JEREMIAH Sermons – Mircheal Jones

(Jeremiah 2:27 28) Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble:

When Trouble and Terror came to America, what did America realize?

1) Rock Station that realized that Rock – even Christian Rock- was not right and asked Christian station for music.

2) Sports worshiping nation suddenly realized that games were not important and Shut them down.

3) Debate Prayer- now pray everywhere (There are no atheist in Fox Holes!)

BAD NEWS- Only war America lost- Terror war in Viet Nam

Russia ceased to be superpower after Afghanistan.

America is not in Prophecy. 1.5 Billion people will die at beginning of Tribulation.

COME TO GOD WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN TIME OF TROUBLE:

A) Trust God’s PROTECTION- Peculiar (Surrounded from Trials (Job) from Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.)

B) Trust the POWER of the Gospel- Friendship Church India

THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE WILL DEPEND ON YOUR DECISION ABOUT CHRIST. (Hebrews 1:8 9) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Jer 05:1 THE MAN GOD IS SEEKING

Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it (Jeremiah 5:1).

The Marines have a slogan- “We’re looking for a few good men “. God is also looking for a few good men with the determination to be MEN OF GOD.

OBEDIENT MEN- I Sam 13:13-14 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou has not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. The Beginning of Saul’s Kingdom was the “beginning of the end” for Saul’s Kingdom. In the first test Saul had he became impatient and disobeyed God by offering sacrifice instead of waiting on Samuel. The circumstances looked bad (Saul’s army was disappearing while the enemy was growing stronger and Samuel was later than he said he would be) but God was looking for a man of Faith that would trust Him regardless of the circumstances.

Are YOU willing to be an obedient servant of God today?? Are you willing to obey God in the Good and the Bad?? God is looking for some men like Joseph who will obey His commandments in spite of Temptation and like Daniel who will obey His commandments in spite of personal Danger.

DEDICATED MEN- Ez 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord. Is there not a man that sees the multitudes going to a Devil’s Hell without God and without hope? Is there not a man who will sacrifice his Profit and his Person in order to “make up the gap”. God is still calling Fishermen and Tax Collectors today to leave everything and take up their cross and follow Him.

WORSHIPFUL MEN- John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. God is not simply interested in what you can DO–He wants your Love and Adoration. God is looking for men who’s desire is to fellowship with Him.

LOST MEN: Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. God is looking for men who are willing to admit their need and their inability to save themselves. Jesus came from Heaven to find the lost sheep wandering in the wilderness of sin and bring him to the green pastures at the Father’s house.

(Isn’t it strange that God seeks us instead of us seeking God? Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Aren’t you glad God came looking for You!!)

Can you think of a greater cause to dedicate your life to than that of Serving God??? God is seeking volunteers today. Will you join His Army??

Jer 06:14 EASY ANSWERS

Jer 6:14 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace

If the Doctor told me I had AIDS but I called it a cold it would do tremendous harm to many people. If I found I had a serious heart problem but I decided I would rather get a new pair of glasses than have heart surgery, I would only see more clearly how to die!!

Sadly, that attitude seems to prevail in the world today. The Media and the Public seem determined to Major on Minors and ignore the real problems. Everyone wants EASY ANSWERS that require little inconvenience. And more and more people think Education, Scientific research, or a global love feast will provide all the answers we need.

I want to look at how serious the problem really is. Then I want us to see that the only source for answers is Christ.

We want easy answers to life’s problems and are easily fooled into accepting THE WRONG ANSWER AS LONG AS IT’S EASY! There are three things you need to know about seeking Easy Answers to the Sin Problem:

1. Renaming Sin Doesn’t Change it Seriousness- AIDS is still not a cold; heart problems still aren’t vision problems.

A) People aren’t willing to face the difficulties of building loving and lasting Relationships so they adopt Alternate Life Styles-

1> We now call Adultery “Trial Marriage” but God is not fooled by the name we use- Heb 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

2> We went from Queers to Homosexuals to “Gays” but God still says it’s an abomination in His sight- 1 Cor 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

B) People aren’t willing to deal with the stress of life so they turn to Drink (and Drugs) and justify it by calling it Responsible Drinking (or Recreational Drugs)- Prov 23:31-32 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. See Is 5:11-14 .

Sadly, Even Christians aren’t effective Witnesses in the matter of Stress Management because we have never appropriated the teachings of Jesus- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light ( Mat 11:28-30).

Your belief system determines your behavior; If your behavior is wrong then you must correct your belief in order to correct your behavior. Simply correcting behavior will have only short term effects at the best and can lead to despair and depression as you continually find yourself trapped in the awful cycle of sinful behavior. Dealing with Satan is not a Power encounter; it is a truth encounter

Can you say that you believe that Faith without Fruit is Faulty??

Name the Fruits you should expect in a Christian Life:

1) Souls won- Prov 11:30 Rom 1:13

2) Christian Character Produced by the Holy Spirit Gal 5:22

3) Repentance- Matt 3:8 Change

4) Righteousness- 2 Cor 9:10 Blessings of God for doing Right

5) Labor- Phil 1:22 Rewards, Accomplishment IS 3:10

6) Lips- Heb 13;15 Is 57:19 (Lies – Hos 10:13)

2. Ignoring Sin doesn’t change its Results: We try to escape the guilt of sin by CATEGORIZING It- Big Sins, Little Sins. My Sin, YOUR Sins. Sins that everyone does, Sins that aren’t socially acceptable.

