ISAIAH Sermons – Mircheal Jones

The broadening of Isaiah’s Vision in the first half of the Book is amazing He began by looking at the hypocritical cold hearts of individual men of Judah and goes to the nation’s sins (1 6). Then he deals with “Kin” Israel and her confederacy with Syria against Assyria (7 12). He then shows the futility of trusting in other nations by showing how one after the other would fall (13 23). This leads him to pronounce Judgment on all nations while at the same time holding forth the Promise of God restoring Israel (24 27). He ends this part by rebuking the people for trusting in an alliance with Egypt in the light of the fact that God has shown them they should cease trusting in men and place their trust in God. (28 35).

The Historical interlude of Hezekiah vividly illustrates this point (36 39). Hezekiah was faced with an overwhelming enemy with no one to turn to because he had sought to turn to Egypt for help and Egypt had been defeated. But when he turned to God in prayer the enemy was destroyed and turned back by the Power of God. Yet even with this, Hezekiah shows all his treasures to the messengers from Babylon who would eventually conquer Judah for these treasures.

All of this to show Israel that their God was indeed the GOD OF ALL GODS and He ruled, not just in Israel, but in all the world!!

The second half of the Book is divided into 3 different parts: 1) The PLAN of PEACE (Restoration by Cyrus) (40 48); 2) The PRINCE of PEACE Messiah revealed (49 57); and 3) the PROGRAM of PEACE the Millennial Kingdom (58 66).

The first section deals with the fact that Israel should not lose hope because God has not forsaken her simply chastised her. He will yet deliver her (because He alone is God and other gods cannot prevent Him!!) and “wean” her from the sin of idol worship (Amazingly true. Before captivity Israel seemed drawn to Idols in spite of all God did but after captivity it was never a national problem again). Seeing themselves delivered by a man God had called by name 150 years before his time (Cyrus Is. 44:24 45:4) and seeing Prophecy after Prophecy fulfilled had the effect of convincing Israel that God was the only God. And that is God’s primary requirement of any nation or person Thou shalt have no other gods before me and shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and soul.

God then tells about the Prince of Peace The long sought Messiah who would provide an offering for sin and righteously rule the nation as they worshipped God. This was the great hope of Israel a King to lead them back to their place of glory as God’s chosen people. But they could not understand that God’s plan called for Messiah to come TWICE once as the suffering Saviour and the second time as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Even the Prophets misunderstood this I Pet 1:10 12 and Ep 3:3 6). They wondered how he could be a Suffering Servant and yet claim the throne of David in a new empire. Not understanding, they eventually began to ignore the suffering and look only for a great leader that would set up the Kingdom on Earth immediately. This is why Christ was rejected: He didn’t meet the people’s expectations (Even though He did fulfill the Bible Prophecy).

The final part deals with God’s Program of Peace The Millennial Kingdom set up with people who realize that God sees the HEART and therefore forsakes the “form of religion” for that that is in “Spirit and Truth”. Chapter 64 is Isaiah’s great prayer for God to come and set up his Kingdom and chapters 65 and 66 are God’s answer a New Heaven and a new Earth, New Hearts, and judgement upon the wicked who refuse to follow God.

No wonder Isaiah is often called the “Fifth Gospel”. It reaches out as no other Old Testament Book to show that God’s plan of Salvation is for ALL the world and not just for Israel.

Isa 000 ISAIAH BACKGROUND

Isaiah was apparently from a good family, since he had access to the palaces of several kings. His name means “The salvation of Jehovah”. He showed more about the coming Christ than any of the other Prophets. The message of Isaiah can be summed up in one verse, (1:2) “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me”.

I. THE PUBLIC PREACHING ABOUT SINS 1 35 (During the reigns of Uzziah, Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah 1:1)

A) Sermons about the Sins of Judah Ending with Isaiah’s Vision 1 6

B) Sermons about the confederacy of Israel with Assyria highlighted by promises of the coming Messiah. 7 12

C) Burdens of Judgment on other nations 13 23

D) Songs of Judgment and Promises 24 27

E) The Six “Woes” against people’s sins 28 35

Historical Interlude (Showing what God could have done if Israel would have only been obedient). Hezekiah the Example:

1. His victory over Assyria by prayer 36 37

2. His sickness and Healing 38

3. He shows his wealth to Babylon 39

II. THE PRIVATE WRITINGS ABOUT THE SAVIOR 40 66 (During the reign of Manasseh when he probably was unable to speak in public. Manasseh was one of the most ungodly Kings ever and tradition says he had Isaiah killed by being sawn asunder (cp Heb 11:37)).

A) The Purpose of Peace 40 48 Comfort ye my People

B) The Prince of Peace 49 57 Christ the Suffering Saviour

C) The Program of Peace 58 66 Cry aloud against Sin as you prepare the way for the coming Kingdom.

ISAIAH’S TWO SONS: Their names symbolically illustrate the two main messages of Isaiah’s ministry: Shear hashub means “a remnant shall return” and ties in with the second part of Isaiah’s Prophecy; the return of the remnant from Babylon. Maher shalal hash baz means “Speed to the spoil, haste to the prey” and parallels chapter 1 39; the defeat of Assyria.

It has been suggested that Isaiah’s book is a “Bible in miniature”. It’s 66 chapters are divided into two parts; 39 chapters in the first part (OT) and 27 in the second part (NT). Like the OT, the first 39 chapters emphasize judgment; while the last 27 emphasize mercy and comfort like the NT.

The thing that makes God sick (Rev 3:16) and Tired (Is 1:13 14) is lukewarm worship. Sin makes Him angry but this breaks His heart

Isa 01:19 CHOOSING TO REBEL

There is a principle that even a Child knows: Disobedience brings disaster (Pain, “I told you you’d get hurt if you did that” and Punishment, “Spankings”) and Obedience brings Blessings (Hugs, extra Privileges, and Rewards). This same principle is used by the Lord-

Is 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the Sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (P799-800)

But while all of us know the benefits of Obeying, we find it hard to always obey as we should. We find ourselves choosing to Rebel instead of Choosing to obey. This is one of the biggest hindrances to our Christen life; and to people becoming Christians.

There are several reasons we don’t Obey:

1. DISTRACTION: Something comes along that turns us away from our task (Husbands are notorious about this. Wife tells him to carry off papers. On shelf beside papers finds wrench he’d lost, goes to car to tighten bolt, then checks oil, etc. 3 hours later wife has to gently and with a very loving spirit (!) remind him of his original task).

2. DELAY: We put off doing what we are supposed to do and either forget or get so involved with what we’re doing until we don’t feel like accomplishing our task (“I’ll wash the dishes after this program goes off”. “I’m so sleepy, can I wash the dishes tomorrow”). [Do you have any idea of how many people each year die and go to Hell because they put off Salvation til “Tomorrow” or Christians put off witnessing til later!].

3. DISCERNMENT: We fail to UNDERSTAND the Purpose of the Order (Why do I have to do this silly science project, I’m going to marry some rich man and the only science I’ll need is the ability to distinguish between gold and silver credit cards!) [In the Spiritual life we have to learn to accept God’s Commands by Faith; even when we don’t understand].

We fail to COMMUNICATE- “I know you told me you wanted dish detergent; not hair spray”. Many people fail to obey God because they don’t take time to listen to His still small voice (And if God has to “holler” at you, He knows how to get your attention!!).

