Pine Hill Holiness Church
"With God all things are Possible"
Bro. George and Sis Connie Baker
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Bro Baker will be sharing scriptures and thoughts that the Lord has given them to minister each week.
We do pray this will be a blessing to you.
If you would like to contact Bro Baker You can email pinehillhc@aol.com
Or Directly At |
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I am so excited. My new book has just been Released. "Letters from Home" If you would like a copy please contact me directly Bro George Baker or you can purchase the book at Amazon.com |
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Click to View the Trailer from "Letters from Home"
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All New Stuff
April 18-2010 |
| Dec 26, 2009 Hey, lighten up! |
Introduction: I have been thinking lately that the Bible has a lot of straight forward statements that deals with the Christian life. It doesn’t appear that Jesus knew anything about the user- friendly approach in His ministry. I wonder how many would say that He needed more tact in His presentations. I. Let us see what Jesus said to those who appeared to have their own interest at heart. Could He have been more encouraging and sensitive to these potential followers? A. The Fringe Benefits “And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt 8:19-20) “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:26-27) B. Family Matters “And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matt 8:21-22) “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”(Matt 10:37) “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61- 62) II. Peter, James and John are humbled by the fact that the Devil is using them, and Jesus is not mincing any words. A. Peter rebuked “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt 16:21-25) B. James and John rebuked “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:52-56) III. Jesus had a purpose for coming into this world. He would never allow Satan or even believers to hinder that purpose. Let us look and see what the message is from Jesus to: A. The Ministry “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”(Mark 16:15-16) B. The Believer “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”(Matt. 16:24-25) C. The Rich “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.”(Luke 18:18-23) D. The Preacher “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”(2 Tim 4:2) IV. Methods of presentation may vary from culture to culture, however the message of Jesus Christ stays the same from generation to generation. A. Same Message “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”(Heb 13:8-9) V. How are we to keep the same message? A. Continue in the Word “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”(2 Tim 3:13-15) “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”(1 Tim 4:13-16) VI. The reason why the message of the gospel has been lost today in many circles. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”(2 Tim 4:3-4) VII. What Jesus taught was considered hard to many in His day. “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.”(John 6:53-56) “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?” (John 6:60-61) VIII. Beware of the ministry that doesn’t demand any devotedness to Christ, and by good words and fair speeches entertain their audience. A. Method Smooth Words “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”( Isa 30:10) Fair Speeches “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom 16:17-18) B. Purpose Gain “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim 6:5-6) “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”(2 Peter 2:1-3) IX. The message of the Gospel is changed in order to please men. “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:9-12) X. Sometimes the Word will offend. There is a blessing for those who are not offended. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. ”(Ps 119:165-166) Conclusion: Dear friend are you offended at the gospel of Christ. Do you find yourself seeking for user- friendly preachers? Are you seeking for a church that pleases men or God? Are you saying? “Lighten up Preacher?” |
| Sept 23 2009 |
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In the life of a Christian there will be suffering!
Introduction: To become a Christian is having faith in Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus is a life of surrender. We are to suffer according to the will of God, and rejoice in knowing that someday we will be with Christ forever. Needless to say we can suffer for things that are not according to the will of God, however we are to commit ourselves to God and allow Him to take us through the things we encounter.
I.Text:1 Peter 4:12-19 “ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”
A. Needless suffering - In the life of a believer
a. Murder - We are guilty of murder when we hate one another.
1 John 3:15 “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Murder is not only taking one’s life. When we have murder in our hearts it is easy to assassinate one another with malicious words. To ruin a persons reputation by slander is a form of murder.
b. Thief - There is no place for thieves in the Kingdom of God.
Ex 20:15 “Thou shalt not steal.” Eph 4:28 “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
We are instructed by the Word of God not to take God’s money. We can see how one can rob God in the following passage, and also what a person can do in order not to be a thief.
.Mal 3:8-10 “ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
So we see one can rob God by taking the tithe and offerings that should be brought into the storehouse ( the house of God ). So many of God’s people suffer financially because they fail to see that this principle is for them today.
c. Evildoer- Sometimes the child of God can get caught up in doing something that is wrong and although we repent we must suffer for the wrong which we have done. Col 3:25-4:1 “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” . d. Busybody in other men’s matters - It’s a good practice not to be a person who wants to know everything going on in other peoples lives.
Prov 26:17 “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”
B. Christ’s suffering in the life of a child of God.
Rom 8:16-18 Sufferings that are now are not worthy…. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
2 Tim 2:12 “ If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”
2 Cor 4:17-18 Light affliction which is but for a moment compared to eternity. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Cor 5:4 “For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.”
Rom 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
Heb 11:24-26 Moses chooses to suffer with the people of God “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
Acts 9:13-16 Saul of Taurus Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” But the Lord said unto him, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”
2 Thess 1:4-5 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:”
2 Tim 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Ps 34:19 “ Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Acts 14:21-22 “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
C. Judgment - Purpose for judgment now “1 Cor 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”
D. Obedience to the Gospel - Opposed to being judged. Heb 10:28-31 “ He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
II. Wherefore, (or because of this very reason!” That we narrowly escape damnation. We must commit, which means to give over to another for a purpose such as care or safekeeping.
A. How is this accomplished? In well doing !
Turn to this book please!1 Peter 5:5-9
III. How do we commit the keeping of our souls to him in well doing?
A. By Submission: 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Verse 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
1) To one another Phil 2:1-4 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
2) To God Phil 2:5-9 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
B. By Surrendering- Giving up to Jesus Verse 7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Matt 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
C. By Surveillance- Watchfulness Verse 8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” : D. By Struggle- By fighting back as though one is in battle Verse 9 “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
Conclusion: Christ Jesus left us an example to follow.
1 Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
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| Sept 23 2009 |
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“…things which are not…”
Introduction: In the Book of Judges, the sixth chapter, we read where Israel had done evil in the sight of the Lord. God gives them over into the hands of the enemies for seven years. Seven years is a long time to be under the hand of an enemy. THIS CAUSED Israel to pray and repent. The Lord forgives and sends them a deliverer. In the following text we see how, and what God uses to deliver His people.
Text:1 Cor 1:27-29 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
I. “The things that are” In Judges 6:1 and following we read of the things that exist in the life of the people of God, because of their sins.
1) Defeated life Judg 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
2) Depleted resources Judg 6:6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
3) Desperate situation Judg 6:7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
II. “The things which are not.” Israel suffered for seven years for their evil ways, however they turned to the Lord with prayer. The Lord began to deliver them with the “things which are not.” Things which men consider of no value.