The Bible, however, drops sins into ONE Category- James 2:10-11 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

And talking about Sin doesn’t change its results- James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Can it be said any clearer that in James 2:17 Faith, if it hast not works is dead, being alone.

Here are just a few of the Sins we “ignore” because we don’t think they really count as much as “big” sins count:

A) Robbing God by not tithing- It robs us of Blessings (Malachi 3:10) and limits the work of the Church (which we’ll answer to God for).

B) Willful Failure to Worship God is the very essence of Sin. Yet, Sunday after Sunday, people chose to put everything in the world ahead of time with God.

C) Pride is the Devil’s Sin. Yet, how many Christians (and Churches) are more intent on building their reputation or kingdom than they are in doing a great work for God. We try to “Spiritualize” by calling it good works; but God knows who gets all the credit.

3. Explaining Sin Away doesn’t change it Consequences.

We give God all kind of EXCUSES- My personality, my parents, my problems… but God says, Thou are inexcusable, O Man (Rom 2:1).

We give God all kind of EXPLANATIONS- Society’s Pressures, Sin’s Pleasures, Satan’s Wiles… But God says, There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Prov 14:12)

The Truth is, EASY ANSWERS DEVELOP HARD HEARTS and that is Dangerous- He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Prov 29:1)

After Death comes the Judgement! At the judgement God is not looking for easy answers to the final quiz. He is looking to see if you have the ONLY ANSWER, Jesus Christ as your savior. Do you??

Jer 09:23-24 THINGS I KNOW ABOUT GOD2

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I often ask people, “If you and God were locked in a room for an hour what would you talk about?” Is God some vague “being” to you or do you have a personal relationship with Him? Remember, God can only be known by means of a supernatural revelation of Himself thru the Scriptures- It still holds true that ‘the world by wisdom knew not God’ (I Cor. 1:21). Where Scriptures are ignored, God is “the unknown God’ (Acts 17:23). (An Unknown God cannot be Trusted, Worshiped, or Served Correctly)

God can only be known by means of a supernatural revelation of Himself thru the Scriptures- It still holds true that ‘the world by wisdom knew not God’ (I Cor. 1:21). Where the Scriptures are ignored, God is “the unknown God’ (Acts 17:23). But something more than the Scriptures is required before the soul can know God in a real, personal, vital way. This seems to be recognized by few today. People assume that knowledge of God can be obtained through studying the Word, in the same way a knowledge of India can be obtained by reading a guidebook or viewing a TV special.

This may give you an intellectual knowledge of God but not a spiritual one. A supernatural God can only be known supernaturally by a supernatural revelation of Himself to the heart. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (11 Cor. 4:6). The one who has been favored with this supernatural experience has learned that only in thy light shall we see light (Ps. 36:9).

It is not what we do not know that hurts us; it is what we are certain of that is wrong! Here are some Life Principles that I Know that God wants me to Know:

Here are some Bible Principles which will help reveal God’s Character to us:

I know I am special to God: Ps 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. God knows the number of my days and the number of hairs on my head!
I know it is always best to Serve the Lord: Ec 8:12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
I know God is Dependable (God never says “Oops”): Ec 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
I Know God can be Trusted: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day (2 Timothy 1:12).
I know God always has a Plan: we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I know that what I do for God means something in eternity: 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
I know Salvation (Accepting God’s Peace and Pardon) is through Faith in Christ: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13). Salvation involves a Conviction Time, A Crisis Time, A Commitment Time, a Confession Time, and a Living Time [I know God expects me to put faith into practice- Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?.]

Do you Know “about a god” or do you KNOW Jesus as your Savior, God as your Father, and the Holy Spirit as your Comforter, Guide, and Strength?

Jer 9:23-24 KNOWING GOD

A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature. The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.

God is only truly known in the soul as we yield ourselves to Him, submit to His authority, and regulate all the details of our lives by His holy precepts and commandments- Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: (Hosea 6:3). If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17). (Pink, Arthur W. The Attributes of God).

God is completely complete in Himself. God does what He wants without consulting any outside authority or power: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1:11).

It is perfectly true that God is both honored and dishonored by men; not in His essential being, but in His official character. It is equally true that God has been “glorified” by creation, by providence, and by redemption. This we do not and dare not dispute for a moment. But all of this has to do with His manifested glory and the recognition of it by us. (Pink, Arthur W. The Attributes of God )

God is to be revered, worshipped, and obeyed. He is solitary in His majesty, unique in His Excellency, errorless in His perfection. He sustains all, but is He, Himself, is independent of all. He gives to all, but is enriched by none.

Man was created for God’s Pleasure (Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created Revelation 4:11) and God is not answerable to man’s logic or plans- 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).

God always has a plan- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). (God gave a prescription instead of an IV for Leg in Maine by working things TOGETHER.)

How Can we KNOW GOD?

God DEMONSTRATES His existence in Creation (In the Beginning God…), DECLARES His glory in the Universe- The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork (Psalms 19:1), and DUOS His character in His Son- Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also (John 8:19).

You will never know God as long as you say “No” to God “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

Jer 12:5 RUNNING WITH HORSES: SURVIVING AMERICA’S DECLINE

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5).

