DEUTERONOMY Sermons – Mircheal Jones

Deuteronomy comes from the Greek words meaning “Second Law”. It is so called because the Law is re-given to the New Generation in this book. Much of the book is a Review of past events.

Deuteronomy was our Lord’s favorite book – it was the one He Quoted from when withstanding the temptation of Satan in Matt. 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1 13. It goes beyond the mere Technical telling of the Law and shows that the real Law must be written in the heart and obeyed from the Heart. Perhaps it can best be summarized by using 10:12 13, And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

I. THE PAST REVIEWED 1 3 God’s Commands and Their Failures

II. THE PRACTICES RESTATED 4 11 (The “Second Law”)

A) The Law restated and obedience emphasized 5 11

B) The Statutes 12 18

C) The Judgments 19 26

D) The Curses of disobedience and Blessings of obedience 27 30 (EVERY Person ought to read these verses)

III. MOSES’ FAREWELL TALK 31 34

A) A New Leader 31 (Joshua)

B) A New Song 32

C) A New Blessing 33 (for each of the Tribes) The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: 3:27

D) Moses sees the Promised Land and dies 34 (The Man whom God buried! What did he die of?? Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated 34:7).

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LOOK AT: 3:23 27 where Moses pleads to go over and God tells him to speak no more to me of this matter.

6:23 he brought us out… that he might bring us in

7:6 11 Why did God chose Israel?? 1) Love and 2) His promises to the Fathers.

9:4 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee.

28:15 68 The awfulness of the Curse of disobedience!! (Which was fulfilled word for word in later years as Israel disobeyed God.)

Deu 1:42 WHEN THE LORD ISN’T PRESENT

Antenna without water mixed into concrete mix fell when the wind hit.

NO VICTORY: And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies (Deu 1:42). They wandered in the Wilderness until death. NO HOPE.

REASON- Disbelief. They refused to believe God’s orders because some of the spies saw giants. Today people refuse to believe God’s Word because some scientist has a theory.

NO STRENGTH: Samson- And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him (Judg 16:20).

REASON: Laid in Lap of the World. No Waiting on the Lord to renew strength. Spend your strength on side issues.

NO SECURITY: Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (Psa 127:1). No eternal values

REASON: Self Sufficiency. Left first love.

The Church has never had so many accessories and so little victory! We have everything a person could want to enable them to do the work of the Lord; except the motivation to actually do the work.

We have more physical things today (Houses, land, etc) and yet no one seems to have Real Peace.

We have more time saving devices today than ever; and less time than ever.

For want of a nail the horse lost his shoe; for want of a horse the messenger failed to get through; for want of a messenger the army was defeated.

There was a time it was good the Lord wasn’t present: He is not here, He is Risen! NO MORE SACRIFICE NEEDED. Everything you need to be saved is available today; I can’t say that about tomorrow for when the Church is raptured the Holy Spirit will not work in the same way He works today to draw and convict people.

You need the Lord in your Life as Savior and as LORD. Repentance is turning from sin to the Savior to deal with your path and to begin again as a new creature. George Washington admitted cutting down the cherry tree but he didn’t go finish cutting the grove. An empty room picks up clutter; and an empty heart picks up sin.

Deut 03:28 THREE WAYS TO BUILD UP

Through the years I have noticed that the last 3 weeks in October are a time of depression and despondency for many people (Promoting demons, witches, and evil is not a good thing). Add to that an election where many people are basing their vote on hate and the despondence of a long drawn out pandemic and you get discouraged disillusioned people. Knowing this I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENCOURAGE 3 PEOPLE EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT 3 WEEKS. Be a difference maker to the depressed.

3 Ways God said to Build up Joshua for the daunting task before him (But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him Deut 3:28).

1. Charge Him: Show you believe in him by giving him a positive task.

2. Encourage Him: Encourage here means “To fasten to something solid”. Reassure him about things he can count on and depend on

3. Strengthen Him: Provide support and opportunities for rest and refreshment so he can develop mentally as well as physically.

Remember, you can do ANYTHING God calls you to do.

Deut 04:10 TURNING FEAR FROM A FOE INTO A FRIEND

A noted Christian Psychologist stated there are five underlying causes of frustration and stress in people’s lives today:1. Fear 2. Hate 3. Guilt 4. Inferiority complex 5. Insecurity

Part of the greatness of the Christian Message is that it has a remedy for each of these problems (and every other one as well)- Insecurity- II Tim 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Our God is called the Rock with good reason Inferiority Complex- God valued me enough to send His only son to die for me!! When I accept Christ I become a Child of God!! God will never put you into a position that He does not give you the Power to handle. Christians should be Humble, never inferior!

