LUKE SERMONS – Mircheal Jones

Some denominations have done a disservice to Mary, the mother of Jesus, by making her to be more than human but most of us have done her an equal injustice by ignoring her sacrifice and contribution in bearing and raising the Christ child. I think we can benefit greatly from her example; and at the same time check up on our willingness to be used of God.

I. MARY’S MOTHER- Nothing is said in scripture about Mary’s Parents (except her father’s name in the genealogy of Jesus (Heli) Luke 3:23) but it is significant that Mary went to Elizabeth’s house when she found she was with Child and stayed there almost 3 months. Many fine Christian Ladies have unbelieving Parents and must find that “special” friendship with other Christians (Elizabeth was also having a “special” child so she could relate to Mary’s difficulties).

Note also that when Mary first came to Elizabeth the “babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost”; a sign to Both Elisabeth and Mary of God’s power and plan. Christians have a “special bond” that allows them to see things with the Spirit instead of the Flesh.

Do you know the Bond and Blessedness of being part of the Body of Christ??

II. MARY’S MIND- At a time when it was almost unheard of for a woman to attend school because most women were looked upon as “second class citizens” with few rights and many responsibilities (The Pharisees would pray daily, “I Thank God I’m not a Gentile, a dog, or a Woman!) it appears that this Peasant Girl from the backwoods town of Nazareth had not allowed her mind to be “dulled” by the world. She had:

A) A Humble Mind- When Gabriel appeared to her she cast in her mind what manner of salutation this was (Luke 1:26-29), Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. The Humble person is one that does not know they are humble!

Mary and Jesus must have gotten along very well because Humility was the constant characteristic of Jesus. That’s something for Christian women to remember today. We live in a society that stresses pride and “pushiness” and the equality of the sexes has pushed many women to take on the bad characteristics of their male counterparts. A woman God can honor must be humble.

B) A Reasoning mind- How shall these things be seeing I know not a man? (Luke 1:34). God sometimes asks us to do some very difficult things that will not make “sense”. It’s important for us to see things as they really are and then appropriate the Faith necessary to accomplish God’s Purpose. Many women use all their “wiles” and wisdom to change their husbands and families but can’t seem to grasp that God would use them if they are willing to do it HIS WAY. Are you willing to follow God’s Plan regardless of the “Sense”?

C) A Considering Mind- But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart (Lu 2:19). I wonder if when Mary was painfully riding that donkey to Bethlehem she knew that God was moving her to fulfill prophecy? I wonder when she thrashed in the pain of child-birth among the hay and animal smells of that stable if she had any idea Angels were singing a “Hallelujah Chorus” to shepherds on the hill? Regardless, when she saw how God was working she considered and marveled. Do YOU see how God is working in YOUR LIFE and praise Him for what He is doing?

III. MARY’S MORALS- Luke 1:26-28

A) A Virgin- Purity of Body (She was “Engaged” to Joseph but she was willing to wait to follow God’s Plan regarding the desires of the flesh). Do you live for the Moment or the Master?

B) Highly Favored- “Much Graced” or “”graciously accepted”. God knew Mary’s Human failings but He “found favor” with her (vs 30) and chose her for the Mother of His Son!! (You know something even more amazing, He knew me and yet He still welcomed me to become a “brother” and a “bride” to His Son!!).

C) “The Lord is with thee”- She had a Relationship with God. God chose her because She had chosen God.

D) Blessed art thou among women- Her Morals and her standing with God allowed her to serve God in a very unique way. While this particular act of service was a one time opportunity yet there remain many areas of service for Godly women in today’s society; if they will maintain their purity and relationship with God.

IV. MARY’S MAGNIFICAT (Luke 1:46-55)- Described by some as “The last Old Testament Psalm and the First New Testament Hymn”, this marvelous “song” by Mary reveals a tremendous amount about her character and convictions.

A) She Gave God the Glory- My soul doth magnify the Lord, and My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

B) She Exalted God’s Character:

1. HIS NAME- Holy is His Name 49

2. HIS MERCY- Mercy on them that fear him from generation to generation 50

3. HIS POWER- Strength showed with his arm. 51

4. HIS KNOWLEDGE- Scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart 51

5. HIS JUDGMENT- Put down the mighty from their seats, exalted them of low degree 52

6. HIS JUSTICE- Filled the hungry with good things; the rich he hath sent away empty.

7. HIS FAITHFULNESS- Helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy 54-55

Mary was indeed a “marvel” and greatly to be honored but I want to close today with the words of Jesus when someone tried to “Over Honor” Mary- Luke 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Many people today say they would be willing to accept the role given Mary but are You willing to hear and obey God’s word about your need of Salvation and Service? “Yea, rather, Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it”.

Luke 01:37 IMPOSSIBLE THINGS

When Gabriel began telling Mary about how she would be able to have a child as a Virgin a statement was made that is tremendously important to every child of God-For with God nothing shall be impossible.(Luke 1:37). This is a great confidence builder as we face the seemingly impossible tasks of life or the soul wearying trials of daily living.

Yet, while we know it is impossible for God to fail or not have the necessary strength we also are aware that this does not mean that some things are prohibited to God simply because of the fact that He is God- For instance: (Heb 6:18) it is impossible for God to lie. The reasons are simple, God is THE TRUTH so it is impossible for the truth to be a lie!

But there are several things that are impossible for man to do and I want to look at some of those today:

1) IT IS AS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE AS IT IS FOR A RICH MAN TO BE SAVED- Matt 19:23-26. Men have tried to soften his statement and make it say that it is not easy for a rich man to be saved but vs 26 says, with men this is impossible! Thankfully for all your rich people he goes on to say, but with God all things are possible

The reason rich men are not saved is because they aren=t willing to give up their Pride or their Property (vs 22). If they are to be saved then they must come to the knowledge that they cannot serve God and riches (matt 6:24). They must make a life changing choice; a choice that will not be made without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. It is therefore impossible for man to make that choice unless the Holy Spirit urges him and empowers him to do so.

Isn=t it sad that we stress to young people that the greatest thing they can attain is riches and yet 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.(I Tim 6:9). If we could just give them a balanced perspective so that they could see that Riches are not to be their goal. The good that riches can accomplish are what they are to strive for. As Paul told Timothy- (1 Tim 6:17‑19) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; {18} That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; {19} Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

2) IT IS IMPOSSIBLE BUT THAT OFFENCES WILL COME- Luke 17:1. When I was a sinner I thought that a person who was saved automatically became perfect and it really bothered me to see faults and failures in Christians. Having been a preacher for over 30 years, the hardest lesson I had to learn was that Christians will disappoint you (as you disappoint them). There was a time I really thought about quitting because people were not perfect and all of my efforts seemed to have little impact on them. That is when God taught me the lesson of the necessity of the Bad with the Good- (1 Cor 11:19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. If there is no struggle there is no growth. God could have delivered me from all the battles against Sin- but I would have missed all the Blessings of Victory!! (This does not excuse sin in your life- it simple explains why you must struggle with it).

3) IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SAVED TWICE- (Heb 6:4‑6) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, {5} And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, {6} If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

You are saved by grace through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast.(Eph 2:8‑9). If you renounce that Faith and turn from trust in Christ to dependence on some other person or doctrine there remains But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.(Heb 10:27).

4) IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH- (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The “operating energy” between God and man is Faith. That is what activates God=s power and energizes man’s efforts.

The immediate question many people ask is how much Faith do I need- (Mat 17:20) And Jesus said unto them, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

I am so glad I serve a God who is able to do anything that is right. And I am tremendously glad that this God is willing to share His wonderful power with me so I can do the things I need to do and withstand the pressures I must withstand. No wonder when Mary heard Gabriel say that Nothing was impossible with God she said, (Luke 1:38) Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

May we have the same attitude as we strive to be more than conquerors through Him that loves us.

Luke 01:5 ELISABETH, THE EXAMPLE

Name-Zacharias- “Jehovah has remembered”

Elisabeth- “My God is an Oath”

John- “God is Gracious”

Linage- 1:5 Elisabeth was also of the daughters of Aaron- this was considered a double Blessing and the following of the law in which a woman was to marry within her own tribe. This made John the Baptist of the PRIESTLY tribe. The course of Abia- There were 24 courses of priests that ministered at the temple a week at the time. The course of Abia (Abijah) was the eighth in order.

Jesus was of the tribe of Judah and as such had no claim on the priesthood- Judah was the KINGLY tribe

Character- 1:6 Righteous before God, Walked right before men, Barren, well stricken in years (Nearly 60). God wanted to show from the beginning that it was just as impossible for a man to save himself as it was for a woman well stricken in years or a virgin to have a child.

Modest- 1:24 Hid for 5 months

Gave God Glory- 1:25

Friend to Mary- 1:39 Where was Mary’s Mother

Filled with Holy Ghost- 1:42-45

Womb Warriors- 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.

John–Shall be filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb-

Willing to stand for God (John’s Name) 1:578-61

This is the last we hear of her. Evidently she and Zacharias died because John moved into the Desert (Even though he had the right to serve as a priest and receive a set salary for life).

Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Tertullian- among his works is a treatise, To his Wife, which includes the following beautiful description of Christian marriage: How can I paint the happiness of a marriage which the church ratifies…the benediction seals, angels announce, the Father declares valid…What a union of two believers-one hope, one vow, one discipline, and one worship! They are brother and sister, two fellow-servants, one spirit, and one flesh. Where there is one flesh, there is also one spirit. They pray together, fast together, instruct, exhort, and support each other. They go together to the church of God, and to the table of the Lord. They share each other’s tribulation, persecution, and revival. Neither conceals anything from the other. They delight to visit the sick, supply the needy, give alms without constraint, and in daily zeal lay their offerings before the altar without scruple or hindrance. They do not need to keep the sign of the cross hidden, nor to express slyly their Christian joy, nor to suppress the blessing. Psalms and hymns they sing together, and they vie with each other in singing to God. Christ rejoices when he sees and hears this. He gives them his peace. Where two are together in his name, there he is; and where he is, there the evil one cannot come.

Luke 01:5-22, 59-64 WHEN YOU TALK BACK TO GOD

Phone call before I went to Seniors- didn’t make and had to wait on bus.

Why do your children talk back to you??

Zacharias- mute for 9 months Luke 1:5-22

Balaam- Numbers 22:9-12, 19-22

Sarah laughed- Gen 18:9-15 Had a son she named Laughter Gen 21:6

Philip on feeding 5000- John 6:1-12

Ananias and Sapphira- Acts 5:1-11 killed

Jonas- belly of whale

TALKED BACK BECAUSE OF:

1. Inability to Reason Results- Zach, Sarah, Phillip (FAITH)

2. Desire for Personal Gain- Balaam, A & S (FLESH)

3. Dislike for Results- Jonah (FOLLY)

How can we learn to live correctly?? Familiar Voice (Fear makes us doubt- Zach), Quiet time, Trust

Luke 01:57-80 ZACHARIAS- SIGNS AND SERMONS

1. THE SON IN ANSWER TO PRAYER- Is there anything you have prayed for for a long period of time?? God’s answers sometimes come in ways that provide only Him with Glory.

2. THE SILENCE IN ANSWER TO UNBELIEF- dumb (Maybe deaf also- see vs 62). Faith makes us a witness, unbelief causes us to lose our testimony. This was a long problem (9 months). This was a public problem (Was supposed to lead in the final prayer when he left the alter of incense. Unable to preach or teach). This was a Family problem (Unable to share the excitement and encouragement of childbearing with Elisabeth).

3. THE SPIRIT IN ANSWER TO OBEDIENCE- NOTE the number of times in this chapter that people are filled with the Holy Ghost:

John- from his mother’s womb- Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

Mary in conception- Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Elisabeth in greeting Mary- Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Zacharias when he named John- Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

The filling with the Holy Ghost caused them to speak: Eph 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

The filling with the Holy Ghost caused them to Glorify God

4. THE SERMON IN ANSWER TO A FILLED HEART (Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks) John means” Grace of God”. As the messenger for the Messiah he would announce the one who would bring Salvation through the grace of God. Zacharias’ sermon exalted God for:

A) Redeeming His People- Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

B) Confirming His Covenant- Luke 1:69-75 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

C) Sending the Messiah’s fore runner- Luke 1:76-77 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

D) Proclaimed the Dawning of a new day- Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 02:6-18 WHAT CHRISTMAS IS REALLY ABOUT

More and more I find myself disliking the Christmas season. The Rush, the Stress, and the poverty from buying all the presents and taking part in all the extra meals and parties all combine together to steal our Joy and burden our life- As I write this my wife has had the entire day at home today for the first day in the past two weeks and her bed time most of this week has been around 2am. Her battery is about to run down and there is still another week of intense Christmas activities stretching out in front of us. How did we let it come to this place? How did Christmas get so far out of control?

I don’t know if I can answer those questions to anyone’s satisfaction–nor do I know if I can provide workable answers about how to change these situations. I can, however, tell you about what Christmas is SUPPOSED to be about; and hope that those instructions will help you handle some of the stress of a season out of control.

In today’s scripture there are 7 items emphasized that need to be a major part of our life this Christmas:

1) THE SWADDLING CLOTHES (6-7)

A) God came to earth as a man and put his care in the hands of a man! That took Faith.

B) Swaddling Clothes are clothes used to wipe the cattle- Representing the fact that as a man in the flesh, all our righteousness is as filthy rags

C) Laid in a manager because there was no room for him in the inn. Even today man continues to be too busy with his own needs to find room for God in his life.

2) THE SHEPHERDS (8)

A) Their Job- To watch the Temple Sheep that were to be sacrificed

B) Their shift- They had the “night watch” which was the least favorite job; yet these are the ones God chose to hear about the birth of Jesus-(1 Cor 1:26-31) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: {27} But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should glory in his presence. {30} But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: {31} That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

C) Their Location- Abiding in the fields away from family and home- just like men who are lost in sin today.

3) THE SINGLE ANGEL (9)

A) The Angel of the Lord- Probably Michael or Gabriel

B) The Glory of the Lord- God is light and His glory is to expose Darkness

C) The Fear of the Shepherds- They were sore afraid- Angelic appearances always brought fear. Even today men fear when God sends someone to expose their sin.

4) THE SERMON (10-12) The ingredients to a good sermon are found here:

A) Ease the fears of the People

B) Proclaim the Joy that comes from God

C) Announce Jesus- Every sermon must major on Christ to be effective

D) Show people how to find Christ- Look for a sign (Babe in swaddling clothes in a manager). Look to see God at work- Conviction, Circumstances, Concern

5) THE “SINGING” (13-14)

A) Angels “Said”- The only place I can find that says that Angels sing is in Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

B) Heavenly Praise- All songs should bring “Glory to God in the Highest”

C) Earthly Proclamation- On Earth Peace, Good will toward men- More than Health or wealth, men need Peace with God thru the mercy of God.

6) THE SEEING (15-16) A Message from God should bring

A) A Response- Let us go even now into Bethlehem

B) An urgency- With haste (The Sheep were “Home Alone”)

C) An Obedience to God- Which the Lord has made known unto us

7) THE SHARING (17-18) When you find Christ it will be Natural to Tell someone

A) For the Lost- With the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the Mouth confession is made unto salvation

B) For the Saved- We want everyone to know the good news- Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.

So there you have it. Christmas is all about the announcement of the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. This babe of Bethlehem came that you might have life- (John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Your response today should be to turn from your sinful ways and accept God’s Gift of Salvation through Faith in Christ.

Luke 2:8-14 THE SHEPHERD’S SERMON

I imagine these shepherds were like most of us; a little upset at having to work the ”graveyard” shift in the fields while the rest of the town celebrated the excitement surrounding the Census Crowd. Sitting by the fire that night, watching the glow of distant Bethlehem, they probably mourned their lot in life and never dreamed that thousands and ,countless thousands of men and boys would pretend to be them in years to come!

Suddenly the serenity of that fireside was disturbed by a-blinding light that brought terror to the hearts of these men. But immediately following the terror came a message; one of the greatest messages the world had ever heard, the message that the Messiah was come!

As we sit calmly in our pews today thinking of the pressure of Christmas schedules and Christmas bills, I want us to look at this message and see The SERMON, the SIGN, and the SAVING contained in it so that we too can see the Savior.

I. THE SERMON- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).

A) To Calm their fear- “Fear Not”. Unexpected and unexplained things bring fear and worry. Yet sometimes the very thing that brings the fear is the messenger of Good News! (As the Angels were here)

B) To Proclaim the Good News, Good tiding of great joy! 1. To all People / 2. A Savior is born, Christ the Lord.

That is the greatness of our message even today. Death, hell, and the grave have been defeated and fear should no longer hold you in bondage. Like the Shepherds, we too many times face sudden crisis, major disease, death of a loved one, unexpected debt, acute loneliness, etc. God’s message to us is that Christ has been born bringing good tidings of great joy about life and all it’s problems:

1. Disease- You can live with it [in which case God will give sufficient Grace- [II Cor 12:9] or die from it [in which case you can go to be with Christ!!].

2. Death- 0 DEATH, WHERE !S THY STING, 0 GRAVE, WHERE !S THY VICTORY?

3. Debt- Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).

4. Loneliness- He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

II THE SIGN- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

A) The Baby- God sent a Baby to conquer the world- A Baby from God is more POWERFUL than any force in the world!

B) The Bundling- swaddling clothes- PROSPERITY is not how much you own for this was the King of Kings in rags.

C) The Bassinet- a manger- It’s not your PLACE in society.

To the Wise Men God sent a .STAR, to- the Shepherds He sent ·a STABLE. He always points the way to Christ in a way YOU can recognize.

III. THE SAYING: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:13-14).

A> Praises for God- For only in loving and adoring Him do we find what our heart craves.

B> Peace for Men- Because the Baby came to Bethlehem, Christ would die on the Cross and men could find Peace and Salvation.

The Sermon for the Shepherds contained a message, an example, and a conclusion (Good rules for every preacher to follow as he builds his sermons!). But a sermon demands a response. How should you respond to the Shepherd’s Sermon? And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us (Luke 2:15). Come to Christ.

Luke 02:8-18 ANGEL SERMON

On a cool crisp night, as Shepherds watched their flocks outside of Bethlehem, an angel appeared and delivered one of the most important sermons ever heard by humans. In this sermon are all the elements that every good sermon should contain.

I. THE PREACHER IS ANOINTED- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:9)

A) The “Glory of the Lord” shines from the Preacher. If the anointing is not present then those dead in sin will not be raised to newness of life. You can fill an hour with words but you cannot fake anointing.

B) The “fear of the Lord” grips the people. Most people come to church to be entertained. If God is present it will bring awe instead of amusement. Many churches today bring people into a mode of worship with songs and prayers and then tell everyone to greet everyone and the worship mode is lost as people mill around and talk for 10 minutes.

II. THE PEOPLE ARE TOUCHED- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people (Luke 2:10). Once people begin to fear God they will welcome the “good news of great joy” from God. On the other hand, if they remain comfortable in the church and in their sin then they will ignore the message believing it is for someone else.

III. CHRIST IS PROCLAIMED- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

IV. SALVATION IS EXPLAINED-

A) A Sign-And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

B) A “song”- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:13 14).

V. A DECISION TO COME TO CHRIST IS REACHED- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger (Luke 2:15 16).

VI. PEOPLE LEAVE THE SERVICE TALKING ABOUT JESUS- And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds (Luke 2:17 18).

Luke 02:17 GLORY IN THE HIGHEST

OUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR CHRIST—-Dec 25, 1994 We have come together this Christmas morning to celebrate the Birth of the Son of God and to lift our voices in adoration and worship. With a little help from my “friends” and the choir I hope we can catch a little of the glory and exultation of this wonderful day. Easter is a time of Sadness that turns to Triumph but Christmas is a time of Family gatherings, Festive occasions, and the joy of sharing gifts– and receiving the gift of eternal life given by God on this first Christmas morning. So let’s examine the Glory of the Christ Child with Scripture, Song, and Prayer this Christmas Morning.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY- Luke 2:1-17………….

SONG

I. THE GLORY OF HIS NAME- [ ] Phil 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A) HIS NAME AS KING- Is 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful (Worship), counsellor (Wisdom), the mighty God (Power), the everlasting Father (Permanent), the prince of peace (Peace). We can have Confidence, Reliance, and Faith in Him to do right.

B) HIS NAME AS SAVIOR- Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins. Jesus is the same as “Joshua” and as such describes how Jesus leads us from the Wilderness of Sin into the Promised Land.

THE PURPOSE OF HIS NAME: [ ]

1. PREACH IN IT- Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Christ is our Message!

2. PRAY BY IT- Jn 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the son Access to the “Bank of Heaven” with the Son’s Signature!!

3. POWER OF IT- Acts 3:16 And his name, through faith in his name, hath make this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Just whisper “Jesus”. It brings calmness to the soul and confusion to the Devil.

4. PRAISE TO IT- Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto god and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. All Glory and Praise should be given to His name.

CHOIR–

II. THE GLORY OF HIS NATURE- [ ] Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Jesus said He that hath seen me hath seen the father John 14:9. This simply means the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

CHOIR–

III. THE GLORY OF HIS SALVATION- [ ] John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Rom 6:23 The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Choir–

A little Girl was drawing on the beach when a man came by. “What are you drawing?” he asked. “A picture of God.” she replied. “But no one knows what God looks like.” the man said. The Girl replied, “Wait 5 more minutes and you will!” Our “Five Minute” wait is over. Christ is born; and we can be born again! God has a marvelous gift for you this Christmas day; will you accept it???

Luke 02:19 MARY’S PONDERINGS

THINGS GOD PONDERS:

Prov 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Prov 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Prov 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

THINGS WE SHOULD PONDER:

Prov 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Luke 02:20 CELEBRATION SERVICE

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them (Luke 2:20).

This is the best of times; this is the worst of times. These are the times that try men’s souls. Congregations are distracted, Pastors are exhausted, and you are expected to preach new sermons every year about an event that has little print in the Bible (compared to Easter and the resurrection). I give you the gift today of four principles that will help you develop your Christian life and ministry and Celebrate our Service for the Lord. Remember the difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is the extra you put in it!

1) Obey Completely. The Last recorded words of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, were Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it (John 2:5). Surrendering is not about being willing to give up one thing. It is about being willing to do anything at any time as requested by God. We SERVE GOD- Learn His voice and follow His instructions.

2) Abide Continuously- I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (John 15:1-4).

a. Work for God but do not try to be God- I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

b. Recognize the benefits of Abiding:

i. Prayer is effective- If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).

ii. Joy is Complete- These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

iii. Fruit will Last- Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you (John 15:16). Fruit fails in dry weather but now when you have living water!

3) Learn Constantly – If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10). {Do not get careless and lose your axe head-2 Kings 6:1-7.}

4) Finish Triumphantly – And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Colossians 4:17). I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7).

A little Girl was drawing on the beach when a man came by. “What are you drawing?” he asked. “A picture of God.” she replied. “But no one knows what God looks like.” the man said. The Girl replied, “Wait 5 more minutes and you will!” Our “Five Minute” wait is over. God became a man and did always those things that please the Father (John 8:29). Go and do thou likewise.

Luke 02:21 8 DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS

Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

On this Eighth day after Christmas I want us to see what the parents of Jesus did to and for Him. Hopefully, this will encourage us to have the same dedication and determination as we face a new year.

God had given this humble couple a tremendous task (Raising the Son of God) and now they had to deal with day to day details. The very first of those details took place 8 days after the birth of the baby who was laid in a manger.

1. FOLLOWED GOD’S LAW. Acknowledged God’s Covenant with Abraham. As you face a new year, you need to covenant with God to do His will in your PRIVATE life. In the part of you unseen by others covenant that God’s will (even if it involved pain and suffer) will be followed.

Have an active Prayer Life, Bible Study, Devotion Life. Make this your daily prayer- Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Determine to make your body the HOLY temple in which the Holy Spirit can feel comfortable.

2. FOLLOWED GOD’S WORD– Gave Him the name the Angel had proclaimed (Matt 1:21). This was following God’s directions in PUBLIC life. Names are very important. They identify us from the mass of humanity around us. Jesus had many names but His official name on the Jewish records would have read “Jesus bar Joseph” or Jesus, the son of Joseph.

Jesus is the Greek of the Hebrew Name, Joshua and it means “Savior”. When He began His ministry He was also called CHRIST, which is Greek for “the Anointed One” from the Hebrew “Messiah”.

But some of the names that best describe Him are found in Isa 9:6- For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I. WONDERFUL COUNSELOR- WISDOM (Remember that the wisdom of God is foolishness with man. Learn to follow His counsel because you trust His love). He doesn’t just tell us, He shows us the way!!

II. MIGHTY GOD- STRENGTH– He is greater than the greatest difficulty, the greatest sin, the greatest sorrow, or the greatest failure in your life.

III. EVERLASTING FATHER- STABILITY– The same yesterday, today, and forever.

IV. PRINCE OF PEACE-SECURITY – Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Guilty hearts find peace about their sins. Burdened hearts find peace in his love (Rom 8:28)

What kind of name do you have in Public?? Do people say your name with joy or a sneer?

Two things I ask of you as we begin this new year- (1) Commit to making Christ Lord of your private life. (2) Determine to obey God’s will in your public life so you will glorify that name above all names, Jesus Christ the Lord.

Luke 02:34-35 THE COST OF CHRISTMAS

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35).

Christmas is a time when Merchants make money and Parents go broke! But Christmas has a cost far beyond Frenzy and Finances; it also impacts lives and eternity. Here are some cost associated with that First Christmas.

1. THE COST TO JOSEPH

A) His Reputation- Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:19-20).

B) His Home and Job- He had to leave Nazareth (And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child Luke 2:4-5) and travel to Bethlehem, with a very pregnant wife, to pay taxes- but actually to fulfil prophecy (And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel Matthew 2:5-6).

C) His Life Plans- The Carpenter of small town Nazareth now became a “hunted man” who had to flee to Egypt and then allow God to direct his destinations. (The angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14).

2. THE COST TO MARY-

A) Subject of Gossip and Scorn (Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily (Matthew 1:18-19).

B) Awareness that “her baby” was God’s Son with a purpose and plan (At 12 in the Temple when he had to be about “Father’s Business”. When she and family came to him during His ministry: Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Matthew 12:47-49).And when she watched His horrendous death on the Cross.

3. THE COST TO BETHLEHEM- Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men (Matt 2:16). In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not (Matt 2:18).

4. THE COST TO WISE MEN- Leave home, make extended trip, give expensive gifts, become disobedient to Government (And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way Matthew 2:12).

5. THE COST TO GOD- Heaven’s dearest Treasure; the Son of God

Luke 02:22-39 CHRIST’S FIRST TRIP TO CHURCH

Two distinguishing features stood out the first time Christ went to Church.

I. DEDICATION: And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. (Luke 2:22-24).

A) Purification- 40 days for a boy; 80 days for a girl. God’s command is to “Be ye holy for I am holy, saith the Lord”.

B) Property of God- First Born was to be dedicated to God. We have been “bought with a price” so we should give ourselves completely to the Lord.

C) Poverty- They gave the “least expensive” offering due to their economic situation. God only expects us to give what we have.

If Christ visited our Church today would He find a dedicated people giving their all for His Glory?

II. DEVOTION:

A) Simeon: And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:25-26).

Simeon was Just, Devout, Expecting God to work, and he had the Holy Ghost upon him.

As a result the Holy Ghost gave him Revelation (Not die until he saw the Christ), Guidance (he came by the Spirit into the temple- vs 27), and the Ability to celebrate with a Powerful Witness and Song.

B) Anna: And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38).

Anna served in spirt of Circumstances (Widow) and Age (84). Because of her faithful attendance and service she was able to Praise God and Witness of God’s Salvation in Jerusalem.

If Christ came to your church would he find faithful people, filled with the Holy Spirit, who were working and witnessing; as well as singing and testifying, about the coming of Christ?

Luke 02:40-52 WHAT WOULD JESUS DO AS A TEEN?

1) Christ was willing to GO where His Father Chose- God had only one Son and He was a missionary.

2) Christ was willing to BE whatever His Father chose- Phil 2:6-9

3) Christ was willing to DO whatever His Father Chose-

A> The Frequency of Obedience- And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him (John 8:29).

B> The Purpose of Obedience- For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me (John 6:38).

C> The Length of Obedience- I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do (John 17:4).

How can we live like this? For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Amp Bible- [Not in your own strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you- energizing and creating in you the power and desire- both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Luke 02:41-52 THE MISSING CHRIST

I. FROM THE FAMILY– Luke 2:41-52 Mary and Joseph were returning to Nazareth and in the confusion of the departure they assumed Jesus was with them. Once they found he was missing they had to retrace their steps to Jerusalem where they found Him discussing the Bible with the Bible Scholars of the Temple.

A> Missing in Family Duties- Love for one another, Leadership by Husband.

B> Missing in Family Devotions- That enable us to learn about God and His will

C> Missing in Family Relationships- Discipline, Christian Character

II. FROM YOUR FRIENDS– Mark 1:35-39 Jesus arose while it was yet dark and went to Pray. His Disciples soon found him missing and after searching for him found him praying. He ever lives to make intercession for us today.

A> Missing in Recreation- Separate from God

B> Missing in Witnessing- No Love for Friends

C> Missing in Chosing- What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness.

III. FROM THE FUNERAL– John 11:- Jesus had deliberately delayed his coming to Lazarus until Lazarus was dead and buried. He would later turn their grief into joy but there was a need of that grief right then.

A> Missing in our Sorrow

B> Missing in our Preparation

IV. FROM YOUR FAITH– MARK 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

A> Missing in Dedication- There are many people today whose faith only affects their head, and that only enough to get them to “parrot” the right things at the right time (You should look at the average congregation sing about the Lord sometime!).

B> Missing in Daily Living-

C> Missing in Your Heart

Faith in Christ will affect your Relationships, your actions, and your willingness to sacrifice.

Luke 02:52 GAUGING GROWTH

DEVELOPMENT- Maturing Physically- Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Know we are disciples by our Love- Do you Love God’s People more?

Are you stronger in your Prayer Life, Bible Study?

DISCERNMENT- Knowledge- Heb 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Is your Faith Deeper?

Is your Knowledge of God Growing?

CHARACTER- Fruit- 2 Pet 1:5-8 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you living more like Christ?

Are the Fruits of the Spirit growing in your life- Gal 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Luke 02:52 INCREASE

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52)

Increase is described as a process of becoming

1. larger – Adding one block upon another block- Precept upon precept

2. longer- To lengthen by pressure. As a blacksmith would heat a piece of metal, hammer it out, then re-heat it to re-hammer it so it would become longer.

3. more numerous- Disciples: And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

4. more important- John the Baptist proclaimed, He must increase but I must decrease (John 3:30).

Increase- Danger to a child for they trust everyone and believe anything. Must increase in the proper ways.

Wisdom- Mental development

The word amuse comes from the Greek “Muse” which means to think preceded by the “a” which mean “no”. So amuse means “not to think”!

Stature- Physical development

Favor with God- Spiritual development

Favor with man- Social development

Salvation is an Event. Christianity is a process- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Heaven is anticipation. Death is a reality.

Luke 02:41-52 JESUS; THE REBEL

This is the only time the curtain is opened and we get a glimpse of the childhood of Christ. We know from other scriptures that Jesus was the elder brother to a number of brothers and sisters. He was raised in a small town, was probably poor, and lost His earthly Dad at some time between the time He was twelve and thirty.

We know that his father and mother were people of good moral character- Joseph is called a “Just Man” (Matt 1:19) and Mary is called “Highly Favored” (Luke 1:28). We know that they were also willing to follow directions from God; even if the directions were hard and difficult- Marriage, Trip to Egypt, Live in Nazareth.

We also know Mary and Joseph tried to raise their children in a proper manner- Trips to the Temple in Jerusalem: Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

Weekly attendance in the Synagogue at Nazareth: Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day,

Yet, here we have, in the only revealed moment in the child hood of Christ, a time of Rebellion, of Running away from Home, and of Him Rebuking His mother. Definitely different that we normally think of Christ–yet something every parent needs to see.

A few observations:

1. The proper location for the Child is important‑ God wanted Christ raised in Nazareth and not Jerusalem or Bethlehem so He arranged for him to be driven out.

2. Financial Security is not necessary for proper growth‑ a) The offering when Christ was presented at the Temple was the least expensive indicating the poverty of family. b) A carpenter in a small city such as Nazareth would not make much. c) Joseph is not mentioned after Christ is l2 so he probably died before Christ was 30.

3. God Like Living by the Parents is needful: a) his parents went to Jerusalem each year for Passover (vs 41). b) Mary was called “Highly favored” by the angel (1:28). c) Joseph was called a “Just” man (Matt 1:19). Do you pray about WHERE and HOW you live?? Do you think it is more important to let the Child have the latest toys than for the mother to be home guiding him as she should??

I. BEFORE CHRIST REACHED TWELVE vs 40 He grew, waxed strong in spirit, was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

1. Grew‑ Proper food, exercise, home care, etc.

2. Waxed strong in spirit‑ He knew the Word of God and developed a relationship with the Heavenly Father

3. Filled with wisdom- He was well Educated (Jesus knew at least 3 languages: Read from Hebrew scroll, talked in Aramaic, and talked with Pilate in Greek.)

4. Grace of God was upon Him‑ God helped His parents raise him!

II. JESUS AT 12‑ He had his Bar Mitzvah and was now a “Son of the Law”. This meant he was now to take an active part in discussing the Scriptures.

‑ He was interested in learning from the scholars at the temple

– His understanding astonished the Doctors at the Temple

– He realized at this early age the need of being about the Father’s business.

The Law required that every male of Israel go to Jerusalem for the Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Because of distance, many Jews were only able to go to one feast a year, and they picked the most important, Passover.

The Amazement:

1) Of the Doctors of the Law at answers of Christ. He was not as smart as he was going to be- vs 52 says that during the next 18 years he “increased in wisdom”- but he had an insight into God’s Law that astounded these men who spent all their life studying the law.

2) Of Mary and Joseph that Christ would act so irresponsibly. Evidently this was a complete change from the way He had acted in the past.(He was usually so obedient that His parents just assumed He was with them in the crowd when they left Jerusalem)

III. JESUS FROM 12-30 He lived in Nazareth and was subject to his parents (Even though they did not have as clear an understanding of His purpose as He did!!). During this time He increased in:

1. Wisdom- Mental Maturity (Paid attention to what he saw, studied)

2. Stature- Physical Maturity (Played, worked, etc)

3. Favor with God- spiritual Maturity (Studied the Word- Needed when he began His ministry and was tempted! Regular in Church- 4:16

4. Favor with man- Social Maturity (Able to mingle with people- First miracle at a wedding, often had “fellowship suppers”

Today we need to help each child realize that God has a plan for their life. We need to insure that they are enabled to develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. And we need to look to God for the help needed to raise them right (Parents Pray a Lot!!).

Here are some helps to guide you in raising your child:

4 IDEALS FOR EVERY CHILD:

1) Accept Christ as Savior

2) Understand Scripture Principles

3) Participate in Church Community

4) Commit to living out Christian values in daily life.

Is your child learning of the love of God through the love, tenderness, and mercy of his parents?

Is he learning to talk about the Lord, and to include Him in his thoughts and plans?

Is he learning to turn to Jesus when he is frightened or anxious or lonely?

Is he learning to read the Bible?

Is he learning to pray?

Is he learning the meaning of faith and trust?

Is he learning the joy of the Christian way of life?

Is he learning to understand and empathize with the feelings of others.

Is he learning not to be selfish and demanding?

Is he learning to share?

Is he learning not to gossip and criticize others?

Is he learning to accept himself?

Is he learning to obey his parents as preparation for later obedience to God?

Is he learning to behave properly in Church- God’s House?

Is he learning a healthy appreciation for both aspects of God’s nature; love and justice?

Is he learning the meaning of sin and it’s inevitable consequences?

Is he learning to be truthful and honest?

CONCEPT 4: The fruit of the Spirit is…Self Control (Gal 5:22)

Is he learning to give a portion of his allowance (and other money) to God?

Is he learning to control his impulses?

Is he learning to work and carry responsibility?

Is he learning the vast difference between self‑worth and egotistical pride?

Is he learning to bow in reverence before the God of the universe?

Luke 02:40 GROWING LIKE CHRIST

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

This is part of the only description of the early life of Jesus. The Gospel writers were mainly concerned with His public Ministry and not His private life. While we long for more detail, we also realize God had a purpose in denying these details of Jesus’s youth.

From today’s scripture, however, we can gleam 3 Principles that will help us grow spiritually in the same way that Jesus grew physically.

I. DEVELOP STRENGTH

1) EAT RIGHT- Read the Bible every day to keep the Devil away (From the Bible you will get Right Doctrine as well as learn that Reasoning is not Righteousness).

2) EXERCISE- Faith without Works is dead. Put the Bible principles you learn to work in real life situations. Exercise is hard at first but it soon becomes a matter of routine.

3) DISCIPLINE SELF- The Tea Bag must stay in hot water to produce good tea. It is the trying of your faith that works patience

II. DEEPEN WISDOM– Not just Intelligence but accepting your place in God’s plan as very important: (Look at these examples of people God filled with Wisdom- Exo 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

1 Ki 7:14 He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work).

How do you Deepen Wisdom?

1) Pray- James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (Seek; then listen to the voice of God).

2) Practice- John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. You must act on what God reveals; then He will reveal more.

3) Ponder- 1 Tim 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. WHAT is God doing?? WHY is He doing it?? HOW do I fit into it??

III. DEPEND ON GRACE. The “Unmerited Favor” of God teaches us that:

1) Love is not based on Ability- The Ability God looks for is AVAILABILITY and DEPENDABILITY.

2) Pride hinders service- Fruit is produced for others. Don’t become self centered or a “Praise Prisoner”. What have we that did not come from God??

3) Failure is not Fatal; unless we remain down. The mistake you make with a mistake is allowing the mistake to defeat you. Grace looks beyond your failure to your heart. Grace knows that growth involves learning. Just remember, If God is in it; you can do it !

God expects you to Grow as a Christian. Are You??

Luke 03:1-2 WILDERNESS WORDS

Is it alright to beat my wife for the first 25 years of our marriage if I promise that after we’ve been married 25 years I will stop beating her and become a better Husband??

That is the way most people look at our relationship with God. God allows suffering during our life on earth but that’s all right because one day we’ll go to Heaven and it will stop (Sort of like the hitting my head with a hammer because it feels so good when I stop).

Why does a God whose very name is love and who loved us enough to allow His son to die for us; allow us to go through so much pain and suffering here on earth?? Yes, it’s to teach us a lesson; but isn’t there an easier way to learn that lesson??

Note who the Word did NOT come to:

Tiberius Caesar- He claimed to be god but didn’t have a word.

Pontius Pilate (Governor of Judea)- ruled over God’s chosen people in God’s chosen place but no word.

Herod, Philip, and Lysanias ruled over the remaining parts of the promised land but no word.

Annas and Caiaphas were high priests ( Annas was High Priest but the Romans had appointed his son-in-law Caiaphas as High Priest. Both were Sadducees and did not believe in the resurrection, the spirit world, or the authority of any OT books except the five written by Moses). They were the High Priests but the word did not come to them.

The Word came to a man wandering in the Wilderness- John. Doesn’t it always-

The People God chooses to communicate to or through are those that have been put into the Wilderness for some reason. (Interesting little side NOTE- Woman of God kept in wilderness in last days Rev 12)

REASONS WE GO INTO THE WILDERNESS: (Not Self Will)

1) Moses- Rejection

2) David- Persecution

3) Elijah- Depression

4) Jesus- Temptation

5) Paul- Education

THE REASONS THE WORD COMES IN THE WILDERNESS:

1) Get closer to God in troubles – DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF GOD- Phil 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2) Listen better in wilderness- less distractions

3) Have Time to re-examine Goals and Methods- Re-focus DIFFERENT METHOD OF MINISTRY: Jer 36:5-6 And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the LORD: Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.

Wilderness RESULTS:

Burning Bush- REDEMPTION

Many Psalms- HOPE

New Vision/Helper- DETERMINATION

Victory thru Word- VICTORY

Gospel Message- VISION

Don’t Beat Her; Challenge her to work and sacrifice together with the knowledge that one day things will be better (Change in Christ)

Luke 03:3-6 JOHN THE BAPTIST: HIS MISSION

1) HIS PERSONALITY

Father and Mother probably dead (Not mentioned; old when he was born).

Rejected the priest hood (Father’s profession) to go into the wilderness and seek communion with God (Possibly saw corruption of Priesthood and wanted to find God).

Wore Camel’s Hair robe tied with a leather belt. Ate Locusts and wild honey- No desire for fashion or self indulgence- Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Not a writer or a philospher. In the spirit of Elijah he was a prophet to call his nation to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

2) HIS PREDICTION: Signs before the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

Mal 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Joel 2:28-31 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

3) THE PURPOSE OF HIS PREACHING:

Prepare the way for Christ to come and Proclaim His coming

“God’s Highway Program”-

filled valleys- Bring up the low

lowered hills- Bringing down the high

crooked made streight-

rough made smooth-

Rome had reached it’s zenith and was beginning to decay within. Recreation, sexual perversion, and Dependence on Government were beginning to overrule the work ethic, family core, and reliance on resources.

HIS PREACHING: Mat 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

HIS PLACE: Mat 11:11-12 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

HIS REPUTATION: Mat 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

HIS PREDECESSOR (ELIJAH): Mat 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

Mark 6:24-25 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Luke 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Luke 03:15-16 THE GREEN MONSTER-ENVY

(See also John 3:25-30) ENVY is defined as – “Discontent or resentment because of another’s success, advantages, or superiority.” Surely it would not have been unusual for John the Baptist to have this feeling. He burst on the scene with tremendous popularity. Now his cousin, Jesus, was claiming the lime light, stealing his disciples, and becoming the main focus of everyone’s attention. John knew that the more Jesus increased the more his ministry would decrease. How did he avoid being consumed by the “Green Monster, Envy”??

PRINCIPLES CONCERNING ENVY:

1> THE POWER OF ENVY: Prov 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

2> THE DANGER OF ENVY: Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. Prov 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

A) REASON JESUS CRUCIFIED: Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

B) REASON JOSEPH’S BROTHERS SOLD HIM INTO SLAVERY: Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

C) REASON JEWS PERSECUTED PAUL: Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

3> MARK OF A LOST MAN: Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

4> ORIGINATES FROM DEVILS, FLESH, AND EARTH– James 3:14-15 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

5> ONE OF THE WORKS OF THE FLESH: Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

PRODUCERS OF ENVY:

Accumulation- Prov 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Attire- Peer Pressure

Advantage- Keep up with the Jones

Actions- Copy what makes others popular

Appearance- Fads

Authority- Prov 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

Accomplishments- Trying to be what you are not.

Affection- Pet

WAYS TO DEFEAT ENVY:

1) Jn 3:27- Recognize the Source of all Things

2) Jn 3:28- Remember your Ministry

3) Jn 3:29- Rejoice that you have a part

4) Jn 3:28- Relate to God’s Plan

Luke 03:15-16 SHOE SERVANT

THE MOST MISERABLE LIFE IS ONE CONTROLLED BY SELF INSTEAD OF CHRIST. The happiest life is one lived under the power and direction of God.

John the Baptist had come on the religious scene in Judea and caused an uproar. People from every race and class flocked to hear him. Suddenly this isolated desert dweller was cast into the glare of popularity’s spotlight. People hung on his every word, multitudes heeds his call to repentance and baptism, and a number of men even took up full time residence with him as his personal disciples.

Many another man would have fallen prey to popularity and wrecked his ministry on the shores of selfishness and success. Not John the Baptist. As the multitudes flocked to hear him his constant claim was, “I am not worth to be the shoe servant of the one whom I proclaim.” John knew how to deal with his ego.

How we need that kind of Christian today. John’s watch word was (John 3:30) “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Today it seems everyone’s motto is “I want God to increase; as long as that means God will satisfy my felt needs.” That’s why we have Cold Christians, Lukewarm Service, and a decline in Christian values. The problem has become that we want God to give us a new pair of shoes instead of feeling unworthy to even tie God’s Shoes. We’re much more interested in how God can serve us than we are in how we can become “Shoe Servants” for God.

This self serving Ego destroys our testimony, our power with God, and the abundant life Christ wants us to have. Unable to separate between the desires of the Flesh and the guidance of the Spirit we separate flesh and spirit into two separate categories in which we live a “real” life while we sometimes try to also have a “spiritual” life. This causes Christianity to become a Burden instead of a Blessing.

The answer to this dilemma is found in the brokenness that comes from recognizing ourselves as “Shoe Servants” of Christ. This brokenness will allow the Spirit of God to control our entire life and turn Christianity into Joy instead of a Job.

I. WHY WE NEED TO BE BROKEN:

A) To unleash God’s life in our life- John 12:24‑25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

FRUITFULNESS only comes when we allow God to break the shell of the seed within us. Just as God uses Dirt, Proper Temperature, and rain to cause seed to sprout in the earth so He uses proper circumstances in our life to bring us to fruitfulness. Don’t ask God to remove the necessary Circumstances; abide in the Lord and bring forth much fruit.

B) To bear witness of God’s grace at work in your life- Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

The only way for the FRAGRANCE of Christ in our life to come out is for us to break the shell that surrounds it. This is costly and scary (You can’t put the ointment back in the box once you have broken it!) but it will greatly please the Lord (This that this woman has done shall be told for a testimony of her where ever the Gospel is preached).

We hide who we really are in a box and offer the box to the Lord. He replies, “The only way I can use you is to break the box.”

II. METHODS GOD USES TO BREAK OUR EGOS.

A) Thorn in the Flesh– 2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

B) Time to Mature– 1 Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

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

III. ONCE YOU ARE BROKEN WHAT ARE SOME PRINCIPLES SHOE SERVANTS MUST PRACTICE. As John was describing his Ministry of “Shoe Service” he gave 3 Principles that we all need to follow- John 3:31-36

A) “He that cometh from above is above all”- Elevating Christ in my life and my living is the most important occupation of life.

B) “He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God”- Learning and practicing the precepts of God is the most important knowledge you will ever acquire.

C) “He that believeth…”- A complete and continuing relationship with Christ is the most vital decision you will ever make.

The most miserable life is one controlled by self instead of Christ. The happiest life is one lived under the power and direction of God.

Are you willing to allow God to break you so you can become fruitful and fragrant?

Are you a “Shoe Servant” or a “Satan Servant”. Shoe Servants get to walk of streets of God. Satan Servants get to spend eternity in the lad of fire with Satan.

Luke 3:1-22 THE LORD’S BAPTISM

TO SHOW THE REASONS LEADING TO JESUS’S BAPTISM AND APPLY THEM TO THOSE WHO ARE TO BE BAPTIZED TODAY.

I. THE BACKGROUND 1-2

A) The details- Names and places are used so that men may ascertain that the facts are true.

B) The Explanations

1. 15th year of reign of Tiberius Caesar (AD 26-27 Jesus was 30 years old, vs 23)

2. Pontius Pllate being governor of Judea (Herod the Great left his kingdom to his 3 sons. Archelaus ruled Judea for 9 years but for crimes against Rome: he was banished and Judea was made a Roman province ruled by a Roman Governor)

3. Herod (Herod the great’s son) tetrarch of Galilee- Tetrarch means someone who rules over ¼ of a Kingdom but it came to mean someone who ruled over any part of a Kingdom- in Herod’s case l/3.

4. Annas was the high Priest. He gave the position to his son-in-law Caiaphas. (Note how the office had become mainly political!)

II. THE BAPTIST 3-20

A) The Basis of His Preaching – Repentance as a sign of a changed life (The Jews looked for a King to set up a Kingdom- John said the hope of the nation was not to rise up in defense but to get down in sorrow!)

REPENTANCE= 1. A change of mind about sin

2. Sorrow or regret that sin has been committed / Sorrow that it is ruinous to the soul / Sorrow that is is an offense against God (We look at Sins from God’s Point of View).

B) The Purpose of his Preaching- Preparing the Way for Christ to come- “God’s Highway Program” means filled valleys, lowered hills, crooked made straight, rough made smooth. (Messengers would go before the Kings and the people would prepare the “King’s Highway” so the King could travel thru the country.)

C) The Example of His Preaching

1. The Sermon- Getting people to see themselves as God sees them

a. Generation of Vipers- subtle, pretty but dangerous!

b. Sons of Abraham- self righteous because of circumstances

c. THE RESULTS OF LIVING THIS WAY-

1. God can raise Sons of Abraham from stones if needed! You need God, God does not need you!!

2. The Axe is laid to the root of the tree- the WHOLE NATIONS was sin sick. Pruning would not do- This was a serious problem, Repent or be Removed.

2. The Application- What shall we do? (Love others as yourself)

a. The People- Give of your excess to the less fortunate (2 coats give to him that has one, etc.)

b. The Publicans- (Tax Collectors) Be just in your business dealings (Take no more taxes than you are supposed to)

c. The Soldiers- Don’t be fighting and quarreling among yourselves. Be content with what you have.

D) The Object of His Preaching 15-18 To Glorify Christ

1. Unworthy to loose His shoes- the work of a slave (All the Apostles called themselves slaves!)

2. Christ when He comes will “clean House”- and burn up the chaff!!

DO YOU EXPECT GOD TO SERVE YOU??? ARE YOU WHEAT OR CHAFF??

E) The Enemy of His preaching 19-20 Herod (Ungodly livers)

1. His sin- married his brother’s wife (He put away his wife and she left her husband)

2. His response- Do away with the Preacher! So put him in Jail

III. THE BAPTISM 21-22 (Luke says he prayed during the Baptism)

A) The reason for His Baptism To fulfill all righteousness / To Show that He was in God’s will / AS a Sign to His Followers to follow His example

B) The Results of His Baptism

1. Heaven opened (When we are obedient to God Great Things happen!)

2. Holy Ghost descended like a dove

3. God said, This is my beloved son in thee I am well pleased (The Trinity appeared)

4. Jesus now begins his public ministry

AS JOHN THE BAPTIST PROCLAIMED THE COMING OF CHRIST THE FIRST TIME SO I PROCLAIM HIS SECOND COMING TODAY.

HAVE YOU MADE THINGS RIGHT WITH GQD? The Wages of Sin is Death.

IS THERE EVIDENCE OF THAT IN YOUR LIFE?? Are you “guilty” of being Christ Like.

HAVE YOU FOLLOWED THE LORD IN BAPTISM? Every Christian ought to be Baptized

Luke 03:24-28 NAMING NAMES (Matt 1:1-16)

Today we are going to look at the GENEALOGY of Christ as given in Matthew and Luke. These genealogies contain some marvelous lessons and some wonderful information. It is important to stress from the very beginning, however, that these are the genealogies of Joseph (Matthew) and Mary (Luke). The closest we can come to a genealogy of Christ would be in John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Christ is God and as such had no beginning or end. That is something we must never forget.

It is wonderful, however, that God would become a man in order to provide man a way to God. And, as a man, Christ’s genealogy is very important; as well as interesting.

FIRST SOME ODD LITTLE FACTS:

–The Numerical value of David’s name in Hebrew is 14. As a guide in memorizing these names Matthew grouped them into groups of 14 (Surprisingly enough the last group contains only 13 names. WHY??)- Mat 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. How many people do you know who memorize the Genealogy of Jesus. Matthew thought it was important!

–Matthew brings Christ into David’s line through Solomon while Luke brings Him into David’s Line through Nathan (How many people even knew David had a son named Nathan??). Warren Wiersbe says all the temple records were destroyed when the temple was burned and destroyed in 70AD. This means that Christ is now the only person who can prove his claim to the throne of David.

–John the Baptist came from the Priestly line but Christ came from the Kingly line- Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. Yet, today we think of Christ mainly as our Great High Priest instead of our Coming King.

–Marvel at God’s Protection of the Line of Christ. SARAH AND ABRAHAM- God prevented claims on the line from coming through Hagar or Egypt.

Once all the Kings children were killed except Joash who was rescued by a nurse to keep the seed alive. And, of course, Herod continued to try to kill that line.

–Wonder at the fact that at a time when women were abused, misused, and ignored, God sees fit to include 4 women in the line of Christ; each of which has questionable character to a strict Jew!!

Tamar (vs 3)- The woman who schemed to have a child by her father-in-law, Judah. Surely, God is the Friend of Sinners.

Rahab (vs 5)- A Gentile of bad reputation who decided to trust God and take God’s side against her own nation. How wonderful that we as Gentiles can come for shelter to the Great God of the Jews.

Ruth (vs 5)- A Moabite woman who honored her mother-in-law and trusted in Naomi’s God for supply and direction. What a joy to know that even though who have excluded can be included by God’s Grace.

Bathsheba (vs 6)- Defiled by the King who had her husband killed, yet she rose to a place of honor and privilege. God can take even broken vessels and make them fit for the Master’s use.

There are THREE IMPORTANT LESSONS we all should learn from this list of names:

1. ANCESTORS ARE IMPORTANT- They affect our:

A) Looks- Come from your grandparents genes. You can improve them or, in some ways, change them but you are stuck with the basic foundations- color, baldness, weight, etc. Don’t become obsessed with the way you look. Honor God.

B) Personality- Personality traits are handed down from generation to generation. It effects our food, our fashion, our foolishness. Even the sins of the fathers are visited on the children unto the third and forth generation (Drink, abuse, ability to show love, etc).

C) Diseases- Hereditary diseases are a major part of medicine.

D) Beliefs- Over and over the Bible talks about passing down Christian values from one generation to the next. The parent’s core beliefs will have a tremendous effect on the children.

2. GOD KEEPS HIS WORD

A) To Satan- The Deliverer will Come: Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

B) To Abraham- The Line established: Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

C) To David- The Kingdom promised: 2 Sam 7:15 16 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

YOU CAN DEPEND ON GOD’S WORD IN A CHANGING WORLD.

3. GOD KEEPS RECORDS

A) When Sparrows or Hair Fall- Mat 10:29 30 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

B) When Idle Words are spoken- Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

C) About the Vows you make to God- Eccl 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

D) About those who have trusted in Christ as Savior- Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Is your name written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Have you joined the family of God through repentance of sins and faith in Christ for Salvation? Being part of God’s family is the genealogy that matters.

Luke 04:1-13 WHY TEMPTATION

All of us have to deal with Temptation. And it seems as if it’s like the story of the Camel- First he wanted to put his Nose in the tent, then his body, and, finally, the camel was in the tent and we were sleeping in the cold!

But Temptation is not only a COMMON problem; it’s also a CARING Problem- Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like to keep in touch. (Robert Orbin)

Why does God allow Temptation? Why do we find it so easy to fall into temptation? Let’s look for some answers in the temptation of Jesus.

