Character

During the next six weeks we will look at a number of areas of Christian Growth. Our goal in these studies is to help you develop into the consistent Christian God wants you to be.

Character is the Distinctive mark or Nature of an individual. It’s what people who know you best, know the best about you! It’s not a momentary impression; it’s a continuous pattern of living. Therefore, these studies are intended to help you develop Christlike patterns as a part of your daily living.

We will begin these studies by looking at the wonderful privilege a Christian has to be a Soul Winner. We begin with Soul Winning because:

1> It is an obligation every Christian acknowledges

2> It will affect every other area of Christian Growth (A person who witnesses will rapidly realize the need of Prayer, being filled with the Holy Spirit, etc).

3> Most people win most of the people they will win in the first four years after Salvation! Somehow, after we are saved for a while, we become absorbed with building ourselves up spiritually instead of rescuing the perishing.

WHAT IS SOUL WINNING? One man described Soul Winning as one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

Soul Winning is simply that process whereby God uses a Saved person to proclaim the Gospel to an unsaved Person; thereby, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring Conviction and Salvation.

OUR OBLIGATION: It is not the will of God that ANY BE LOST (I Tim 2:4). Therefore, we have an obligation to give the Gospel to as many people as possible in the time and circumstances God gives us.

OUR METHODS OF Winning People to Christ:

A) THE ATHLETE: “He who wins souls is wise” (Prov 11:30). “Wins” means “To capture a trophy”. You make an ultimate effort to get some thing that is very valuable. This involves Training and Singleness of purpose (I’m going to do whatever it takes to see my Brother saved).

B) FISHERMEN- God calls some to “cast a Net into the sea” but most are simply “pole fishermen”. Some will use fly rods and some will use cane poles but if they are going to be successful they must Fish instead of play in the water! And they must not allow the water to get into the boat- Fish will not be fishermen.

C) FIREMEN- Snatching Men out of the Fire (Jude 23). A crisis or a time of trouble is an opportunity instead of an obstacle.

D) FARMER- Fields white unto harvest that needs reaping. They patiently plant, plow, and wait on God to give the increase. Their seed is the word and they sow it everywhere. Birds will eat some and weeds will choke some but they know some will bear fruit for God.

E) AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST (II Cor 5:20) – They bear witness to the power and love of Christ in their own life. In their speech and in their life People see their Light, their Love, and their Lord.

World Death Rate on 6-23-21 was: Deaths per Day: 163,898. Deaths per Hour: 6,829. Deaths per Minute: 114. How many will YOU seek to Rescue before they perish? How many have YOU witnessed to??

1. Character is developed, not acquired

2. Character is the subconscious doing of right

3. It is developed by the doing of right so often, so regularly, and with such habit that it becomes a part of you.

4. Character is formed by habit habit is formed by practice

5. Habit is formed by the proper and continuous repetition of doing right.

6. Promptness is part of character

7. We teach bad habits by allowing the child to talk out without permission, disobey, sit in an improper manner. If you go ahead and teach without the full attention of the class, bad habits are being formed

8. Mental brilliance does not make for greatness. Perseverance, work and character are the causes that make one great.

9. When these qualities have to be developed one can become great without mental brilliance, whereas the mentally brilliant will usually not develop these qualities.

10. Do not over sympathize with a child. This teaches him to whine and seek sympathy

11. The difference between success and failure is hard work.

12. Teach a child to finish a job.

13. Teach a child the joy of a job well done.

14. Praise a child for being honest or working hard even if the job isn’t perfect. Praise character, not talent

15. A child needs to be taught to reverence God, even before they are old enough to understand salvation.

16. Teach small children about our universe and the wonderful things God has made. Call attention to the things God has made that they see everyday.

17. Teach the child that the Bible is God’s word and every word is true.

18. Let Children know that it is not the parents or teachers who set the standards of right and wrong but God. God wants us to be punished when we do wrong.

CHARACTER CONTROLS

Men today are dominated by:

1) Wives-Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

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

3) Wickedness- Temptations abound, wickedness is now the norm in the world instead of the abhorred, and (Matt 24:12) Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Things that can defeat steadfastness:

1. Opposition- Journey on- Problems

2. Possessions- Faith in God’s Provision– Comfort

3. Right Time– Family

4. Society/Friends pull back.

PEACEFUL FRUIT

3 reasons to come to church:
1) Worship God
2) Fellowship with others
3) Develop Self

3 Fruits expected of a Developed Life:

1) Righteous Living -(Hebrews 12:11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

2) Example Living- Pr 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

3) Disciplined Living- (James 3:18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Peace: Agreement, Harmony, and Unity between individuals which results in an undisturbed mind free from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts.