1) A Poor and unimportant man Judg 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
2) A man chosen without any merits. Judg 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
3) A man without a public demand Judg 6:16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
4) A man with a feeling of inadequacy Judg 6:17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. Judg 6:37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
III. That no flesh can glory in God’s presence. Gideon, with his three hundred men delivered the people of God from their oppressors. Weak instrument indeed but mighty through God, and pulling down the strong holds of the enemy. God can deliver with many or with few, however with a few God gets more glory. The purpose is that men have faith in the power of God rather than in the strength of men.
Conclusion: To bring to nothing those things which are, by those things which are not. To bring to nothing is removing the problems brought about by the evil doings. By the things which are not are the ones least likely to achieve without the help of God. For the purpose of bringing glory to God.
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| Sept 23 2009 |
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“Let him that glorieth glory in this…”
Introduction: No man is able to achieve anything unless the Lord allows it. In this text God is not against individuals having wisdom, riches, and even becoming great in their work. The focus is not on our successes, but on knowing and understanding what the will of God is for our lives. Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is still in the forefront with God.
Text: Jer 9:23-24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
I. The greatest man who ever lived, apart from Christ, was a man called Solomon. God gave him riches, power, and wisdom. Solomon was truly blessed of God. So we know that having money, power, and smarts is not a bad thing. It’s when we allow these things to possess us, is when the problems arises. There is a warning that comes with being blessed.
Deut 8:11-18 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Boasting is glorifying one’s self in his or her achievements. Notice the words, “Thou say in thine heart.” This is not a verbal announcement, but an attitude of the heart. The danger is always in forgetting where our blessings come from. Pride is a dangerous thing. Pride is a satisfaction taken in one’s achievement, possession, or an association. This feeling comes when one thinks that he (or she) has accomplished their goals all by themselves. Let us look at the statement again. And thou say in thine heart, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.” My power, and mine hand pretty much leaves everyone else out. Even God.
II. The focus is to be on the Lord. Understanding and knowing the Lord is the main thing in anyone’s life. The Word of God teaches us that we are to seek the things of God first and then these other things will be added to us. ( riches, might, and wisdom).
III. Knowing the Lord. To know the Lord is to know Him: a. In the free pardon of sin. b. In the power of his resurrection. c. In the fellowship of His suffering. d. In conforming to Him in His death.
III. Understanding the Lord. To understand the Lord is to know He is by nature a God that is loving, and kind. One that judges and is righteous. A God that is constantly employing these attributes in the earth. We that know and understand Him should do as He does. We are to follow Him in all His ways.
Conclusion: Our boasting should not be in the things that we have accomplished, but in the God that made it possible for us to achieve. God wishes that we be blessed, but He also wants us to remember where these blessings come from.
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| Sept 4, 2009 |
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“Then… they willingly received him into the ship!”
Introduction: Isn’t it strange how storms always seem to have an positive effect on people of faith. The disciples were afraid and were in need of help. When Jesus shows up in the storm, they willingly received him into the ship… I have notice in my forty years of service for the Lord, that most people are more willing to surrender to the Lord when trouble comes into their lives. They become more spiritual, and more dedicated to the things of God when they are facing some dilemma that is beyond their control. They become more willing to receive the things of the Lord, all because ( “By reason” ) of the storm.
Text: John 6:18-21 And the sea arose “by reason” of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. “Then” ( By reason ) they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
I. We really don’t know why this storm came up, but usually there is a purpose for them. We know that the disciples were glad when the Lord showed up. Storms are certain, inescapable, inevitable, sure, and unavoidable. They come to the wise, and to the foolish.
Matt 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
II. Sometimes: ? Storms test our faith. Matt 8:24-27 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
? Storms are for Punishment. 2 Sam 12:10-13 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
? Storms serve as a warning to those who sin. John 5:14 Infirmity for 38 years Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
? Storms of the past are viewed as an example not to sin. Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
? Storms are for Discipline. Heb 12:5-11 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. III. By reason of a great wind that blew, these willingly received the Lord: and immediately …
A. Gave witness to the power of God. Mrs. Eareckson Tada, a well known author who was paralyzed many years ago by an accident makes an astonishing statement of her life in Christ. Had not Christ intervened in her life she would have not experienced the freedom of the spirit that came through the prison of her handicap. She gives great witness to the power of God in her testimonies and her writings.
B. Requested mercy of the Lord
? During 9/11 2001 when the twin towers was blown up, A man in New York city holding a sign saying, “Pray for us”. ? When real trouble comes men pray. During the wars, you could hear mothers and fathers pray for their boys. ? When Apostle Paul was struck down with blindness three days he ask the Lord, “What will you have me to do.”
C. Turned his focus to God. I was talking to one of my close relatives the other day. He has been sick for a long time and getting worse as time goes by. Some time before the sickness I was impressed to go visit and to tell them that there was a storm coming and they needed to prepare for it. I didn’t really know what was coming but I knew for certain there was a storm in the making. I believed at that time it was possible that this storm could be been averted if only he would surrendered to the Lord. The other day while visiting I mustered up the nerve to ask him this question. “Do you think that its possible that you might not have prayed if you hadn’t gotten sick? His reply, “I probably wouldn’t have.” He said, “I pray a lot now.”
D. Healed of an issue of blood. Mark 5:25-29 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
This is the reason this woman willingly received Jesus during her storm. She heard of Jesus. Jesus uses storms to draw attention to Himself. We that are in the ministry must tell others that the storm in their life can be stilled by their willingness to receive Jesus into their lives. a. Issue of blood for twelve years. b. Suffered many things of many physicians. 1) She’s broke spent everything on doctor bills. 2) There’s no improvement.
3) Getting worse This woman is at her lowest point, her resources are gone. She is getting worse from the issue of blood. By the reason of all her trouble, she hears of Jesus, then she willingly receives the Lord. It is strange, but nevertheless true, God uses storms to get men to hear and willingly receive Him into their lives. I like how immediately or straightway she was made whole when Jesus came into her life.
E. Restored to life again. Luke 15:11-20 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
F. Heard and delivered from the belly of the fish. Jonah 2:1-8 Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about
G. The storm was averted. Jonah 3:1-5 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Conclusion: Will you be wise and be willing to prepare for the storm that is approaching. Jesus is willing to come into your life if only you will receive him.
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| Aug 8th 2009 - “Then… they willingly received him into the ship!” |
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Introduction: Isn’t it strange how storms always seem to have an positive effect on people of faith. The disciples were afraid and were in need of help. When Jesus shows up in the storm, they willingly received him into the ship… I have notice in my forty years of service for the Lord, that most people are more willing to surrender to the Lord when trouble comes into their lives. They become more spiritual, and more dedicated to the things of God when they are facing some dilemma that is beyond their control. They become more willing to receive the things of the Lord, all because ( “By reason” ) of the storm.