America not in end time prophecy. What will destroy us? Biden catches covid in late September. Media makes him a saint. He suddenly dies and Kamala becomes President with Stacy as vice President. PC crowd would not allow you to vote against this ticket. They come into office, dismantle police departments, stack the Supreme Court into declaring Guns against the law, etc.

If you cannot come to church now; what will you do then when Church is banned and Christians are labeled at terrorist? I build precept upon precept, line upon life.

The Will to Run: Everyone who participates does not get a prize! Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Cheap easy believeism (Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19-20)

The Strength to Run: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). We WAIT on God to Get: (Amazingly, God sent the Children of Israel into captivity because they refused to honor Sabbath! Waiting on God has to be a priority.

Rest

Relationship

Renewal

A final encouragement: And when the servant of the man of God (Elisha) was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them (2 Kings 6:15-16)

Jer 13:1-11 THE GIRDLE GOD

The story is very simple. God tells the prophet Jeremiah to get a linen girdle and put it on. Then He tells him to take it off and bury it on the bank of the Euphrates River. Finally, He tells him to dig it up and observe how the water had destroyed this linen girdle. God then uses this illustration to show how He will have to deal with Israel because of her sin. Israel has been close to God but now her pride and rebellion have separated her from God and opened her up for destruction. I think the principles are very applicable to us today.

First, a few things about Jeremiah. Jeremiah means “Whom Jehovah appoints”. This appointment is clearly seen in the very first sermon of Jeremiah- Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. This knowledge of being appointed by God was very important to Jeremiah as he ministered to a people who rejected his message; as well as him as the messenger.

Jeremiah’s ministry took place during the last 40 years of Judah’s history before the captivity. His most difficult ministry was to sound the death knell of his nation.

Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. First, because he preached with tears in his eyes for a nation that refused to heed God’s word and was being destroyed. Second, because of the persecution he endured by demanding repentance instead of encouraging the nation to continue to trust in past glories.

“JEREMIAH AND JESUS: The similarities between Jeremiah and Jesus are worthy of note. Neither married, and both were rejected by their own towns. Jeremiah ministered under the menacing shadow of Babylon, Jesus under the shadow of Rome. Both were considered traitors by their people. Jeremiah was viciously opposed by the false prophets, Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. Both wept over the city of Jerusalem, and both predicted its ruin. Both were arrested falsely and persecuted. Both emphasized a religion of the heart, and not mere outward forms and ceremonies. It was Jeremiah 7:11 that Jesus quoted when cleansed the temple and told the priests they had made it “a den of thieves.” Both emphasized the new covenant in the heart. In their preaching, both used striking illustrations and comparisons, Both revealed a tender, sympathetic heart that was crushed by the wickedness of a nation that should have obeyed God’s Word. In the end, it seemed that both were failures in their lives and ministries; but God honored them and made their work successful.” (WW Wiersbe)

If there was ever a book that the people of America need to read it’s Jeremiah. How we need to see that NO MATTER how much God has Blessed a Nation; if that nation turns to Sin and self Confidence then God’s Judgment will fall. And this Judgment will come no matter how many preacher stand and assure their congregation that God won’t judge us because we’re “better” than the other nations in the world. God give us some more preachers, like Jeremiah, who are willing to be called traitors in order to call a nation back to God’s Path.

Now back to God’s Parable of the “Girdle around God”. The Best way to understand this Sermon Illustration is to look at God’s explanation of it starting from the end and coming backward (Man’s point of view instead of God’s Point of view).

I. THE PLACE OF HONOR Israel had occupied- Next to God- Jer 13:11 For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

A) A Place of Prestige- Close to God

B) A Place of Protection- Actually part of God. If you mess with the Girdle you mess with God!! What a wonderful joy to be right up beside God. How horrible to even contemplate being removed from such a place.

II. THE PROBLEMS that led to them being removed and called by God “Good for nothing”- Jer 13:10 This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

1. They Refuse to Hear God’s word. It was proclaimed. They just wouldn’t listen because it didn’t say what they wanted to hear.

2. They Walked in the Imagination of their heart. Without God’s guidance they turned to every man doing that that was right in his own eyes. Homosexuality, abortion, lust; all could be justified and declared to be done in the will of God!!

3. Finally, They Walked after other gods, to serve and worship them. As the nation collapsed, the people realized they needed something to help them outside of themselves. They didn’t want to come back to God because He called for repentance and righteousness so they turned to false preachers and false religions who would tickle their ears; even as the nation collapsed around them.

III. THE PRIDE that caused God to put them in the place of destruction- Jer 13:9 Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. Rather than rejoice in God’s Grace and Mercy they began to think they deserved to be treated special. They refused to even acknowledge their sin, much less turn from it. It was easier to blame society, their parents, lack of education, or the government for all their problems. This self righteous pride meant God had to remove them from His side and place them in a place where the elements of this world could mar and destroy them. What an awful fate.

Are you still close to God?? Or do you find yourself slowly being destroyed by the pressures and problems of this world?? God wants you to be His Girdle but you must be clean and usable. The Blood of Christ will cleanse us from all sins and dying to self will make us usable for God. Don’t you want that today?

Jer 17:9 IN THE HEART

In the past few weeks we have seen several men of prominence splashed across the TV screens because of Sexual Accusations. In both cases, the accusations were more about “heart” sin than Physical activity. Rev Jimmy Swaggart looked at dirty books and picked up a prostitute; Judge Clarence Thomas was accused of Sexual Harassment.