What breaks Peace- Sin. Sin breaks fellowship with God- Others- and Self

Dealing with Sin means

1) Repentance of what disturbed the Peace- Change your mind about sin

2) Reconciliation with the one you are not as peace with. Payment for Sin- Blood

3) Recognition of the need to change. Ability to live a new life- Holy Spirit.

Are you at Peace with God today?

BITTERNESS

Bitterness is defined as 1) Difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear (the bitter truth; bitter sorrow). 2) Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity (a bitter struggle; bitter foes). 3). Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment (cried bitter tears). 4) Marked by resentment or cynicism (He was already a bitter elderly man with a gray face).

Dr. William Gaylin, in his book “Feelings: Our Vital Signs” pointed out that “resentment often arises when we believe we aren’t getting what is due us from another person. We feel unfairly cheated or betrayed. And brooding bitterness leads to all kinds of trouble.”

The Bible describes Bitterness as:

Character: (Heb 12:15) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. (Rom 3:14) Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

Contamination: (Exo 15:23-25) 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 showed 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,

Conflict: (1 Sam 15:32) Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

(2 Sam 2:26) Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?

Chaos in the Soul: (1 Sam 1:10) And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. (Job 7:11) Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. (Job 9:18) He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness. (Job 10:1) My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. (Job 21:25) And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. (Isa 38:15) What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

Circumstances beyond our control: (Prov 14:10) The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

Children who will not do right: (Prov 17:25) A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Captivity Problems which isolate you and control you: (Lam 1:4) The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness. (Lam 3:15) He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. (Acts 8:23) For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

We are delivered from Bitterness by God’s Power and Pardon: (Isa 38:17) Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Therefore we are to: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (Eph 4:31)

BEING REAL

1. What do you like the MOST about yourself??

2. What do you like the LEAST about yourself??

3. How can you CHANGE??

A> Plan- “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Prov 29:18)

B> Practice- “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14)

C> Pray-

(1) For Self-

(2) With Others- “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.”(James 5:16)

PRINCIPLES THAT ARE TIMELESS

We can only become the people God wants us to be by forming biblically founded, personal convictions; and then applying these principles to the daily decisions we make.

I. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER- “Salt and Light”- Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Mat 5:13-16). As Salt preserves morality in society and as Light exposes darkness, so Christians constantly seek to do right while standing against the wrong. That Principle never changes.

II. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY- “The Things that Master You tell me who Your Master is”- All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Cor 6:12). Christians have Liberty. We must be sure this Liberty never leads to Slavery- Drugs, Drink, Recreation, Money, etc.

III. CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE- “Does it cause your Brother to stumble”- 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 (Rom 14:13). Are we building up or blowing away?

IV. CHRISTIAN LOVE- “Agape, not Emotional”- 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). Not a warm fuzzy feeling but a love that does what is best for the other, no matter how painful.

These principles must be translated into real life choices and actions:

1. Which Video is acceptable to rent and which isn’t?

2. Is artificial insemination right?

3. Should an aging parent with Alzheimer’s disease be put in a nursing home?

Final Guidelines:

Are we looking for God to endorse what we want to do or are we looking for God’s will?

Is this a Personal Preference or a Biblical Conviction? Wearing Pants versus Having an affair.

Keep your primary Goal in mind- Becoming more like Christ to Honor God and win the Lost.

DEVELOPING A DEVOTION

The act of praying is the very highest act of which the human mind is capable.

“I urge upon you communion with Christ, a growing communion. There are curtains to be drawn aside in Christ that we never saw. Therefore dig deep, and sweat and labor and take pains for him, and set by as much time in the day for him as you can, He will be won in the labor.” (Samuel Rutherford).

If you find a fault in your Christian Character or Conduct, look first at your Devotional Prayer Time. Prayer is the very life blood of the Christian. When we excuse ourselves from prayer, we will soon have to make excuses for our failures in Christian Living.

1) Have A PATTERN- Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Have a time EVERY DAY for Prayer and Bible Study

2) Have A PLACE- Matt 6:5-6 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Have a place you can be alone and spread out your Bible and Prayer Book. Keep a Pencil handy to write Prayer requests and answers, or to underline Passages God uses to speak to you.

3) Develop PERSEVERANCE- Matt 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. A Devotion Time is not a matter of the Emotions but of the Will. You must will to even when you don’t want to.

