on is your “Road to Bethlehem”, taking you to the place where Jesus will be born in you. Then you will have a new life.

Are you ready for that? Are you ready for the life of Jesus to be born in you? If so, you must believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who atoned for your sin on the cross. He sacrificed His life to pay the penalty for your sin.

As much as our proud society hates the idea of an atoning sacrifice, Jesus was sent into this world to die. Like the sheep and cattle around Him in the manger, Jesus was born for slaughter. He bore the sin of a fallen world on a cross so we could escape Hell! He descended to earth so we could ascend to Heaven!

The crucifixion of Jesus was a horrible scene. What could be SEEN was the unjust torture and death of an innocent man. But God was doing something UNSEEN. He was saving mankind from Hell if they would believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus clothed Himself in human flesh to die, He was raised with a heavenly body to live forever, and He made it possible for us to be born again of His Spirit and live forever, too. The result is Jesus doesn’t just give us life; He is our life. In Him, we live and move and have our being. (Acts 4:28)

Therefore, believe in Jesus and give your life to Him by confessing your sin and repenting of it. If you have done that, then confess your faith publicly and die to your old life by following Jesus in baptism. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you a new life and a new journey, called the Way. It is a narrow road where we follow Jesus, and it leads us into the Kingdom of God on earth and unto the heavenly city of God, called New Jerusalem, where we live forever (Revelation 21:1-4).

On this new journey, God will give you grace and power to walk by the Spirit and no longer by the desires of your flesh, because you will be a temple of the Holy Spirit. God will be in you. He will lead you and remind you of everything Jesus taught. You will have God’s power to be a witness of Jesus to those who are still on their road to “Bethlehem”, where Christ can be born in them, too.

12/17/23

The Last Thing Jesus Said

After Jesus was crucified, He was buried in a borrowed tomb. He didn’t use it long. The morning of the third day, women went to the tomb to anoint His body and found the stone of the tomb rolled away with an angel sitting on the stone. The tomb was empty!

Matthew 28:5-10

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

So that is what the women did, and the disciples went to Galilee for their final meeting with Jesus.

Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Traditionally, these verses are called the "Great Commission".

We should call them the "Great Command". Jesus wasn’t suggesting that we do this. It is the purpose statement for His Church. If you are following Jesus Christ, this command is for you. We are to make disciples and teach them to obey Christ’s commands.

In Matthew 4:19

And he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus didn’t come into this world so that we could be comfortable. He didn’t come here so that we could live a life of health, wealth, and prosperity. I know that there are some preachers out there who preach that false gospel, but it isn’t the truth. Jesus stated His purpose for coming in Luke 19:10

Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Unfortunately, a lot of Christians and churches aren’t concerned with reaching the lost. Now, they would never admit to that. If you asked them, they would say, “Sure we are concerned with reaching the lost. It’s our hearts desire. That is why we try to attract people by offering food, entertainment, and fun activities.”

A lot of time and money is spent with this kind of evangelism, resulting in very few genuine conversions, even though the building is packed. To keep unbelievers from leaving, a perverted gospel must be substituted for the truth, and the entertainment must be constantly updated.

Such churches may make church members, but they are not making disciples of Jesus, because they don’t teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded and they don’t prepare people to be treated like Jesus was treated.

Jesus proved the ineffectiveness of appealing to people’s flesh in John 6. After He fed a huge crowd with a few loaves and fish, they followed Jesus. But when He closed the “all-you-can-eat” buffet and offered Himself as the Bread of Life, all of them walked away.

Reaching the lost and discipling the saved should be the two main purposes of any church activity. But when a church or Christians lose their focus, that’s when they get into trouble.

1 Timothy 6:3-5

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

How many times have you seen Christians focus more on getting blessed than blessing others? How many times have you seen Christians strive for power or prestige rather than reaching the lost?

Part of this is due to what a lot of preachers are preaching: that you have a right to wealth, power, and prestige. But the fact is none of us deserve anything but an eternity in Hell. It’s only because of God’s mercy and grace that we have anything or can do anything.

We are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The purpose is to witness to the lost and bring them to a full knowledge of who Jesus really is! The goal is NOT to fill the church building, but to fill people with God!