4. DEFIANCE: We “WILL” not do what we’re told to do. We must grasp the fact that the basis of Obedience is YIELDING THE WILL- Jn 6:38 For I am come from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

A) Some hide Defiance behind Education: Ever learning but never doing anything. Some people won’t do Anything until they know Everything which means they’ll do Nothing! (More people are won by new converts who don’t know much about the Bible than by “Scholars” who know Theology but never tell the Good News).

B) Some hide Defiance behind Emotion: Obedience is tied to how we feel. These are the people who determine to be good Teachers, singers, or workers when they go thru a good emotional time but then can’t be counted on when their down cycle comes along.

C) Some hide Defiance behind Substitutes:

1> Sacrifice for Obedience- I Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. I won’t teach a class, God, but I’ll work hard at my job so I can give you 10% of the bonus I’ll get.

2> Words for Obedience- Matt 21:28-31 One son said he would go but he didn’t. We try to hide behind our words but God sees our Hearts; and our actions!!

3> Excuses for Obedience- Matt 25:14-30 vs 25 I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: We fear Failure and Public Opinion and so we blame our lack of Ability; or God’s lack of Provision! instead of trusting in the Power and Presence of God.

WHAT CAN YOU DO??

1> Pray for God’s Help in Obeying- Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure God will give the Strength you need for any task He assigns you.

2> Make obeying God’s Will the most important desire in your life- Jn 4:34 My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. Realize that we are obeying God and the results have eternal consequences.

3> Don’t give in to feeling; learn to walk by Faith.

If you will Abide you must Obey! Are you a Disobedient Disciple or a Submitted Servant?? Commit your Will and your Works to God today.

IS THIS YOUR COMMITMENT?

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

Real service is what I desire;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord-

But don’t ask me to sing in the choir.

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,

I like to see things come to pass:

But don’t ask me to teach girls and boys, dear Lord

I’d rather just stay in my class.

I’ll do what you want me to do, dear Lord,

I yearn for the Kingdom to thrive;

I’ll give you my nickels and dimes, Dear Lord–

But please don’t ask me to tithe.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

I’ll say what you want me to say; BUT

I’m busy just now with myself, dear Lord–

I’ll help you some other day.

Isa 05:1-7 WHAT MORE COULD BE DONE

The Lord has blessed America and given us all that anyone could ask for but we have corrupted and defiled the blessings of God and, like Israel, God is preparing to bring judgment upon us.

I. THE VINEYARD

a) Its Location: A very fruitful hill (abundant resources and blessings).

b) The Labor:

1> He fenced it- That made it special (Set apart)

2> He gathered out the stones (Obstacles removed)

3> He planted it with the choicest vine (Best He could offer- His Son)

4> He built a tower and winepress in it (Expectation of great harvest)

c) The Looking: Wild grapes instead of the great expectations for harvest (Wild grapes look similar (Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity Matthew 23:28) but are bitter and good for nothing). Not fruitless but bad fruited!

And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47).

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? (Luke 13:7).

II. THE VEXATION- What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? (Isaiah 5:4).

a) Loss of Blessings- I will take away the hedge thereof and it shall be eaten up (Earn money to put into a bag with holes)

b) Loss of Protection- Break down the walls thereof and it shall be trodden down.

c) Loss of Divine Oversight- And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it (Isaiah 5:6).

d) Loss of God’s Favor- It shall become the home of briers and thorns:

1> Thorn of Punishment: Ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you (Judges 2:2-3). (Captivity and confusion)

2> Thorn of Pride: 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 (2 Corinthians 12:7).

3> Thorn of Personal Failure: And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19).

e) Loss of Reputation: No more “showers of Blessings” which causes sorrow and sinner reproach My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? (Psalms 42:3). As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? (Psalms 42:10).

YOU be the judge of the fruit of your vineyard. Just remember For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:7-8). Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4).

Isa 05:20 STANDARDS

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isa 5:20)

The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct, and conduct is determined by values. You may call these values by many names- “ethics”, “Morality”, and “Integrity” come to mind, but this much is clear: Values make us who we are- General Norman Schwarzkopf – March 1998

Satan is not fighting Churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition- Vance Havner

STANDARDS Newspaper Article

A man and his girlfriend decided to have a picnic. They stopped at a local fast food chicken location and purchased a box of chicken and fixings to carry with them. When they arrived at a park and opened their box of chicken they found their box was full of money instead of chicken! The manager of the store had put his daily deposits in the box to take to the bank and one of the clerks had given it to this man by mistake.

The man told his girlfriend that he had to take the money back and so they drove back to the chicken store. When the manager saw the money and realized that this man had acted with such honesty he was overwhelmed. He told the man that he had never seen anything like this in his life and he wanted everyone to see this shining example of Integrity so he was going to call the local TV station and ask them to send out a news crew.

The man who had returned the money quickly exclaimed, “Please don’t do that. You see, that is my girlfriend with me and my wife might see the broadcast!”

Isn’t it amazing that a man who will murder another man at the drop of a hat would never consider hurting a kitten? Or how about Drug dealers who will sell a nine year old into the horrible slavery of drug addiction without a second thought but would think you beyond contempt if you forget your mother’s birthday? It all depends on a man’s “standards” of morality.

The word “standard” has a variety of meanings. A standard is a flag representing a nation to which soldiers rally in time of battle. A standard is a fixed unit that is used to measure all other units. And a standard is a type of conduct expected of everyone within a certain area or school of thought.

Maybe the reason the Church is losing the battle over morals in society today is because we have forgotten our standards. Someone needs to raise a flag of righteousness to which we all can rally. Someone needs to exemplify Integrity so boldly until everyone will want to use their conduct as a standard in the community. And someone needs to declare that if society is not going to slip into the bottomless abyss of moral anarchy then certain standards of conduct and civility must be observed.

Someone must; maybe, just maybe, that someone is you.

Isa 06:1 8 Holy Worship of God (IChron 16:23 29 Ps 29:2)

Worship is the highest, most essential act or calling of an individual or Church. Worship is not programs or activities; it is not measured in terms of achievement (We measure in terms of doing, making, enlarging)

We like to focus on ourselves- Is 2:8 Their land is full of idols: they worship the works of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

Worship is focusing on God- involves seeing, hearing, and humbly responding to Him.

1. The Atmosphere of Worship

a. Outward atmosphere- King Uzziah died

b. Inward atmosphere- I saw the Lord

2. The Acts of Worship

a. Exultation of God’s Attributes (Who He is, What He does)

b. Confession to Him- real worship brings us to realize how unworthy we are.

c. Forgiveness from God

3. The Effects of Worship

a. Heard voice of god

b. Worked for God

Isa 06:1-8 ISAIAH’S THREE VISIONS

The Visions of Isaiah

A word of Confession- Woe

A word of Cleansing- Lo

A Word of Commission- Go

Vision of Height- He saw the Lord high and lifted up

Vision of Depth- He saw the recesses of his own heart

Vision of Breadth- He saw the world

Vision of Holiness- A holy God

Vision of Hellishness- I am undone

Vison of Hopelessness- “who will go for us?”

A. UPWARD VISION (He saw the Lord)

1. Sovereignty (the throne) verse 21

2. Worship (Seraphims)

3. His glory verse 3

4. A moving (Door posts) verse 4

B. INWARD VISION (He saw Himself) verse 5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 6:5).

1. Realize his failure

2. Realized his sin

3. Realized wrong associations

C. OUTWARD VISION (He saw People) verse 8

1. Needs of others

2. People going to hell

3. He would be used

GOD’S INVITATION- Is 1:18-20

An Invitation to Reason

An Invitation to Redemption

An Invitation to a Rich Reward

Do YOU have a vision of God’s call on your life? Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Isa 07:11-14 WEARYING GOD

Almost everyone I meet right now is hot, tired, and longing for a vacation {People are hindered in life by Foes, Fears, Finances, Family<If Satan cannot defeat you then he will attempt to defeat someone whose defeat will defeat you>, Foolishness, and Fatigue< Satan will mash the brake or gas to get you to stop or go so hard until you are “weary in well doing”}. Talking with someone the other day I commented, “At least God doesn’t get tired”. Later that night when I was reading my daily scriptures I came across a passage that made me revise my thinking.