FIVE LIFE PRINCIPLES

Rev Mike Jones

1) The Most important PRIORITY in your life is your Relationship with God- Repentance, Rebirth, Living as a child of God

2) The greatest PRACTICE is learning to serve others- (Mat 23:11) But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

– Not as a Slave or a doormat- If you think meek is weak try being meek for a week!

– Not as a Sham- (John 13:35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

3) The greatest PEACE in your life comes from finding your place in God’s plan and functioning in that position- Find out where God is at work in your life and join Him at His work.

4) The greatest PROFIT from your resources is to invest them in Heavenly work.

– (Mat 10:8)… freely ye have received, freely give.

– Let money be your minister, not your master

5) The greatest PROSPECT that you anticipate is your Heavenly Home coming- (Heb 11:13) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Don’t let the World Catch you or Control you.

TWO FINAL PRINCIPLES:

6) The Church’s Foundation- Christ: (1 Cor 3:10-11) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

7) The Church’s Growth- Depending on God remembering that everyone should do SOME thing but everyone does not have to do the SAME thing : (1 Cor 3:6-7) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

So ask yourself these FIVE QUESTIONS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE:

What do you want? What is the one thing you would give everything to obtain? Find the hungriest self within you.
Why do you want it?
What will it cost you to have what you want?
Are you willing to pay that price?
If you are willing to pay the prices, how can you begin to start toward your goal before you go to bed tonight?

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DISCIPLESHIP

Rev. Mike Jones

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 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 (Romans 1:8-13).

Why is the church getting smaller and the world getting worse? Why do we teach our children the Bible in Sunday School and then watch in amazement as they so easily abandon those teachings because a college professor “misrepresents the truth”? And the “biggy”; If your church closed today would it make a discernable difference in your community?

In our scripture today Paul shows us 4 traits of “Disciples who make a difference”

I. THEIR TESTIMONY IS KNOWN- vs 8 “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world”. While a Christian must be willing to be made of “No Reputation” (Phil 2:7) he also knows that the world always matches what we say with what we do and our reputation for holy living will have a tremendous effect on our ability to effectively witness for Christ.

II. THEIR PRAYERS ARE POWERFUL AND CONSISTENT?- vs 9 “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers”. If we prayed as much about Problems as we do about Profits we wouldn’t have so many disagreements! If the average Christian would spend ONE DAY A WEEK Praying exclusively for Others, it would change them in marvelous ways. If everyone would make it a point to talk to God about a person before they talked to someone else about them it would cut gossip down to a trickle!

Your Prayer time should include praying for Your Enemies (Matt 5:44) as well as the “Eyeless” (Missionaries are out of sight and, all too often, out of mind!).

III. THEY DESIRE AND WORK TOWARD HELPING OTHERS GROW FOR GOD?- vs 10-11 ” For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; “

Satan knows that isolation breeds DEPRESSION, DISTRUST, and DISCORD (Note the example of Elijah- I Kings 19:- First He “requested for himself that he might die” (vs 4) in a bout of Depression, then he proclaimed “I, even I only, am left” (vs 10) showing he Distrusted everyone, and, finally, he was in such a state of Discord with God until he had to be recommissioned with someone to help him).

Do you build bridges to others or wall them out?

IV. THEIR GOAL IS FRUIT FROM, AND FOR, THE FELLOWSHIP- . “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”. He who aims at nothing hits nothing!

Remember, Christ did not die to save Buildings, he died to save people.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF ANOTHER PERSON

Rev. Mike Jones

One of the greatest inspirations a person can have is the knowledge that they have helped another person to grow and develop. It makes a tremendous amount of difference in our work when we believe what we are doing is a help to someone else. Even pain is endurable if we believe it has a purpose!

We have the Desire to help other people change their conduct but it is often frustrating to find what is needed to actually produce change in a person. Parents want children to do right and live right. Wives want their husbands to be the man they have dreamed about and the father their children need. Employers want employees who work hard and grumble little. What can YOU do to help people live up to their potential? Here are four guidelines that can help make a difference in the lives of people around you.

1) Be an Example FOR them– People mirror the people around them. They follow these examples in language, in prejudice, in actions toward others. Be a good Example and you will be surprised at the impact it will have on those who surround you.

Jesus used this principle- For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)

Paul encouraged Timothy to use this principle- 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 Tim. 4:12)

2) Be an Instructor TO them– Teach people what you want taught and they will learn what you want them to learn! Do not expect them to “magically” know what to do if they are not instructed what to do. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:9)

3) Be an Encourager OF them– Many life changing moments in my own life came when someone encouraged me to keep on going when I wanted to quit. Encouragement is a powerful tool to shape a person’s personality- But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. (Deuteronomy 3:28)

4) Be a Witness ABOUT GOD to them– Realize that only God can truly change a person. The Heart of the matter is the matter of the Heart- People do what they do because they are what they are!