But there are too many Christians with “I” problems: I need, I want, I think. They are missing their opportunity to share the good news of God’s grace with others, because they are focused on themselves.

When a church or Christians lose their focus, they become afraid to speak the truth. Fear can cause us to back down on critical issues that face our world today; such as, homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, co-habitation. Many Christians and churches are afraid that they will offend someone and that person might not come to church, so they avoid these issues.

Instead, they let them slide and it’s not long before you can’t tell the difference between the church and the world. Instead of influencing the world, the world is influencing the church. The progression goes like this:

First, evil is overlooked.

Then evil is permitted.

Then evil is legalized.

Then evil is promoted.

Then evil is celebrated.

Then those who still call it evil are persecuted.

Psalm 97:10

O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

When Christians lose sight of their purpose and fear those who do evil, they lose their grace to endure adversity and persecution. But, if we remember our purpose and observe all that Jesus commanded, we will look at problems differently and will not run from evil! We will be ready to suffer or die for Jesus Christ and His Word.

Therefore, we must keep our focus on Jesus and what He said. We must take the Gospel the lost, those who do evil. At the same time, we must disciple those who are already believers, teaching them to love the Lord, hate evil (not people who do evil), and to obey everything Jesus taught.

When a church and Christians lose their focus, not only do they strive for the wrong things, and not only do they give into fear and persecution, but they forget what the Lord has done for them. As a result, they have no peace or joy. They are filled with anxiety and depression. They start trusting in other things. (i.e. themselves, the economy, the stock market, the government, or other people.)

All of these things will fail us. Expect them to fail, and expect the Lord to prevail!

When we take our focus off Jesus, it is easy to forget His Commission.

We forget that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son. And that Son, Jesus Christ, willingly stepped out of glorious Heaven and was born in a smelly, dusty manger.

We forget that Jesus overcame everything the devil threw at Him.

We forget that He was persecuted, mocked, and crucified by the very people that He came to save.

And we forget that He took us, who were dead in trespasses and sins, and made us alive unto God.

We forget that He redeemed us, bought us back from the devil by His precious blood.

We forget that He made atonement for our sin, that He justified us, and that He is to this very day interceding for us at the right hand of His Father, not because He has to, but because He loves us.

Instead, we like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient, pillars of strength and achievement. And sure, there are a lot of people and churches who do a lot of things. There are a lot of people who amass great wealth and possessions. There are a lot of people who achieve fame and fortune. But all that they did, and all that they achieved and gained in this world will mean nothing when they die.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

God knows your motivation. God knows where your focus is. You can’t fool Him, you can’t manipulate Him, and you can’t play games with Him.

If we were honest, some of us would admit we are not motivated to actively fulfill the Great Commission, and it would be hypocritical act otherwise. And if that’s you today, I want to commend you for your honesty and sincerity, because most Christians would never admit that.

But I also want to tell you that you don’t have to stay where you are. The Holy Spirit can restore your joy, and desire to obey Jesus and share His life with others.

You may have to do a lot of back tracking to find where you lost your first love, you may have to ask forgiveness, or even give forgiveness to someone who has wronged you. You may have to repent of some sin that’s infiltrated your life.

Or it may be that you’ve just been playing at being a Christian and have never been truly born again of the Holy Spirit. If that is the case, it is impossible share about someone you don’t know, or about a life in Christ that you do not possess.

Maybe you were born again, but currently, you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you are unable to be effective as Christ’s witness and ambassador.

That is why the last thing Jesus said to His disciples (that includes us) before ascending to the Father was to wait for the Holy Spirit’s baptism before beginning to obey the Great Commission.

Acts 1:4-9

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

The Great Commission was not the last words of Jesus. These were Jesus’s last words!

We often forget this and try to fulfill the Great Commission without obeying His last words. If the disciples could not fulfill the Great Commission without the power of the Holy Spirit, neither can we. We need to get focused on repenting of our sin, seeking the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit, and then go and share the Gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT, “You are going to Hell if you continue to sin!” It is NOT, “You need to join a church.” It is NOT a five-step salvation plan.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is what Jesus has done for you! Has He done anything for you? If so, act on it and tell others about it! People are not interested in the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but they are interested in the Gospel according to you.