Both situations caused a great deal of “Curiosity” because they exposed the Private “heart” to Public view. I want us to look today at some things that people might find in OUR heart if they were open to Public Display.

1. WICKEDNESS- And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Gen 6:5). In fact, God finally came to the place He said, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9). Even Jesus proclaimed that out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (Mat 15:19).

That’s why Jesus came to give you a New Heart! Have you had that “heart surgery”??

2. DESIRE TO WORK- And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. (Exo 35:21)

We talk about not have a “heart to work”. When you know you’re doing the job God called you to do then you’ll have a peace of heart and a willing attitude. What a difference it makes when you know God’s will for your life!

3. DISCOURAGEMENT- For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them (Num 32:9). Giants in the land can take our eyes off the Lord’s Power and make us look at our physical ability. That’s when our “heart melts” and we quit trying.

One of the greatest “heart diseases” in America today is Discouragement. People don’t know who to trust and many have allowed the worm of “no hope” to eat away at their heart until they have no strength left to live life. Put Jesus on the throne of your heart. He makes it so that “against hope you can believe in hope!” (Rom 4:18).

4. MEMORIES- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19). The Psalmist said that these memories of God’s activities brought joy and satisfaction to life- My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches (Psa 63:5-6).

Keep a “heart picture book” of past Blessings from God. From time to time, bring it out and look again at what God has done. Then take heart! He will do greater things in the future.

5. LOVE FOR GOD- And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deu 6:5). The main thing I want to find in your heart is a deep abiding Love for God. If God’s love fills your heart then you won’t have room for doubt, discouragement, or wickedness. What is in YOUR heart today??

Jer 17:9 THREE THINGS YOU DO NOT KNOW

1) Your own heart- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

2) The impact of your life on God’s plan- Es 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

3) The end of your life- Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).

When God puts Himself on your agenda

a. Long term warnings come to a final judgment- And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; (Daniel 5:22) In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain (Daniel 5:30).

b. Disregarding God will bring sudden disaster- But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:20)

c. Not applying the blood brings deadly abrupt judgment- For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD (Exodus 12:12).

Several things I DO Know.

1) I Know I am saved by faith in Christ- These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).

2) I Know God is in control of my circumstances- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

3) I Know God is Able to Keep me as one of His own– For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day (2 Timothy 1:12).

Jer 18:1-10 CLAY POTS

Jeremiah is the “Weeping Prophet” of his nation’s last days. God’s judgement is coming and Jeremiah has the unenviable task of showing the people their sin and declaring God’s judgement. Several times in the preaching of this judgement Jeremiah used OBJECT LESSONS to enhance his preaching (Just like the wonderful object lessons Mrs Althea gives during our 9am service). These Object lessons included a Marred girdle, the denial of the comforts of a wife and family, and the making of a clay pot.

It is the lesson of this clay pot that we want to look at today. In the sermon on the Clay pot Jeremiah will show the people the wonder of God’s work in making us into the vessel He desires and then he will show the awful consequences of failure to follow God’s Plan in your life.

That is especially important today. We are facing economic upheaval, political unrest (Where everyone is set to vote their money instead of their morals), and moral revolution (Sexual perversion, murder, robbery, and anarchy). If there has ever been a time that we need to “Nail Down” our part in the work of God, it’s today. If we aren’t established on the rock then the rocks that are falling all around us will surely smash our pots and leave us empty and worthless.

I. THE MANUFACTURE OF CLAY POTS

A) The POTTER (God- But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isa 64:8).

The Potter has a PLAN for the Vessel- “Shaping it as seemed best to him”. This Plan is (1) God’s Plan- “Before I formed thee I knew thee and I ordained thee”. (2) This Plan is the only place of Peace. (3) This plan is different for different people- Christians are part of the body of Christ- some legs, some eyes, some hands. YOU MUST LEARN TO BE CONTENT AS THE VESSEL GOD MAKES YOU- Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? (Rom 9:21).

Always remember this- THE PERFECTION OF THE VESSEL IS THE POTTER’S DESIRE. He wants you to be a “vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet of the master’s use”- This means you fit in the place God puts you.

B) The WHEEL (Circumstances). The Potter’s Hand remains in one place while the wheel turns the vessel. God uses life’s varying circumstances to mold and make us for HIS glory. “The Trying of our Faith works patience”. Don’t try to “slip off the wheel” or God can’t use you.

The hand of God WORKS FROM THE INSIDE to shape us.

The vessel is not ready for use until it has been baked in the furnace!

C) The CLAY (Person- The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! (Lam 4:2). This Clay must yield to the touch of the Master’s hand:

1. To fashion us into a useful vessel.

2. If we resist we will be broken by the hand of the potter and the turning of the wheel. That’s not God’s will; it’s the result of our rebellion (Which is the point of Jeremiah’s sermon about the potter).

II. THE MINISTRY OF CLAY POTS is To give Glory to God- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Cor 4:7).

It is not the Pot that is supposed to get the Glory!! It’s what’s inside- If Christ is lifted up then He will draw all men into Himself. Far too many people today are more interested in painting the pot than in using it to perform a useful function- like my wife’s salt and pepper shaker collection. She has some interesting designs but all they do is fill up shelves and collect dust!