WHY WAS JESUS TEMPTED:

1) To Show He was Worthy of God’s Approval (NOT to gain God’s Approval. God had just said He was pleased with Him)

2) As an Example to us on how to overcome Temptation- Satan wanted Jesus to use Divine power to overcome temptations but Jesus conquered as a man using God’s Word.

3) To Understand our Temptations- Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

4) To Reverse the pattern set by Adam and Eve in the Garden- Adam was tempted to eat; the “second Adam” was tempted to eat. Adam was tempted in a Garden; Christ was tempted in a desert. Adam had everything and failed; Christ fasted for 40 days and passed. Adam was conquered by Satan; Christ defeated Satan.

5) To show the importance of ALWAYS putting God’s Will first- Each temptation tried to get Him to do God’s Work outside of God’s Will.

HOW WAS JESUS TEMPTED? The Temptations:

1) USE GOD to satisfy Desires

2) BY PASS GOD by worshipping Satan instead of taking Cross

3) PLAY GOD by jumping off temple to prove God would care for him.

1) Question God’s LOVE- Hunger, Disease, Debt.

2) Question God’s PLAN- No shortcuts to the will of God.

3) Question God’s POWER- We tempt God when we put ourselves into circumstances that force God to work miracles in our behalf (Snake handlers, refusal to take insulin, etc.

1) Passion- Hungry (

2) Power- Worlds (Gossip, Slander, No Commitment to God’s work)

3) Pride- Show self as God (Need of Acceptance)

The Particular Temptations which Jesus faced related directly to His work as Messiah. What kind of Messiah would He be? Would He use His power for Himself? Was He to force God’s Hand? Was He to prove God’s faithfulness?

If a child is playing with a toy you don’t want him to have, how can you get it away from him? Take it by force, and he’ll bawl for hours. The better way is to distract his attention by interesting him in something else. Then while his attention is diverted, you can take away the toy. Oddly enough, that’s exactly how the devil tempts us. The lure of wealth or fame or pleasure distracts us and lets him take from our hearts our trust in God.

Jesus could easily become the Messiah the people looked for by:

1) Producing bread for the hungry crowds

2) Gaining control of the world’s Governments

3) Suddenly appearing in the Temple as an act of “magic”.

Temptation involves the WILL. What Will you do?

When we put Physical desires ahead of Spiritual Principles we sin- Sex- Adultery, Homosexual. Tithe- Rob God to pay bills we incurred to satisfy our fleshly cravings.

1 Cor 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.

THE BENEFITS OF TEMPTATION:

1) IT CAN BRING A GREATER AWARENESS OF GOD’S HOLY PRESENCE: Job 42:5-6 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Job had a TRIAL from Satan allowed by God. His TEMPTATION was to listen to his wife or his friends and doubt God’s love.

2) IT DEVELOPS PATIENCE- James 1:3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Rom 5:3-4 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

3) IT HONORS GOD- 1 Pet 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

You can’t run from temptation but you can learn to overcome it- God gives a test until you pass it.

HOW DO WE GET VICTORY IN TEMPTATION? SCRIPTURE- The Scriptures are not to be used but to be Obeyed. Text out of context produces pretext.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1. A Joyful Attitude- “count it all joy”

An accounting term- Outlook determines outcome

Not IF but WHEN ye fall. Some trials come because we’re people; some because we’re careless; some because we’re Christian (If you live only for the present, trials will make you bitter instead of Better).

2. An Understanding Mind- “Knowing this”

Faith must always be tested; The testing proves the Faith and matures the Believer. The real examination comes in real life and not in the classroom.

Endurance is not learned, it is practiced. That means we need Trials!

Patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances, It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty

You need Wisdom not to waste the opportunities

3. A Surrendered Will- “But let”

Take the example of Weaning a child- The child thinks it’s harmful but actually it leads to freedom and growth

God cannot build our Character without our cooperation

4. A heart that wants to believe- “Let him ask in faith”

Your Troubles can Defeat or Develop you- it depends on you. You can rise and fall like a wave of the sea or stand on the Rock.

Real Faith will cause you to rest in God’s love even when you can’t see His face.

Luke 04:1-15 THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

Luke 4:1-15, Matt 4:1-11-

The Cause of Temptation- Led by the Spirit (WILL OF GOD)

Tempted by the devil (WORK OF SATAN)

We need to understand that our temptation can be both the will of God and the work of Satan at the same time. God allows us to be put to the test for our good. Satan tests us for our destruction (Look at the examples of Job and Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”).

NOTE: 1. The Temptation came:

a. at the beginning of Christ’s Ministry- before a man can rule others he must prove he can rule himself (PRov 25:28).

b. after the great triumph of the Baptism- Satan knows people tend to let down after a victory and that’s when he attacks (Ex. of Elijah who ran after the victory on Carmel- I Kings 19:2-3)

2. The Temptations give us an overview of all temptations- I John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

3. The Temptations were in the Wilderness, on a Mountain, and at the Church. Satan can and will tempt you anywhere.

4. All of the temptations based reasoning in the flesh against Faith in the Spiritual.

I. THE FIRST TEMPTATION– Turn stone to Bread to satisfy hunger. Question God’s Love- Why doesn’t God change things so I can have what I want?

A) He had fasted for 40 days; He was hungry!! It was NORMAL for him to be hungry. Withstanding the temptation did not ease his hunger! (The angels ministered to him AFTER he completed all the temptations).

Satan tried to turn the satisfying of a natural craving into a a test of Sonship by saying the need of bread for the Physical was more important than Spiritual considerations. (Hunger is normal but gluttony is wrong. Sexual desires are normal but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Heb 13:4). The tongue should spread the Gospel and not gossip. Each of these is a good thing used wrong. God cannot remove the “problem” without harming the Person. We must learn to ask God to give us strength to overcome instead of asking for Him to remove the Problem. If you become angry with someone at work all the time, God may remove the problem by allowing you to be fired!).

Jesus said, If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? (Luke 11:11). If God has given you a stone it’s because a stone is better for you right now than bread would be!

B) Jesus used the Word (as He does in all 3 cases) to tell Satan, “I’m more interested in the Spiritual than the Physical”. Proper priorities put problems in perspective.

DO YOU HUNGER AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS? OR RIOTOUS LIVING?

II. SECOND TEMPTATION– Worship Satan to receive Kingdoms of World

(NOTE- Temptation 2 and 3 are reversed in Matt 4:1-11. Matthew shows Christ as King and the final trial is about a Kingdom. Luke shows Christ as Man and the final trial is about becoming a “super” man.

NOTE also how important Worship is; Satan would give up the world (which he rebelled against God to claim!) to receive Worship).

A) There are no “Short Cuts” or “easy roads” to Glory. The Cross must come before the Crown. (Most of us won’t win a sweepstakes; we’ll earn our live (barely) by the sweat of our brows!). Becoming a Christian does not solve all your problems; it give you guidance so you can solve them.

B) Jesus answered this by stressing who was most important- GOD!

Victories outside of God’s Will are really defeats! The final authority in your life is your God. Many sell their souls to Satan for Pleasure, Profit, or Prestige (Example of Esau who sold out for a bowl of Pottage and Judas who sold out for 30 pieces of silver). What kind of “Bait” would Satan have to use to catch you??

III. THIRD TEMPTATION– Cast yourself off the Temple to Prove God

A) God requires Faith, not foolishness. Faith trusts God; it does not use Him. God does not have to prove Himself. Are your prayers made in the will of God, or do they try to get God into your will?

B) Jesus answered, “Don’t put God to the Test”. Our faith rest in God for WHO He is, not WHAT He does. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is so easy for Satan to tempt us into making God to bring Glory to us with the thought that we will return it to God. But somehow it always seems to “stick” to us.

Have you fallen into Satan’s Temptation Traps? If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Do you worry about being able to withstand Satan’s Temptation?

Heb 2:18 For in that he himself (Christ) hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (give aid to) them that are tempted.

Heb 4:15-16 For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I Cor 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.

Are you tired of being Satan’s Captive; bound to sin and sinful ways and headed for Hell apart from God? Jesus died to set the captives free. Are you willing to trust Him as your Savior today?

Luke 04:16-21 SIN’S CAPTIVITY

We live in a society today where men wallow in the mud like hogs, bark at each other like dogs, and act like monkeys but I don’t believe we evolved from a tadpole; I believe we were created by an Almighty God. The story of this creation in Genesis revealed 4 Needs of man:

1) Must have Purpose- Care for and guard the Garden

2) Must have Rest- To Refresh and Worship

3) Must have Relationship- With others and God

4) Must have Redemption- From Sin’s Captivity.

Deliverance from Captivity to Sin and Self:

Captive to SIN- Reason for captivity- would not observe Sabbath

1- Pornography- Escape Reality

2- Drink, Drugs- Escape Reality

3-TV- Escape Reality

Captive to DEBT- Prov 22:7 Debtor is servant to lender

1- Pride causes to overspend

2- Pressure causes to overspend

3- People cause to overspend

4- Problems cause to overspend

Captive to SATAN- 2 Tim 2:26 Taken captive by him at his will

Satan gives us just enough rope to hang ourselves

When men fell into sin 4 things were revealed about God:

1) God came Looking for man- God SEEKS us

2) God Promised a Savior would come- God CARES about us

3) God Provided a blood Covering – God COVERS us with Grace

4) God Prevented Adam and Eve from Eternal loss by sending them away from the tree of life- God has FUTURE plans for us.

A man held by only one chain is still a captive.

Luke 04:16-32 JESUS COMES HOME

OUTLINE OF LUKE:

1. THE VIRGIN CONCEPTION OF JESUS 1:1- 4:13

2. THE VIRTUOUS CONDUCT OF JESUS 4:14-9:50

3. THE VISIT TO CAPITAL OF JUDAISM 9:51- 19:44

4. THE VICARIOUS CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS 19:45- 24:53

5 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS:

1) JESUS NORMALLY WENT TO CHURCH- “as His Custom was”. Precept upon precept, line upon line- Growth. Stood to read, sit to teach.

2) JESUS WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE BIBLE- Knew where to find the passage he wanted (Isaiah 61:1-2)

3) JESUS WAS ABLE TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC- He read the Scripture and then gave the lesson. Application is necessary; Faith without works is dead.

4) JESUS’S WORDS WERE GRACIOUS BUT WITH POWER- He didn’t have to shout or “rant and rave” but He spoke with authority- Mat 12:18-21 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

5) JESUS WAS REJECTED BECAUSE HE WAS FAMILIAR- No prophet is accepted in his own country. Abraham in Ur- Come to Promised Land. Paul in Tarsus- No report until Barnabas brought to Antioch.

Luke 04:18-19 SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE

(Luke 4:18-19) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, {19} To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

First Sermon by Jesus.

THE PRISON OF:

A) DESPAIR- No hope for family or future

B) DEBT- God shall supply- Tax money “fish”, land given

C) DOUBT- Like a wave of the sea- I know who I have believed.

D) DISGUISE- Actor who is so tired of performing.

E) DARKNESS- Blind eyes- me in hog pen surrounded by electric wire at night. Had to come to post and step over.

The Devil’s prison is a place where he tries to

Defeat me

Defile me

Doom me

Man who was offered a pardon and refused to accept it. Judge said a pardon is only good if you are willing to walk out of prison.

Man who received Parrot who cursed. Finally put the parrot in the freezer for ten minutes to cool him down and stop his cursing. Parrot came out talking good and had only one question, “What did the turkey do?” You can be a “turkey” who is frozen in your ways or you can be a “Parrot” who realizes you need to change your life.

Luke 04:18 SETTING THE CAPTIVE FREE2

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18).

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 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 2:24-26).

Man wants to be free to practice his bondage! Christ came to set men free- If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Right thinking produces right living- What you Believe determines what you do (Doctrine and then duty was Paul’s plan). No one decides to be trapped. No one desires to be trapped.

We descend into the captivity of Egypt by “easy stages” as an experiment leads to a stronghold which leads to a captivity bondage. You chose to use until you cannot make the choice not to use. A sinful activity that captures you leads you down these steps:

A) You like the results you get from doing the habit and, at first, You Suffer little or no negative consequences from the Habit.

B) You Enjoy the stability of the habit- get the same feeling each time

C) You Think you can control the habit- You learn your limits and believe you can always stay within them

D) BUT Eventually the habit becomes a habit you need it in order to survive.

E) Your Habit changes into a harmful abusive problem without warning- you begin to lose control over the use and priority of the habit. You begin violating your value system by changing friends and standards in order to do your habit and your self-imposed rules are regularly broken. You isolate yourself from those who love you and want to help you. Eventually you lose your family, you finances, your friends, and your future as you end up feeding hogs and eating husks in hog pens.

1. Decision Point- If you continue in the habit you will begin to believe the habit is the only friend you have and your desire to live will fade. You will seek to escape the trap you are in by leaving your home and/or your job but you will find the problem is always where you are at because the problem is inside you. Spiritual bankruptcy will turn into a “don’t care” attitude which will become loss of control and dignity (town drunk). Your life will become death on the installment plan.

2. Denying your problem is like trying to keep a balloon under water- It will occupy all your time and energy and, still, the balloon will pop to the surface from time to time.

3. Defending a denier is harmful- If you rescue a fool you will have to do it again. Life involves consequences. Behind every addiction is an enabler propping them up; allowing them to continue in their addiction.

God has a PLAN for you: Before God made anything He had a plan for everything: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9).

God has a PARDON for you / God has POWER to help you

You can continue to Deny your problem, Bargain your problem, Become angry about your problem’s exposure, Allow depression to move you to helpless hand wringing about your problem OR you can Acknowledge your problem and believe that Christ has come to set the captive free.

Luke 04:18-19 WORDS OF LIBERTY

King James Version: Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

NIV Bible (P1374) Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Amplified Bible: Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor: He has sent Me to announce release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; to send forth delivered those who are oppressed- who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed and broken down by calamity; To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord- the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.

Jesus had just returned to his home town of Nazareth for a visit. He was a regular church attender (!) so He went to the synagogue (He could have argued that the “religious” system was corrupt or that He knew more than anyone at the Synagogue but, instead, He went to Church). The Synagogue service, like ours, included prayer, psalms, and the proclamation of the word of God.

Since Jesus had become so well known, the leaders of the Synagogue asked Him to read the day’s scriptures and offer comments. He chose to read Isaiah 61:1-2 because it was clearly understood by all to refer to the coming Messiah. Imagine what they felt when Jesus boldly proclaimed that He was the fulfillment of this Scripture!

As Jesus expounded further, the people became so angry until they attempted to kill him by casting him from the edge of the cliff. How true is the statement, “People love Truth until it stops being their version of the Truth”.

The key to understanding the Scripture is vs 19 “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord”. The reference here is to the Year of JUBILEE- which happened every 50 years. During this Jubilee Year, slaves were set free, property was returned to it’s owner, and all debts were canceled. It was also a year that the Land lay unused and men rested and rejoiced in the Lord. It was a year to rejoice as LIBERTY was proclaimed throughout the land.

Jesus applied this idea of Liberty to His Ministry and proclaimed that it would have positive effects for everyone who accepted His Ministry.

“Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land”- What a marvelous Proclamation; what a marvelous reality!! No wonder Fireworks are associated with America’s 4th of July celebration. Freedom is such a precious commodity and needs to be cherished and celebrated.

That’s the reason Christianity is such a joyous religion- Jesus said He came to “set the captivities free” and truly He does. When a person accepts Christ by Faith as Savior he is liberated from Sin’s Penalty (Death) and Power; and given the ability to live liberated from “Self” control and Satan Control.

–FAITH in Christ frees us from Sin’s Penalty and Power [Rom 6:23),

–Daily taking up the Cross frees us from Self, and

–the power of the Word of God frees us from Satan [Jesus used the “Sword of the Spirit” to defeat Satan and so must we].

But Jesus did more than talk to us about the Principles of Liberty, He brought it down to Practical Problems in a person’s life, as today’s scripture proclaim-Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to (1) preach the gospel to the poor; (2) he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, (3) to preach deliverance to the captives, and (4) recovering of sight to the blind, (5) to set at liberty them that are bruised.

This means that a Relationship with Christ sets us free from the bondage to:

1. Wealth: We know we have a loving Father who cares for us

2. Heartbreak: We know that all things work together for good

3. Habits: Drugs, or Drink, or anger, or bitterness no longer trap us

4. Blindness: He opens our eyes to see He has a plan for us.

5. “Bruising Situations” [Things in life that continually keep us “sore and irritated”]:

A) Personality Flaws- I’m too slow. I’m not outgoing [God Made you and He can use you as you are or give you the ability to change]

B) Problems in your life- Fear of Failure (In your job, your marriage, your family, etc), Fear of Success (Will I be able to handle it? Do I really want the extra responsibilities?), Fear of Fear (Unexpected things: “What if…”, Unknown things: “How can I start when I don’t know everything yet?”)

This means there are no Hopeless situations: Abraham against hope believed in hope; or Helpless situations: I can do ALL things through Christ

The thing you must understand about Liberty is that Liberty simply means FREEDOM TO CHOSE YOUR MASTER. Man believes that he can chose to serve only Self but Every man serves either God or Satan. It is not possible to chose NEITHER God nor Satan- That would make you a “God” since you would be answerable to no one but yourself; and it would be impossible for the universe to exist with so many “Gods”.

Sin blinds us to Satan and his destruction of our lives and soul. He makes us poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, and bruised.

Salvation allows us to willingly and lovingly become a bond slave to Christ with abundant Life here and Eternal life to come. That means you must make a CHOICE TODAY. The Liberty found in Christ or the Bondage of Sin in Satan. Choose Liberty. Choose Life.

Luke 4:16-21 RELEASE THE PRISONERS!

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: [A “country boy”] and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day[Jesus Normally Went to Church], and stood up for to read [He was willing to speak in Public]. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written [He was knowledgeable about the Bible], The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:16-21).

Even the caged bird loses its song when in captivity! The greatest luxury in the world is Freedom. Multitudes of people are willing to leave their homelands and brave tremendous odds in order to get to America and enjoy the freedom it offers. Yet, here in America, many willing offer themselves as slaves to sin and Satan. Let’s examine why people are captives and how they can be released.

I. REASONS FOR CAPTIVITY

A) FEAR

Why people Fear Unexpected Things (Boo!)

Uncontrolled Things (Storms)

Unexplained Things (Superstitions)

What People Fear Failure, Isolation (Snubbed by Society),

Pain, Disease, Debt, Divorce,

Death- And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:15).

B) SIN Israel went into captivity because they rejected God. Sin Binds us:

Physically: Drugs, Drink

Mentally: Lust, Fear, Doubt

Spiritually: Separates from God, Grieves Holy Spirit

What Sin’s Captivity causes:

Economic Hardship

Break up of Family

Personal Suffering

C) SATAN: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44).

D) SELF- – Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16). Most people are not captive to Drugs or Drink; they are captive to “ME”. We live in a society which promotes man Thoughts and Desires as their “god” and Self Happiness as their Goal. Christ calls us to Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

The Dead Sea is dead because it takes in but never gives out. Never become someone who is “always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.

II. RELEASE FROM CAPTIVITY

A) ACCEPT CHRIST: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).

B) PRAYER POWER: Peter delivered from Prison by Prayer Meeting: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (Acts 12:5).

C) GOD’S POWER: Paul and Silas delivered for Jail- God used an earthquake to deliver them! God can do whatever it takes to set us free and make us new creatures in Christ

III. RESULTS OF RELEASE FROM CAPTIVITY

A) PRAISE TO GOD- Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me (Psalms 142:7).

B) SERVICE FOR GOD- That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life (Luke 1:74-75).

CAST OFF SATAN’S SLAVERY! BE TRANSFORMED BY THE POWER OF GOD!

Luke 4:16-21 BEGIN AT THE END

One of the Great Life Principles you will learn is- BEGIN AT THE END SO WHAT YOU BEGIN WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AT THE END. In Other Words. You must Know what you want to accomplish if you are to be successful in an endeavor. Jesus could have Healed Hundreds, Fed Thousands, and Preached to Millions; but if He would have died in a bed instead of on a cross then He would have failed to accomplish His Mission on Earth!

Jesus exemplified this Principle in His First Sermon: And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: [A “country boy”] and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day[Jesus Normally Went to Church], and stood up for to read [He was willing to speak in Public]. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written [He was knowledgeable about the Bible], The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:16-21).

His Goal: Preach GOOD NEWS to the Poor. Bring HEALING to the Broken Hearted. Preach DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES. Show a VISION to the Blind. To offer an Abundant Life of Liberty to those whom life has crushed (Greek for Bruised). To Proclaim the time when God will Accept You.

This means that a Relationship with Christ sets us free from the bondage to:

1. Wealth: We know we have a loving Father who cares for us

2. Heartbreak: We know that all things work together for good

3. Habits: Drugs, or Drink, or anger, or bitterness no longer trap us

4. Blindness: He opens our eyes to see He has a plan for us.

5. “Bruising Situations” [Things in life that continually keep us “sore and irritated”]:

I. REASONS FOR CAPTIVITY

A) FEAR Debt, Desire, Divorce, Distain, Death

B) SIN Disregarding God’s Commands and Disrespecting God’s Word.

D) SELF- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16). Most people are not captive to Drugs or Drink; they are captive to “ME”. We live in a society which promotes man Thoughts and Desires as their “god” and Self Happiness as their Goal. Christ calls us to Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. My Body; not a baby. My Desires, not God’s design. My Cravings; not God’s commands

George Wilson was arrested for mail thief and sentenced to be hanged. President Andrew Jackson granted him a pardon but he refused to accept it. The case was taken all the way to the supreme court where Chief Justice John Marshall wrote “A pardon is a slip of paper, the value of which is determined by the acceptance of the person to be pardoned. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged.”

Jesus Christ Came from the Grace to show God had signed your pardon. If you go to Hell it will be because you refuse to accept that pardon and become a child of God

Luke 04:16-19 OUR PATTERN FOR SERVICE

Jesus is not only our Savior, He is also our example. His call to His disciples was “follow me”. At the beginning of His ministry He returned to His hometown and went to the Synagogue AS USUAL. He selected a message from Isaiah 61:1-2 (thus tying in the Old and New Testament method of service). His sermon reveals 3 things Christian workers desperately need today.

I. THE POWER FOR SERVICE- The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Acts 1:8 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.

To try to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitchfork!

The Spirit of God gives power to DO the work of God; not glorify self- John 16:13‑14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

1) Comes from Heaven- Divine

2) Guides into all Truth

3) Glorifies Christ

4) Grows us in Christ as He shows us the things of Christ

7 MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Born of Spirit John 3:5 (Salvation)

2. Baptized of the Spirit I Cor 12:13 (Placed in Body)

3. Indwelt by the Spirit Rom 8:11 (Abides)

4. Anointed by the Spirit I John 2:27 (Teacher)

5. Branded by the Spirit Eph 1:14 (Down Payment)

6. Sealed by the Spirit Eph 4:20 (Name on Door)

7. Filled with the Spirit Eph 5:18 (Service)

A house may be full of Appliances but if it has no power connected then it is useless. A Christian may play Church but does not good without the Power of God on his life.

II. THE PROGRAM OF SERVICE– Everything you need for every need you find is found in proclaiming Christ.

WHO WHAT

A) Bankrupt (Poor in Spirit) Preach the Gospel

B) Brokenhearted Heal (Message of Help and Hope)

C) Bound (Captives) Preach deliverance

D) Blind II Cor 4:3-4 Preach recovery of Sight

E) Bruised (Down trodden, crushed Set at Liberty

III. THE PERIOD OF SERVICE– The acceptable year of the Lord. We must work while it is day; soon the night comes and no man can work. God has a program and a time table. The acceptable year of the Lord is the time you must accept Him. The people of Nazareth rejected Him and tried to kill Him so He departed to other areas. What will YOU do with Jesus??

Luke 04:22 WORDS OF JESUS

Last week we mentioned that Life and Death are in the Power of the Tongue (Prov 18:21). We normally apply that to the DANGERS of loose talking. It’s important that we see that it also says “Life” is in the power of the tongue:

Physical-Courting Words lead to Married Children

Spiritual- Foolishness of Preaching, men are saved

Emotional- Encourage

Intellect- Knowledge

Remember the words of Provers 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of Gold in pictures of Silver.

Today, I want us to look at some of the WAYS Jesus used words. We always examine His Words in order to determine God’s Will and Ways. I think it’s also important that we see the way He talked so we can apply those principles to our own conversations. Then, maybe, we can effect people in the same way Jesus did.

GRACIOUS WORDS: All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. (Luke 4:22). Every translation I looked at translated this either Gracious words or Words of Grace. Grace is “Unmerited Favor” and refers to an unearned gift. How can we learn to amaze people with Gracious Words? Can we learn to talk to others in the same way, and tone, we would like to be talked to??

AUTHORITY WORDS:

A) To Demons: “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. (Luke 4:35). We must deal with temptations and Satanic attacks with Authority so Satan will know we really mean business. You all know the story of the woman who was trying on a new dress she could not afford and Satan urged her to buy it anyway. “Get thee behind me, Satan”, She said. “It looks good from back here also.” Satan said! Satan does not obey Word Games. He needs to be told with authority-Like your tone of voice when you mean business with a child.

B) To Disciples: Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5). Words based on the Bible that will cause a person to walk by Faith instead of Sight.

BUILDING WORDS: Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11). Words of Encouragement and Challenge. Words that motivate instead of destroy.

WARNING WORDS: Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” (Luke 5:14)

Instead of telling this man to broadcast his healing, Jesus told him to obey the Bible. When he didn’t, it greatly hindered the ministry of Jesus-Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere (Mark 1:45). We must warn people to follow Bible Rules instead of Fleshly Wisdom- Donahue, Ophrah, Abby.

If you are going to be like Jesus then learn to Talk like Jesus.

Luke 04:33-37 UNCLEAN DESIRES

When Jesus visited this Synagogue He found a man with an “unclean Spirit”. This is the first time Luke tells about Jesus’ MANY encounters with Demons and gives us a good opportunity to gain some information about them before we continue our study of the life of Christ.

NOTES:

1) In the gospel of John (Where Jesus is presented as the Son of God) there is not a single incident of his casting out Demons!!

2) Many have said that Jesus did not believe in Demons but used the superstitions of the time (Example, seizures) as demon possession. But: Jesus would not be so dishonest

He commanded His disciples to cast out Demons and

He rejoiced when they came back saying they had cast our Demons.

3) Some Diseases were natural Diseases and some were caused by Demons (Also note Paul’s thorn in the flesh as a messenger of Satan)

4) The effects of Demon influence would come and go (Cast a person into the fire and then leave them for awhile).

5) Demon possession is not mentioned in the OT (Although Saul’s evil spirit fits are thought by some to be Demon influence)

6) The ONLY way Demons were removed by Jesus or the Disciples was by THE DIRECT USE OF A WORD OF POWER. No MAGIC cures (Silver bullets, special crosses) or special chants were used.

During this service I want us to key on the fact that this was an UNCLEAN Spirit. I want us to see how Unclean Desires can enter and cripple our lives and then find how we can Defeat this defilement.

THE THREE DOORS UNCLEAN DESIRES USE TO ENTER OUR LIFE.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:15‑16)

1) The Lust of the Flesh- natural desires. It is a normal and natural part of life to desire intimate relationships. Satan uses every means possible to turn this light in our eye into a wildfire that destroys everything it touches.

2) The Lust of the Eyes- Imagination. We see, we crave, we corrupt. Paul told us to cast down imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against God. When you open your eye gate to bad books and movies you allow more than the picture to come into your mind.

3) The Pride of Life – Social, Peer Pressure. Be careful of following a multitude to do evil. It’s amazing how often unclean desires will sneak into your life as part of a laughing, fun loving crowd.

A) The Power of this Unclean Desire (Lust)- Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

James 1:13‑15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Temptation leads to Lust which leads to Sin which leads to Death. And once the fire starts it hard to put it out.

B) The Need to Deny Unclean Desires- Titus 2:11‑12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; No matter how much the world’s standards have changed God’s standards or righteousness remain steadfast.

C) The Way to Destroy these Unclean Desires-

1) Renounce Selfish Desires: Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

2) Replace the bad with Good: Eph 4:22‑24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. This is VERY IMPORTANT. Something will occupy that space. Don’t just clean up; put on the new man.

3) Resist Satan’s attacks with a dedication that even includes suffering- 1 Pet 4:1‑2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Follow the example of the Children of Israel about LEAVING THE WILDERNESS OF UNCLEAN LUST FOR THE PROMISED LAND:

1) Kill the Canaanites- Men, Woman, Children. Show no mercy to sin.

2) Look for a Land of Milk and Honey- Replace the onions of Egypt with the grapes of Eshcol. Rejoice in the Lord always. Be content with such things as you have. Find the Abundant Christian life; one in which you find more joy in God than you do in serving evil.

Don’t try to be a hermit, live in the real world and enjoy life. Just remember how serious sin real is–Eccl 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

3) Occupy your possessions- Find your part in the Land and make sure it’s fruitful for God. Remove the Briars and rocks. Plant a crop. Guard against surprise attacks.

Luke 04:38‑41 PETER’S WIFE’S MOTHER

Luke 4:38‑41 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. 39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

It had been a very busy day. Jesus had taught the multitude from the front of Peter’s Boat. Then He requested Peter to launch out into the deep where he caught the vast catch of fish. Finally, Christ had called Peter and Andrew, James and John to full time discipleship.

Now Peter has invited everyone to his home for supper only to find that his wife is busy caring for a very sick mother in law. Stunned, Peter simply stands there until Jesus comes over, lays His hand on Peter’s Mother in Law, and, suddenly, the fever is all gone. Now she can rise and help minister to Jesus, the disciples, and the crowd.

In this simple story of the compassion and healing power of Jesus we find some very important lessons for living. All of them evolve around the fact that Peter’s Mother in Law met the Master:

I. HER SICKNESS- High fever. An infection in the body had caused a fever to ravage her. We don’t know what her sickness was but we do know that Sin resides in every person and, like a fever, it destroys them a person from the inside out.

II. HER SERVICE– As soon as she was healed she went to work. She didn’t just accept Christ, she committed her life to Him. That’s a missing ingredient in many people’s Salvation experience today.

III. HER STRESS– Her house was crowded with Jesus and the Disciples; and soon with multitudes who wanted to be healed just like she have been healed. Jesus will fill your life with opportunities to serve Him. They can be bring stress or salvation, depending on how we look at them.

IV. HER SAVIOR– When Jesus came into her life He took some things from her:

A) Her Son-in-Law – Peter was called to leave his fishing business and follow Christ. His mother-in-law found that committing to Christ effected her Family. But is there a better goal than to dedicate your entire family to the service of the Lord.

B) Her Sickness- Jesus gave her health for a weakened body. When you accept Christ the Holy Spirit comes in and empowers you to live and work for God. Many are unwilling to exchange their sickness for service because they want an excuse to stay as they are. Christ will make you a new creature.

C) Her Sins- She came from a place of rebellion against the will of God into a place of perfect peace as she followed the Lord.

Are you ready to invite Jesus into YOUR home? (Heart)

Are you ready to exchange your sickness for service?

Are you willing to trust Christ with your Salvation and the Holy Spirit with your burdens?

Luke 04:40-44 MISSION OVER MASSES

Jesus had been ministering to the Sick and Demon possessed at Peter’s home after curing Peter’s mother-in-law. The next morning he went into the desert around Capernaum (To Pray- Mark 1:35). When the Disciples awoke they began searching for Him. When they found Him they found that they had been followed by a great multitude of people.

These people wanted Jesus to set up a healing center in Capernaum. They probably promised Him good pay, great prestige, and an opportunity to do a great work as people would come from miles around to be healed (Making Capernaum a tourist mecca, by the way!).

The answer Jesus gave them is the trumpet call of every child of God, “God’s Mission for me is the most important obligation I have”. Healing was important but preaching the gospel was even more important. Establishing a great work was nice but doing the will of God was necessary.

In a day of lukewarm activity, spasmodic attendance, and failing faith, we need to re-examine; and re-affirm, this same commitment in our own relationship with the Lord. In order to do so I think there are three things that we must commit to:

I. GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE. God’s Will in my life can be broken down into 3 areas of responsibility:

A) Determine God’s Will-

B) Dedicate to God’s Will- Nothing less, nothing else

C) Do God’s Will- If any man will do God’s will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17). The Doing of God’s Will brings confidence and assurance.

II. GOD’S WORK IN MY LIFE- God works in my life through 3 main areas:

A) Gifts- Divine enablements given by the Holy Spirit for the building and blessing of the body of Christ.

B) Callings- Tasks that God puts a desire and dedication in our heart to accomplish.

C) Reproducing- Disciples are supposed to make disciples. Jesus didn’t come to establish a religion. He came to save men from Hell.

III. GOD’S WAY IN THIS WORLD- God’s Ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. We must commit to:

A) Heavenly Wisdom over Human Wisdom

B) Heavenly Priorities over Earthly Popularity

C) Heavenly Rewards over Earthly Riches.

Is the Will of God the most important thing in your life? Job, Marriage, Ministry

Is the Work of God your primary function? Everything else will fade to insignificance in days to come.

Are willing for God to have His way in your life- no matter how foolish it appears to others?

Luke 05:1-11 SURRENDER TO SERVICE

[From a Message by Rev. Todd Parrish, 10-25-08, Sand Hill Revival]

Our Will is free but our decisions often cost us something.

1. A Night of Struggle- Experiencing the emptiness of life apart from the direction of God. (Ordained by God in order to bring them to where they needed to be)

a. Testing builds us- Example of Job

b. Testing enables us to build others- Paul: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

c. Testing should bring us to a realization of our need of Christ: For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

I walked a mile with pleasure; she chattered all the way

But I was none the wiser for all she had to say.

I walked a mile with sorrow; not a word said she

But, oh the things I learned that day when sorrow walked with me!

2. A Morning of Surrender: Learning to obey God’s Word

a. Jesus was a Carpenter, not a fishermen

b. Daylight was a bad time to fish

c. Deep was the wrong place to fish

d. Nets were already washed from a night of fishing

e. Men were exhausted from a long night of fishing

3. A Tomorrow of Satisfaction: Committing to Do God’s Work

a. Fear Not- Trust me with your future

b. Fishers of fish would now become fishers of men- Changed priority

c. Forsaking all they followed Christ: And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. (Luke 5:11)

Luke 5:6-11 SURPRISED AT GOD’S ABILITY

Has God ever done something in your life that completely surprised you because it was so much more than you expected? The Bible tells us we are to expect the unexpected from God: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jer 33:3). Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us(Eph 3:20)

When God surprises us with His Power and Ability it should cause at least three reactions in our life:

I. DEVELOPS AN AWE FOR GOD.

A) When Peter saw Jesus’ Power it Produced Fear (Awe)- “Depart from me”.

B) This show of Power also Produced Repentance- “I am a sinful man, O Lord”.

People today need to see such an unexpected demonstration of God’s Power in His people until they tremble in awe and bow in repentance. Sadly, all they usually see is the boredom of complacent Christians or the hysteria of man made theatrics. And these won’t make men leave church whispering to each other that God is Holy and His Judgement is coming?

II. DETERMINES OUR SERVICE FOR GOD– And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men (Luke 5:10). Realizing God’s ability is an incentive for us to attempt greater work for God (Fish to Fishers of men). Many today are discouraged (and dropping out of Church) because they know they can never do the task God has called them to do unless they receive a supernatural power. They know they will never accomplish anything of lasting value as long as all they have is their own schemes and strength.

More and more churches are sending the “hard cases” to professional counselors with the explanation, “This is beyond us. We need someone more qualified to handle this.” Translation- Our God is not able to do anything for this person; but we believe the professionally educated is able to do what God cannot do!!! No wonder our serve is such a sham and our testimony is so weak.

III. DEMANDS A COMMITMENT TO GOD– And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. (Luke 5:11)

Becoming a Christian involves two major changes in your life:

A) Forsaking your past (This is called Repentance). This means turning away from Self Determination, Selfish Desires, and Self Delusion about your ability to deal with the penalty and power of Sin. You come to God admitting how bad you were and acknowledging only a supernatural work from God can change you. And you tell God you are willing to do whatever it takes to let Him work this change in your life.

B) Following Christ- Accepting by Faith the fact that Jesus died for your sins and paid a debt you could not pay. Your heart is so thankful for His forgiveness until you commit to making Him the Lord and Master of your life; for now and eternity.

God has the Ability to surprise you with His power; let Him do so today.

Luke 05:12-13 JESUS HEALS A LEPER

This is the first miracle in Matthew (Jesus as King) but the second in Luke (Casting out Demons first).

Be much more exciting title if it were “Jesus heals AIDS, Cancer, Drug Addition, etc.”. But leprosy is still a problem we must deal with today- Physically and as a symbol of a spiritual problem.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease. The infection invades the nerves, skin and mucous membranes; damaging the nerves and causing them to become numb. The resulting insensitivity can lead to unnoticed and therefore neglected injuries; this accounts for many of the deformities- such as loss of fingers and toes- that occur in leprosy. As it advances it can also cause paralysis and blindness.

There are still 10 to 15 million cases of leprosy worldwide. The United States has over 6000 cases with 300 new cases diagnosed each year (Which is an increase of 50% from 10 years ago).

I. THE LEPER-

A) Faith enough to bypass tradition

B) Came in humility- If you will, you can heal me?

Leprosy is a Bible picture of Sin:

A) Like Sin, It is Deeper than the Skin- Leprosy was not a surface rash but a real problem. Sin is not just a mistake you make because you are not trying hard enough. It goes to the very Heart of a person (The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart!). Pharisees worried about washing their hands while Jesus taught about cleaning their hearts.

Like Leprosy, Sin works beneath the surface- See it at work in Lust, Anger, Bitterness, Hate, etc.

B) Like Sin, it Spreads- The Priest looked to see if the disease spread because that was a sin of it’s seriousness. Sin affects our Attitudes. Attitudes are manifested in Actions. Actions become a way of Life (The example of the pitcher, Perez, who allowed Drugs to destroy his reputation and his $2 million a year job)

C) Like Sin, it Defiles- The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp. (Lev 13:45-46) (Page 282- Rules for Sick). The Stain of Sin corrupts your Character, your Reputation, your family.

D) Like Sin, it Isolates- The Leper must get out of the camp and warn everyone when he approached- “Unclean, Unclean”. Sin breaks up families, Ruins careers, drives you into the desert of despair without help or hope.

THE SAVIOR:

A) Willing to touch the unclean (Thus making Himself unclean- He took our infirmities)

B) Able to cure the worst problems

C) Wanted to help; not acquire fame. People over Popularity

D) Told man to observe the normal laws about being proclaimed clean (What a testimony this would have been to Pharisees)

Do you have a hidden sin that is eating away at you? Come to Christ today. He can make you clean.

Luke 05:15-16 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed (Luke 5:15-16).

One of the details we will notice over and over in Luke is the fact that Jesus will withdraw from a situation in order to spend time in prayer. That is a procedure we all should practice if we are to remain spiritually strong and healthy.

With that in mind, Today I want us to look at FOUR WAYS LISTED IN THE BIBLE FOR US TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. Maybe then we can be spiritually healthy enough to defeat Satan and live for God on a regular basis.

1. The WAY of the Lord- Prov 10:29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The “way of the Lord” is the path that God has for each of us to follow. His way is a way that will build us up instead of wear us down.

A) Physical Strength from treating Body as temple of Holy Spirit

B) Spiritual Strength from right relationship with the Lord

C) Emotional Strength because as Peace with Self, Society, Savior

2. WAIT on the Lord- Is 40:31 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.

A) Rest in the Lord

B) Reflection on God’s work in your life

C) Renewal of commitment to God’s Plan for your life.

All of which can be summed up in the words of Psalms 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

3. WALK for the Lord- Zech 10:12 And I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord.

A) Produces Stamina as we exercise

B) Slows our hurried rat race to God’s Patient Pace

4. ONENESS with the Lord- Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

A) The SCOPE of our Strength- Do all things

B) The SOURCE of our Strength- Through Christ

Do you have a quiet time with the Lord each day??

Do you take time in your prayer time to listen to God just as much as you talk to Him (How would you like to have a relationship in which the other party got to do all the talking!)?

Stress, Troubles, and the Daily Routine all combine to sap our strength and discourage our efforts. Find time to spend with God so you can determine the Way the Lord wants you to walk. Building that oneness of relationship will enable you to face any thing life brings your way.

Luke 05:1-6 CHRIST DEVELOPS FAITH

1. CHRIST WILL ALWAYS CHALLENGE YOUR COMPLACENCY– God will not ask you to do what YOU can do; He will challenge you to do what HE can do.

Peter and Andrew had been up all night fishing. Jesus asked them to let Him use their boat as a speaking platform. Peter was probably almost dozing when Jesus asked him to “Launch out into the Deep for a catch of fish”

Lukewarm Love is unacceptable

Staying in Jerusalem when God tells you to go to all the world is unacceptable

2. CHRIST WILL ASK YOU TO GO BEYOND YOUR REASONINGS AND ABILITY and require you to have FAITH IN FAITH.

A) WHAT IS FAITH? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

B) WHAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF FAITH? For we walk by faith, not by sight: (2 Cor 5:7)

C) WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF FAITH? Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)

D) HOW MUCH FAITH IS REQUIRED? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Mat 17:20)

E) WHAT IS THE WRONG THING TO BUILD YOUR FAITH ON? And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1Cor 2:4-5)

F) WHAT IS THE DANGER OF FAILING IN FAITH? If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. (Isa 7:9)

3. CHRIST WILL HONOR YOUR FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE.

The Catch of Fish

The Opening of the Red Sea

The Walls of Jericho Falling down

Luke 05:1-8 LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP

The disciples had seen Jesus healing and preaching. Now it was time for a commitment of their life to Him. That’s because God’s word requires action on our part. Even so today, you must ask yourself this question? Are you ready to submit to God’s challenge to accomplish great things for Him? You can’t launch out into the deep sitting on the shore!!

(It appears that Jesus called some of His disciples on Three distinct Occasions. Each points toward a specific reason for that call)

1. After John Testified of Him- John 1:35 41. (Early Judean Ministry) (Salvation- They accepted Him as Messiah)

2. After John was put in Prison- Mark 1:14 20. (Galilee Ministry) (Service- Work for the Lord)

3. After the great catch of fish- Luke 5:1 11. (Final Year) (Commitment-Left fishing for full time ministry)

God does not call us to be Saved and sit. He calls us to Learn of Him, to Love Him, and to Lift Him up. As we grow in the Lord, God enlarges the area of our service for Him.

I. THE REQUEST TO LAUNCH OUT

A) Divine Directions-FROM JESUS

B) Specific Task- Let down your nets (Plural in Greek) for a catch of fish.

II. THE REASON TO LAUNCH OUT- The Word of Jesus

A) In spite of past labor- toiled all night

B) In spite of past failures- have taken nothing. Must learn to trust the commands given us by Christ.

III. THE RESULTS OF LAUNCHING OUT-

A) Success- They enclosed so many fish their nets broke

B) Sharing- They had to call their friends to help

C) Salvation- Peter came to admit he was a sinner

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO A SPECIFIC AREA OF SERVICE?

IS GOD CALLING YOU TO A DEFINITE ACT OF COMMITMENT?

ARE YOU WILLING TO LAUNCH OUT AT THE WORD OF CHRIST TODAY? Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2). Here are some ways you can DO THAT:

Bible Training Sessions: (Sun Nite/Wed Nite/ Home)

Bible Principles for Daily Living

Work and Ministry of Holy Spirit

Understanding and Applying Prophecy

Family Development as Christians

What is a Christian/Christian Growth

–Production of music tape by choir for distribution and witness

–Youth drama team, Puppet Team, Youth Choir, Activities to reach unchurched youth?

–Outreach- Books, More Newspapers, Tapes Distributed.

What kind of catch of fish will it take for God to get through to you? The Bible says As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (Rom 14:11). It’s not a question of whether you will bow to God, only when. Why not do it now when it means forgiveness of sins and eternal life; rather than just before you are cast into Hell.

Luke 05:17-25 BED MEN

Here is a story of a man who would have died lost and sick without help from some “Bed Men”. Can you name 2 or 3 men who stand out in your life- (1) Buster

GOD IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN:

I. TO ASSIST IN BUILDING THE WORK OF GOD.–DEACONS

A) To free the Pastor for Prayer- Acts 6:2-4

B) To make sure no one in the Church is neglected (Feed Widows. Need Church members divided into Deacon Responsibility)

C) To assist the Pastor in Spreading the Gospel- Stephen, Philip

II. TO CARE FOR THE HOUSE OF GOD- Ex 35:30-35- TRUSTEES

A) To make and keep it a place that would represent the Lord to a lost world- not a crystal cathedral but a house of prayer

B) To eliminate distractions from the worship of God (Temp, facilities, etc)

C) To remember they are investing God’s money in God’s building for God’s Glory. A STEWARD of God’s Work (Need a Dreamer, a Common Sense, a Middle Men)

III. TO GUARD AND GUIDE THEIR FAMILY – DADS

A) Adam was told to guard the Garden. Do you stand guard against Satan’s attack on your family.

B) Deut 6- Father is priest of household. He is to teach his children about God all day.

1) Example

2) Exhortation

3) Discipline

Pray for those nominated.

Pray for Dad

Don’t expect the Church to replace Dad

Pastor before marriage- I had a sermon called, “Ten sure-Fire steps to raising a godly child who will not fail.” After marriage and children he retitled the sermon, “Three things you might want to try with your kids, but these may or may not work.”

One man said things were so bad at home until he said to his wife, “My dog is my only friend, and a man needs at least two friends.” So she went out and bought me another dog.

Luke 05:18-26 FORGIVEN OF SINS

I. SOMEONE BROUGHT HIM TO JESUS.

A) Concern

B) Co-operation

C) Commitment

II. JESUS FORGAVE HIM

A) The Power of Sin

1> to Cripple a person

2> To Hide it’s true cause-the darkness of sin

3> To effect those around you

4> To destroy a life

B) The Power of Faith

1> His Friend’s effected Jesus

C) The Pardon from Christ

1> Had to take the word of Christ by Faith

2> Had to let God deal with his Spiritual problem before his Physical problem.

III. HE WALKED OUT A DIFFERENT MAN

A) Sins forgiven, sickness cured

B) Glorifying God

C) Testimony to Crowd

Pharisees:

1. Came for the Wrong Reason- came seeking heresy instead of seeking Truth

2. Came to the Wrong Conclusion- Way that seems right to man but the ends thereof are the ways of Death.

3. Came away bitter instead of better

Luke 05:18-26 PERSPECTIVES

First of all, I want everyone sitting on the left side of the Church to move over to the right side and everyone on the right side to move over to the left side. That’s what is called “Changing your perspective”.

Webster defines Perspective as “The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole; or your viewpoint of an issue.”

Everyone has a perspective. It differs according to your:

1) Preferences- food, colors, smells

2) Personality- clean/dirty, Pre-planner/procrastinator

3) Point of View- location (See what a difference location makes!),

4) Personal involvement- Death on TV compared to death in family

In today’s scripture, We are going to see Five (5) different perspectives about a well known incident in the Bible. Even the small kids know the story of the Palsied man who was brought to Jesus by his four friends. The crowd was so thick until his friends had to tear a hole in the roof and lower him down to Jesus that way. And, of course, we know that Jesus forgave his sins before he healed his body.

With all that in mind, I want to look at the different perspectives that developed in this case; and see how many of them apply to us today. God is still at work today. Our perspective on that work will go a long way toward determining if we are part of God’s plan, a stumbling block in the way of others, or simply excited by-standers.

FIVE PERSPECTIVES ON A HEALING:

1> DESPAIR (The Palsy Man). He had no hope of getting better and no way of getting to Jesus. No one needed to point out his NEED (Although Jesus pointed out that what he thought was his need was actually a secondary need). Are YOU faced with situations in life that seem hopeless? Do you feel society is going “to hell in a hand basket” and there is nothing you can do but wait for the violence to come to your home or family? Just remember this, sometimes your perspective is all wrong. Come to Jesus and get a change of perspective that will change you.

2> DETERMINATION (The Four Friends). These were four men who would not let obstacles defeat them. If their friend couldn’t walk then they would carry him. If the crowd was too thick they would go over the crowd. If the roof stood in the way they would make a hole in it. Their perspective was based on determination. Their friend had a need and Jesus had the answer, therefore, they were determined to get their friend and Jesus together. Are YOU determined to do what you can for God, regardless of the obstacles?

3> DOUBT (The Pharisees). The Pharisee’s perspective was based on cynicism and doubt. They didn’t come to be blessed, they came to find fault and nit-pick miracles. Jesus was not one of their Crowd so they judged him harshly from that perspective. Do YOU find fault with people because they aren’t part of your group or they do things different from you?

4> DISCERNMENT (Jesus). Jesus was able to see beyond the Palsied man’s Sickness to his real problem, sin. Jesus knew the heart of the problem was the problem of the heart. Or, as Robert M McCheyne said, “God will either give you what you ask, or something far better!”

How often is our perspective what we see on the Surface instead of the real need? We see the dirt, defeat, and disgust of a person wallowing in sin and we brand them as bums who will not help themselves. Or we see a family split by divorce, drugs, or debt and concentrate only on the “sickness” we see instead of the real heart needs that caused the problems? How would our perspective change if they “bum” was our son or that family was our family?

Try looking at people next week from the perspective of Jesus. I believe it will change your attitude, your actions, and your testimony. I also believe it will end up changing some people from a life of despair into a walking testimony for Jesus.

5> DISTURBANCE (The Crowd) The Scriptures says the Crowd was:

1) Amazed

2) Glorified God

3) Were filled with fear

The Amplified Bible translates this as the crowd:

1) Had Overwhelming astonishment and ecstasy

2) They recognized and praised and thanked God

3) They were filled with and controlled by reverential fear.

Three different actions from a crowd that saw the same occurrence- astonishment, praise, and fear. Each of them reacted according to their personality and perspective. The important thing to remember, however, is the crowd simply reacted to this incident as by-standers. They had awe and arguments and amazement but they were still simply onlookers.

Do YOU view the miracles and message of Christianity from the perspective of an onlooker? What forms your perspective on God’s Work? In this service today some will leave lifted by the word of God and others will leave thinking within their heart, “What a waste of my time today.” Your perspective will be determined to a large extent by what happens in your heart.

What determines YOUR perspective? Despair, Determination, Doubt, Discernment, or Disturbance? The difference will be your relationship with Christ.

Luke 05:20 SECOND HAND FAITH

When Jesus looks at us, what does He see?

1. He Sees our Works- Rev 2: 3:

2. He Sees our Words- Give account for each idle word

3. He sees our Thoughts- Luke 5:22

4. He see our Faith- Luke 5:20

The Faith of these men had a positive impact on the paralyzed man and on Jesus. This is what we call “Second Hand Faith”. Normally we stress the importance of Personal Faith (As well we should) but here we see that the Faith of someone around us can be very important.

That’s because OUTSIDE INFLUENCES AFFECT US more than we want to admit:

1. PHYSICALLY- Right now the Heat of this July day and the Excitement of upcoming Vacations have a noticeable impact on your attention to the message (Lots of sleepy eyes!) and your retention of the message of the message (Lots of dreamy eyes!).

2. MIND AND MORALS- Let’s examine just 2 common influences that affect our minds and morals much more than we want to admit.

A) Music- Don’t fool yourself into believing that listening to songs about rape, robbery, cheating hearts, and disrespect for authority will not affect you. It continues to ring in your mind. Eph 5:19 Speaking to one another in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. That’s because God knows that Music effects the way you think, the way you act, and your attitude- Remember David playing for Saul when an evil spirit came on him. [That’s why we are beginning the Good Music Lending Library. Tapes of good music will be available for you to borrow for a week at a time. We want to affect you positively for the Lord and we believe Good music will do just that].

B) TV/Society- Isn’t it strange that Rock and Roll and TV were born about the same time!! Your talk, your clothes, the foods you eat; all are controlled to some degree by TV (If you don’t believe it take a child shopping and see what cereal he buys and what clothes he wants).

Remember the example of Lot in I Peter 2:8- Lot in dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. That’s the reason we stress “TV less Tuesday”. One day a week ought to be free of TV and devoted to Family communication and growth (Seems to me it ought to be one night of TV and 6 nights of family but I’ve got to start somewhere).

3. FAMILY- Abraham was a friend of God because God knew he would teach his Children the right way (Gen 18). SECOND HAND FAMILY FAITH AFFECTS:

A. Husband won by Godly living wife- I Pet 3:

B. Philippian Jailor believed and entire family saved- Acts 16: (Girl in Larry’s church saved, then sister, then sister’s boyfriend, then girl’s husband- in a week!!)

4. SPIRITUALLY- Friend’s Faith brought Salvation and Healing to this man. (Text)

God calls us to “Come out from among them and be separate”.

1. Determine today to have POSITIVE INFLUENCES IN YOUR LIFE.

2. CLAIM YOUR LOVED ONES FOR CHRIST.

3. If you have never trusted Christ then COME TO CHRIST today- Christ sees your heart. Let Him remove the Sin and give you a new Heart.

Luke 05:27-39 PATCHES

Story of Ship in Navy Yard in Pearl Harbor. Tried to patch hole in front. Kept coming out until had to replace front quarter of Ship. We, too, are faced with many situations in life that we attempt to patch instead of make new. Usually it ends up causing us more trouble than dealing with the situation.

In order to get to the parable of the “Patches” you must read the preceding verses. Jesus calls Matthew (Levi) as a disciple. From this relationship comes a Party and time of Joy. This leads the Pharisees to–

THE ACCUSATIONS:

1) FRIENDS HE HAD vs 30

ANSWER: I know their sickness, I’m a doctor come to cure

2) FUN HIS DISCIPLES HAD vs 33

ANSWER: I bring Joy. Sorrow will come when I leave.

THE PARABLE: Complete change necessary to survive.

1) New patches on old clothes make worst

A) Need Robe of Righteousness- Many people have a patchwork religion of their own instead of trusting Christ for Salvation

B) Must put off old and put on new Garment- Eph 4:20-

2) New Wine in Old bottles destroy

A) Holy Spirit’s Power

B) Holy Spirit’s Pressure as we conform to Christ.

Reason these are worst:

1> No Foundation to build on

2> No Relationship to join

What are some areas we try to “Patch”?

1) Relationships- Don’t get a divorce! Become a different person in Christ. Learn when to bring flowers. Learn how to encourage your children. Learn what your part in the Body of Christ is and how it functions.

2) Growth- No standards. A chapter here and there. No study of Bible Subjects and issues. a Patchwork of Prayer.

Luke 5:27-28 DIVERSE DISCIPLES

FISHERMEN– Peter- Blue Collar Workers

FINANCIERS– Matthew- White Collar Workers

FANATICS– Simon the Zealot- Political, dedicated to cause.