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:11-14).

1) God is Weary of people IGNORING HIS INSTRUCTIONS- about marriage, money, and morality.

About Life: God has a PLAN for every PERSON- Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalms 16:11). (And you can be confident that God’s Path is the best Path to walk-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 has a Plan for every PERSONALITY- Some girls are “Tomboys” while others are pure “Princess”. Some boys are Jocks while others are Nerds. But all of us WERE CREATED THE WAY GOD WANTED US TO BE CREATED AND WE ARE ON DANGEROUS GROUND WHEN WE TELL GOD HE MADE A MISTAKE IN THE WAY HE CREATED US- Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? (Romans 9:20-21).

2) God is Weary with People PLAYING CHURCH- Isa 1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. Danger place to be is – in the way of God, out of the will of God, or sitting on the wealth of God.

3) God is Weary with People PLAYING AT REPENTING- Jer 15:6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

A) Because of What Continuing in Sin does to GOD- Isa 43:24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. Our Sinfulness LIMITS GOD- Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 78:41). Grieve the Holy Spirit or Quench the Holy Spirit makes the Spirit work ON us instead of THROUGH us!

B) Because of what Continuing in Sin does to SOCIETY- 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?

God wants to turn His Weariness into a Wonder. Jesus was sometimes weary as a man- 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 (John 4:6). Resting from His weariness led to the Salvation of the Samaritan Woman- Waiting at the well while the Disciples went into town for supplies a woman came for regular water and left with living water. He talked to her about her prejudice, her marriage, and her religious beliefs. She became a believer and a witness and led a town sweeping revival.

Do you Weary God or Worship God? Don’t let God’s Weariness develop into God’s Wrath.

Devotional Article for March 29,1990 WEARYING GOD

Almost everyone I meet right now has a bad case of “Spring Fever”; they’re tired, sleepy, and/or their noses is running! Talking with someone about this the other day I commented, “At least God doesn’t get tired”. Later that night when I was reading my daily scriptures I came across a passage that said that God did get Weary sometimes and I had to revise my thinking.

I knew that Jesus was sometimes weary as a man- in fact, one of those times it led to the Salvation of the Samaritan Woman. He was resting at the well while the Disciples went into town for supplies and this woman came for water. He talked to her about her prejudice, her marriage, and her religious beliefs and she finally became a believer and a witness.

But what could make an all powerful God Weary?? The Bible lists 4 major things that weary God- (1) Playing Church, (2) Disregarding His Word, (3) Continuing in our Sin, and (4) Pretending to Repent. All 4 revolve around one common theme; Using God instead of Loving God.

Do you Weary God or Worship God? Don’t let God’s Weariness develop into God’s Wrath.

Remember that God remembers your work and what you have done. Never forget that God does not forget the effort and energy you put in for His work and His glory: For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:10-12).

Isa 08:9-14 A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM

Already the sun was being blotted out as anxious eyes watched the build up of the clouds of God’s Wrath on the Horizon. Everyone was wondering what they should do; when the Prophet of God came through with a crystal clear message.

I. THE FEAR vs 9-13

A) Wrong ways to Handle Fear

1> Associate Yourselves- “I’ll be alright as long as there is a crowd with me”. THE CROWD IS GOING TO HELL!

2> Gird Yourselves- Arm yourselves. Do the Best you can (When the death angel visited Egypt it was not the best armed but the “Blood Applied” that survived).

3> Take Counsel Together- Let’s discuss it and whatever we decide well be alright (God is “Chairman of the Board”. His WORD IS FINAL). Remember also that God has made foolish the wisdom of this world.

God says we are not to walk in the way of this people for THEY DON’T KNOW WHERE THEY’RE GOING; and if the blind lead the blind….

B) Things God tells us not to Fear:

1> The Storms of Life- And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

2> The Death of a Loved One- As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe (Mark 5:36).

3> That God won’t supply your needs- Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).

4> What Man can do to us- So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Heb 13:6).

5> Your Own Death- And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage ( Heb 2:15). 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 (Psa 23:4).

6> Other People’s Fear- Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid (Isa 8:12).

The reason we shouldn’t fear is that the LORD IS WITH US.

C) Things we are to Fear:

1> Fear God- But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him (Luke 12:5). Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil (Prov 3:7).

2> Fear being Left Out- Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it (Heb 4:1-2).

I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh (Prov 1:26).

II. THE SANCTUARY

A) To Those who Fear God vs 13 This means we are aware of the wages of sin, the fact that we can’t save ourselves, and have cast ourselves on the mercy of God. Forgiven thru the shed blood of Christ, we seek to glorify God thru our life, actions, and attitudes (Which is what “Sanctify the Lord of Hosts means”- Setting apart God for special worship).

B) A Sacred and Indestructible asylum

1> Provision- He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.

2> Protection- Matt 16:18 The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (Safe at Home!).

3> Promises- Deut 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. (Who does a man cry to in the hour of Death??).

My anchor holds and grips the solid rock.

Isa 10:18 LIFT UP A BANNER

Isaiah 10:18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth

Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

What is a Banner? A rallying point; a declaration as to who we are. (Flag, license plate, etc.). We live in a day and age when we need to let the world know EXACTLY where we stand. Compromise only brings confusion. We need to lift high our BANNER so people will know who we are and what we represent and then we need to call them to make a clear stand with us .

The Bible raises 4 Banners for us to rally to:

1. SALVATION- Ps 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: The Lord fulfil all thy petitions.

A) Born Again by Faith in Christ we become new creatures thru the power of the Holy Spirit now living within.

B) Not a new Religion but a New Life. We need to let people clearly see that it is not our sincerity but our Saviour, not our feelings but our Faith.

THIS AFFECTS OUR HEART AND ALLOWS US TO APPROACH GOD IN PRAYER.

2. TRUTH- Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee; that it may be displayed because of the Truth. Selah

THE BIBLE IS THE TRUTH.

A) Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God

B) Bible is our sure guide to life- Shows us how to live

C) Bible is our “Guard” against Temptation- Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth

3. LOVE- Song of Solomon 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. We rejoice in God because of His LOVE for us. It’s like a big banner “Saved by Grace”

A) God IS Love

B) God Shows Love on the CROSS

C) God Gives Love

4. JUDGMENT Isaiah 13:2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand that they may go into the gates of the nobles. (Like the roman Emperor showed he had the power of life and death in the way he pointed his thumb.)

A) Wages of sin is death

B) All must face Judgment

C) Straight and narrow way to life; broad road to destruction.

Isa 24:10-12 WHY JOY IS DARKENED AND MIRTH IS GONE

The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in. There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone. In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction. (Isaiah 24:10-12)

Sometimes it is important to consider the consequences of our conduct- “It is not economical to go to bed early to save money on candles if the result is twins!” When our conduct puts our Joy in the dark and steals our Mirth then we need to find out where we went wrong and do whatever it takes to correct the problem.

“Confusion in the City” was the reason the Joy was darkened and the Mirth was gone. Confusion and Chaos always darken Joy and drive away Mirth.