Text: John 6:18-21 And the sea arose “by reason” of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. “Then” ( By reason ) they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
I. We really don’t know why this storm came up, but usually there is a purpose for them. We know that the disciples were glad when the Lord showed up. Storms are certain, inescapable, inevitable, sure, and unavoidable. They come to the wise, and to the foolish.
Matt 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
II. Sometimes: ? Storms test our faith. Matt 8:24-27 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
? Storms are for Punishment. 2 Sam 12:10-13 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
? Storms serve as a warning to those who sin. John 5:14 Infirmity for 38 years Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
? Storms of the past are viewed as an example not to sin. Jude 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
? Storms are for Discipline. Heb 12:5-11 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. III. By reason of a great wind that blew, these willingly received the Lord: and immediately …
A. Gave witness to the power of God.
Joni Eareckson Tada is an Christian author, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community. A diving accident in 1967 left Mrs. Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, Joni re-entered the community with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations. She learned to paint with holding a brush with her teeth. She has written 35 books over the years. She made the statement, “Through being a prisoner in a wheelchair God has set my spirit free.”
B. Requested mercy of the Lord
? During 9/11 2001 when the twin towers was blown up, A man in New York city holding a sign saying, “Pray for us”. ? When real trouble comes men pray. During the wars, you could hear mothers and fathers pray for their boys. ? When Apostle Paul was struck down with blindness three days he ask the Lord, “What will you have me to do.”
C. Turned his focus to God. I was talking to one of my close relatives the other day. He has been sick for a long time and getting worse as time goes by. Some time before the sickness I was impressed to go visit and to tell them that there was a storm coming and they needed to prepare for it. I didn’t really know what was coming but I knew for certain there was a storm in the making. I believed at that time it was possible that this storm could be been averted if only he would surrendered to the Lord. The other day while visiting I mustered up the nerve to ask him this question. “Do you think that its possible that you might not have prayed if you hadn’t gotten sick? His reply, “I probably wouldn’t have.” He said, “I pray a lot now.”
D. Healed of an issue of blood. Mark 5:25-29 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
This is the reason this woman willingly received Jesus during her storm. She heard of Jesus. Jesus uses storms to draw attention to Himself. We that are in the ministry must tell others that the storm in their life can be stilled by their willingness to receive Jesus into their lives. a. Issue of blood for twelve years. b. Suffered many things of many physicians. 1) She’s broke spent everything on doctor bills. 2) There’s no improvement.
3) Getting worse This woman is at her lowest point, her resources are gone. She is getting worse from the issue of blood. By the reason of all her trouble, she hears of Jesus, then she willingly receives the Lord. It is strange, but nevertheless true, God uses storms to get men to hear and willingly receive Him into their lives. I like how immediately or straightway she was made whole when Jesus came into her life.
E. Restored to life again. Luke 15:11-20 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
F. Heard and delivered from the belly of the fish. Jonah 2:1-8 Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about
G. The storm was averted. Jonah 3:1-5 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Conclusion: Will you be wise and be willing to prepare for the storm that is approaching. Jesus is willing to come into your life if only you will receive him.
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Heirs of the Promises |
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Introduction: In Psalms 32:1-2 David speaks by the spirit a people that would receive the blessing of forgiveness, and sins being covered. That God would no longer charge them with sin. Paul, is telling us that has come to pass through the operation of faith. Just like Abraham, who was justified by faith. We who believe in Jesus Christ have received the same promises of Abraham.
Rom 4:6-9 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
We are truly blessed of God to be forgiven of all sin and to be declared righteous on the basis of believing on His Son.
I. This blessing comes through faith in Jesus Christ who is the seed of Abraham.
Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
II. When one receives Jesus into their heart they become Abraham’s seed and are blessed with the same blessings of Abraham.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
III. What are the promises that Abraham received and gave to us who have believed? A. Divine Provision The promise of being blessed and being a blessing.
a. Gen 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
1) Gen 13:1-2And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. … verse 6. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
2) Gen 24:34-35 And he said, I am Abraham's servant. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.
3) Gen 30:27-30 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
4) Ps 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
B. Divine Protection The promise of divine protection
a) Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
b) Gen 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
c) Ex 23:22-23 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.
d) Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
C. Divine Health The promise of Divine health a) Ex 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
b) Matt 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
D. Divine Living Longevity The promise of a long life a) Gen 25:7-8 And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
b) Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Conclusion: An heir is a person who inherits or is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another. Have you received your inheritance?
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Setbacks don’t last forever! |
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Introduction: In the following verses we see that there is a problem. An economic downturn. In the life of this believer he makes the statement, “I will rejoice,” and “I will joy in the God of my salvation.” He knew that there was another year coming up and had hope that things would be better. Maybe there was a freeze and got the blossoms. Maybe the prices at the stock yards plummeted and there was no grass to feed the herds, however he had faith that things would get better. Habakkuk 2:4 the word says,…“but the just shall live by his faith.”
In this failing economy where the jobless rate is nearing 10 percent, home foreclosures, and the rising cost of fossil fuel, the future looks pretty bleak. Yet with the child of God who has faith, knows that temporary setbacks will give way to victory in God’s perfect timing.
Hab 3:17-19 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Those who have faith can rejoice in hard times, they know eventually things get better because:
A. They that wait on the Lord: 1) Shall renew their strength.
Isa 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
2) Shall be restored!
Ps 51:9-12 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
3) Shall not be ashamed!
Ps 25:2-5 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
4) Shall be blessed in the land.
Ps 37:34-36 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
5) Shall go to heaven when Jesus comes.
1 Thess 1:10-2:1 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Conclusion: Even though tough times are upon us, we can rejoice in the God of our Salvation knowing that setbacks are only temporary with God.
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May 17-2009 “All is well, that ends well!”
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Introduction: Joni Eareckson Tada, a Christian quadriplegic and painter, said,“ My wheelchair is the prison God has used to set my spirit free!" A quadriplegic since breaking her neck in a 1967 diving accident. Tada says she’s learned that true wisdom is “trusting God even when you can’t figure things out.”
Text: Rom 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
A. “ASSURANCE” Here are some things “we know“, and because of these we know that God is working out ( together) all things for our good.
a) Hos 6:3 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD:”
b) 1 John 3:14 “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.
c) 1 John 3:19-22 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
d) 1 John 3:24 And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
e) 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
B. “Promise”
In the life of Job, we see that all is well, when it ends well. So it is with Joseph who was sold by his brothers, lied on, put in prison, and after all of that made Prime Minister in Egypt. So it is in the lives of God’s children in the world today. We have this promise that “all things work together for good.”