FAILURES– Thomas the Doubter Backsliders, Divorce, Alcoholics,

We Fail when we Doubt God’s Ability to Keep us (Peter on water), God’s Love (Job), God’s Power (No Miracles, Unbelief), God’s Word (Eve), Christ’s Return (Where is promise of return?).

FIRST FRUITS– Andrew Brought Peter, Greeks, Boy with Bread

FULL OF HEART– Thaddeus Only Statement is John 14:22 “Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”. One of the faithful who don’t get the limelight but who represent the majority who pray, pay, and practice Christianity.

FIXED OPINION– Nathanael “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Without Guile, Pure Motives.

FIERY- James, Brother of John Isolation (Casting out devils in thy name rebuked), Anger (Samaratians wouldn’t receive), Ambition (Right Hand)

FRINGE– Philip Come and See rather than believe, Revealed hunger of crowd but no faith to follow through, Greeks contacted him but had to bring to Andrew, Wanted Jesus to show him the Father so he would believe.

FIENDISH– Judas In the group, Well thought of (Treasurer), but Satanic Influenced

Christ is calling YOU to be a disciple today. No matter what your personality, you fit into the body of Christ.

Luke 05:36-39 SIN’S ADDICTION WHY WE STRUGGLE WITH SIN

Every Christian wrestles with sin on a daily basis. Some are Common Sins (Gossip, envy, laziness,…). Some are “Serious” Sins (Lust, Hate, cheating,…). Some are Besetting Sins (Sins that continually beset us). Some are Stronghold Sins (Sins we have allowed to build a stronghold in our life). But ALL ARE DEADLY

Let’s look at six statements about the basis of sin and see why it is such a problem in our life.

1. GOD CREATED US FOR HIMSELF-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. (Rev 4:11)

2. GOD DID NOT CORRUPT OUR NATURE, SIN DID- Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psa 51:5)

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Rom 5:12)

3. WE NATURALLY RESIST GOD’S COMMANDMENTS AND SOLUTIONS- Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Eph 2:2-3)

4. WE LOVE OUR SINFUL WAY OF LIFE, ALTHOUGH WE MAY NOT LIKE SOME OF IT’S CONSEQUENCES- For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (Rom 7:14-19)

5. WE ARE POWERLESS TO CHANGE OUR ADDICTIVE LOVE FOR SIN- Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. (Jer 13:23)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9)

6. WE MUST BE BORN ANEW BY HIS SPIRIT IF WE ARE TO HAVE HIS NATURE AND ABILITY- That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Pet 1:3-4)

PUTTING A NEW PATCH ON AN OLD CLOTHE WILL ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORST. REAL CHANGE MUST COME FROM A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD MAINTAINED BY RESURRECTION POWER- I CAN DO EVERYTHING IN THE STRENGTH OF HIM WHO MAKES ME STRONG– Phil 4:13

CHANGE ADDICTIONS- From Sin to Service- I Cor 16:15 They addicted themselves to the Ministry of the Saints. Holiness is simply Spiritual Health. Stay away from those things that harm you and do those things that help you.

If you find that sin is beginning to build Strong holds in your life, apply these THREE PRINCIPLES

1. CONFRONT IT- Don’t pretend it doesn’t exist or isn’t serious. It will DESTROY YOU and those around you. Look it straight in the eye and realize you’re staring at something that want’s to send you to HELL!

2. CONFESS IT-Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Most of the time we Confess it to God. Sometimes we must confess it to someone else also (God will direct it this).

Sometimes Confession involves RESTITUTION- Num 5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.

Confession also involves FAITH- Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

(Confession can also BRING HEALING- James 5:16 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. Many people are sick in body because they harbored Hate or Bitterness in their heart).

3. CHANGE IT- Mat 12:43‑45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Change your Location, your Friends, and your manner of life. Don’t make it easy for Satan to trip you up.

God’s Power is greater than the Power of Sin. That’s one of the reasons Jesus was Resurrected, to show His ability to conquer Sin’s Power. Don’t allow Satan to delude you into believing God can’t give you the Victory- Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!. Meet with Christ at the Alter today- If we Confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 06:1-5 CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES

For some reason Luke pinpoints this incident as taking place on the “Second Sabbath after the First” (The Second Sabbath after the first Sabbath following Passover; ending on the Seventh Sabbath of Pentecost). It stood out in his mind as a significant point in the life of Jesus; one worthy of being pinpointed by date. That means it’s something we should look at more closely than normal.

As Jesus and the disciples walked through a wheat field the disciples began to pick and eat some of the wheat. There was nothing wrong with that; you are supposed to allow people to “gleam” your fields in order to satisfy their hunger (They could not harvest a crop, they could only gleam a meal).

The problem came in because this was done on a Sabbath. According to the Pharisees, the Disciples broke Sabbath law three ways: (1) Harvesting Grain on Sabbath, (2) Shucking Grain on Sabbath, and (3) Winnowing Grain (Getting rid of the husk) on the Sabbath. Jesus goes head to head with the Pharisees on this religious Standard and declared that, as the Son of Man (Messiah), He has the right to do what He needs to do on the Sabbath.

In the process of dealing with this issues Jesus raises a very important principle- God is more concerned about meeting human needs than He is about protecting Religious Rules. Christianity is the Abundant Life of Liberty, not the Pharisaical Region of laws and regulation.

But even Liberty must have some regulations (My freedom to swing my fist ends at your nose!). How do we keep the Liberty free and at the same time heed Paul’s admonition to the Galatians, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal 5:13).

Let’s look at the principles Jesus used and then try to find ways to apply them in our lives today:

1. Wrong to GATHER corn on the Sabbath but alright to EAT Corn on the Sabbath. The Hunger versus Harvest Principle-

2. Wrong for any but Priest to eat shewbread but right for David to eat in an emergency. The Hunger versus Holiness principle. The Sabbath was not made just for Rest but for the Rest of Worship- to Serve God. That is why a priest could work on the Sabbath and be counted blameless.

The Ultimate Purpose of Restrictions:

1. God’s Honor- God Rested

2. Good of Society- Society needs Restrictions on Greed

3. Guidelines for Individuals- Man needs a day of Rest/Worship

Comfort versus Modesty / Fad versus Testimony. If Standards set by Society then Society is God

If Standards set by Preferences then Emotions are God.

What allows us to Set and/or Change Standards?? Get by with vs Growth in Holiness Principle:

Consider your Attitude- Love Builds us, Pride Blows up- I Cor 8:1

Consider your brother’s Knowledge- If a man thinks something is a sin then it is a sin to Him. Consider those who have not grown yet.

Consider your brother’s Conscience- Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? (I Cor 10:29)

Consider the consequences of your actions- But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (I Cor 8:12)

How can I know it’s right?

1. Does it profit my spiritual life- I Cor 6:12

2. Will it control me? I Cor 6:12

3. Will it lead others astray- I Cor 8:9-10

4. Does it build me as a Christian? I Cor 10:23

Luke 06:6-11 LOOKING FOR TROUBLE

He who looks for trouble normally finds it.

SATAN’S BUSINESS IS TO ACCUSE THE BRETHERN- 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 (Rev 12:10). When you feel like talking about people look around and see where the impulse is coming from.

JESUS’ DEATH ACCUSATION- And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS (Mat 27:37).

DON’T CARELESSLY RUIN A REPUTATION- Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses (I Tim 5:19). When you accuse someone be sure you have your facts streight.

DON’T PRESUME PEOPLE GUILTY BECAUSE OF THEIR POSITION- But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord (2 Pet 2:10-11).

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 (Jude 1:9).

I. WITHERED HAND CURED ON SABBATH– And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him (Luke 6:6-7). WHEN He did His Work

A) Be aware of people’s time clocks (Morning and Night People)

B) Be aware of people’s circumstances- Paul tried to get to several churches but circumstances hindered him.

II. WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY- They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not (John 8:4-6). HOW He did His work

A) Some people work in order, some in chaos. Some work in spurts, some plug along.

B) Some work within the system, some are more independent.

III. WORDS SPOKEN BY JESUS- And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him (Luke 11:53-54).

WHAT He had to say.

Words are not only words; they are the tone, attitude of the hearer, body language.

MAKE SURE YOU LIVE IN SUCH A WAY UNTIL ACCUSATIONS ARE FALSE-Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (I Pet 3:16)

Luke 06:12-13 OUR PRIVILEGE TO SERVE CHRIST

The word “Apostle” means “One sent forth” as an ambassador who bears a message and who represents the one who sent him. Their qualifications included: (1) Seeing the Lord and being eyewitnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:22; 1 Cor 9:1); (2) Being invested with miraculous sign-gifts (Acts 5:15-16; Heb 2:3-4); (3) Being chosen by the Lord or the Holy Spirit (Matt 10:1-2, Acts 1:26)

These men were given:

I. THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY– To Serve God

II. THE GREATEST HONOR– To be chosen as a Disciple. A Disciple is someone who is being taught by a discipler and who is learning a discipline. This involves

A CALL FROM GOD- Spirit must draw us to Christ.

A COMMITMENT TO GOD: A Task given

A Teacher accepted. That’s because you must Continue to Grow- For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14)

III. THE GREATEST OBLIGATION– To fulfil the task given to us by God.

we know what that task was for the Apostles. What is it for us? Three guiding principles should direct us:

1. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR HIS CHURCH. The only actions and activities that will produce lasting good for God’s Glory will be those things done within and, as a part of, that plan. WHAT IS HIS PLAN FOR US? REACHING OUT to a Sin Sick World: Pastor-Outreach Ministry, Youth Committee- Reaching and Training Youth, Choir- Inspiring and Witnessing, Helping Hand- Assisting People in Need, Caring People of Grace- Real Concern

2. THE BUILDER OF THE CHURCH IS GOD– “I will build my Church”. When we obey God’s commands and follow God’s plan then the Church will experience supernatural growth. If the Church is not growing according to God’s plans do you think God has failed; or have we failed to do those things God commanded us? What are our Failures? How can we correct them?

3. FOLLOWING GOD’S PLAN AND EXPERIENCING GOD’S POWER WILL PRODUCE GODLY PEOPLE; WHICH IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE CHURCH.

A) Godly people are concerned about their relationship with God so they seek holiness of life- “Be ye Holy for I am Holy, saith the Lord.” God’s Power can’t work through dirty vessels

B) Godly people are gifted by God to function in the body of Christ. These gifts are not according to their desires or whims; they are given by the Holy Spirit according to God’s plan in order to enable the church to fulfil it’s function.

C) Godly People have an impact on their family, friends, and society- “You are the Salt of the earth, the light of the world, and the only Bible some people ever read.” This impact will determine how well God’s plan is accomplished through the Church.

Note How Jesus went about the process of selecting people to serve Him. All night in Prayer- Divine Guidance

Called those He wanted- Divine Selection

Have you heard God’s Call? Have you answered it? When you face God will He say, “Well Done” or “Depart from Me”??

Luke 06:12-16 CALLED TO SERVE CHRIST

We have talked about what it means to serve Christ as a Church. Now let’s talk about what it means as individuals. That’s the way Christ called men; as individuals. They had different talents, different backgrounds, and even different access to Christ (James, Peter, John were the inner circle).

First of all, let’s see what it means to serve in our everyday life. We’re going to go around the room and let everyone give us a brief description of what they do for a living (Also a good way to get better acquainted).

Now let’s see what the Bible says about Serving Christ. I simply looked up the verses in the Bible that mentioned Serving Christ or God and drew principles from them- That’s called Bible Study!!

I. SERVE CHRIST THRU DEDICATION TO HIS WORK ABOVE YOUR OWN WANTS- Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom 16:17-18)

—BECAUSE OF THE CROSS- How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb 9:14)

—BECAUSE OF THE CONFLICT OF TRYING TO SERVE TWO MASTERS- No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat 6:24)

II. SERVE CHRIST BY CONFIDENT COMMITMENT TO HIS CALL ON YOUR LIFE- And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23-24)

—DON’T LET SATAN GET YOU TO SETTLE FOR LESS THAN GOD’S PLAN- And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:8)

III. SERVE CHRIST THRU REVERENCE AND RESPECT FOR THE THINGS OF GOD- Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (Heb 12:28)

—THIS OUGHT TO BE A LIFETIME WAY OF LIFE- I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (2 Tim 1:3)

IV. SERVE CHRIST NOW WITH ANTICIPATION OF HEAVENLY SERVICE- Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (Rev 7:15)

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (Rev 22:3) We will have Kingdoms to Rule as His Servants!! Remember, the Greatest of all shall be servant of all. Find a place to serve God and get Busy!!

Luke 06:12 PERCEIVABLE POWER

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12). And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. (Luke 6:17-19).

Some people when they enter a room cause a stir. They can be a total stranger to everyone there and within 30 minutes be the center of attention. That‘s called Charisma. It is a NATURAL gift that some people just have (And those of us who are “wall flowers” slightly envy!). I am not sure that Jesus had this “Charisma” but I do know that there were times in His life when He had a “Perceivable Power” that attracted people to Him for healing and help.

I understand and know that we cannot perform miracles in the same way as the Lord did (although He did say that He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father John 14:12). But I believe that there is a power we can have as Christians that will be evident to those around us (Even if sometimes it is not evident o us!)

1. This Perceivable Power will bear evidence of our Relationship with God:

A) To US– The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). What a confidence builder that becomes! Circumstance and Persecution do not cause us to doubt our salvation or service. But it is not just a good feeling; it is a witness in our heart that we are children of God.

B) To GOD– The Holy Spirit is God’s “Brand” on us-: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). God looks down from Heaven and immediately knows His children because of the indwelling Spirit. We might fool other people but God knows instantly if we belong to Him.

C) To OTHERS–And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him (Exodus 34:29-30).

When Moses met with God his face shone. When Stephen bore witness to Christ before he was stoned his face shone. There is something about a relationship on the inside that will shine through the face and personality of a person. In the natural world we see it in the “glow” that a woman who is expecting manifest; or in the radiant beauty that shines from a young girl who has an engagement ring!!If the light of God is at work on the inside it will find ways to shine through to the outside.

D) To ENEMIES– Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Enemies of Christ and the Church will often look down their nose at Christians and describe them as uneducated people who just don’t know any better. But the entire time they’re scoffing with their mouths, their heart is telling them that there is something different

2) How do YOU go about obtaining this Perceivable Power:

A) SPEND TIME WITH GOD: This is what Jesus did- And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). Jesus, the very Son of God, would often spend extended time periods in prayer and communion with God. Today, WE say we are too busy! Perceivable Power is not a microwave product. It must be developed; and supported, by spending time with God.

B) SPEND TIME WITH GOD: This is what Moses did- And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments (Exodus 34:28). Principles to build your life upon are not found in “sound bites” on TV. They do not develop in your heart from a 5 minute time of giving God His orders each day that you call your “Prayer time”. Principles that build Perceivable Power in your life are built with day by day devotion to God (Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little Isaiah 28:9-10).

C) SPEND TIME WITH GOD: This is what WE MUST do. Every person here knows the truth of what I am saying today. You have seen people with Perceivable Power and you know it did not come in a quickly swallowed pill or a hastily prayed prayer. You know that the person who has it is a person who consistently and constantly spends time with God; sometimes with sweat drops almost like drops of blood! But they are willing to pay any price for that special time of communion with God.

Do YOU have a quiet time EVERY day that you use to build a relationship with God?

Do YOU spend time reflecting on God’s will and work in your life? It is when we meditate on the work and wonder of God that our souls draw into that close communion with Him that is evident in Perceivable Power.

Luke 06:20-49 A SUPER SERMON

This is a short version of the famous “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5-7. It appears that Jesus gave this sermon, in one form or another, on a number of occasions.

Luke divides this “Super Sermon” into two parts; The Principles He expects His disciples to follow and a Parable to illustrate the importance of these Principles.

I. THE FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES: 20-38

The Odd Blessings 20-23

The Weird Woes 24-26

The Friendly Enemy 27-36

The Reciprocal Results 37-38

II. THE FOUNDATION PARABLE: 39-49

Guidelines for Judging 39-45

Their Vision- to perfect God’s Work in their life 39-40

Hindrances to that vision- beams vs bits 41-42

Fruit that can be judged- 43-45

Grounding for Growth 46-49

Hearing must be mixed with Doing to stand life’s storms.

Dinosaur skeletons are built from ONE BONE. Gossip is an ounce of fact mixed with a ton of imagination.

A House of Card will fall before any winds that come their way.

Only Foundation that will stand is one built on Jesus Christ. If Jesus “died” today what would change in your life?

Coming to Christ is Faith in Christ at the Foundation that you are going to build on. It is not a moment of faith but a life time commitment to build your life on the principles and plan of God.

Luke 06:39 BLIND LIGHTS

Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

One of the great dangers we face in Society today is following the wrong leaders. Blindly we follow the blind and wonder why we’re always stumbling around in mud! We want to see tonight several characteristics of these “Blind Lights”; and we want to learn to walk in the light.

NO PRACTICE OF THEIR PROFESSION: Rom 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

No Practice results in NO GROWTH IN YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE: 2 Pet 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

No Growth means we major on ONLY EXTERNALS: Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Luke 06:40 TO BE LIKE CHRIST

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master (Luke 6:40). The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matt 10:24-25)

TO BE LIKE CHRIST YOU MUST FACE LIFE LIKE CHRIST:

I. The Mind of Christ- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil 2:5-8)

2. The Unconcern about Physical Beauty of Christ- he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him (Isa 53:2). Even in His death- As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men (Isa 52:14)

3. The Family Rejection of Christ- And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself (Mark 3:20-21). For neither did his brethren believe in him (John 7:5).

4. The World’s Scorn around Christ- He is despised and rejected of men; 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 (Isa 53:3).

5. The Failure of Friends like Christ: The Disciples of Christ- Forsook Him and Fled, Denied Him, Failed to Believe in His Resurrection.

What God said about Him:

As He began His Ministry- And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased (Luke 3:22).

In the Middle of His Ministry- And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him (Mark 9:7).

Luke 06:47-49 FOUNDATIONS

(Luke 6:47) Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: (48) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. {49} But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

WE HAVE SEVERAL FOUNDATIONS STONES HERE AT GRACE THAT WE BUILD ON:

1) The BIBLE is the Word of God and our rule of faith and practice

2) All men are sinners and Need to accept Christ for Salvation

3) God’s Work in the most vital work in the world

4) We want to be the best we can be for God and we know that the Greatest of all shall be servant of all. We, therefore, look for ways to serve God by serving others- Outreach.

WHY WE NEED THESE FOUNDATIONS- What kind of storms are coming?

1) World Standards Change- Dress, Morals, Progress that is good/bad

2) Every value that we have built upon is being attacked- Life (Abortion) and Death (Euthanize). Love (Sex) and Marriage (Homosexual). Education is replacing Dedication, Guidelines are what is Fun or Feels Good or Fashionable at the moment.

(2 Tim 3:1-5) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, {4} Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; {5} Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

THERE IS DANGER IN ABANDONING THESE FOUNDATIONS:

1) Lot lost his Reputation, Family, and Possessions

2) When bad times come what will you have to hold you up- (Jer 12:5) 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?

(Rev 14:9-12) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, {10} The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: {11} And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. {12} Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Is YOUR foundation secure today?? Do you need to accept Christ as your savior or rededicate yourself to His service?

Luke 07:1-10 MARVELOUS FAITH

Jesus came off the mountain and into the town of Capernaum. A Centurion (Roman commander of 100 men) had a bond servant he held in high regard. This Bond servant was sick almost to the point of death. The Centurion heard about Jesus and asked the Jewish elders to go to Jesus and request help for his bond servant.

I. THE CENTURION’S TESTIMONY BY THE ELDERS 4-5

A) Gentile/Roman Soldier- (Possibly a proselyte to Jewish faith)

B) Elders declared Worthy of help:

1> Attitude- Loved Nation

2> Action- Gave money and permission to build synagogue

[Did he become a Christian? See Matt 8:11-12

II. THE CENTURION’S TESTIMONY BY SELF 6-8

A) Humility- Not worthy of Christ coming to him

B) Faith- Expected Christ to simply say word and heal (Compare to Jarius’ daughter where had to touch and Lazarus when Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to be there)

III. THE CENTURION’S TESTIMONY BY JESUS 9-10

A) Marvelous Faith- Only other time Jesus marveled at Faith was syrophonicean Woman (Matt 15:28)

B) Activating Faith- As you have believed so be it done unto you (Matt 8:13)

Faith is always cultivated by looking at it’s object; faith is always weakened by looking at itself. If we look at our faith we will be discouraged; if we look at Him, our faith will be strengthened.

1) What do those around you say about your attitude and actions?

2) Does your faith require sight or feeling or can you trust God’s word?

3) When the Kingdom supper is served will you be an invited guest?

Luke 07:11-17JESUS DEALS WITH DEATH

TWO CROWDS- The crowd with the widow was headed for the Cemetery. The crowd with Jesus was headed for the city. They met at God’s time and place. Everyone is in that crowd- Headed for the Cemetery or for the Heavenly City.

TWO ONLY SONS- One was alive but destined to die. One was dead but destined to live.

The boy sat up- showed evidence of life and Spoke- With the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

Jesus raised three people from the dead:

1. A 12 year old Girl- just died Proved alive by walking and eat

2. The Widow’s Son- dead a day Proved by Sitting and Speaking

3. Lazarus- dead four days. Proved by shedding Grave clothes

In each case, Jesus had to go to the person in order for them to be raised.

I. THE COMPASSION OF JESUS- For the Widow. Lost her husband, now her only son.

The character of His compassion- Strong Affection. The Greek verb used here is used only of Christ or God.

This Compassion MOVED him. Same is used of several other miracles: (1) Feeding of 5000

(2) Healing of two blind men at Jericho

(3) Healing of a boy with a dumb spirit

(4) Healing of a leper and the sick in general

II. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD- That Jesus would journey from Capernaum to Nain on this Particular day to arrive at this precise moment.

III. THE COMMANDS OF JESUS:

1) To the Widow- Stop Crying

2) To the Son- Arise Always it is the Voice of Jesus that raises the Dead- Here, Jarius’ Daughter, Lazarus, Rapture

IV. THE CONCLUSION OF THE CROWD- Fear (Awe). They glorified God and said that a Great PROPHET is risen up among us; and that God has visited His people.

Luke 07:18-23 WHEN PROPHET’S DOUBT

Put in prison for his stand against Sin, John awaited the time Jesus would declare Himself king, throw off the yoke of Roman oppression, and free him from his prison cell. Instead, he languished in jail while Jesus simply preached, called disciples, and performed miracles.

The raising of the Widow of Nain’s son was the last straw. If Jesus could raise the dead then surely He could free His friend John from his Roman cell. Because in that cell, John had become a “Doubting Prophet”. He had begun to doubt his Mission and his Master. This kind of doubt will cripple your enthusiasm, steal your energy, and destroy your joy. And, sadly, it’s not unusual in the Bible, or in the lives of ordinary people.

Let’s allow God to clearly show us the problem and then find His solutions.

Doubt vs Unbelief- Doubt is a matter of the mind: we cannot understand what God is doing or Why He is doing it. Unbelief is a matter of the will; We refuse to believe God’s Word and obey what He is telling us to do. Doubt may not always be wrong; it may simply be thinking.

Moses was ready to quit (Num 11:10-15), Elijah (I Kings 19), Jeremiah (20:7-9), Paul (2 Cor 1:8-9)

JOHN’S DOUBTS- Was Jesus really the Messiah? Had John goofed up when he proclaimed Jesus was the Lamb of God? Had the voice from Heaven and the Holy Spirit as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus been simply a hallucination? Was it meant for John to rot in a Roman cell? Was this how God repaid those who faithfully did their job for Him?

TODAY- Parents do their best but their children don’t. You expect nothing but affirmation for your work but instead there is some opposition. God’s program does not conform with what you think God’s program should be.

WHAT IS YOUR PRISON?? Remember this is a Prison you are in because it’s God’s Plan for your life. This is not the prisons we sometimes make on our own.

DEBT

DISEASE

DIVORCE

DEATH

DOUBT

JESUS’ ANSWER- Jesus did not preach a message or teach a class on “What to expect from a Messiah”. He performed Miracles and convened a Message (Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me- Blessed is he that does not stumble over me (NIV). Another translated it “Blessed is he that does not feel I have let him down”).

THE ANSWER TO DOUBTS ARE NOT IN YOUR MIND!!

1. Re-Affirm the Mission

2. Divide the Responsibility (Moses- 70 Elders, Elijah- Elisha, Jeremiah- “The Lord is with me”, Paul- Fellow Believers)

3. Re-Dedicate to your Task.

Jesus said John the Baptist was Elijah that was to come if Isreal would have accepted Christ as Messiah. Like Elijah, John thundered his message of repentance but eventually ended up in a cave (cell) because of a woman.

Would you be satisfied with Christ as your portion if there was no Hell to be saved from??

Luke 07:24-29 GREATER THAN JOHN

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he (Luke 7:28).

If you could compare yourself to any famous person in the world; who would it be? Now let’s bring it down to one famous city, Mayberry, NC! Which best describes you: Andy, the wise; Barney, the klutz, Floyd, the Steady; Howard, the Organizer; Goober, the good old boy, or Opie, the mischievous?

Today we’re going to look at the case of a man whom Jesus said was the greatest prophet born among men but who testified about himself that he was not worthy to even tie the shoes of Jesus and of whom Jesus said the least person in the Kingdom of God was Greater than he was!! And, hopefully, we will find out how we can compare ourselves to this greatest of all prophets and come out being GREATER THAN JOHN. Everything is going to revolve around a short statement made by Jesus. Three things in the Statement stand out as significant.

I. THE TIME OF THE STATEMENT– After John’s Disciples were departed. It seems to me that the statement Jesus is about to make would have been tremendously encouraging to a “Doubting Prophet”. Yet Jesus deliberately waits until after John’s messengers left before making the statement. WHY?? Why does God many times deliberately keep us in the dark about what we are accomplishing and His view of its success? I certainly don’t know all the answers to these questions but I can give you three principles I have learned in my dealings with God-( 1) Pride [God hates it]. (2)Patience [God has a time and He is determined we learn to wait on it] (3) Plan [Jesus knew that John was destined to die it that cell. He didn’t need encouragement about his position; he needed faith in his master!].

II. THE QUESTIONS IN THE STATEMENT. Would you leave the comforts of home to go into the wilderness to see a:

A) Compromiser–Reed shaken by the wind

B) Celebrity–Man Clothed in soft raiment.

The only thing that .would bring you into the desert is a PROPHET. And John was even more than a Prophet; he was a MESSENGER. The zeal in his life and the fire in his message were so unusual until people wanted to hear what he had to say.

Sadly, People today are in fact looking for a Compromiser (To tickle their ears) or a Celebrity (To confirm their idea that God only likes Success) . They don’t want someone with Confidence in his message and in his Master. That kind of person sounds too harsh and judgmental to today’s politically correct Society.

Gladly, there are still some that hungry to see a genuine work of God among His people. They long to see God’s power operating outside the realm of human promotion and manipulation. And when God’s people will live in such a way until God can work through them in miraculous ways then we will be able to draw them away from the comfort of a warm bed into the holy fire in the house of God.

III. THE COMPARISONS IN THE STATEMENT– No greater prophet born to woman than John the Baptist yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. Least Saint is better than Best Prophet!! That mean we should: A) Recognize our Privileges in God’s Kingdom / B) Rejoice in our Position in Christ /

C) Remember our Obligation to proclaim Christ

When Alexander was conquering the world they brought a soldier to him who was disobeying orders. He told Emperor Alexander that his name was also Alexander. The Emperor told him to change his conduct or change his name! Jesus said the least Saint was greater than John. Let’s learn to live like that.

Luke 7:29-35 WISDOM’S CHILDREN

John the Baptist was “The Man with Three Lives”. Elijah had been a prophet. If Israel would have accepted Christ then John would have been Elijah that was to come. Since they didn’t then Elijah will come before that great and dreadful day of the Lord.

In describing him to the crowd, Jesus said he was the greatest prophet born to woman. In this scripture we see the reaction of various people to this greatest prophet; and from that see our own reaction to the wonderful works of God.

I. THE REACTIONS: Vs 29-30

A) People and Publicans believed and were Baptized

B) Pharisees and Lawyers rejected counsel of God against themselves.

Some people will accept the message of God and Some will reject it.

II. THE PARABLE: Vs 31-35 People who are not Wisdom’s Children- men of this generation

A) Location- Market Place- Thoughts occupied with this world

B) Language- Called one to another. Seeking public opinion instead of Wisdom from God.

C) Perplexing- Nothing you do can satisfy them; either feast or funeral. Won’t dance to a tune or weep at a death.

John the Baptist worked in the solitude of the desert so they said he must be demon possessed or he would come into the city and socialize with other respectable people.

Jesus was a man of the people who socialized with everyone, not just the religious elite so they called him a rabble rouser running in the wrong circles.

III. THE PRINCIPLES: Wisdom’s children vs Worldly Children

1. NOTHING you do can satisfy someone who is looking to find fault. People who want to avoid the truth can always find something in the service to criticize. Did you come to church today to find fault or develop faith? You will probably find what you came for!

2. Real Wisdom is not justified by your arguments but by your actions. This means that, in reality, Wisdom’s Children are the fruits produced by that wisdom in your life. Faith makes you a child of God; Works show you are a child of God.

An interesting point for those of you who think this is too hard. The first place Wisdom is mentioned in the Bible is Exodus 28:3 in which God says He has given the spirit of Wisdom to people in order for them to sew Aaron’s garments!! Who would have thought wisdom first came in a sewing factory??

Rev John MacArthur in his book “The Gospel According to Jesus” makes a statement about this principle that helps bring it into focus- “The Gospel demands not just passive acceptance of Christ but active submission to Him as well. Those unwilling to surrender to Christ cannot recruit Him to be part of a crowded life. He will not heed the plea of a rebel who simply wants Him to enter and by His presence sanctify a life of continued disobedience.”

Wisdom’s Children don’t just sit in the marketplace and play at being righteous. They commit themselves to Christ by Faith and live by Faith so that the fruits of their life will testify to the Faith in their heart. Do you have that kind of faith??

Luke 7:36-50 WHY JESUS LOVED A CRYING WOMEN WITH DIRTY HAIR

The OT is 39 Books [17 historical, 5 poetical, 17 prophetical] God always has a plan. The NT begins with 4 gospels to show the 4 aspects of God (Lion, Ox, Man, Eagle Ezek 1:10). Matthew shows Jesus being born as a King, Mark shows no birth as servant, Luke shows family birth, and John shows the “word” birth. Every person, no matter their birth is important to God!

This chapter is built around the theme “Unexpected Concern”:

The Centurion requesting healing for his servant and showing the “greatest faith” (vs 9)
The tears of the widow of Nain touching the heart of Jesus resulting in the “great One from God” (16) raising of her son from the dead,
The confusion of John the Baptist resulting in sending disciples to question Jesus and Jesus demonstrating His great power to assuage the doubts of the “greatest Prophet” (28), and
The sinner woman washing Jesus’ feet with her tears showing “Great Love” (vs 42-43).

In this Scripture we find someone who responses to the Love of God is such a way until their expression of their love for Christ causes Christ to made her a member of the Family! What was there about her Commitment that Stirred Christ in such a way?

I. It was a PERSONAL COMMITMENT– vs 38 [Not the preacher or the deacon but me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. I am asking YOU to come humble to Jesus today]

A) Her Tears washed His feet- A repentant heart rained down tears (Repentance)

B) Her Hair dried His feet- Long Hair is a woman’s glory (I Cor 11:15). (Commitment)

C) Her Mouth kissed His feet- Such humility and love. (Adoration)

II. It was a SACRIFICIAL COMMITMENT– Vs 37-38 [What do you own; or what owns you, that is worth going to Hell for?]

A) Her Pride- A women in the city, which was a sinner

B) Her Possessions- This alabaster box of Ointment was probably the dowry this woman was supposed to use when she was married. It is possible it represented a year’s wages (See Mark 14:3-8 where such a box is valued at “300 pence”. In Mark the woman pours the oil on the Head of Jesus in the house of Simon the leper. In Luke the woman pours it on his feet in the house of a Pharisee).

III. It was a SAVING COMMITMENT– vs 40-50

A) She recognized who SHE was- A great Sinner

B) She recognized who JESUS was- A great Savior who cared about great Sinners! His love triggered Her love (see vs 47).

C) Saved by Faith, not Works (Tears and Dirty Hair did not save her but Faith in Christ as the Son of God did save her). Vs 50

Are you one of the Curious Crowd who is more interested in Supper than in Sinners (Vs 49)? Be careful!! You can get a much bigger crowd at church for a fellowship supper or a singing than you can for a feet washing service!

Are you the Pharisee who was more interested in having Jesus in his house than in his heart?

Are you a Sinner willing to humble yourself at the feet of Jesus and ask Him in Love to forgive your sins because you believe He is the Son of God?

Luke 7:36-50 THE FAITH THAT SAVES

Recently my wife was not feeling well and I told her to lay on the couch for a day. Daytime TV is absolutely worthless so she was watching a copy of “Sleepless in Seattle” we had copied during a preview week on Showtime. The times given in the paper were wrong however and we only copied the first half of the movie. I told her I would try to get another copy but no one I knew had one available. Finally, I decided to make the plunge and go to the tape rental store. I hoped maybe I could slip in, get the video, and slip out. Forget it. In order to rent a movie they have to get your life story and as soon as I started the girl said, “I know you. You’re Preacher Mike!”. So much for slipping in and out.

That must have been the way the woman in today’s scripture felt. She wanted to ease into a banquet and show her love for Jesus but suddenly she is the center of attention and conversation. From this attention, however, we can learn the most important lesson of this chapter. It was marvelous that the Centurion’s servant was healed at a distance, it was a miracle that the widow of Nain’s son was raised from the dead, but the greatest miracle in this chapter is the fact that Christ would forgive and restore a fallen woman- meeting the greatest need, achieving the greatest results, and costing the greatest price.

I. THE STORY– Jesus goes to the home of Simon, the Pharisee- Jesus ate with Pharisees as well as Publicans! This was a “Master’s Men” meeting because woman were not invited- Pharisees would not talk to women in public and would certainly never invite them to sit at a meal with them.

The dining area was open to the streets and it was not unusual for a crowd to gather and watch the “celebrities” eat. How shocked Simon was when this woman (the impression is that she was a prostitute) came into the room and began to weep on the feet of Jesus. Evidently, Jesus ignored her as she washed his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and then anointed them with ointment. Simon couldn’t believe that Jesus would allow such a thing to happen if He was the prophet he claimed to be. In answer to that Jesus told

II. THE PARABLE– A certain man had two people who owed him money. One owed him $50 dollars and the other owed him $5000 dollars. When neither could pay the man decided to cancel the debt for both of them. The question Jesus asked was which would love the man the most??

Simon said he assumed the man that to whom the most debt was forgiven. Jesus said that was right and then went on to describe how that love was exemplified in the life of the woman and not in the life of Simon.

The important thing for us to see is that it’s not the AMOUNT of sin but our AWARENESS of sin that causes us problems. ALL sin is a debt we can’t pay. To try to justify the amount of sin debt we owe would be like asking if you want me to blow you head off with a shotgun or a magnum .44!!

This is the part of today’s message for Christians. We get so busy thinking about how much better we are than the drug addicts, prostitutes, and derelicts until we forget how little WE show God our love. Prayer is a form, Witnessing is forgotten, We look for excuses to miss church instead of opportunities to serve God. Our love grows lukewarm and indifferent as we forget what Christ has done for us and what He has promised those who serve Him. It’s time we repented and came back to God with broken hearts asking Him to renew first love.

III. THE SALVATION– At the end of this scripture Jesus tells the woman that her faith has saved her. That’s the kind of faith we want to learn about and talk about today.

A) Notice what DIDN’T save her:

1. Her Tears- Real, but many people shed tears

2. Her gift- Great, but God’s Grace can’t be bought

3. Her Love- Many people love others tremendously but that doesn’t save. In fact it was not even God’s love that saved her- God loves the whole world but the whole world is not saved.

B) How DID she get saved?

1. BASIS OF SALVATION- Repented of sins and put faith in Christ- This happened immediately after Jesus had issued His great invitation- 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). We believe she responded to this invitation.

2. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION- How did she KNOW she was saved? Jesus told her! She rested in God’s Word.

3. PROOF OF SALVATION- Her love for God as expressed in her sacrificial devotion for Him. Faith must lead to works or it is a faulty faith (James 2:17).

4. PRODUCT OF SALVATION- Peace- Jesus literally said, “Go Into Peace”. This Peace is what the world is longing for. And it is ours simply by trusting Christ- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Rom 5:1)

This woman had Faith and Jesus said it saved her. Do YOU have that kind of faith? This faith will lead to:

1. ACKNOWLEDGING CHRIST– She publically showed her love and devotion for Christ. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Rom 10:9-10)

2. SERVING CHRIST- Even if it means washing His feet with your tears!

3. TRUSTING CHRIST– Believing His word about your Pardon and Peace

Jesus Christ has signed your pardon. If you go to Hell it will be because you refuse to accept that pardon and become a child of God.

Luke 07:36-50 PEOPLE TO WHOM JESUS GRANTED FORGIVENESS

THE SERVICE OF FORGIVENESS. As we continue our look at the people to whom Jesus granted Forgiveness I want us to see the expected RESULTS of that forgiveness. Jesus demonstrated His Forgiveness of the man with Palsy by telling him to get up and walk. Today we are going to talk about the Method and Motivation for that walk.

As we read through today’s scripture we will see FIVE ASPECTS OF SERVICE rendered by someone who is forgiven.

1. SACRIFICIAL SERVICE- (Vs 37) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. This Alabaster box of Ointment was probably this woman’s dowry. She was sacrificing one of the most precious items in her life to render service for Christ.

BUT ISN’T THAT WHAT WE ALL ARE SUPPOSED TO DO???- Jesus may not call everyone to leave family and fortune to follow Him but He does call everyone to be willing to leave all for Him!!

What area does God call YOU to Serve with Sacrifice?

Teaching, Preaching, Singing, Helping, Praying (Real Praying is some of the hardest work you will ever do).

Showing the light of your testimony in some very dark places (in work, family, or social situations).

Doing without finances, friends, or family in order to serve in the situation of God’s choosing.

2. PERSONAL SERVICE- (vs 38) And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. She washed His feet with HER tears and wiped them with HER hair. This was not service rendered with her mind somewhere else. It involved a Personal commitment of everything she had.

Do you give God your “extra” time?? Do you try to “find time to fit church activities” into your already overworked schedule? Or do you come to worship God with your Body, Soul, and Spirit?? Do you adore God in the Hymns, worship Him in the Prayers, and Learn from Him in the Sermons??

Does the Church Service affect you; or is it mostly forgotten by the time you get home??

3. MISUNDERSTOOD SERVICE- (vs 39) Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. Sometimes the service you render God will be misunderstood by Family and Friends, as well as Foes. They will look at WHAT you do rather than at WHY you do it. You will expect people to love and admire you for your sacrifice; and they will condemn you for your methods.

This is Satan’s way of bringing in Discouragement and Doubt. Remember you are rendering Service TO THE LORD. He is the one who must judge it; and He understands your Motives as well as your Methods. Do not let the fact that some misunderstand divert you from your Mission for God.

4. LOVING SERVICE- (vs 40-43) And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Jesus said the basis of obedience is Love- John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

It is evident that Love is also the Motivation for Service. That’s why Satan tries to make sin seem so trivial (Everyone is doing it). If Sin is not a big thing then the Sacrifice needed to cleanse it is not so big; and our Love for Christ grows smaller and smaller- Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Romans 1:21 talks about the fact that the “Gateway into the depth of sin’s depravity” begins with an unthankful heart. This unthankful heart develops when we lose our Love for God- If you like your work, any difficulty is just another challenge. If you dislike your work, even feather beds have lumps!!

Do you serve God out of LOVE or Social Obligation (Everyone expects me to be active in Church). Love will draw you into serving with all your heart. Obligation will drive you into doing the minimum you can do and still maintain a public face.

5. REWARDED SERVICE- (vs 44-50) And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

It is evident that the woman was saved by Faith and not works (vs 50) but it also evident that Jesus saw her Faith in her works. Salvation is a Free Gift. Remember, however, that God will Reward the Service of Believers- Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Are you laying up treasures in Heaven? Or spending your time and energy on earthly pleasures and pursuits that will all be burned up one day???

The fact that you are Forgiven should motivate you to give Sacrificial, Personal Service to Christ; even if it’s misunderstood sometimes. As long as this service is motivated by Love and Manifested in actions then you can expect a “Well done, good and faithful servant”. And isn’t that what you are looking for??

Luke 08:1 GLAD

Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

Every person here today has one of the Four predominant Attitudes:

MAD, GLAD, SAD, SCARED. Most people have some of all of these attitudes at all times but one of them is normally predominant. And YOUR ATTITUDES WILL DETERMINE YOUR ACTIONS [Paul wrote most of his letters from this perspective- Belief will determine Behavior. He would always write about the Doctrine we are to believe and then from that show us the Duty we are to perform].

This is very important because many of the sins that Christians continue to battle today are “ATTITUDE” Sins rather than “ACTION” sins. We are must more prone to anger, worry, greed, and lust than we are to robbery, murder, and adultery.

I want us today to begin looking at one of these attitudes, GLAD, and see how the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian can change it from a “happy” feeling into a positive force for God.

The word “Glad” in today’s Scripture is tied to the word “Tidings”. In the Greek it is one word; the word from which we get our word “Evangelize”. I chose this verse so you could see that “Glad” does not make you a happy-go-lucky clown. It is a positive part of our testimony for God in a world that is killing itself over fun.

As we continue our goal of reaching people for Christ, it is this attitude of “Glad Tidings” that will enable us to attract them to Church and win them to Christ. And it is the absence of this attitude that will turn us into Pharisees who condemn men instead of convert them.

Normally the word translated “Glad” in the Bible means “Joyful, merry hearted, rejoicing”. This gladness of heart will effect our Health and our outlook on life as well as our testimony: Prov 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

In a world full of troubles and strife, what could give us such a merry heart??

THE EXCITEMENT OF ANOTHER DAY (Purpose to life- Does a new day make you Sad, Mad, Scared, or Glad?): Psa 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. What a difference it makes when we know that God gave us this day. We are not to waste it or dread it. We are to rejoice in it and use it’s time to the very best of our ability for God’s Glory and our good.

THAT WE GET TO WORSHIP IN GOD’S HOUSE (Principles to Follow): Psa 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Life is full of troubles, trials, and unanswerable questions. Without the fellowship of the people of God and the assurance from the Word of God it would not be endurable- See Psalm 73:1-17. Just one trip to the House of God can change my entire outlook and rejoice me to a glad heart.

THE BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM GOD (Presents from God): Psa 92:4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psa 126:3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Everyone loves a Present. When we live for God and He pours out Blessings on us day after day, we can’t help but be glad.

THAT GOD IS IN CHARGE (Powers that be are ordained of God): Psa 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. The governments of the world seem to be falling apart; I’m so glad I know God isn’t. No matter what tomorrow may hold; I know who holds tomorrow, and I’m glad I belong to Him.

THAT CHILDREN BEHAVE CORRECTLY (Parental Guidelines we can teach and trust): Prov 10:1 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. When we bring our children up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord it is a joy to see God work in their life. They may not always do right but they always KNOW to do right.

WHEN WE ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE: Mat 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. The reason we can Rejoice in Persecution is because we know Crowning Day is Coming!! 1 Pet 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

WHEN SINNERS ARE SAVED (People leave the hog pens for the Father’s house): Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. No matter what else happens in a service, if someone gets saved it makes it all worth while. Even the angels rejoice over people getting saved!!

THAT SINS ARE FORGIVEN (Pardon is applied to ME!! MY sins are gone, O Glory!!): Psa 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

Do you want to change your heart into a GLAD HEART today?? The Glad Tidings about Jesus can give you this Glad Heart. Repent of your sins, Trust Christ as savior, and begin a new life today. You’ll really be glad you did.

Luke 08:4-10 EARS TO HEAR

Most of your time in church is spent listening; if you are going to enjoy coming to church you must develop good listening habits. This is done by examining your:

1. ATTITUDE- 70% of learning is in the attitude of ·the hearer. If you come for a Blessing you normally get one. If you come to endure the t1me so you can get on to something you really want to do then you forget the service before you leave the parking lot.

2. ATTENTION- Are you willing to give the speaker 30 minutes of your time? Or do you day dream, plan and scheme, or house clean {in your mind} during the service?.

3. ANTICIPATION- God knows the needs you have. If the speaker is in tune with-God then God will use the speaker to explain your situation, instruct you in the proper course of action, or encourage you to continue to trust God’s love until you know God’s will. That means we should pray not for better preaching but for better listening!

Jesus knew all this. That is why He stressed the need of having “Ears to Hear” in today’s scripture. He knew that first a man NEGLECTS to hear (vs 8), then he REFUSES to hear (vs 18), and finally, he is UNABLE to hear (vs 10).

Now let’s get just a little Background. Jesus had, come to the place in His ministry that opposition had become a continual and dangerous companion as the religious leaders sought constantly.to find something in his words to discredit and destroy Him. In order to continue teaching the .people Jesus. had to resort to the use of Parables- All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them (Matthew 13:34). (How would you like to be a Public speaker who had to face people who continually tried to misinterpret everything you said??).

These Parables were used to Teach a lesson to those who would hear while confounding those who were looking for fault. One man described it like this- A Parable begins as a PICTURE that attracts our attention. As we look at the picture it changes to a MIRROR which shows us our need. If we continue to look with Faith it will become a WINDOW to show us God.

What should we db then wiih these parables~?

LEARN THE TRUTH OF THE PARABLE

LIVE THE TRUTH OF THE PARABLE

SHARE THE TRUTH OF THE PARABLE

But what of those who have ears to hear but do not hear. They must be shown they do not simply need LIGHT but they need SIGHT; not just ears but Hearing Ears. Where do they go wrong?

1. Hear but forget because not really interested.

2. Hear the message as from a man; failing to realize it is from God

3. Hear what they want to hear

4. Hear only if it’s something new and exciting

5. Hear for believe it is for someone else (If only “cousin Clem” would have been here)

6. Hear but don’t do. {James 1:22-25)

Take Heed what you hear- If you hear you will hear more. If you refuse to hear you may lose the ability to hear.

A good listener UNDERSTANDS the Word- Matt 13:23 “What does it Mean”

A Good Listener ACCEPTS the Word- Mark 4:4 Becomes Part of our Life

A Good Listener HOLDS the Word Fast- Luke 8:15

A Good Listener Obeys the Word as a way of life. Are YOU a good Listener??

Luke 08:5 A, T, & T

A T and T, the Telephone giant, had a slogan once that I want us to adopt; “Reach out and touch someone”. It involves two main parts:

(1) An EFFORT- “Reach Out”

(2) An EFFECT- “Touch Someone”

We have a good Outreach Ministry here at Grace but we can, and SHOULD, have a GREAT Outreach Program. That’s based on our belief that one of the main purposes of this Church is to use every means possible to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel of Christ.

The Potential is unlimited- the World!!. The means are available right now; if we are only willing to use them. The Time is growing short (Europe is building a common army. In January of next year they get a common currency and “common” borders. The Middle East Peace Conference is meeting in Spain this month [For years some have claimed that the antichrist would be a resurrected King Juan Carlos of Spain. I’ve always doubted it but think what would happen if everyone was sitting around this conference table arguing and bickering and this King came walking in! He would be the man to bring Peace to a region that even the US and Russia couldn’t seem to help]).

How can we become the “A T and T” of our City and Community?

1. BECOME WATER BUCKET CHRISTIANS: Our Church is basically a “Water Bucket”. You come in each Wednesday and Sunday to refill your sponge so you can squeeze yourself dry each week in your home, school, or job. In order to continually squeeze the water of life on others you must keep getting refilled.

You come to Church to Worship God and to learn how to live as a Christian. Then you leave to Scatter seed everywhere. It can be via “Damon Digs”, “Billie Books”, or “Marion Mouth” but everyone has some seed to sow (The Pastor’s job is basically to tell you something new about Jesus each week so you can share that information with those around you– Remember, Jesus said, If HE was lifted up, HE would draw all men unto Himself).

2. AVOID THE HOLY HERMIT SYNDROME: “Holy Hermits” isolate themselves from the world. They claim it’s to keep holy but many times its to avoid ministering to the hurts and needs people have. Becoming a Holy Hermit keeps us out of “hot water” but it usually makes us COLD HEARTED and Pharisaical!!

Our services must be warm, friendly, and fervent so people will want to attend. You don’t hatch eggs in a refrigerator!

Our attitude must be like the Prodigal’s father. We don’t love their sin but we love them; and can’t wait to get them back into the family.

3. EVERYONE MUST DO THEIR PART IN GOD’S WORK: Some plough, some plant, some prune, and some are pick; but EVERYONE MUST be involved in getting the word of God to a lost and dying world. Most people do as least double duty but no one can do everything by themselves. That’s why it involves the Entire Church.

The Pharisees tried to condemn the Disciples for walking thru a field and plucking grain on the Sabbath. I think we will be condemned for walking thru a field of ripe grain and not plucking any!!

Reach out and touch someone this week. You may find that’s all they’ve been waiting on.

Luke 08:5, 11 SOWING SEED

OUR GOAL as a Church: TO MAGNIFY CHRIST AND TO DEVELOP CHRISTIANS. Everything we do should relate to that goal. Today I want to look at how “Sowing Seed” is a vital part of our goal of doing a work for God. Remember that Jesus defined the seed as THE WORD OF GOD.

I. THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF OUR GOAL must begin with sowing the seed from which fruit will come. You get no harvest if you plant no crop. How do we sow the seed of God’s Word?

1. LIPS- But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Pet 3:15)

SERMON, SONG, STORY

2. LIFE- Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (1 Pet 3:1-4). CONVERSATION= MANNER OF LIFE, CHARACTER DURING SUCCESS OR SORROW.

3. LITERATURE- And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Hab 2:2). LETTERS, LITERATURE, LESSONS

4. LOVE OF OTHERS- A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35). LOVE CARES (Greatest is Servant), LOVE CHASTENS, LOVE CONQUERS (I Cor 13:).

II. THE ATTITUDE DURING SOWING- Sorrow: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psa 126:5)

1. Sorrow because of the Cost of the Seed (Christ’s Death/Your Captivity)

2. Sorrow because of the Callousness of the Soil (Many will not respond, will not hold out, will not produce fruit).

III. THE ANTICIPATION OF FRUIT- He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psa 126:6)

A) God’s Word will accomplish God’s Work (Judgement or Salvation)

B) Rewards come at the reaping; not the planting.

Every day you sow seed; either truth or tares. The seed will determine the harvest. Are you farming for God or Satan??

Luke 08:15 HOW TO BE A FRUITFUL FOLLOWER

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (NIV Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop).

FRUIT BEARING IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT:

–Effects our relationship with Christ- John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

–It also Glorifies the Father-John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

The ingredients needed are:

HONEST AND GOOD HEART- Noble and Beneficial with a desire to change (Compare to–Hard heart- trampled on by the world. Shallow Heart- No roots to endure. Crowded heart- weeds replace word.). God provides the seed, YOU determine the soil. You also determine whether the soil become hard or weed infested.

HAVING HEARD THE WORD- They must be Spiritual Hearers: 1 Cor 2:13‑14 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

That means we must be Faithful to where the Word of God is proclaimed in order to grow- Word Produces Faith- Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Must also hide the word in heart to overcome Temptations- Ps 119:11

KEEP IT- Practice what is Preached. The Seed can do nothing until it is PLANTED- John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

It is not enough to Believe the Word, you must Apply the Word.

BRING FORTH FRUIT WITH PATIENCE (Persevering brings forth a crop)

Must be connected to Vine/ Must have Faith to Trust God’s Time

There are Numerous KINDS of Fruit we want:

1> SOULS WON TO CHRIST: Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles (Rom 1:13). (Books Miss Billie Distributes)

2> HOLINESS OF LIFE: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Rom 6:22). (Miss Billie- “Fine Christian Lady”

3> CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Gal 5:22-23)

4> CHRISTIAN GROWTH: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col 1:10)

5> CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Heb 13:15) (Miss Billie Always testifies)

WHAT IS THE WORD DOING IN YOUR LIFE???

Luke 08:16 LIGHTING THE WAY HOME

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light (Luke 8:16)

1. THE SACRIFICE OF A CANDLE

A) Willing to be set on Fire

B) Fire must come from outside candle

2. THE SHINING OF A CANDLE

A) Can’t hide under a Vessel- Busy

B) Shouldn’t put under a Bed- Idleness

3. THE STANDARDS OF A CANDLE

A) Put UP on a Candlestick. Holy people for a Holy God

B) Light for those that seek to see-

God has given us a unique privilege to be a Candle to a Million people a month. We have the opportunity to reach multitudes with our faith and our finances; but it demands our faithfulness. It’s a sin to have the light and yet let men stumble around in the dark.

$12000 to Foreign Missions this year (Paid Preacher $12000 so far)

$5200 to Church in India

$9800 to Outreach ($3900 to Radio)

$6956 to Helping Hand.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (John 3:20)

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:21)

Luke 08:22-25WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

There are two things necessary if you are to succeed in life. Both of them are found in this chapter- Fruit and Faith.

Parable of the Sower- vs 11-15. It is not the faith of the individual who receives the seed of the Word of God that judges him but the fruit that is produced by the Word in his life. It is not enough to say you have Faith- Where is your Fruit?

Note that Jesus did not ask the disciples “WHY is your Faith?” There are many reasons people have “Faith”:

Cult Faith- Faith in something other than the Bible
Crisis Faith- Uses God to get help for a situation (Woman who used God during divorce but later lost child).
Convenient Faith- Used by business men and politicians
Corrupted Faith- Believes human desires overrule God=s word. Live together, Homosexual, etc.
Comfort Faith- Faith that believes but does not motivate to change- 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)
Correct Faith- Faith that comes from hearing the word of God (Rom 1)17) and Applying the word of God- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

The Question Jesus asked was- “Where is your Faith?”

– When you face TRIALS. The Boat was full, the storm was raging, Jesus was asleep. Where is your faith?

– When you face TEMPTATIONS- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4)

– When you face ETERNITY- He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12 )

Passport required to enter country.

Luke 08:22-25 TAMING THE TEST

Luke 8:22-25; Mark 4:35-41: After the Parables Come the Exams. Now it is time to see if Theory works in Practice (Pastor’s Computer Class, Many were afraid to go home and try it on their computer). Jesus knew it was one thing to “play” Church and another to live life in the real world with real problems. So now Jesus goes pass His Parables to declare His Priorities and demonstrate His power–Do you love God more than you love your family? Do your trust God more than you fear your circumstances?