If Jesus has not done anything in your life, you have nothing to share except religion, and people are not interested in religion. They want something real.

People will argue over theology if you try to be theological, but no one can argue about what Jesus has done in your life. That is why we need the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us.

When the Spirit is in us, He transforms our thinking, our attitudes, our character, and our actions. Then we can be witnesses of Jesus Christ wherever we go—telling people about Jesus and acting like Him. Then people can see Jesus living in us! That is reality, and people will either hate you or desire what you have.

You can start a conversation, especially this time of year, by asking people what the birth of Jesus means to them, or what will happen to them when they die, or what do they think it means to be a Christian.

Caution: You should know the Biblical answers before you ask any questions.

Our world is becoming crazier and more evil every day, with war looming on the horizon, with the economy worsening, with corruption in government, with plagues and viruses, not to mention the regular hazards of life.

With all that is going on, there is not a better time to get right with God than right now. There is not a better time to seek the Holy Spirit, and when He fills you, to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

And if you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then today is your day of salvation. If you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, I invite you to come forward, whether it’s to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or to get back into fellowship with God, or just to receive prayer about something specific. Whatever it is, I encourage you to obey the Spirit and come.

I encourage the rest of you to recommit yourselves to the Great Commission and Jesus’ last words by asking the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit every day so that you have power to be witnesses of Jesus Christ wherever you go.

Jesus said in Luke 11:13, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

12/10/23

THE LAMB OF GOD SPEAKS FROM THE CROSS

During His unjust trials, Jesus was silent, like a lamb before its shearers. While He hung upon the Cross, the Lamb of God made seven statements. Initially, we might consider them just to be the last words of a dying man. However, the statements from the Cross, like all of Jesus’s words, are God’s answer to our basic needs. We do well to remember His last statements.

The first statement is recorded in Luke 23:34, And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

"Forgive them." Who, was Jesus referring to? Closest to Him were the Roman soldiers. They had the ghastly task of nailing people to a cross. But, perhaps they were the least guilty of all the people responsible for putting Jesus to death. After all, they were under the strict instructions of the Roman governor. Failure to co-operate in the execution would have meant death for themselves. Still, they were directly involved. They crucified the Son of God.

Nearby were the religious leaders, who accused Jesus of unjust crimes, and were now mocking Him. Also present was the crowd who had cried "crucify Him". And in the palace was Pilate, trying to ease his conscience by blaming others for his decision.

All these people either actively or passively helped to crucify Jesus. They were all guilty, but they are only representatives of those responsible for crucifying Jesus, because it is everyone’s sin that necessitated the crucifixion of Jesus.

Hebrews 9:22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Therefore, everyone (you, me, every sinful person who ever lived) caused Jesus to be crucified. Every one of us is equally guilty.

God humbled Himself and became a man. Mankind had become so blinded by evil, so corrupted by sin, that it reacted violently to the purity and holiness the Lord Jesus Christ. They did not believe He was God, so they cried, “Crucify Him!”

And so it is today. Mankind is still blinded by evil, corrupted by sin, and does not believe Jesus. People still slander and mock Him. And if it were possible, they would crucify Him, too!

The wonder of this first statement from the Cross is that there is forgiveness. Forgiveness for every person who has ever sinned. Forgiveness for you, and for me, if we will believe Jesus and make Him the Lord of our life.

The second statement Jesus made from the Cross was addressed to one of the thieves on an adjacent cross, in Luke 23:43, “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

With the second statement, Jesus addresses one single, needy sinner. God not only sees the whole world but He also sees individuals.

Something must have convicted this thief of his own wickedness when contrasted with the righteousness of Jesus. Instead of curses, as the soldiers hammered in the nails, he heard Jesus utter a prayer of forgiveness. Evil man though he was, this thief believed that Jesus is not only the King of the Jews, but also the King of Heaven! That faith, coupled with a fear of God, was the beginning of his confession of sin and prayer to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.

No man is beyond hope of redemption in whose soul still lingers some fear of God. And as he defended Jesus from the other criminal’s mockery, faith rose in his soul and he shouted out his confession and prayed, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." It was a prayer that Jesus immediately answered, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” It was more than eternal life that Jesus promised the penitent thief. Jesus promised him companionship in the courts of paradise. "You will be with me,” Jesus said.