THERE ARE MANY MORE PROMISES IN THE Bible that we can stand on. a) Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus
b) Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
c) Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
C) “Conditional”
This promise is based upon a condition. Them that love God at all times and know that they have been called by His grace. Like Job, who said, “Shall we not receive evil as well as good.” Loving God when things go bad is the test of a real Christian. All things are working for our good, only them that love God and are called for His purpose.
a) Deut 30:20-31:1 0 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
b) Ps 31:23-24 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
c) Prov 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
D) “Purpose” This purpose is all about Jesus Christ. “In whom we have obtained an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.” Eph.1:11
A. Through Jesus God’s son we have: a) Access to God Eph 3:11-14 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
b) Salvation 2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
c) Power to Wtness Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
d) Power for deliverance Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Conclusion: The eternal purpose of God is to bring as many as He can into the kingdom of God through the Gospel, and conform them into the image of His son. This only can be accomplished through the sufferings of Christ. Even though we may never know completely why things happen to us, we can have that assurance that God is working all things “together” for our good. “Together” is a mix of good and bad things that turns out to be for our good.
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. |
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April 13th. What does Easter mean to you? |
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Introduction: Easter is a wonderful time of the year. We just celebrated our Lord’s Resurrection yesterday. What a glorious thought to know that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after three days in that dark tomb. The Jews put Him to death because He said, “I am the Son of God.” God raised Him up from the dead the third day because He was just that.
We commemorate the Miracle of the Resurrection as: 1) God’s Declaration that Jesus is the Son of God with Power.
Rom 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
2) The beginning of His exaltation as Lord of Lord’s and King of Kings, Prophet and High priest in the Heavens.
Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
3) God’s Amen to Jesus cry, “It is finished.”
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
4) The guarantee that we will be changed from this vile body to a glorious body like unto Him.
Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
5) God’s gift of Salvation.
John 4:10-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
6) A promise of:
a) Everlasting life. John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
b) Christ return. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Conclusion: Nearly every Easter the kids go hunting for the eggs that are needed to be found. They rejoice that they have found the egg that was hidden. There are many like those eggs out in the world today that needs to be found, because they are lost. They are hid among a lot of stuff ( world). Christ has come to seek and save those that are lost. We sing that song, “He came looking for me.” I’m so glad that He found me over forty years ago. If you are lost today, Jesus is looking for you!
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April 7, 2009 |
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“Shipwrecked”
Introduction: In chapter twenty- seven of the book of Acts we read of 276 souls who were on a sea, in a ship, on a journey, to a destination, with a man of God. Because of this one man’s obedience their lives were spared, ( if only they would listen). We all are on the sea of life, on a journey, and destined for a shipwreck. But there is hope! “Let me welcome you on board!”
a) These 276 souls were made up of all types of people, some were criminals, and some like you and me.
a) 1 Cor 6:9-11 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
b) Rom 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
b) In verse 20 .“All hope that they should be saved was taken away”
Acts 27:20 “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”
a) Job 7:6 “My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.”
b) Eph 2:12-13 “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ“.
c) In verses 21 and 22. “But after” “But now”. Contrary to expectation.
Acts 27:21-22 “But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. “
a) Gal 3:25-26 “But after” that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
b)Titus 3:3-6 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. “But after” that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”
d) In verses 23 and 24. The angel said to Paul, “God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”
Acts 27:23-24 “For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”
a) John 6:37-40 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
e) In verses 31 and 32 . Being saved apart from abiding in Christ and cutting loose of the things that takes us away from our Lord will remain impossible.
Acts 27:31-32 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
a) John 15:4-7 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
b) Luke 17:33 “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” . c) Heb 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
f) In verses 34 and 35. Instructed by the man of God to take meat for their health. We see that we feed on the Lord and are Divinely protected.
Acts 27:33-36 “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.”
a) John 6:53-56 “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.”
b) Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
c) Luke 21:17-19 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.” In your patience possess ye your souls.
g) In verses 41-44. Shipwrecked
Acts 27:41-44 “And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”
a) 2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
h) In chapter 28 verse 1- Safe on the Inland of Melita Acts 28:1 “And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.”
The Inland is an immense rock off the coast of Sicily, it is called Malta today. The Inland was formerly celebrated for producing honey. Therefore the Greek word signifies honey.
a) Matt 16:16-18 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
b)Ps 81:13-82:1 “Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.”
Conclusion: Abiding in the ship (Christ) and receiving the Word from the man of God will land you safely in your journey on the sea of life.
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| March 23, 2009 |
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Delayed with good intentions? Matt 22:1-9 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
This is the message that Bro. Don Wilson preached at our Lost Soul’s Crusade last night. What a great message and demonstration of the spirit! What a clarion call to the lost! A timely message indeed and appropriate for the Lost Souls meeting. It’s strange how God works. While I was listening to the message I felt that neglect was the major problem in this parable. Sure, there are those who made light of what was being done in the name of the Lord, and there were those who even spitefully entreated and killed the Lord’s servants, and did not believe the message nor the messenger. Most people have good intentions, when it comes to getting saved, There are a lot today that is going their ways, some to their farm, and others to their merchandise that have hopes in the future that they will have a more convenient time to serve the Lord. When the Word of God said, “That they went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise,” was not necessarily saying they were unbelievers, but that their personal ambitions were being put first. They neglected the invitation to come at a time when the Lord was doing the bidden. What a danger it is to put the Lord off when He is dealing with us. Procrastination is a problem with most people today. Good intentions are not good enough to enter heaven.
. Prov 1:24-29 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
As listening to the sermon I thought of the invitation. The Lord going to the trouble and sending out His request for their presence. They let their opportunity pass them by. What a tragedy! They took the invitation too lightly. Then a scripture came to me. Heb 2:1-3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
I thought that God was telling me, that I had accepted the invitation to come to him, but there were things that accompanies Salvation that I could not NEGLECT or take lightly. Here are a few things that we are not to neglect.
1) The gifts that God has given us. a) 1 Tim 4:14 “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” Read Matt 25:14-30 The man who neglected his gift.
2) The House of God a) Heb 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Read John 20:24 of the Apostle who was missing when Jesus came. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
3) Prayer a) Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; b) James 5:16-18 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Read I Kings 18: 40-46 for the story.
4) Fasting Luke 5:33-35 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. Read matt. 17: 14-21 for the purpose of fasting.
5) Giving Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
a) Why give? 1) A commandment to give! Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 2) A blessing to give! Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
b) How are we to prepare to give? 1) Lay aside the first day of the week. 1 Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
c) Where are we to lay in store? Mal 3:10 In God’s House Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
6) Entertainment Heb 13:1-3 Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
The writer of Hebrews said that we should give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. That is, not to neglect those things or delay to move to the commands of God when we hear them. If those in the parable neglected to take heed to the things they heard and were denied entrance to heaven, can we as Christians hope for eternal life when we fail to take heed to the things which we have heard through the ministry? Can we escape if we neglect those things that accompany Salvation? There are many more things which we should not neglect, but I have chosen these basic and fundamental truths if you keep you will do well.