It’s interesting to note that When Jesus finished the Parables He showed His amazing Power:

1) Over Nature- The Storm

2) Over Demons- Mad Man

3) Over Sickness- The Sick Woman

4) Over Death- Jarius’ daughter.

It is through the tests of life that we learn the Ministry and Majesty of Jesus. And it is through seeing the Ministry and Majesty of Jesus that we learn to walk by Faith and live in Peace.

I. THE MINISTRY OF JESUS– “Let US pass over to the other side”-Let me into your boat. Jesus is not interested in simply getting you across; He wants to go with you (Religion versus Relationship).

2 Truths we all must learn 1) God needs us, 2) We need God.

The took Him even as He was– or you won’t get Him at all.

God has a purpose- Fellowship; so must separate from the multitude (Doubts, fears, formalities, selfishness)

God has a Plan- Go to the Other Side. There is peace in knowing He is the Navigator. Jonah was in the storm because of Disobedience. The Disciples because of Obedience

Position of Jesus- Back of the Boat. Jesus is not just a Passenger on the Ship; He’s the Captain. Have we moved Him to the back of our Ship as we try to run things on our own. You may do all right in the Sunlight but the Storms are coming.

Have we bored Him to sleep because we wouldn’t let Him do anything? He didn’t come into your life so you could just serve Him; He wants to work THRU you. Jesus slept during the storm from real peace- I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psa 4:8) Jonah slept from false security- thought had run from God.

II. THE MAJESTY OF JESUS– “Peace, Be Still” Plan of Jesus- To take you THROUGH the Storms of life. The Characteristics of Sinking Saints is that they are Fearful and Faithless.

Fear comes from unbelief in God’s Control and care–(Amazingly, the Disciples feared the calm more than the storm).

A Heart felt Confidence in Christ is necessary to enable us to confidently ride through the storms of life- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

TIME FOR THE TEST- Are you willing to take Christ into your boat and let Him be your Captain and Guide?

Are you trying to use God as Life insurance; or is He really the Lord of your life?? Are you willing to trust God’s love even if you can’t understand His methods??

Luke 08:26 36 MAD MAN MEETS THE MASTER

Jesus has proclaimed that He is the Promised One of God and He now shows it with a series of miracles. They begin with CALMING the Troubled Waters of a Storm and, later, He heals a woman with an issue of blood, and raises Jarius’ daughter from death. In the middle of this a man whose life has been ruined by Demons. Some things to notice in this Event:

1. Spirits (Good or Bad) must have a body to work thru on this earth (Remember Satan in the serpent). That is why they requested to be sent into the swine. Will you be the temple of God or the house of Satan (Jesus said, Ye are of your father the devil and whatsoever he commands you you will do).

2. Swine: Evil spirits want you to act like swine (Remember the Prodigal Son ended up in the Hog Pen) and the do not mind going into swine. Remember that a backslider is said to be a swine returning to wallowing in the mire (2Peter 2:22) and a swine is an “unclean” animal (Levi 11:7).

3. Satan is a Murder; he wanted to kill the man and he did kill the swine. He promises pleasure but delivers Pain.

4. Son’s Power of over Devils: The MUST obey Him. The Word of God is the most powerful force on the earth.

I. The REASON the “Mad Man” needed to meet the Master

A) He was isolated from Society (Living among the tombs- Remember a sinner is “dead in trespasses and sins” and “Religious Leaders” are said to be “graves which appear not [Luke 11:44]).

B) He was controlled by Demons. No man could bind him and he constantly hurt himself- And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones (Mark 5:5).

II. The RESULTS of Meeting the Master

A) New Lord. Now he is sitting at the feet of Jesus (Remember Martha missed the “one thing needful” when Mary sat at the feet of Jesus but she was too busy).

B) New Look. Demons made him go around naked (Remember That!) but now he is Clothed. In Christ you are a New Creature who realizes his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

C) New Life. In his right mind (Remember the Prodigal son “came to himself”). He began to see life in a totally new way as if he had been “Born Again”!

The 3 Prayers:

1. Demons to enter the swine- granted

2. People of area for Christ to leave country- Granted

3. Man to Stay with Christ- NOT Granted (So he could be a witness at Home)

I. WHAT DEMONS DID

A) Shamed him (naked)

B) Run him out of town

C) Made him live among dead (graveyard)

D) Tormented him

II. WHAT PEOPLE DID- Bound him with chains and ropes (Not everyone is a Christian!!)

III. WHAT JESUS DID- Set him free

IV. WHAT MAN DID

A) Sat at the feet of Jesus

B) Put on clothes

C) Got his right mind

D) Preached to his hometown

Luke 08:26-40 COMPLETELY CHANGED

Three things produce change in a person- (1) Fear enough to Change, (2) Learn enough to change, or (3) Gain Power enough to Change. Today we are going to see how the first two failed in the life of a man until the mighty power of Christ brought about a dramatic change.

The good news of the Gospel is the ability of Christ to Forgive anyone and handle any situation. This is wonderfully demonstrated in this chapter. Jesus had just come across the sea and demonstrated His ability to calm the stormy seas and now he was going to show his power to transform lives. Jesus shows His ability to calm the Storm no man could survive, Change a man no man could tame, cure a sickness no man could heal, and raise a child no man had hope for!!!

I. THE MAD MAN

NOTE- Spirits (Good or Bad) must have a body to work thru on earth (Even Satan had to come to Eve in the body of a serpent!). Will you be the Temple of the Spirit or of Satan- You are of your father the devil and whatsoever he commands you you will do.

2. Evil Spirits want you to act like Swine (Remember sin drove the Prodigal Son into the Pig Pen) and they don’t mind going into Swine. A Backslider is said to be a swine returning to his wallowing in the mire. Swine were unclean animals and couldn’t be sacrificed.

3. Satan is a murderer- He wanted to kill the man and he did kill the swine. He promises Pleasure but he delivers Pain.

4. The Power of Jesus- Demons have to obey the Word of God because it is the most powerful force on earth. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

5. The 3 Prayers- 1) Demons to enter swine- granted***

2) People for Christ to leave- granted

3) Man to follow Christ- Not granted (Must learn to do what God says and not what you want!!).

***Note that Demons have their prayers answered; and even believe and tremble before God (James 2:16) but they won’t submit to God as Lord.

A) His Conditions-

1) Living among the Dead (Sinners). No man could bind him (Anti-social and unable to be helped by society).

2) Day and Night, crying and cutting- always hurting inside and harming himself.

B) His Conversion-

1) New Lord- He went from roaming under the control of demons to sitting at the feet of Jesus.

2) New Look- Clothed. A new Creature in Christ. (Demon controlled people go around naked- remember that!!).

3) New Life- in his right mind (Prodigal came to himself!). Found Satisfaction in Christ. Saw life as it really was, to be lived, not escaped from.

This man wanted to bear witness of what had happened in his life. He was supposed to do so at home- DO YOU??

Christ was able to change this man and make him a new creature. He is able to do the same thing for you. Have you learned enough to fear Hell and know you need the Power of Christ in order to be changed.

Luke 8:41-56 Daughters

Here is the story of a man whose Daughter is at the point of death and the story of the only person Jesus ever called Daughter. How closely they parallel each other.

Both had a 12 year problem

Both were told their situation was hopeless

Both had to deal with public pressures

Desperation Faith- Doctors had done all they could in both cases.

Jesus made Woman confess but told Jarius not to tell- WHY??

Woman had just heard of Jesus’s ability to heal.

She talked to herself as she made her way through the crowd

Luke 9:1-17 DOING YOUR JOB FOR GOD

A new year is upon us. Hopefully, this is the year the Lord returns for His Bride, the Church. While we wait, however, we must be busy about the Lord’s business. It’s not time to slack off, sit by the way side, or be a spectator Christian. God has given this Church, and you people, a task to accomplish. Today I want us to look at how we are to do this Job for God.

I. THE APOSTLES COMMISSIONED 1-6,10

A) Empowered (1) Power is the ability to accomplish a task, Authority is the right to do it. Against Demons, the real source of opposition.

B) Given Specific Task (2) Preach- Proclaim a message from the King. And Heal those in need of healing. The Gospel is for the Spiritual and the Physical- Any message that is only spiritual or only physical misses God’s Plan.

c) Told Specific Instructions (3-4) Told to depend on the hospitality of others (Same test they would be given shortly as they had to feed the multitude).

D) Accountability Required (6, 10). They were required to answer for the power they were given. Doesn’t God hold YOU responsible for the position He has put you in? Don’t you have to report back to Him about how you have done the job He commissioned you to do?

PRINCIPLE NUMBER 1– When God saves a person He commissions them to work in the body of Christ. He give them the POWER to do a job, the INSTRUCTIONS to do a job, and HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE for doing their job. If the Work of Christ at Grace is to be accomplished then we must work together as a team.

II. THE PEOPLE CONFUSED 7-9

A) Herod was Perplexed by conscience- Herod thought John the Baptist had risen from the dead and was performing great miracles.

B) People Produced Explanations but no Faith. Something to entertain the mind instead of something to ease the soul.

C) Desire is Denied- Herod wanted to see Jesus but when they finally met(Just before crucifixion) Jesus would not even speak to him

PRINCIPLE NUMBER 2– When you refuse to do God’s work you end up fighting against God and separated from God. You cannot remain neutral; you’re either for God or against God.

III. THE PROBLEM CONFRONTED 10-17 Feed 5000. No situation is impossible if you take what you have, give it to God, and share it with others. But we must give them REAL Bread; not Plastic:

–Superstition offers them serpents instead of fish

–Ceremony offers them stones instead of bread

–The Infidel tries to persuade them they are not hungry, only a little nervous

–Even we cannot feed them- our wallets are empty. We must give the Christ as the bread of Life.

PRINCIPLE NUMBER 3– The Problem is not the Problem. The problem is our Faith in God’s Plan and Program. We can’t send them to find food elsewhere; GOD EXPECTS US TO FEED THEM with what He has given us.

The task is overwhelming, the trust must be complete. We CANNOT do the Job God has given us. We MUST do the job God has given us. We CAN do the job when we do it God’s way with God’s Power.

Luke 9:10-17 MANAGING A MIRACLE

The Story of the feeding of the 5000 men is so important until all four Gospel writers record it. Within this marvelous miracle are some principles that will help all of us do the work God has called us to do; even if it seems totally hopeless.

BE AWARE THAT MIRACLES COME AT THE ODDEST TIMES– Jesus and the Disciples were trying to take a vacation after a strenuous tour of duty. The people came and interrupted it. Now they were even going to have to provide them supper!!

RECOGNIZE THE REAL PROBLEM– It was growing Dark. They were in a desert place. The People had to eat and sleep and there was nothing available where they were. That was the problem according to the Disciples.

Jesus, on the other hand, did not think that was a real problem. He commanded the disciples to go ahead and feed the multitude. From this we learn that Problems depend on Perspective. When we look at them from the human side we see despair; when we look at them through God’s eyes we see easy answers.

The need of others allows God to show us a need in our own life- The crowd needed food, the disciples needed faith. Jesus…saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. (John 6:5-6)

Many many people have tried to deal with a problem in their personal, family, professional, or spiritual life without recognizing what the real problem is. They think a different wife, or a different life, will end all their strife; but it only adds to their problems.

FOCUS ON GOD’S COMMAND– Don’t focus your attention on what you don’t have- Food or Money- But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. (Luke 9:13)

Have Faith in God’s ability to perform what He tells you to do. Do you think God would ask you to do something that you and He together couldn’t handle?

INVENTORY YOUR AVAILABLE RESOURCES: One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? (John 6:8-9). If there is a need, God has provided an answer. Think like MacGyver- Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

ADD ACTIONS TO YOUR FAITH- (1) Organize the Problem into manageable segments (5000 put into companies of 50 to 100). (2) Pray for God to Bless what He has told you to do. (3) Get Personally involved (The Disciples had to serve these thousands of people). (4) Don’t waste a miracle (Pick up the fragments to provide food and money for later- The very thing the Disciples said they didn’t have!).

God is bigger than any problem you face- God and little boys can kill giants, survive fiery furnaces, and feed multitudes. Give God what you’ve got and let Him use it

Luke 9:18-26 PRACTICAL DISCIPLESHIP

“The trouble with some of us is that we have been inoculated with small doses of Christianity which keep us from catching the real thing.” ‑‑Leslie Dixon Weatherhead

Jesus deals with that same problem in today’s scripture. He begins with a Question? Who do the crowds say I am? Then he asks the all important one, “Who do YOU say I am?”. Jesus knew that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE WRONG ABOUT JESUS AND RIGHT WITH GOD. What we think about Jesus determines our eternal destiny. The crowd had opinions, the disciples must have convictions. In order to build these convictions Jesus now goes from His Public ministry into His private Ministry as He begins His journey toward Jerusalem.

Every Disciple must join Jesus on this Journey to Jerusalem if they are to become the Disciple God is seeking. This is a road little traveled as men seek Fame, Fortune, and Happiness instead of looking to bear the cross Christ has for them. But it is the only road that leads to the Peace, Joy, and Service God has promised to His servants.

Jesus begins by Commanding (Commanded is a Military term) the disciples in very strong language not to tell the people He was the Messiah until after His death and resurrection. Jesus wanted the Disciples to learn that the Messiah was more than Miracles.

Then Jesus describes the basis of Discipleship- If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

Today we want to look at what that means in the Real World of 1995. What does it mean to YOU to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Christ?? That is a High Price but Men will pay a high price for something they value. Jesus wants to know how much you value Him.

First we need to determine WHAT MOTIVATES OUR ACTIONS. What causes us to do right or wrong? And why is it so hard to change?

When you are born you inherit a Sin nature that causes you to sin and become a Servant of Sin. You do what you do because you are what you are.

When you are SAVED you become a Son of God. God gives us a new nature that is able to obey and Serve Him. This new nature is empowered by, and developed by, the Holy Spirit.

But God does not call us to simply be Saved; He calls us to Serve also. When you SERVE you become a Disciple of Christ. And that is what Christ wants from you; to be Sons and Servants.

What 2 factors motivate us to Serve God as a Disciple of Christ?

1. LOVE because of WHO He is and WHAT He has done for us- If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

2. FEAR of Failing God and of having to face Him unprepared- Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. (Deu 13:4)

Secondly, how do we transfer our Desire to Serve God into DOABLE DUTY that works in Practical living? (Take this example from the “Life Application” Bible. p319). We are to obey God with:

Our HEART- By loving Him more than any relationship, activity, achievement, or possession

Our WILL- By committing ourselves completely to Him

Our MIND- By seeking to know Him and His Word, so His principles and values form the foundation of all we think and do

Our BODY- By recognizing that our strengths, talents, and sexuality are given to us by God to be used for pleasure and fulfillment according to His rules, not ours.

Our FINANCES- By deciding that all of the resources we have ultimately come from God, and that we are to be managers of them and not owners

Our FUTURE- By deciding to make service to God and man the main purpose of our life’s work. Our treasures are laid up in Heaven.

Basically God is looking for us to serve Him in three ways- As a Wife (Bride of Christ), as a Worker, and as a Witness.

I. WIFE– The Good Wife comes from the fact that Christians are the Bride of Christ. Christ expects His bride to be

A) Pure (avoid the things of the world that would defile us) and

B) Chaste (Not flirting with the world or running after other loves). That’s easy to understand. These are the same things you want out of you husband or wife.

When we violate God’s rules in marriage we come to the big “D” (and I don’t mean Dallas!)- Disgrace, Disease, Debt, Dishonor, Divorce

II. WORKER A good Worker is someone who

A) Comes to work on time every day

B) Gives an honest days work for an honest day’s pay

C) Does his job without complaining.

Simple ideas that should apply to your place of employment as well as your place of worship.

III. WITNESS Witnessing is not throwing someone in a corner and making them believe as you believe. Witnessing is simply telling people the difference Christ has made in your life. Sharing answered prayers should be as natural as sharing an exciting news item from the newspaper. Sharing your love for Christ should be as easy as sharing your devotion to the Gamecocks or the Tigers. It’s simple to witness when Christ is the main focus of your life.

“Christianity does not remove you from the world and its problems; it makes you fit to live in it, triumphantly and usefully.” ‑Charles Templeton

Are you fit to live and ready to die? Is there enough evidence in your life to convict you of being a Christian?

Luke 09: 23-26 IS IT WORTH IT?

“There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned.” –Spurgeon. How very wise was this great preacher of the Gospel, Charles Spurgeon. Think of it. What sinful pleasure or activity could you do that would be worth the eternal pain and suffering it would bring?

Satan tries to make Sin Fun (I should want to do it), Famous (The In Crowd is doing it), and Familiar (Everyone is doing it so you should do it also). What he fails to tell you, however, is that Sin is expensive. It cost Adam Paradise. It cost Saul his Kingdom. It cost Heaven its most precious possession, the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. One of the greatest truths you will ever learn is that there is a high price for low living.

Is Sin worth the price you must pay in:

I. The Fruit it produces–

A) Sin Corrupts our life- Ask the battered wife of a drunkard.

B) Sin Captures our soul- Taken captive by Satan at his will (II Tim 2:26). Sin is Never Satisfied. Like a burning fire, it demands more and more from you.

C) Sin Changes our personality- Sin makes people deceitful, distrustful, and deadly. People do things under the influence of Sin in their life that they would never dream about under “normal” circumstances.

Just one example of Sinful behavior will show the Fruit of Sin- Is Pornography worth it?

It Dirties your mind

It Disillusions your dreams

It Diseases your body.

It Drains your pocketbook

It Disgraces your family

It Disappoints God.

II. The Scars that remain– What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. Look at the

A) Litter left behind by sin- Debt, Disease, Discord

B) Lost of potential for God- Leadership disqualifications, Financial Captivity, Testimony lost

III. The Wages it earns:

A) In this life: Sin kicked Adam out of the Garden, brought weeds into the world, and put a barrier between God and man that only the blood of Christ can breach- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

B) In Eternity: Can I get a testimony from someone in Hell- Ask the Rich Man in Hell if Sin is worth it? And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:23-24)

Is it worth it to serve the Lord? Why I want to go to Heaven:

My Relatives have gone to live there (The Rich Man begged that his brothers NOT come to Hell)

My Riches are Stored there

My Rewards are given there

My Rest begins there- there remains a rest to the people of God.

My Redeemer is awaiting there- Finally, I shall see Him face to face whom so long I have known heart to heart.

“There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned.” What is your choice today?

Luke 09:18 22 WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT JESUS?

(Preached a very short form at end of song service- Grace)

The Son of God- POWER to deal with our Circumstances

The Savior of Men- PARDON to deal with our Sins

The Soon Coming King- PREPARATION is necessary

Luke 09:28-29 CHRIST’S COMPANIONS

A week passed between His question about who He was and the Mount of Transfiguration- Why?? Matthew and Mark say it was six days after. Luke says about 8 days. (Luke counted the day of pronouncement and the day they went to the Mountain)

Why Reveal Himself this way- To show that Peter was right when He proclaimed Him as the Son of God. Why Hide it until after the Resurrection?- Cross HAD to come before glory or we would not have a way to be saved.

Why Peter, James, and John? They were the Inner Circle, the Companions of Christ.

What SPECIAL PRIVILEGES did this special group of Christ’s Companions have?

TO SEE HOW HE DEALT WITH DEATH- On three occasions he carried them with him as Special Companions. Each of them had to do with death: Victory over death- Jarius, Glory beyond death- Transfiguration, and Surrender to Death- Garden.

TO REALLY SEE JESUS: Three times these three went with Jesus on a special mission. They gave them a first hand view of the “least prayed prayer in the Bible”- (Phil 3:10) That I may know him (TRANSFIGURATION), and the power of his resurrection (RAISING JARIUS DAUGHTER), and the fellowship of his sufferings (GARDEN), being made conformable unto his death;

Peter, James, and John saw Him at Jarius’ home as the God-man who was concerned with man, in the Transfiguration as man who was God. In the Garden they saw Him as the God who was a man.

THREE TIMES PETER IS REBUKED BY GOD- By the Father here when he is told to HEAR JESUS. By the Son when he tells Jesus not to go to the cross, and by the Spirit in Acts 10:44-48 when he is unwilling to eat the food sent by God (carry the Gospel to the Gentiles).

I. TALK IS INADEQUATE

Peter didn’t know what to say so he ended up saying the wrong thing.

Paul kept his vision quite until forced to share (II Cor 12)

Isaiah- When he saw the Lord, said he was a Man of unclean lips

II. FLESH IS STILL WEAK

Went to sleep During this greatest of all Bible conferences, the Disciples were asleep.

Judges- Examples of those who were spirit filled

Can’t build tabernacles and live on mountain

III. SIGHT DOESN’T REPLACE FAITH

Tell no one until after resurrection

1) Saw Jesus changed

2) Saw Moses and Elijah talking

3) Heard voice of God

Peter wanted to forsake the Cross and now he wants to stay on the mountain to avoid the cross. Is that what you want? Do you want a painless discipleship? Do you value your comfort above God’s Plan?

Luke 9:28-36 WHEN GOD DOES SOMETHING SPECTACULAR

The great golfer, Arnold Palmer, was invited to play a series of golf games in a Mid-East Oil country. The king of the Country was so impressed that Arnold Palmer would come play golf in his country until he walked the entire course with Mr. Palmer as he played his game.

After the game a great banquet was held. At the Banquet the king asked Arnold Palmer if there was anything he wanted. Arnold Palmer had been paid a good sum to come and play these games so he told the king that there was no need of the king giving him a gift. The king insisted, however, until finally Mr. Palmer said he would like a new golf club.

Mr Palmer returned home and several weeks passed. One day he received a package with the royal seal of this Mid-Eastern Country. It was not large enough to contain a golf club so he thought the King must have sent him a miniature gold golf club or something like that. Instead he found in the envelope a deed for a Golf Club (Country Club) and 100 acres of land! A great King doesn’t think on small terms!

That’s like our scripture today. Jesus had just brought the Disciples face to face with the Cross. Now He is going to show them what lay beyond the cross. He is not going to do this with a sermonette about a place that is all peace and roses. He takes the 3 key disciples and carries them to the top of a mountain where He does something spectacular; He reveals His inner glory so they can see beyond the cross to the glory that is going to be revealed.

Peter never forgot this wondrous time. In fact he used it as the basis of encouragement and inspiration in his second epistle during a time of intense persecution- (2 Pet 1:16-17) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

What are some lessons WE can learn from this spectacular display by God of His glory and greatness?

1> A Picture of the coming Millennial Kingdom- Christ is glorified, the three apostles as redeemed Israel, Moses as saints who died in the Lord, Elijah as those who are raptured, and the multitude as the foot of the mountain as the other nations.

2> Prayer brings Heaven to us as well as brings us to Heaven- Jesus was praying when He was transfigured. Real Prayer brings the glory of Heaven into our lives. Do you have that kind of Prayer time?

3> This is the first time we know of that Moses set foot in the Promised land. His few moments of impatience with the children of Israel cost him thousands of years in time.

4> We will know each other in Glory- The Disciples knew Moses and Elijah (Moses represented the Law; Elijah the Prophets).

5> Moses and Elijah appeared to THEM but they talked with HIM. Saints may be seen of men but their fellowship is with Jesus

They talked about Jesus’ “Decrease” to come. “Decrease”= Exodus. Moses had led the Children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, Elijah has led them from the bondage to false Gods, and Jesus would lead them from the bondage of sin and death.

Peter uses the same word to describe his death- Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. (2 Pet 1:15)

6> Again Peter tries to tempt Christ to avoid the Cross. This time by asking Him to stay on the Mountain where He will be worshiped.

Peter said, “It is good for US to be here.” But what of the rest of the disciples and the world. Would we stay on the mountain with Christ when a world desperately needs His saving power?

7> When God came He told them to Hear His Son. It is better to hear the Son of God than it is to see saints or to build tabernacles (Special views of the glory of Christ are not enjoyed every day).

What is YOUR idea of the Heavenly Life? To some it is the 4th of July with all it’s fireworks. To others it is a great family reunion. Today Christ shows us the KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU. (Luke 17:20-21) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Does that mean there will not be a Physical Millennial Kingdom or a real Heaven? Of Course not! It does mean that when we are saved we become New Creatures in Christ. Something takes place inside us that is far beyond a few feeble words of belief. Accepting Christ is not just deciding to live a better life and forget about the past. Something supernatural and spectacular takes place.

It can best be described by showing the difference between being METAMORPHOSED or simply putting on a MASQUERADE.

On this Mountain Jesus was Transfigured. Transfigured is the word from which we get our word “metamorphosed.” What was inside came out. A light did not shine on Him from without. His inner being began to shine out to the world– And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

On the other hand a person who is in a MASQUERADE is someone who tries to make you believe something that is not true. A covering on the outside hides the inside.

You can have a spiritual Transfiguration today.

First must come SALVATION– (2 Cor 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Then there needs to be DEDICATION: (Rom 12:1-2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.

Finally there needs to be CONTINUATION of allowing the SPIRIT THROUGH THE WORD to transform us into the image of Christ: (2 Cor 3:18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

May your prayer today be the prayer of Moses, I beseech thee, show me thy glory (Exo 33:18). And allow that glory to transform your life. Have thine own way, Lord. Thou art the Potter and I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will while I am waiting yielded and still.

Luke 9:33-36 WHEN GOD SAYS NO

Sometimes the most difficult things for us to understand are the things that make sense to us but are denied by God–Pain of a loved one; prosperity denied; problems unsolved… We think it is a good idea but God either tells us No or seems to ignore us altogether (as in todays lesson).

There are numerous examples of this in Scripture-

–David thought it was a good idea to build the temple but God didnt want a warrior to build it (It was to be a house of prayer, not a place of Power).

–The Demon possessed man thought he would be great on the road with Jesus but Jesus sent him back home (On the road he is a hero, at home he has to repair broken relationships).

We must come to realize that when God denies us something:

1> ITS BECAUSE HE HAS SOMETHING FAR BETTER FOR US– Instead of Building a tabernacle Peter is told to Hear the Son. THE PURPOSE OF A CHURCH IS TO HEAR ABOUT JESUS. If our purpose ever becomes building a building or establishing our own kingdom (Peter wanted to stay on the Mountain) then we have failed Gods Plan.

Many times in life God allows Satan to tempt or try us in order to develop our faith in Him (Job, Phillip with the bread). In the midst of these trials we cry for relief FROM them when we should be crying for Strength to go THROUGH them– The Trying of your faith works patience.

2> IT TEST OUR FAITH IN HIS GOODNESS– We think everything would be better is God would just give us what we want; failing to realize that WE are the problem.

Let me illustrate with a simple story with a pointed meaning: Once the master of a plantation came by a slave chopping wood. The slave was saying over and over again, O Adam. O Adam. The Master asked the Slave, Sam, why do you say O Adam all the time while you work?

Sam, the Slave replied, Its because of Adams sin that Im having to earn my living by the sweat of my brow and Im just blaming him.

The Master thought for awhile and then said, Sam, I want to see some changes around here. Come up to the main house with me. Once there, the Master told Sam his days of being a slave were over. He was to have anything he desired as he lived the life of ease. The only stipulation was that Sam couldnt open a box on the hall table.

Sam really enjoyed his new life for awhile. Sleeping late, eating like a king, doing anything fun that came to his mind. Soon, however, the new wore off and Sam became restless. Every time he would pass that box in the hall he would wonder what was in it. Finally, when the master was away, he went into the hall and opened the box.

As soon as he did a bee flew out. Try as he might, Sam could not catch that bee. When the master returned he shook the box and did not hear the familiar buzz of the bee. When he opened the box he knew that Sam had disobeyed his instructions and he sent Sam back to the fields as a slave.

Now when the Master walks by Sam as he works he hears, O Sam. O Sam!

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN GODS WAYS CONFLICT WITH OUR PLANS?

1. RETAIN FAITH IN GODS GOODNESS: Temptation comes from a perceived unmet need in our life- Eve was told God was withholding something good from her. We can only withstand temptation when we gain confidence in the fact that God would never deny us anything unless it was for our good.

Situations are many; principles are few.

Situations always change; principles never do.

2. REMAIN CONFIDENT IN GODS PLAN– Carl Sandburg said, Life is like an onion; you peel it off one layer at a time; and sometimes you weep.

Life is not build on Explanations; it is built on promises.

Chuck Colson said, Life isnt like a book, life isnt logical, sensible, or orderly. Life is a mess most of the time. Christianity must be lived in the midst of that mess.

What will your life be, Vanity or Victory?

3. REFLECT ON GODS PURPOSE- Jesus was not to stay on the Mountain; He had to go to the cross. He didnt need a tabernacle; he needed friends. People are our projects. We are to be channels, not reservoirs. The greatest joy comes when we share Gods pleasures with others.

Do you feel deserted by God and misunderstood by friends? Let me tell you the story of Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. Three times she is highlighted in scripture and each time she too is misunderstood.

1. By Her Sister in Luke 10. Why cant she help serve?

2. By the Crowd in John 11. She goes to weep (Actually to meet Jesus)

3. By Disciples in John 12. Why does she make such a great sacrifice?

Misunderstood by others, she is the only one who understands about Jesus death and anoints Him for His burial.

When God doesnt let you do what you want to do. When God allows pain and problems to come into your life. When it seems that everything you want is contrary to Gods desire. Remind yourself of (Jer 29:11) 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.

Dont get hung up in the middle. God knows the end. Do it His way.

Luke 9:37-62 DEFICIENCIES IN DISCIPLES

Immediately after Jesus reveals to His Disciples the glory of His Transformation the Disciples face several situations that expose what is going on inside THEM. In doing so, there are revealed 3 Deficiencies in these Disciples that we also face today.

And, as if to re-emphasize them, Paul warned his son in the Ministry, Timothy, about these same deficiencies (2 Tim 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This verse describes the deficiencies that the disciples, and we, must deal with if we are to become what God intends- (1) LACK OF POWER, (2) LACK OF LOVE, (3) LACK OF DEDICATION. It also gives us the root from which these deficiencies spring; THE SPIRIT OF FEAR.

Note first of all

I. THE WAY THE DEFICIENCIES WERE DEMONSTRATED IN THE DISCIPLES LIFE.

A) Lack of POWER- Unable to cast the demon out of the boy at the foot of the Mountain when they had cast out many Demons before.

In our life, we fail to maintain relationship with Christ and lose the ability to accomplish Gods work. Dead Sermons and Dead Service come when we lose our Power with God. We become Pharisees more interested in the Sabbath than in the Sick. Or we become Sadducees who play mental games with Bible words instead of accomplishing Gods work thru the power of Gods Spirit.

B) Lack of LOVE– Their Competition about who would be the greatest and about another successful ministry (Where Demons were being cast out). In our life this comes about when we want to be great workers instead of washers of feet. Or we put our eyes on what other people are doing (or not doing) instead of doing the job God has called us to do. This paralyzes the Church as suspicions about our brothers replace supplications for one another or determining to have our rights replace dedication to doing our responsibility.

C) Lack of DEDICATION– The three would be Disciples who

1. Did not count the cost (No house)

2. Would not leave his family (Bury Dad)

3. Would not break with Society (Looked Back)

Paul told Timothy that this dedication was a Sound Mind; therefore, a reasonable thing that any right thinking person would do. Jim Elliot said, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. How foolish we are to hold on to gold as we drown. What good will the gold do if it pulls us to our death?

II. THE ROOT THAT BROUGHT ABOUT THESE DEFICIENCIES- The Spirit of Fear

A) Fear of the FUTURE (Jesus proclamation that He would soon die in Jerusalem) caused them to stop praying and fasting. And this decayed their power.

We lose our Power when we fear the Future God has outlined for us- An uncertain economy, a sick family member,

B) Fear of FAILURE- They were trying to stake out their positions of success while Jesus called them to a life of service and sacrifice.

C) Fear of FAITH- They wanted to be Believers but not Disciples. They wanted a Faith that would take them to Heaven but wouldn’t require them to change on earth.

Are you filled with Fear, or with Power and Love and a Sound Mind?

Luke 9:36 KEEP IT CLOSE

Having just witnessed the greatest sight known to man; the transfiguration of Christ, and participated in the greatest Prophecy Conference ever held (Moses, Elijah, and Jesus talking about His coming Crucifixion), the Disciples were being silent instead of shouting this wonderful news from the House top. We know some of the reasons- Jesus commanded them to keep quiet because it was not yet time to reveal Himself is this manner (Mark 9:9) and the Disciples didnt know what to make of what they had seen.

There are times in our life when we must learn to Keep it close also. Solomon said there was a time in life to speak and a time to keep silent (Ecc 3:7). Today I want us to look at some of these times when it is good to keep silent.

Let me make clear at the beginning that we should witness OF the Lord and FOR the Lord. Many times this will include joyous praise and wonderful proclamation for the things He has done for us. There are some of these things, however, that God wants to keep just between us–Pauls Vision of the Third Heaven was not revealed until forced to do so by the situation at Corinth- II Cor 12:6. Many of the people Jesus healed were told to keep it quiet.

In the same way, there are some situations we need to keep close:

1. THE GOOD YOU DO FOR OTHERS-(Mat 6:3-4) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

(Prov 21:14) A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Remember you get your reward for the good you do down here if you get the praises of men but you get that reward in Heaven if you wait on God to reveal it- (Mat 6:2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

2. THE BAD WE DO OURSELVES– (Eph 5:12) For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

We need to confess our Sinfulness but that does not mean we need to tell everyone the dirty details. We live in a world today in which dirty laundry is hung out to dry for all the world to see with the admonition that this will help us to understand our wrong. We need to read again the prayer of (Psa 19:12) Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

The problem with the talk show crowd today is that they have lost their shame over the awfulness of sin. They think exposing their sin on nationwide TV makes them successful; but in reality it only makes them look silly! And if you enjoy watching them expose their shame then there is something bad wrong with YOU- (Phil 3:18‑19) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: {19} Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

3. YOUR RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS– [Those special times you have with God that change a religion into a relationship].

A) Prayer- (Mat 6:6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Many times we share answers to prayer but, if your prayers are like mine, we don’t want anyone else to know the groanings and depth of heart we share with God. My public prayers are prayed with the knowledge that many are listening. My Private prayers are talk between a Father and Child who love each other and who can be totally truthful with one another.

B) Fasting- (Mat 6:18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Fasting can involve things we give up- Food, Sex (I Cor 7:5), TV, ect. Or things we give out- Care, Food, Concern for those in need- Is 58:6-12. In either case, you do it so you can get closer to God, not praise from men.

4. THE SECRETS SHARED BY OTHERS– (Prov 25:9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another: One of the most awful things about Christians is the fact that so many of them are addicted to Gossip. Many Christians desperately need a friend that they can share their heart with, and not hear it on the grapevine before they get back home!!! And if you can’t be trusted with a friend’s secrets then it is for sure you can’t be trusted with God’s Secrets!

Sometimes you have things in your life that should not be kept close. Instead, they should be confessed and forsaken. If you wonder what they are then read the Bible for the Bible Has a Way of Exposing them: (Heb 4:12‑13) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

One day the good you have kept close will be revealed for rewards while the bad people chose to cling to and not put under the blood will be REVEALED BY GOD: (Mark 4:22) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

(Eccl 12:14) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

(1 Cor 4:5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Luke 9:37-40 WHEN GOD WON’T HEAR

After the Mountain comes the Valley. Jesus had been transfigured to show Peter, James, and John His wondrous glory. He also had a great Prophecy Conference with Moses and Elijah and a stirring commendation from God the Father to the Disciples to Hear His Son. Now He has to leave the mountain and go back to the crowds and conflicts in the Valley.

When He arrives, He is greeted immediately by a milling crowd, a disturbed father, and confused Disciples. All of the triumphs Jesus had experienced were forgotten now as the Disciples bring Him a situation in which they had prayed but God refused to answer. Suddenly the good times had gone bad.

These disciples had just returned from a trip in which they had power to cast out Demons. Had the proclamation of the Cross killed their zeal? Did envy over the fact that Peter, James, and John had gone with Jesus to the Mountain steal their strength? Did the fact that they were separated from Jesus cause them to lose their spiritual disciplines and so stop fasting and praying?

Something had happened. Somehow the Prayers of the Disciples became Pitiful instead of Powerful. And that led to aggravation, frustration, and condemnation.

Things really change when God turns a deaf ear to your request!! Unanswered Prayer can really be a “Downer”.

1> It irritates you that God doesn’t do what you want.

2> Satan uses the fact that your prayers aren’t answered to build doubts in your life.

3> And it tarnishes your spiritual reputation as a person who has power with God.

What about YOU? Have you ever been in a period when you think God wasn’t listening? Do you feel like Jeremiah in Lamentations-(Lam 3:8.44) Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.

Today I want us to look at some reason God does not answer our Prayers. And then I want us to see what we can do about correcting the situation.

SOME TIMES GOD WON’T HEAR OUR PRAYERS BECAUSE:

1. WE ARE SPIRITUALLY WEAK– “God hears no more than the heart speaks; and if the heart be dumb, God will certainly be deaf.”‑‑Thomas Brooks

A) We don’t maintain a Relationship with God- (Mat 17:19‑21) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? {20} And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. {21} Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

B) We reject God’s Word-(Prov 28:9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

(1 Sam 15:23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

2. WE GET WHAT WE ASK BUT IT TURNS OUT NOT TO BE WHAT WE WANT– Russian Proverb- Prayer is asking God that two and two will not equal four. (Garden had snake, Promised land had Giants, …)

A) Wanted Out of Egypt but weren’t willing to Trust God for Promised Land- (Deu 1:45) And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you.

B) Wanted a King but not Consequences-(1 Sam 8:18) And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

3. WE REFUSE TO DEAL WITH SIN IN OUR LIFE– (Psa 66:18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

(Isa 59:1‑2) Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: {2} But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

A) Hidden Sins- (Josh 7:10‑12) And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? {11} Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. {12} Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

B) Social Sins- (Mat 5:23‑24) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; {24} Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

C) Family Sins- (1 Pet 3:7) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

D) Selfish Sins- (James 4:3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (Prov 21:13) Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

God’s should answer EVERY Prayer of His Children [The Answer will be either “Yes”, “No”, or “Wait”]. If you aren’t maintaining this type of communication with God let me offer you some simple suggestions.

1. CHECK YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE- God answers the prayers of HIS CHILDREN. If you’ve never been born again then you can’t call on God as your Father.

2. CHECK YOUR SPIRITUAL DIET– Do you ever spend time fasting and praying? Do you fill up with the junk food of the world or do you eat the meat of the Word of God?

3. CHECK YOUR EARS- IS SIN BLOCKING COMMUNICATION?– (Zec 7:13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

God delights to answer Prayer. Are you in such a relationship with God until He can answer Yours??

Luke 09:44-45 WALKING AS A CHRISTIAN

Far too many people have a vague idea about what it means to be a Christian. And many who claim to be followers of Christ show no evidence of a changed heart or life in their daily dealings with people. It is my prayer that these messages will help people see the abundant joy there is when you learn to live your life God’s way.

Jesus had just come off the Mount of Transfiguration and cast the demons out of the boy at the foot of the Mountain. Now He tells His disciples again what may be required of them.This is something all of us need to be aware as we live for the Lord each day. The word “Walk” is used in the Bible to describe our daily living for the Lord. Today I want us to look at what that means in our real life.

1. WALK CONVERTED-(Rom 6:3‑4) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Our Walk with the Lord begins on our knees as we repent of sins and, by faith, trust in the sacrifice of Christ for the pardon and forgiveness of our sins (instead of trusting your own works and religious activities). Now you walk in the Commandments and ordinances of the Lord as a new creature in Christ.

2. WALK CORRECTLY-(Luke 1:6) And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Just like John the Baptist’s parents, you know that doing right is much better than walking wrong so you Walk in Newness of Life.

3. WALK CLEAN- (Isa 35:8) And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Your Walk is now directed in the “straight and narrow Way” of Holiness which keeps you clean in mind, morals, and manner of life.

4. WALK CALLED- (Eph 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Now that you are walking with the Lord, you find you have a part in the Body of Christ. Suddenly, your life has purpose and meaning as you realize you are part of something far bigger than just a stroll down life’s lane. Now you understand you must Walk Worthy of His calling.

5. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY- (Eph 5:15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. The word “Circumspectly” here means “looking around”. You now walk conscious of your need for God given wisdom; wise as serpents but harmless as doves.

6. WALK IN COMPANIONSHIP-(Amos 3:3) Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Walking with the Lord is not a “loner lane” you walk by yourself; it is a joyful journey you travel with the leadership and companionship of the Holy Spirit.

7. WALK CLEARLY– (1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. A great thing about walking with the Lord is that you do not have to be ashamed of what you do. It is wonderful to Walk in the Light

8. WALK TO BE “CAUGHT UP“- (Gen 5:24) And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Walk with God in such a way until you will be ready to go home with Him at any time.

Luke 9:46-50 QUALITIES THAT DETERMINE GREATNESS

In todays scripture Jesus is forced to deal with the ambitions of His disciples. They have ignored the Cross He has told them about and, instead, have majored on His transfiguration and His ability to cast out demons. Among themselves they have begun to divide up the plum jobs in the new kingdom they feel sure Jesus is about to form. What they dont know is that Jesus is able to Perceive the thought of their heart so their plan is not hidden.

Do you have a secret ambition in your walk with the Lord? Its not unusual. Paul had to deal with the Powers that be in the Jerusalem church and John had to deal with a problem in the church in which Diotrephes, loveth to have the preeminence among them (3 John 1:9). Many of Pauls letters also contained admonitions or instructions about someone in the Church who let their ambition overrule their service for Christ.

The ambition problem is a difficult idea for some in the Church to grasp. They want to do the best they can in their service for God so they think they should aspire to as much greatness as possible. Saying there is a danger to ambition to them is like throwing cold water on the fire of their enthusiasm. Thats because they live their life BELIEVING GODLINESS is WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR GOD INSTEAD OF WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH THEM!

In todays scripture Jesus gives Two main Qualities that determine Greatness. I want us to look that these qualities and then see what the kind of greatness Jesus describes really brings to our life.

1. CARE FOR OTHERS– When Jesus wanted to illustrate true greatness He took a child in His arms and said caring for that child was just like caring for Him. It is not the man who masters others, but the man whom every one masters, and is thereby compelled to serve, who is the greatest. Our Passion for greatness must be replaced with a passion for service.

Henry Ward Beecher said A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. If we would be truly noble men our ambition must be to help others rather than to exalt ourselves over others.

Jonas Salk, inventor of the Polio vaccine, said I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more. That must be the motto of our service for God. We are not looking for ways to accomplish our agenda; we are seeking to help as many people as possible Know Christ as Savior and then Show Him in their changed life.

The fact that Jesus used a Child as the means of His illustration is very important. Many people think that Serving others is simply another way of becoming a slave to other peoples whims. Think about this in relation to a Child. The worst way a parent could serve their children is to become slaves to the whims and desires of the children.

No, what a child really needs is Guidance, Groceries, and Godly instruction. A child needs to be taught Morals, Manners, and to Mind. They also need food, clothing, and shelter. And they need to understand their accountiblity to God. These are the very same things that every one needs!

So when you teach a Sunday School Class you are doing a Great work. When you give a cup of cold water; it is just like giving it to Christ (Matt 10:42). When you make a stand for Godly principles and practices it is serving Christ in the best of ways.

2. COMPETITIVENESS WITH OTHERS– The second quality of Greatness deals with the way we relate to others. The Disciples couldnt cast the demon out of the boy at the foot of the mountain so they became jealous when this one could.

Jesus told them that our goal is the accomplishment of the work; not the glorifying of individuals (NOTE that this person cast out the demons in the NAME of JESUS. This is not an excuse to allow or condone false doctrine).

William Shakespeare said that Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. The measure of our greatness is how we use the abilities that God gives US. Remember well the admonition that Paul gave the Corinthians- (2 Cor 10:12) For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Those are the two qualities that determine your greatness- Your Care of Others and your willingness to work together to advance the Kingdom of God. What will these qualities of service produce in your life?

1. PURPOSE- A Godly goal that you can accomplish every day; serving others in order to bring them to Christ or develop them as Christians.

2. PURITY- Think about it. Most temptations you have toward impurity are things that you desire or you think you deserve. Putting others first will release you from most temptations.

3. POWER- I learned in service that the officers give the orders but its the sargents who have the real power. In the same way, you will find the power you thought you had given up returning to you as you serve in the name of Christ- The Greatest of all shall be servant of all.

4. PEACE- No more struggling and attempting to play God. As a servant, you can rest in His plan and provision. And that will bring a peace to your life that passes understanding.

God perceives the thoughts of your heart today. Are they thoughts desiring to be served or to serve?

Luke 09:51-62 STEADFASTNESS

Beginning in Luke 9:51 and continuing through Luke 19, Dr Luke tells the story of Jesus’ final trip to Jerusalem. This long “death march” is a good example of the work of Christ as He sends out missionaries, reaches out to save under strange circumstances, and teaches some of His most beloved parables about the Love of God for Lost humanity.

This “Death march” begins when Jesus Steadfastly sets His face to go to Jerusalem to be Crucified. He has told the Disciples that they must take up their cross. He has talked with Moses and Elijah about His coming cross. Now the time has come to stop talking about the cross and begin walking toward the cross.

As He does so He encounters Four Hindrances that every Christian faces as they steadfastly take up their cross and put God first in their life. Once we see the hindrances I hope we can determine how we can avoid their entrapment as we commit our lives to God’s Plan.

He had a MISSION

A) More than a DREAM- A Dream cries over the lost in Africa while ignoring your neighbors and family

B) More than a BURDEN- A Burden that does not prompt you to work is like a dead faith.

C) More than an EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE- Emotions swing down as well as up. They aren’t enough to drive you to the cross.

He faced OBSTACLES:

A) Opposition from the Samaritans

B) Discouragement from one who didn’t count the cost

C) Rejection from one who went back home to Dad

D) Desertion from one who put hands to plow and looked back.

52-56- Rejection by the Samaritans–God’s power is not for personal vendettas

57-58- Stability not found—Jesus was Born in someone else’s manger, lived off someone else’s resources (And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance Luke 8:2-3), died on someone else’s cross (Meant for Barabbas), and buried in someone else’s tomb.

59-60- Sickness not an excuse (Family)

61-62- Singleness of Purpose required- No looking back. First man was too fast to make a decision. Second was too slow. Consideration- No Home to call own / Dedication- Nothing more important / Consecration- No Looking Back

Christ expects complete commitment / Christ demands complete loyalty

God created us to enjoy Him as our Creator and to commune with Him

WHAT DO I WANT YOU TO DO?

1. Come to Christ for forgiveness of sins

2. Commit your life and your future to Christ

3. Find your work and steadfastly do it.

Luke 9:53-56 THINGS JESUS DOES NOT WANT YOU TO DO

[Incomplete]

Use the Power He gives you wrongly: And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:53-56).
Keep little children from coming to Him: Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:13-14).
Put Your Understanding above God’s Plans: And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men (Mark 8:31-33).

Luke 9:61-62 LOOKING BACK LESSONS

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:61-62).

1) Do not let what is BEHIND you Pull You Back-

Remember Lot’s wife.

Consider Demas’s dilemma: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. (2 Timothy 4:10).

Paul’s Goal: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

2) Do not let what is BEFORE you scare you back- Israel saw Giants instead of greatness in the Promised Land and ending up dying in the desert.

The Cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back.

3) Do not let what is INSIDE you keep you back. Jesus saves me just as I am but He keeps me just as Jesus is! O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24).

How can I build a Relationship with God that drives me forward instead of pulling me back?

1) Whom am I really trying to please?

2) What Need am I trying to meet? Guilt, lack of love, justice

3) With Whom am I competing? Many go back because of hard feelings.

4) What Reward am I seeking? Praise, Profit, Painlessness

5) What am I Hiding from? Rejection, unwillingness to accept responsibility

6) What Vision am I following? Something makes me do what I do. What is it?

Luke 10:1-20 WORKING IN GOD’S TEAM

In Christian Service there is no Unemployment! EVERY part of the Body of Christ is vital to the Mission God has given us. Never is this going to be more evident than right now as we enter into a period of Physical, Spiritual, Financial, and Numerical growth. Every Nail driven will be a help. Every Nickel given will be a help. Every knee bend in prayer will be a help. Every knock on a door will be important.

I know EVERYONE is Busy in this day and age- some are busy doing important work, some are busy doing unimportant work, and some are busy just being busy! Today I want to share with you about the greatest work in the world; God’s Work, and how you can be a part of this work as you actively join God’s Team.

I. THE TEAM’S WORK- vs 1-9.

A) LABORERS for a great Harvest. Recruited by Prayer and Vision.

1> A NEEDED Work- The harvest Truly is Great

2> A WORTHWHILE Work-Lift up your eyes and look on the Harvest

3> A WINNING Work- The Lord of the Harvest Sends laborers

B) GUIDELINES for employment

1> Must face DANGERS- Lambs among Wolves (Requires Commitment)

2> Must face DIVISIONS- Peace will rest or return (Cooperation)

3> Must face DRUDGERIES- Same house, Eat whatever (Competition)

4> Must remember DUTY- Proclaim Christ and do His Work- Not trying to make a convert but release a prisoner.

II. THE TEAM’S WARNING- vs 10-16 Jesus would not pass this way again. This was their final chance to let Him work in their location.

A) Receive Christ or be Rejected by Christ- vs 10-11

B) Opportunities demand Responsibilities- 12-15

C) You are not rejecting the Messenger but the Message- vs 16

III. THE TEAM WINS- vs 17-20

A) Power over the Enemy

B) Promise of Eternal Life is most important.

HERE ARE SOME PEOPLE ALREADY ON GOD’S TEAM:

Susan- Nursery List

Paula- Refreshment List

Janice- Food Committee/Articles record

Jan- Copy Tapes

Various- Sign

Tom, Frankie, Clay, Jamie, Jackie- Music

Youth Committee- Easter Play, VBS, Youth Activities

HERE ARE SOME AREAS THAT WE NEED WORKERS:

Need – Write and run Bulletin, Bulletin Board, Building Committee Chairman, Brotherly Concern.

HERE IS A QUESTION YOU NEED TO ANSWER- Are you on God’s Team or do you work of Satan? Have you Accepted Christ as Savior? Is your Affection for God? Do your Activities center around God? God still has room on His team for YOU. Don’t pass up this chance to join.

Luke 10:1-3 CHRISTIAN WORKERS

This incident of Jesus sending out the 70 is recorded only in Luke. As Jesus continues His journey toward the Cross at Jerusalem, He sends out these workers to announce His coming.

We march today under the same orders- (Mat 28:18-20) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The fact that He called Seventy is significant-

1) The Hebrew recognize 70 nations that came into being after the Flood (Gen 10). Therefore these could represent going to all nations.

2) When Jacob went to dwell in Egypt there were seventy souls that went with him (Exodus 1:5). From this amount there sprang a great nation that eventually fled Egypt. So the 70 could represent the nation of Israel and God’s ability to bless and increase it under Christ.

3) When Moses needed help with the Children of Israel in the Wilderness he selected 70 elders to assist him. This was the beginning of the Sanhedrim (Seventy); which some believe exist as a major force (Secretly) in the world economy today. This Sanhedrim was the Jewish governing body and the 70 would represent Jesus appointing a new governing body for His coming Kingdom.

It is also interesting to note that the Nation of Israel was sent into captivity for 70 years and the last of these years is what we call the Tribulation time- (Dan 9:24-26) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. {25} Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. {26} And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

1. CALLED BY GOD- Appointed to prepare the way for Christ.

2. COOPERATION NEEDED- Sent out Two by Two (One Mission, many directions).

3. SUPPLICATION URGED- Pray for more Laborers. (Note- The laborers were to pray for more laborers. This was not Spectators praying for someone else to do a job you were unwilling to do.)

3 Constants in Ministry:

1) Problems- Easy to win if you have no opposition but problems will come if we do any work- (Prov 14:4) Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

2) Potential- God can do great things for us if we will continue to do our duty. (Union soldier who was wounded and told to go to the rear. When he went back he found fighting. When he went east he found fighting. When he went west he found fighting. Finally, he returned to his captain, requested his rifle back, and said, “I might as well fight, there is no rear in this battle!”

3) Practice is Necessary- Can’t minister on the sidelines. Must get involved if you are to accomplish anything.

2 Compulsions to Ministry:

1) Burning Heart- (Jer 20:9) 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.

2) Accountability to God- (2 Cor 5:10-11) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. {11} Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Luke 10:3-11 QUALIFICATIONS OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS

FAITH- VS 4- God is Able and Willing – Heb 11:6

PRIORITIES- VS 4- Spiritual over Social

DISCERNMENT- vs 5-6 Of true spirit

HOSPITALITY- vs 7-8 Ability to relate to people II Tim 2:11

TASK- vs 9

WISDOM TO KNOW WHEN TO QUIT vs 10-11

Luke 10:25-37 JUSTIFYING HELL

This is a good time for us to remember the old “peanut Butter” Excuse. A Preacher went to visit a delinquent member. When he asked why the member had been absent Sunday the Member replied that he was out of Peanut Butter. The Pastor asked what Peanut Butter had to do with missing Church. The member replied, “When you’re looking for an excuse, anything will do!”

Story in a Nutshell- Lawyer comes to Jesus seeking to inherit eternal life. He listed the 2 great commandments as requirements. Jesus agreed. Now the Lawyer is in a bind. Knowing that obey these commandments will cause a drastic change in his lifestyle, the Lawyer seeks to justify his continued rebellion. THAT is the point of today’s scripture. That is where many are at today. The problem is not our neighbor but our rebellion against putting God first in our life. If that is done then we won’t have a problem identifying and helping our neighbor.

So let’s get the story behind us:

JESUS’ POINT in this Story (Jesus did not say this was a parable. It seemed to be a true story known to his audience)- Our neighbor is easy to recognize if our heart is right (Loving our neighbor is not the condition of Salvation but the fruit of Salvation).

Good illustrations from the Story:

The man- Downward way (Leaving Jerusalem (Temple) to go to Jericho (Commerce).

Tragic Way- Fell among Thieves (World System) – Stripped of Raiment (Sin reveals naked- Adam, Mad Man). Wounded Him- Many wounded by sin physically, emotionally, sexually. Departed- Like the prodigal’s friend the world uses you and throws you away. Leaving him half-dead (Alive physically but dead spiritually).

To the Thieves this man was a Victim, To the Priest, a Nuisance, to the Samaritan, an opportunity.

Priest represented Religion- Passed by. Unwilling to put hands with heart.

Levite represents Law- Looked but passed on by- Tells us what is wrong but offers no help.