Guilt- Sins under the blood are forgiven, forgotten, and forsaken. Jesus “accepted” a woman caught in the very act of adultery, a woman with 5 husbands, a man so full of demons until he lived naked in a graveyard, and even “the chiefest of sinners”, Paul.

Hate- We normally hate people because we’re Jealous or rejected. As a Christian, we aren’t Jealous because we know that each person has a Place in the Body of Christ; therefore we accept our place and accept others in their place. And even though men may reject us we know that God never does; and God’s love overwhelms man’s hate. And finally there is FEAR. Let’s look at this emotion a little closer and find how to turn it from STRESS into SUCCESS.

There are many reasons we fear:

1. Our Situation:

a. Danger- The Children of Isreal were trapped at the Red sea with the enemy behind and the water before them. God’s command to them, (Ex 14:13) Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,… God turned the Victims into Victors

b. Death- Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; Even a walk in the “dark” is not scary when your father holds your hand!!

2. Our Enemies- Ps 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? The sad truth about this is that many times our fear is more in our minds than in reality- Ps 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: (See also Ps 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. See also Heb 13:6)

But God has told us to neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; (Isaiah 8:12 14); and that’s the way to turn Fear from STRESS TO SUCCESS. When we stop fearing man or situations Fear turns from a FOE TO A FRIEND:

1. To keep us from sin- Prov 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

2. To keep our Priorities right- Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

3. To Motivate us- 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…

ARE YOU AT REST IN THE ROCK? OR ARE THE TIDES OF TIME POUNDING YOU UPON THE ROCKS OF LIFE AND WEARING YOU DOWN? FIND THE PEACE YOU LONG FOR BY ACCEPTING CHRIST AS SAVIOUR

Deut 06:4-5 THE GREATEST SIN

Marcy’s ministry- To look for lights that were not burning! Jesus’ favorite book in the Bible was Deuteronomy. He quoted from it more than from all other books combined.

First 5 books of the Bible- the Pentateuch display a condensed version of the entire Bible:

Genesis- Ruin by sin
Exodus- Redemption by blood and the power of God
Leviticus- Communion based on atonement (Holiness)
Numbers- Guidance and provision by God
Deuteronomy- Directions as we head toward our Destination

Deuteronomy means “second Law”. It is the repeating of God’s Law just before the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land. The bedrock statement of this repeating of the Law is Deut 6:4-5. From this statement Jesus answers the question about what is the “Greatest Commandment”. Logic would say that the “greatest sin” would be breaking the “greatest commandment”.

What is the Greatest Sin?

(Deuteronomy 6:4 5) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

(Mark 12:29 30) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

“Our God” is elohenu is the plural of Elohim (Meaning our gods).

“One” is in the collective sense meaning compound unity- “one cluster of grapes”

God is not One God with Jesus as a secondary son. Nor is God many gods all over the world. God is One Godhead in three persons and He is to be worshiped with all our Heart.

Notice the Three areas we are to Love God: (Jesus was tempted 3 times at the beginning of His ministry in this reverse order- Physical food (might), cast off temple to show pride (soul), worship me for the world (heart).

1) Heart- The Spiritual part of you- The driving force of your life. The controlling factor of your being.

2) Soul- The emotional part of you. Your worry, your fear, your pride. Your covetousness.

3) Might- The physical abilities God has given you. Your talk, your walk, your talents.

What is the Greatest Sin? To give your love (your devotion, your energy, your resources, your life) to someone or something other than God. Put Him first and everything else will fall into place.

Deut 06:13-15 THE ANGER OF GOD

This has been a very difficult week for many of you. I wanted to speak about the Comfort and Care of God. Instead, He led me to talk about His anger. Don’t make the same mistake I made when I first heard the subject. I thought it must be about OUR anger as it concerns God. Anger that a loved one died, that our property was stolen, that circumstances in our life that were very very important to us were beyond our control. All of these things are true but they are not the purpose of this message.

This is a message about the anger of GOD. It is about the Reasons for His anger and the Results of His anger. It is not your normal Sunday Morning theme. It is not about how much God loves you, or about how you can live a victorious life, or how to be the best parent in the world. This message is not about how God can make us feel good; it is about how we need to see that God has feelings also, and we need to be careful how we tamper with those feelings.