THE REASONS FOR CONFUSION:

Communication Problems- Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. (Genesis 11:9). The word “Babel” here is used for Confusion and shows how confusion causes people to separate one from another.
Acts 19:22-32 shows how communication problems bring confusion. Note vs 32- Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. (Acts 19:32)
Control Needs (Envy /Jealousy) bring Confusion- For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:16).
Conflict (Strife) brings Confusion- See James 3:16. The word “Strife” is from a Greek word meaning “Fractions” and refers to the fact that people who are supposed to be one are now divided into separate camps; each eying the other suspiciously.

THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION:

Confusion is not from God: For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33). In fact, God’s command for Christian Activities is Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Confusion comes from Satan: 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. (Revelation 12:10). The kingdom of God comes when Satan’s accusations are cast out!

THE CURE FOR CONFUSION- How to bring Joy out of the dark and restore mirth. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; (Dan 9:8-9)

You will always be in confusion and chaos until you are in a right relationship with God. This right relationship will turn on the Light of the Lord and bring Joy to your soul and Mirth to your Life.

Isa 26:1-8 (7) WEIGHING THE WAY

The word “Weigh” comes from a word meaning to “Level” or to “Balance”. It come from the fact that the first method of weights men used were based on balancing a known weight on one side against an unknown weight on the other.

Normally we think of weighing merchandise or people but the Bible says God weighs other things:

ACTIONS- Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Sam 2:3). God looks at what we DO as well as what we SAY. Do you just TALK Christianity or do you WALK Right??

GRIEF- Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! (Job 6:2). We don’t have an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; For He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)

God knows your situation as well as your sadness and HE CARES!

SPIRIT- All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits (Prov 16:2). The Lord looks at our heart as well as our head. You may be able to justify what you do in your mind but deep in your heart you know it’s wrong; AND SO DOES GOD.

That’s what we do when we “weigh out a decision”. And the most important decision you’ll ever make is your decision to Trust Christ as Savior. Let’s look at what God says about that decision, weigh it out, and see if it’s “on the level”.

I. PERFECT PROTECTION- (vs 1) In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Our Walls are God’s Salvation- I’m in God’s hand and no man can pluck me out. Jesus paid the Price for my sins and I rest in HIS finished work.

II. PERFECT PLACE PREPARED- (vs 2) Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. The Gate is Open so you can get in! Only the Righteous can enter, however. No Sin there to hinder or hurt.

III. PERFECT PEACE- (vs 3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Absolutely sure that God will do right so circumstances can’t defeat us.

IV. PERFECT PROVISION- (vs 4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: God can be trusted in youth and in old age; in sickness and in health; in poverty and in wealth.

V. PERFECT PUNISHMENT- (vs 5-6) For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy. The proud and rebellious are brought down; no one gets by with anything here.

VI.PERFECT PATH- (vs 7) The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. God directs our way so He is able to consider the circumstances we encounter. He knows our weaknesses and our strengths as he guides us along life’s journey.

VII. PERFECT PRAYER- (vs 8) Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. The Desire of our soul is the Lord!! We crave Him in our hearts so we can serve Him in our lives. Things won’t balance until Jesus is on your side of the scales!

Isa 28:20 SHORT SHEETS

Isaiah 28:20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it; and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

One of the “negatives” about the wonderful fact of marriage is when your wife (or husband) pulls the cover off of you in the middle of the night and you are awake enough to be miserable and too asleep to get enough cover! This is about what Isaiah was writing about in this scripture. You’re supposed to be resting comfortable but instead you are cramped or cold. The preacher has preached to come unto Jesus and “find rest for your soul” but sickness, circumstances, or sin have invaded your life and, like the constant aggravation of a rock in your shoe; discomfort, disease, or discouragement have caused you to question God’s Plan or Purpose.

I want us today to look at some situations that seemed like the “Sheet was too short” and yet see how God was still in control and able to bring Triumph out of Tragedy. And then I want to apply these principles to everyday situations and learn to rest confidently and completely on God.

Let me begin with a simple object lesson- It is approximately 24 inches around my head (How can so much brains be contained in such a small space!!!). If my math is correct, that’s about 7 inches from front to back. I can take a piece of paper 3 inches by 6 inches and cut a hole in it that will enable me to put it completely over my head and pass down to my shoulders. It appears to be impossible but if the hole is cut correctly it can be done. In the same way, many times it appears that situations in life can’t possible be worked out but God has a way!

1. When you’re “boxed in”- The Children of Israel were led by God into a situation where mountains were on 2 sides of them, the Red Sea was before them, and Pharaoh’s army was behind them (Exodus 14:). The “sheet” was too short for the situation! The Children of Israel had no way out–but God did!! God provided a way for the people to go forward, and in doing so they not only escaped but also led their enemy into destruction. ANSWER- Go Forward in Faith

2. When you’re surrounded- When Elisha’s servant came out one morning he found the city surrounded by a vast army (II Kings 6:). He was terrified until Elisha opened his eyes and he could see the army of angels between them and the enemy. The “Bed was too narrow”! but God opened the eyes of the Servant and closed the eyes of the enemy and 1 preacher was able to conquer an entire army!.

ANSWER- Look in Faith and see things the way God does.

3. When your resources aren’t sufficient- 5000 men to feed with only 2 fishes and 5 loaves and not enough money in the bank to buy any more (John 6:1-13). Every time you pull the “Sheet” up to your chin your toes get cold and if you cover your toes your chest freezes! Your Outgo always seems to be more than your Income. You plug one leak and look behind to see 3 more that have opened up.

The ANSWER was 3-fold:

1. Organization- “Make the men sit down” in groups of 50 or 100 (Mk 6:40). Break a “big” problem into manageable parts.

2. Prayer- “When he had given thanks”. Human effort is only going to move the “sheet” from one place to another; you need Divine Guidance

3. Work in Faith- “he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down”. I can almost see the disciples distributing to that first group of 50 and wondering what they would do when they went back to Christ; and doing that over and over!!

Is your Sheet too short?? God has a “sheet-stretcher” that will work in your situation and circumstances. Look for HIS ANSWER today.

Isa 30:15 CONFIDENT CHRISTIANS

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not (Isaiah 30:15).

The most important information you will ever learn is why Christ came to earth:

1) Jesus came to SHOW US GOD– (John 14:9) “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;” God is no longer a principle we study, or a religion we practice. He is a person we know and love. Jesus showed that God is concerned about our food, our feelings, and our family. He showed that God is more concerned with people than with projects; and, by seeing how God would treat people, we learned how we should live.

2) Jesus came to DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL– (1 John 3:8) “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Jesus has the power to set sin’s captives free and to defeat Satan’s attacks on God’s people.

3) Jesus came to SAVE SINNERS– (1 Tim 1:15) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Jesus did not come just to show us how to be better; He came so we could be born again. He announced that nothing we could do would pay sin’s debt; and then He paid it for us!

4) Jesus came to ABOLISH DEATH: (2 Tim 1:10) “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” Death can no longer dominate me; it is simply a door to be with God.

People in the world are under constant stress and pressure and they are looking for something that is stable and secure. They need to see Christians who are Confident of God’s Care and Compassion.

Here are three reasons Christians can face the chaos and confusion of life with confidence:

1) Because of WHO IS WITH US: We have the Lord on our side and He is able to handle anything that comes our way: Ps 27:1,3 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? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

2) Because of WHO IS IN US: The Holy Spirit lives within us to enable us to be more than conquerors: (2 Cor 5:5-6) Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident,

3) Because of WHO FIGHTS FOR US: We have God’s promise that He will give us the ability to deal with anything life throws at us: (Phil 1:6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Never Leave or Forsake us

Confident Christians trust God during life’s storms even when the “boat is now full and Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat!” [And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:37-40)].