1) Short Term Change can be produced by Disease, Debt, Devotion, Discourse, and Desire. You would probably be amazed if you knew the conduct changes people promise Doctors, Preachers, Judges, and Spouses. But these short term “cycle changes” seldom produce long term results and often produce depression and despair. (Other people can change but something is wrong with me and I cannot change).

2) Long Term change in the Conduct of a person only occurs when the Character of that person is changed; and that is a “God thing”- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the reason we need Bible Preaching and Bible Teaching. If human efforts or examples were all we needed to change people then we would not need the Church and the Bible. We have seen, however, that human education or human riches only change the way a person does wrong. It takes Divine Power to change the human heart into a new creature- A change so drastic until it is called being “Born Again”.

Show People Jesus and marvel at the Change worked by the Spirit of God- 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. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

When You HATE YOURSELF

Last week we talked about why “Life is so Hard”. We found that some of our problems are “Common” to all men; Some are Punishment for sins we committed; some are God’s way of Developing us, and Some are God’s way of teaching us to depend on Him (Thorn in the flesh).

We failed to talk about a fairly common reason life is so hard, however. I deliberated avoided it because I was scared it would end up causing more harm than good. God has convicted (and convinced) me about it, however, and today we’re going to explore the surface of a very deep and complicated subject.

Sometimes life is so hard because we DELIBERATELY MAKE IT SO!!! Subconsciously we want to punish ourselves or those around us and we accomplish that through some action or inaction on our part. [NOTE- It is VERY IMPORTANT that you realize that the symptoms I describe today are not confined to this single “disease”. Many times they are caused by sin, sorriness, or circumstances. Don’t jump to wrong conclusions about people’s problems.].

I. THE SYMPTOMS

a) Self Destruction: Most people KNOW what alcohol, Drugs, promiscuous sex, etc. are doing to them but they continue to destroy themselves. The addition eventually becomes chemical but it begins (and repeats itself) because the person thinks they deserve to harm themselves.

b) Severe Depression: Sometimes people overeat, fail to care for themselves, become too depressed to function, or fail to conduct the basic business of life because they hate themselves and their situation. Instead of finding a way out they continually make excuses for their “binges” or laziness (They think SOMEONE “Owes” them a living or NOBODY loves them as much as they should).

c) Character Disability: Sometimes people invite Bitterness, Worry, Pride, and Anger to “share a bedroom” in their house and no one sleeps very well from then on. These crippling attitudes poison them and everyone around them. But instead of fleeing them like a snake, they hold them like a lover.

Why would anyone hate themselves so much?? On the surface it appears that everyone I’ve talked about is selfishly indulgence. Why then do they continue to allow these destructive attitudes and actions to dominate their life and do them harm??

Again, the answers are complex and vary from person to person but let me give you a few common reasons for destructive behavior:

1. PERSONAL REJECTION- Comments during childhood: “You’re just a sorry good for nothing that will never amount to anything”. Or you might not be very athletic so you were always the last one chosen for the team.

2. FAMILY REJECTION- Abused by the father; abandoned by the mother. If you were any good your father wouldn’t have done that and your mother wouldn’t have allowed it to be done.

3. SOCIAL REJECTION- Shy or scared you never meet people very easily or learn how to maintain lasting relationships. Lots of “friends” but no real Friend.

4. RELIGIOUS REJECTION- Someone you love dies or suffers a horrible illness; or you get “saved” but still no one names you “most likely to succeed”. Now you believe that if religion works at all it most certainly doesn’t work for you.

II. THE CURES FOR SELF HATE:

a) PRACTICAL HELPS:

i) Stop looking for someone or something to blame and start doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. A thousand pounds of blame will not accomplish as much as a single ounce of effort.

ii) Institute Physical changes that reflex Spiritual changes- Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth (Eph 4:28). You used to think only of meeting your desires. Now you willing to work so you can give to others. You’ve changed your selfish absorption to a servant’s attitude.