This is one of those sermons you won’t hear on Oprah, Montel, or Jenny Jones. A sermon like this would throw their worldly philosophy completely out of kelter because all they know about God is that He is a God of Love. This allows them to believe that God only wants what THEY think is best and beneficial. It would blow their mind to realize that God can become extremely angry when people disregard His laws or disrespect His person.

I fear this philosophy has filtered over to God’s People, also. That is why today I want us to examine afresh the Anger of God; and make sure we do that provoke that anger!!

The Abnormality of His Anger- (Psa 103:8) The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (A recent panel on TV talked about the flood coming because God had a “Temper Tantrum”. God never loses control of His anger to the place that it violates the other parts of His being- Even in anger, God is still a God of Love and Righteousness)

The Extent of His Anger- (Psa 90:11) Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. When God’s Anger is unleased it is is awesome. I don’t want to face that anger!

I. THE REASONS FOR GOD’S ANGER:

A) If you afflict the helpless- (Exo 22:21-24) Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. {22} Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. {23} If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; {24} And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

B) If you turn away from God and begin serving other gods- (Exo 32:8-10) They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. {9} And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: {10} Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

C) When we COMPLAIN about God’s:

1) PLAN- (Num 11:1) And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. Wouldn’t you become angry if you freed someone from slavery, promised them a homeland, and destroyed all their enemies and then all you heard each day was complaints about the way you were leading them. Do YOU give God Praise or complaints??

2) PROVISION- (Num 11:4-10) And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? {5} We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: {6} But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. {7} And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color thereof as the color of bdellium. {8} And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. {9} And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. {10} Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

How unthankful we have become for the great Blessings of the Lord. How His anger must brew as we take His goodness for granted and complain about the most trifle of matters.

3) PROPHET- (Num 12:1-10) And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. {2} And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. {3} (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) {4} And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. {5} And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. {6} And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. {7} My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. {8} With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? {9} And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. {10} And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

4) PROMISE- (Num 14:1-11) And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. {2} And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! {3} And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? {4} And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. {5} Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. {6} And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: {7} And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. {8} If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. {9} Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. {10} But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. {11} And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?

When we fail in our faith to claim our Blessings from God it must make Him feel like we would feel if our children jumped up and down on their Christmas presents and destroyed them without even opening them.

D) When we allow LUST to control us- (Num 25:1-4) And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. {2} And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. {3} And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. {4} And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.

E) When we Disobey God’s Instructions- (Josh 7:1) But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.

F) When we Turn away from Fellowship with God- (1 Ki 11:9) And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

G) When we give ourselves over to ungodliness- (Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

(Eph 5:3-6) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; {4} Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. {5} For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. {6} Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

H) When we refuse to Repent- (Rom 2:5) But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

II. THE RESULTS OF HIS ANGER

A) Loss of Blessings- (Josh 23:16) When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

B) Captivity- (Judg 3:8) Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.

C) Judgement- (Rev 14:10-11) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: {11} And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (Rev 15:1) And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

THE FREQUENCY OF HIS ANGER- (Psa 7:11) God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. When God becomes angry it is not a passing cloud. EVERY Day you stay in sin causes the anger of God to rest upon you.

HOW CAN WE AVOID THE ANGER OF GOD?

1) Repent of the Sin that brings God’s Anger- (Jer 36:5-7) And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD: {6} Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. {7} It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

2) Turn away from the world’s influence and values- (Jer 51:44-45) And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall. {45} My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

HAVE YOU SINNED? DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE UNDER THE ANGER OF GOD? THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU. GOD IS WILLING TO STILL HIS ANGER AND SHOW HIS LOVE. COME TO HIM IN REPENTANCE AND FAITH TODAY- (Psa 78:38) But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

Deut 06:18 DOING WHAT IS GOOD IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

(Deu 6:18) And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,

HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT ARE GOOD IN THE SIGHT OF GOD:

WALKING BEFORE GOD IN TRUTH AND WITH A PERFECT HEART: (2 Ki 20:3) I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
MAKING A STAND FOR GOD: (1 Chr 19:13) Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.
USING YOUR GOD GIVEN ABILITIES CORRECTLY:(Eccl 2:26) For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
DOING IT GOD’S WAY:(Mat 11:25-26) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. {26} Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
LIVING IN PEACE AND PROSPERITY: (1 Tim 2:1-4) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; {2} For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; {4} Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
HIS CREATION FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY: (Gen 1:31) And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