This statement from the Cross illustrates that the way of salvation is wondrously simple. The devil has blinded the eyes of men and women to thinking that it is hard to come to Christ and be saved. But this clearly isn’t true. Here we see that salvation doesn’t depend on religious ceremonies, good deeds, cleaning up your life, repeating a prayer, or any contribution from man. We do those things because we are saved, not to be saved. There was no time for the thief on the cross to do anything. He was saved simply by believing Jesus is the Son of God, confessing his sin, and asking the Lord to save him when He entered His Kingdom.

This statement also teaches us that the worst sinner can be saved. There can be no doubt that the man was a criminal. He had broken the laws of God and man, but the measure of his sin did not alter his chance of being saved one bit. Let no one despair in thinking they are too bad to be saved.

There is one further point to mention before we leave this statement. You see, there were two thieves crucified with Jesus—one repented, but the other did not. One believed and wanted a relationship with Jesus—the other did not believe and mocked Jesus as a phony. Each of us will do one or the other, and that will determine our eternal destination.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who tells us that we have sinned, who convicts us to a point of godly sorrow for the sins that we have committed, and who gives us faith to believe in Jesus as our Savior. It is by this grace of God that we, too, can believe and pray, "Lord, I have sinned. I believe you are the Son of God who suffered for my sin. Forgive me, and lead me into your Kingdom.”

The third statement Jesus made from the cross was spoken to His mother and to His disciple, John.

John 19:26-27, When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

It is easy to imagine the tortured thoughts passing through Mary’s mind as she saw her son in such pain and agony. Very likely she would recall the words uttered in a prophecy when the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple.

Luke 2:34-35, And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

The crucifixion was the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy. It was tremendously painful for Mary to see her child suffer so cruelly.

In the midst of His suffering, Jesus is mindful of Mary’s suffering, but He refers to her as "Woman", instead of "Mother". Have you ever wondered why? He was not disrespectful.

The reason is that Mary must no longer think of Him as her son. Mary must begin to look upon Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Even then she will suffer, but this suffering will be of a different nature. She will then begin to appreciate the redemptive purpose of His suffering. Mary’s emotional suffering as a mother must be replaced by something higher; that is, the redemption of mankind, including her own soul.

This third statement from the Cross also initiated the family of Jesus. The question might be raised, "Why was Mary not committed into the care of one of her other sons, such as James or Jude?" The answer is they hadn’t as yet believed in Jesus as the Messiah. They were not there, comforting their mother. They may have been afraid to be related to someone who is being crucified. Their faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, came later.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

The family of Jesus is related by faith in Jesus, and they obey His commandment to love one another. John was at the Cross, fully convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, and comforting Mary as a son would do. It did not require a long explanation for John to know what Jesus meant. We read that from that hour, John took Mary into his own home.

The fourth statement Jesus made from the Cross is recorded in Matthew 27:46, And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

We cannot imagine the depth of feeling in this cry, as wave after wave of evil swept over Jesus. All the sin of the world, throughout the ages, was laid upon Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21, For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Only the night before, in John 16:32, Jesus told His disciples, "Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.”

But now, at the climax of His crucifixion, at the moment of making atonement for our sin, it was necessary that even His Father should turn aside, for God has no fellowship with sin. Just as a scapegoat of the Old Testament had to be banished into the wilderness, so Jesus had to bear the sin of the world alone. He, who was made sin for us, was feeling the punishment of the sinner—being completely separated from God.

Never before had Jesus stood alone, forsaken by His Father. Yet, although He was forsaken, He never ceased to be His Father’s beloved Son, for He was carrying out His Father’s will and purpose in becoming our atonement for sin. How Jesus felt, we cannot know. But those in Hell know, for they are eternally and completely separated from God, bearing the punishment for their sin alone.

The fifth and sixth statements are recorded in John 19:28-30, After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

First, He said, "I thirst". The hours of torture on the Cross took a tremendous toll on the body of Jesus. Execution by crucifixion was not a sudden death like being electrocuted. It was a long drawn out, lingering death. The body becomes dehydrated. The prophetic 22nd Psalm speaks graphically of His condition.