Isa 36:- SATAN’S PROPAGANDA

We are beginning a study of some of the methods Satan uses to distract and Attack People. It’s important that we understand what the enemy is trying to do so that we can withstand his attacks.

In this message God allows us to see how Satan attacks a godly king by using Propaganda instead of Power; and is so doing, allows us to see the most common method of attack on Christians today {Remember that Jesus had to defeat Satan with his mind before he could begin preaching His message!}.

We’ll begin be noticing some important things about Propaganda and then we’ll see how it can be defeated.

1. Propaganda is Powerful– Recent events in China, Advertisements, and the destructive power of Gossip all demonstrate this. That’s because YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK Prov 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Success or Failure ON THE FLESHLY LEVEL depends most times on your mental attitude. Note the effect on Eve– Satan took a simple fact {God has given you everything in the world except one tree} and brainwashed Eve into believing that God was keeping everything from her!

2. Propaganda is Primary– Satan had to change Eve’s mind before he could change her. What you believe determines what you do. That’s why Paul admonished the Corinthians (II Cor 10:4‑5) The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high things that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

3. Propaganda is Perilous– Prov 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” is a nice nursery rhyme but makes for poor living. Tell someone a lie long enough and often enough and they’ll begin to believe it– Put an official stamp on that lie and it will be believed almost immediately– Put it in print and no one will even question it!!

4. Propaganda’s Purpose– There are almost as many purposes for Propaganda as there is Propaganda but the PRIMARY PURPOSE for all Propaganda is To destroy Confident vs 4. Once I destroy your Confidence it’s easy to capture your “castle”. When you lose confidence in the Church (Why do you think Satan causes so many of them to split?), in the Pastor (Why do you think there are so many fallen Ministers now?), or in the Bible (Why do you think There are so many different Translations today?) then it won’t be long before you’ll be come a lukewarm or backslidden Christian.

Note the reasons Satan said “Don’t be confident”:

A) Your “Friends” will turn on you vs 6

B) You’ve failed to be perfect with God so don’t depend on Him vs 7

C) Your Strength is too feeble to even be considered vs 8

D) God is against you vs 10

E) Don’t trust your Leaders vs 14-15

F) Satisfy the Flesh now without worrying about the future vs 16-17

G) Look at the others who have tried and failed vs 19-20

See God’s Answer:

1. Don’t argue with the Devil vs 21 Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Faith has to accept the fact that sometimes God’s ways cannot be explained – Isaiah 55:8‑9 My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

2. Join with others for strength vs 22 Two are better than one. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name he is in the midst.

Get IN and INVOLVED in a local Bible Believing Church where you and your family will be exposed to Truth instead of Error.

3. Pray about the Propaganda 37:1 God many times waits on us to tell Him what the Problem is before He provides the solution. (This helps us recognize the Propaganda much easier the next time).

4. Rest in God’s Protection- 37:36 Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. And then the king who had boasted so against God’s people was killed by his own sons as he worshiped a false god!!

Has Satan been Playing “mind games” with you?? Defeat him in the power of the Truth of God.

And Here’s the Truth— THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU NOT BEING SAVED OR COMMITTED TO GOD. Satan’s lie is that:

1. You can’t make it- You can’t but it’s CHRIST that saves you!!

2. You won’t enjoy it- You receive an Abundant life knowing that if you die you go to Heaven and if you live God will care for you!!

3. There’s too many Hypocrites in the Church- Better to worship with them in the Church that be tormented with them in Hell!!

4. Maybe Tomorrow would be a better day- Today is the day of Salvation; Tomorrow may be too late!!

Isa 38:- SATAN’S POWER

Not only is Satan an “angel of Light” but he is also a “roaring Lion” set for destruction. If he can’t get you with his lies then he will try to destroy your body. Hezekiah had withstood Satan’s Propaganda War but now the attack was on his body; and even the preacher had given up hope! (vs 1).

Some people think they can withstand anything Satan sends their way but they “sing a different song” when the “fiery darts” begin to fly. Let’s use the example of Hezekiah to see How Satan attacks and then to see how Hezekiah overcame his attack.

Satan uses many methods to attack our body:

1. Physical Affliction- Hezekiah’s sickness, Job’s disease, Paul’s thorn in the flesh…

NOTE- This is called Oppression -Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with Power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.

A) Some Sickness is the result of Sin- NOT ALL sickness is the result of Sin; but when it is, and the sin is confessed and forsaken, then I believe God can and will heal. James 5:14-16 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 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.

B) Some sickness is to glorify God- Man born blind (John 9:1-3), Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (II Cor 12:7-9).

C) Some Sickness is the result of being Human- All die!

We have no indication that Hezekiah’s sickness was anything other than “normal” sickness but we need to be examine any afflictions we have and determine if we need to Confess Sin, Praise God, or Accept it.

His attack on our mind is many times thru Depression. While this is a “mind game” it will effect the body also- ulcers, temperament, etc.

A Discouraged mind makes a dragging body!

He also uses OBSESSION- An overwhelming desire to fulfil a desire of the Flesh:

A) Sexual desires thru Lust, Looseness, or Lewdness.

Teens must be taught the value of Education, Dedication, and Consecration. They have to Stop striking matches in gasoline tanks! They must realize that dirty books make dirty minds and eventually dirty bodies.

Adults must realize the Bible teachings about Consistence, Consent, and Companionship (See especially I Corinth 7:1-5)

B) Worldly Desires- An overwhelming desire to be accepted by the world. An overwhelming desire to achieve Financial greatness

Satan uses his Power To Control your Body thru Pain, Pressure, or Pleasure. You must learn to Recognize his influence and resist it.

2. Persecution- Another method that Satan uses is to get someone he controls to destroy others. Satan would like to destroy every Christian alive because we are God’s source of Proclaiming the Gospel– Remember he tried to get Jesus to commit Suicide by jumping off the temple when he began His ministry. Also remember that, while God has miracleously delivered some from persecution, multitudes of others have died a Martyr’s death.

Remember that Peter described Satan as a “Roaring Lion” seeking whom he may DEVOUR.

The Key is this- If you’re thrown in a pit with a Lion to die a martyr’s death then rejoice that God counted you worthy of such honor; but DON’T TRY TO MAKE A HOUSE PET OF A ROARING LION!!

What should we do when we are faced with Satan’s attack on our body:

1. Go to God Is 38:2

2. Look for physical means for God to use 38:21

3. Get a promise from God to hold on to 38:7-8

4. Publicly Praise God 38:9-20

Satan is not God (Thank God!) but he does have tremendous power and he is well versed in using that power. Christians need to recognize the fact that he will try to use your body to doom your soul and present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE (Rom 12:1).

Sinners need to recognize that Satan has so occupied them with pampering their body until they forget that the body will die but the soul will live for ever in the torments of hell!!

Isa 40:28-31 Fainting

We’re living in a day when Churches are failing and Christians are struggling (Christians seem to be faint and weak instead of Conquering and Continuing). Let’s determine the problem and correct it.

I. THE CAUSES OF FAINTING:

A) Trouble Prov 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (Do you joy in tribulation or tremble at trials??)

B) Sin Clogged Arteries Is 1:4 5 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the lord, they have provoked the holy one of israel unto anger, they are gone away backward; why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (The “Cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things” enter in and slowly choke you until you are unable to work for “fainting”).