SOME THINGS ARE BAD IN THE SIGHT OF GOD:

DISREGARDING GOD’S PLAN AND DIRECTIONS: (Jer 18:9-10) And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; {10} If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
WHEN WE PROMOTE EVIL: (Mal 2:17) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

IF YOU WANT TO BE GOOD IN THE SIGHT OF GOD THEN LET JESUS SAVE YOU AND THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD YOU: (Heb 13:21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Deut 10:12 WHAT WE OWE GOD2

Deu 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

I. RESPECT(Reverential Fear)-Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Maybe one reason so many people are missing Heaven is because they aren’t afraid enough of Hell! Teach People the word of God so they will fear God- Deu 31:12-13 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

II. TRUST- Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Faith to Accept Christ

Faith to accept God’s Plan for Your Life.

III. LOVE-Mat 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

IV. SERVICE-John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

V. THANKS- Psa 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. If the heart is not thankful soon the life will be sinful-Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Are you paying your debts to God?? Let Him pay YOUR debt of Sin today by believing in the shed Blood of Christ.

Deut 10:12 13 RAISING A GENERATION FOR GOD

Deut 10:12 13 And now, Isreal, what doth the the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statues, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Enclosed in these Verses are FOUR THINGS that we MUST pass to the next Generation if they are to remain true to God- 1) RESPECT for God, 2) FAITHFULNESS to God’s Word and Work, 3) LOVE for God, and 4) DEDICATED DETERMINATION to Serve God.

I. RESPECT (FEAR) for God- Ecc 12:13 Fear God, and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

A) What “Fear” of God does FOR us:

1. Brings us to Fellowship- Ps 25:12 The Secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.

2. Protects us- Ps 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delievereth them.

3. Allows our Prayers to be answered- Ps 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him

4. Lengthens our days- Prov 10:27 The Fear of the Lord prolongeth days.

B) What “Fear” of God does IN us-

1. Makes us LIVE right- II Cor 7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Prov 16:6 By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2. Makes us ACT right- Ep 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to the other in the fear of God.

C) How do you learn Fear? Deut 4:10 The Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me. We see how God had dealt with Sin and sinners in the past and it brings fear to us.

II. FAITHFULNESS “To walk in all His ways”- Continually doing what God tells you to do”. The Lord is not pleased with spotty Church attendance, hit or miss tithes, and lukewarm saints. Why should the Lord be so strict as to require Faithfulness? Why do men expect their wives to give up all their boyfriends when they marry? Far too many people are CONTENT instead of being COMMITTED

III. LOVE- He doesn’t ask for wealth or ability but for our LOVE!!!

A) The first Commandment- Mk 12:30 Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.

B) The “Acid test” of Christianity- Jn 14:15 If you love me keep my commandments. (When Peter “backslide” Jesus asked him, “Lovest thou me more than these?”. When the Ephesian Church backslide Christ told them, “Thou hast left thy first Love”)

C) Iniquity cools our Love- Because Iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.

D) The basis of our Fellowship with God- I Jn 4:16 God is Love. Jn 14:23 If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

IV. DETERMINATION- “To serve the Lord with ALL thy heart and to keep the commandments of the Lord.” I call it “Flint-Faced” Is 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Paul said it this way (Phil 3:13 14) This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

James said that the double minded man is unstable in all his ways. God is looking for people who find out where God is going, get in step with Him and then keep on going regardless of what comes their way.

DO YOU MEET GOD’S REQUIREMENTS?????? Do you Fear the Lord?? Are you Faithful in serving Him?? Do you Love Him above all? Have you settled it in your heart that you will do what God wants you to do??

Deut 10:12 13 What Does God Require of You?

Many people don’t know where they’re going so they don’t know how to get there!! It’s time we nailed down some issues in our lives- and the main thing we need to know is WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF US? Moses gave the children of Israel 4 Requirements.

I. FEAR- (Probably the last thing you’d think of but Solomon said in Ecc 12:13 Fear God, and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.). This means a REVERENTIAL RESPECT for God. It is not HORROR but Reverence. (I’d never call my dad, Talmadge).

A) What “Fear” of God does FOR us:

1. Brings us to Fellowship- Ps 25:12 The Secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.

2. Protects us- Ps 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delievereth them.

3. Allows our Prayers to be answered- Ps 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him

4. Lengthens our days- Prov 10:27 The Fear of the Lord prolongeth days.

B) What “Fear” of God does IN us:

1. Makes us LIVE right- II Cor 7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Prov 16:6 By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2. Makes us ACT right- Ep 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to the other in the fear of God.