This is VERY IMPORTANT. You’ve already made and broke more promises than you can remember. It’s not enough to SAY you’ll change. Move your “hitching post” from in front of the saloon so drink won’t tempt you. Learn to rest in the Lord instead of wallow in worry. Turn off the TV. Lay down the trashy novels and pick up the Bible.

iii) Accept the Fact that some problems can’t be removed; they must be conquered- If I cut out your tongue to keep you from spreading gossip I also keep you from spreading the Gospel. Becoming a Christian does not pay all your bills or change the fact that you had problems as a Child. It simply allows you to Trust in God’s provision and Forgive those (including yourself) who have done wrong in the past.

b) SPIRITUAL HELPS:

i) Stop Comparing yourself with someone else. Other people can do some things better than you and you can do some things better than other people. 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 (2 Cor 10:12). [Even Christians need to be constantly reminded that “all parts of the Body are not the same”. One is a finger and one is a foot but the Body needs every part. Don’t “cut off the nose to spite the face”!].

ii) Realize you’re not able to look at yourself objectively. You’ll either put yourself too high or too low- But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self (1 Cor 4:3). The reason you fail in self-judgment is because your reference point is wrong- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9) (How many times have you heard someone say, “I know in my heart I’m right?” and use that to justify all kinds of sin and wickedness).

iii) Hate the sin in your life that’s keeping you from Abundant Life in a relationship with Christ. 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 42:5-6)

Don’t destroy yourself and those around you. Don’t allow Satan to cause you to destroy your body and condemn your soul. Turn from Sin. Trust Christ to forgive your past and give you guidance for the future. Only YOU can make the choice. Make the Right one.

THE PRINCIPAL PRINCIPLES

There are many things a man needs to know and understand (Such as “you never really win an argument with your wife” or “sense does not make sense to a teen ager so there is little value in trying to make sense to them”). Here are seven things, however, that I believe are Principal Principles and need to be Guiding Landmarks in the life of a Christian Man.

You ARE what you BELIEVE- For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7).

What you BELIEVE determines how you LIVE: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Daniel 1:8).

Jesus called us to be Born Again; not just believe. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
To try to do the work of God without the Power of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitchfork; you will work yourself to death and never make a difference. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). It is the Sword of the Spirit.
You will never be great as long as you are satisfied being good. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath (Matthew 25:24-29). Lukewarm
God wins but He is not “popular”. Mankind always chooses what they want over what God’s wants. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26).
Your Activities reveal your Feelings about God. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes (Psalms 36:1).
Faith maintains faith even when faith does not appear fruitful. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).
The “End” closes a chapter; not the book– And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).

IITim 01:12 ASHAMED OR ASSURED

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)

Many people would have been ashamed of Paul when he wrote this letter. How would you like to come to church today and hear that your preacher, who had been serving time in jail, had just been sentenced to be executed!! And when you called the main religious organization to see if one of them could do anything you were told that most of the established religions of the day thought Paul was a trouble maker and they had no problem with his execution.

I. THINGS THAT SHOULD CAUSE US SHAME:

SIN MAKES US ASHAMED- And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. — Ezra 9:6 (Adam and Eve were both naked and not ashamed when they were without sin- Gen 2:25)

LACK OF CHRISTIAN COURAGE SHOULD MAKE US ASHAMED- Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38)

FAILURE TO STUDY THE BIBLE WILL BRING US SHAME- Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).

II. THINGS WE SHOULD NEVER BE ASHAMED OF:

THE GOSPEL OF GOD- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Rom 1:16).

PERSECUTION FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE- Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Pet 4:16).

III. THINGS THAT CAN ELIMINATE BEING ASHAMED: 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 Tim 1:12).

A) Know Who You Believe- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (Rom 10:11)

A PERSONAL Knowledge of Christ

A PRACTICAL Knowledge of Christ

B) Trust God to Take Care of your Future as well as forgive your past- I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

PLAINLY DECLARE your stand with God- The Heros of Faith in Hebrews 11 all publically stood for God and said this world was not their home- But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Heb 11:16).

ABIDE in Him so you will not be ashamed when He Comes- And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming(1 John 2:28).

ASHAMED

I. THINGS THAT CAUSE US SHAME:

LACK OF CHRISTIAN CONVICTION MAKES US ASHAMED- Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. — Mark 8:38

REBELLIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING MAKES US ASHAMED- And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. — 2 Th 3:14

FAILURE TO STUDY THE BIBLE CAN BRING ABOUT SHAME- Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. — 2 Tim 2:15

II. THINGS WE SHOULD NEVER BE ASHAMED OF:

THE GOSPEL OF GOD- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom 1:16)

FELLOW CHRISTIANS- Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Tim 1:8).

PERSECUTION FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE- 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 Tim 1:12). If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Pet 4:16).

III. THINGS THAT CAN ELIMINATE BEING ASHAMED:

SALVATION- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (Rom 10:11)

A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD- And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rom 5:5).