Psalm 22:14-18, I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet; I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Yes, our Savior’s sufferings were real. He felt everything we would have suffered on that cross. Remember: those sufferings were our punishment. He did it for us. We don’t have to suffer our punishment unless we choose not to believe Jesus.

Next, He said, "It is finished!" What was finished? Was He referring to His sufferings or His life’s work? Certainly, those things, but it was even more. Jesus’ statement proclaimed His victory over the evil one!

In the gigantic struggle between good and evil, the Son of Man had suffered grievously, but He had finished the work of redemption that His Father had committed to Him. He didn’t say "I am finished" but rather "It is finished." It was a declaration of victory over sin, death, and Hell! He had done all that was required to reconcile mankind unto God.

This statement, "It is finished,” tells us there is nothing left for man to do, but to believe the results of Christ’s finished work. It is like the message of a rubber stamp bearing the words “Paid in Full” when stamped across a bill.

That is what Jesus was proclaiming from the Cross, "It is paid! Man’s account with God has been settled, the debt is wiped out! That is the very essence of the Gospel. The Redeemer has paid the price for our redemption. Salvation has been obtained for all who believe and rely upon the finished work of Jesus on the Cross!

The seventh statement from the Cross was spoken immediately after His mission was finished. Luke 23:46, Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

These words tell us that His life didn’t just ebb away. In fact, Jesus had previously said that no one could take His life.

John 10:18 “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” So, Jesus purposefully gave up His Spirit on the Cross after His mission was finished.

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," also tells us that when the body takes its last breath, our spirit is released into God’s hands. Our body remains here. Our spirit goes on living, either with Jesus in paradise, or separated from God in Hell. Since we don’t know when we will take our last breath, we need to dedicate our life to the Father every day. We need to be ready to spiritually leave this place when our task is “finished”, and He calls us home.

The Cross meant death for Jesus, but it is the place where life is given to us. Jesus gave up His life on earth so that we can have His life living in us now and forever. Therefore, remember His statements from the Cross.

1. "Father, forgive them" – Jesus obtained forgiveness for you on the Cross.

2. "Today, you will be with me" – Jesus prepared an eternal place for you on the Cross.

3. "Woman, here is your son" – Jesus initiated your adoption into His family on the Cross.

4. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" – Jesus atoned for your sin on the Cross.

5. "I thirst" - Jesus suffered for you on the Cross.

6. "It is finished" - Jesus was the victor over sin for you on the Cross.

7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" – There is life after death.

Where will you live eternally after your body dies? You can know for sure, by confessing your sin and believing in Jesus and His atonement for your sin on the cross. And if you believe, you demonstrate your faith by repenting of your sin, and being born again of the His Spirit when you die to your old life in baptism.

12/03/23

The Silence of the Lamb

John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). The Lamb of God spoke all of creation into existence. He came from Heaven and taught us on many topics of life. For nearly two years, I have been sharing the words of the Lamb of God from the Gospel of Matthew. Only when we believe His words and obey them, are we blessed with the promises He made. He also warned us of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience.

However, today we will learn from the silence of the Lamb of God during His unjust trials. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.

If you have ever been unjustly accused by someone of doing something you didn’t do, or they misjudged your motives, then you know how difficult injustice is to endure. Maybe you are going through some injustice right now. Accusations can come at us from coworkers, family members, friends, unsaved people, and yes, fellow Christians.

Some people have the attitude, “Where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire.” This is an ungodly suspicion. Where there is smoke, there is not always a fire. Sometimes it’s just a liar!

Jesus knows how it feels to be unjustly accused and how to respond.

Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor…Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

After Jesus’ illegal trial before the Sanhedrin, He was carried before the Roman governor, Pilate. Notice the irony: sinful people charging the sinless Savior of wrong doing.

People don’t make accusations for no reason at all. There are underlying issues at work in their heart.

1. Envy – Pilate discerned this reason in the heart of the religious leaders.

Matthew 27:18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

Envy is a feeling of resentment toward others because of their possessions, position, or good qualities. People envy them, so they fabricate something about them to make them look bad and to feel better about themselves. It is a work of the flesh. (Galatians 5:21) An envious heart leads to slander and many evil deeds.