<It is interesting to note that the last beast Government that brings in Antichrist will have – feet part of iron and part of clay (Dan 2:33). It will be a government largely based on HUMANISM; in which honor is given to man above God (Abortion is right because a “woman has a right to do with her own body what she wants”; regardless of the Word of God. Homosexuality is an “alternate lifestyle” because that’s what some people want; regardless what the Word of God says)>.

Sometimes in order to bring Glory to God we must be willing to be Broken:

1> Gideon’s men had to break their pots in order for the light to shine through.

2> Mary had to break her box of ointment in order to anoint Jesus’ feet.

Some of the greatest servants of God have been people who endured tremendous physical and financial circumstances. Broken in body, discouraged in mind, they have allowed their faith in God to shine in a way that could never be known otherwise.

Sometimes, however, the vessel is broken because of REBELLION. Unwilling to submit to God’s plan for their life, the vessel fights the hand of the Potter and mars the vessel so badly until it has no value for it’s intended purpose.

The GOOD NEWS from God, however, is that He can take a broken vessel and re-make it– And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (Jer 18:4).

But you must be willing to submit to Him and allow His plan to be worked out in your life. That’s scary, until you become utterly convinced that God LOVES YOU. Then you know you can trust Him; and a peace comes over you that passes understanding. Will you submit today???

Teach me, O Lord, to serve as thou deservest,

To give, and not count the cost;

To fight and not heed the wounds;

To toil, and not to seek for rest;

To labor and not ask for reward;

Save only of knowing that I do thy will.

Jer 18:1-6 THE POTTER

One of the most familiar stories in the Bible has some very needful lessons for us today. As we battle Sin, Satan, and Self we need to know that God is still on the Throne and still in Charge of life.

I. GOD IS THE POTTER

A) A Person- not a force or blind fate- Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

B) The Power- Clay cannot mold itself; only God has the power to guide our lives.

C) Has A Plan- The Potter has a plan for the clay. He sees the finished product in his mind.

D) Uses Patience- The Potter must patiently work the clay, tenderly molding it to it’s shape.

II. MAN IS THE CLAY

A) Man is made of dust. Clay is dust mixed with water. (Water is often used to show the ministry of the Word of God and the Spirit of God). The Dust has no value until mixed and molded; so we are fit only to be thrown away unless God molds us.

B) Cannot Mold itself just as a vessel cannot manufacture anything; it only receives, contains, and shares. There are no “self-made” Christians in the will of God. All that God asks is that we be: (1) Available, (2) Clean, (3) Empty. If we are full of sin God cannot use us. If we are not filled we do not have anything to share with others. May the Lord help us to be vessels unto honor, fit for the master’s use.

III. LIFE IS THE WHEEL

A) The Speed is controlled by the Potter

B) The Clay must stay in the Center of the Wheel to be worked properly (The most important thing about a wheel is not it’s size (Some lives are shorter than others) but it’s center).

IV. REBELLION CAUSES THE MARRING. The Clay refuses to yield to the Potter and the vessel is marred.

Stubbornness, Pride, Self-Will- All cause us to refuse to yield to God.

Lust, Loot, Looking at the world- All cause us to rebel and seek to go in a different direction from the one God intended.

V. TRIALS ARE THE FURNACES- No vessel is worth anything until it goes thru the furnace. The heat gives it strength and beauty (Glazing). Job went thru the Furnace of PAIN. Peter talks about the Furnace of PERSECUTION. Many have gone through the Furnace of PERPLEXITY. Just realize that the heat doesn’t destroy you; it strengthens you.

VI. BREAKING IS THE JUDGMENT

If the clay becomes hard, it can no longer be molded. It can then only be destroyed. It is important that we yield while God is working with us and don’t allow circumstances or sin to harden us.

Jer 18:4-6 POTTER PRINCIPLES

The Potter must be Trusted: The Potter is shaping me, not my efforts. Yield, Trust, Submit: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

(Romans 9:21) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Must live by Faith in God’s Plan, Purpose, and Love

The Potter will not force: (Isaiah 64:8) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Not religious robots. Have Free Will and must yield

The Potter wants the vessel formed correctly: (Jeremiah 18:4-6) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel

The Potter will not quit: (Philippians 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:

Jer 23:28-29 3 SYMBOLS OF THE WORD

God uses numerous Symbols for His Word in Scripture: Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).

1. Fire-

a) A Burning that motivates us to action: Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jeremiah 20:9).

b) A Burning that inspires us to acknowledge God: And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:32).

2. Hammer- Must:

Keep its head and doesn’t fly off the handle

Keeps pounding away (My grandfather once told me that there are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition there. Martin Luther)

Drive the Point home. Only those who press home their point do any good (Even a mosquito does not get a slap on the back until he starts working!).

Breaks the rock in pieces- Life is like a grindstone, and whether it grinds a man down or polishes him depends on the stuff he is made of.

3. Wheat- The seed is the word of God (Jesus told in the Parable of the Sower- actually the parable of the soils- that there were 4 things that helped or hindered the growth of the seed

A) No soil – sown on the hard path and so could not grow

B) No Water- Roots could not grow and so plant could not survive.

C) No Cultivation- weeds and thorns choked the Plant (Cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, lust of other things came in and choked the word). Weeds grow naturally as a result of sin.