[Remember that Israel is God’s wife and the Church is the Bride of Christ]. Why should an employer expect you to show up every day and work for him instead of the competitor? [Remember that Christ purchased our Salvation with His own Blood. The Blessings of Life come from God. Is it any wonder he expects you to serve Him faithfully??]. Far too many people are CONTENT instead of being COMMITTED.

III. LOVE- Not Television “Mush” but affection and commitment. [He doesn’t ask for wealth or ability but for our LOVE!!!]

A) The first Commandment- Mk 12:30 Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.

B) The “Acid test” of Christianity- Jn 14:15 If you love me keep my commandments. (When Peter “backslide” Jesus asked him, “Lovest thou me more than these?”. When the Ephesian Church backslide Christ told them, “Thou hast left thy first Love”)

C) Iniquity cools our Love- Because Iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.

IV. DETERMINATION- “To serve the Lord with ALL thy heart and to keep the commandments of the Lord.” Isaiah called it “Flint-Faced” Is 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Paul called it the “One Thing” (Phil 3:13 14) This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

James said that the double minded man is unstable in all his ways. God is looking for people who find out where God is going, get in step with Him, and then keep on going regardless of what comes their way.

Deut 10:12 13 What Does God Require of You?

Deut 10:12 13 And now, Israel, what doth the the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statues, which I command thee this day for thy good?

The star athlete had all the skills necessary to play the game but his grades were not good enough and he had to sit on the sidelines. He didn’t meet the requirements necessary to play. In much the same way today many people are “sitting on the sideline” instead of enjoying the Abundant Life of A Christian because they don’t meet God’s Requirements. Saddest of all is that many don’t even know what these requirements are–Reverence, Faithfulness, Love, and Dedication [These are the Requirements to Maintain and build a Relationship with God (They also work in marriages!). That relationship can only begin if you have repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior]

I. FEAR- (Probably the last thing you’d think of but Solomon said in Ecc 12:13 Fear God, and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man). This means a REVERENTIAL RESPECT for God. It is not HORROR but HONOR; not FRIGHTENED but FOLLOWING

A) What “Fear” of God does FOR us:

1. Brings us to Fellowship- Ps 25:12 The Secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him. This Respect allows us to have that Special Friendship with God- John 15:14 15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth now what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

2. Protects us- Ps 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

3. Allows our Prayers to be answered- Ps 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him.

4. Lengthens our days- Prov 10:27 The Fear of the Lord prolongeth days. Adds Days and makes more Abundant

B) What “Fear” of God does IN us-

1. Makes us LIVE right- II Cor 7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Prov 16:6 By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2. Makes us ACT right- Ep 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to the other in the fear of God.

C) How do you LEARN Fear? Deut 4:10 The Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me. We see how God had dealt with Sin and sinners in the past and it brings fear to us.

DO YOU REVERENCE GOD?? It’s proved in your Worship, in your Words, and in your Wealth (compare your W 2 to your tithe!!).

III. LOVE- Not Television “Mush” but affection and commitment. [He doesn’t ask for wealth or ability but for our LOVE!!!]

A) The first Commandment- Mk 12:30 Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.

C) Iniquity cools our Love- Matt 24:12 Because Iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.

D) The basis of our Fellowship with God- Jn 14:23 If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Men sit beside roads, cold and tired, waiting for an opportunity to maybe shoot a deer. Women spend hours in a Mall, tired and frustrated, hoping to find a new dress or pair of shoes. They do so because they WANT to. Compare this to your service for God.

IV. DETERMINATION- “To serve the Lord with ALL thy heart and to keep the commandments of the Lord.” I called it “Flint-Faced” because of Is 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Paul called it the “One Thing” (Phil 3:13 14) This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

THE EXAMPLE OF DEUTERONOMY: Deuteronomy means “Second Law” and was given just before Isreal entered into the Promised Land. It emphasizes the heart and gives Israel the motive for serving God. No wonder Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy more than any other book.