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| March 1,2009 |
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No Accident, just Providence!
John 4:4-7 And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. “There cometh a woman…” of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
In this passage we see the providence of God. God’s management team at work. In God’s economy there is preparation in advance. The sixth hour is the heat of the day. Women usually would draw water in the evening. Jesus was waiting on this woman because He knew she would be there at that time. He must needs go through Samaria because God was at work and bringing another soul to His son.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, ( or woman) except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
I. There cometh… A. The daughter of Pharoah. Ex 2:5-6 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
The King had made a decree that all male children were to be killed. The parents of Moses put him in an ark and put him in the river. It was not by chance that Pharoah’s daughter would come to the river, but by providence. God is always a step ahead of the Devil. God saves a man, and a man saves a nation. What a beautiful story.
There cometh… B. A company of Ishmeelites Gen 37:25-27 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
Joseph’s life was not in his brothers hands, but Gods. They lifted up their eyes because God was at work in saving Joseph from his brothers. God diverted their attention to the approaching Ishmeelites. Now they have another solution, “let us sell him.”
II. “There cometh” speaks of a control exercised by a divine direction. The care and guardianship of an heavenly father.
The woman that came to the well that day in John 4 of the Gospel did not know that she would meet a man that would change her life forever. God knew where she would be, and what she would do if she had the opportunity to meet Christ. By the way, this was not an accident, just providence.
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| Feb 1,2009
“The Lord found her “in the way!” |
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Text: Gen 16:6-7 And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
A. Drawn by circumstances - Dealt hard with her.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
In this story we see an unfortunate circumstance which drives Hagar away to a place in the wilderness. A figure of emptiness and desolation of not only the soul, but our lives. How many of us were driven to a desolate place before we gave our heart to Christ.
B. The Lord found her - Lost in the wilderness Luke 15:4-6 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Hagar had been driven by a circumstance to a fountain of water. In the wilderness! The darkest time in her life had brought her to the place where she now was willing to look at the Lord. That’s the place the Lord finds Hagar.
C. By a fountain of water in the wilderness.- That’s where the Father brings those whom He hath chosen. A place where there is nothing left to offer except the water of life. How true it is that people wait until they are in their wilderness before they reach out to the Lord.
Gen 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here “looked after him” that seeth me?
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
D. By the fountain in the way.- In the way? What did Jesus say about the way? John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The fountain of water is “in the way.” If Jesus is the way, then the fountain is in Jesus. Like Hagar we must “look after Him ( Christ) that seeth me.” In the Old Testament the people of God sinned and God sent serpents to bite them. Moses cried unto the Lord, and God told him to make a brazen serpent. God said that whosoever would look upon that brazen serpent would live. When the Father brings us into the viewing area of His son, by the way of our wilderness we must look unto Jesus by faith. This looking is believing. John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The only way that God will find you is when you recognize His Son. Like Hagar you must “look after Him” in the way. That way is Jesus Christ. There are a lot of ways that may lead to Rome, but when it comes to religion ( salvation) apart from Christ no man can be saved.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
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The Miracle of Confession! Jan 24 2009.
Text: Rev 12:10-13 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
I. To the Sinner Rev 3:20-22 (JESUS PART) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the (MAN’S PART) door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The things you must do to overcome: a) YOU MUST HEAR HIS VOICE. b) YOU MUST LET HIM IN. c) YOU MUST CONFESS YOU SINS. d) YOU MUST REPENT AND BE WILLING TO FORSAKE YOUR SINS. e)YOU MUST BE WILLING TO FOLLOW THE LORD IN HIS TEACHINGS.
Jesus does the knocking but you have to open the door. Jesus does not barge into any one’s life. When one opens the door of his heart to the Lord Jesus it will be by faith. Faith sometimes requires doing things that are impossible to do in one’s own strength.
Luke 6:6-10 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was “withered.” ( INCAPABLE OF ACTION.) And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. (Jesus ask him to do what he could do.) Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
In obedience to Jesus’ command the man stretch forth a hand that was not able to be moved in his own strength. This hand was dried up. The lesson is that we were dead and useless without Christ. Restoration only comes when we stretch ourselves in faith. Life did not come to the withered hand when Jesus said stand up, ( that was something the man could do) but only when the man did that which was impossible to do by himself. The man in obedience to the command, “stretch forth thy hand” did all that was in his strength. The willingness to do that which is impossible gives way to supernatural power which resulted in healing of the withered hand. You cannot change your life if you cannot move. Neither can a man save himself without Christ. Only be willing to move and come to Christ and He will give you a new life. Eternal life!
II. Now let us get back to the verse of they overcame by the blood of the lamb. ( God’s part), and by the word of their testimony. ( man’s part) Overcame who? The Devil. We all know that without the blood of Christ we could not be saved. That is God’s part. God is working with us and in us to bring about His will for our lives. Remember it is God that takes the initiative in the gift of salvation, but He expects us to reach out to Him in faith. When the priest in the Old Testament stepped into the Jordon river, then and only then the waters parted. The miracle only took place when the feet touched the waters.
Eph 2:5-8 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
III. TO THE SAINTS Overcame Satan? How is this accomplished? a. The first thing we must do is believe. The miracle of overcoming is in the believing. This will take place at the point of contacting ( believing on) Jesus.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
b. Secondly, we must confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus. The believing, coupled with confessing makes salvation. Remember the point of contact. When you believe and confess Jesus the miracle will take place.
Rom 10:8-11 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. . 1) The man who was born blind whom Jesus’ healed was in need of confessing Christ. There must be a word of testimony.
The blind man’s response John 9:35-38 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
2) This woman was a dear friend of Jesus, however there was a need for confession on Martha’s part. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Martha’s response John 11:24-27 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that, thou art the Christ the Son of God, which should come into the world . 3) The right confession made a way for this man into a new life. “ By thy words thou shalt be justified…”
The Ethiopian eunuch’s confession Acts 8:35-37 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
C. Thirdly, we must endure to the end. “ They loved not their lives unto the death.” Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
We must continue in faith and never give up hope. The confession of Faith is not a one time deal. We must stay in faith. We cannot allow Satan to stop us in our quest for God. We must go all the way with Him, through the good times and the bad. We are what the Bible says we are. We can do what the Bible says we can do. These are bold statements, nevertheless if spoken in faith we can overcome all things that oppose our faith in Christ. We overcome through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony!