1 Peter 2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

2. Anger and hatred – Envy turns to hatred if one does not quickly repent.

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

The Pharisees envied Jesus, for He understood the Scriptures better than them and He pointed out their hypocrisy. This made them angry, and led them to say untrue things about the Lamb of God.

3. Bitterness – Bitterness is also associated anger and hatred, causing the bitter person to slander others with false accusations.

Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Jesus said the world will treat His followers just like they treated Him. Therefore, we can expect to be falsely accused. So, we need to know the right way to respond to accusations.

1. The first response is to be silent while you search your heart and honestly evaluate whether any part of the accusation could be true. If the accusation is true, admit it and confess it. Repent and receive God’s mercy. Ask Him for grace to do better. Also, ask the offended person to forgive you and thank them for making you aware of your fault.

Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

If someone comes to us with a truthful charge, even if they have the wrong attitude, we should confess guilt and seek their forgiveness. Don’t get defensive—it will only make matters worse. By confessing wrong and seeking forgiveness, God can use the accusation to accomplish good.

If the accuser then refuses to accept the apology and continues to use the offense to try to hurt you, then pray for him. Above all, when accused truthfully, learn from the sin and don’t repeat it.

2. When confronted with unjust accusations, simply tell the truth. There is no need to run from the situation, or hide from your accusers, or dodge them. Look them straight in the eye and tell the truth. Continue to do what is right. Jesus never let lies and criticism deter Him from His mission. Don’t let false accusations discourage you to the point that you quit doing what is right.

When falsely accused, act like Jesus. He told the truth and then refused to say anything more. Jesus had such a peace under these accusations that Pilate was astonished.

3. Resist the temptation to seek revenge. Pray and let God handle the situation. Overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

4. If necessary and appropriate, use the court system to protect yourself. Paul found it necessary to appeal to a worldly court when there was a religious conspiracy that threatened his life.

Acts 25:7-12 When he [Festus] had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

5. Ultimately, you must forgive your accusers and leave it with God. The truth is, you have no control over unjust accusations. God will be the final judge and will vindicate you in His time. The verdict of eternity stands above the verdict of man.

The high priest declared Jesus guilty of blasphemy because Jesus truthfully said He was the Son of God. However, the religious leaders could not sentence Jesus to death because only the Roman governor, Pilate, could sentence someone to death.

Matthew does not tell us exactly what the charges brought against Jesus were, but we can deduce from Pilate's question that Jesus was charged with claiming to be a king. Their intent was to paint Jesus in the worst light possible, so they tried to portray Jesus as a threat to Pilate, the Roman governor. So Pilate asks Jesus, "“Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” (In other words, you are correct. John records that Jesus also said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”)

To all the other accusations, the leading priests and the elders made against him, Jesus remained silent. Again, He fulfills what is prophesied about Him in Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.”

Pilate has certainly heard of Jesus prior to this encounter, but he is not prepared for the sovereign silence that Jesus maintains in the middle of these threatening accusations. John's gospel gives a better understanding about this matter.

John 19:9-12 He [Pilate] entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

Pilate thought he was in control. What Pilate didn't understand was that Jesus was actually the one in control of this situation. The greatest truth in all the world is that our God is always in control. We know that He is watching over us and protecting us. We know that we can put our trust in Him. We know death is not the end of life. Therefore, we can stand in the face of false accusations because we know God is in control.

Romans 8:31-33 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

It doesn't matter what others might think of us. It doesn't matter what they might say about us. It doesn't matter what they might do to us. Because if God is for us, no one can defeat us, even if they kill us! Don't be afraid to stand against the crowd if the Sovereign Lord is on your side.

To Pilate's credit, he really does try to let Jesus go. He sees right through the religious leaders and knows that Jesus is no criminal.

Matthew 27:15-23 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Pilate assumed that the crowd would choose a harmless messiah over a murderer. Pilate knows that the high priest and Sanhedrin have not indicted Jesus because they care about the potential threat to Roman rule. Jesus was a threat to the Sanhedrin’s religious rule.

In addition, something unusual happens to Pilate at this time. Matthew says, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” This troubled Pilate as much as it did his wife. He wanted the people to ask for the release of Jesus. But the religious leaders were determined to get rid of Jesus. Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

It wasn't Barabbas's reputation that caused the people to choose him, but rather the influence that the religious leaders had over the people. The same religious leaders who plotted Jesus' arrest, conspired his betrayal, manipulated his Jewish trial, and bound him to Pilate are now at the Roman trial to persuade the crowd to ask for Jesus' crucifixion.