1. Why did God Chose Iseael? Deut 4:37 Because he loved your fathers, therefore he chose their descendants after him. Deut 7:7-8 The Lord did not set His love on you nor chose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples; but because the Lord loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers…

2. What is Isreal’s Confession of Faith? Deut 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

3. What does God require of His people? Deut 10:12 And now, Isreal, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deut 10:12 WHAT WE OWE GOD

I. RESPECT-Psa 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Maybe one reason so many people are missing Heaven is because they aren’t afraid enough of Hell! Teach People the word of God so they will fear God- Deu 31:12-13 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

II. TRUST- Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Faith to accept God’s Plan for Your Life.

IV. SERVICE-John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

V. THANKS- Psa 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. If the heart is not thankful soon the life will be sinful-Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

VI. TITHE- Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD.

Mal 3:10 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.

Are you paying your debts to God?? Let Him pay YOUR debt of Sin today by believing in the shed Blood of Christ.

VII. OUR BODY- (Rom 12:1-2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Deut 23:21THE COST OF BROKEN PROMISES

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee (Deuteronomy 23:21).

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).

Some Broken Promises make people angry- being late. Some Broken Promises cause people anguish- Affairs, Alcohol.

I. THE COST OF DISREGARDING GOD’S COVENANT WORD: And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country (Joshua 6:26-27).

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun (1 Kings 16:34).

II. THE COST OF DISOBEYING GOD’S COVENANT WORD: But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel (Joshua 7:1).

A) Cost to those around you- And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water (Joshua 7:5).

B) Cost to God’s Honor- O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? (Joshua 7:8-9).

C) Cost to your Family- And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones (Joshua 7:24-25).

Other Cost to broken Covenants- 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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:8-11)

Deut 26:11 REASONS TO REJOICE-

And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you (Deu 26:11).

THE RULES OF REJOICING- 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 (Rom 8:28). To Rejoice in the bad outside of the “rules” is crazy! How Can we KNOW? (1) Personal Experience (2) God’s Character

THE RESULTS OF REJOICING-

1. God Enjoys- But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel (Psa 22:3).

2. A Witness is Given- And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).

3. Rejoicing helps our Health- Prov 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Everyone knows that depression and worry sap our strength and make us more likely to become ill. Rejoicing, on the other hand, gives us the energy we need to withstand the stresses of life.

4. Rejoicing helps our Looks- Prov 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. What a difference it makes when you have a smile on your face and joy on your lips. Even a “plain person” is suddenly transformed when the light of a smile comes bursting through. And you ladies will be glad to know that smiling develops less wrinkles on your face than frowning!

5. Rejoicing helps our attitude- Prov 15:15 He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. You know how it is. I complained about the color of my shoes until I met a man with no feet. What a difference it makes in your attitude when you learn to be thankful for what you have instead of grumbling about what you want.

So Rejoice this Thanksgiving. God deserves all the thanks and honor you can give Him; and you’ll be surprised at what it does for YOU.

THE REASONS TO REJOICE:

1. THE FACT THAT GOD REIGNS- Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth (1 Chr 16:31).

HE IS A DEFENSE: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee (Psa 5:11).

HE IS A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE: The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked (Psa 58:10).

2. WHEN REVIVAL COMES: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psa 85:6).

3. IN ANOTHER DAY TO SERVE THE LORD: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psa 118:24).

4. IN THE WORD OF GOD: I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (Psa 119:162).

5. IN A HAPPY HOME: A GOOD WIFE- Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth (Prov 5:18). FOR GOOD CHILDREN- The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him (Prov 23:24).

6. PERSECUTION FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE- Rejoice , and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Mat 5:12). 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. (1 Pet 4:13).

Christians in the early Church took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance (Heb 10:34).

7. LOST SHEEP COMING HOME- 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 (Luke 15:6).

8. CHRIST BEING PROCLAIMED- What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice (Phil 1:18).

9. IN FAITH IN CHRIST- Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Pet 1:8).

10. SALVATION- Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD (1 Chr 16:10).

Deut 28:2 FUTURE BLESSINGS

Thank God for what He has done. Thank God for what He is doing. And Thank God for what He is going to do- The Best is yet to be.

Thank God for Future PROSPERITY- Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalms 1:1-6).
Bill Gold, a writer for the “Washington Post”, said, “I think that one of the things I’m most grateful for on Thanksgiving Day is that, when the Lord was deciding who would need help at this season and who would be in a position to give help, He permitted me to be among those who can give.” Itis not what is in your pocket that makes you Thankful, but what is in your heart.
Thank God for Future PLANS- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Thank God for Future PARDON- And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. (Jeremiah 33:8).
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19).
Thank God for Future PLACE- 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. (John 14:2-3).