D) Knows Christ- and brings forth fruit

Jer 31:11 GETTING VICTORY OVER THINGS STRONGER Than YOU

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. (Jer 31:11)

Jesus said that when a man goes to war he should “count the cost” to determine if he can win the war. If he can’t then he better figure a way out of the situation. We can easily see this in physical situation but many times we fail to understand it in our personal lives. We live as if we will never be accountable to anyone but ourselves and we have a cocky self confidence in our ability to handle any trouble we get ourselves into (We figure we can either fight, beg, or lie our way out of any difficulty).

The reality of life, however, is that many things are stronger than we are. I want us today to identify these things that can control our lives and doom our soul and then see a way we can get the ultimate victory.

Some things that are stronger than we are:

1. Drink- Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things (Prov 23:29-33). Alcohol has destroyed many a family, fortune, and reputation. It makes you act like a fool, smell like a pig, and talk like an idiot! If that’s what you think it takes to have a good time then you don’t have all your oars in the water! The Sad thing is that “At the last it bites like a snake”- deceitful and deadly. You think you control it until one day you realize it’s stronger than you.

2. Drugs- He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:7-8). The Word “Sorcerers” comes from the Greek word- Pharmakeus; which means a person who deals in drugs.

Drugs weaken your mind, destroy your morals, and rob your money. Drugs cause people to lie, steal, kill, and prostitute themselves in order to feed their habit. I believe Drugs can be a Type of Demon Possession. Got to be crazy to use them!!

And yet people say, “I can handle it”. You think it will be fun; and you know you can handle it. It soon becomes apparent, however, that instead of controlling it, it controls you. Unwilling to face life, you escape into artificial “Highs” until one day you wake up in a very real Hell!

3. Lust of the Flesh: For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? (Prov 6:23-27) “Pleasure” becomes a Prison. Even the Strongest man in the world, Samson, could not break these chains and even the wisest man in the world, Solomon, let it make him a fool.

4. Death- There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. (Ecc 8:8) No discharge in this war!! You do not know when but you know it is coming!

Look at our Text verse again- For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he (Jer 31:11).

“Redeemed” and “Ransomed” here mean to buy back. In a very real way Christ came to buy us off of the slave market of sin. We were created for God’s Glory but fell short of that glory thru the influence and power of sin. As a result, we came under the domination of Satan and our Sinful Nature.

This allowed sin to Destroy our life and determine our ultimate fate (Hell). We needed someone strong enough to rescue us from Sin and Satan. That Someone is Jesus.

1> He gives us Victory over Self- Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)

2> He Gives us Victory over the World- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)

3> He gives us Victory over Death- Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Heb 2:14-15)

Have you counted the cost of being on Satan’s side in this war?? I urge you today to get on the Winning side by Repenting of sin and Trusting Christ as your Savior.

Jer 37:16-17 A WORD FROM THE LORD

Jeremiah was in Jail because he would not compromise on the clear teachings of the Word of God (It’s not unusual for God’s man to be in Jail- Joseph, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul all spent time in Jail; and even Jesus died as a “criminal”. [Most change in the world has been brought about by men who were willing to accept persecution as part of bringing about Change- “We pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor”. The greatest “scar” that Viet Nam has left on America is that Fear of failure has over come our desire to protect and defend freedom]).

But regardless of the fact that Jeremiah was a “Jail-bird”, Jerusalem was surrounded, and King Zedekiah was in trouble, so he came to someone who really believed in Something instead of being simply a “yes” man (That’s what the world is looking for today also). He came to Jeremiah to get a word from the Lord.

Many people today are asking themselves that same question, “Is there any Word from God?”. Is there a sure guide to go by among all the babbling voices of newscasters, politicians, and advertisements? There is- and it comes thru loud and clear to those who will listen, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear”.

LET’S HEAR GOD’S WORD:

I. FOR OUR NATION- Prov 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Ps 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. When schools in America must educate the child’s MIND but must neglect their MORALS; when kids rely on DRUGS instead of DADS; when criminals are PROTECTED and victims are PERSECUTED; America needs to cut off their TV, Radios, and mind-numbing activities and LISTEN.

II. FOR THE CHURCH- Rev 2:4-5 I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. REVIVAL in the Church would prevent revolution in the world, disaster in the family, and the triumph of evil. The Problem is coldness toward God, the Community, and each other. God’s two primary commands are to Love Him above all else and to love your neighbor as yourself– He did not command us to simply seek for more WEALTH to WASTE on gadgets that can not fill the empty place in our heart reserved only for God. We are Lights and we need to shine.

III. FOR THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN- (Still a babe in Christ) I Pet 2:2 As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. God’s word for you is GET IN THE BOOK. As a Baby cries for and craves his bottle so young Christians need to crave a knowledge of God’s Word. You don’t attend Sunday School and Preaching Services and Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting to please the Preacher; you find you need the SCRIPTURES to keep you from STARVING.

IV. FOR THE CHRISTIAN WHO LACKS ASSURANCE OF SALVATION- This is the Biggest problem among many Christians. I John 5:12-13 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. You are saved by Faith and you must walk by Faith. Christianity is not just a Doctrine you believe but a Person you receive- Christ.

V. FOR THE BACKSLIDER- Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. God says you need to check up on what you DO and what you THINK- You don’t have to be a BRAZEN Sinner to be a BACKSLIDDEN Sinner!