Rom 8:36-9:1 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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“Winners never quit and quitters become lazy!” Jan 24 2009
Text: Prov 24:30-34
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Slothful-Disinclined to work or exertion; lazy.
In this proverb we see that the first step to crop failure is laziness. It appears that the field is not prepared for cultivation. The field represents each of our lives. This field has nothing to offer. Only thorns and nettles. More than an empty field, but one filled with worthless thorns and nettles that represents a life without fruit unto God. Covered the face means there is a visible appearance of a wasted life. The broken down wall no longer resist outside forces. This field belongs to the slothful. Let us look at the possibilities of this life.
The first possibility is that there may not have been instruction in how one is to go about raising produce, or tending a vineyard because the man is void of understanding. We know that he is void of understanding because the Word of God said that he was. Another way we know he is without understanding is that he allows the thorns and nettles to remain. In the production of fruit or produce there is no place for thorns and nettles. The folding of the hands in the time when one must work brings poverty. So we see that laziness coupled with a void of understanding brings about a fruitless life.
The second possibility is that there is no preparation . We see thorns and nettles instead of a plowed field. A broken down wall that produced rocky soil that could not provide conditions of life, only good for weeds and thorns. Matt 13:18-22 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
The third possibility is that he may have done all of the things right up to the time when the thorns and nettles had to be removed. The ground was prepared, the seed was sown, and now there must be a cultivation of that which has been planted. Remember this is a lazy man. The thorns and nettles have taken over this field. The folding of the hands speaks of one not willing to work. It’s not good enough to make a good start in production of fruit but one must stay the course until the time of harvest. Maintaining the field is as necessary as the preparation.
The lesson learned here is that idleness and laziness brings poverty to the soul. We are instructed by the Word of the Lord to never give up. Gal 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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| Jan 6 2009
Satan having nothing in me? |
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TEXT: 1) John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
I. Satan is the prince of this world and had nothing in Jesus.
As Jesus is so are we. We are in the world , but not of the world. Satan hated Jesus so much that he killed Him. We are the body of Christ spiritually and Satan wants to destroy us because we belong to the Lord. If the Devil had nothing in Jesus, he should have nothing in us. What does it mean when the Word of God says, “Love not the World.”
a) 1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
II. The World
If we love the world the love of the father is not in us. It’s imperative that we understand how to be in the world, but not of the world. We are like the boat that is in the water. We are in the water but the water is not in the boat. You know what happens when the water gets into the boat. It sinks! In these verses the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The very thing that Satan used on Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he is using today. His tactics never change. As Apostle Paul says we should not be ignorant of Satan’s devices.
A. How can we insure ourselves that the Devil has nothing in us? a) By Separation 2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
B. What does God call His people when they don’t separate from the world? a) Spiritual fornicators James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
God even says that we become enemies of Him when we make friends with the world. When we don’t separate from the world, and embrace their lifestyle we become God’s enemies.
C. How can we know them that are of the world? a) They hear ministry that speaks of the world and embrace their lifestyle.
1 John 4:5-6 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
D. What are those worldly things? a) For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.
Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Among men- The world Highly esteemed - To regard with respect; prize. Abomination - Abhorrence; disgust.
What are the things that are highly esteemed among men of the world today? Would you say that Sports is a big thing among people today? Let’s look at a few of them ( in our minds). I’ll not mention any by name so that you’ll not be turn off. Do you follow the sports world? Would you say that sports is highly esteemed among the world? What category would you put sports in? The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life. Entertainment is big today. There are many areas of entertainment. The definition of entertainment is something that amuses, pleases, or diverts especially a performance or show. That would probably come under the lust of the eyes wouldn’t you say? Let’s look at Fashion, now that is a big part of the American way of life. Nearly everyone wants to be fashionable. Keeping up with the trends we say. Everyone would agree most likely that this is the pride of life. What about this diet thing? Is everyone wanting to be healthier or maybe look better in their clothes? To be really fashionable one must be thin and have on the up to date clothing. Money is a big deal and always has been. Everyone wants to be rich. One way people is trying to get rich is to play the lottery. Just lately I heard of some folks buying up foreign money in hope of it making them rich. Nearly everyone wants a big house, a fine car, trying to keep up with the proverbial Jones. In America that is the big dream. I’m sure there are other things that we could mention, but these are a few of the things that the world does. Nearly forty years ago when I got saved the preacher preached against a lot of the trends that we face today. The Bible said the time would come that they would not endure sound doctrine. The way of truth would be spoken against.
2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Let us ask ourselves, “Hath Satan got anything in me?”
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| Dec 20 2008 Moved! |
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Heb 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
In this passage Noah stands for every man and every woman that will hear the Gospel message. “By faith” is the means by which the message is received. “Being warned of God” and not of man are the watchwords for the ministry. Holy men still speak as the Holy Ghost moves upon them. “Moved with fear” is the crowning effect of the Gospel message. Moved for: A. Preparation - “Prepared an ark.” Amos 4:12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. a) How do we prepare? 1) Through Repentance Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and “do works” meet for repentance. B. Proliferation - “To the saving of his house.” a) By Faith Acts 11:14 “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved“. b) Acts 16:30-32 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. C. Profession - “Condemned the world.” a) By a good profession 1 Tim 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. D. Possession - “Became heir” of righteousness by faith. a) Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
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| Dec 7 2008 Father like son? |
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1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
You have heard the sayings, “Father like son”, or “The apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree.” This is true in the spiritual sense as well. 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. In the beginning of time when God made man, His purpose was that man would be like him. This image is the character as well as the form. Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion… When Adam fell in the garden this image was marred by sin. When Jesus came into the world and died for our sins that image was restored. What Jesus is we are. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. The last time I saw a vine the branches looked just like the vine. The branches have just what the vine has. We need to examine ourselves to see if the life of Jesus is like the life we are experiencing. Do we look like our Father? Our Brother? Do we have any family resemblance?
Char·ac·ter ( k²r“…k-t…r) n. 1. The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another. 2. A distinguishing feature or attribute, as of an individual, a group, or a category. a) Trait - A distinguishing feature, as of a person's character. b) Characteristic - A feature that helps to identify, tell apart, or describe recognizably; a distinguishing mark or trait. 1) My friend's characteristic laugh; 2) The stripes that are characteristic of the zebra. C) Features -The overall appearance of the face or its parts. Jesus’ character was marked by: 1) Patience - Marked by or exhibiting calm endurance of pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance. 2) Compassion-Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it 3) Love-To experience deep affection or intense desire for another. 4) Caring-Feeling and exhibiting concern and empathy for others: 5) Sharing-To participate in, use, enjoy, or experience jointly with others. 6) Faithfulness- Consistent with truth or actuality: a faithful reproduction of the portrait.