FAITHFUL SERVICE FOR GOD- And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me (Isa 49:23). (The word wait here means Serve). And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28).

SOME FINAL ADVICE. LIVE SO YOU WILL NEVER CAUSE SELF, FAMILY, OR THE CHURCH SHAME. AND ESPECIALLY NEVER ALLOW GOD TO BE ASHAMED TO BE CALLED YOUR GOD!! But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Heb 11:16).

CHANGE THAT CHANGES YOU

The phrase “New Creature” (Creation) occurs 2 times in scripture:

A Description of WHO Christians are: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A Requirement for WHAT Christians are: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (Galatians 6:15).

Everyone wants someone to change. A woman marries a man because he’s just what she wants; and then spends the rest of their marriage trying to get him to change into something else. Parents go crazy because their children are acting just like they did at that age and they want them to change (Just like their parents did!). Even Pastors go from anxiety to ulcers as they attempt to transform their congregation into perfect people. And we haven’t mentioned employers, advertisers, or government.

If you are losing at living it may because you have not recognized the Change that Changes you! Let me give you two spiritual changes that will probably produce physical changes in your life.

1) Change the way you look at God. God must be the God of your life; not just the savior, helper, and friend you pal around with and pray to. It is absolutely wonderful that God walks with us and works with us but when God made rules He always made the first rule all about Him [God’s first commandment- Have no other God before me. Jesus’ first commandment: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,…]. When you make God GOD in your life it will change your life.

2) Change the way you wait on God. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

You are weak because your devotion time is running your mouth instead of waiting before God. Stop trying to tell God how to run the universe and spend time allowing God to tell you what a mess you are making of your life and how He can fix your life so the changes in you can help change the world!

Not waiting on God: Moses on Mount (40 days led to abandoning God and giving all their money to build an idol). Saul waited 3 days and then offered sacrifice- and lost kingdom. Lazarus- 4 days late.

Change is on everyone’s agenda. The question is, “What really causes people to Change??” People normally change when:

When they realize the consequences of not changing (You hurt bad enough to change)- Stop smoking or lose weight if have a heart attack.
When they learn how to change- Education, Example
When they realize they have the ability (Power) to change- As long as you think you cannot you cannot.

A person with a life crippling problem must hurt enough to WANT to change, learn enough to know HOW to change, and then acquire power enough to PRODUCE change.

Faith is believing that I NEED to Change, God WANTS me to change, and the Holy Spirit at work in my life CAN PRODUCE change.

Questions that can change your life today.

What do you want? What is the one thing you would give everything to obtain? Find the hungriest self within you. Why do you want it?
What will it cost you to have what you want? Are you willing to pay that price?
If you are willing to pay the prices, how can you begin to start toward your goal before you go to bed tonight?

CHRISTIAN GUIDELINES

Rev. Mike Jones

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalms 73:24). We live in a day when people really need the “Counsel” of God about what is right and wrong. Many are more “ignorant” than rebellious about doing what is right. Here are a few questions you need to ask about what you want to do to determine if you are doing the right thing:

I. The Effect on Self

A) Consider the Body:

a> Will it defile the Body?- If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:17). Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

b> Will it capture the Body? All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

B) Consider the Soul: Does it Harm you Spiritually?- Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)

C) Consider the Conscience: Will it kill your Conscience? Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23) D) Consider your Stewardship: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (2 John 1:8)

II. The Effect on Others:

A) Will it build up other people? And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (Hebrews 10:24)

B) Will it Harm the Faith of Others? 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. (Romans 14:13) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (1 Corinthians 8:12-13)

C) Will it Dishonor those deserving Honor? Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. (2 Samuel 12:14) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (Romans 13:7). Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

D) Will it Yoke you to something you should not be part of? 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)

Trust God to Guide you when you are “blind” to what you need to do: O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Listen to the Guidance of God’s Spirit and His Word: Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalms 73:24).

CONTROLLING CHARACTER

Rev Mike Jones

Freedom from spiritual bondage is not a power encounter; it is a truth encounter -And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) (First Church problem- that brought death- was the fact that Annanias and Sappharis LIED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT).

Satan uses lies to:

1) Harass You- You are no good

2) Halt You- You can’t make it

3) Habit you- Satan convinced Eve that she needed something that God was not able or willing to provide for her. Thinking you need something besides God is easily converted into a “holding habit” that captures and controls you (Satan convinces you to believe you cannot stop the habit- a lie!)