VI. FOR THE DISCOURAGED AND DOWN TRODDEN- Isaiah 41:10 Fear not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Get your eyes off CIRCUMSTANCES and put them on CHRIST. There is NOTHING that can separate you from the LOVE of Christ- Rom 8:38-39

VII. FOR THE LOST- Hebrews 3:7 The Holy Ghost saith, Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. To neglect to hear God’s call to you today is to invite disaster- Zedekiah asked for a Word from the Lord; and then ignored it! til there was no remedy II Chron 36:11-16 Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD. And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel. Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

HAVE YOU HEARD GOD SPEAK TO YOU TODAY?? It’s better not to hear than to hear and ignore. Listen and Obey

Jer 45:5 WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

HE WHO AIMS AT NOTHING WILL NORMALLY HIT IT. (Jer 45:5) And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

SEEK TO BE IN GOD’S HOUSE-(Deu 12:5) But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

(Psa 27:4) One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

SEEK THE FACE OF GOD-(1 Chr 16:11) Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

(Mat 7:7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

SEEK TO BE A BLESSING TO SOCIETY-(Isa 1:17) Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (1 Cor 10:24) Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

SEEK TO KNOW THE BIBLE- (Isa 34:16) Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

SEEK THE PEACE OF PURITY- (Psa 34:14) Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

(1 Pet 3:11) Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

MAKE MEMORIALS TO WHAT YOU SEEK- (Num 15:39) And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

BIRD FEEDERS (CARDINALS)

SEEK HIM WITH REPENTANCE- (2 Chr 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

SEEK THE KINGDOM OP GOD-(Mat 7:7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

(1 Cor 14:12) Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

PRIDE KEEPS US FROM SEEKING GOD-(Psa 10:4) The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

SEEK HIM TO SHARE-(Ezra 7:10) For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Jer 48:10 IS YOUR SWORD BLOODY?

Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepth back his sword from blood.

The word “deceitfully” here means “Slackly”, “Negligently”, Half-hearted”. In this case it is talking to the people who would be destroying the Moabites- The task was not pleasant but it was

necessary and God said to do it completely (Remember Saul’s Sin of incomplete obedience).

I. God does not like “Half-hearted” work. (Luke-warm makes Him sick! Rev 3:16)

A) Physically-

1. In the way OTHERS work-II Thess 3:10 This we commanded you, that if any would not (not COULD NOT) work, neither should he eat.

2. In the way WE work-Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

B) Spiritually-

1. What we DO- True discipleship means denying self, taking up cross, and following Jesus. –leaving job, letting dead bury dead, all or nothing. Chose ye this day whom ye will serve.

2. What we fail to do- James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Ways we fail to do complete work:

A) By not claiming our possessions- Jos 18:3 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?

1. The Promises of the Bible

2. The Presence of the Holy Spirit- Baptizing (into our place in the body), Filling (our lives with song, service and submission), fruit-producing, Power for service (Muscles that are not used lose strength!! Muscles that are used develop strength.)

B) By not Living our profession- Ez 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; Pro 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

C) By Being Spectators instead of workers-

Luke 10:2 …the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he would send forth laborers INTO (not Unto) his harvest. (The song “My house is full but my field is empty” is so true today)

1. If we missed work as we miss Church we’ve be fired- or the business would go busted!!

2. If we paid our bills like we pay our tithes many would be in jail in 6 months!!

3. If we told about Salvation like we tell about Sales our altars wouldn’t be bare!!

II. GOD WILL LOOK AT WHAT YOU DO– NOT JUST WHAT YOU SAY!! Matt 23:2-3 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. The Generals used to line up their soldiers after a battle and inspect their swords. If they were bloody they knew they had been doing their job. If they had shirked the fight and had a clean sword it was used to Kill them!! Is your sword bloody?????

Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

ARE YOU DOING GOD’S WORK HALF-HEARTEDLY????

DO YOU TALK A GOOD “FIGHT”- OR DO YOU GET YOUR SWORD BLOODY???

Our Altar is Open. It’s a place of complete dedication to God- Dying to self to live for God.

Jer 48:10 WHERE IS THE BLOOD?

I. IS IT ON YOUR SWORD? (Jeremiah 48:10) Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Kings of old used to line their warriors up after a battle and inspect their swords. If they did not have blood on them then they were killed because that meant they had not been involved in the battle.

II. IS IT ON YOUR HANDS? (Ezekiel 33:6) But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. Example of the man on guard duty found asleep in the potato bin during Viet Nam War. Normally it would be a slap on the hand but because we were in a war zone the sentence could have been death (His sleeping could have caused the death of many other people).

III. IS IT ON YOUR HEAD?

A) For Rejecting Christ- (Matthew 27:25) Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

B) For Refusing to heed His call- (Ezekiel 33:4) Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

IV. IS IT ON THE DOOR POST OF YOUR HEART? (Exodus 12:12 13) For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Jer 50:4-5 JOIN GOD, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. (Jeremiah 50:4-5)

I can tell you what the bread smells like in the bakery beside our church in Spain. I can tell you what the coffee taste like from the sidewalk vendor beside our church in Brazil. I can tell you what prejudice feels likes as I travel the subway to our Church in Japan. And I can tell you what poverty looks like in the villages surrounding our churches in India. The wonderful news is that in each of these countries I can also testify about the change that comes into a person’s life when they join their life to God by becoming a child of God and a part of the body of Christ.