Pilate still wanted to do the right thing. So again he asks, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, Barabbas.”

Pilate finds this astonishing, so he tries again. Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”

Pilate tries to get them to think rationally about Jesus' innocence by asking, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Pilate does not even get an answer to his question. Now, the crowd is becoming so emotional that finally, he gives in to the mob’s decision.

Matthew 27:24-26 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

As we see here, it is easy to follow the crowd. However, following the crowd can have disastrous eternal results.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It's easy to do what everyone else is doing. It's easy to follow after those who do the wrong thing and call it good. The road to Hell is broad because there are so many people on it. The road to Heaven, on the other hand, is narrow, difficult, and there are few people on it. But it is the only road worth taking, because all the other roads lead to destruction!

As followers of Christ, we have been called to suffer for the Name of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, God is calling us do what is right even when it hurts to be falsely accused! God requires that we do what is right, simply because we love Him, for that is what glorifies Him. God requires that we love what is right so much that we are willing to suffer for it. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, for what He offers is much better than what the world offers and our sacrifice will be worth it!

Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

What road are you on today? Are you willing to suffer for the Name of Christ, or will you do what crowd is doing and take your chances of missing Hell. The odds of winning Heaven without obediently following and loving Jesus are zero.

If you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, who came to take away our sin, confess Him as LORD and the Lord of your life. Repent of your sin and die to your old life by being baptized. You will be born again of the Holy Spirit, who will give you grace to follow Jesus, and when the occasion arises, to victoriously suffer for His Name.

11/26/23

The book of Acts, chapter 2. I can’t preach the excitement this chapter deserves. We’ll cover it anyway, by reading through the verses and you can go home and reread it and other commentary in order to better understand it.

The book of Acts is the bridge between the events recorded in the Gospels and the events marking the beginning of the Church. The New Testament seems to break into a run as we begin the book of Acts. To understand Chapter 2, we must get context from Chapter 1. In Chapter 1, in a series of meetings with the living, resurrected Christ, the disciples become convinced about the resurrection and and are reminded of their coming power source – the Holy Spirit.

Beginning in verse 3: Jesus’ Last Days of His Mission to Earth

3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. [Think of what this means.] He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them the command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you heard me speak about.

5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 So when they met together [possibly at another time since the question seems like a break in subject matter], they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” [Like the rest of the Jews, hey are tired of Roman rule.]

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Now, in chapter 2, we see the change the resurrection made in/on the disciples lives. At Jesus’ death, they scattered and were disillusioned. They feared for their lives. After seeing the resurrected Christ, they became fearless in spreading the Good News about him around the world.

ACTS Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

The “day of Pentecost”. It’s another name for “the day of Joy over the Harvest” or “First Fruits feast” which is described in Leviticus 23:15 and elsewhere. This feast takes place 50 days after the Passover – which is the timing of the following events.

Verse 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Where? A public place in Jerusalem. We’re not sure what building, but probably the Temple Courts (per verse 46).

Verse 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house (building) where they were sitting.

3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

In Luke 3:16, John the Baptist says “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Verse 4 All of them (about 120) were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Verse 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under the heaven.

6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

In Mark 16:17 Jesus says to his apostles “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; …”

Paul explained a version of “speaking in tongues” in 1 Cor 14, verse 2:

2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. …

It is apparent that the “speaking in other tongues”, mentioned in Acts chapter 2 verse 4, is not the same “gift” described by Paul in 1 Corinthians. Jesus’ speaking of “new tongues” may refer to both methods.

Verse 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?

8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own language?

9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome

11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Isn’t it interesting that these verses record the geographic regions the people are from. Instead of speaking in generalities, Luke gives personally observed testimony that could be tested/verified/corroborated. Not the methodology of someone spinning a story.

Note that the impact on the visitors. God’s methods are the best.

Peter Addresses the Crowd – What an address!

Verse 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

Remember the prophet Joel? We are reminded here that there is a book of the Bible named Joel. He was one of God’s prophets in Judah approximately 2800 years ago. He is the one who informed us that the nation of Israel would be restored before the end times – judgement day (see Joel chapter 3 – read as service scripture reading) The nation of Israel, as we know it today, was reconstituted in 1948.