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| Nov 27 Joseph is a fruitful bough! |
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Text: Gen 49:22-24 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.”
I. Abraham the fruitful tree. A. Gen 12:1-3 “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Isa 51:1-2 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: a) For I called him alone, b) Blessed him. c) Increased him.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph. In Joseph birth his name meant to add or increase. Also at his birth his mother exclaims, “God hath taken away my reproach.” This is a prophetic utterance of Joseph life, that all of the toil and hardships would give way to the blessings of God. Jacob is soon to die. He has now seen his son Joseph who had been separated from the family for 13 years. Jacob had thought his son Joseph had been killed by some beast, but found out that his brothers had sold him into slavery. Joseph had become Prime Minister of Egypt and saved his father’s house and the known world from famine. Jacob was now in Egypt soon to die, but before his death he would bless his children: Gen 49:1 “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.”
II. Joseph the fruitful branch. Gen 49:22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: A. Joseph is a fruitful bough- bough ( bou) n. 1. A tree branch, especially a large or main branch.
Jacob pronounces a blessing of increase, “whose branches run over the wall.” Before the branches run over the wall there must be an encounter with the well. a. Fruitful branch -Capable of producing or supporting growth: John 15:1-2 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
B. Fruitful bough by a well. Out of this well came : a) Water of Jealousy- Num 5:12-19 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, neither she be taken with the manner; And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled: Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD: And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water: And the priest shall set the woman before the LORD, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse: And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:
In this lesson we see that jealousy is not always the proof of guilt. This is the green -eyed monster that got its hold on Joseph’s brothers. The archers (his brothers) sorely grieved him shot at him with the arrow of jealousy. They hated him and made him drink bitter water. Like the woman who had not gone aside to uncleanness was free from the curse, Joseph also was free from the curse of Jealousy.
Satan’s attempt to stop God’s plan was through jealousy. The plan was to destroy the Godly seed. Cain and Abel 1 John 3:11-12 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were
evil, and his brother's righteous. b) Water of Separation- Joseph separated from his brethren. Num 31:22-23 Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
When Joseph was seventeen he was sold as a slave, separated from his family. He had not been through the fire to be tested. Being laid in iron , iron had to be put into his soul. Ps 105:17-19 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
c) Water of purification.- What Joseph endured was a process of purification.
Dan 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
III. Joseph the tested branch Gen 49:23 “The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: The archers are Joseph’s brothers. Ps 64:3-4 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
IV. Joseph the enduring branch Gen. 49:24 “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
a) His bow abode in strength.. 1) His Bow-Speaks of his weapon 2) Abode- A dwelling place; a home. The place in which one resides: 3) In strength- Ps 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. EX.15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Joseph’s weapon resides in God. 2 Cor 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. b) The arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. Ps 37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. c) From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel: The messiah
From here comes the marvelous story of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The purposes of God cannot be thwarted. The lineage of our Lord was preserved through the faithfulness of Joseph.
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| Nov 14 2008 Moving Again? |
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Text: Rom 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Isa 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Gen 3:22-24 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim's, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
I. Having no more place in these parts! A) The Fold The lost sheep a) Luke 15:4-7 “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
B) The House The lost coin a) Luke 15:8-10 “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth“ . C) The Spiritual life The lost son a) Luke15:11-16 “And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
d) The Ministry 2 Tim 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
In the beginning of the text it reads, “But now!” A place in time which something is soon to change. In the text it says, “No more place in these parts.” We see the change from being in these parts and going to having no more place in these parts. There is no question in my mind that God has given HIS CREATION the ability to choose what direction they want to follow. A. Angels- In heaven Rev 12:7-9 “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
B. Earth- Garden of Eden Gen 3:23-4:1 “Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim's, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”
II. Having a place in these parts. a.) In Christ 1) John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 2) 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
b.) The Church 1 Cor 12:14-24 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
This is to remind us that we are to be cautious and diligent about the things of God. Yesterday’s blessings are no guarantee for tomorrows successes if we fail to follow the Lord’s commands. Your position in Christ can change as well as your life. Look at the lost condition of the prodigal son. When the son returns home to the father his lost condition changes. He is alive again. He moved back home! Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is “alive again;” he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. . The statement that he is “alive again,” says that he had previous life but had forfeited it through a disobedient life. In the garden of Eden Adam lost eternal life for all humanity because of his disobedience to the command of God. Through the obedience of Jesus Christ we have gotten back what Adam lost in the garden. Our position has changed from being dead to alive again. However this is only for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Adam was in a perfect setting and made the wrong choice. God does the same for us. We make the decision to follow God or not to follow. We are free moral agents and have this freedom to choose life or death. If we are to have life in Christ we must continue to follow the Word. At any time we have a choice to forsake or not to forsake the Lord. What a awesome responsibility God has given to each of us.
Deut 30:15-20 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them
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| Oct 27 Let’s make a Deal ? |
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We have a number of game shows today on television. They have the contestants making a deal with the host in order for them to stay in the game. One such game is “Deal or no Deal” which challenges the players in their decision making. In this game there is a lot of luck involved. They have a number of boxes to choose from. They are guessing and hoping they are choosing the right box. This game show involves the Host making deals with the contestants and encouraging them on to become big winners.
God is not like a game show host, saying, “Let’s make a deal.” He is saying, “This is the deal.” 1) Matt 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 2) Matt 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 3) Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 4) Matt 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Do you want to be a winner in your game of life? It’s your decision! In the Bible we read where there were men who didn’t like the deal Jesus presented and they walked away. They said, “No Deal.” John 6:66-68 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. Jesus did not mince any words about making some kind of deal in order for those disciples to stay with Him. To the twelve, Jesus said, “Will you also go away.” Peter said, “Lord to whom shall we go?” You have the Words to eternal Life. What a deal to have eternal life! Staying with the Word!
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| Oct 16th 2008 “Letters from Home” |
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While serving my country in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam war I looked forward to receiving mail from home. We would call America the other world. The best way for me to connect to home was reading my letters.
In my letters I always had that assurance I was loved, and that prayer was being made for my safe return . They helped me to realize that my stay in that country was only a temporary thing. While waiting on orders to go home there was a tour of duty to complete.
In the High Priestly prayer in the 17th chapter of the Letter or book of John we read where Jesus is praying for you and me: John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. John 17:15-16 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:20 0 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
While we are engaged in the battles for the Lord we must remember it is just for a little while. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” James 5:7. God has written and has assured us that after our tour of duty Christ Jesus will return and take us home.