I just returned from a 2 week stay in India with Missionary Carlisle Hanna. God is doing Great works with this Great Man of God as souls are being saved and churches are being built at an amazing speed. In 2009 we had 144 organized Churches, 206 House Churches (preparing to be organized), and 305 Preaching points where we are seeking to establish a church. We have 21 Ordained Ministered, 5 Licensed Ministers, 17 Evangelists, and 91 Church planters. Last year we baptized 466 (One was killed the day he was baptized and his wife and child were killed the next morning. One 17 year old was dragged thru the village where he was pelted with cow dung and stones before being disowned by his family). When you preach in India, the land of 400,000 Hindi “gods” and a fast growing Moslem population you need to know what you believe and why you believe it in order to stand up and boldly proclaim that the Gospel you proclaim is the only true Gospel and the God we serve is the only true and living God

All over America Churches are stagnating and Christians are lukewarm [Most of you do not really expect God to do a mighty work in our service today!]. God’s name and God’s plan are under attack on TV, in music, and at Schools (Kids are taught at school that homosexuality is an “alternative” life style but they are not allowed to publicly pray).

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; that He came in the flesh, that He died for our sins, that He was resurrected from the dead, that He is coming again for His people, and that He is the only hope for the world.

Listen to this verse- And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: (Matthew 15:30). In this verse Jesus healed people who could not walk, could not see, and could not speak. He also healed people who were missing body parts (Maimed is the same word as in Matt 18:18 where a part of the body is cut off).

This is not some charismatic leader using positive thinking or suggestive mind games in order to get someone to claim an invisible healing. This is diving power at work healing and restoring bodies. Jesus is the Son of God!

Today I am asking you to join Him and let Him change your life into the abundant life He wants you to have. Here are three ways you can join Jesus and find the exciting Christianity you have always heard about:

DESIRE CHANGE- You will never change until the desire to change motivates you to move from where you are to where you need to be. If you do what you have always done then you will get what you have always got. He who aims at nothing normally hits it! I can never become what I want to be by remaining what I am!
Jesus said if you would repent of your sins and come to Him in faith that the change in your life would be so dramatic until it was called being “born again”.
SEEK GOD- Look for God and join Him at His work.
– Where is God at Work in this Church? If this church closed today what difference would it make in this community? Some of the saddest words in the Bible “Samson wist not that the spirit of the Lord was departed from him” (Judges 16:20).
– Where is God at work in YOUR LIFE? What are your spiritual gifts? Where do you fit in the Body of Christ?
Make a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP with God your goal (Not just attending church or being “good”).
1. Do NOT
  1. Defy God- Fool has said in His Heart, There is No God (Ps 14:1)
  2. Disobey God- All have sinned
  3. Disgrace God- Ashamed to be called their God (Heb 11:16)
  4. Distrust God- Just shall live by Faith
Do
- 1. Delight God- Prosperity Pleases God. (Psalm 35:27). Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4)
  2. Display God- Disciples first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26)
  3. Desire God- Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

A wedding is a public proclamation that two have joined into one. I am asking you to make that type of commitment to Christ today.

{Another Ending}

Here are two ways you can join Jesus and find the exciting Christianity you have always heard about:

DESIRE CHANGE- The church is the only fellowship in the world where the one requirement for membership is the unworthiness of the candidate!
1. You must desire to move from where you are to where you need to be.
2. If you do what you have always done then you will get what you have always got.
3. He who aims at nothing normally hits it!
4. I can never become what I want to be by remaining what I am!
  Jesus said if you would repent of your sins and come to Him in faith that the change in your life would be so dramatic until it was called being “born again”.
SEEK GOD- And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
1. God wants GOOD for You- Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. (Psalms 35:27) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4)
2. The Devil wants BAD for you. He will
  Discourage you in seeking God
  Disappoint you in life
  Damn you in the end
3. Do NOT
  1. Defy God- Fool has said in His Heart, There is No God (Ps 14:1)
  2. Disobey God- All have sinned
  3. Disgrace God- Ashamed to be called their God (Heb 11:16)
  4. Distrust God- Just shall live by Faith

People in India who had waited in 100 degree heat all day to hear the Gospel and wanted only to touch my shoes and thank me for bringing the gospel. They wanted God and they found a changed life.

Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten

Jer 51:6 FLEE OUT OF BABYLON

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

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of Babylon, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4).

You cannot get out of this world alive! You are going to have to die TO sin or you will die IN Sin. My plea is that you will flee out of Babylon (This present world system) and become a citizen of Heaven. Remember Lot; he chose the easy, good looking well-watered land and settled in Sodom where he ended up losing his possession, part of his family, and his wife and where his daughters learned to trust in the ways of the flesh instead of the promises of God.

I. THE SAD PART OF BABYLON IS THAT YOU DIG YOUR OWN GRAVE: The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands (Psalms 9:16).

A) Babylon traps the backslider: Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. (Joshua 23:12-13).

B) The Sinner traps themselves: The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. (Psalms 9:15). Satan blinds the mind of sinners until they think they are going one way when they are actually going another.

THINGS THAT SNARE MEN:

1) The Words of your own mouth: Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2). You will give account for every idle word and out of the same fountain does not flow sweet water and bitter.

2) The Fear of Men: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25). Fear not man who can only kill but fear God who can cast into Hell.

3) Wicked Women: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. (Ecclesiastes 7:26). An affair can destroy men, families, morals, and lives

4) Riches: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9). 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).

If you stay in Babylon you may enjoy life for a short time but one day you will be destroyed with the City. Flee Babylon and come to the Safety of Christ today.

Satan can close his trap any time: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Just remember “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16).