C) Lack of Nourishment Matt 15:32 I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. (How much Spiritual Nourishment have YOU had today? No wonder you feel faint!!)

D) Absence from God’s House Ps 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (Evidently some people have “fainted” in the “wilderness of the world” and need someone to bring them back to God’s House where they can be revived!)

E) Lack of Assurance of Salvation Ps 119:81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. (You faint without Faith. If you’ve never trusted Christ you haven’t fainted you’re dead!! If you have accepted Christ by Faith then you must live by Faith.)

II. THE RESULTS OF FAINTING:

A) Loss of Blessings Esau sold his birthright because he was “faint” (Gen 25:29 34). Present Problems overcame Future Promises and his “dizziness” brought disaster. The children of Israel had the same problem; they were at the door of the Promised Land but their Faith was Faint and they died in the desert.

B) Failure to Harvest Fruit Gal 6:9 Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. We don’t have Patience and Perseverance and others are lost as a result. (Ever notice how one person Fainting affects everyone in the room?? It applies in Churches also!!!)

III. WAYS TO AVOID FAINTING:

A) Believe God Ps 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the lord in the land of the living. (Renewal of Faith in God is like a cup of cold water to a fainting soul)

B) Remember God Jonah 2:7 When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the lord. (When all seemed lost, God wasn’t!!!)

C) Pray Ps 107:5 6 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Lu 18:1 Men ought always to pray and not to faint.

D) Realize how important the Job is II Cor 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. (The Position and the Pay won’t keep me going but the plight of lost souls won’t let me stop!!).

E) Wait on the Lord Is 40:28 31

1. God does not faint (vs 28) Rest in that.

2. God gives power to those that faint (29) Depend on that.

3. Even Youth faint (30) Remember that.

4. They that wait on the Lord renew strength (31) Do That!!!

When a person is about to faint you tell them to:

1. Sit or lie down Almost all the ways to avoid fainting involve sitting and calmly seeing what God has done, what He is doing, and what He Can do.

2. Put your head between your knees Take your eyes off circumstances and pray in faith.

If you feel “Faint”: Rest in the Lord, Remember your commission, and Renew your Commitment. DON’T QUIT!! DON’T QUIT!! DON’T QUIT!!

Isa 42:1-4 OUR EXAMPLE SERVANT

One of the MAIN THEMES we stress here at Grace is “The Greatest of all shall be Servant of All”. That drives us forward as we attempt to reach multitudes of people outside our church with our Actions and our Outreach Ministry. Our Model for this service, of course, is the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Any time you use something for a model you find it necessary to look at it again more closely in order to verify that you are following the correct pattern. That’s what I want us to do today. We want to re-examine the Model Servant, see how God worked in His life, and then practice these principles in our own life.

One of the great scripture descriptions of Christ as Servant is found in Isa 42:1 4 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

SIX QUALITIES OF CHARACTER MARK THE SERVICE OF CHRIST IN THESE VERSES:

1> DEPENDENCE- my servant, whom I uphold. Although Christ remained completely God as a man, it is astonishing to note how he depended on God while he walked in Human form-

A) His WORDS- He even depended on the Father for what to Preach!- John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

B) His WORKS- John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself,… Do we serve leaning on God, or do we only attempt those things that we feel capable of doing in our own will and ability?? Our model leaned on God.

2> ACCEPTANCE- mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. People did not always accept Christ; but GOD DID. That knowledge of God’s Love and Acceptance can be the greatest motivating force in our life.

3> MODESTY- He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. He performed no miracles merely to enhance His own prestige. A verse every Christian worker needs to memorize is Prov 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

4> DEDICATION- A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. Effective service must be continued service. Sunday School teachers are praised the day they are elected; and forgotten the rest of the year! But their job of molding the minds of students in the word of God has eternal value. Effective servants don’t let a little sweat stop them from accomplishing their task.

5> OPTIMISM- He shall not fail nor be discouraged. God’s work in God’s way WILL produce God’s Results. We need the HOPE of that encouragement

6> ANOINTING- I have put my spirit upon him. Jesus did not begin His work until the Holy Spirit came. The Church was told to wait on the Holy Spirit. To try to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty an ocean with a pitchfork. You will work yourself to death and never accomplish anything.

Do People see Christ in the way YOU serve God???

Isa 43:22-24 DANGER OF MAKING GOD TIRED

One thing I have learned in life is that you want to stay on God’s good side! That means one of the most dangerous times in a person’s life is when God gets frustrated and annoyed with them! And no matter how much you love someone there are times you are frustrated by their actions and attitude.

I want to share five of those frustrating times when God gets tired of how people treat Him, His house, and His word and, hopefully, show you the danger of continuing to do these things.

False Worship: Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them (Isaiah 1:14).
False Repenting: Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting (Jeremiah 15:6).
False Humility: Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:11-14).
False Moral Standards: 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? (Malachi 2:17).
False Affection for God: God exhorts us not to be weary IN the way (“let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9) but He also warns us about becoming weary OF the way (“But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast BEEN WEARY OF ME, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities” Isaiah 43:22-24).

It is a sad thing when we are so tired of God until God gets tired of us! But that is exactly what happened in these verses as the worship of God changed from adoration and sacrifice into the weariness of simply showing up and putting up with God.

The catastrophic results of this “weariness” were

1) A dead prayer life (“Thou hast not called upon me”)

2) Failure to honor God with regular service (“Nor honored me with thy sacrifices”)

3) And, most important of all, causing God to be so weary of their lukewarm living and lack of true worship until He had to punish them instead of bless them (“Thou hast make me to serve with thy sins”).

When God is not part of our life we tend to leave God out of our life. And that is a dangerous place to be!

Isa 43:24 BAD THINGS WE DO TO A GOOD GOD

But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins (Isaiah 43:22-25).

We live in the day of the “Tired Person”- EVERYONE is Sick and Tired–Tired of being Sick, or Sick of being Tired! Pain, Persecution, People (Doctors demand that people are quarantined from disease but these same doctors demand the right to pollute their souls with topless bars!)

All of these combine to deplete our energy, sap our strength, weaken our stand, and dim our vision. We no longer know what to believe in; and we don’t have the strength to find out; or fight for it once we find out.

So we don’t give up complete, we just decide that lukewarm is not so bad after all. Respectability replaces religion. “Doing the best we can” replaces Bible Principles. We attend Church when we can but refuse to be involved in Church activities (no time). More and more our world become self-centered and “Me” oriented. God gets pushed to the back burner as existing today become more important that building for eternity.

If you think it is bad that WE are tired how do you think it makes God feel when we make HIM tired! “Thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities (Isa 43:24).

How Weary God must be because many have turned from God: For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13).

Isa 43:22-28 WEARY OF THE WAY

Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel (Isa 43:22). You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense (Isa 43:23). You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses (Isa 43:24). I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more (Isa 43:25). Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence (Isa 43:26). Your first father sinned; your spokesmen rebelled against me (Isa 43:27). So I will disgrace the dignitaries of your temple, and I will consign Jacob to destruction and Israel to scorn (Isa 43:28)

We live in the day of the “Tired Person”- EVERYONE is Sick and Tired–Tired of being Sick, or Sick of being Tired!

There are numerous reasons Society is so tired:

1. PRESSURES OF LIFE (Mind)- Job, Marriage, Children. Peer Pressure, Pleasure Pressure, Phone Pressure.

2. PROBLEMS OF LIFE (Soul)- Death, Disaster, Divorce, Debt

3. PERPLEXITIES OF LIFE (Spirit)- Pain, Persecution, People (Doctors demand that people are quarantined from disease but these same doctors demand the right to pollute their souls with topless bars!)

I. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON GETS TIRED OF SERVING GOD? (Is 43:22-24)

vs 22- Prayer stops

vs 23- It doesn’t seem important to work for God

vs 24- It seems more important to spend your money on self than God

It doesn’t bother you that you are hurting God and Breaking His heart ( Our Sin “Makes God serve” <KJV> by requiring Him to Punish us when He would rather love us. And to Pay for our Sins on the Cross with the death of His Only Son in order to Pardon us).

II. WHAT DOES GOD ASK US TO DO WHEN WE RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM? (25-27)

vs 25- Claim His Grace

vs 26- Communicate with God again

vs 27- Consider what happened to others who went back:

A) Wandered in the Wilderness- Useless Life

B) Carried into Captivity- Lost land, Fortune, and Family

C) Came to the Place of NO RETURN

If you’re Tired, come back to Christ – Come unto me, all ye that labor 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 Mat 11:28-29.

Isa 45:22 LOOK AT YOUR LOOK

Sometimes we need to take a Look at what we are looking at!

God’s Rainbow Look: And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth (Genesis 9:16).

The Danger of a Backward Look: But Lot’s wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). 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 9:62).

The Fear of a Downward Look: Peter walking on water- And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me (Matthew 14:29-30).

The Folly of Too Far a Look: He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13).

The Faith in an Invisible Look: 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 Corinthians 4:18).

The Energy of a Heaven Look: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14).

The Benefit of a Self-Examination Look: Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward (2 John 1:8).

The Salvation in a Christ-ward Look: 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 3:14-15). Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22).

Isa 49:15 16 GOD’S TATTOO

Where is God’s Tattoo? – Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me (Isaiah 49:15-16).

[Remember God’s Word about Tattoos- Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD (Levi 19:28).]

1. Life’s privileges are many times out of our hands- In the sorry affair of Judah and Tamar twin children are conceived. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah (Genesis 38:28 30). The “first born” was born second. Instead of receiving all the benefits and blessings he had only a scarlet thread to show that “time and chance happen to all men”.

Don’t give up on life because you do not get what you think you deserve- If you always got what you deserved you would be in trouble!

2. Life’s victories are many times out of our hands- And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:11). The army thought it was winning the battle because of its skill and strength but the battle was actually being won or lost by uplifted hand on a nearby hill!! Many victories in my life have been won by prayers and help from other people.

3. Sin turns God’s Hands against you- But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers (1 Samuel 12:15).

4. You need to be in God’s Hand for

A) Service- Mission minds bring God’s hand of blessing- Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord (Acts 11:19 21).

B) Salvation- Christians abide in the protecting hand of God- And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand (John 10:28 29).

When David sinned he knew where he needed to be- And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man. (2 Samuel 24:14)

Is your hand in the nailed scarred hand? Have you knelt at the foot of the cross and asked for the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from sin and make you a new creature in Christ?

What does God’s Tattoo look like? A nail pierced hand of a crucified Savior.

Isa 51:12 WHO ARE YOU?

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; (Isaiah 51:12). Life will be filled with fear; instead of faith, if we fail to see ourselves the way God sees us.

Before we became Christians God saw our righteousness as filthy rags and our lives as sinners falling short of His glory. When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior three great things happened in the way God looks at us.

1) I BELONG to God:

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14).

I am a member of Christ’s Body- Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1 Corinthians 12:27).

I am a saint- Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1).

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit- For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18).

I may approach God with freedom and confidence because I am His child. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (Ephesians 3:12).

I have an obligation to the God who Paid for my Sins- For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:20).

2) I am ACCEPTED By God:

I am God’s child. 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).

I am Christ’s friend. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not 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. (John 15:15).

I am at Peace with God- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1).

I am complete in Christ- And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10).

3) I am SIGNIFICANT For God:

I am the salt and light of the earth. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matthew 5:13). Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:14).

I am a branch of a fruitful vine.- 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. (John 15:5).

I am a personal witness for Christ until His return– But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8).

I am God’s temple, not to be defiled- Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16).

I am seated with Christ in “heavenly places”. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6).

I am God’s workmanship for the purpose of good works- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10).

I can deal with life because I have the giver of Life within me- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13).

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:10).

Who are you to question the way God made you? Renaming Sin does not Change Sin’s Consequences. Calling wrong right does not make wrong right. Blaming God does not put the blame on God: “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Romans 9:20). Just saying.

Who are you to judge someone else’s performance or perfection: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (James 4:12).

When Paul gave his testimony he would always tell people he had asked the “Who are You” question of God: And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9:5). And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest (Acts 22:8). And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest (Acts 26:15).

This was the same questions other Pharisees asked Jesus: I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning (John 8:24-25).

ILLUSTRATION- “Black Bart” was His name. He was a professional thief and his name stirred fear all along the Wells Fargo line for 13 years. During the last 8 years of his career he stole the money from 29 different stagecoach crews– all without firing a shot or taking a hostage.. His weapon was his reputation. His ammunition was intimidation. He wore a hood to hide his face so no sketch was ever make of him.

When the authorities finally tracked “Black Bart” down they did not find a blood thirsty bandit from Death Valley; they found a mind-mannered druggist from Decatur, Illinois. The man the papers pictured as storming through the mountains on horseback was, in reality, so afraid of horses until he rode to and from his robberies in a buggy. His real name was Charles E Boles. The reason he never once fired a shot was because he never once loaded his gun!

Isa 53: 1-10 MOURNING MEMORIALS

On this Easter Morning we have come to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It is a time to Rejoice; not regret. Yet, that is the very road I want us to travel this morning. Instead of looking at the Memorials associated with Easter Morning, I want us to look back at the “Mourning” Memorials that led up to this day.

I do this for a specific reason. Christians have begun to take the Cross and death of our Lord far too lightly. Since we know He is going to be resurrected, we don’t consider how horrible the cross really was. That leads us to:

1) Under value the real meaning of the cross

2) Allow the pain of the cross in our life to defeat and discourage us; instead of develop us. We want the benefits of resurrection without the burden of the cross.

Around us today are a number of symbols of our Savior- The Basin of Service, The Light of Testimony, The Word of Obedience, the Bread of the broken Body, The Cup of the Shed Blood, the Cross of Sacrifice, and the Flowers of Resurrection.

Mixed in among them are the symbolic Colors- White of purity of life, Purple of the King, Black of death, Red of Shed blood, and Gold of Eternity.

These Symbols/Memorials are an important way for us to remember what God has done for us. They should also cause us to reflect on how much God loved us in allowing His Son to die for us. These Symbols need to be explained to, and reverenced by, every generation. That is why we use them in so much during this Easter Season.

The centerpiece of these Memorials is the Word of God. It is opened to Isaiah 53. That’s because there is no better scripture to tie together these Mourning Memorials that the vivid description given by Isaiah of the agonies Christ suffered for us.

I. HIS REJECTION- Isa 53:1 3

WORDS: Who hath believed our report?

WORKS: and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

PERSON: 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised (NOT WANTED, LOOKED DOWN UPON) and rejected of men (FORSAKEN BY HIS DISCIPLES, HIS NATION, AND THE WORLD); a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not (PUT NO VALUE ON HIM, DIDN’T WANT HIM). Are YOU willing to bear this kind of Cross in order to know the Joys of Resurrection??