How does Satan Defeat Christians and bring them into the bondage:

1) DECEPTION:

When we hear the word of God and don’t do it (Do not practice what is preached)- (James 1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
When we think we are something we are not-(Gal 6:3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
When we think we are smarter than we really are- (1 Cor 3:18 19) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. {19} For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God
When we don’t bridle our tongue (Our Mouth displays our morals)- (James 1:26) If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
When we think we won’t reap what we sow (Think we can get by with it)- (Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
When we think we can fool God- (1 Cor 6:9 10) 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.
When we think we can continually associate with bad and not be corrupted (Societies standards are more important than God’s Precepts)- (1 Cor 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (Remember Bob Harrington)

2) ACCUSATIONS– Disinformation: We must learn the difference between Satan Accusations and Holy Spirit Conviction

3) TEMPTATION– Jesus was asked to disobey the Will of God, The Word of God, and the Worship of God. We learn to make the proper choices- Lend car to Pastor to deliver food or to thief to rob bank.

4) INTIMIDATION– (1 Pet 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: The opposite of Faith is Fear. Fear will allow Satan to control you.

You will only dislodge Satan’s lies in the light of God’s revelation; not human rationalization- (James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (If a dog is biting you don’t beat yourself, call out to God and beat the dog). Denying your “Self” (Self on the cross) is not the same as self-denial (Seeking to control self).

You defeat lies with the Truth- repeated over and over as the lies were.

CONTROLLING YOUR CONTROLLING POWER

Rev. Mike Jones

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under [Controlled by] the power of any (1 Cor 6:12).

EVERYONE needs routine and schedule; things that make life easy and effective (For example- If you are a business person it would not be effective to get up, get dressed, and then have to get undressed in order to take a shower. So your routine is to take a shower before getting dressed).

We have a problem, however, when Routine becomes such a powerful Habit until it controls us instead of helping us (This is why Vacation is both bad and good; it breaks the routine but we miss our routine so much until we do not enjoy the vacation).

Here are some guidelines to help you control the power trying to control you:

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (Profitable)”.The right to do something does not always make it right to do something.
Because you can does not mean you should because of:
1. The harm it would do you- I have the right to work and live where I choose but I have the responsibility to seek God’s will about both.
2. The harm it would do others- Things that impact me may impact you differently- One man’s worm is another man’s bait. (Modesty matters. Relationship time matters).
A Controlling Power does not have to be Wrong in order to be Wrong! You should make it a Habit to come to Church but coming to Church should be more than just a Habit (Church should be more than showing up, singing up, and waiting impatiently for the preacher to shut up!).
It is not wrong to talk (We all should talk the Gospel) but we must remember “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). (Gossip, cursing,…). Remember that nothing could overpower Samson until something could overpower Samson. All Samson had to do was keep his mouth shut!
A good thing misused gets worse! Jesus healed the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda- Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee (John 5:14). (When we pray for healing remember it was after Hezekiah was healed that he showed Babylon all his riches and Isaiah said this would lead the Babylonians to conquer Israel).
Bad will be worse if you go back to the bad after the better. 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 11:26) (Lose of Hope / Help).

Most people do not fail from “Big” sins- (“The little foxes spoil the vines”- Song 2:15). Most people stumble over little stones of “right things” instead of big boulders of “bad things”. Paul tells us to control our “rights” by recognizing

(1) The Power God put within us (I CAN be victorious)

(2) The Partnership God granted to us (I SHOULD be victorious)

(3) The Price God Paid for us (God WANTS me to be victorious) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1Cor 6:19-20).

HABITS

The reason it is so difficult to break Habits is we see the FRUIT of the Habit but fail to recognize the ROOT of the Problem. Habits are built on three foundations:

1) Belief (The core values that determine your perspective on problems)

2) Behavior (What you believe determines what you do)

3) Bondage (Behavior done repeatedly until it forms an unbreakable pattern in your life).

Today I want to start at the beginning and look at how Habits begin in our Beliefs- For this is the beginning, and this is the place most people never get to so they never root out the habit in their life.

Freedom from spiritual bondage is not a power encounter; it is a truth encounter (First Church problem- that brought death- was the fact that Annanias and Sappharis LIED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT).