And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 28:2).

Deut 29:9 COVENANT CONDITIONS

(Deuteronomy 29:9) Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

There are 3 areas of conflict in life- Relationships, Finances, and Self Needs. (Family, Finances, Feelings). God has provided Guidelines to deal with each area.

1) Service Covenant- Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. EVERY Christian has a gift from God. If every member does their job then the work of God functions correctly.

2) Stewardship Covenant-Mal 3:7-12- The Covenant of financial faithfulness. St John Church, Grace Church, Danny B. All illustrations of how God honors those who tithe.

Principles:

YOUR Prosperity: When you tithe people and pastors can pray for your prosperity. (Psalms 35:27) Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

God’s Work PROGRESS: Tithe and pay the Family Life payments. Then you can double your dollars when you give to the Building fund and everything is applied to the principle. Then you can pave parking, remodel, become a center of Bible Training.

3) Salvation Covenant-.

A) God is Able to Save anyone who will CALL upon Him- (Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved

B) God is Able to Keep anyone who remains in Christ: (Hebrews 7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

What if a ball player made a score after time ran out. Would not count because of RULES.

Deut 30:19 FINDING THE FUTURE

The phone call woke me from a sound sleep at two AM. My sister-in-law and her daughter were returning from our home in South Carolina to their home in Maine and she had made a wrong turn in Washington, DC. Her panicky plea was for immediate directions about what she should do. I had to gently cut through her frantic fear and tell her I could not tell her where to go until I knew exactly where she was now! After several calming moments she was able to see a sign telling her what road she was on; the rest was simply directing her from where she was to where she needed to be.

Life has a way of doing that to us. Everything seems to be going smoothly until we accidently make a wrong turn or wrong decision and suddenly we feel lost and afraid. Amazingly, it is often those moments when we must find our way that define our future.

Sometimes we FEAR the future and we needs someone to assure us that we are on the right road- Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged (Deuteronomy 1:21)

Sometimes we FANTASIZE the future and refuse to accept the work and effort needed to build a life. Unwilling to face reality we try to live in a dream world or a drug or drink world- Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil (Proverbs 4:23-27) Some good advice is to stand back and examine where the road is going before you Rush In without counting the cost- Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore (Joshua 3:4).

But Successful people FACE THE FUTURE by realizing where they are at and determining to get where they need to be- 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: (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The most important mission of any church is to preach the gospel so that people can come to Know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and then Show Jesus Christ in their changed life as they Grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

Sinners must see the Need of coming to God: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Sinners must Desire to come to God: 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: (John 1:12).

Sinners must realize the urgency of Coming to God NOW: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up 2 Peter 3:10.

If you are on the wrong road find out where it is going and get on the right road – or you may end up in a destination you do not desire!

Deut 30:19 CHOOSE LIFE OVER LIVING

This morning we are baptizing over 20 at the Pond in India. Pray for God to protect and guide them as they grow. Bikes are $75, Motorbikes are $1500, and Churches are $50,000.

Man meets bear. Bear offers to compromise by telling man that man wants a fur coat and the bear wants a meal. Finally they both get what they want- the bear leaves with a full stomach and the man leaves with a fur coat. You must decide if you will BE a fur coat or if you will WEAR a fur coat.

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: (Deuteronomy 30:19). “Thy seed” Generational Choice- March 19^th and after.

Life has ORIGIN: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1).
1. God has a plan FOR Life- Adam born without man or woman. Eve born with Man but no woman. Jesus born with woman but no man. Rest of us born with man and woman (Not man and man or woman and woman).
2. God has a Plan WITH Life- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11). God never intended for us to be living without a life- Jesus said we were to have “Abundant Life”
Life has OBSTACLES: Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. (Job 14:1). All can be traced back to Sin in our life. Sin is missing the mark of God’s will for your life or failing to bring Glory to God with your life.
1. Human troubles
2. People troubles
3. Satan troubles
Life has OPPORTUNITIES: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ (Ephesians 4:7). God is up to something. I am not here for nothing.

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

Life has an END: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).

Story of Two Dukes of Belgium. One brother fought and defeated the other. He build a room around the defeated brother and told him that when he lost enough weight to get out of the open door then the kingdom would be returned to him. He died in the room.

Choosing not to choose is making a choice

Deut 31:6 COURAGE TO COMMIT

Key Verse: 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 (Deuteronomy 31:6).