Samaritan- Came where he was (Visitation). Had Compassion (Willing to love the unlovable). Went to Him (Personal Involvement). Bound up his wounds (Showed that by the Stripes of Jesus we are healed). Poured in oil (Holy Spirit) and Wine (Word). Sets him on his horse (Transportation). Brought him to the inn (Church, Place of Renewal). Took care of Him (Taught, Disciplined). Continued to Care (Follow up).

Samaritan represents Jesus- Loves the Down trodden, pays his bill, and promises to come again.

Jesus’ command from the Story- “Go and do thou likewise”

My question to you- What excuse are you using to Justify being Lost?

1) Rich Young Ruler- Wouldn’t let go of possessions to grab Jesus’ Hand.

2) Samaritan Women- Smokescreen of religious belief to hide moral failure.

3) Lawyer in this- Lack of understanding to hide lack of commitment.

4) sinners- Weakness, Hypocrites, Etc.

It is time for you to Give in to God. There is NOTHING that can justify you continuing to rebel against God. Empty your hand and let God fill your heart.

Luke 10:25-37 THE WOUNDED MAN

The Thieves thought of him as an object to exploit

The Priest as an object to avoid

The Levite as an object of curiosity

The Samaritan as a person to Love

It’s easy to find a reason not to help

Love means acting to meet the needs of a person even at the cost of COST and inconvenience.

Our care for others is a measure of our greatness

THE STORMS OF LIFE;

Require:

1. Trust- Jesus asleep in the Back of the Boat

2. A Solid Foundation- Build on the Rock

CROWDS:

The four who had to break up the rood in order to get the man to Jesus

Woman with the issue of Blood Luke 8:40

Zacchaeus had to climb a tree

The Gospel must deal with your

Body- Physical

Soul- Emotions

Spirit- Spiritual

Luke 10:25-37 THINGS THE GOOD SAMARITAN DIDN’T DO

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:25-37).

1. DIDN’T PASS BY-

2. DIDN’T FORCE HIM TO ACCEPT HELP-

3. DIDN’T TAKE HIM HOME-

4. DIDN’T MAKE A LIFE TIME COMMITMENT TO THE MAN- This was an attack, not a preplanned problem by the man. He didn’t go off and get drunk and then expect the Good Samaritian to help him. This was an unexpected situation.

5. DIDN’T EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN (Supposition! Based on the fact that this is a Bible Principle and we are to “Love our neighbor as ourselves”. If I were attacked and left for dead then I would plan to be more careful in my travels from then on.

Don’t Glory in What you Do- Bishop Ambrose of Milan (339-397) “I will not glory because I am righteous, but because I am redeemed. I will not glory because I am void of sin, but because I am forgiven. I will not glory because I am profitable or because any one is profitable to me, but because Christ is my advocate with the Father and His blood was shed for me.”

THE WOUNDED MAN

The Thieves thought of him as an object to exploit

The Priest as an object to avoid

The Levite as an object of curiosity

The Samaritan as a person to Love

It’s easy to find a reason not to help. The disciples were more interested in Why the man was blind than in curing his blindness!

Love means acting to meet the needs of a person even at the cost of COST and inconvenience.

Our care for others is a measure of our greatness

Luke 10:25-37 THINGS THE GOOD SAMARITAN DID NOT DO

Scripture- Luke 10:25-37

A lawyer came to Jesus to ask him a trick question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus used a wise tactic, He invited the lawyer to answer his own question and then He told the lawyer to practice what he preached!! Always looking for a loop hole, the lawyer asked for a definition of “neighbor”. Jesus again put the lawyer into the position of answering his own question by telling the story of the “Good Samaritan” and then telling the lawyer to use the “Good Samaritan” principle in his dealings with those around him.

Missionary Carlisle Hanna tells about his struggles to help the people in India. He said that one of the most difficult decisions he had to make on a daily basis was deciding who to help and how much to help them- If he gave something to one person then an hour from that time ten people would be at his door. If he tried to help those ten then two hours later 100 people would be at his door. If he tried to help those people then the next morning thousands of people would be crowding into his yard. What would the “Good Samaritan” do here?

Most people have a good heart about helping other people but they are afraid they will be fooled by a con artist or latched onto by a continual beggar. Let us look at some things the Good Samaritan did NOT do to get some practical guidelines about helping those in need.

1) He did not pass him by. The Thieves thought this man was someone to exploit. The Priest thought he was someone to avoid. The Levite thought he was an object of curiosity. But the Samaritan saw him as a person to be loved. It is easy to find reasons not to help people. Instead, you should look for ways to really help and make a difference in a lonely hurting world.

2) He did not take him home. He cared for this “certain man” himself by binding up his wounds. He then took him to an inn where he could get rest, refreshment, and feel secure. (The Emergency Medical Services Act of S. C. allows for “Good Samaritan” transport of a victim to a place of safety without meeting the normal qualifications of an ambulance). His care for his stranger did not overrule his care for his family.

3) He did not obligate himself to long term care of the victim. He got him stable; made sure he had provision for adequate recovery; and then went on with his life. The victim’s need did not control the life of the Good Samaritan.

4) He did not expect this to happen again. He could reasonable assume that this “certain man” would learn from this robbery and beating and make necessary changes. He did not expect to find this man in the same ditch under the same circumstances the next week.

In caring for others:

– Don’t Glory in what you Do- Bishop Ambrose of Milan (339-397) “I will not glory because I am righteous, but because I am redeemed. I will not glory because I am void of sin, but because I am forgiven. I will not glory because I am profitable or because any one is profitable to me, but because Christ is my advocate with the Father and His blood was shed for me.”

– Be willing to Sacrifice: Love means acting to meet the needs of a person even at the cost of COST and inconvenience.

– Do not become so “heavenly minded” (like the priest and Levite) until you are no earthly good. You will be “fooled” and misused sometimes but do not use that as an excuse to become cold and hard. Our care for others is a measure of our greatness

Luke 10:38-42 STRIKING OUT STRESS

This portion of Scripture deals with a problem ALL of us deal with on a regular basis- Stress. It is about two sisters with different personalities and different approaches to life. Martha is the Type “A” WORKER who is always seen active and anxious. Mary is always seen as a WORSHIPER at the feet of Jesus (Here she sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to the Word. In John 11:38 She Wept at His Feet about Her Brother. In John 12:3 She Worshiped by putting fragrance on the feet of Jesus). Those are two elements everyone needs in their relationship with God- Workers and Worshipers; Blessed are the Balanced.

In today’s scripture, Martha is rebuked because she allows Stress to control her life and keep her from a proper relationship with Christ. From her example we want to gather six questions we can ask ourselves about our own life that will help us Strike Out Stress.

I. FIRST QUESTION WE MUST ASK OURSELVES IS, WHAT CAUSES YOU STRESS?”

1. Time Pressure

2. Peer Pressure (Trying to meet the Expectations of Others)

3. Personality Pressure (Type A Worker vs Worshiper)

4. Change of Circumstances/Loss of Control.

II. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD WE ASK ABOUT STRESS?

1. Does it Cumber me (Make me anxious) vs 40

2. Does it Control me vs 41

3. Does it produce Conflicts with those I love- vs 40 (Thought Jesus and Mary didn’t care)

4. Does it Trouble me- vs 41

5. Does it keep me from Christ? vs 39-40 “But Martha”

6. Does it have Eternal Value- vs 42. If I fail to do it on time, what will be the Consequences?

III. HOW DO WE STRIKE OUT STRESS?

1. Put Jesus First

2. Put Balance in your life- Work and Worship

3. Find Peace- A man at peace with himself will be at peace with his circumstances- Rom 8:28

HAVE YOU LEFT JESUS OUT OF YOUR LIFE? Let us Practice Work and Worship.

Luke 11:1-13 TEACH US TO PRAY

Luke 11:1-13; Matt 6:5-13

We usually think of John the Baptist as a prophet and martyr; Yet our Lord’s disciples remembered him as a man of prayer. John was a “miracle baby,” filled with the Holy Spirit before he was born, and yet he had to pray. He was privileged to introduce the Messiah to Israel, and yet he had to pray. Jesus said that John was the greatest prophet (Luke 7:28) and yet He had to pray. If John had to pray then how much more should we learn to pray?

The Lord’s Prayer is a PATTERN, not a substitute.

Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man’s will done in heaven, but for getting God’s will done in earth.

We have no right to ask God for anything that will dishonor His name, delay His kingdom, or disturb His will on earth.

There is NO Singular Pronouns in this prayer; all are plural.

“All of us have one routine prayer in our system; and once we get rid of it, then we can really start to pray.” Dr Robert Cook

Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer. Lead us not into temptation- We are asking God to guide us so that we will not get out of His will and get involved in a situation of temptation (I John 5:18) or even is a situation of tempting God so that He will miraculously rescue us (Matt 4:5-7).

THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER Matt 6:5-6 Not to be seen but to Communicate with God. There is a place for public praying but private praying should not be done in Public. Lyndon Johnson’s press secretary, Bill Moyers, was saying grace at a staff lunch, when the president shouted, “Speak up, Bill! I can’t hear a thing!” Moyers quietly replied, “I wasn’t addressing you, Mr President.” It is good to remind ourselves that when we pray, we talk to God.

THE PLEAS OF PRAYER- Matt 6:7-8 Not a Creed but real communication

repetitions (See Luke 11:5-9). Persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than God’s

THE PLAN OF PRAYER 9-15

A) TOWARD GOD

1) Honor His Name

2) Desire His Kingdom

3) Accept His Purpose (Thy will be done)

B) TOWARD LIVING IN THIS WORLD

1) Expect to live by Faith- Daily Bread (God is our sustainer and Provider- see Prov 30:7-9)

2) Acknowledge your Accountability to others- Forgive as we forgive

3) Accept your need of depending on God for strength to live victoriously- Deliver us from evil (Let no man say when he is tempted- James 1:13)

C) ACKNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL OF:

1) The Government- The Kingdom

2) The Spiritual Kingdoms- The Power (Eph 6:13)

3) The Heavenly Throne- The Glory

LUKE 11:5-13 PERSISTENT PRAYING

Have you ever wondered why being a Lukewarm Christian makes God Sick (Rev 3:15-17)? Don’t all of us long for prosperity and peace and painlessness? Why then is it so dangerous to live in such a state? Why does God denounce this kind of life style instead of demand it?

It is because of the spirit of SELF-SATISFACTION this life produces. This declaring that you are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing is the sin of Satan. It is saying to God that you don’t need Him since you have become a god unto yourself. That spirit of pride and prayerlessness is prevalent in the world today. The Lost don’t want God until they get into a mess they can’t get out of; and Christians only want God if He does not require faithfulness or commitment as part of their relationship- Look at how many Christians regularly miss the Sunday Night Service and the Wednesday Night Service. Look how hard it is to get them to commit to do a job for God.

Prayer has become a two minute drill instead of a lifelong occupation- The Early church went to the upper room to agonize; we go to the supper room and organize. The early church prayed 10 days, preached 10 minutes, and 3000 were saved. We pray 10 minutes, preach 10 days and marvel if 1 gets saved!

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He did not simply teach them the PATTERN of Prayer, He showed them the absolute need of PERSISTENCE in Prayer. He did so by telling about a man who had a need (Caused by another- a friend had come) so He came to a Neighbor to seek help. The reason Jesus gave for the answer from this man was IMPORTUNITY- Shameless perseverance in a request without regard to time, place, or circumstances. The idea is not that God must be badgered into action in behalf of His children, but rather that God responds to the open, confident, trusting approach of His children.

From this Story Jesus gives a Command (9), a Promise (10), and a Confirmation (11-13).

I. THE COMMAND- And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Luke 11:9). In the Greek, Ask, Seek, and Knock are in the Continuous form- Ask, and keep on asking, Seek, and keep in seeking, Knock, and keep on knocking. This falls in perfectly with the lesson Jesus is trying to teach- Pray with Shameless Perseverance.

If a man is given the keys to a bank and you claim only a penny; whose fault is it? Ye have not, because ye ask not (James 4:2). Prov. 15:8 says that the prayer of the upright is the delight of the Lord. God WANTS us to pray.

The three parts of the Command (interesting to note there are 3 Loaves requested, 3 Commands given, and 3 Negative Answers shown) give us the APPLICATION of the Command:

A) Ask- DESIRE enough to come to God with your request

B) Seek- DILIGENCE enough to keep on looking for an answer

C) Knock- DETERMINATION enough to stand at the door until an answer is received.

Are there other verses that support the stunning promise of this command?

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jer 29:13).

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6-7).

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

God WANTS your Persistent Prayer!!

II. THE PROMISE- For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Luke 11:10).

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it (Psalms 81:10). And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me (Genesis 32:26).

The Promise is so plain until elaboration would muddy it!!

III. THE CONFIRMATION (11-13). Jesus knew what men would say, “Surely this is too good to be true. Can we really trust God when we come to Him with such shameless persistence?” So He tells us to trust God’s Answers because we know they will be given out of a heart of love.

A) Bread/Stone- Many desert rocks looked like the bread of that day. When Jesus had fasted 40 days Satan told Him to turn some such stones into bread. JESUS DENIED THAT NEED FOR SOMETHING BETTER- If God gave us our every whim we would end up spoiled brats instead of mature Children of God. Paul prayed for a sickness to be removed but found better grace

B) Fish/Serpent- Many of the eels they ate looked similar to water snakes.· God is aware of the DANGER of our Request. Eve had all she needed but she decided to listen to the Serpent and eat the forbidden fruit. Are you seeking great things for yourself, instead of seeking to be a great person? God wants you to be in a much closer relationship with Him instead of simply receiving His gifts– He wants you to get to know Him.

C) Egg/Scorpion- Desert Scorpions can curl themselves into a ball that looks amazingly like an egg. If you grasped that “egg” you would find intense ·PAIN. In the same way, God’s Love prevents Him from giving us answers that would hurt instead of Help us (Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him Matthew 6:8).

Why then should you ask? So that you may get to know Him. As you get to know Him you will find you can ask God for what you want and not be concerned about asking for the wrong thing, because as you draw ever closer to Him, you will cease asking for things altogether and simply rest in HIM and His provision.

There is nothing easier than getting into the right relationship with God, unless it is not God you seek, but only what He can give you. God tells us to Pray without ceasing. The needs are only God’s way of showing us our Great Need; Him. Ask, and keep on asking. Seek, and keep on seeking. Knock, and keep on knocking until God’s pardon is found and His peace floods your soul. Then watch as the windows of Heaven are opened.

Jesus did not say that God is like this neighbor. He said just the opposite. He said that if this grouchy neighbor would respond to persistence; how much more would God respond to the request of His children.

As a man often gives because a request is repeated, and as one is not discouraged because the favor that he asks of his neighbor is delayed, so God often answers us after long and importunate request.

God does not answer Prayers AT ONCE- He promise only that He will answer. He often causes His people to wait. He tries their Faith. He leaves them to persevere for months or years, until they feel entirely their dependence on him, until they see they can receive the blessing on other way, and until they are prepared to receive it. Often men ask God a request and if it is not granted at once they become discouraged and quit. We should go again and again until the prayer is heard and God grants what we ask of Him.

Matthew has the Father giving “good things” (Matt. 7:7‑11); whereas Luke has the Heavenly Father giving “the Holy Spirit” to His people. Luke considers all the good gifts of God to men to be caught up in the matchless gift of the Holy Spirit, an attitude which is further reflected in the Book of Acts.

Verses 5‑13. Christ encourages fervency and constancy in prayer. We must come for what we need, as a man does to his neighbor or friend, who is kind to him. We must come for bread; for that which is needful. If God does not answer our prayers speedily, yet he will in due time, if we continue to pray. Observe what to pray for; we must ask for the Holy Spirit, not only as necessary in order to our praying well, but as all spiritual blessings are included in that one. For by the influences of the Holy Spirit we are brought to know God and ourselves, to repent, believe in, and love Christ, and so are made comfortable in this world, and meet for happiness in the next. All these blessings our heavenly Father is more ready to bestow on every one that asks for them, than an indulgent parent is to give food to a hungry child. And this is the advantage of the prayer of faith, that it quiets and establishes the heart in God.

Luke 11:17-26 HOW TO BE SURE YOU ARE NOT ON SATAN’S SIDE

But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first (Luke 11:17-26).

Jesus here used Three Arguments to support that His Ministry was of God:

1) Why would Satan destroy the works of Satan?

2) By what power did the Jesus cast out demons?

3) He could not defeat Satan if He were not stronger that Satan.

In the heart of this discourse is this Extremely Important Statement: He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth (Luke 11:23). There is no neutrality in this war you are with me or against me; no other options. That means you need to look at the four ways Jesus gives in these scriptures that show you are not on Satan’s side.

First the Positive-

1) A Christian is someone who is Openly Committed to Christ: “With me”. For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels (Luke 9:26).

2) A Christian Grows in Grace: “Gathers instead of Scatters”. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2).

FOUR WAYS TO KNOW YOU ARE NOT ON SATAN’S SIDE:

1) Are you in Basic Agreement with Mainline Christians? “if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges”. Remember that Peter Spoke for Satan when he tried to keep Christ from the Cross- And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (Mark 8:32-33).

Are you a “cult Christian”? Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).

Are you a “Concrete (Tradition only) Christian”? But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever (2 Peter 3:18).

2) Are you destroying or promoting the Works of Satan? Some people sow wild oats all week and then pray for crop failure on Sunday! “If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you”. Do your works work against the works of Satan? Satan is out to destroy; Christian want to save. Satan seeks to bring division and despair; Christians seek to bring Peace and Hope.

3) Are you Defeating Satan’s Hold on your life? “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace”. You may lose some battles but you are winning the war.

Peter denied Christ at the camp fire because of Fear. [There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)]. When Jesus came to Peter at another Camp fire He asked Peter, “Do you Love me more?” There are Four main Views of God: Creator (Exist), King (Worship), Judge (Reward, Punish), Father (Love)

4) Are you Replacing Evil with Good in your life? The soaring Eagle does not worry about how to cross rivers. “he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out …the last state of that man is worse than the first”

Vacant minds; like vacant lots, become dumping grounds for garbage. Not enough to stop doing some things; you must be filled with the Holy Spirit so He can develop you into the amazing person God intended you to be.

How do you defeat Satan and make a stand for Christ?

1) Confess Sins: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).

2) Claim Grace: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

3) Commit to Growth: Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:9-10).

Luke 11:27-28 GREATER THAN MOTHER

Even while Jesus is defending Himself against the statement that He is an ally of Satan, a woman speaks us and calls His mother blessed. Having been insulted by the insinuation that the Devil was His father, this lady thought to be kind by praising His mother. Instead of rejoicing in her praise, Jesus used this time to teach a lesson about something even greater than mothers.

Jesus was speaking to a society that put extremely high value on family ties. A man’s value came from his being able to trace his genealogy back to Abraham. The Mother value was directly related to the sons she produced to bring about the long awaited Messiah.

Jesus told this woman (and the crowd) that Obedience to God was more important than these family ties. That is a radical statement; even in today’s society. Jesus in not down playing the importance of families; He is showing the overwhelming importance of complete commitment to God. Something our lukewarm society today needs to re-establish.

I. WHAT DO YOU SEEK FROM GOD (CHURCH)? There are 4 basic reasons people attend church or do something “religious”:

1) Relieve a Guilty Conscience

2) Seek something from God- Good feelings, Blessing, Healing

3) Committed to the Organization; not the Lord. Gives a sense of family and society to attend the old family Church

4) Academic interest in things of God- Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II. WHAT GOD SEEKS FROM YOU- 2 Main requirements in Obeying God:

1) OBEDIENCE DEMANDS EXTREME DEVOTION- (Mat 10:35 37) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. {36} And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. {37} He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

2) OBEDIENCE MUST GO BEYOND SURFACE HEARING- (Mat 7:21 27) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. {24} Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: {25} And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. {26} And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: {27} And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Some people hear and act; others only hear. The difference is a matter of eternal consequences (vs 24)

If your life does not reveal Growth in Grace, righteousness, and holiness; you need to examine the reality of your faith- even if you believe you have done great things in the name of Christ.

Without Faith it is impossible to Please God. Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord. Stalled or slipping lives need to be examined.

Luke 11:29-32 CONVINCING HE IS CHRIST

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here (Luke 11:29-32).

What will it take to convince people that Christ is the Son of God? When Jesus cast out demons and demonstrated His power “some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils” (Luke 11:15).

Then others demanded a “Sign” to show He was the Christ (vs 16). Amazingly, in spite of all the miracles He had performed, Jesus did not fall back on any of them. Instead, He told them to look at:

1) His Coming Resurrection using Jonah coming out of the whale to preach to Nineveh as an example. Churches today are preaching too much about the cross of Christ and not enough about the resurrection of Christ. (And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain 1 Corinthians 15:14).

2) The Wisdom sought by the Queen of Sheba- The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Luke 11:31).

The people were content to trust in traditions instead of seek for God’s Word and God’s Wisdom.

3) The Light that he was shining on them was to bring them out of darkness. Signs would wow their minds, Light would change the darkness of their hearts!

Luke 11:35 DARK LIGHT

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness (Luke 11:35).

How do you have “Dark Light”?

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light (Luke 11:33-36).

You can HIDE the Light- “Secret Place”

You can COVER the Light- “Under a Bushel”

You can BLOCK the Light- “Thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness”

God “dwells” in darkness: And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was (Exodus 20:21). Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness (1 Kings 8:12).

God created darkness: I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things (Isaiah 45:7).

Power of Darkness: When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness (Luke 22:53).

Victory: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:12-13).

Dumbing of Darkness: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:5).

Victory: For 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 (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Love of Darkness: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19).

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

Yoke of Darkness: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Victory: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (Ephesians 5:8).

Rulers of Darkness: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).

Victory: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light (Romans 13:12).

Penalty of Darkness: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30).

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day (Jude 1:6).

Victory: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

Works of Darkness: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11).

Hate brings Darkness: But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes (1 John 2:11). [Good Deeds Brings Light- And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: (Isaiah 58:10)].

Sin Brings Darkness: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Matthew 27:45).

Disrespect brings Darkness: Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness (Proverbs 20:20).

Victory: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. (Luke 11:34).

That Single Light is believing Christ is the Son of God: And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? (Matthew 21:24-25). The ONE SINGLE thing they had to decide was “Who is Jesus?”.

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isaiah 42:7).

Men must receive the Ability to See: The brightest sun will not be seen by a blind man.

Then they must see the Correct Light: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16).

DARKNESS SCRIPTURES:

(Gen 1:2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

(Gen 1:4-5) And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. {5} And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

(Gen 1:18) And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

(Exo 10:21-22) And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. {22} And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

(Exo 14:20) And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

(Exo 20:21) And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

(Deu 5:22-23) These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. {23} And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

(Deu 28:29) And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.

(Josh 24:7) And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season.

(1 Sam 2:9) He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

(2 Sam 22:12) And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

(2 Sam 22:29) For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

(1 Ki 8:12) Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

(Job 3:4-6) Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it. {5} Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. {6} As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.

(Job 10:21-22) Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; {22} A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.

(Job 12:22) He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

(Job 15:22-23) He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword. {23} He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

(Job 15:30) He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.

(Job 19:8) He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.

(Job 23:17) Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.

(Job 30:26) When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

(Job 34:22) There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

(Psa 18:28) For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

(Psa 88:6) Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

(Psa 88:18) Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

(Psa 91:6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

(Psa 97:2) Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

(Psa 107:14) He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

(Psa 112:4) Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

(Psa 139:11-12) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. {12} Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

(Prov 2:13) Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

(Prov 4:19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

(Prov 20:20) Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

(Eccl 11:8) But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

(Isa 5:20) 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 9:2) The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

(Isa 42:7) To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

(Isa 42:16) And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

(Isa 45:3) And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

(Isa 45:7) I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

(Isa 50:10) Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

(Isa 58:10) And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:

(Isa 59:9) Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

(Isa 60:2) For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

(Lam 3:2) He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.

(Dan 2:22) He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

(Joel 2:31) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

(Amos 5:18) Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.

(Micah 7:8) Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

(Mat 4:16) The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

(Mat 6:23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

(Mat 8:12) But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Mat 10:27) What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

(Mat 22:13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Mat 25:30) And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Mat 27:45) Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

(Luke 1:79) To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Luke 11:34-35) The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. {35} Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

(Luke 12:3) Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

(Luke 22:53) When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

(John 1:5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(John 3:19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

(John 12:35) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

(John 12:46) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

(Rom 2:19) And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

(Rom 13:12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

(2 Cor 4:6) For 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.

(2 Cor 6:14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

(Eph 5:8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(Eph 5:11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

(Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(Col 1:13) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

(1 Th 5:4-5) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. {5} Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

(Heb 12:18) For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

(1 Pet 2:9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

(2 Pet 2:4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

(2 Pet 2:17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

(1 John 1:5-6) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. {6} If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

(1 John 2:8-9) Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. {9} He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

(1 John 2:11) But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

(Jude 1:6) And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

(Jude 1:13) Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

(Rev 16:10) And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

Luke 11:33-36 THE SINGLE EYE

People sometimes ask, “Is there a Reason, Responsibility, or Reward for doing what I am doing?” This parable tells us we need to have Purpose for our purpose.

Background: this is one of 3 places where Jesus uses the parable of the candle: 1) Matt 5:13-16 tells us we are the “Light of the World”. 2) Matt 6:21-23 shows about how a single minded “Profit Principle” causes our candle to give light instead of darkness (For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:21-23). And 3) here, at the end of a “Judgement Sermon” given because men were more interested in a “candle” that showed them signs instead of the Son.

This shows that the Word of God is adaptable to many situations. It is unchanging in its Inspiration but it sometimes changes in its application. Remember the example of the India Parable of blind men and an elephant. One felt the trunk and said an elephant was like a snake. One felt the floppy ears and said an elephant was like a bird. One felt the legs and said an elephant was like a tree. Be careful of blind judgments based on your feelings!

Jesus wants people to see the Light and then show the light.

1) vs 33 DO NOT HIDE THE LIGHT. Put it on a candlestick so it gives light all around.

A) The Light will Benefit Others: 1> it will show them their Wickedness by exposing their darkness. 2> It will show them the Way as a guidepost to keep them from stumbling.

B) Some will try to Hide the Light by placing it Under the Bed (Lazy) or under a Bushel of business.

What would you think of me if your were trapped and I had the only light that could show you how to get free and I was too scared, or lazy, or busy to use it to show you the way of escape? Is your Christian Light shining into the world’s darkness?

2) vs 34 DO NOT BLIND THE LIGHT. The light of the body is the eye; the way the inside sees the outside.

A) When the eye is single (Unclouded, Properly Focused) then the whole body is full of light. Peter walked on water until he took his eye off Jesus and looked at the troubled waters.

B) When the eye is evil (Physically Defective) the body is full of darkness.

3) vs 35-36 DO NOT LOSE THE LIGHT. Take heed (be warned) that the light which is in you does not become darkness. Samson “played with sin” until he ended up being blinded.

A) Causes of blindness

1. Actions guided by Satan: 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 Corinthians 4:3-4).

2. Apathy of Lukewarmness: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and BLIND, and naked (Revelation 3:17).

3. Acceptance of Sin’s Standards: Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous (Deuteronomy 16:19).

B) Signs of Blindness:

1. Hate Others: But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes (1 John 2:11).

2. Lack of Christian Conduct: But he that lacketh these things (Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity) is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins (2 Peter 1:9).

If the Light is Right it will become even brighter! Your conduct will be regular and steady and you will clearly see your way; and others will see you walking in the way and want to come to the Light- the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).

Hell is Outer Darkness where souls will long for the Light they refused to see: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (John 3:19-20).

Luke 11:37-44 CLEAN HANDS

How would you like to be invited to someone’s home for lunch and then they spent the entire time criticizing you!? This is what happened with Jesus at the home of this Pharisee. Instead of seeking the wisdom and words of Christ, this Pharisee was caught up with the fact that Jesus did not wash His hands before eating (This was a ceremonial washing to signify that He was RELIGIOUSLY able to eat of the food given by God. It would equate today to us sitting down to eat and not asking the Blessing).

Today we are going to look at what Jesus had to say about having WRONG PRIORITIES in our life. As we see these wrong things in our religious life I trust God will help us to examine our own relationship with Him and realize He is looking for CLEAN HEARTS instead of CLEAN HANDS.

I. CLEAN THE INSIDE AS WELL AS THE OUTSIDE– (Luke 11:39‑40) And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. {40} Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Jesus knew that outside cleanness did not do away with inside defilement- ask any lady if she only wants her dishes washed on the outside!

A good example is the trash talk people use today. Clean cut people talk like heathens. Jesus knew that what comes out of the mouth is a result of what dwells in the heart. He knew the only way to clean up a dirty vocabulary is not to brush your teeth but to clean up your heart!

Are you more concerned about what People see on the outside than you are about what God sees on the inside?? Remember who will be the final judge!!

II. HAVE A GIVING HEART INSTEAD OF A SELFISH HEART– (Luke 11:41‑42) But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. {42} But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

It is not how much money you have but how much money has you. We must constantly remember that God sees our motives as well as our money.

A) Alms-giving is to help those in need; not promote or praise you. It is giving such things as you have; and expecting God to multiply your widow’s mite.

B) Tithing is not just an obligation but an adoration of God and His blessings toward you. Tithing should not based on how much money you have in your Pocket book but of how much love you have in your Heart- (Micah 6:7‑8) Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? {8} He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

III. DON’T MAKE PRIDE YOUR PRIORITY– (Luke 11:43) Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. These Pharisees had put Reputation above Character- Reputation is what people think you are; character is what God knows you are. They had yet to learn the lesson that the Greatest of all shall be servant of all. It’s impossible to promote self and the Savior at the same time. You must decide today which one you want to lift up.

IV. DON’T JUST CLEAN UP THE GRAVE, HAVE LIFE– (Luke 11:44) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

When Jesus called these men Dead bodies, He knew 4 things about the Dead:

1) They don’t Sin- Dead bodies don’t do any wrong! But Jesus knew God was after more than dead Holiness, He wanted Positive Righteousness. Do you base you feeling of confidence toward God on the things you DON’T do, or on the positive change God has produced in your life?

2) They do Stink- Not to them but to those around them! The dead body doesn’t realize it is giving off the stench of death. And the only way to keep this stench from forming was to get life.

Do you give off the pleasant aroma of Prayer and Power so that your spirit can bear witness with other Christians that you are a living part of the body of Christ?

3) Dead bodies were a source of defilement. Jesus was saying that the Pharisees were actually defiling men instead of helping them become holy. And because they were in Unmarked Graves, People were being defiled without knowing it. Instead of helping people the Pharisees were actually doing them harm!

Do your family, friends, and associates find you a source of Blessing or a source of Defilement? What kind of jokes do you tell? What kind of example do you give? Does you talk build up others or condemn you?

4) Dead bodies are unable to change without an outside force. There is nothing that they can do unless someone from the outside brings them life! And that someone is Christ. He will not just clean up your outside; He will bring life and change on the inside- (2 Cor 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Are you only interested in clean hands? Wouldn’t you rather have a clean heart? Come to Christ, He does heart Surgery to any who come to Him trusting His power and pardon.

Luke 11:45-54 WRONG RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

Having “dressed down” the Pharisees, Jesus now is questioned by the Lawyers (Scribes in the Religious law).

I. CAUSING BURDENS INSTEAD OF BLESSINGS- What a shame it is when Religious leaders add burdens to people instead of helping them relieve their burden. This is not the way Jesus wanted it to be- (Mat 11:28-30) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} 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. {30} For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

II. BUILDING MONUMENTS INSTEAD OF MOVEMENTS- The true servant of God is usually rejected by the people who most need their ministry, but the next generation comes along and honors these people.

First martyr in the Old Testament is Abel (Gen 4:1-15) and the last is Zechariah (I Chron 24:20-27)

III. PREVENTING; INSTEAD OF PROMOTING, SPIRITUAL GROWTH- Robbing the common people of the knowledge of the Word of God.

It is a serious thing to teach God’s Word and not everyone is supposed to do it- (James 3:1) My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Sometimes what people call “Bible Study” is simply a group of unprepared people exchanging their ignorance.

Just as bad, however, is the attitude that only certain people can understand or explain the Bible.

The most important ingredient in Bible Study is the KEY- Jesus; as well as a yielded heart and an obedient will. These are people who learn the truth of God’s word on their knees and on the battle fields of life. They are Spirit taught; not just man taught.

God has given teachers to the Church (Eph 4:11), and we should listen to them. We should also test what they say by the Scriptures to make sure they are truthful- (1 Th 5:21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. And we should not permit anyone to bring us into bondage and exploit us- (2 Cor 11:20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

Believe- Cling to, rely on, depend on

THE WORK OF GOD- “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” — John 6:29

CAUSE OF REJECTION- “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” — John 9:35

BASIS OF BIBLE- “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” — John 20:31

GROUNDS FOR BAPTISM- “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” — Acts 8:37

CHANGES HOUSEHOLDS- “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” — Acts 16:31

BASIS OF SALVATION- “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” — Rom 10:9

“And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” — 2 Chr 1:1

“And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.” — 2 Chr 15:9

“And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,” — Acts 7:9

“How 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; for God was with him.” — Acts 10:38

“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” — Mat 9:6

“And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” — Mark 2:4

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.” — Luke 8:16

“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” — John 5:8

“And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.” — John 5:9

“And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.” — Acts 9:34

Luke 11:52 THE TWO WORST SINS

What do YOU think are the two worst sins?

Murder or Robbery (Taking Life or Property)

DUI or Adultery (Taking Chance to Kill or Ruin Morals/Marriage)

(Luke 11:52) Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

(Mat 23:13) But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Jesus said the Scribes (Lawyers) had locked the door to God (Taken Key) and in the process committed the two worst sins:

1) ENTERED NOT IN YOURSELF

A) Failed to trust Christ

B) Failed to Follow Christ

C) Failed to Learn from Christ – Tried to catch Him in words

2) HINDERED [Forbade, Prevented] THOSE WHO WANTED TO ENTER

A) By the Way they Presented God- made God a dictator to fear instead of a Father to serve and Love. Their teaching brought trouble instead of triumph

B) By the way they Represented God- Their lives belied their lips. (Many Catholic Priest used to have Concubines). A non Christian lived beside a church. He thought it must be an awful place the way everyone escaped from it at noon. And whenever they would have a special activity people would park on his lawn without permission.

C) By their Selfish Absorption- Seeking to build a kingdom instead of Build people (Greatest is servant). More interested in what people thought of work than actually accomplishing anything.

Are YOU Guilty of either of these sins?

Time to Repent and Trust Christ

Help instead of Hinder Others

What should you do about These Sins if they are in YOUR Life?

1) Make Sure of YOUR Salvation: 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).

2) Make Sure you are Faithful to SHOW CHRIST in YOUR Life: For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (John 13:15).

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Luke 12:20 WHOSE WILL THOSE THINGS BE??

Name three things you consider your most important possessions- (I know that is a hard one. For me it is doubly difficult because I own so few possessions. I would have to name my Wife, The information stored on my computer, and ???). Your age, your income, and your priorities will help determine your answers. Now, keep your answer in mind as we look at today’s scripture- Luke 12:16-21 (See Ecc 5:13-6:4)

In this story of the Rich Fool, God asks an extremely important question as death knocks on his door, Whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?. In other words, what will happen to what you have accumulated?

Let’s ask ourselves that question about the three things we consider our most important possessions- If something happens to us, what will happen to our possessions?

That leads us to TWO PRINCIPLES ABOUT POSSESSIONS:

1) POSSESSIONS ARE ONLY TEMPORARY. You can lose them:

A) Naturally- Time and Chance happen to all men

B) Catastrophe- Job lost fortune, family, and Health

C) Death- No pockets in a shroud

D) To, or Through, Your Children- Ecc 2:18-19 Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?

2) WE NEED TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF OUR POSSESSIONS NOW AND FOR ETERNITY.

A) Realize we are stewards, not owners. Accept Treasures as a Trust from God. Remember that HE is the one you must answer to about the way you have handled your possessions- Parable of the Talents.

B) Accept your Abilities- It takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. To whom much is given, of him much is expected. Many a man has been destroyed by winning a lottery.

C) Strive to live Debt Free- (Rom 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Make Money/Possessions your servant, not your master- The borrower is servant to the lender.

D) Use what you have Wisely by applying Bible Principles to the Getting and Giving of your Possessions. God can’t Bless ill gotten gains. The windows of Heaven are opened to the Tither, not the hoarder

E) Have a Will so you can determine what happens to your earthly possessions. Throughout the Bible, men of God used God given wisdom to make sure their possessions were handled correctly at death.

G) Lay up your Treasures in Heaven- (Mat 6:19‑21) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: {20} But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: {21} For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Are you Laying up Treasures for yourself; or are you Rich Toward God? The answer will determine whether God calls you a Fool or a Faithful Servant.

Luke 12:22-31 BE NOT ANXIOUS

All of us worry; in fact, many of us worry about the fact that we worry! And if we don’t have anything to worry about we invent something. It is like the patient in the mental hospital, holding his ear close to the wall, listening intently. The attendant finally approached. “Sh!” whispered the patient, beckoning him over.

The attendant pressed his ear to the wall for a long time. “I can’t hear a thing,” he finally said.

“No,” replied the patient, “and it’s been like that all day!”

This shows us the truth about the many truism about Worry:

Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due. ‑William Inge

It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.‑‑Alice Rice

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow. ‑‑Swedish Proverb

The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work. ‑‑Robert Frost

Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. ‑‑Anonymous

God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today’s duties and tomorrow’s worries.–Anonymous

Jesus had just told His disciples about the foolish man who disregarded God and thought only of Bigger Barns. Now He looks to His disciples and tells them about the folly of allowing the cares of this world to control our thoughts and actions.

In this Scripture He gives us THREE THINGS WE SHOULD NEVER WASTE OUR TIME AND ENERGY WORRYING ABOUT:

I. PHYSICAL THINGS OF LIFE- Take no thought for your Life.

The Greek word used by Jesus when He said Take No Thought is Merimnao (mer-im-nah-o). It means to be anxious about, or to consider overly much. The other places this word is used in the New Testament shows us the causes of this Anxious thought:

–Social Pressure- MARTHA’S WORRY ABOUT SOCIAL OVER SPIRITUAL- (Luke 10:41) And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things

–Family Responsibility- MARRIAGE BRINGS CARES(1 Cor 7:32) But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord

–Fear of Embarrassment or Failure- ABOUT TESTIMONY IN TRIAL (Mat 10:19) But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Amazingly, this word is used to tell about several things it is right to be anxious about:

RIGHT FOR MEMBERS TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER (1 Cor 12:25) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

RIGHT FOR PASTOR TO CARE FOR CHURCH- (Phil 2:20) For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

RIGHT TO WORRY IF YOU CAN SIN WITHOUT CHASTISEMENT– (Heb 12:8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Chastisement here is merimnao. The writer uses it as a way to emphasis the effect Chastisement should have on us- it should cause us to examine our lives and change.

II. UNCONTROLLABLE THINGS– Which of you by taking thought can increase his height (or life span). There are multitudes of things that worry will only make worst. The doctor gives you a test to see if you have cancer. Will worrying change the results? Remember (Psa 112:7) He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. The Uncontrollable is still under the control of God.

III. FEAR OF FAILING GOD– (Luke 12:32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Many people live lives of quiet desperation wondering if they will be able to meet God’s standards or perform God’s will. If they could only grasp the power of the Love of God- (Rom 8:38‑39) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, {39} Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Perfect Love cast out all fear

THE ANSWER to this Anxious Thought (Merimnao) is twofold:

1) Prayer- (Phil 4:6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

2) Confidence in God- (1 Pet 5:7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. God is aware; and He cares

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,

“I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and hurry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin,

“Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no Heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me.”

(Elizabeth Cheney)

According to the National Bureau of Standards, a dense fog covering seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet is composed of something less than one glass of water. That is, all the fog covering seven city blocks 100 feet deep could be, if it were gotten all together, held in a single drinking glass; it would not quite fill it.

This can be compared to the things we worry about. If we could see into the future and if we could see our problems in their true light, they wouldn’t blind us to the world–to living itself–but instead could be relegated to their true size and place. And if all the things most people worry about were reduced to their true size, you could probably stick them all into a water glass, too.

Don’t let worry steal your joy, sap your strength, and defeat your victory. Form a partnership with God; you do the work he has called you to do and let Him worry- (Luke 12:31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

If, however, you are unsaved then I would definitely give that some very anxious thought. And then I would come to Christ for forgiveness, cleansing, and new life.

Luke 12:31 SEEKING THE LORD

Wednesday Night we looked at the Matthew 6:33 version of this verse- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. We learned there were 5 elements of the verse:

A COMMAND- SEEK

A PRIORITY- YE FIRST

A GOAL- THE KINGDOM OF GOD (His Reign)

AN ADDITION- AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (His Righteousness)

A PROMISE- ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU (See Ps 84:11)

This is such an important aspect of Christianity until I want to look at it even deeper this morning.

If I had to name the things I seek I believe the following 4 items would top the list:

1) Work that is a Challenge instead of a Chore (In other words, I Enjoy my work instead of Endure it).

2) Someone who loves me from Desire instead of Duty

3) Peace that is Stable instead of Shifting with changing Circumstances

4) A God who Controls the World while at the same time Considers the fact that I am a weak mortal in need of mercy. (A God powerful enough to deal with the big issues but considerate enough to count my hairs).

The first thing to note is that the Lord looks for Seekers- (Psa 14:2) The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

I. FOUNDATIONAL REASONS FOR SEEKING GOD- (Isa 51:1) Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. What drove you to begin seeking the Lord? Many of you are here today because of Custom, Family pressure, or Social Pressure. Some are here today, however, with Hungry Hearts. They want God to do something drastic and lasting in their life. But it is important that we look at your foundational reasons for seeking God; they will help determine whether God will indeed be found by you.

A) Crave Fleshly Satisfaction- (John 6:26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Want Peace, Joy, Happiness, etc.

B) Consequences of Sin- Sickness or Circumstances bring you to a realization that Death is coming; and after death, the judgement.

C) Companionship with God desired- Realize how important it is to have a real relationship with God.

II. CONDITIONS FOR FINDING THE GOD WE SEEK: (Isa 55:6-7) Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: {7} Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

A) Make Sure God is Still Available- (Hosea 5:6) They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

B) Forsake Wicked Ways- God can only be grasp with empty hands!

Let the Wicked forsake his Ways (Actions). Let the Unrighteous forsake his thoughts (Attitudes)

C) Return to God- sin was an offence to GOD! It separated you from fellowship with God. It did not just give you a disease, a divorce, a debt, or dishonor. Don’t just seek relief; seek God

D) Claim His Promise: The Lord (Master) will have Mercy. God (Father) will abundantly Pardon.

III. HOW SHOULD YOU SEEK GOD?

A) Seek Him with a Passion- (Psa 63:1) O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

B) Seek Him until He Comes- (Hosea 10:12) Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

C) Seek Him by Faith- (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

What are YOU looking for today? Heaven and Earth will pass away but God remains. Come to Him.

There is a Danger in Not seeking Him- (1 Chr 28:9) 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.

This can deteriorate to the place until God can’t be found even if you seek Him!!- (John 8:21) Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

JOY- (1 Chr 16:10-11) Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. {11} Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

DANGER- (1 Chr 28:9) 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.

EVIL NOT TOO- (2 Chr 12:14) And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

WILL BE FOUND- (2 Chr 15:2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

ALL HEART- (2 Chr 31:21) And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

TAKES TIME- (2 Chr 34:3) For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

SEEK/DO-(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.

FOUNDATION- (Isa 51:1) Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

NEAR-

NOT FOUND- (Hosea 5:6) They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. (Hosea 5:15) I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

SUDDENLY COME- (Mal 3:1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

CAN’T COME- (John 8:21) Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

(John 13:33) Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

BASIS OF FAITH (Acts 17:27) That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Luke 12:41-48 WORKING AS WE WAIT

(Luke 12:41‑48) [NIV] Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” {42} The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? {43} It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. {44} I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. {45} But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. {46} The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. {47} “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. {48} But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

The Student asked the Teacher, Why do you always answer my questions with another question? Said the Teacher to the Student, Do I do that?

God is also good at answering questions with questions. In today’s scripture Peter asks if the preceding Parable was just for the disciples or did it pertain to everyone. Jesus answered by posing a question concerning the definition of a faithful and wise Trustee.

The First thing we learn today then is a TROUBLING TRUTH- GOD DOES NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS. Instead, He makes us expand our thought process until we begin to see things from His perspective.

It may be best described in this saying, Life is not a destination, it is a journey. Life is not a place we arrive at; it is an experience we journey through. It’s purpose is to prepare us to fellowship with God. It is not to enable us to settle in this world and satisfy fleshly desires or develop human wisdom. If we ever forget we are pilgrims and strangers in this world we have major problems; and that is exactly what has happened to many of God’s workers today.

That brings us to the three VERY IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES from today’s Scriptures:

(1) EVERY Christian is given a TASK TO FULFILL as we await the Lord’s return. Work will vary but everyone is a worker.

(2) Jesus is going to return for the Church UNEXPECTEDLY

(3) You will be held PERSONALLY ACCOUNTABLE for what you know and what you do with what you know.

{Brings me to a necessary Disclaimer- Those listening today with a tender conscience will be prone to be overcome with guilt. While those with hard hearts will pass this off as just another excitable Preacher sermon. I must comfort the tender conscience lest they lost hope while confronting the hard hearted lest they fail to hear this important message. Your prayers are important as it will take Holy Ghost Power and Wisdom}

Realizing our accountability to be good workers we need to see HOW THIS SCRIPTURE DESCRIBES A GOOD WORKER:

(1) Does his Duty (vs 43) And is Rewarded (vs 44)

The Obvious question then is what is your duty at Grace? In your Family? For the kingdom of God?

Doing your Duty add joy to life- Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified.‑‑Samuel Johnson

(2) Does not become Selfish or Slack (vs 45) or is Punished (vs 46. Note that punishment is a portion with Unbelievers!).

Do you use People? Do fleshly desires dominate you and prevent service?

(3) Recognize that accountability comes with Responsibility (vs 47-48)

Aware that we are accountable leads us to ask these questions:

A) What Kind of Worker are you?

1> Conditional Worker- Doesn’t do windows. Willing to only serve in a specific place, at a specific time, under specific circumstances.

2> Under qualified Worker- Humility won’t allow you to help because you aren’t perfect yet.

3> Back Seat Workers- Good at telling others how they should serve but unwilling to serve themselves.

B) What is your area of responsibility? This one was to feed the other servants. Yours may be a cup of cold water (Janice’s Hamburger) or the Widow’s Mites. Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.‑‑Josh Billings

C) Are you willing to face God with the way you have handled the work you were given to do? Opportunity demands responsibility; EVEN IF YOU FAIL TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY! (Knew His Lord’s will, and prepared not himself). Refusing to do what is right does not excuse you from being held accountable for your responsibility.

What awaits you? Crowns? Stripes? Hell?

Examine your use of the talents God has given you.

Dedicate yourself to doing what needs to be done

Make sure you are a Worker for God and not Satan- Are you born again?

Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing,

Learn to labor and to wait.

‑‑Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Are you concerned about the Stripes that await you because for years you have failed to do right? Good News- Jesus has already taken your stripes for you- (Isa 53:5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. This means you need to Trust Him as Savior and serve Him as Lord. That way you can look forward to death instead of dreading the judgement.

Luke 12:54-59 DILIGENT DISCERNMENT

Jesus has just spent a tremendous amount of time and energy talking to the people and His disciples about some very important subjects – Wealth, Worry, watching for the Lord’s return, Working until He returns, and the warfare that a relationship with God brings to a family. Now He ends this chapter with a Warning about our attitude as we approach the last days.

The key word He uses is DISCERNMENT- The ability to Perceive, to detect, or to distinguish. Men know how to get to the stars, but they do now know how to get to Heaven! Can discern Weather but can’t discern things of God.

There are TWO THINGS JESUS TELLS US TO RECOGNIZE:

1) THE TIMES WE LIVE IN

2) THE TRUTH (Judge what is right)

Discernment is a:

A) Mark of Maturity-

Daily Actions- (DECISIONS) (Heb 5:14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Pray for- (DESIRE)(Phil 1:9-10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; {10} That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

B) Makes work Profitable- (Mat 7:6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

C) Needs Spirit Direction- (1 Cor 2:14-15) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. {15} But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Knowledge produces Faith- Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing by Word

Love Produces Obedience- If you Love me keep my commandments

DILIGENCE- (Effort to Make Peace) Men will do anything to stay out of prison but few show the same diligence and concern to stay out of Hell!

SATISFIES- (Prov 21:5) The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

GIVES SECURITY- (2 Pet 1:10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Luke 13:1-5 ARE ACCIDENTS ACCIDENTS??

When Pilate brought the official Roman ensigns into Jerusalem the image of Caesar infuriated the Jews. A crowd gathered, ready to die if necessary to stop Pilate. Finally, he backed down and the ensigns were returned to Ceasarea. Later, he “appropriated” money from the temple treasury to help build an aqueduct. Again a crowd gathered to protest. Pilate sent soldiers among them dressed as civilians who used concealed weapons to kill a number of these unarmed Jews.

The question being asked of Jesus is why God would allow these men to be killed even as they stood against the wrong Pilate was doing and were offering sacrifice to God. Or, in the case of the men on whom the tower in Siloam fell, these men were not rebelling but simply doing their job. Why did God allow them to die when they were simply doing a work that needed to be done?

These type questions have plagued men since the beginning of time. Why do we die when we die? Are Accidents really Accidents or if their some grand scheme to our life; and death? Your perception about these questions will go a long way toward determining how you face the tragedies and triumphs of life.

Four Theories about man’s life on earth:

1) LUCK- Man is simply an animal that evolved from the earth. His life and death are simply the result of good or bad “luck”- (Eccl 9:11-12) I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. {12} For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. In this case, Accidents are simply accidents. There is no pattern or plan to life; it’s just eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die.

2) PUPPETS- God is the CAUSE of all that happens to a man- (Eph 1:11) …being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: God causes men to be born, to live a certain way, and to die at a certain time. This attitude is normally used to BLAME God for tragadies that happen to us or for failures in our own life (God made me this way).

3) ROBOTS- God is in CONTROL of man but Man has a great deal to do with what happens to him. This is usually expressed that God make the world, set it spinning, gave man all he needs, and only checks back on him from time to time. Your life, as well as your death, are simply part of God’s great “jigsaw” puzzle that is slowly being put together.

4) MASTER/SERVANT- God has a purpose and a place for everyone. We work together with God within the limits of the FREE WILL God has given us. We depend on God’s Provision, Protection, and Providence while realizing that our own actions help determine what happens to us.

Take for instance the length of our life. Planned by God to be a certain length there are some things we can do to shorten that life (Mat 15:4) For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

And some things we can do to lengthen that life- (Eph 6:2-3) Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; {3} That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

That means that Death, and the situations of life are the result of

1) The Sovereignty of God- (Dan 5:23) Belshazzar, …the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

2) The Sin of Man- (Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3) The Circumstances of Life- (Eccl 8:8) 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.

POWERS THAT INFLUENCE WHAT HAPPENS TO US:

1) God’s Plan

2) Human Conditions Man’s Free Will will not over ride God’s Plan because God’s Plan takes man’s Free Will into account!

A) Human Weakness

B) Human Sin

3) Satanic Opposition thru

A) Temptation and Trial

B) Principalities and Powers

What should you do as you come face to face with Accidents?

1) Stay within God’s Plan

2) Obey God’s Laws- Disease, Disaster

3) Resist the Devil so you won’t get caught up in God’s wrath

Luke 13:6-9 CHANGING LIFE’S SUCCESS: FRUITFUL TREES

GOAL: WANT PEOPLE TO RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD, LIVE IN GOD’S WILL, AND DO GOD’S WORK.

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 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? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:6-9).

Numerous Trees are mentioned in the Bible:

1. Tree of Sin in Eden where man wanted to become god instead of serve God.

2. Tree of Stupid- Make god from half and use other half to cook meal (Isaiah 44:)

3. Tree of Sweetness- So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. (Exodus 15:22-26).

4. Tree of Sacrifice- Calvary

5. Tree of Success-God expects Fruit. If you waste your life and the resources God has given you then there will be consequences.

Third Year fruit inspection is a critical time in the life of a Church. That is when the “Boss” inspects the type of fruit it produces (Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 7:19) and the amount of fruit it produces (A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 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 13:6-7).

At this critical junction three measures are put into place to save the “fruit tree” from simply “cumbering the ground” instead of accomplishing it appointed task (And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:8-9).

There is a Delay in Judgment (a fourth year) so the dresser of the vineyard can Dig about the tree (Break up the fallow hard ground surrounding the tree so air [of the Spirit] and water [of the Word] can nourish the tree), and Dung the tree (Allow the waste from others [circumstances and situation that provide opportunities for fruitful service] to fertilize the soil around the tree).

Luke 13:6-9 EARNING YOUR AIR-

You, and a large number of other people, are trapped in a cave in at a mine. The air is running out and the only means of escape is digging through to the outside air. Everyone begins frantically to dig. You stop for a moment to catch your breath, look around, and notice that numerous people are not digging. One girl is busy painting her nails, a man is busy counting the money in his wallet, and several others are engaged in heated conversation about how hot it is in the cave.

You know the air is fast running out and everyone needs to be busy digging. Maybe your question to these people would be, “What are you doing to earn the air you are breathing?” To some degree, that is the question Jesus is asking in this parable.

With that in mind I want to ask you two questions today:

1) WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO EARN THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE EXISTING? Or, as Jesus put it, “why cumbereth it the ground?” This is the only place “Cumbereth” is used in the Bible. It is a word meaning to occupy space without providing any benefit.

Trees don’t need signs to identify them. They are identified by their Fruit!

Almost everyone knows that they are supposed to produce “Fruit” as a Christian; but many don’t know exactly what that means. This brings confusion and doubt. Let’s look at several “Fruits” that are expected in the Christian life.

1) Souls Won to Christ- (Prov 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

2) Change in behavior caused by your beliefs- (Mat 3:8) Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

3) Christian Character produced by the Holy Spirit- (Gal 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

4) Success and accomplishment in your work for God- (Phil 1:22) But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

5) Lips that bring praise instead of problems- (Heb 13:15) By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Fruitless branches are cut off. What are YOU producing?

2) IS THIS YOUR “THIS YEAR”? (Luke 13:8-9) And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: {9} And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. This parable is directed specifically at Israel and their rejection of Christ but it has application to all of us. Is God’s Patience wearing out with us? Does He come daily to our life looking for Fruit and leave disappointed. How far into your “This year” are you?