John 14:2-4 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
If you are feeling a little home sick and want to be more connected to heaven just get out the Word of God and begin to read.. They are truly letters from home.
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| OCT 3rd “THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION” |
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1 Sam 17:4 “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.”
Goliath was a champion among his people for he truly was a giant of a man. Probably over nine feet tall. It is easy to become a prominent figure with this kind of Résumé: “And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.”
Let us look at the surrounding conditions and circumstances in the life of David. These same truths are to aid you in overcoming the giants in your life. We must be:
1) CHOSEN John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:…”
1 Sam 16:11-12 “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
2. Obedient. Ex 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
1 Sam 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
3) Courageous. Deut 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
1 Sam 17:32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
After we have received Christ into our lives and begin to walk in obedience, it will take courage to take up our cross and follow Jesus. That will require us to have:
4) Tested Faith. 1 Cor 3:13-15 “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”
1 Sam 17:34-36 And David said unto Saul, “Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him thy servant slew both the lion and the bear.” . 5) Now Faith. Heb 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
1 Sam 17:37 David said moreover, “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, “he will” deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”
6) Faith that works. James 2:20-22 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”
1 Sam 17:48-51 “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.”
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| Sept 25, 2008 Handicapped for a purpose! |
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I. Handicapped for a purpose. A) 2 Cor 12:7-9 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
In the life of God’s people there is given to each of us something that seems to be a thorn in our flesh. We must remember that God’s strength is perfected through weak vessels. That doesn’t mean that we must be sick or have ailments in our bodies in order for God to use us, however it does mean we never know what God is doing to bring about His purpose in our lives. Hand·i·cap ( h²n�d¶-k²p�) n. 1An unfavorable trait or circumstance.
In order for Paul to encourage others in this spiritual race God gave him a thorn to buffet him, ( a handicap) lest he become exalted and less dependant upon God. In the following scriptures we see that men of God are more bold to speak and carry the message of Christ when they witness the attitude toward difficulties in the life of the Apostle. Being in prison is an unlikely place for most of us to be in order to fulfill our purpose, but not for Apostle Paul.
a) The purpose: “Furtherance of the gospel.” Phil 1:12-14 “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Apostle Paul’s infirmities appears to be a handicap, however God views them as a opportunity to display His power through the weakness of a man. God’s power is released into the lives of those who have empty themselves of personal ambition. Matt 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
b) The purpose: “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Cor 1:26-29 “ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: “That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
II. Handicapped for a purpose! A. 2 Kings 5:1 “Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.”
Time will not allow me to tell you the disadvantages being a leper. This man’s greatness was eclipsed by this dreaded disease. Most likely excluded from social events, and other things that is associated with being a Captain in a Kings’ Army. In order to make God known to Naaman and his people, He uses a man of God to instruct Naaman to go and dip himself seven times in the river of Jordan. Naaman is healed. God used this Handicapped person in a prominent place to be a witness. The purpose is all about God and not about the handicapped. However I like what happens to the handicap when they obey God in fulfilling His plan:
2 Kings 5:14 “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
B. The purpose: “ To reveal the true God” 2 Kings 5:15 And he( Naaman) returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all earth but in Israel:”
III. Handicapped for a purpose! A. John 9:1-2 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
How is it when things go wrong in peoples lives whether it be sickness, trial, or unfortunate circumstances that men seem to think that someone has sinned. The Word of God is teaching us in this passage just the opposite of kind of thinking. This blind man was an instrument by which God would show His power. When bad things happen in our lives or in the lives of others let us not be to quick to judge. God will turn things around in his own time and His own way. Remember what God said, “weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning.”
B. The purpose: “To show God’s power.” John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
IV. Handicapped for a purpose! A. Mark 15:31 “Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.”
Jesus did not save Himself in order that we might be saved. He gave His life so we could have eternal life. In a sense He was handicapped. “ He saved others but Himself He could not save.”
2 Cor 5:21-6:1 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
B. The purpose: “To show God’s love.” John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Rom 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
IV. The ultimate purpose in Apostle Paul’s life. Acts 26:16-18 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for “this purpose”: 1) To make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 2) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 3) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, 4) From the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, 5) Inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
What are you experiencing in your life that seems to be overwhelming? Have you considered that maybe you have been handicapped for a purpose? A calling higher than yourself. Praise God for His marvelous grace! Rom 11:33 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
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Sept 19 2008 “Onesimus” |
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This Epistle reveals the heart of God in Apostle Paul’s mediation for Onesimus. Though we all have in some way left our duties as a servant and some have walked away as did Onesimus, God is hopeful and still reaching out to His wayward children.
Text: Philem. 1: 10-12 I beseech thee( mediation) for my son Onesimus, ( called by name) whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
A. Recognition- Called by name
Philem. 1: 10 I beseech thee( mediation) for my son Onesimus, ( called by name) whom I have begotten in my bonds:
a) Ex 33:17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. b) Luke 16:19-23 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom . B. Received- The Prodigal Son is going home. 1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
C. Reconciliation- A reestablishment of friendship was desired by Apostle Paul of Philemon and Onesimus. Paul was mediating on the behalf of Onesimus.
Philem 1:15-16 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
1) Rom 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
D. Redemption- Philemon is no longer looking at the offense of Onesimus. Paul says, “If he owes you anything put that on my account”. Apostle Paul is giving us the picture of Calvary where Christ Jesus paid our sin debt.
Philem 1:17-19 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Like Onesimus we all are in need of: a) Recognition: John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
b) Reception: Matt 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
c) Reconcilation: 2 Cor 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
d) Redemption: 1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
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| Sept 4 -2008 "The Endangered Species" |
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Endangered:1. Faced with the danger of extinction: an endangered species: an endangered culture To Subject to danger or destruction: endanger, imperil, jeopardize, menace, peril, risk Species : A group whose members share general characteristics: breed, class, genus, order, rank, kind, sort, persuasion.
Deut 19:15 15. One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth : at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
In the following passages or parables the Word of God is confirming a truth about the Church and its vulnerability to outside forces. In each parable we see the progression . Satan and his diabolical schemes are at work in the church.
(a) The first parable speaks of an enemy (Satan) sowing tares ( unsaved) among the good seed (righteous) (b) The second parable speaks of birds coming and lodging in the branches of the tree 1) Mark 4 :3-4 Hearken: Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the "fowls" of the air came and devoured it up.
Mark 4:15 And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown ; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
So we see that the fowls represent Satan coming and lodging in the branches.
c) The third parable speaks of leaven. What does leaven represent in the scriptures ? Luke 12:1 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all. Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
1 Cor. 5:6-8 6. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us?
8. Therefore let us keep the
feast, not with old leaven, neither with the
leaven of malice and wickedness: but with
the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
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