THREE QUESTIONS:

What do you WANT from God today? “What would you have me do?” It is difficult to get where you are going if you do not know where you are at. Example- I want God to “bless” my family. Here is how to make that come true.
1. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22).
2. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25).
3. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right (Ephesians 6:1).
What do you NEED from God today? “Have not because ask not” Satisfied Saints seldom see anything spectacular from God but Desperate Damsels touch the hem of His garment and find long awaited healing.
What do you EXPECT from God today? “According to your faith so be it.” You cannot get where you are going if you stay where you are. Commitment to go forward by faith.

It takes COURAGE AND COMMITMENT to win battles. Amazingly, many soldiers show up but never take part in Battles. A large portion of soldiers either do not fire their weapon {Over 15% of soldiers were found to still have their safety engaged after a battle. They were pulling the trigger but never realized they were not firing their weapon} or deliberately fire over the head of the enemy (Statistics say nearly 50,000 bullets were fired for each listed enemy death in Viet Nam).

Statistics show that during aerial dog fights 10% of the pilots shot down all the planes that were shot down.

Christians are called to be people of courage. People who engage in battle instead of simply observe it. Once you determine your destination embrace the journey. Commit to doing what you need to do in order to get where you need to be. Failing to do your duty only delays reaching your destination.

We need courage that comes from knowing God will not fail us or forsake us to conquer our fear:

When Giants need to be slain- And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:32).
When Fire needs to be faced- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (Daniel 3:16-18).
When a Righteous Stand needs to be taken- Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
When doing your duty demands sacrifice- Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13).

Courage is not brashness or cockiness. Courage is conviction to do what needs to be done; a time when faith overcomes fear.

Deut 32:31 THE ROCK

(Deu 32:31) For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

(Deu 32:37) And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,

This is Moses’ farewell speech. He was 120 years old and about to die. He wanted the Children of Israel to know about the foundation of his life.

When you face God, will what you depend on be stable?

A) Job- Work on earth has ceased

B) Money- No Value in Heaven

C) Family- Son or daughter condemn you on that day

D) Social- Prestige doesn’t impress God

F) Education- Wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

Rocks were used to

A) Establish Memorials- Joshua/Jordan

B) Separate from Dead- Jesus Tomb, Angels roll away (God expects those who serve Him to separate from the “dead”)

C) Kill Giants- David

D) Provide Refreshment- Moses in Desert ((1 Cor 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

E) Provide Refuge- Matt 7, TV Tower, Cotton Tail hid in rock

F) Conclude Judgment- Stoning

Are you building on the Rock or on the Sand? (Acts 4:11 12) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. IS JESUS THE ROCK OF YOUR WORLD?

I. WRONG ROCKS: Their Rock is not as our rock (Wild Goose Chase that ended in Quicksand, sinking without a foundation)

a. Religion is not a Stable Rock (Which one?- 400,000 gods in India)

b. Righteousness is not a Stable Rock- God sees as “Filthy Rags” (Is 64:6)

c. Riches are not a Stable Rock- Cannot pay your way out of Death or Judgment

d. Relatives are not a Stable Rock- Must give account for self

e. Resolve is not a Stable Rock- They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away (Luke 8:13).

II. RIGHT ROCK: (From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I Psalms 61:2).

a. Stable Salvation is founded on Jesus as your Rock- 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 (Matthew 7:24-25).

b. Spiritual Church is built on Jesus as the Rock- 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 (Matthew 16:18).

c. Satisfaction is found in Jesus as the Rock-

i. Honey out of the Rock: He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee (Psalms 81:16).

ii. Water out of the Rock: 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; (Deuteronomy 8:15).

d. Security from Life Problems and Death’s Fears are found in Jesus as the Rock – And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:2). (Jack Rabbits Run but Cotton Tails find safety and refuge under the Rock.

You can come to the Rock or you can continue to rebel and join the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: (Revelation 6:15-16).

Deut 32:9 PORTIONS

Portion is a word used to mean “My Part”

For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance (Deu 32:9). I’m what the Lord wants!!

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot (Psa 16:5). He determines my place in life- Ministries, talents, etc.

Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words (Psa 119:57). MOTIVATING PORTION- If you love me keep my commandments.

I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living (Psa 142:5). SATISFYING PORTION- Bread of Life.

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him (Lam 3:24). ANTICIPATED PORTION- See Him face to face whom so long I have known heart to heart.