(John 15:5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Luke 13:6-9 THE SHOVEL OR THE AXE

This is one of the most powerful and pointed parables Jesus ever uttered. It’s meaning to the nation of Israel is crystal clear from our viewpoint today- For three years God had looked for Israel to repent, accept Christ at the Messiah, and begin producing proper fruit for God. Instead, they had killed John the Baptist, found fault with the teaching and ministry of Jesus, and rejected Him as Messiah. Jesus was warning them that less than a year remained before He would stop digging around them looking for fruit; and, instead, would allow the Father to bring out the axe. And it happened exactly as He said as the final rejection put the Jews aside and brought the Gospel to the Gentiles who would bring forth the fruit God demanded.

And that brings us to the PRIMARY PRINCIPLE of this Parable- IF WE WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM THE SHOVEL WE MUST FALL BY THE AXE. God will provide us every opportunity to produce Fruit but if His work with the shovel does not produce results then He will bring out the axe- Just as the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, proclaimed- (Luke 3:9) And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

There are THREE QUESTIONS I feel must be answered from this parable:

I. WHAT FRUIT IS GOD LOOKING FOR?

II. WHY SHOULD WE BE CUT DOWN IF THIS FRUIT IS NOT PRODUCED?

III. WHY HAVEN’T WE BEEN CUT DOWN ALREADY IF THIS FRUIT IS ABSENT?

I. WHAT FRUIT IS GOD LOOKING FOR?

A) In Sinners, CONVERSION- Theses Jews needed to accept Christ as the Savior and Messiah from God. So do you! God has been digging around your heart for years, trying to get you to turn from Satan, receive pardon for you sins, and become a part of the body of Christ. But Sunday after Sunday there has been no fruit. How soon the axe??

B) From Christians, CHARACTER: God does not look for a sign on a tree to identify it, He looks for Fruit! He’s not interested in what you say; but What you are!! Let me list 5 of the main Fruits:

1> SOULS WON TO CHRIST: (Prov 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Not just how many you win; but how many you witness to. Multitudes of Christians go for an entire year without once sharing their salvation story with another. A traveling Salesman named Rigby always made it a point to invite someone to attend Church with him. Through the course of years 12 of these people were saved and 4 answered the call to preach!

2> HOLINESS OF LIFE: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Rom 6:22) Ask any sinner on the street what he expects to see from a Christian and he will say, Purity of life. Ask him who he believes is a Hypocrite and he will answer, Anyone who claims to be a Christian and lives an impure life.

3> CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23). Contrast that with those who seem to always bring strife, confusion, and trouble- (Heb 6:7‑8) 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: {8} But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Do you produce briers instead of Blessing?

4> CHRISTIAN GROWTH: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col 1:10). Is your relationship with the Lord better today than it was a year ago? Are you walking with God or sitting on the seat of apathy and indifference (Contrast Mickie needing time to grow and Damon willing to Struggle).

5> CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Heb 13:15). I never hear some people utter a word of praise to God about His many Blessings. Either they don’t recognize them or they take them for granted.

When God walks through our church today, these are some of the things He is looking for before He changes the shovel for the axe.

II. WHY SHOULD WE BE CUT DOWN IF THIS FRUIT IS NOT PRODUCED?

1) The shortest and surest way to deal with you- Why waste time

2) Sufficient space for repentance has already been given you

3) No sign of improvement has been shown

4) You harbor disease that may infect the other good trees

5) You have filled the space that another tree might have filled to produce Fruit for God. Why Cumbereth it the Ground

6) No fruit has been produced- A servant in my house to feed upon my bread, to be clothed with my bounty, and yet never to obey me but to live in constant reckless disregard of my most reasonable commands.

III. WHY HAVEN’T WE BEEN CUT DOWN ALREADY IF THIS FRUIT IS ABSENT?

Why has God spared you? BECAUSE JESUS IS PLEADING FOR YOU! He is asking for:

A) A TIME OF MERCY- Let it alone, don’t cut it yet

B) A TIME OF RENEWED EFFORT- Digging and Dunging

C) A TIME OF EXPECTATION- If it bear Fruit, well; and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

D) A TIME NOW LIMITED- One More year

The parable ends open ended- Did the Tree bear fruit? Was it Cut down? We can’t answer the parable but we can answer for our own life.

Your Choice today is to Bow Down or be Cut Down. If we will not benefit from the shovel we must fall by the axe.

O Undecided Soul, How long swing you between Heaven and Hell and act as if it were hard to choose between the slavery of Satan and the Liberty of God our Father. Come today while time remains

I have long withstood his grace,

Long provoked him to his face;

Would not hearken to his calls;

Grieved him by a thousand falls

Depths of mercy! Can there be

Mercy still reserved for me?

Can my God his wrath forbear?

Me, the chief of sinners spare?

Luke 13:10-17 BREAKING SATAN’S BONDAGE

For 18 years this woman had been held in the grip of Satan’s bondage. It affected her looks, her abilities, and her companions. Many people today are in bondage to Satan; although it may not be as obvious as in the case of this woman. Today we want to see how we can break Satan’s bondage and live as God intended.

FIRST thing we must do is acknowledge that we are in a battle with Satan for control of our body, our beliefs, our behavior, and our effectiveness for God. We must realize that Satan wants to control us so there is bad we cannot stop doing or good we cannot make ourselves do.

This would seem to be obvious but many people still think the problem is their lack of ability or effort. They think that somehow if they could just learn something, or do something, then their situation would change.

Let me illustrate how futile this self effort is- I am going to put a board with a handle on the floor. Then I’m going to get a volunteer to stand on the board and attempt to pick himself up. It will be obvious to all of you that this is impossible (Due to the law of equal and opposite force- you push down with the same force you pull up with).

If we leave Satan/Demons out of the control of our life then that leaves us with only 2 culprits- self or God. If we blame ourselves we feel hopeless because we can’t do anything to stop. If we blame God we lose Faith and Hope.

So the first thing we must do is recognize and acknowledge that we are in a Spiritual Battle for the control of our life.

SECONDLY, we must believe that Satan’s power can be broken. If you believe you are a helpless victim of a heavenly tug-of-war between 2 nearly equal Heavenly Super powers then you will not believe you can obtain freedom- and What you believe determines what you do. You must realize that Satan can only take advantage of the opportunities you give him.

So our question becomes, How do we protect ourselves from Satan’s bondage and control?

1) Choose to know and accept the Truth-(John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Acknowledge the weakness of your fleshly life. Accept the fact of your spiritual standing- (Col 1:12‑13) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {13} Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: YOU ARE GOD’S PROJECT AND GOD NEVER FAILS

2) Choose righteousness as a way of life- You are not a robot that God will make do right. He will empower you, encourage you, and indwell you; but He won’t MAKE you do right. And Satan will use the wrong you do to Accuse you, Intimidate you, Deceive you, and Tempt you to do more wrong. I’d rather stumble in the path of righteousness than strut in the path of the wicked.

3) Take Authority over Satan, his demons, and his control (Just as Jesus did for this woman).

A) Believe in the Power and Authority of Christ- By Faith you must believe that God is ABLE and WILLING to deal with Satan’s attack on your life. Faith does not create reality; faith responds to reality (Compare to Name it and Claim it who say you create reality by believing a certain way). You can’t pretend you don’t have feelings or struggles. You can believe God is able to help you overcome their power.

B) Be Bold in your Stand- (2 Tim 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. To fear is to put more faith in the enemy than in God. The only thing big about a demon is his mouth. Jesus did not question or quarrel with Demons, He ordered them to obey God’s directions.

C) Depend on God- Our Strength must come from the Lord. Humility must be the key word as we rely on GOD’S STRENGTH.

5 Foundational Guidelines for those who would be free from the bondage of the world system: (Adapted from an article by Neil Anderson).

1) Denying yourself- Denying yourself is not the same as self denial. The ultimate purpose of self denial is self promotion- to get a good grade, to break a record, to achieve frame.

Jesus was talking about the essential Battle of life- The scramble for the throne. The struggle is over who is going to be god.

2) Pick up your cross daily- not our own cross but Christ’s cross, To pick up the cross daily means to acknowledge every day that we belong to God. We stop trying to become something we aren’t and we rest in the finished work of Christ.

3) Follow Christ- Seeking to overcome self by self effort is a hopeless struggle. We must follow Christ by being led by the Holy Spirit down the path of death to self (2 Cor 4:11). We were not designed to function independent of God. Only when we are dependent on Him and intent on following Christ are we complete.

4) Sacrifice the lower life to gain the higher life- Shoot for this world and that is all you will get. Shoot for the next world and God will throw in this one as a bonus- I Tim 4:8

Ask yourself this question-Where is the majority of your time, energy, and money being invested? Do you want to be happy as a human animal or blessed as a Child of God?

6) Sacrifice the temporal to gain the eternal. The Biggest sign of spiritual maturity is the ability to postpone rewards- Heb 11:24-26

You can be free or you can live in constant fear of Satan. The difference is Dependence on Christ- (John 8:36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The very first sermon Jesus preached dealt with setting the Captives free- (Luke 4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Christ came to proclaim deliverance to the Captives. Don’t allow Satan to keep you bound.

Luke 13:10-13 BRINGING UP THE BOWED DOWN

Many people come to Church bowed and broken instead of triumphant and thrilled. And, like this woman, they are easy to overlook because their problem keeps them out of sight. Afraid to participate, wanting only the anonymity of slipping into the service and then easing out again; they long for liberty but expect only more pain and suffering.

This woman’s problem (a spirit of infirmity) was manifested on the outside. If we today were able to turn the spiritual problems of the people in this church into physical manifestations we would think we needed a hospital instead of a church!!

—Some would be startled to sit beside a corpse, dead in sin

—Some would be astonished to see those beside them blinded by sin

—Some would be repulsed by those maimed and twisted by unrighteousness

—Some would be amazed by those paralyzed with a trembling faith

—Some would be frightened by those who would have fits of passion or despair

—Some would wonder at those who would burn with the fever of fanaticism one minute and tremble with arctic coldness of heart the next.

Aren’t you glad your spiritual sickness is not seen by everyone here!

Today I want to note three things about this woman; and apply them to the situations of those present in our congregation today.

I. HER SICKNESS– Bowed down by a spirit of infirmity (A Physical sickness caused by a Spiritual problem! Just like multitudes of problems today).

A) Caused her to have a downward, instead of upward, look- At one time she had lifted her face to the sun, marveled at the stars, felt the midst of the rain on her face; but no more. Where others leaped for joy, she stooped in grief; for her gaze was toward the dirt instead of the blue sky- Just like today, there are those who are bowed by Satan’s attack-If there is a dark passage in the Word of God, if there is a negative comment in the message; they know it must be meant for them. Despair, doubt, and fear hound their life as they look at every thing from the downward, instead of upward, view.

B) Was beyond her control- Telling her to straighten up would do no good. Physical efforts would produce no results. Her sisters had probably told her to watch her posture, her mother had probably told her to try a little harder, and her neighbors had probably given her a bucket full of advice- Advice is normally given for free, and that is very proper, for in many cases that is it’s full value!

None of these things helped her situation, however. This was not a situation she could Will herself to change.

C) Did not keep her from Church- Jesus called her a daughter of Abraham (vs 16) and no sin was mentioned. This physical bondage did not keep her from doing the right thing.

What if she had felt sorrow for herself and missed church this day??

D) Had lasted for 18 years- 18 years of joy speed by like a moment, 18 years of pain drag 12 mournful months behind each year. Day after day the back would bend more and plunge the spirit just as low. Satan’s chain had grown stronger and stronger for 18 years; but Christ broke it completely in less than 18 seconds!!!

II. THE PART OF SATAN

A) He had cunningly bound this woman for 18 years by something she had said or done. How important it is that we be aware of the doors we open to Satan.

B) Satan had bound her to the downward look- Like tying the head of an animal to its knee (Jesus used the illustration of loosing a donkey and carrying it to water). Satan does this today as he gets people to turn within and see only their world- They lament their infirmities, mourn their corruption, and watch their own emotions

Like the animal bound at the trough, she could see the water but not drink from the trough (Like many who attend church but never rejoice).

C) Satan had done all he could do (Glory!)- He bowed her toward the grave but could not put her in it. Like the limits on Job, there is just so much the devil can do to a child of God. Satan CANNOT SHOOT YOU; He can only fire his gun and hope the fear will paralyze you.

III. THE SAVIOR SETS HER FREE

A) He Saw Her- Jesus looks for those in need

B) He Called Her- Just as she was; She couldn’t mend herself but He could

C) He Loosed her from the Spirit of infirmity- The Cure for her sickness was the WORD of the Lord.

RESULTS:

1) She was made straight- The weakness of the body was strengthened, the rut of bowing was destroyed.

2) She glorified God- The ultimate purpose for all things.

CAN WE EXPECT THE SAME TODAY:

1) God is kind- If YOU would give water to a thirsty ox won’t God set you free?

2) God Cares- This was a Special Relationship (HIS ox). It was not a neighbor’s problem but his personal ox.

3) God still opposes Satan- If Satan binds them God has no greater joy than setting them free.

4) God does not want to wait another day- The synagogue ruler said she had been bound 18 years so Jesus should have waited another day. Jesus said today was the day to set her free. Today is the day of Salvation. Today is the day God wants to bring up the bowed down.

Are you bowed by Guilt, Fear, Doubt? Christ can set you free.

He will:

1) Relieve the Guilt of your past

2) Give you Hope for the Future

3) Provide Help for the Present- He is able to Control life’s circumstances, Change life’s patterns, Contribute to life’s enjoyment.

Why live bowed down when Christ wants to bring you up??

Luke 13:10-17 COUNTERING CONFLICT

Several conflict situations have come up this week in my counseling work- 1) A Father and Daughter were in conflict about how much control she should have over her life now that she is 18 and living away from home most of the time as she attends college. 2) A husband and wife struggled with felt needs. One wanted more loving while the other wanted more understanding.

All of us deal with conflicts in our life. Sadly, becoming a Christian does not alleviate the situation; it sometimes makes it worst. In today’s scripture we see that Jesus was again in conflict with the Pharisees. What I would like for us to see is how He handled this conflict so that we could apply those principles in our own life.

I. THE REASON FOR THE CONFLICT–

A) From the Pharisees Viewpoint- Jesus was breaking their idea of what was normal. They didn’t mind him healing this woman as long as it was done on the day and using the way they preferred. They were sincere in their belief; and held to these beliefs so firmly until they were willing to face a conflict (Compare to today when many do not hold any belief firm enough to stand against others to maintain that belief).

Take the abortion issue today. While you know my anti-abortion stand, I still must admit that many people who are for abortion are sincere in their belief about a woman’s right to choose (The wrongness in this issue comes from the fact that they major on the woman’s right instead of the child’s life).

B) From the Viewpoint of Jesus- He was more concerned with breaking the bondage Satan had over this woman than He was in preserving the Pharisees ideas of the Normal. Throughout the Gospels Jesus consistently puts His mission from the Father over the preservation of a religious system- no matter that the religious system in its original form came from God and was now the accepted system by all the religious leaders of His nation.

II. THE REJOICING AFTER THE CONFLICT– vs 17 At the end of the conflict something happened that all of us would like to see happen to conflict-

A) The Adversaries were ashamed

B) The People were joyful

How can we bring this same kind of end to the conflicts we face?

1. Remember that Jesus daily walked with God- (Prov 16:7) When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

2. Jesus had a daily prayer time to seek God’s Wisdom- (Prov 16:20) He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

3. Jesus did not let the logic of feelings control Him- (Prov 14:12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

4. Jesus exalted the truth- Story of the ox released for water- (Prov 14:25) A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

5. Jesus found a way to bring the contention to a conclusion- He healed the woman- (Prov 18:18) The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Luke 13:18-23 What in the World is Wrong with the Church

Luke 13:18-23- Matt 13:24-33, 44-45

This week I had to take both my cars to be worked on the same day. One had a leak in the AC and wouldn’t cool. The other had a leak in a tire and it was flat. When we tried to repair this tire we found it was so slick until it could not be fixed. I had to replace it. That is sort of what we are talking about today. The Church seems to be leaking and failing when everyone things it should be victorious. Today I want us to see how slick the tire is, and why.

Some have used these parables to teach the Visible outward growth of the Kingdom- Seed into tree and the Invisible inward influence of the kingdom- Leaven.

Several things hinder this view- Jesus always uses leaven as a symbol of corruption and it would not be consistent for Him to use it here as a sign of growth. Second, There has never been a time that the kingdom has grown to the place of filling the world or permeating society (In fact, the opposite is true. The Church has been, and always will be, a minority in this present world).

We must continually remember that One of Satan’s method of attack is to Imitate God’s Work. Today we are going to see how he does that as He plants false Christians, He encourages false growth, and he introduces false doctrine.

1. THE TARES- FALSE CHRISTIANS Matt 13:24-30,36-43 NO FRUIT

Satan plants counterfeit Christians in the midst.

Satan has counterfeit Christians (2 Cor 11:26) He encourages a counterfeit righteousness (Rom 10:1-3), and even has a counterfeit church (Rev 2:9) At the end of the age, he will produce a counterfeit Christ (2 Thess 2:1-12).

The end of these false plants will be to be bound together and burned while the fruitful plants are gathered with God.

2. THE MUSTARD SEED – FALSE GROWTH Matt 13:31-32 ABNORMAL GROWTH/POLITICAL EMPHASIS

The birds represent Satan. The Rapid growth of the Tree is a symbol of a world power. This is the Church in which political power allows Satan to use the Church for his purposes (Liberal Churches today- Ecology, Animal activist, Political parties using the Church)

3. THE LEAVEN- FALSE DOCTRINE Matt 13:33 WRONG THAT SOUNDS RIGHT

The Mustard seed illustrate false outward expansion of the kingdom, the leaven illustrates the inward development of false doctrine and false living.

Leaven is a symbol of evil. It was to be removed from the Jewish home during Passover. Jesus used Leaven to picture hypocrisy (Luke 12:1) and false Teaching (Matt 16:6-12). Paul used Leaven to picture carnality in the Church (I cor 5:6-8) as well as false doctrine (Gal 5:9)

False Doctrine has permeated the Church today (Homosexual, Abortion, “Love”, New Age, No Discipleship Christians.).

We need to Find the Hidden Treasure or the Pearl of Great Price that is worth selling all for. It won’t be obvious (Hidden) but it will be worth the search.

Luke 13:23-30 AGONIZING TO ENTER

Last week Jesus warned us about the Dangers of False Christians (Tares in the Wheat), False Growth (Mustard Seed into tree), and False Doctrine (Leaven in Dough). Today He shows us an even greater danger; False Hope of Salvation.

This is a dangerous message (little hope may become no hope or some with hope may become discouraged). But it is a needful message; because some may be here with False hope, which they won’t realize if false until death- and the consequences are eternal!

The Jews often debated the number of people who would be saved. They did it from an abstract position, however. They viewed themselves as saved because of their ancestry. Their question was whether any of the Samaritans or Gentiles would be saved also. Jesus’s answer was basically this, Don’t worry about the many, Just be sure you are one of them!

The Parable can be divided into Three Parts:

A) The Effort Urged- Strive (Agonize) to Enter the Strait Gate

B) The Eliminated Acknowledged- Many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

C) The Explanation given- the Master has shut the Door

THE PROBLEM then is that these people waited too late to respond, the door was closed.

Why did they wait so long?

1) Wanted Ease over Agony (Describes an athlete giving his best to win the contest). If you want easy explanations and easy living then follow Satan.

2) Accepted Familiarity as Faith (vs 26-27). Eat and drink with. Heard his teachings. Do you know about Jesus or do you KNOW Him?

3) Trusted in Physical Pride instead of Spiritual Principles (28-30). Born as Jews but never Born again.

First shall be last, last first (Tortoise and Hare). Greatest is Servant–Notice who I brag on: Those who serve. Notice what I teach our youth: Come to Church to serve the Lord, not to be entertained (Self service).

Are you one of the Saved?

Are you Agonizing to Enter?

Is your Faith in Christ or in the Familiar

Don’t Wait until the Door is closed

Don’t weep on the outside looking in.

Luke 13:24 STRIVE

The Christian Life is not simply Faith, it’s also a Fight. The Discipline and Dedication needed to successfully accomplish God’s will for your life is missing in many Christians today and as a result the Devil is destroying our Foundations and our Families. I want to look at some things the Bible Commands us to “Strive” to do and help us to see our obligation to God and His Work.

The Bible says we are to STRIVE:

1. To enter the strait Gate Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. The word “strive” here means “to struggle to accomplish something” and literally means to “struggle as in agony”. This involves Determination and a willingness to suffer to accomplish something. Compare that with the average Christian today who is unwilling to do anything for the Lord if it involves inconvience or discomfort. How many Christians “wrestle” in Prayer, fast, read the Bible regularly?

2. For the Mastery (Reward given to the Winner) II Tim 2:5 Strive [to content in the Games] for the mastery (See I Cor 9:25- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.)

American praise our Olympic athletes but few of them are willing to put in the time and effort of the athlete in order to become the “best in the world”. In similar fashion, Most Christians would like to do something “great” for the Lord but are unwilling to put in the necessary time and effort.

3. Against Sin Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Here the word means “to struggle against” and gives the idea of struggling to the point of injury. Most Christians seem much more eager to embrace sin than to expose it. Are we struggling against sin or snuggling up to it???

4. As a group- In Prayer Rom 15:30 Striving [To struggle in company with] together in prayers. Group Prayers are great!! For Faith Phil 1:27 Strive together for the Faith. A body of Believers tend to act as “checks and balances” on someone straying from the right path- but there must be concern.

5. Not about words- II Tim 2:14 Strive not about words to no profit Do we simply Talk a good life or live one??

6. In God’s Power- Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Do we realize that all of our efforts will fail apart from the Power of God?? Do we constantly seek to have that power on our lives??

Don’t Strive with God– Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What maketh thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? But Realize that God will not always strive with you!! Gen 6:2 My Spirit shall not always strive [to appear in court] with man

Luke 13:34-35 I WOULD…YOU WOULD NOT

I. THE MURDEROUS OPPOSITION- Killed the Prophets and stoned them that were sent to you.

II. THE MISSED OPPORTUNITY- I would have gathered thy children under Hen’s wings and YOU WOULD NOT!! (John 1:11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Hen’s Wings are a place of Love, Protection, and Tender Care. Instead you chose to live in a wicked world and face the storms of life in your own strength.

III. THE OMINOUS MESSAGE-

A) Your House is left desolate- In 40 years Jerusalem would be totally destroyed- not one stone left on another, starve, slaves, eat own young.

B) You will not see me until you are willing to admit that I am the Messiah from God.

The reason why the wicked are not saved is their own obstinacy. They chose not to be saved, and they die-(John 5:40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

The fact that Israel rejected the King would not hinder God’s great plan of redemption. Jesus left Israel for the Church. When that is raptured then the 7 year Tribulation of Jacob’s trouble will come to bring Israel to God. At the end of that they will see Christ return visibly.

(Deu 1:26) Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:

(Deu 1:43) So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.

(1 Sam 13:13) 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.

(Prov 1:25) But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: Noah offered escape but they would not enter the door.

I would have given you Abundant Life…You would not come

I would have Confessed you before God…You would not confess me before men- (Mat 10:32-33) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. {33} But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

(Rom 10:9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

(1 John 4:15) Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

I would have Blessed you…You would not Commit to follow me.- We don’t try Jesus, we Trust Jesus Completely. Like Jesus we seek to Love Righteousness and Hate iniquity (Heb 1:9).

Luke 14 CROSS COST

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:25-33).

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting (Luke 18:18-30).

What are YOU willing to Give Up for Christ? COUNT THE COST OF COMMITMENT:

• Your relationship with your family- If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household (Matthew 10:36) – Sometimes when you get what you want you do not want what you get!

• Your own ambitions and desires- And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

• Your plans and dreams- So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

WHAT IS THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD? Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

What do you expect from your relationship with Christ?

WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME? Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting

• The Relationship is worth the sacrifice

• The Results are worth the commitment

• The Future glory is worth the present groanings

Luke 14:1-6 WHEN IT’S RIGHT TO DO WRONG

Again, Jesus is in the home of a Pharisee for a meal. This time it is one of the CHIEF Pharisees- Again, note the fact that Jesus socialized with people a great deal, even those who were trying to trap Him.

This time a man with Dropsy is brought into the assembly (Probably a trap, the Pharisees would not normally allow such a one to attend such a special dinner. Is this the reason for Jesus’ comments in vs 12-14?). Dropsy is a disease with fluid retention and swelling. Dropsy is a symptom of disease of the heart, liver, kidneys, or brain. The condition involves the accumulation of water fluid in the body cavities or in the limbs. This is said to be a man whose arms and legs were swollen

Jesus declared the very question they wanted to ask, “IS it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” and then followed it with the healing of the man. Then Jesus answers the question by a statement about an ox or an ass who fell into a pit and would be removed on the Sabbath in order to preserve it’s life and prevent suffering.

In other words, Jesus is saying, “Normally it would be wrong to violate the law against work on the Sabbath but the circumstances of this case make it alright.”

This is where I must be extremely careful. Jesus is not teaching SITUATIONAL ETHICS in which right or wrong is dependent on situations instead of having a steadfast anchor. Situational Ethics are a very dangerous mind set. Situational Ethics allow you to justify any sin or sinful way of living by declaring it’s right in your situation- For example, Charlie finally finds a girl crazy enough to go out with him (!). They want to get married but can’t do so and expect Don and Kathy to continue to pay for his education. So they decide the Situation (their love for each other) overrules God’s rules about living together outside of marriage and they move in together. Or, you would never think about stealing something from a store but a tornado comes through, destroys many buildings in Lake City, and many other people are looting so you feel the situation makes it alright for you to steal also.

What Jesus is saying here, however, is that IT’S RIGHT TO DO WRONG WHEN THE WRONG IS REALLY RIGHT. And in this case, some examples may be worth a thousand words:

1) WHEN A THIEF IS NOT A THIEF: (Prov 6:30-32) Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; {31} But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. {32} But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. Not a matter of desire but of desperation.

2) WHEN DISOBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN OBEDIENCE: Jesus healed 10 lepers. His ORDERS to them was to go to the priest. One of them (A Samaritan) turned back (Disobeying Jesus’ instruction) but he is the one that Jesus commended and preachers preach on!!

3) WHEN CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IS RIGHT: Jesus overturning the tables of the money changers to show His disapproval of the way the people were dishonoring God’s House. Me driving 90 to get dad to the Hospital.

Luke 14:7-11 YOUR PLACE AT THE PARTY

Most people wear an invisible sign that says, “Please make me feel important”. If we heed that sign then we will succeed at human relations. If, on the other hand, we say or do things that make others feel insignificant, people will respond by becoming angry and resentful.

Today Jesus is going to show how the RIGHT PLACE and the RIGHT PEOPLE are not what God expects out of His followers. The world emphasis reputation, God looks at Character. God is more interested in how you live than in where you sit.

“Try not to become a man of success, but try to become a man of value” Albert Einstein.

(Prov 25:6-7) Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: {7} For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Taking the lowest place was not a “gimmick” that guaranteed promotion. False humility is just as bad at pride. (James 4:6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Humility is a fundamental grace in the Christian life. If you know you have it then you have lost it! Humility is not thinking meanly of ourselves; it is not thinking of ourselves at all. Our modern world is very competitive, and it is easy for God’s people to become more concerned about profit and loss than they are about sacrifice and service.

Jesus knew that host normally invited guests for 2 reasons: 1) To pay them back for some past favor. 2) to put them under social debt. You can’t get your reward twice. When we serve others from unselfish hearts, we are laying up treasures in heaven and become rich toward God.

In Jesus’ day when you invited guests to a dinner, you told them the day but not the exact hour of the meal. A host had to know how many guests were coming so he could butcher the right amount of animals and prepare sufficient food. Just before the feast was to begin, the host sent his servants to each of the guests to tell them the banquet was ready and they should come. Each of the guest in this parable had already agreed to attend the banquet and were now making excuses.

1> No man would buy a piece of land without first observing it

2> No man would buy 10 oxen without first testing them

3> No man would not know that he was going to get married. He should have turned down the invitation when it was first issued

The food would have gone to WASTE if someone did not come for it. So the host sent out his servants to get those people who would really want the food. People refuse the invitation because they settle for second best. What do you call a Boomerang that doesn’t work- a Stick.

(Psa 37:5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

(Prov 16:3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

(Prov 16:6) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

(1 Pet 4:19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

MERCY- (Psa 51:7) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

TRUTH (Isa 6:7) And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

(Heb 9:22) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

(John 15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Luke 14:25-33 CAN YOU AFFORD IT?

I need to buy a new mode of transportation. I must get something I can afford to purchase and something I can afford to operate. Jesus was talking about this same principle in today’s scripture. My question to you today is “Can you afford to become a dedicated committed Christian?”

First of all, who has the right to set the price? Only the God whom we will serve. Men normally ask 3 questions about God:

1) Who is God?

2) What does God want from me?

3) How will it impact my life if I submit to God?

Who is God?

A) No God- The Fool has said in his heart, “There is no God”. (Psalm 14:1). Some believe that everything is simply an accident of nature when a meteor crashed into earth and fragments became frogs who became men. 2 Questions I need to ask:

1) Where did the original earth and the original meteor come from?

2) Why is there an seeking after God by every people group?

B) Many Gods- (India- 2038 gods). I Cor 8:5

1) Idol Gods- Isaiah told of a man who cut a tree- Isaiah 44:19. With part of the tree he build a fire to warm himself while he made a god from the rest of the tree. Men today worship Land, Houses, money, a church (Gideon and the brazen serpent- 2 Kings 18:4).

2) Ignorant Gods- And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). A “god” who is dedicated by the mind of man or the standards of society- constant change (adultery- Nearly half of young people age 14-19 now claim to engage in oral sex or to believe that sex with the same gender is no different than sex with the opposite gender).

C) The True God- For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1 Corinthians 8:5 6). Hebrews 11 shows us that Christians believe that God exists, that He is capable of blessing His people, that He is faithful to His promises, and that He is always present with those who follow Him.

Christians believe that our God is able to empower us to:

1) Bear any trial

2) Overcome any temptation

3) Perform any task God assigns us.

4) We also believe God has prepared us a blessed eternal future.

Now that we know who God is, it brings us to the second question- What does God want from me? In other words, can I afford to become a follower of God? For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23).

1- You can’t afford the price of NOT following God- Wages of sin is death.

A) Moral death- When every man does that which is right in his own sight then chaos and anarchy results.

B) Heart death- The heart is a restless hunter, seeking only God. You can never be happy without God.

C) Eternal Death- No Help, No Hope.

2) The Gift of God is eternal life- I can afford this Gift!!

Luke 14:25-35 THE MEANING OF DISCIPLESHIP

Multitudes were following Christ now because of the supply of bread, the healings He was doing, and the “Mob Syndrome”. Christ feels compelled to explain to them the true meaning of Discipleship lest they come to accept “Cheap Easy Believism” (The Devils also “Believe” and Tremble).

Discipleship means 3 things:

I. CONVERSION– If any man come to me.

A) Repentance- Turning from Sin to the Savior

B) New Birth- Not a new leaf but a New Life and a New Lord (Sin is coming short of God’s Glory. You are now for God’s Glory).

II. COST– and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethern, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

A) A New Love- Above all your earthly relationships

B) A New Outlook-

1> Your Sins- They are now your ENEMIES. You once cherished them but now you realize they destroy you. When the boat is sinking you must throw out the cargo.

2> Your Self-Righteousness- HEAVEN IS ONLY FOR SINNERS!! (This is really PRIDE- Naaman would give money to be cleansed but didn’t want to look foolish).

3> Your Security of:

a. Residence- And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Mat 8:20).

b. Riches- And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:24). So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:33)

4> Your Social Prestige- We become “Fools” for Christ’s Sake. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub…

5> Your Self- I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20). WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED IF HE GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL??

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES AS YOU COUNT THE COST– Don’t Start to Build and then Stop. Don’t Go to war without the ability to beat the enemy.

III. CROSS– And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27).

A person has 3 Daily Needs: (1) Daily Bread- Pray For

(2) Daily Work- Be Faithful in

(3) Daily Cross- Take up and bear

This is NOT- the Cross Jesus bore- Only He could die for Sin- A Cross around the Neck as jewelry. It is death to your wants and desires. The Cross must come before the Crown.

Christianity is not just a Help for your life; A good set of principles to follow; or a life insurance policy. It is a life submitted to God for His Glory. Have you ever Trusted Christ as your Savior and Submitted to Him as Lord? Today is the day of Salvation.

Luke 14:27 Discipleship

1. Must bear a Cross as Christ And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

2. Must forsake all for Christ So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple Luke 14:33

3. Must Continue in Jesus’ Words Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31

4. Must Love one another A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35

5. Must bear fruit Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8

Luke 14:29 MOCKING MOMENTS

In this parable Jesus tells about counting the Cost or else we may start something and then be a laughing stock because we were not able to complete it. Today, I want us to look at some Mocking Moments in the Bible and see the power that mocking can have to affect our attitudes and our actions. And, hopefully, we will learn to be careful as we learn that making fun is not always fun (Think of a time in your life that someone mocked you and remember the hurt that came from that moment?)

UNWORTHY TESTIMONY CAUSES US TO BE MOCKED: (Gen 19:14) And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. People listen to your life before your lips.

MOCKING CAUSED ISHMAEL TO BE CAST OUT: (Gen 21:9‑10) And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. {10} Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. Fun can tear apart families.

BROUGHT SAMSON’S DOWNFALL: (Judg 16:15) And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. Mocking can cause to do what we know is wrong.

WE ARE MOCKED IF OUR RELIGION FAILS TO PRODUCE RESULTS: (1 Ki 18:27) And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

MOCKING CAN BE DANGEROUS:

ELIJAH MOCKED BY CHILDREN: (2 Ki 2:23-24) And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

CAUSED HEROD TO KILL BOY BABIES: (Mat 2:16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

MOCKING GOD’S MESSENGERS BROUGHT GOD’S WRATH: (2 Chr 36:16) 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. (Acts 17:32) And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

BEING MOCKED CAN HINDER WORK FOR GOD: (Neh 4:1) But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. How many Christians stopped a work for God because someone said something about them?

CAUSED JEREMIAH TO CONSIDER QUITTING PREACHING: (Jer 20:7‑9) O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. {8} For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. {9} 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.

Don’t STOP. Remember JESUS WAS ALSO MOCKED: (Mat 27:29‑30) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! {30} And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

MOCKING POOR IS A REPROACH: (Prov 17:5) Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

LIQUOR MAKES A MOCK OF US: (Prov 20:1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

MOCKING PARENTAL AUTHORITY IS DANGEROUS: (Prov 30:17) The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

REFUSING WISDOM CAUSES GOD TO MOCK: (Prov 1:26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

MOCKING SIN IS FOOLISH: (Prov 14:9) Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Compare to what we laugh at on TV today- Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Be careful we don’t laugh ourselves into Hell.

MOCKING IS A TRIAL FOR CHRISTIANS: (Heb 11:36) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: NOTE that Mocking is put in among Scourging and bonds and imprisonment!

SIGNS OF END TIME: (Jude 1:18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. More and more people are mocking the laws and people of God.

FINALLY, BE AWARE THAT GOD IS NOT MOCKED: (Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. You might get by with mocking me but you will never take God lightly and get by with it.

No one likes to be ignored or taken for granted. Is that the way you are treating God invitation for Salvation or Service today????

Luke 14:34-35 WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR INFLUENCE

Salt was an important commodity in Jesus’ day. In fact, Salt was part of a soldier’s Pay- The word Salt and salary are related- “He’s not worth his salt”. Salt has many uses–Preserves, Purifies, Flavors, Makes Thirsty…

Jesus says in this parable, however, that if Salt loses it flavoring ability then it is no longer any good. In the context of the Scriptures, He is talking about People who lose their INFLUENCE (ability to produce the results God intended). Jesus says that this kind of “Salt” is

— not Fit for the Land (To Destroy Weeds)

— Nor for the Dunghill (To Destroy Waste).

–Only fit to be thrown away and walked on by men.

Then He exhorts us to really listen to that message- He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

With that in mind, Today I want us look at some of the things that Influence us and see how Christians should be Influencer instead of the one being influenced.

WHAT INFLUENCES THE WAY WE TALK- Let your speech be seasoned with salt– Col 4:6 Dude, Slang,

WHAT INFLUENCES THE WAY WE WALK- Name someone, and tell how they influenced you for Christ. “I am part of all that I have met” Alfred Lord Tennyson. TV, movies, videos / Music- own, rdo, concerts (Reba Ticket Wait for 2 days) / Friends- Psalm 1:1 / Family- What you eat, how you think / School- Peer Pressure, Lessons,

1/4 of America claims to be saved. Why doesn’t 1/4 lb of salt effect 3/4 lb of meat.

Don’t want to be salt like Lot’s wife.

How does Salt lose it saltiness?? How do you others lose their influence for Christ to you? How do you lose your influence for Christ toward others?

WHAT INFLUENCES YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE

1) CLOTHES YOU BUY (Name some wouldn’t buy)

2) MOVIES YOU RENT OR ATTEND (Wouldn’t rent)

3) FOOD YOU EAT (Why one burger place over another)

God has not called us to change society. He has called us to win society to Christ so Christ will change them, which will change society.

Luke 15- RETURNING JOY TO YOUR RELIGION

There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.‑‑Henry Ward Beecher

Remember the difference between Happiness (Happiness is when things happen to happen happily) and Joy (Joy is that wonderful state of heart that rest in God’s Peace instead of changing Circumstances).

The problem with today’s society is that people have stopped desiring to Think- MUSE= Think A-MUSE= NO Think (Greek A means No). We have become people who want to be entertained without having to Think. We laugh at TV situations but we find no real joy.

2 Kinds of People are identified-

1) Publicans and Sinners drew near to hear him (No Music. Very little is said about music in Jesus ministry)

2) Pharisees and Scribes saw and MURMURED. Jesus attracted Sinners; Pharisees repelled them. (What does that say about this Church?) How did He do that?

A) Jesus did not CATER to the Lost (Entertain the World)

B) Jesus did not COMPROMISE His Message (Ease up on the Wicked)

C) Jesus simply CARED for them. How can we make our Church more Sinner Sensitive so they will want to come here? If People are not convicted to be saved because of our service for God then we need to be convicted about our Service

Most people list 2 major complaints about Church- Sermons are boring and all they ask for is money. Jesus preached sermons that appealed to everyone

Lost Sheep appealed to Men (Work)
Lost Coin from wedding necklace appealed to Women (House)
Lost Children appeal to everyone

The Lost are in Danger, Out of Service, Miserable (How many hired servants of my father have bread and to spare!). Sheep lost because of Foolishness / Coin Lost because of Carelessness- Jewish Women wore head band of ten coins (Same as wedding Band today) / Son lost because of willfulness.

FOUR JOYS IN THIS STORY:

1) For the Person Finding them– Seek the Lost until they are found. Return Joy to your life and you will attract sinners to God- (Psa 51:12‑13) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Different Service to Find Lost-

A) Go into the Wilderness seeking them

B) Sweep the House (Bellies, Bows, Benevolence).

C) Be at the House waiting on them

2) For the Person’s Friends and Family– Share the Victory with Friends- One can endure sorrow alone, but it takes two to be glad.‑‑Elbert Hubbard

3) In Heaven– (Luke 15:7) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

(Luke 15:10) Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

4) For the Person Found – Under God’s Protection (Sheep back in Fold) / Back in Place (Valuable Coin Returned / Rejoicing at the Fathers House (Son once again)

How do you get Joy in your Religion-MAKE THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING- “To Know and Show Christ” simply means to get people Saved and Serving. And this will produce a wonderful CYCLE- (Psa 51:12-13) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

The Lost was

Out of Place- Sheep out of Flock, Coin out of Necklace, Son away from Father.

Out of Service

Into Danger

Saved is Back in Place, Back in Service, Under God’s Protection

Our Purpose in Heaven is to Serve God; not BE God (Won’t get to do anything we want all the time, like fish). That is what Prodigal son wanted; to do his own thing. He had to Come back as a servant so he could be a true son. The Elder Brother was a son but he never had compassion on the wayward so he had no Joy

If People are not convicted to be saved because of our service for God then we need to be convicted about our Service.

HOW DO WE FIND JOY

1) Seek the Lost until they are found- Not Preach at, Care for

2) Share the Victory with Friends- One can endure sorrow alone, but it takes two to be glad.–Elbert Hubbard

3) If you are the one who is lost then return to where you are supposed to serve – Flock, Family, Father

Luke 15:8-10 SEEKING LOST COINS

Tell me about the most unusual place you have ever found something lost (TV Control in seam of Couch). The MAIN THING we do at Grace is try to get people to KNOW and SHOW CHRIST. In order to keep THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING it’s important to know how to look for the Lost. Today’s Parable gives us some very good principles that we NEED TO APPLY in our daily work and Witness.

These three parables show us how God goes about seek something Lost. They do so by showing how each part of the Trinity is involved in the Salvation Process.

The Shepherd (Jesus) Seeks- Willing to go into the Wilderness in order to find the Lost Sheep. So Christ came to earth for Us.

The Wife (Holy Spirit at work thru the Bride of Christ, the Church) Sweeps- shines light on those in darkness

The Father (God the Father) longs for us to leave the Hog Pen and come to His Waiting arms– waits for us to repent and return

Reason they were Lost: The Sheep wanted Greener Pastures, The Coin thru Carelessness, The Boy because of Rebellion, Lust, Selfishness (And the Older Brother by Bitterness separated him from his Brother and Father).

As Christians, WE help the ministry of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to find those who are lost. This parable shows us how that works

1) The LOST COIN. Dropped somewhere in the House it could have been:

A) Lost in Dust and Dirt- If we would reclaim we must go there

B) Lost Under Dresser- Hid from Sight so we forget

C) Lost on Floor- Plain Sight but overlooked- (Psa 142:4) I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

2) The CONDITION of the COIN:

A) Coin doesn’t know it’s lost so it’s content where it is at. Must be made aware that it is lost

B) Must not be Forgotten- This shows the Importance of Numbers (9 coins not equal to 10)

C) Lost but still claimed by woman. Sinners may be serving Satan but Christ paid the price for ALL men to be saved.

D) Returned coin had great value- Rejoicing Time (Note how much more valuable each item becomes as it heads toward a man- 1 sheep out of 100, 1 coin out of 10, 1 son out of 2)

E) Coin was lost in the House- The Sheep and the Son were lost in the Wilderness but the Holy Spirit works on men in the House of their heart

3) HOW WAS THIS COIN FOUND? (How Do we Become Soul Winners?)

A) Sought by the Woman Personally- Each one win one

B) A Matter of Great Concern to the Woman- Is it to YOU??

C) A Matter of Method- Lit a Candle (Word is Light). Swept the House- Clean up (Revival) and be willing to gather in excess to get what you are lo0king for.

D) A Matter of perseverance- Sought the Coin UNTIL SHE FOUND IT

E) A Matter of Great Joy- He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:6)

Most of you would turn your house upside down if you lost a ten dollar bill. Compare that to how much you witness and then tell me where your real concern lies!!

Luke 15:11-32 TWO BROTHERS

Dwight Moody returned from a meeting once and was asked how many decisions had been made. He replied, “2 and a Half”. Questioned about his answer he said, “Two Children and One adult had been saved. The children have their entire life to live for the Lord but the Adult has already wasted half of his life for the devil”. I want to look today at 2 brothers and see how life can be wasted and how it can be salvaged.

NOTE: Good Parents can have bad children:

1. Adam and Eve: Cain killed Abel

2. Isaac: Esau sold birthright, married to spite his father. Jacob was a deceiver

3. Jacob: 11 of his sons sold their brother Joseph into slavery

4. David: One committed incest, one killed another, one led rebellion against David

5. Samuel: He replaced Eli because Eli would not restrain his children but the people ended up wanting a king because Samuel’s sons were vile. How thankful we are that each person must face God for themselves: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ezekiel 18:20).

I. THE ELDER BROTHER. Shows the possibility of:

A) Falling without going to the Far Country. Jesus condemned the self righteous Pharisees. I was a “good” boy going to hell until I met Jesus.

B) Service without Fellowship. His fellowship was with friends and not the Father! How many people come to church to be among friends instead of to worship God? To them God is like “Santa Claus”; if you are good at the right time then you will get good presents.

C) Sonship without Brothership:

– No Soul winning. Table was full but content not to share

– No Prayer. Never talked to the Father about missing Brother

– No Faithfulness. Not there when Brother came home

– No Going. Did nothing to bring Brother home.

II. THE YOUNGER BROTHER

A) The Devil is in the Travel Agent business. He says you will find :

– Satisfaction if you abandon your responsibilities and go where excitement is.

– Freedom if you leave your Parents and the people who hinder your ability to “live it up”

– Friends will flock to you if you will only join the crowd (and spend all you money trying to impress them). [Have you ever noticed that in a beer commercial everyone is happy and has plenty of money to buy whatever they want?]

B) What he actually found. The Far Country was a place of: Sever Famine. Hungry enough to eat hog slop. Bitter Bondage. Had to work as a hired hand (How many people spend all their energy to raise money to buy drugs, drink, or “fun”. Aching Loneliness. No man gave to him. He went from son to servant to a sinner no one cared for. When his money was gone so were his friends.

The Prodigal was Restless (wanted the Far Country), Rebellious (Give me my portion), Riotous (Living it up), Ruined (Sever Famine, Hog slops) until He Remembered the Father had plenty, Repented (Make me as a servant), Returned (I will arise and go) and Received with open arms by the Father.

Any Elder Brothers here today laboring without love? Good but Lost?

Any Prodigals here today who want a “biscuit with the Father instead of a corn cob with the Devil”?

Luke 15:11-24 5 STEPS FROM THE HOG PEN TO HEAVEN

Earlier, we said that Man is unique because he can Communicate with God, “Create” like God, and Choose to serve God. We saw the importance of making the right choice- We know WHY but do we Know HOW? Let us see what we must do in order to choose the Heaven instead of the Hog Pen.

This is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. It is so well known, and so well loved, because it is so realistic; and because it has a happy ending! The basic story is about a boy who decided to rebel against his father’s control and go out on his own. Once he got on his own he found that life is not just a party. Soon his money was gone, and so were all his friends. Poverty replaced Party and Hog pens replaced High living. Finally (Glory!), he realizes his need and returns to the Father’s House where he is welcomed with open arms.

The Prodigal (The Word means Wasteful) Son got tired of living under the Father’s Authority so he obtained his inheritance and went off to be his own boss. But he found the grass was greener on the other side of the fence because it was growing over a septic Tank!

I. Sin leads us into the FAR COUNTRY (A place of IMAGINED JOYS that turns into Severe Famine, Bitter Bondage, and Aching Loneliness). In the Far Country you will find that SIN SEPARATES us from:

FAMILY- You run FROM the very people you should be running TOWARD
FORTUNE- Will cause us to Spend it all (We will earn wages to put them into a bag with holes).
FRIENDS- No man gave unto Him (Sin makes you think only of SELF. There is no one as lonely as 100 Selfish People at a Party!)
FATHER- Can but await our return (God hasn’t forsaken you. He is simply awaiting your decision to return).

II. THE FIVE (5) STEPS THE PRODIGAL TOOK FROM THE HOG PEN TO THE FATHER’S HOUSE are the Same Steps YOU NEED TO TAKE.

1) REALIZATION– “Came to Himself”. We call this CONVICTION. He finally realized the Hog Pen was the wrong place for him. Multitudes of people today are wallowing in hog slop, unaware of what a desperate situation they are in. YOU WILL NEVER CHANGE UNTIL YOU REALIZE YOU NEED TO CHANGE. If you are happy in the Hog Pen then you will never seek Heaven; and Satan’s job is to keep you happy in the Hog Pen by giving you all the slop you want! Do not have to tell a drowning man he needs to be saved!

2) EXPECTATION– “Bread Enough and to Spare” at the Father’s House. He realized that the Father had MORE THAN ENOUGH for him. We call this HOPE. He had an expectation that the Father would be able to do something about his Situation

3) DETERMINATION– “I Will Arise”. We call this FAITH. Realizing his need and believing the Father had what he needed he now must made a decision to do something about his situation. This is the place many people falter. They know about their need and they understand God’s Power but they won’t determine to do something about their situation. It is must easier to stay in the Hog pen than to arise and go to the Father.

4) DECLARATION- “I have Sinned”. We Call this REPENTANCE. The son was willing to admit his error and acknowledge his folly. He decided it would be better to be a Servant with bread in the Father’s House than have his independence and starve in the Hog Pen. His Rebellious independent spirit had turned to a servant’s heart.

SEVEN TIMES IN SCRIPTURE SOMEONE SAYS “I have Sinned”. They show us the difference between the true and the false Repentance:

1) THE HARDENED SINNER- Pharaoh (Ex 9:27). Hail, Fire, and thunder drove him to seek Relief but he didn’t really Repent. Most repentance born in a storm dies in a calm. If you make a vow to God be sure to pay it, God has no pleasure in Fools.

2) THE DOUBLE MINDED MAN- Balaam (Num 22:34). “To Good and Evil equal Bent, He seems both a devil and a saint”. No use to say “I have sinned” and keep on sinning! Balaam offered sacrifice to God on the altar of Baal; as do many today who serve God for Reputation or Riches.

3) THE INSINCERE MAN- Saul (I Sam 15:24). He blamed his sin on the People with no admission of his own guilt.

4) THE DEATH BED PENITENT- Achan (Josh 7:20) He made a full confession but was he saved?? Death bed decisions without deeds leave me a little worried (A Physician keep record of 1000 people who were desperately sick and repented and then revived. Best he could find only 3 stayed the course while the remainder went back to sin).

5) THE REPENTANCE OF DESPAIR- Judas (Matt 27:4). I hesitate to call this repentance; maybe remorse of conscience is a better term. He confessed but went right out and hanged himself.

6) THE REPENTANCE OF THE SAINT- Job (Job 7:20). He acknowledged his wandering from God (See many of the Palms of David)

7) THE REPENTANCE OF THE PRODIGAL- Broke, friendless, bottom of the social ladder, hungry he decided rebelling against the Father’s Authority was not the right course. He had demanded his portion as a Son but now he begs the portion of a Servant. He confessed in his heart and then publicly to the Father- Rom 10:9-10

5) ACTION– “He Arose, and came to the Father”. We Call this WORKS for we know that Faith without works is dead being alone. Suppose the Prodigal had knelt down at the hog trough and said, “I will pray here”; what would it have availed him? The turning point in Salvation is leaving the Hog Pen and coming to the Father; knowing that “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

So there you have it, 5 Steps from the Hop Pen to the Father’s House. Will YOU take those steps today? How deep in the Hog Pen must you go before you realize how much better it is at the Father’s house.

Realization, Expectation, Determination, and Declaration mean nothing if there is not Action. Will you exchange the slops of Satan for the Bread of Life (Jesus Christ) today?

Luke 15:25-31 HANDLING OUR INHERITANCE

Luke 15:25-31 “Meanwhile , the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. {26} So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. {27} ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ {28} “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. {29} But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. {30} But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ {31} “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

Luke 15:32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

Everything I have is yours!! What a wonderful statement. What an awful failure that he had failed to claim his inheritance all these years. Yet how many Christians today go thru their Christian life suffering this very same poverty.

It reminds me a lot of the TV comedy “The Beverly Hill-Billies”. Here were people who had oil, and eventually riches, but were never able to accept how great the riches were that were given to them.

I can never become what I want to be by remaining what I am! One of the most important principles of Christianity is that it demands that we reach beyond the limitations of our own abilities into trusting God’s Power at work in our life.

DEFINE THE RICHES WE HAVE IN CHRIST.

DEFINE THE RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE REGARDING THESE RICHES.

DEMONSTRATE HOW WE CAN CLAIM OUR INHERITANCE AS CHRISTIANS.

List the riches that are ours as Christians:

We are STEWARDS of the Riches we have in Christ- It is required that we be found FAITHFUL (I Cor 4:2). Every one is given a talent- Some will make 10, some 5, and some will hide their talent.

How do WE Squander OUR inheritance?? How do we fail to realize the riches that are ours in Christ?

Contrast the fact that the Prodigal Son Squandered His Inheritance while the elder son failed to realize his.

Luke 15:25-32 ELDER BROTHER ERRORS

He worked Hard. He maintained a good reputation. He supported his father. But the point of the Parable is to show HOW WRONG HE WAS!! The Prodigal (Wasteful) Son came out of the Hog Pen. The Elder Son Came out of the Field Working

I. THE ELDER BROTHER’S CHARACTER:

ANGER- Wouldn’t go into his own house.

PRIDE- Sins were sins of Attitude instead of Action: He labored without Love

SELFISHNESS- Prodigal got Party he wanted He didn’t realize his privileges as Son- He could have had the fatted calf at any time he wanted it. You have not because you ask not

LACK OF COMPASSION- Everyone in these parables had Joy except the Elder Son. Lived with, but didn’t know the Heart of the Father

The Elder Brother’s Life show us the:

A) Possibility of Falling without Going to Far Country- Sins of Attitude instead of Actions

B) Possibility of Service without Fellowship- Fellowship was with friends instead of Father

C) Possibility of Heirship without happiness

D) Possibility of Sonship without Brothership

a) Saw Full Table but was content not to Share- No Soul Winner

b) Never Talked to Father about missing Brother- No Prayer

c) Wasn’t there when Brother came Home- No Faithfulness

d) Did nothing to Bring Brother Home- No Going

II. THE YOUNGER BROTHER’S CONDUCT:

A) He wanted to Get Away (The Devil is in the “travel agent” Business) and Take Away (Give me my Inheritance now. I do not want to work and wait).

B) Riotous Living turned into Financial Ruin and He found the Far Country was a Place of:

1> Sudden Loss- And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want (Luke 15:13-14).

2> Sever Famine- Hungry enough to eat Hog Food (And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him (Luke 15:16).

3> Sad Remembrance- And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (Luke 15:17).

4> Sonship Repentance- I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee (Luke 15:18).

The Younger Brother was

Restless- Give me my Portion

Rebellious- Wanted to be own power

Riotous- Living it up

Ruined- Sever Famine

Remembered- That Father had Plenty

Repented- Make me a Servant

Returned- I will arise and go

Received- With open Arms

Luke 15-16 CERTAIN SERMON

Luke 15-16 are a “rolling sermon’ by Jesus. Interestingly, I tell preachers all the time to “Preach the Word” and not respond to what their members are saying about them but look at 15:2-3.

3 CERTAIN Men are used in these sermons:

15:11 “And he said, A certain man had two sons:”

16:1 “And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward…”

16:19 “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen,…”

3 SITUATIONS of these CERTAIN men:

1) 15:13 One had a SON who “Wasted” his substance with riotous living

2) 16:1 One had a STEWARD who “Wasted” his goods with wrong actions.