For our message today, Peter quotes Joel 2:28-30, starting in verse 17 of Acts chapter 2:

17 “In the last days, [all the days between Jesus’ first and second coming] God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people, Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.

23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

The reason for reminding the Jews present about the miracles Jesus did among the people was to point out that they had missed that he was the Messiah. While they had expected the Messiah to appear with political power and glory, they missed the suffering Savior who was the sacrifice for their sins spoken of in the book of Isaiah chapter 59.

Now Acts 2 verse 25: Note that Here Peter is quoting from Psalms 16:8-11.

25 David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope,

27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.

30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

See this promise in 2 Samual chapter 7:12-16 where Samual tells David that the Lord declares “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”

Now verse 31 Seeing what was ahead, he [David] spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.

Note … “… we are all witnesses …” : From Acts Chapter 1 verse 15 we know that there are about 120 disciples with the Apostles which he is referring to (and, for that matter, who were speaking in the different languages earlier mentioned).

Verse 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Remember Peter’s previous words from Joel (“I will pour out my Spirit on all people …”) and now also in John 14:26, where Jesus says:

“ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I said to you.”

I’m sure the Holy Spirit is the means by which Peter spoke these powerful words and quotes the appropriate Scriptures to the vast assembly..

Verse 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

This quote is from Psalms 110:1.

Verse 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Some people have been confused by the wording of this verse “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” as if Jesus was not Lord until after his crucifixion. This is at least partially wrong since Luke (who recorded the book of Acts) and Peter (who is speaking here) both refer to Jesus repeatedly as their Lord throughout Jesus’ ministry with them.

Peter confesses he knows Jesus to be the Messiah (the Christ): “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” In Mark 8:29.

But something of high impact is spoken hear that we should not miss. What?

Read Hebrews 5:7-10 …

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”

Jesus became the Messiah when he completed the Father’s mission for him on earth. He had a choice and he made the perfect one, that was the Father’s will, for our sakes. POWERFUL! He could have called 10,000 angels.

Verse 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

To repent is to feel and express remorse for having done wrong things and to commit ourselves to not repeating such actions. We change the direction of our lives when we repent.

Verse 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

The promise is for all of us – ALL OF US.

The phrase “Save yourselves …” means each one of us, personally, needs to decide correctly. We must decide NOT TO live in harmony with the corrupted world view of things. We must decide TO accept Jesus as: (1) our Lord, and (2) our Savior.

Verse 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. WOW!

The Fellowship of the Believers

Verse 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (the men who Jesus selected to live with and be taught by him for years) and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

This breaking of bread was patterned after the Last Supper. Matthew 26:26-29

Verse 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. (Empowered by the Holy Spirit)

44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.

45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

We are to share and care for each other as close family.

Here we see that they gave resources to Beleivers in need (i.e., food and shelter) by selling possessions that were not needed. We know from verse 45 that some had more than they needed.

Verse 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

“… enjoying the favor of all the people.” Jesus was correctly seen, at this time, as the fulfillment of the old law (which he was).

Well, …..

This ends the chapter and today’s lesson. How exciting it is to see the message of Christ take off as we see it here in the book of Acts.

Let’s finish today with a relatable story:

One night a house caught on fire, and a young boy was forced onto the roof. A fireman stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to the boy, “Jump!. I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As you can imagine, he was afraid to leave the roof. The fireman kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “I can’t see you.” The fireman replied, “But I can see you, and that is all that matters.”

Jesus can’t save us unless we trust him enough to jump and he can’t save us if we are too busy saving ourselves.

Each one of us finds ourselves in the same situation as the young boy on the roof. We will be destroyed unless we do something. If we stay in our current situation, we will be destroyed by fire. The biggest question in our lives is, what must we do to be saved. In the little boy’s situation, the answer was; jump. What is the answer in your life?

Is your life excited by Christ and the joy that comes from understanding what the joy of life can be like if we live according to the Word of God. He can peel off the burden the world wants to put on us and teach us to concern ourselves with thoughts of doing good, through love, for others—especially our Christian family.

11/19/23