II. HIS REDEMPTION- Isa 53:4 6 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions (PIERCED WITH NAILS), he was bruised for our iniquities (CRUSHED UNDER BURDEN OF SIN): the chastisement of our peace was upon him (PUNISHED AS A LAW BREAKER); and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray (Man is born with a “Straying Nature); we have turned every one to his own way (Man sins by Choice); and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Christ Bore our:

Transgressions: Rebellions, breaking the law of God

Iniquities: The crookedness of our nature

Griefs and sorrows: The calamities and unhappy results of sin

Jesus paid ALL the WAGES of Sin. All I have to do is accept that fact by Faith. Then my sins are forgiven, the Holy Spirit comes in, and I become a new creature in Christ.

III. HIS RESURRECTION- Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

These “Mourning Memorials” lead us now to the glory and wonder of His resurrection. His death was horrible. The Cross is agony. Therefore the resurrection is that much more wonderful- out of the jaws of defeat, God snatched the ultimate victory!

We take many things in life for granted, until the microwave breaks and we realize how much we really used it. We take many people for granted; until they sicken or die and our heart really breaks. But the worst of all is when we take God’s wonderful work of salvation for granted. Over and over the Bible warns that the greatest danger the Church will face as the end approaches is lose of Love for God. When we lose our appreciation for what He has done then we will lose our love for what He is doing; a tragedy beyond comprehension.

God want you to become a living Memorial today. The Death and Resurrection of Christ is not something we simply reflect on. It is a life changing truth we trust in to change our life and determine our destiny. Have YOU make that commitment to Christ?

Isa 53:10-12 SERVANT OR SLAVE?

The Greatest of All shall be servant of all. Easy to say; hard to live! One of the complications we come accross is our inability to distinguish the difference between a Servant and a Slave. This hinders our willingness to volunteer to serve because we fear the consequences of such service.

Servant- One who serves another

Slave- A person held legally in bondage to another

The Slave is a matter of LAW; the Servant is a matter of LOVE or LOOT (Reward).

In the marriage vows, when the woman says “Obey” the man hears Slave, while the woman hears Servant.

II Pet 2:19 (P1639) says that a man is a slave to whatever masters him. This control of him can be forced on him, desired by him, or yielded by him. It is this loss of control that all of us fear.

You will only yield complete control of yourself to someone you completely trust- Give God a Blank sheet of paper with your signature at the bottom and allow Him to fill in the details as He desires.

Taking up your cross is yielding your life to God’s Plan and purpose- even unto Death (Phil 2:3-11)

Being filled with the Spirit is yielding to the control of the Spirit in your life. You will never become the redeemed Personality God desires until you definitely yeild yourself in full and unreserved surrender to the Holy Spirit’s control. Eph 5:18-21 tells us that we then become the well rounded servant we are supposed to be.

We don’t Hunger and Thirst; therefore we aren’t filled.

Rom 6:14 (P1568) says that sin is not supposed to be your master. No servant can serve two masters Luke 16:13

Men are slaves to Lust, Loot, and Power

We become slaves when something forces us to serve it instead of it serving us.

When you have done all you can do say, I am an unprofitable servant because I have simply done what I was supposed to do.

When we confess our sins we only deal with the RESULTS of our sin nature. We need something to deal with the ROOTS of our sin- the CROSS.

Note the Example of Christ:

I seek not mine own will- Jn 5:30

I seek not mine own glory- Jn 8:50

I am meek and lowly in heart- Matt 11:29

God’s Pattern Servant is found in Isaiah 42:1-4

Isa 42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.

Isa 42:2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.

Isa 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

Isa 42:4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”

1. DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S STRENGTH- “My Servant whom I uphold” “I can do nothing of myself” Jn 5:19 “My doctrine is not mine” Jn 7:16 “The works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works I do” Jn 5:36)

2. DELIGHTFUL TO GOD- “In whom I delight” This was the son that God would twice proclaim from Heaven that He was “Well Pleased” with.

3. SPIRIT FILLED- “I will put my spirt on him” Baptism

4. MODEST- “He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets”. He was not out to make a name for Himself; but to glorify the Father.

5. DEDICATION- “A bruised reed eh will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” He wouldn’t quit because the going got rough or things didn’t go his wayhl;

6. OPTIMISM- “He will not falter or be discouraged til he establish justice on the earth” Faith in god’s Plan and work

Isa 55:8-9 MINDING THE MIND

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isa 55:8-9).

Many people today have Tired Minds and Troubled Minds. This effects their character, their conduct, and, if they are a Christian, their testimony. That’s because their minds are set on short term goals instead of life changing Purposes.

It’s easy to see how this could be when we see how the Bible describes the Mind controlled by Sin as compared to the Mind of a Christian.

SINNER’S MIND:

1. Carnal Mind- Directed by Flesh (Rom 8:7)

2. Evil Mind – Directed by Crowd (Acts 14:2)

3. Blinded Mind- Directed by Satan (II Cor 4:3-4)

4. Demon Controlled Mind- Directed by Demons (Mark 5:15)

5. Reprobate Mind- Directed by God to Destruction (Rom 1:28)

CHRISTIAN’S MIND:

1. Mind of the Lord- Desiring the Ways of the Lord (Lev 24:12)

2. Willing Mind – Motivated to Work for the Lord (I Chr 28:9)

3. Renewed Mind – New Priorities for God (Rom 12:1-2)

4. Single Mind – New Peace with God and Others (I Cor 1:10)

5. Christ Mind – New Attitude of Life [Service] (Phil 2:5)

Are you tired of momentary happiness? Wouldn’t it be great to know that Everything in your life had Purpose? That would bring you the greatest Peace you’ve ever known.

Look at the Pictures again. Which Picture Describes you- Without Purpose or Peace….. or Christ as the Center? Which Mind describes you- Chaos or Christ??

If you’re not a Christian then you need to repent of Sin and Accept Christ as Savior today.

If you are a Christian but have never given control of your life to God then you need to do so today. God’s ways are not always understandable but there is a peace in them that passeth understanding!

MIND CONTROLLED BY SIN: (Note the downward progression)

CARNAL MIND: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (Rom 8:7).

EVIL MIND: But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren (Acts 14:2).

WICKED MIND: The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? (Prov 21:27)

BLINDED MINDS: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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 (2 Cor 4:3-4).

DEMON CONTROLLED MIND: And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid (Mark 5:15).

REPROBATE MIND: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Rom 1:28).

MIND YIELDED TO GOD:

MIND OF THE LORD: And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be showed them (Lev 24:12).

WILLING MIND: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever (1 Chr 28:9). For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not (2 Cor 8:12)

RENEWED MIND: 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. 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 (Rom 12:1-2). And be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Eph 4:23). And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col 3:10).

SINGLE MIND: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (1 Cor 1:10)

CHRIST MIND: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5). Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews (Acts 20:19)

Isa 59:2 SINS THAT SEPARATE

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:2).

1. Sin in the Camp: Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you (Joshua 7:13).

2. Sin of Complacency: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper (Isaiah 59:2-5).

3. Sin of Counterfeit: For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13).

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel (Jeremiah 3:22-23).

4. Sin of Compromise: Peter at Fire. Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest (Matthew 26:69-70).

5. Sin of Confidence: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Isa 59:16-19 PAYBACK IS A PAIN

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:16-19).

People disregarded God’s Word and all the firstborn babies died in Egypt

Herod rebelled against God’s Plan and all babies under two died in Bethlehem

God is “smart enough” to avenge those who do wrong but we do not have that divine ability or right: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).