3) 16:25 One was SELFISH and wasted his life and resources

3 RESPONSES to this Waste:

1) The Son is restored and given a party- Luke 15:20-24

2) The Steward is fired (?) 16:2 but commended for his methods 16:8 (Note STRANGE vs 9).

3) The Selfish man is put in the Fire 16:23

Luke is the story of Jesus as a MAN- Birth, Prayer, mention of and help for Women

16 major parables in Matthew- All but 4 begin “The kingdom of heaven is like”

20 major parables in Luke- All but 2 begin with “There was a certain man” or the like

Jesus offers FORGIVENESS- Only in Luke do we read about one of the thieves asking for, and receiving, forgiveness on the cross (Luke 23:39-43

Jesus can help you in your TEMPTATION: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15 16).

Luke 16:19-31 THE OTHER SIDE

We know that this world is not our home but there is little we know about “The Other Side”. Let’s look at what the other side looks like the one time Jesus rolled back the curtain and showed some things about life beyond the Grave.

Note the 5 THINGS IN HELL WE NEED IN THE CHURCH from this Scripture:

(1) Sinners vs 22-23

(2) A Vision of Hell vs 22

(3) A Vision of Heaven vs 22 (4) Ernest Prayer vs 24

(5) A Missionary Zeal vs 27: Simply put- A desire to Witness:

a) People to witness to- 5 brothers

b) Reason to witness- lest they come here

c) Way to Witness- Word

I. NOTICE FIRST THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT REAL PEOPLE- Lazarus and rich man. This is Not a parable but a story about Real People. This means that YOU will go to Heaven or Hell. This important information.

II. NOTICE CONTRAST IN CONDITIONS AS DEATH:

A) Lazarus- had an angel escort to Heaven. (Angels minister to us here. Angels greet us as we emerge from the valley of the shadow of death singing, O Death, where is thy sting? Grave, where is Victory?)

Lazarus had a new body:

1. Like our old body- We’ll know one another (Rich man knew Lazarus, Peter knew Moses and Elijah on Mt of Transfiguration.)

It will be solid to the touch- Thomas reach hither thy hands

It will be able to eat- Jesus ate fish, Tree of life in Heaven

2. Yet it will be different-

It will be flesh and bones but no blood- I Cor 15:50 Flesh and blood cannot inherit kingdom of God. Life of flesh is in blood

It will not be bound by physical limitations- Able to go thru closed doors, disappear and appear.

It will need no clothes- Jesus left his at cross and tomb. Adam and Eve needed no clothes until sin. God’s garment is light

It will feel no more pain- Rev 21:3-4 God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.

B) The Rich man was buried and went to Hell.

1. The Grave wasn’t all- neither one ceased to exist. Gen 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Matt 10:38 Fear not them who kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy soul and body in Hell

-Hell is Torment- Flames No party or picnic

-Hell can see Heaven and all it Pleasures- Outer Darkness

-Lost have a body in Hell that thirst, feels and sees

III. NOTICE THAT ACCOUNTS ARE SETTLED AT DEATH:

1. For Lost- While awaiting God’s program to end they are tormented in Hell.

They will stand before the White Throne Judgment where they will be condemned and then cast into Lake of Fire forever.

2. For the Saved- They will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. REWARDS to cast at Jesus’ feet, REBUKES for Failures, REGRETS over lost opportunities.

IV. NOTICE THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PASS FROM HEAVEN TO HELL OR HELL TO HEAVEN. One of the worse torments of Hell is the fact of “No Hope”. As the tree falls so shall it lie. There is no “Purgatory” to escape from or be paid out of!! The Time to get right with God is TODAY- (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2).

V. NOTICE THAT SALVATION IS BY FAITH IN GOD’S WORD- The Rich man wanted some special “miracle” to convince his brother but Christ had come back from the dead and they still haven’t believed!!! But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:8-9).

Heaven is Great, don’t you want to go there? Hell is Horrible don’t you want to miss going there?

(Rev 21:27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

(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, {10} Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. {11} 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.

If a man offered you $10,000 dollars right now to spend like you want but told you that at the end of a month he would be allowed to burn you to death, would you take the $10,000.

If a man offered you a penny today and then said he would double it each day for a month and at the end of the month he would give you a marvelous mansion with servants to wait on you hand and foot, would you take it? (By the way, a penny a day doubled for 30 days would give you $10,737,418.24)

Luke 16:19-31 TEN THINGS IN HELL WE NEED IN THE CHURCH

Most people are familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. A young man asked for his inheritance early and then wasted it in “riotous living”. When he was broke and no man would give to him he “came to himself” in a hog pen ready to eat hog food and realizing he needed his father after all.

Luke 16 continues this theme of “riches gone wrong” as Jesus tells about a manager who was accused of wasting his master’s resources (The prodigal wasted HIS resources given to him by his father. This man wasted the resources entrusted to him by someone else).

Jesus concluded the story of the wasteful manager by stating a “Life Principle”- No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Money) (Luke 16:13).

Then Jesus makes a statement that seems totally out of place. The statement is not strange; but it is very difficult to understand what it was stated in this particular context- Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery (Luke 16:18).

Immediately following this Jesus draws back death’s curtain and allowed us to see Hell as it had never been revealed before (Luke 16:19-31). In doing so, Jesus reveals Ten Things in Hell we Need in the Church:

1) GOD– If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (Psalms 139:8). God does not automatically show up in a church on Sunday- For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them– Matthew 18:20. He wants to be wanted and worshipped. Did you welcome God to worship with us today? Repent of Sin, Focus on Faith.

2) Sinners-“The Rich man also died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes”. No one will be saved is no one hears the gospel. Never be content with the “faithful few”. Most Churches have very few sinners in their services anymore. We wonder why the preaching of the Word fails to produce results when the people who need to hear it aren’t here. And sad to say most Christians are satisfied instead of seeking. Others are afraid Sinners will disrupt the services because they do not know everything they are supposed to do yet. Or they are afraid they will inconvenience us in some way (like sitting in “Our” seat, or requiring me to help in the nursery!). Just remember this, IF WE HAD MORE SINNERS IN CHURCH WE WOULD HAVE FEWER IN HELL!

3) A vision of Heaven (“He lifted up his eyes and sees Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom”). We should learn about and long for Heaven. When Isaiah saw the Lord it changed him (Is. 6). Far-too many, Church members-have “parked” in this world and lost their vision of being a Pilgrim and a stranger (Heb 11:13). We need to “see” Heaven and long to go there. Do YOU have a Heavenly Vision, or simply a Television?

4) Earnest Specific Prayer (“send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue”). You have not because you ask not. Jesus would ask, “WHAT do you want?” The Rich man did not pray a nice little “now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. He meant business and prayed until he got an answer; (in this case “no”)” When is the last time you saw Christians arriving at Church early or staying late to pray??·When is• the last time you prayed and prayed and prayed???,

5) An awareness of the torments awaiting those in Hell (“I am tormented in this flame”). Outer Darkness and a burning lake of Fire. Hell is Horrible!

6) Fire– Because of the punishing fire to come the church needs the purging fire of cleansing, the perpetual fire of a bush that would not burn that calls us to service for God, and the powerful fire of Pentecost that enables us to preach God’s message effectively.

7) Faith that God’s Justice will prevail (“remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented”) God will do Right

8) A Missionary burden (“I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment”). Key to Growth and getting close to the Heart of God The rich man wanted someone sent, not .by chance, but on purpose. He was determined that they. Get the Message.

People to witness to: 5 brothers

The reason to witness: Lest they come to this .place.

The way to witness: The Word, not miracles. You don’t have to be a Magician. You simply have to be available!! (This means sometimes you Comfort them, sometimes you Conf:ront them, sometimes you Convert them;·but always you Care).

9) A Dependence on the Word of God for Salvation “(If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead”). Faith comes by hearing Word of God.

10) A realization of the finality of eternity (“so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence”).As the tree falls.

A Vision of Hell: Jonathan Edwards said that if he could show the Church Hell he’d have no problem getting them to Heaven! People seem to have forgotten that Hell is a place of torment, flames, thirst, and eternal separation. And’ sinners will riot fear Hell unless Christians do! In a world that preaches nothing but “gooey love” for everyone someone needs to remind people that the wages of sin are still death.

There is a Hell to shun as well as a Heaven to gain. If your Christianity is only about praise songs on Sunday and never about proclaiming Christ on Monday then you need to examine what you have.

IF WE ARE GOING TO HELP PEOPLE OUT OF HELL WE NEED. TO TAKE SOME LESSONS FROM HELL!

Luke 16:19-31 WRONG ASSUMPTIONS

To conclude His teachings about the power of money in the life of people, Jesus tells a story about what happens after Death. Most of the time we major on Where the Rich Man ends up; but in the process we end up making some wrong Assumptions. Let’s try to clear them up today…because wrong assumptions can sometimes lead you into deep trouble- I assumed someone had been taking our song books this morning when in reality they had been put under the Christmas Poinsettias. Imagine what would have happened had I accused someone of taking them!

1) It is a Wrong Assumption that RICHES ARE WRONG– The idea some people get from this story is that Rich men go to Hell while poor people go to Heaven. The first thing we must recognize is that Heaven is not based on the money in your pocketbook but on Christ in your heart!!

Job, Abraham, David, and Solomon were some of the richest men of their day. In fact, One sign of the fact that you have found favor with God is the fact that He blesses you with Riches. Some of the most dedicated Christians I know are people who earn a comfortable living.

Yes, Riches can ruin some people but that ruination is not based on how much money you have but on how much money has you! Some of the most covetous people in the world are those who don’t have two nickels to rub together.

Don’t assume that someone who is rich cannot be reached for the Lord; or cannot be a good servant of the Lord.

2) It is a Wrong Assumption that DEATH IS FINAL– Many people teach today that man ceases to exist when he dies. Man is a living soul and that soul will exist for eternity! Men today say we are to go for the gusto for we have only the joy and pleasures of this life. How they need to realize that this life is but a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. One day we will look back on this life as a dream that is dreamed and realize our few sacrifices on earth are as nothing compared to the joys of Heaven. Or we will look back on the few pleasures of earth and realize how little they were compared to the eternal pains of Hell!

Don’t assume that what you see is what you get. This life is but the entrance way into eternity; and it is tremendously important that you choose the right door.

3) It is a Wrong Assumption that HELL IS FUN– The world tries to paint hell as a place of parties instead of punishment. They picture it as a place of companionship and wild living when in reality it is a place of Pain, Torment, and the awful loneliness of outer darkness.

You need to continuously remember that HELL IS NOT A HOSPITAL FOR THE SICK BUT A PRISON FOR THE REBELLIOUS. The people in Hell are not good people who just need a break; they are rebellious sinners who defy the leadership of God and the Moral standards of righteous living. Given the opportunity to come to Heaven they would turn it into a type of Hell!!

Don’t assume your neighbor in Hell will be a beautiful blond who wants to party with you. Instead, you will be among people who think only of themselves and would gladly rape, murder, and rob you if they were given the chance.

4) It is a Wrong Assumption that WE WILL BE FLOATING SPIRITS IN HEAVEN. We will not be disembodied spirits that float around among the clouds of Heaven. We will be recognizable people who have a NEW BODY:

A) It will be LIKE THE OLD BODY

1) We will know one another (Rich Man knew Lazarus)

2) Our body will be solid to the touch- Jesus told Thomas to put his hands in his side or in the nail prints of his hand. The Rich man had eyes to see, a tongue to thirst, and a body to be tormented

3) It will be able to eat- Jesus ate fish. The tree of life is in Heaven to yield her fruit each month. The rich man wanted Water.

B) IT WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM OUR PRESENT BODY:

1) Flesh and bones but no blood- (1 Cor 15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (Lev 17:11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. The reason Jesus shed his Blood for us is because it represented the life of the Flesh. In Heaven this sin principle will no longer be a part of us.

2) Not bound by physical limitations- Able to go thru closed doors. Not bound by time (Rev 10:6). Fire tormented the rich man but did not destroy him. Christian will greatly joy in their new body while sinners will desire death but will not find it.

3) Need no clothes- Jesus left his clothes at the Cross and in the tomb. Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden and were not ashamed until sin entered. We will be clothed with the garment of light that God wears (Psalm 104:1-2). All those clothes you spent so much time and money on will be left behind. That’s why God stress what is on the inside instead of what is worn on the outside.

4) It will feel No Pain if in HEAVEN. (Rev 21:4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

It will fell CONSTANT pain if in HELL- The Rich man was tormented in the Flames.

Don’t assume that Heaven will be a place of doing nothing. We will have a new body and all kinds of new things to do and see. Freed from the limitations of this world we will know what the Abundant life is all about.

5) It is a Wrong Assumption that MIRACLES ARE MAGICAL– Miracles can attest to the authority of the preacher but they cannot produce conviction or conversion. The Rich man assumed that if Lazarus returned from the dead that his brothers would be saved. But we know a man named Lazarus did in fact return from the grave and no great revival broke out (John 11, 12). And we know that our Savior was resurrected from the dead, conquering death, hell, and the Grave, and multitudes of men today continue to reject His free offer of Salvation and eternal life.

The Salvation God calls you to today is not something just to stir you wonder and admiration. God is not out to just change your mind; He looks to change your heart so you can become a new creature that will honor and serve Him.

Don’t assume that God will hit you in the head with a two by four and drag you kicking and screaming to an altar to be saved. God’s invitation is for those who are willing to forsake sin and trust Christ by Faith to be their Savior. The Miracle is not in what brings you to Christ but in what happens when you accept Him!!

Luke 16:19-31 THE END OF THE BEGINNING

What an awesome day it must have been when God looked at the Angels and said, “I think I will create a Universe today!” As the angels gathered around God simply spoke and suddenly suns and stars and planets came into being- Out of nothing suddenly there was everything!

God, who is a Spirit, created matter, which has no spirit. Then one day, God took some of that matter (dust) formed it into a body and then breathed a living soul into it and called it man. Now there is God, who is Spirit; matter, which has no spirit; and man, who is matter containing a spirit.

Man is that unique creation which is set apart from all other creations by the fact that he can

Communicate with God
“Create” like God.
Choose to Serve God

But this high and lofty status comes with a price- the soul of man is eternal, it never ends. The Body containing that Soul decays and stops but the soul exist forever.

Today I want to look at the “end of the beginning” of man. What happens when the physical matter that holds man’s soul ceases to function? The soul is eternal; death is simply the end of the beginning phase as the soul of man transitions into his place of eternal habitation. We start this Revival looking at this BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ETERNAL DESTINY OF A MAN’S SOUL!

My Goal is to break your mold. I want to challenge what you think so I can get you to think about what you think. Our Purpose this week is to build God’s Kingdom and to make your life better (For you and for God). I want you to see the Person of God, the Potential within you, and the Power of the Holy Spirit and allow God to Transform you into the greatest God created you to become.

With that in mind I want us to turn to Luke 16: and look at the reason this Revival is the most important event that will happen in your life this week.

There are 8 things in Hell shown in this story that we desperately need in a church if it is to have revival.

Sinners
Recognition that there will be a time of Justice
Fire- Burning out the dross of sin and burning in our heart
A vision of Heaven
Earnest Specific Prayer
A Sense of the finality of Eternity
A missionary burden
A dependence on the Word of God- Miracles will not make it (A Lazarus did in fact rise from the dead and the Pharisees tried to have him and Jesus killed)

My Question for you today is DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE IN HELL?

Most church People believe in Hell with their minds but not with their hearts
1. Family Funerals
Daily Witness- Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; (2 Cor 5:11
Many people believe the Partying in Life is worth the Pain of Hell
Most people believe that while some people may go to Hell they assuredly will not
1. Goodness will grant them escape
Last minute salvation will rescue them
You need to be absolutely sure today that Hell is Real and it is a place of Torment. Do not have to convince a drowning man he needs to be saved

Cast into the pain and torment of Hell there will come a day God will have court and at the Great White Throne Judgment death and Hell will give up their victims to be sentenced for an eternity in the Lake of Fire. Your eternal soul will know eternal pain because you refused to accept the Pardon and Grace of God offered through Jesus Christ.

“Hell is a place of ultimate suffering, unlimited torment, unquenchable fire, and eternal darkness; a place of “wailing and gnashing of teeth,” a place without one single solitary inch of sunshine and joy, a place of pain, pain, and more pain. And to make matters worse, it is forever. If you end up going there, you are stuck there for good. That is Hell” From “The Invisible World: Understanding Angels, Demons, and the Spiritual” by Anthony Destefano

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8). It is not enough to believe the boat can carry you away from the lion who is seeking to devour you. You must get in the Boat! That is what I am asking you to do today.

Luke 17:1-4 FORGIVENESS

In this chapter Jesus gave His disciples some of the essentials of the Christian life- Forgiveness (1-4), Faithfulness (5-10), Thankfulness (11-19), and Preparedness (20-37)

It is a serious thing to sin against a fellow believer and tempt him or her to sin- Jesus said this was a serious enough situation until a man would be better off dead than offending!!

(Rom 14:13) Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

(1 Cor 8:8-9) But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. {9} But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1 Cor 10:32) Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Little Ones is not referring to children but to young believers. Jesus is showing how the Pharisees, in criticizing Him, might cause the publicans and sinners to stumble in their faith.

But suppose YOU are not the one who does the sinning. Suppose you are the one sinned against.

1) Personal Concern- “Take heed to yourselves”. (Pay attention and always be on your guard–looking out for one another) Be aware that things will happen and Don’t allow this to become a stumbling block to you.

2) Encourage to Repent- “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Our aim is not to embarrass or hurt the offender, but to encourage him to repent.

3) Communicate the Problem- “Rebuke Him”- Solemnly tell him so and reprove him. The fact that they SHOULD know they have offended you does not mean that they do. Many problems are solved when we take the time to tell the other person we have a problem.

4) Be willing to give up Resentment and anger- if he repents (says I’m sorry) forgive him.

5) Realize the need for growth- Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, “I’m sorry”, you must forgive him (Give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled). Give people the opportunity to change.

How can you do this??

A) Love Them- (1 Cor 13:4-7) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. True forgiveness always involves pain; somebody has been hurt and there is a price to pay in healing the wound.

B) Have Faith in God’s Power and Judgment- See vs 5 Love MOTIVATES us to forgive but Faith ACTIVATES that forgiveness.

Luke 17:5-10 DOING YOUR DUTY

Jesus has just told them that they must forgive someone who offends them 7 times in one day. This seemingly impossible task led them to ask Jesus to increase their faith.

Jesus answers this request with 2 principles:

1) A little Faith has great power- If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the roots, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should be obey you.

2) Doing your duty does not require great Faith:

1) vs 7- A SERVANT IS EXPECTED TO SERVE

2) vs 8- A SERVANT’S DAY DOES NOT END IN THE FIELD- He is EXPECTED to work for the master when he finishes his regular work

3) vs 9- A SERVANT DOES NOT EXPECT PRAISE FOR DOING WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO.

4) vs 10- A SERVANT WHO ONLY DOES WHAT HE IS EXPECTED TO DO DOES NOT GENERATE ANY PROFIT. It is the Extra mile that is appreciated and rewarded.

Teachers, Chaperones, Workers are seldom complemented but always needed.

Close with the story of the 10 Lepers???

Luke 17:10 UNPROFITABLE

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10

Unprofitable TALK- “Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?” — Job 15:3

Unprofitable SERVICE- “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Mat 25:30

Unprofitable LIVING- “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” — Rom 3:12

Unprofitable TEACHING- “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” — Titus 3:9

Unprofitable PERSON- “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” — Phile 1:11

Unprofitable OBEDIENCE- “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” — Heb 13:17

“Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?” — Job 22:2

“If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” — Ecc 10:10

“Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?” — Isa 44:10

“Then I went to Euphrates, and digged, and took the girdle from the place where I had hid it: and, behold, the girdle was marred, it was profitable for nothing.” — Jer 13:7

“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” — Mat 5:29

“And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” — Mat 5:30

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” — Acts 20:20

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” — 1 Tim 4:8

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” — 2 Tim 3:16

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” — 2 Tim 4:11

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” — Titus 3:8

“Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” — Phile 1:11

Luke 17:11-19 NO THANKS

Here is a sad and tragic story of Thankless hearts- 10 men were destined to a slow death, isolated from their fellow men, by the plague of leprosy. Without Help or Hope they heard that Jesus was going to pass their way so they waited and as He approached they called with all their might to Him to have mercy on them. When Jesus stopped and looked at them I imagine their hearts were aflame with hope and expectation but instead of saying some “magic formula” over them or, simply saying that they were healed, Jesus told them to go to the Priest and let him examine them.

As they journeyed they suddenly found their sores began to heal and fresh flesh came on them. I can imagine the excitement that must have swept thru the group as they realized that their greatest dream was coming true. I believe they must have had a “Hugging Hallelujah” time as they rejoiced in their deliverance.

But as the initial excitement wore off a dilemma presented itself to these men- We often condemn the nine for their thankless hearts but fail to appreciate their situation. I can almost see the Samaritan as he says, “Come on, boys. Let’s go thank Jesus for our wonderful healing!”. And everyone may have said, “Yes, let’s go” until they started out and one of them began to slow and then stop. Everyone looked around and asked what was the matter; Didn’t he want to go tell Jesus how thankful he was that he was healed. “Yes,” he says, “but we may need to look at this before we rush off and do something rash. Remember that the Law says we can’t associate with people again until the Priest has pronounced us clean- and Jesus did say for us to go to the Priest and let him examine us. Let’s not let this Samaritan, who doesn’t know the Law, lead us to do something wrong”. So nine of them continue on to the Priest, while the lone Samaritan goes back to Jesus and gives glory to God.

This same type of situation faces many of us today. We know it’s the Thanksgiving Season, and we see many things that we need to give God Thanks for; but somehow the everyday situations of life deter us and we find ourselves doing our “duty” instead of thanking our God. I want us today to see some of the reasons we are a people of “No Thanks” instead of Many Thanks; and then I want us to rededicate ourselves to being thankful.

I. THE NEGATIVE NOTIONS

A) Negative Circumstances- Why should I thank God for delivering me when God allowed me to get in this situation to begin with [Why do I have leprosy when others are healthy?]. We are faced with many bad circumstances today: Financial Problems, Family Problems, Health Problems. It’s hard to stand and Praise the Lord when you can’t buy what you need for Thanksgiving dinner (and you know Christmas is just around the corner!), when your family is falling apart in front of your eyes or you’re living in a state of “apathetic enemity” where you exist together instead of Live together, or when every day is another day of pain and problems and sometimes you’d give anything just to feel good one day.

A thankful heart, like Paul, has learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Phil 4:11). When we can learn that the Grace of God is sufficient for us then we can glory in infirmities (II Cor 12:9) and turn troubles into triumphs–and thanksgiving will be a part of our life instead of a “Put on”.

B) Negative Self-image- I deserve to be isolated from society because I’m not worth anything anyway [Jewish society thought and taught that Samaritans were vastly inferior in every way. I imagine that even in the crowd of ten lepers he was never allowed to forget that HE MIGHT HAVE DESERVED TO BE STRICKEN WITH LEPROSY BECAUSE HE WAS A SAMARITAN]. Many people today fail to be thankful because of:

1. Their Looks- Rom 9:20 Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Matt 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. According to Isaiah 53:2 Jesus hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.

2. Their Lot in Life- The greatest of Christianity is that it makes us part of the Body of Christ- and EVERY MEMBER is important. We need singers, children’s workers, painters, gardeners, carpenters, as well as teachers and secretaries and piano players, etc. to help develop the work of God here.

II. THE THANKFUL TRUTHS

A) Joy does not come from Abundance: Prov 15:16 Better is a little with fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

B) The sign of being Spirit filled is a song in your heart and Praise on your lips: Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

C) Lack of Thankfulness begins the downward spiral to depravity. Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their

imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

God is not looking for your “Sacrifice”; He wants your Loving Thanks Prov 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Has Thanks been crowded out of your heart by the circumstances of life. Jesus came to give life and that abundant Life. Do you need to bow at the feet of Jesus and acknowledge what He’s done for you?

Have you ever publicly proclaimed Him as Savior?

Have you ever Praised Him for a Special Work in your life?

Are you one of the “Nine” that’s healed but not helped? Or are you a Thankful Joyful Christian??

Luke 17:11 19 WHERE ARE THE NINE???

The steamer, Lady Elgin, was carrying 323 passengers. It was a chilly evening in early September. She was brilliantly lighted and loaded with travelers. Suddenly, before she reached the port of Chicago, she began to sink. Obviously, before help could arrive, she would be gone. The crowd on the shore watched the tragedy powerless to help.

Suddenly two brothers, students in a theological seminary, plunged through the crowd with a rope in their hands. Nat, the elder, a powerful man and a trained swimmer, leaped into the water. Inch by inch, he fought his way through the waves until he reached the sinking ship and climbed aboard. A moment later, with herculean strength, he carried back to safety a woman. With eager arms the crowd helped to haul him in; he was choking and cold, but still strong. Again he plunged in- and again- and again!

Twenty three lives Nat Spencer saved. For weeks he lay delirious. Meanwhile the 23 whom he had saved scattered to their homes. In time, the nation began to forget the tragedy of the 300 who had died that night in Lake Michigan.

But the 23 whom Nat had saved, surely they did not forget. Surely, they were grateful! But not one of them ever came back to thank Nat Spencer for what he had done. Not one of them even wrote him a letter. Nat Spencer lived out his life as an invalid. Not one of the 23 people came back to say, “Thank You”.

Is not this what Jesus faced when he cleansed the 10 lepers and only 1 returned to give him thanks. In amazement Jesus asked, “Where are the 9???” Can it happen today? Could it happen here??? We have multitudes of people who have received Blessings from God (Salvation, Financial help, sickness cured, etc) and yet they won’t even come to Church regularly to give God thanks.

WHERE ARE THE 9??

1. Maybe they’re at home with an excuse- Matt 22. Maybe they married a wife; bought a field, or some oxen and allow this to keep them from Church. (Example of man who was given 6 coins and came back to steal the 7th. Just like men steal God’s day). They say they love the Lord and His Church but they have NO FAITHFULNESS.

2. Asleep in the Garden- Like the 5 foolish virgins or the disciples while Jesus prayed they’re TOO TIRED to watch and Pray. They’d come to Church but Sunday is the only day they can rest.

3. Warming at Satan’s fire- Peter became so busy FELLOWSHIPPING WITH THE WORLD until he lost his testimony and denied his Lord.

4. Down in the Hog pen- Prodigal WASTED FATHER’S GIFTS on worldly pleasures [If I told you I needed money for medicine and used it for meanness you’d be mad. How do you think God feels about the way we treat what He gives us?!!]

5. In the Whale’s belly- Jonah the DISOBEDIENT servant was out of God’s plan for his life and decided to Run instead of Preach.

6. Under the Juniper tree- Elijah was DISCOURAGED because things didn’t go the way he thought they ought to go at “Church”

7. Down in Sodom- Lot was SEEKING WEALTH. It cost him loss of fellowship with God and God’s people (Abraham) as well as his family.

8. Gone Fishing- Peter and the other disciples RETURNED TO FORMER LIFE instead of staying Faithful and Jesus had to call their Love into question. Lovest thou me MORE.

9. Working instead of Waiting- Martha was more interested in Serving than in the Saviour. This caused her to get her EYES ON OTHERS and complain about Mary instead of rejoice in serving Christ.

When Paul began to tell about the fall of man into the pits of sins and despair in Romans chapter 1 he said this- Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Science says that bats are blind because they never used their eyes! They remain in caves in the day and only come out at night. ARE WE TAKING GOD’S BLESSINGS FOR GRANTED?? MIGHT WE LOSE THEM???

Some are here today that are sincere. You realize that Life’s blessings come from God and you want to do the right thing. You wonder what you should do— Ps 116:12 13 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of Salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE 9?????????

Luke 17: 22-30 COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN

Jesus is telling His disciples what it will be like in the end of time. He uses the example of Noah- Luke 17:26 27 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the says of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

The Characteristics of the Days of Noah:

1) Shameless Depravity- Gen 6:-

A) Personal Life- “Every Thought” “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”

B) Family Life- “they took them wives of all which they chose” Marriage became a form instead of a foundation

2) Social Dilemma –.

A) Famous- Gen 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

B) Fads, Food, and Foolishness- They were Eating and Drinking (Party)

3) Strong Delusion-“Until the Day” We are “good” people. Nothing will happen to us.

4) Spiritual Decline- Noah was a preacher of righteousness No one was willing to enter the ark. Repentance- GOD not man!!! It grieved God that He had made man. Removal- “God said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” There comes a time when God finally says He will not put up with sin anymore- iniquity of ammorites was full and everyone was to be destroyed. Isreal would not listen and so faced death and captivity

Prepare your Ark- Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

A) Change Your Life: Buy nothing but Food and Fuel. Mark of Beast is about Economic Captivity Change your Habits. Change your Companions (Party People).

B) Convert your family-Eze 14:20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

The Rain is coming. Do you have enough sense to seek shelter?

Luke 17:26-27 NOAH’S DAY

Luke 17:26‑27 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

The Story is told of a man who decided to fight a Flood with Faith: The Police came by and told the man a flood was coming and offered to move him but he replied, “I’ll stay here. The Lord will take care of me”. Soon the water reached to the porch and a boat came by offering help; again the man declined saying the Lord would care for him. Soon the water reached so high until the man had to sit on top of his house and a helicopter came by offering help. Again the man said “No, I’ll trust the Lord to deliver me”. Finally the water completely covered his house and the man had to swim. He looked up to God and said, “Lord, why did you fail me. I trusted in your deliverance!”. The Lord replied, “I sent a car, a boat, and a plane for you; what more could I do!!”.

I fear many people are like this man, they trust the Lord to help them in trouble but they aren’t able to see His help when it comes. Thankfully, Noah was not like this; he was able to determine over 100 years before it happened that the Lord would send Judgment on the earth. That knowledge enabled him to prepare a way to save himself and his family; and also carry out God’s Plan for the earth.

Jesus says in our text that we would face the same conditions in the last days that Noah faced in his day. I want us to see what Noah’s Day was like so we can determine how close the coming of the Son of man is and then I want us, like Noah, to make preparations to escape God’s wrath.

I. CONDITIONS IN NOAH’S DAY.

A) Contrasting Philosophies: As we read thru Genesis 4 and 5 we see some interesting Patterns; Cain and his line went AWAY FROM GOD and became known as City builders, Artist, inventors, etc while the “Godly” line of Seth is known only for HAVING CHILDREN and WALKING WITH GOD!!! That contrast has held throughout history and into the day we live- Sinful man wants to WORSHIP with his own works (Fruit of the field instead of a Blood Sacrifice), WALK his own way instead of walking in Fellowship with God, and WORK for this life instead of the World to come. Today you must decide if you are going to be guided by the Philosophies of the World or the Teachings of the Word of God.

B) “Church” Polluted: The Two things Seth’s line were known for; Marriage and Morals were allowed to break down- 1) The intermarriage of the “Sons of God” with the Daughters of men violated God’s plans and purpose (Whether it was Seth’s children marrying Cain’s children or Fallen Angels having relations with fleshly women). Today many Christians marry unbelievers without a second thought while divorce is a common accepted thing in the Church.

2) The Imagination of their heart was only evil continually. This led to Selfish absorption and Violence in the land as everyone looked out for “Number One”. As long as this was in the world God did nothing but when it infected His followers Judgement was decreed (See I Tim 4:1-5). There is nothing wrong with Eating and Drink until it becomes your purpose in life and then God must act (Meat for the belly and the belly for meat and God shall destroy both!).

C) Condemnation Pronounced: God’s Wrath finally comes.

1) RESPONSIBILITY: Fathers often “kid” about being head of their household and the respect that involves but with Respect also comes responsibility. Not only did these Father die but their wife and children died also. Are you leading your Children into Wrath??

2) REPENTANCE- God Repented; not man!! “God said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.”

3) REMOVAL- There comes a time when God finally says He will not put up with sin anymore- When the iniquity of the Ammorites was full everyone was destroyed. Isreal would not listen and so faced death and captivity. How close is the world to wearing out God’s Patience Today???

Noah’s Day was characterized by:

1. Multiplication of people- Population Explosion Gen 6:1

2. Moral Corruption of every kind- Gen 6:5

3. Violence- Gen 6:11-13

4. Expansion of arts and industry- Gen 4:16-22

5. Lack of Conscience, even for murder Gen 4:23-24

6. True Believers were in a minority- Gen 6:8-10

II. HOW CAN WE LIVE PURE IN A WICKED WORLD?:

A) Pray- How do you get Wisdom enough to guard and Guide your Children? “If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God.” How do you know what God is Planning? Communicate with Him!

B) Plan-

1. Dedicate Yourself and your Family to God

2. Walk with God in your Daily Life.

3. Establish Long range Goals and Guidelines that will show your family you are doing more than talk; you are building something for the Lord (as Noah did in building the Ark).

We’re living in the last days. Are you worried about the “water” or the World??? Remember EVERYONE not in the ark perished!!

Luke 18: HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

(My goal today is to make YOU GREAT)

He who aims at nothing normally gets nothing. This chapter ends with a blind man getting his sight. As a prelude to healing him Jesus asked a question He asked of many people during His ministry, “What do you want me to do for you?” The answer to that question will determine the success or failure; the happiness or hopelessness of every person in this congregation today. The events before this question show us how to deal with answering this question correctly- and receiving from God what we need to make our life complete.

1. You must have a goal that will not be deterred by circumstances 1-8. Circumstances may not always be favorable. It does not get much worse than verse 2- (There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: Luke 18:2) but you must be persistent- “Give God no rest”.

[Note the Goal- “Avenge me of my adversary”. You can set “selfish” goals as well as spiritual goals).

2. You must realize that being good enough is not good enough- vs 9-14. Knowing who you are is more important than telling what you do- Know your real need. [Men define themselves by their work; women by their relationships]. Every Goal needs God’s help and guidance. Cannot do it without God.

3. Big goals start small- vs 15-17 God likes the child like faith and the mold ability of children. The little things in your life eventually define you. [Snicker diet= lose an ounce a day. Set a goal to end each month with $10 more in your bank account than you began the month. Unless on a trip never let you car’s gas tank get below half full].

4. All opportunities come to a crisis point- vs 18-27. You have a make a decision at some point. Every Goal comes to a life changing choice. Choosing not to choose is a choice.

5. You must believe that commitment to the goal will be rewarded- vs 28-30. Getting from here to there means you must believe that the “there” is worth the here.

6. Accomplishing your goal requires dedication, determination, and sacrifice- vs 31-34. Inspiration and anticipation must be mingled with perspiration. Athletics play games, couch potatoes watch games.

7. A goal is not a goal unless you know the goal! You must determine what you want before you receive what you want- vs 35-43.

Is your goal to be happy? What does it take to make you happy? (I want survival food; my wife wants new carpet). What do you want in your life, for your life, and with your life today? If Jesus sat beside you today and told you He wanted to do something special for YOU (We are not talking about the sickness or situation of others right now- another sermon for that. This is about YOU). Do you know what you want God to do today? Once you know what you want then ask Him to do it; believing He is able to do it.

You will never be really happy until your sins are forgiven and you are at peace with God. The heart is a restless hunter seeking only God. Make God your goal.

Luke 18:1-8 PRAYERS THAT PRODUCE ANSWERS

The Character of the Judge- No respect for God or man. These two things go together. He that has no regard for God can be expected to have none for man; and our Lord has here indirectly taught us what ought to be the character of a judge–that he should fear God and regard the rights of man

Avenge me. This would have been better translated, “Do me justice against my adversary, or vindicate me from him.” It does not denote vengeance or revenge, but simply that she wished to have justice done her–a thing which this judge was bound to do, but which it seems he had no disposition to do.

She wearies me. The word used here, in the original, is that which was employed to denote the wounds and bruises caused by boxers, who beat each other, and blacken their eyes, and disable them. See Barnes for 1Co 9:27. Hence it means any vexatious and troublesome importunity that takes the time, and disables from other employment.

This he teaches by the example in the parable; and the argument which it implies is this:

1st. A poor widow, by her perseverance only, obtained from an unjust man what otherwise she would not have obtained.

2nd. God is not unjust. He is good, and disposed to do justice and to bestow mercy. If, therefore, this wicked man by persevering prayer was induced to do justice, how much more shall God, who is good, and who is not actuated by any such selfish and base principles, do justice to them who apply to him!

Though this is true that God will avenge his elect, yet will he find his elect faithful? The danger is not that God will be unfaithful–he will surely be true to his promises; but the danger is that his elect–his afflicted people–will be discouraged; will not persevere in prayer; will not continue to have confidence in him; and will, under heavy trials, sink into despondency. The sole meaning of this phrase, therefore, is, that there is more danger that his people would grow weary, than that God would be found unfaithful and fail to avenge his elect.

Luke 18:1-8 POWERFUL PRAYING

When my wife and I attended the National Association of FWB in Detroit we stayed in a corner room at a motel. One night about 3am we were awakened by a knocking on our door. When I went to the door there was no one there. Later I found some kids had been going around knocking on doors as a prank.

Sadly, That is the same way some people Pray. They are people who pray what I call Knock and Run Prayers. They play at prayer but they seldom see any meaningful results. Today, I want us to look at what it takes to Pray POWERFUL PRAYERS, and the secret to obtaining FAITH ENOUGH TO PRAY UNTIL GOD GIVES AN ANSWER.

It is my desire that God will use this message today to raise up Prayer Warriors in our Church. It is also my Goal that the Holy Spirit will use this message today to bring about something that is desperately needed in Churches and Christians today; Unconditional Commitment to God and His Work.

I. THE PURPOSE OF THE PARABLE– Men ought always to Pray and not to Faint. Very simply put, this parable is to show us the benefit of Consistent Praying.

A) Not in a Constant State of Prayer but a Constant Spirit of Prayer. Prayer is like breathing. We don’t even think about it.

B) Not in a Constant exercise of Prayer but the Constant Energy of Prayer. Prayer keeps us constantly connected to our power source.

C) The Devotion of the Closet is the winning of the Battle of life- You need a Program of Prayer: Daniel prayed 3 times a day. David Prayed at Evening, Morning, and Noon. Remember that Joshua was fooled by the Gibeonites because he did not inquire of the Lord- Pray!

D) Preserver in Prayer- If we would Prevail we must Persist

1) Til God says NO- Then Submit to the Thorn (II Cor 12)

2) Til We get The Blessing- Jacob Wrestling with Angel

II. THE PEOPLE OF THE PARABLE: Two

A) THE JUDGE- He was a Stern, Unbending man with No Conscience (Feared not God), No Mercy (Nor Regarded Man), and who Cared only for his own comfort (Lest her continual coming weary me). Jesus is showing us that IF THE WIDOW COULD PREVAIL BY CONSTANT COMING WITH SUCH A SCOUNDREL AS THIS HOW MUCH MORE WILL WE PREVAIL IF WE APPROACH A LOVING FATHER!!!

B) THE WIDOW-

–She was a Stranger but We are the Bride of Christ

–She had no Lawyer but We have Christ as our Advocate

–She had no Promise to cling to but We have a Bible Full

–Her Coming Wearied the Judge but God Bottles our Prayers (Rev 5:8)

–The Judge was not personally involved but We are the Children of God and the Temple of the Holy Spirit- God is our Father!

I tell you to Pray for shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them.

III. THE POWER OF PRAYER IN THE PARABLE

A) Not Eloquent- I Pray thee, Avenge me of mine Adversary

B) Not Long- 8 words

C) No Explanations- About Family or Fortune or Enemies actions

D) No Merit to Winning- Judge was weary of the widow, not moved by the case. So we have no merit with God except through Christ.

HER POWER WAS IN CONTINUING TO PRAY. But you ask yourself, Why does God want us to continue to Pray?

-It Affirms our Need. Shows God we really mean business

-It Settles our Desires. Shifts out passing desires.

-It Honors our God. Shows our Faith in God and not just in the Answers we get from God.

IV. THE PATHOS OF THE PARABLE– When the Son of man cometh will he find faith on the earth? How sorrowful it must have made our Savior to admit that men will become so dependent on feelings and sight until many will lose all faith in God because He does not immediately do their bidding. Men will think (as many do today) that Prayer is not a supplication of a Holy God but a command to the Santa Claus in the Sky.

When Jesus comes He will look for Faith. He has more regard for faith than for all else that earth can yield Him. Our returning Lord will care nothing for the treasures of the rich or the honors of the great. He will not look for the abilities we have manifested, nor the influence we have acquired; But He will look for our faith. The Goal of His royal quest will be- Do you Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ??

1) Faith to Pray in Faith- The king of England said he feared the prayers of John Knox more than all armies. Elijah on the mountain withstood a physical and spiritual kingdom .

2) Faith to Pray and keep on Praying- Waiting Faith is rare. It is easy to be a believer when everyone believes but we must be believers when no one believes.

3) Faith to stake all on Faith in Christ- There must be Commitment to Christ for Salvation; and commitment to Christ for Service. That commitment is a commitment of continual trust and reliance. We have no one else we can ( or should) go to. If God cannot, or will not, hear our prayers then we have no source of help!!!

Do you play at Prayer, and your relationship with God?? Get Serious today; as if your life depended on it!!

Luke 18:9-25 3 ATTITUDES THAT KEEP YOU FROM EXPERIENCING GOD

1) RELIGIOUS PRIDE 9-14

Pride in what you DON’T Do- Not as Other Men/Publican

Pride in what you do- Fast Twice a week, give Tithes

This Pharisee was DELUDED about:

1) Prayer- Prayed with himself and told God how good he was. He used Prayer as a means of getting public recognition and not as a spiritual exercise to glorify God.

2) Himself- Thought he was accepted because of what he did or didn’t do.

3) The Publican- Thought he was a great sinner but Christ said the Publican went home justified and not the Pharisee

The Publican smote his breast (Heart of the Problem), Wouldn’t lift his eyes to God (Humble) and declared himself “The Sinner” (Acknowledged his great need).

“KICKER”- (Luke 18:14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Is religious Pride separating you from God. Are you depending on your good works or reputation to save you?? Are you comparing yourself with others and using that at a means of justification?

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling

2) PEOPLE PREJUDICE 15-17 The disciples were often trying to send the people away that Christ wanted to minister to- The Hungry crowd, the Canaanite woman, etc. Do WE find ourselves missing an experience with God because we don’t want to associate with the People that God wants to Bless?? (Young People are Expensive, Annoying, Tiresome, and LOVED BY GOD. [Our job is not to Entertain them but to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.] We exclude people of other races but God made it clear that they were to be brought into the kingdom of God- Phillip and the Ethophian, Peter and his dream of the net full of animals (Acts 10) and (Gal 3:27-28) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. {28} There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

“KICKER”- (Luke 18:17) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Jesus wants us to be Childlike but not childish. An unspoiled child illustrates humility, faith, and dependence.

3) UNWILLINGNESS TO COMMIT TO GOD’S REQUIREMENTS 18-25

He Wanted a faith that did not change his values or upset his life style.

“KICKER”- (Luke 18:24) And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

God likes:

Humbleness instead of Pride

Sincerity instead of Hypocrisy

Willingness to learn instead of busy activity

Total dedication instead of simply doing good.

Luke 18:18-34 THE CORE OF COMMITMENT

We live in an age in which Commitment is a fallen virtue. Marriage used to be until Death do us part; now it is until I decide someone else can meet my needs better than you can. You once could get a job at a major business and expect to be taken care of until retirement; now temporary jobs with no benefits are the norm. Once a man’s word was his bond; today written contracts are only as good as the lawyer who is defending it! What happened to commitment?

And it is not just in the wicked world that we find this failure to commit in evidence. Most Christians consider themselves VERY faithful if they attend Sunday School and Preaching on Sunday Morning. The Sunday night Service and the Wednesday Night service are left to that small group of fanatics who somehow muster the time and energy needed to get up early on Sunday morning or who are willing to change their nightly routine one night a week in order to make Prayer Meeting.

And don’t even talk about workers because time and stress pressures make MOST PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT CHURCH IS A PLACE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO MINISTER TO THEM; NOT A PLACE IN WHICH THEY ARE TO MINISTER FOR THE LORD. Opportunity after opportunity for ministry work is left vacant as Churches find it increasingly difficult to get teachers, nursery workers, and choir members; much less fulfil extra ministries. In fact, Churches all over the country are finding it increasingly difficult to even function without hired staff.

What has happened to Commitment?? The dictionary defines commitment as

1) A pledge to do something.

2) The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons. Today I want us to remember that second definition as we look at some scriptures that show us THE CORE OF COMMITMENT. Hopefully, this will enable us to see the need of genuine commitment to God in our life as we see what hinders our commitment, the rewards of commitment, and the cost of failure to commit ourselves to God and His work.

I. OBSTACLES TO COMMITMENT– vs 18-27 The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus seeking eternal life but He found he valued his riches more than he valued eternal life! What is there in YOUR life that Hinders your commitment to God and His work? Maybe the answer (in a positive way) can be found in the illustrations of Hebrews 11:

A) Family- Abraham was willing to offer his beloved son Isaac because of his commitment to God- (Heb 11:17‑19) By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. {18} Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: {19} Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

B) Fortune- Moses gave up the treasures of Egypt to serve God- (Heb 11:24‑26) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; {25} Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; {26} Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

C) Fear- The children of Israel faced many obstacles that seemed unsurmountable but they did not allow that fear to keep them from following God (And the one time they did fail through fear brought disastrous consequences as they died in the desert)- (Heb 11:29‑30) By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. {30} By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

II. THE REWARDS OF COMMITMENT– vs 28-30 Peter asks Jesus about God’s Pay for Commitment. In His answer Jesus gave a tremendous principle about possessions- YOUR LIFE AS A CHILD OF GOD SHOULD BE SHAPED BY YOUR FUTURE REWARDS, NOT YOUR PRESENT POSSESSIONS. Abraham left his home but he received a Promised land. Moses gave up a kingdom but he delivered his people from bondage. The Disciples gave up fishing boats in order to become fishers of men.

In each of these cases these men found that LIFE IS NOT IN WHAT YOU POSSESS BUT IN WHAT POSSESSES YOU! There is no amount of money that can produce in your heart the joy and peace that comes from knowing and doing the will of God. (Never have people had more possessions and enjoyed them less than in the day in which we live. A golden palace is worst than a cardboard box if love, joy, and peace does not reside there).

So Commitment’s rewards are not found in possessing property but in present peace and Future Promises

III. THE MEANING OF COMMITMENT– vs 31-34 Jesus again tells His disciples about the coming cross. His description is very graphic; and yet, very glorious as we see the depth of His commitment. And the very joys He emphasizes about commitment makes it plain the terrible cost we pay if we fail to commit.

A) Commitment means joining God’s Plan- (Luke 18:31) Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. Jesus let his life be directed by God’s word; no matter what the cost.

B) Commitment means Experiencing Pain- (Luke 18:32‑33) For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: {33} And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: It won’t always be easy to be follow through with our commitment to God’s will in our life. But this very struggle and sorrow will produce a joy in our heart; and a glory in Heaven, that will pass understanding.

C) Commitment means being misunderstood by those we love- (Luke 18:34) And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. God won’t always make sense; but He will always be right!!!

D) Commitment means the third day is coming- vs 33 We can commit because we know God will not put us in the grave without providing the power to get out!! We can commit to God because we can trust His love and care.

WHAT DO I WANT YOU TO COMMIT TO TODAY??

1) REAL SALVATION– I’m not asking you to turn over a new leaf, join the church, or try to do better. I’m asking you to Repent of your sinful ways, Trust in the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins, and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and make you a new creature. This kind of Salvation is Character Altering, Destiny Changing, and Publicly Evident; and that is the kind of Salvation I want you to commit to.

2) FAITHFUL SERVICE– Real Commitment means you believe God’s work is the most important work that can be done and will take priority over everything else Satan puts in your path that would keep you from doing what you are supposed to do for God.

Real Commitment means you believe God’s House should be honored with your presence at its service and your participation in its work.

I’m asking you to commit to a Person (Jesus Christ) and not a Program. I’m asking you to commit to a way of Life; not a single action that is isolated from the rest of your life or the rest of your week.

Have YOU committed to Christ as Savior and Lord of your life?? If not, then today is the day of Salvation.

Luke 18:31-34 COMPASSION ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken (Luke 18:31-34).

Jesus was coming to the end of His ministry and, finally, He clearly reveals to His disciples the real goal of His life and ministry; to be crucified instead of becoming king (Which upset Peter so much until he began to rebuke Christ and Christ had to tell him to, “Get thee behind me, Satan”). In spite of knowing what awaited Him, Jesus showed His compassionate heart in marvelous ways on this journey to the cross.

Crushing crowd noise did not prevent Him from hearing the cry of Blind Bartimaeus.

From the corner of His eye He saw Zacchaeus (the small IRS man) sitting in a tree and He took time to visit in his home and changed his life. (Half of my goods I give to the poor and restore 4 fold).

On His way to face scourging, spitting, and a crown of thorns He sought eye contact with Peter to bring him to repentance.

On His way to Golgotha, staggering under the weight of His own cross, He paused to counsel several distraught women by the side of the road (And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children Luke 23:27-28).

Enduring white hot agonies of body and spirit on the cross, He caught sight of His mother and appointed her a caretaker for her old age.

On His way out of this life, He caught a glimpse of a repentance felon on the cross next to His and issued an invitation to paradise.

In pain beyond enduring, listening to mocking crowds, and watching soldiers gamble for His clothes; He cried, “Father, forgive them”.

Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumphant over His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to rein. Hallelujah, Christ arose.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). One writer said it like this, The Cross brought darkness at noon time, thick and terrifying as Jesus felt the sins and iniquities of the world- Arrogant Assyrians gloating over the captives Israelites they had skinned alive. SS troops machine-gunning women and children as they ran from a burning synagogue with clothes ablaze. Child molesters making sure their victims would never testify against them. Pharaohs sacrificing thousands of faceless laborers to build themselves monument pyramid tombs. Enraged fathers beating toddlers to death, pimps seducing teen runaways into lives of drugs and prostitution. Canaanites burning their children for their idol Moloch. Nice church ladies cannibalizing other nice church ladies over coffee. Church members praying long and loud while their wives sit in silence hoping their heavy makeup covers the bruises. And on it goes, gangsters, bullies, liars, the indifferent, the sadistic, the self-righteous. Jesus bore it all; humanity dumping its wreckage on this one spot.

Jesus cares about your pain. Jesus cares about your soul. Come to His loving arms today.

Luke 18:35-43 WHEN JESUS PASSES BY

People were lined up by the thousands Friday to catch a glimpse of the new President as he passed by. The winner of today’s Super Bowl will have a parade in the next few days and thousands of people will stand out in cold or rain to see them pass by. Yet here we are in the House of God where we can meet with and Worship the God of the Universe and noone seems to care if He passes by!!!

We are at a time in our Church where almost every family has a major sickness or difficult circumstance. I’m glad to know in times like this that Jesus is passing by and HE HAS JUST WHAT WE NEED. I want to look at several well known times in the scriptures where Jesus Passed by and helped people and then I want us to LET HIM DO THE SAME FOR US. (Example of Car in Curve; slow down before but accelerate in to defeat centrifugal force. Keep on keeping on when the problems come. The worst thing you can do is slow down. That just gives the problems more force).

1. Woman with the issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)- He Gives you Help (In your Despair)- Jesus was BUSY. He had just cast the demons out of a “graveyard streaker” and as soon as he returned to town he received word that Jarius’s daughter was gravely ill. On the way to minister to her crowds of people thronged him wanting help and information (Isn’t that the way it seems with you sometimes?? You can handle one crisis, maybe even two; but as soon as one thing goes wrong everything seems to fall apart and it’s almost more than you can cope with. The example of Jesus here is very important. He dealt with each crisis as it unfolded. He didn’t try to “get ahead of himself” nor did He try to do it all at once).

Suddenly in the midst of this throng of People someone TOUCHED Him. Her Situation was desperate- Spent all she had on Doctors and nothing better. Hope had dimmed, Health had deteriorated. But her faith brought her to Christ and she made a “Point of contact” in His robe. He’s passing by here today and if you will quit thronging Him and in simple faith TOUCH Him, he can meet your needs.

2. Blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43)- He Gives you Guidance (From your Darkness)- Again Jesus was BUSY with a throng of people when this blind man hears his opportunity to have his needs met. He didn’t get discouraged, nor did he allow himself to be sidetracked. He knew if he could contact Christ he could get light and he did!! Christ has direction for you in your darkness also (Example of new machine that reads words from a page and translates it into sound so the blind can “read” their mail. Christ Translates life for us!).

3. Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) He Gives you Salvation (A New Life and a New Future)- Zacchaeus was “up a tree”! He had everything but his heart was empty. When Jesus passed by Zacchaeus was willing to look “Foolish” in order to see Him. Jesus called him, came into his house, and transformed his life. He’s passing by today to do the same thing for you– but like the Passover in Egypt you must have the Blood Applied.

There are 3 Ways People deal with life’s Problems:

1. Rowboat- Use their own power to try to get thru life

2. Sailboat- Allow the winds of circumstances to dedicated what they do and where they go.

3. Steamboat- Power to maintain course and get a job done.

Jesus is passing by to deliver you from your own strength, and life’s changing circumstances, to an abundant life. Don’t Miss Him!!

Luke 19:1-41 JESUS: PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING

Today is Palm Sunday. In the Life of Jesus it meant He had less than a week to live- and He knew it! Yet He steadfastly set his face toward Jerusalem and the Father’s will. Today I want us to look at Jesus and see why He would not become their king and why He would weep because they tried to make Him one. The heart ache of it all to Jesus was that He had spent 3 years preaching, teaching, and performing miracles among the people and they still did not understand his purpose. They wanted to make Him a King- and go back to the same old methods of politics and human power; that had failed, and still fails today. They simply did not understand His ministry.

I. A PROPHET: REPRESENTED GOD BEFORE MAN

A) Needed to have:

1. Hindsight: Knowledge of what had happened in the past. The Things written before hand written for our learning. Moses wrote of creation, flood, etc that happened before his birth. Jesus said, “Before Abraham was I AM”.

2. Insight: Able to see past the people to the problems: Jeremiah, Isaiah, etc saw the problem of the Heart- Jesus needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man (John 2:25).

3. Foresight: Able to see the future Daniel, Ezekiel, John. Jesus told of his soon coming betrayal, death, and kingdom

B) As a Prophet (God before men) Jesus showed us God’s:

1. Glory- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14). They Saw His Transfiguration!

2. Grace- Nicodemus, Woman at well, Mad man, Jarius Daughter, Woman in caught in Adultery.

3. God- John 14:9 He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.

II. A PRIEST REPRESENTED MAN BEFORE GOD

A) He must be:

1. A MAN- For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity (Hebrews 5:1-2) (Jesus was a VIRGIN BORN MAN)

2. CHOSEN BY G0D- And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron (Hebrews 5:4).

3. HAVE A MEANS OF ACCESS TO GOD- SACRIFICE Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:12-14).

B) JESUS TODAY AS PRIEST REPRESENTS US BEFORE GOD:

1. SIN: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1).

2. SUFFERING- Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16).

3. SPIRIT- Indwelling, Comforter, Helps to Pray, Gives us Power.

III. KING– Rules for God: Power to Rule, Place to Rule, People to Rule

Luke 19: FOUR QUESTIONS

Sometimes questions can be life changing- “Will you marry me?” “How long have you had that lump?” Would you like to go to work at my business?” “Did your child drive your car tonight?”

Chapter nineteen of the Gospel of Luke contains 4 incidents that can generate such life changing questions.

1) What Does Your Heart Crave? Zacchaeus was a rich man, who had all the comforts of a rich man’s life, but he found his life was missing a key ingredient; peace. He became so dissatisfied with the way things were going until he abandoned his pride and climbed a tree in order to meet Christ and find real peace. How about you? You have the two cars, the nice house, and the big screen TV but, in the lonely darkness, do you still long for something to satisfy the itch in your heart? Put being Real above being Rich. Go out on a Limb!

2) Are You willing to Do what You need to Do in order to Be what You need to Be? Jesus then told a parable which revealed that a productivity life is tied to either fear or faith. Fear causes people to bury their talents and live in misery. Faith encourages them to accomplish great deeds. Everyone has at least one talent. What are you doing with yours? Do not bury your Blessing!

3) Who are you seeking to Please? Who Believes in You? Then, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, he was honored by the people who really matter, the people who believed in Him. You can spend your life trying to be part of the Pharisaical “in crowd” and get, at the most, fleeting fame; or you can get your boast from people who believe in you and are willing to “give you the shirt off their back”. Do not confuse those who matter with those who are simply the “mob”!

4) Is anything replacing your love for; and dedication to, God? Finally, Jesus cleaned the temple of money grabbing merchants whose greedy conduct had replaced Godly worship. Your final question is this, “If Jesus came to your house today would He eat at your table or turn it over?”

Luke 19:1-10 LIVING FOR CHRIST

We have talked today about Living LIKE the Son of God and Living AS a Son of God. Now I want us to turn EDUCATION into DEDICATION as we learn how to Live FOR the Son of God.

I think 3 things describe what that means- COMMITMENT, CHOOSING, AND CROSS BEARING. Zaccehaus had to Commit to Christ, Chose to allow Him into his home, and Bear his cross in the responsibility of repentance.

We too are called to make these same 3 areas primary in our lives.

1) COMMITMENT- Come, Follow me- Various occupations; same commitment

1. To God’s Will for your Life

2. To God’s Plan for your Life

2) CHOOSING- Daniel had to choose, The three Hebrew children had to chose. We too are faced with choices:

1. About How we will use our abilities- Woman who washed Jesus’ feet with tears and wiped with her hair.

2. About How we will use our Resources- Parable of Talents

3. About

3) CROSS- A Cross involves the things you suffer as a direct result of being a Christian. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27).

A person has 3 Daily Needs: (1) Daily Bread- Pray For

(2) Daily Work- Be Faithful in

(3) Daily Cross- Take up and bear

This is NOT- the Cross Jesus bore- Only He could die for Sin

– A Cross around the Neck as jewelry.

– It is death to Your wants and desires.

1. Lost of opportunities

2. Death to personal Desires

3. A Crown to come

Luke 19:1-10 SEEKING AND SAVING

Drugs Seminar- Adults: No Hope because of Politics, Police Hands tied, and Power of Drugs.

Youth: Give in to Peer Pressure and Excitement

Seeking- Marked Bulletin- (Green) Candy Bar, (Blue) Head of Line, (Red) Tell who are (candy)

Mag Quiz- One Sack of Blossom (Flour)

One Repair Prone Tractor (Lemon)

2 lbs of a Big Complaint

A Can of Thick Fog (Pea Soup)

A Coward (Chicken)

2 Head of Money (Lettuce)

A Jar of Sticky Situation (Pickle)

Some of you are here from Habit, Some from Commitment, some because of Family. Jesus wanted you here so He could save you.

THE PURPOSE OF HIS COMING: Luke 19:10

(Mat 18:11) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

(John 12:47-48) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. {48} He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

(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.

Salvation implies Deliverance, Safety, preservation, healing, Soundness. It Includes justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. Being Saved means you are delivered from the Penalty of Sin, The Power of Sin, and the Presence of Sin.

5 Requirements to be saved

1) God must will it- (John 6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (Remember I Tim 2:3-4 Not the will of God that any Perish)

2) Jesus must Provide the way- Only sacrifice acceptable to pay debt

3) Holy Spirit must Bring it- Convict, Convert, Enable to Live

4) Christians must Tell You- Christians are Soldiers (to fight Satan), Students (to Learn of God), Wife (To Love and Worship God), and Farmers (To Sow Seed for God- We must Sow Seed knowing that some will not come up and some will not produce fruit. We must also be Sensitive to God’s moving so we can join God in His work- Jesus saw God at work in Zach)

5) YOU must Respond to God’s invitation.

HOW DOES GOD SEEK YOU?? Conviction Conscience Chaos- Trouble Preaching

A) THE WORD OF GOD SHOWING YOU (Heb 4:12)

B) THE SPIRIT OF GOD CALLING YOU (John 6:44)

C) CHRISTIANS TELLING YOU (Matt 5:14, 28:19)

D) CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING YOU (John 9:3)

Would You like to respond to God’s Work in your heart??

Luke 19:1-10 SETTING SINNERS FREE

Over and over in the New Testament the writers will call themselves a “Servant” of Jesus Christ. The word literally means Slave. In New Testament times one out of every four persons was a slave. A person could become a slave by conquest-one country conquering another. By birth-if your parents were slaves, so were you; and by debt-you would remain a slave until the debt was paid.

There were three ways a person could be set free from slavery: He could earn his freedom; Someone could pay off his debt and thus buy his freedom; or his master could decide to grant him freedom.

The Bible teaches that all of us are slaves to sin:

–by birth-born into sin because of our sin nature

–by conquest-sin rules over us and we sin.

–by debt “For the wages of sin is death… (Romans 3:23).

We cannot earn our freedom from sin, and we cannot buy our freedom from sin. The only way we can be set free is by accepting Christ who paid the price for our redemption, and thus we are free to be Christ’s servant.

Men are in bondage to sin today by many chains: Drugs, Drink, Lust, Greed, Bitterness, Pride

The only way to break these chains is to meet Jesus:

The Story of the Conversion of Zacchaeus shows us what is needed to set these sinners Free:

1. You must mean business and seek the Lord with determination- Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was;. If you are satisfied to “take it or leave it” you’ll never be saved. You don’t have a heart attack and then ask the doctor to come see you when it’s convenient.

2. You must overcome some obstacles (Devil doesn’t want you saved)

A> Pride- which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. The Bible says there are 4 that hardly are saved: Rich, wise after the flesh, Mighty (powerful), and Noble (Elite).

B> People- he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press. The Hypocrites and the Hords will hinder you

C> Personality- he was little of stature. People think their problem is TOO BIG for God or they can’t HOLD OUT. The answer is in God’s Strength, not ours.

he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

3. You must receive the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior- And received him joyfully vs 5.

4. You must expect and be ready for criticism and opposition- They all murmured vs 7.

5. You must confess the Lord before others- And Zacchaeus stood, and said vs 8. Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

6. You must be willing to obey the Lord- a Disciple

A> Resolution- I give to the poor.

B> Restitution- I restore

7. You must rely on the Lord’s Word for the assurance that you’re saved- Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,

Specific Rules

1. God’s goal for every person is Christ-likeness (Roman 8:29). God wants the best for you! [God has a plan for Every Person. That plans involves becoming Christ-like in actions and attitudes].

2. Everyone has rebelled against God (Romans 3:10). We are all sinners before Him. [We have turned everyone to his own way. We have left God’s way for our way; a way that seems right but the ends thereof are death].

3. This causes separation from God (Romans 6:23). We all must pay the penalty of sin. [God cannot Bless us or develop a relationship with us because we are out of His will. This leaves an empty spot in our life that we try to fill with the husk of the world. This makes us slaves to the world, the flesh, and the devil].

4. However, God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16,17). Jesus paid our penalty. [God has provided a way to pay our debt and free us from sin’s captivity].

5. All we have to do is confess our sin to God, ask for forgiveness, and ask Jesus to become our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9). [God only requires that we agree with Him about the harmfulness of sin, ask for His forgiveness, and then allow Him to work His will in our Life].

6. We can be sure that God has forgiven us (Romans 10:10; 1 John 1:9).

[We can be sure this will work because God has given us His word and we can see the example of it’s work in the lives of those around us.

Luke 19:1-10 WILL CHRIST FIND YOU TODAY?

Christ became a self-invited guest

This was the only opportunity to meet with Zach (Jesus’ last trip)

Christ looked for Zach

The change in Zach produced changes in others

Zach put money ahead of patriotism and religion

Replaced Greed with Graciousness and Generosity

Replaced Selfishness with Righteousness

Replaced Corruption with New Character

Christ exposed himself to hostility by His disciples and the city.

Luke 19:10 THE SON OF MAN

Lu 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. To Most People, Christmas has become Gifts and Going. It is a time of Stress (Physically, Emotionally, Financially) instead of Celebration. That is always the case when we take our eyes off the goal and start majoring on the decorations (If I could get people to spend half as much time figuring out how to witness to their children as they do figuring out what gift to get them we probably would have the greatest revival in the History of the Church!).

In the Old Testament we have man made in the image of God (Gen 1:27).

In the New Testament we have God made in the image of man (John 1:1,14).

The question we must ask ourselves is why God would come to earth as a man (Called the incarnation).

Harold Willmington gives 12 reasons for the Incarnation of Christ:

1) To Reveal the Invisible God- No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)

2) To Fulfil Prophecy- Gen 3:15

3) To guarantee the Davidic Covenant- Luke 1:31-33

4) To Make a Sacrifice for our Sins- I John 3:5

5) To Reconcile Man to God- 2 Cor 5:19

6) To Provide an Example for Believers- 1 Pet 2:21

7) To Provide us with a Heavenly High Priest- Heb 2:17

8) To Destroy the Devil and his works- I John 3:8

9) To Defeat Sin and Death- Rom 5:12, Rom 6:23

10) To Heal the Broken hearted, To set at Liberty them that are bruised, to Proclaim God’s Acceptable time- Luke 4:18

11) To Give Abundant Life- John 10:10

12) To Glorify the Father- John 17:4

Yesterday Andrew and I got into a spanking contest- I won because I’m much bigger than he is. If you get into a spanking contest with God you are going to lose also; but God’s goal is not to force you into service as a slave- We need to hate our “Warden” (Parents, Provider) because that keeps us from admitting we are the ones who got ourselves into this mess (That is why we love our “Visitors”; they just pop in and tell us how sorry they are about our situation while never grappling with the day to day issues of our rebellion).

When Jesus proclaimed Himself the “Son of Man” this was a term the Jews understood as standing for the biggest kid on the block. Jesus angered them by declaring the “Son of Man” had two main purposes- To SERVE AND TO SAVE- Every other time talks about proving His first coming or anticipating His second Coming.

SERVE- (Mat 20:28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

SAVE- (Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

So let’s make Christmas and Christianity very simple today- Christmas is about Jesus coming to earth to Serve and to Save. Christianity is about getting people to KNOW Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (SAVE) and to SHOW Christ in their changed life (SERVE).

If you came in today with a smile on your face but a hurt in your heart, Christ wants to be your great physician and give you a new heart. If you came in this morning afraid of death and unsure of life then Christ wants to give you Abundant Eternal Life.

What does it take to make this change in your life? Repent of your sins, Believe Jesus is God’s Gift for your Salvation and Confess Christ as Savior- (Luke 12:8) Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Luke 19:10 WHAT DOES GOD SEEK FOR?

1) THAT MEN WOULD BE SAVED-(Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (1 Tim 2:3-4) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; {4} Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (Ezek 34:11) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

2) SPIRITUAL WORSHIP– (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.

3) TO BLESS HIS CHILDREN– (2 Chr 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

4) THOSE THAT CARE ABOUT HIS HOUSE– (Psa 122:9) Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

5) GOD SEEKS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM– (Psa 14:2) The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

A> 4 Years of seeking before service- (2 Chr 34:3) For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

B> Seek thru Repentant Heart- (Dan 9:3) And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: Daniel had no revealed sins while David had many. What a prayer in this chapter.

C> Seek thru Righteous Living- (Amos 5:14) Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

D> Seek thru Proper Priorities- (Mat 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

E> Seek by Faith- (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 19:10 THE MAN GOD IS SEEKING

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

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!!)

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 through the Word and in the Spirit.

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??

Luke 19:11-27 A PARABLE ABOUT PATIENCE AND POUNDS

Or a better title may be, What in the world is God doing in my life and why is he taking so long to do it?? This parable teaches us about the need of PATIENCE in the things of God as well as the need of RESPONSIBILITY in handling the things entrusted to us by God. Both of which are sadly missing in the life of the average Christian today!!

THE REASON FOR THE PARABLE: (I always like it when the Bible tells us why a certain portion of Scripture is written).

1) Because He was Nigh to Jerusalem (They knew the TIME was soon coming that Jesus would HAVE to make a decision about being a King).

2) Because They Thought the Kingdom of God should immediately appear (They could not IMAGINE that God would not want the Kingdom to come IMMEDIATELY and the power of Rome be broken. They thought God HAD to act because the situation was so serious; but little did they know how serious the situation was about to become- Jerusalem destroyed in 40 years and the Jews scattered all over the world for nearly 2000 years!!)

NOTE– This Parable was told under the wall of the palace of Archelaus. When Herod the Great Died he left Judea to Archelaus. Archelaus had to go to Rome to get his inheritance approved. The Jews did not want him to become king so they sent 50 men to argue against his becoming king. Augustus Caesar sent Archelaus back without the title of king and divided Judea into several parts. When Archelaus returned he immediately called for those who had opposed him and had them executed. So the Parable Jesus is about to tell would seem VERY REAL to the Jews who were listening. ***The fact that Archelaus was ruling in Judea is the reason Jesus grew up in Nazareth (Matt 2:22-23)

The Parable in a Nutshell- A Nobleman went to a far country to receive verification of his rights to the kingdom and then to return. As he was leaving he gave each of 10 servants a pound apiece to use until he returned. The complication was the fact that the citizens of the land hated him and rebelled against his authority (Why do we hate God’s rule over us when He wants only good for us. Like Satan, we tend to rebel against ANY authority. We think the freedom of the hog pen will be better than the food at the Father’s House; until we come to ourselves!!).

A Pound was equal to about 3 months wages. Occupy means= Take care of business, put my money to work while I am gone so I can make a profit. They were not told HOW to make the Profit (Different Parts of the body do different works) but they were told to expect an accounting.

NOTE– [Don’t confuse the parable of the pounds with the parable of the talents- In the Parable of the Talents the men received DIFFERENT amounts but the SAME Reward (Joy of the Lord). In the Parable of the Pounds the men received the SAME amount but DIFFERENT Rewards.

The Parable of the Talents teaches us to be faithful to use our different GIFTS as God gives us opportunities to serve. The Parable of the Pounds teaches us that EVERY Christian is entrusted with the SAME Trust (The message of the Gospel) and we will all be accountable for the way we handle that trust.

THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PARABLE-

A) BE RESPONSIBLE- Each was given a Pound to Judge Character and Test Responsibility.

B) BE PATIENT about the return of our Master- Where Prophecy is concerned, we are on the WELCOMING Committee and not the PLANNING Committee. We are making Ready for His return, whenever that is!!

C) BE BUSY- God is more interested in what you are than in what you do but He knows that what you do is a measure of what you are- What you believe determines what you do (Remember we have different Talents (works) but the Same Pound (Witness)).

D) BE A WITNESS- Waiting without Witnessing puts you in a precarious position. Don’t try to DO Witnessing, BE a Witness. Opportunities to speak will usually come from opportunities you take to serve.

E) BE OBEDIENT- If you are a rebel instead of a servant then you will be judged harshly; as if you were an enemy of God.

Especially highlighted was the Servant who failed to increase his pound:

1) Note that he Gave back the SAME pound he received that he had kept wrapped in a napkin (He didn’t lose the pound but he lost the opportunities to use the pound).

2) Had a WRONG CONCEPT of the Master- Nothing twists and deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God- A W Tozer. This Servant thought of his Master as an austere man (Severe or stern in disposition or appearance; somber and grave) who reaped what he had not sown. He Thought of the Master as HARD to please and UNFAIR in his requirements; and what he believed about the Master determined what he did for the Master!!

3) Did not LOVE his Master but served him from FEAR. His work was a burden that he disliked doing. He would have been a good friend of the enemies who rebelled against the rule of the Master!!

That brings us to an important principle–Make every occasion a great occasion, for you can never tell when someone may be taking your measure for a larger place– Marsden

1) Our Work is supposed to make us grow. We are not to remain static

2) We are always being Measured to see if we can handle more

3) Each Job prepares us for the next one so do the small job as if it were a big job.

4) The Lord may move us when he sees we are ready. The Servants who used their Pound wisely were immediately moved to an area of greater responsibility.

I don’t know how long you have on this earth but I do know a few things you need to make priorities in your life:

1) If your Master is not the Lord then you are in for a hard life and a terrible end- Be Saved today.

2) If you think of service for God as Hard and unfair, and if you think of God as Cruel and Uncaring about your situation, then you will produce little or nothing with the abilities God has entrusted to you.

3) If you aren’t resp0nsible in the little areas of life then you won’t be qualified to do the great task God has waiting- The work you do during Spring training will determine your batting average during the regular season; and may even determine if you make the team!!

Luke 19:14 WHEN PEOPLE HATE GOD

(Luke 19:14) But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Your life Actions and Attitudes are determined by your concept of God:

To some He is the HAPPY GOD– (“Grand Daddy” God) who will SPOIL you by giving you Everything you want as soon as you want it, SPARE you any punishment for the wrong you do, and not expect you to SPEND any time with him except on special occasions.

For others He is a HAZY GOD– In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). MY Values, Morals, and Feelings are the basis of Truth; not some standards written in the Bible! If it feels good, sounds good, or is accepted as good by society then it must be my “god” of Good.

God is “not in the thoughts” of others and they HATE GOD– I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation OF THEM THAT HATE ME (Exodus 20:5). Things happened in your Life, your Family, or your Wealth that God could have prevented or corrected and you cannot “serve” a god who does not do things easy or good for you.

But you MUST realize the God is a HOLY GOD– And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine (Leviticus 20:26).Holy means “Set apart for a sacred purpose” and that is exactly the relationship God wants with you. He Loves you and “sets you apart” so you can be the BEST (Remember that teaching a child discipline at five is not easy but will be greatly appreciated at twenty five).

God gives us “talents” and then calls us to account for their use. Burying our talents is BAD. God is GOD and we must submit to Him to enjoy the abundant life He offers. Full submission comes when you realize that God really loves you and you can TRUST Him with your life. (Dr that operates on your heart)

Grand DADDY God- Spoil you / Spare you any punishment / Spend time with only when necessary

DESIGNER GOD- (Judg 21:25) In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

God likes any sin you like

God hates any people you hate

DEAD GOD- (Psa 36:1) The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

God is not in their thoughts. His principles are not considered in their life

Salvation is:

1) Realizing you are lost in sin (Me in woods)

2) Repenting of the fact that you have broken God’s Law and this has broken God’s heart

3) Receiving by Faith the payment of your sin debt by Jesus

4) Turning the REINS of your life over to God as you serve Him.

5) Renewal of our character and conduct as you submit to God and live for Him- A new creature in Christ!

Luke 19:36-48 PSALM SUNDAY / CHEERS, TEARS, FEARS

I. CHEERS- The crowd

A) Spread their clothes in the way

B) For Mighty Works- Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

C) Acknowledged Messiah

D) Crowd or Stones!!

II. TEARS- Jesus

A) Rejected Opportunity

III. FEARS- The Scribes

A) Loss of Revenue- turned over Tax Tables

B) Loss of Respect- People were attentive to Christ.

(Used FOI FB 4-8-20)

Points I gathered from Dr. Stanley Rajkumar’s Palm Sunday message (Luke 19):

Some people worship Christ with their:

1) Possessions- Let Christ use their unridden Ass Colt

2) Person- Gave Christ the “shirt off their back” as a saddle and to pave His way

3) Praise- Used their voices to proclaim His glory (which prevented “Rock Roar”)

4) Palm Branches- Available gifts that cost them nothing but made a good spectacle. (Which is why many of these may have cried “Crucify Him” several days later)

5) As Pharisees who sought only to condemn because this type Worship was “outside their box”

Do you believe the Christ riding on a donkey is the Son of God and Savior of the world? Do you only worship Christ with What you have instead of Who you are? Are you willing to publically acknowledge Christ as “King” of your life?

Brother Stanley is a “blessing from the burden” our missionaries felt for India many years ago. Praise God for the prayers and sacrifice of God’s people.

Luke 20:1-8 AUTHORITY ASSURANCE

This is a Chapter of Questions: 1) The Authority of Christ

2) The Paying of Taxes

3) The Resurrection

4) By Christ- Is Christ David’s Son

3 Principles that can be seen from these questions:

1) The Perplexity Problem- Expect some questions in life that you will need divine wisdom to answer

2) The Doubt Difficulty- Satan will attempt to trip you up by causing you to lean on your own understanding instead of in Faith in God’s Plan.

3) The Perspective Principle- We must remember to look at earthly problems from a Heavenly Perspective.

Jesus had just cleansed the temple and the Chief Priest wanted to know who gave him the authority to do the things he did. NOTES: Who the Question from- Main Religious Leaders- Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders

These were Trick Questions- ANY answer would be a wrong answer unless Jesus could get THEM to answer (If he said His authority was of God then they would get Him for Blasphemy. If He said it was of man then Jesus would lose credit with the People).

The Authority to Speak- (1 Pet 4:11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.

Your willingness to hear and heed God’s Voice of Authority will depend on your:

1) FAITH: vs 5 If we will say, From Heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? They knew that belief would determine behavior. If John was sent from God then his proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God would force these Pharisees to become followers. (You must accept God’s Word by Faith and obey His Commands)

2) FEAR: vs 6 If we say, Of men; all the people will stone us; for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. Public opinion did not allow them to say what they wanted to say. (You must be willing to make a stand based on you Faith).

Unwillingness to commit to a choice will lead to lack of confirmation from God- vs 7-8 They answered, That they could not tell where it came from. Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what Authority I do these things.

Luke 21:18 HAIR CARE

But there shall not an hair of your head perish (Luke 21:18).

One of the things that impresses me about God is His delight in Details- He has a Place for everyone to be, A time for everything to happen, and a provision for every problem. This is very clearly brought out in the way He wrote the Scriptures.

He passes over hundreds of years of history without a comment but will stop to tell how various men found their wives. He doesn’t seem interested in how man discovered fire, or machinery, or even the atomic bomb but He often stops to tell about inter-personal relationships between family members.

One of the most intriguing of these tiny details, however, is the interest God takes in our Hair. The Bible tells us that even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {That is sufficient reason for us to Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows (Luke 12:7) [The idea being that just as God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, so He knows when a hair of our head falls to the ground; and He’s concerned about both!!].

As we face a recession, a war, and an uncertain future; it’s good to know that God cares about every aspect of our lives, even our Hair!! In our Scripture today Jesus has just told His disciples about the persecutions and problems that will come on the world as the end of time approaches. His assurance of caring for even their hair is a tremendous comfort to our hearts.

If God values our Hair so much then it behooves us to know some things about it also.

I. HAIR IDENTIFIES YOU:

BY COLOR- And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau (Gen 25:25).

BY AMOUNT- And the man whose hair is fallen off his head, he is bald; yet is he clean. And he that hath his hair fallen off from the part of his head toward his face, he is forehead bald: yet is he clean (Lev 13:40-41). How many people have trudged thru life nicknamed “Red” or Baldy because of something they couldn’t help? Remember this, the original color of your hair was given to you by God and is nothing to be ashamed of; and the Bible says it’s alright to be Bald!!

The Amount of your hair can also represent a person’s ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY- Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering (1 Cor 11:14-15). The first thing a man does when he wants to rebel is let his hair grow long. The first thing a woman does when she joins the work force is cut her hair. The man is fleeing responsibility, the woman is seeking to be co-captain of the ship; both are contrary to God’s purposes.

It’s not simply a hair cut we’re talking about but a type of character exemplified by both Husband and Wife- Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; (1 Pet 3:1, 3) You must be careful, however, that a certain color of hair, or amount of hair doesn’t lead you into ABSALOM’S SIN OF VANITY- And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight (2 Sam 14:26). Remember that in Absalom’s case it left him dead in a tree!!

The Proper attitude is that shown by Mary when she anointed Jesus for burial aided by her hair- And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment (Luke 7:38). Use your Hair (as everything else) for God’s Glory and not self glorification.

II. Hair was the SOURCE OF SAMSON’S STRENGTH because it REPRESENTED KEEPING HIS VOWS TO GOD– He told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man (Judge 16:17).

III. Hair was PART OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS– I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting (Isa 50:6).

IV. Hair can be a SYMBOL OF GOD’S JUDGMENT– In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard (Isa 7:20).

The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws (Dan 4:33).

The Main thing I want us to see, however, is that God’s CARE of HAIR is a SIGN OF GOD’S:

PROTECTION- And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them (Dan 3:27). In the Fires of Persecution, God will be with us.

PROVISION- And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you (Isa 46:4). From a babe in arms to an old man in a rocking chair we can trust in God.

In the midst of terror and trouble let us always remember that the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Mat 10:30). If God cares about that little detail then you can bring all your troubles and trials to Him.

A Closing Thought. Even God is Pictured with Hair– His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; (Rev 1:14). When you see His Hair you had better be ready to face His eyes!! You can’t face life until you’re ready to face Death. Have You repented of sin and trusted Christ as your Savior? Have you made a public proclamation of that fact?

Luke 21:19 PATIENCE

(Luke 21:19) In your patience possess ye your souls.

PATIENCE

Produces FRUIT– (Luke 8:15) But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (James 5:7) Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

BUILT BY STANDING IN TRIALS– (Rom 5:3-4) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; {4} And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

(Col 1:11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

(James 1:3-4) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. {4} But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

BASIS OF FAITH– (Rom 8:25) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

CONFIRMED BY THE WORD– (Rom 15:4-5) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

PART OF GROWTH– (2 Pet 1:6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

GOD LIKE– {5} Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

GODLY– (2 Cor 6:4) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

(2 Cor 12:12) Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

(1 Th 1:3) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

(2 Th 1:4) So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

(1 Tim 6:11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

(2 Tim 3:10) But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

(Titus 2:2) That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

(James 5:10-11) Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. {11} Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

PROMPTS TO WORK– (Heb 6:12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(Heb 10:36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

(Heb 12:1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

IMPRESSES GOD– (Rev 2:2-3) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: {3} And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Rev 2:19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (Rev 3:10) Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

SUSTAINS US WHEN LIFE DOESN’T MAKE SENSE– (Rev 13:10) He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Rev 14:12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

ALLOWS US TO BE WHERE GOD WANTS US IN ORDER TO SEE THE MARVELS OF GOD– (Rev 1:9) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:21-34 Will YOU Deny Him?

You think of me as a Pastor but I have to think of myself as a JUGGLER- One object I must juggle is my responsibilities as PASTOR- Sermons, Secretarial Work, Sickness, Soul Winning, etc keep me very busy. Then I must juggle my Responsibilities as HEAD OF THE OUTREACH MINISTRY- Writing, Publishing, and Distributing Books; Preparing and preaching Radio Programs; Newspaper articles; Writing, Publishing, and Mailing Newsletters; Praying in the needed finances and then handling the recording, receipts, and paying of Bills from these Finances; preparing for and participating in Outreach Seminars; etc. Then there is my responsibilities as MINISTER- Counseling, speaking at meetings, secretary of local Minister’s Meeting, etc. Finally, There is my responsibility to FAMILY- And they always assume they will be listed and handled last.

Now before you get out your handkerchiefs and violins let me assure you that I know that You also have a very busy schedule that requires a great deal of juggling. I am not asking for your sympathy today. I am simply leading you to understand a simply statement- FURTHER GROWTH AT GRACE CHURCH WILL REQUIRE YOUR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.

That brings us to THREE THINGS WE MUST DECIDE ABOUT CHURCH GROWTH:

1) DO WE WANT TO GROW?

2) DO WE WANT TO GROW BADLY ENOUGH TO MEET THE CONDITIONS OF GROWTH? (Growth will NOT come simply from increased activities or wishful Thinking). There are 7 primary Conditions of Growth:

A) Soul Winning

B) Visitation

C) Faithful Attendance

D) Enthusiastic Worship

E) Friendly, Genuine Welcome

F) Consistent, Loving Follow up

G) Powerful Purposeful Prayer

3) IS IT GOD’S WILL THAT WE GROW? The most important Question.

A) Growth must be OF THE LORD- Unless the Lord build the House they labor in Vain that build it.

B) Growth must be preceded by a Vision of need and the commitment of Workers- Lift up your eyes and look on the fields for they are white unto harvest. Pray ye therefore the Lord of Harvest that He will send forth laborers into the harvest.

C) Growth must develop at God’s Speed and according to God’s Purpose- Look for Sign Posts and road blocks from the Lord- A pattern will develop from the Lord concerning how, where, and why to Grow. Our Starts and our Stops must be according to God’s Plan and not according to our Pride or the sense of our own Power.

Which, Finally, Brings us to today’s Scripture. 2 Questions occupied the Minds of the Disciples at this critical time

1) Who would betray Christ? And 2) Who would be the greatest?

Those same questions occupy my mind today. Which of you will betray the work of Christ because you think it is not going fast enough or far enough? Which of you are only concerned about what is in the Church for me instead of how can I be a part of God’s work by serving others? And which of you will deny the work of Christ as you sit around the world’s fire?

Jesus knew that the heart of the problem was the problem of the heart so he brings Peter face to face with that problem; and that is what I want to do today also. I want to know today if you will deny the Savior or dedicate yourself to fully serve Him. I want to know if you will stop looking for excuses not to work and begin looking for opportunities to join God in the great work He is doing at Grace Church.

I. SATAN’S DESIRE- Simon. Satan has a goal for Grace Church. It is not to build up God’s Work or develop God’s People. It is to buffet and beat them as a man would when he Shifts Wheat

Satan entered the Betrayer but he knew he could only Shift the Denier! His plan was to make it so difficult for Peter because of Fighting, Fatigue, and Failure until Peter would not just deny Christ but would also desert Him.

II. THE SAVIOR’S PRAYERS – For Peter (Glory!!). While Satan was shifting the Savior was praying. And His prayer was specific- That thy Faith fail not!. What a vivid example this is of the truth of (Heb 7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Judas found his courage but lost his faith. Peter lost his courage but kept his faith.

III. PETER’S CONVERSION (Convert means To Turn Around or Reverse). The result of Peter’s return from his failure should be to Strengthen Thy Brethren; to become involved in helping others in their walk with the Lord. And that is the MAIN POINT of today’s Message- If you have make a commitment to Christ then becoming a part of God’s work is not an option!! Your goal is not simply to go to heaven, it is also to HELP OTHER BELIEVERS.

IV. PETER’S FALSE CONFIDENCE– Peter said he was ready to go with Christ, both to prison, and to death (And I believe he would have gone anywhere with Christ but he failed when he was left on his own). How many in this Church say they are ready to do anything for God but end up sitting around the world’s fire instead??

V. PETER’S RETURN– Discouraged, Depressed, Down hearted, Peter feels himself a failure so he goes back to his fishing business (And takes others with him!). But that also is a failure. All night they fish and catch nothing. Morning finally comes and a voice calls out for them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Suddenly they had a boat load of fish (Peter’s dream had finally come true). But as Peter stood in the midst of that boat loaded down with fish he realized that something was still missing. So he jumped into the water (leaving his fishing boat and the fish) and went to Jesus. There he found cooked fish instead of a boat full of raw fish (Isn’t it great when you get back to the Savior!!).

And He found that Coming to Christ called for Commitment- If you Love me- Feed my lambs and Sheep. (Remember, When you are converted Strengthen the Brethren).

We are all gathered around a camp fire today. At one we will deny Him. At the other we will completely commit to serving Him. Will you Commit to Him for Salvation today? Will you commit to being part of the Work Force as He builds HIS Church?

Luke 22:27 HOW CAN WE SERVE THE LORD?

The very essence of sin is “falling short of the glory of God” (Roml 3:23); which basically means that we Fail to do what God requires- In other words, we fail to Serve the Lord. That makes serving the Lord one of the Most Vital elements of our life. Yet many people do not seem to know what to do or how to do it in order to effectively Serve the Lord. They seem to think that the only people who “serve the Lord” are those engaged in “Full Time” Christian Service; not realizing that Jesus worked much more outside the Church than He did in it!

Let’s look at some of the attitudes and actions that make up our service for God.

1 RESPECTFUL REVERENCE: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalms 2:11). The psalmist here is saying that our attitude of service ought To be “reverence” ((“leaning of “fear” here)~ i wonder how many people Sing, pray, give, and listen to sermons with an attitude that is must less than reverent?? I wonder how many people approach their work, school, or daily duties with reverence? And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:23). A BAD ATTITUDE DESTROYS GOOD ACTIONS!!

2. LOVING ATTITUDE: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Galatians 5:13). SERVICE IS CHANGED FROM DRUDGERY TO DELIGHT WHEN YOU ADD LOVE TO THE WORK. Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15) but sadly, today many people are in love with Self instead of the Savior. That is why they can so easily break His commandments in order to do that which pleases them. DO YOU LOVE TO SERVE GOD; OR DO YOU LOOK FOR AN EXCUSE NOT To?

3. STEADFAST SERVICE: Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me (Psalms 101:6). It is wonderful to know that God knows the number of hairs on my head and is concerned when even a sparrow falls to the ground but that also means that God expects every area of my life to be of service to him. Sometimes people try to separate their “religious” life from their everyday living but a servant of God knows that we honor God with a prayer about supper as well as for a sermon! That the way we live our lives teaches a. Greater lesson than any Sunday School quarterly.

JESUS SAID YOU COULD NOT SERVE TWO MASTERS- ARE YOU TRYING???

4 SERVANT SERVICE: 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). Service for the Lord also involves being a servant, suffering for righteousness sake, and fighting Sin. Many seem to be willing to Serve God if it means Health, Wealth, and Happiness but they do not seem to realize that whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all (Mark 10:44). We need more Serving Saints instead of more “Super Saints” today.

Others are willing to serve the Lord as long as it does not mean Suffering (Sadly, today, many think missing their favorite TV Program is to much to Suffer for Christ!). I believe it is impossible to serve the Lord in this sinful world without suffering some (Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you 1 Peter 4:12).

Finally, I believe a Servant of God will fight Sin because Sin is the Enemy of God and should be the Enemy of God’s People. ARE YOU RESISTING THE DEVIL AND SERVING GOD TODAY???

Luke 22:31-34 54-62 THE PETER PRINCIPLE

In this scripture we have Peter’s Boastful Statement of support for Christ and then his failure under trial. I want to look at this and see what is happening all too often in people’s lives today.

I. HIS CIRCUMSTANCES– One of the first called, Part of the “Inner Circle” (With James and John), Leader of the group. [There is as great an opportunity for service at Grace as anywhere- we desparately need singers, servers, visitors, workers-paint, repair, etc]

II. HIS CONFESSION– Thou art the Christ Mark 8:29. He was “Spiritual” because Jesus said that Flesh and blood had not revealed this to him but the Father. BUT he was also “Satan” for immediately after this he tried to keep Christ from the Cross and Christ told him to “Get thee behind me Satan, for thou savourest the things of man and not of God”. [There is that potential for good or bad in all of us- see Rom 7. your “Will” controls who is in charge].

III. HIS CONFIDENCE– I will never Deny thee- Confident in the Flesh even though he felt others might fail! Only the power of the cross can defeat the flesh- Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

IV. HIS COWARDICE– deny 3 times.

The WAYS we deny Christ:

A) Actions- Warming by the enemies fire

B) Words- Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. Mark 14:70‑71

C) Dress- Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean. Luke 22:59

The REASONS we deny Christ:

A) Fear- Of Physical abuse

Of being made fun of

B) Faithlessness- Christ has not done what we expected Him to do. We look for a Reigning King and find a Suffering Saviour (See Luke 22:24‑30). We look for a “Bed of Roses” and find that Christ did not come to save us FROM Life but to give us Abundant Life thru HIS Power and Peace. (The Book of Hebews was written to people who were in danger of leaving Faith for works because of disenchancement).

C) Flesh- Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, (II Tim 4:10) 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 4:19)

V. HIS “CONVERSION”–

A) He Repented- He went out and wept bitterly

B) He returned- Go tell the disciples AND PETER.

The Lord CHASTENS those He loves- Heb 12

The Lord “CHASES” those He loves- He found Peter and asked him the all important question- “Do you Love Me?”. If Love is right then conduct will be right (“If you love me keep my

commandments”)

C) He Renewed- to strenghten the brethern.

Any “Peters” here today?? Christ calls you to come back to Him

Luke 22:32 FAILING AS A CHRISTIAN

(Luke 22:32) But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren

One of the most distressing occurrences in the world is when a Christian begins to fail in their Christian life and fall away from God-(2 Pet 2:20‑21) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. {21} For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

What would cause a person to “return to wallowing in the mire”? Worst than that, what would cause a person like this to fail to realize that the hog pen is not as pleasant a place at the Father’s house?? I wonder sometimes if people don=t get so preoccupied with going to church and being good until they fail to realize that their Christian life is seriously sick. Here are four symptoms to look for to help you determine if you have a problem.

1) Are you Powerless in the face of Temptation? It is not wrong (or unusual) to be tempted; but a Christian knows that Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. Continual defeat is a sign of a serious disease that “Dr Jesus” needs to deal with.

2) Have you lost your love and concern for the Lost? If all you are concerned with is your own situation while the multitudes drop into Hell then you have a deep problem. When you view life through a mirror instead of a window pane then you center on self instead of the sinners that Christ came to die for.

3) Do you desire the Word of God and the House of God? When your Bible becomes dusty and you find yourself dreading to fellowship with God=s people at Church then you are in grave danger of collapsing. Either the word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the word. If you don=t want to have individual and cooperate fellowship with the Lord and His people then red flags of warning should go up all around.

4) Is there a hunger in your heart to grow as a Christian? The reason lukewarm living makes God sick is because it is a clear indicator of a much deeper problem in your Christian life. When you stop longing for the Lord it will not be long until the weeds of this world will enter your life and choke your fruitfulness for God.

God did not call us to be failures. He told us to be more than conquerors through faith in Christ. Live that way!

Luke 22:37 7 THINGS YOU MUST DO

The Problem with Living is that it sometimes sucks the Life out of you! Pressures, stresses, and daily duties all combine to defeat our joy and burden our soul. The last thing anyone wants then their soul is overwhelmed with sorrow and stress is for a preacher to load more weight onto their already overloaded wagon.

Sometimes, however, the only way to ease your load is to point out some of your inescapable responsibilities so you can get your priorities back in order- You don’t want to be so busy dusting your shelves until you don’t realize your house is burning down!

The Bible contains many things that MUST be done:

—The Bible must be fulfilled: (Luke 22:37) For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. (Mat 5:18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

—Grief must come– (Jer 10:19) Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.

—The Gospel must be preached to all nations in order for Christ to come– (Mark 13:10) And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

—Present teaching must be built upon past teaching– (Isa 28:10) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Interestingly enough, the Bible says there must be false doctrine in order to make sure the right doctrine is approved- (1 Cor 11:19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.)

—Society’s law and regulations must be obeyed: (Rom 13:5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Family Members must take responsibility

—You must be A Friend in order to have a Friend– (Prov 18:24) A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Are you lonely? You don’t find or make many friends sitting in front of a TV or Saga game.

—New Spirit must be put into new “Bottles”- (Mark 2:22) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. God does not require gold vessels or silver vessels but He must have clean vessels. Think of life as a Canoe; you can drift with the current into the driftwood and scum or you can make the effort to paddle up to the clean country.

–You must have faith (Not just earnest efforts) in order to please God- (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

—You must do more than show up at Church to worship God-(John 4:24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

—You must be Born Again– (John 3:7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

—You must Die-(2 Sam 14:14) For we must needs die, and are as water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. You must accept that Age and Death or coming your way–1100 people each DAY turn 50. In 20 years over 25% of the American Population will be over 65.

Today, those over 80 are the fastest growing segment of the US Population.

—You must appear before God as Judge– (2 Cor 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Luke 22:41-42 IMPORTANCE OF CROSS

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:41-42).

This is the week of the Cross. Next week is the week of the empty tomb. Most of you know that this week begins with a victory parade as Jesus enters the city and ends with Jesus crucified on a cross. Most of you know He died to pay for your sins but many of you are not sure why God would think Man’s Sins were important enough for God’s Son to die for. Today I want us to look at the impact of Sin on the life of people so we can appreciate more the sacrifice our Savior was willing to make on our behalf.

Sin has a tremendous impact on People:

1) Reputation– Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

2) Relationships–

A) with Others- A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (Proverbs 16:28). He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter [Gossip] separateth very friends (Proverbs 17:9).

B) with God- Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee (Psalms 51:10-13).

3) Reasoning– [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; (Romans 1:28).

4) Rewards– For there shall be NO reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out (Proverbs 24:20).

Take heed that ye do not your alms (Prayer) before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have NO reward of your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 6:1).Giving for Glory. Praying for Praise

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a FULL reward (2 John 1:8). Partial Reward due to bad behavior.

5) Soul– For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Sin has an impact on God:

His Holy Character: Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: (Habakkuk 1:13).

His Righteousness Judgment: And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness (Psalms 9:8).

Sin cannot be overlooked or ignored by God. It is a debt that must be paid, a defilement that must be cleansed, and a disobedience that must be addressed (Can only be ONE GOD).

LUKE 23:- BLAMING BLAME

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man (Luke 23:4).

When faced with Stressful Situations who will you blame for your unwillingness to do what you know you need to do?

Pilate’s Wife blamed a Dream: When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him (Matthew 27:19).

Herod blamed the silence of Jesus: Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing (Luke 23:9).

The Jews blamed Rome: And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. (John 19:12).

Pilate blamed

A) Herod: And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time (Luke 23:7). Passing the buck will not solve the problem.

B) Jesus for not making a defense: Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? (John 19:10). Sometimes people do not respond the way you want them to respond.

C) Crowd for their unwillingness to let him submit a substitute for Jesus: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it (Matthew 27:20-24).

Three times Pilate declared Jesus innocent but he went against what he knew was right and blamed others for his decision. Who are you blaming for the bad decisions you make?

Luke 23 THE UNPARDONABLE SIN TODAY

There is an old saying “As long as there is life there is hope”. That may be true with man but it’s not true with God. That is why I feel the need and the urgency to preach this sermon on the unpardonable sin.

The word blaspheme comes from the greek word “blasphemia” which means evil speaking.

What is the unpardonable sin?

Is it attributing the work of God to the devil?

Is it the final ultimate rejection of the Lord Jesus?

An important statement in understanding what this sin is to read verse 25 “Jesus knew their thoughts”

1. The Holy Ghost is a person and has a job to do

a. John 16:7-11

b. It is his call that offers salvation

c. It is thru him we are regenerated

d. It is him that can be sinned against that is unpardonab

2. Bible-Examples of those who Committed this Sin

a. Pharaoh Ex. 10:28 said I no longer want to see you

Ex. 10:29 Moses said you will see my face no longer

b. Herod killed John the Baptist in Mk 6 and Jesus in Lk. 23:8-9 would not speak to him

c. Moses was God’s voice to Pharaoh as was John to Herod

3. There is a process whereby this Sin takes place

IIlu: A man is sick and I have the remedy but he resists help time after time until he finally insults me and I still come and offer help but not as frequent until I finally just quit coming at all.

4. The End Result is Hopelessness

a. Eph. 4:17-19

b. No more feeling of conviction

c. God calls no more

d. All hope is gone John 6:44

There is a time, I know not when a place I know not where Which marks the destiny of man to heaven or despair / There is a line by us not seen which crosses every path The hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath

17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness

Lk 23: 8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Luke 23:39-43 HOME COMING CONCERNS

I. SOME COME HOME TO JUDGEMENT

a) Lost of Daughter by vow -(Judges 11:30 31) And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. (Judges 11:34) And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. (Many Hebrew scholars translate “and” as “or” and mean that he would dedicate the object to the Lord OR offer it as a sacrifice of burnt offering. If this is the case, then the daughter remained a virgin dedicated to the Lord’s service and Jephthah’s name ceased to exist after her death since he had no other children).

He came home to realize that he had put SUCCESS above his family. Many people are so busy building an empire until they fail to build their family.

b) Lost of Son by Judgement- (1 Kings 14:16 17) Ahijah the Prophet said, And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin. And Jeroboam’s wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child (Abijah) died;

She came Home to see SIN kill her son. Would a man leave a loaded gun on the table where his child was playing? Yet he lives in sin, Brings sin into his home, and refuses to bring his child to the House of God!

II. SOME COME HOME FROM JUDGEMENT– Prodigal Son- Luke 15

a) To an Anxious Father who loved and cared for him (The Heart Break of Sin)

b) To an Angry Brother who resented God’s grace (The Heart Ache of Sin)

c) To an Empty Inheritance wasted in the hog pens. (The Harsh Reality of Sin)

III. SOME COME HOME TO GLORY– Thief on Cross.(Luke 23:39 43) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

The road to Salvation is the same regardless of when you trust Christ.

1) You must turn from the world and make a stand for Christ (He Rebuked the other thief and looked to Christ).

2) You must acknowledge that God has the right to judge you (Do you not Fear God?).

3) You must acknowledge that you are a sinner (We indeed Justly are crucified).

4) You must acknowledged Christ the sinless Son of God (This man has done nothing amiss).

5) You must Prayed for Forgiveness (Lord, Remember me).

6) And you must accept the word of Christ by Faith (Even though you will still die on the cross yet today you will be with me in Paradise).

If you died today, where would your eternal home be? If you aren’t sure it will be Heaven then you need to trust Christ as your Savior and Lord today.

LUKE 23:33 THE THREE CROSSES AT CALVARY

This event was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy which said “he was numbered with the transgressors.,” Isaiah 53:12). It was at Calvary that “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: “for it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13)

The scene before us brings to our attention three men, each hanging upon a cross. Each man has something to say; all three have a message for us to learn.

1. THE CROSS Of REDEMPTION. SAVIOR dying FOR sin

As we turn our eyes to the man on the middle cross, we are reminded of Peter’s words when he said, “forasmuch as Ye know that Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from Your vain conversation received by tradition from Your fathers; but with the Precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 11 Peter 1:18 19) from the sacred account of God’s Word we learn much about the redemptive work of Christ.

A. HIS DEATH WAS VIOLENT-The nature of His death was described hundreds of Years before by these words: (Psalm 22:13 17). Not only has the half not been told about his wonderful life; the Pen of the most talented writer and the tongue of the most gifted orator has not touched the hem of the garment in their efforts to describe the vicious Punishment and horrible sufferings that He experienced. He who is “altogether lovely” was marred more than any man.

B. HIS DEATH WAS VOLUNTARY-He assured His disciples that no man would take His Life. John 10:l8. He Promised that He would lay it down at the appointed hour and in the Prescribed manner. He was born to die. He came down from above that He might go up to Calvary. The wooden cross which was hewed out of a tree that He created was typical of the humanity of Christ who was cut off from the land of the living of His own volition, He Presented Himself as a lamb for the slaughter.

C. HIS DEATH WAS VITAL-After the Lord’s Promise of persecution to His church, He taught “his disciples, how that he must go into Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief Priests and scribes, and be killed. Note that it is the CROSS of Christ and not the Example of Christ that paid for our sins.

2. THE CROSS OF RECEPTION (Sinner dying TO Sin)

He could do no works or Religious activity. Realized he WAS condemned (Whosoever believeth not is condemned already). Realized he SHOULD be condemned (“We indeed justly”). Looked for a way NOT to be Condemned (Repented. Acknowledged Christ as sinless “Done nothing amiss”. Asked God for help “Remember me”).

3. THE CROSS OF REJECTION (Sinner dying IN Sin)

Joined in with the crowd (Crowds do not stand before God; individuals do)

Too heart hearted and hard headed to realize he was dying and had to face God.

IF: Today was tomorrow I would be saved

I thought I could hold out I would be saved

I did not have to give up so much I would be saved

You did not die while saying “IF” you might be spend eternity in Heaven instead of Hell

Luke 23:32-38 WATCHING GOD DIE

The greatest even in the history of the world; the day God died! Who was there?

I. The PEOPLE: Stood beholding as spectators. Curiosity but no involvement except to agree with the crowd.

II. The RULERS: Murmurs who derided and mocked God

III. The SOLDIERS: People doing a job who mocked, gambled, and wondered at what they saw

IV. The MALEFACTORS:

A) One Remained a Sinner. What did it get him?

1. dishonor- public execution before having to face God unprepared

2. defeat- Unwilling to admit sins but you can be sure your sins will find you out.

3. division: Sided with the crowd but against his friend on the cross and against God

4. despair: No hope after death. No help during death.

5. death: Wages of sin is death. In Hell he lifted up his eyes

V. The SON: The only one without sin who was dying for all who have sinned

Luke 23:39-43 DEATH BED SALVATION

An example of God’s marvelous Grace. One foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.

Man on Cross Had:

Due Reward- Death on Cross

No Rewards- Crowns to toss at Jesus’ Feet

No Riches laid up in Heaven-

Eph 2:12-13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

One man still refused to Repent- No Fear of God, No Forgiveness. In Hell he lifted up his eyes.

Man who Repented:

1) Made a stand for Christ against Friends- Rebuked Him

2) Acknowledged had to Face God- Fear God

3) Acknowledged Sin- We indeed Justly

4) Acknowledged Christ as innocent- done nothing amiss

5) Prayed for Forgiveness- No perfect, pattern prayer

6) Accepted the word of Christ by Faith- Didn’t have to come down off cross.

APPLICATION:

1> Same sun that melts snow hardens concrete

2> Some refuge to repent; even on death bed

3> Man can be saved by Faith- without church, tithe, baptism, bible reading, etc.

4> Man believed and confessed- Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

5> Death does not always announce its arrival time.

Forgiveness is a gift you receive; not a right you demand

It is not the will (or desire) of God that any be lost (Hell created for Devil)

God is never too busy; even as He is dying for sin; to hear your call.

Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.

BANANA PEEL SALVATION

If ever a man had one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, it was the thief on the cross when Jesus was crucified. His story remains an inspiration and a hope to countless multitudes of people and gives us some very important principles.

First, People must realize that Forgiveness is a gift you receive; not a right you demand. Salvation was given at the last moments of this man’s life but, as the other thief illustrates, it only comes from a repentant heart willing to turn to God and trust Christ as Savior.

Secondly, the road to Salvation is the same regardless of when you trust Christ. You must turn from the world and make a stand for Christ (He rebuked the other thief and looked to Christ). You must acknowledge that God has the right to judge you (Do you not Fear God?). You must acknowledge that you are a sinner (We indeed Justly are crucified). You must acknowledged Christ the sinless Son of God (This man has done nothing amiss). You must Prayed for Forgiveness (Lord, Remember me). And you must accept the word of Christ by Faith (Even though you will still die on the cross yet today you will be with me in Paradise).

Finally, See that this Thief on the Cross got his Due Reward (We indeed justly-Sin has consequences even when forgiven!) and he had No Rewards to cast at the feet of Jesus- Wasted life.

Luke 24:13-32 WALKING TOGETHER

What a strange story for God to put in the end of the Gospel of Luke. Jesus has been crucified, the resurrection has taken place, and the great commission is about to be given. Why, then, would God take the time and space in the Bible to tell us this little story??

Let’s come back to a BASIC BIBLE PRINCIPLE- the only real thing we can give God is our Love. How it must break His heart, then, when we walk beside Him and fail to recognize Him. Let’s see what “Walking Together with God” really means.

COMPATIBILITY– Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) We must agree with God about the manner of our life, about the methods we use, and about the manifestation of our works that the world sees (You must decide whether you want man’s praise now or God’s praise later).

You must agree that God is the leader and you are the follower. Have YOU agreed with God about your life or are you constantly “fighting your fate”?? Stop Fighting and start following.

CONFIDENCE– Fear forbids fellowship but Perfect love casts out all fear! I don’t know what Tomorrow holds but I know who holds tomorrow! (A Little boy said he wanted to go with his Granddad but then he asked his Granddad where he was going. The Granddad just walked off. Later the boy asked the Granddad why? The Granddad said, “If you want to be with me it doesn’t matter where I’m going!”).

This means we must follow God by Faith- II Cor 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight. I Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. You must follow even when you don’t know how, when, where or what. Look at the example of Paul- Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:. Paul did not know what God had in store for him as he traveled the road God had “staked” out (and what he did know was not very reassuring- vs 23 the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me). But Paul was Committed to the Task God had given him and nothing would stand in his way- vs 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Sometimes this fellowship causes us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But even there we learn to fear no evil.

You must accept the fact that the walk will be filled with “unknown” obstacles as well as wonderful Opportunities. That’s when you learn to trust God THRU the Obstacles and FOR the Opportunities.

Are you Walking IN FAITH as well as BY FAITH??

CONTINUED– Until the Rapture–And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Gen 5:24). We must commit to walking with God until we die or He takes us home. Christianity is not a product we try but a life we accept. Don’t allow the weeds of the world to come in and choke you into becoming fruitless.

If Jesus decided to walk along with you in your daily living tomorrow; would your recognize him?? Have you agreed with God on the way you will walk? Are you trusting God in the paths you walk?? Are you walking as close today as you did a year ago?

Is God your Partner on your Path? Are you committed to walking together with God like Abraham- Walking together with God gave Abraham Special Promises of God to Bless and Use him (Gen 12:2), Presence of God to Worship together (Gen 12:7), Protection of God as a “Shield and Exceeding Reward” (Gen 15:1), Power of God to defeat the enemy (Gen 14:13-20), and Provision of God as El Shaddai, the “All Sufficient One” (Gen 17:1

Who is YOUR Life Walking Companion?