Picture yourself on the way to Heaven. Along the way are numerous houses. These people cannot stop you physically (Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world). Their only weapon is WORDS. If you would continue the journey you must ignore their lies and cling to the truth- (John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Satan uses lies to:

1) Harass You- You are no good

2) Halt You- You can’t make it

3) Habit you- You need something besides God (He lies to get you to begin a habit and then lies by telling you you cannot stop)

So what does Satan use to Defeat Christians and bring us into the bondage:

1) DECEPTIVE THOUGHTS- See below

2) ACCUSATIONS- Basis of disinformation is the target groups predisposition to believe the untruth. We must learn the difference between Satan Accusations and Holy Spirit Conviction

3) TEMPTATION- Jesus was asked to disobey the Will of God, The Word of God, and the Worship of God. We learn to make the proper choices- Lend car to Pastor to deliver food or thief to rob bank

4) INTIMIDATION- (1 Pet 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. The opposite of Faith is Fear. Fear will allow Satan to control you.

Denying yourself (cross) is not the same as self-denial (Athletics). You defeat lies with the Truth- repeated over and over as the lies were.

Problem- Wife is not meeting sexual needs. The Lie- I can do wrong and still be right {Lust, Porno}

I won’t really hurt anyone because it is in my mind

I can stop anytime I want to stop

Something was wrong with me to begin with

God’s word works but not for me (I’m a hopeless case)

We Deceive ourselves into Defeat when we:

1) Hear the word of God and don’t do it- (James 1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2) Think we are something we are not-(Gal 6:3) For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

3) Think we are Smart enough to out think Satan: (1 Cor 3:18 19) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

4) Do not bridle our tongue- (James 1:26) If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

5) Think we can sow and not reap- (Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

6) Believe the unrighteousness will inherit the Kingdom- (1 Cor 6:9 10) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

7) Assume we can continually associate with bad and not be corrupted- (1 Cor 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (Remember Bob Harrington)

GOSSIP GRAPEVINE

Ps 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. [Some of the material used in this message is gleaned from the May, 1985 edition of “Christian Leadership Letter”]

Every time the Lord has a program for his people Satan invents a “Counterfeit”. Jesus said he was the Vine and we were the branches and as such this “Grapevine” is used to bear the fruits of life in a sin sick world. Satan came along and made the “Grapevine” a means of spreading Gossip instead of the Gospel, Slander instead of Salvation. (Gossip comes from an old English word meaning godparent.

This was a person who knew and revealed personal or sensational facts about a person. It eventually came to mean what was said instead of who said it- “a rumor or a report of an intimate nature”).

One of the things that keeps the “Gossip Grapevines” working is the tremendous “need to know” that is found in most of us. In surveys of those things which contribute to employee satisfaction, “Being in the know” always ranks near the top as being desirable. Knowing “what’s going on” has a way of making us feel important and worthwhile. Not knowing what is going on or being surprised, particularly by a piece of information that affects us personally, is very demoralizing.

It is this sense of knowing something that is known to no one else, or only a few, (Again “being in the Know”) that makes Gossip so much fun. This is why people watch the News on TV and buy trash magazines in Grocery Checkout lines; they want to learn something that they don’t know or have only heard a small amount about. [Interestingly enough, this is the basis of much advertising. Enough information is given to spark your interest and cause you to want to visit the store or try the product].

Let’s find out Why Gossip is bad, what can be done to correct it, and then see our Responsibility to correctly use our tongue.

GOSSIP IS NORMALLY INACCURATE. Causes of Inaccurate Gossip:

1. Absence of Information. People feel like they need to know, but they do not know. So they start talking about things they do not know about.

2. Information passed on out of context. Only half of the story is given. Sometimes a person is just “bursting” to share something he or she knows so they give a few details and the person listening takes it for all the facts. Prov 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.

3. The need to feel important by knowing something that others do not know. You want to feel that you really are “in the know”.

4. The desire to promote your own interest so you build yourself up by repeating or making up stories which serve your own interest.

5. Desire to harm another person. The most awful kind of gossip- the malicious repeating of truth or untruth in such a way that it harms a person’s reputation or ability (I know of a Major Restaurant that almost closed because the competition put out the word that they were using “Cat Meat” in their dishes).

HOW CAN WE CONTROL OR CORRECT GOSSIP?

Make sure it stops at you-Prov 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Ask yourself these question about information you receive:
1. Is it TRUE?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Is its purpose to BUILD or DESTROY? Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
4. Is it NECESSARY for others to know? Prov 17:21 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: See also 17:28
If it must be passed on then here are some questions to ask about information you pass on:
1. Would you say the same thing TO the person you are saying ABOUT the person?
2. If it is a problem between you and another, have you tried to be reconciled to them before you share your distress with others?
3. Are you sure you have the FACTS? Prov 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Be aware that Gossip is almost always a two-way street. Sooner or later the person you are talking about will know what you say and who said it- Sadly in matters like this, you generally sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.

WHAT ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING THE TONGUE? We are commanded to Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Col 4:6) because the tongue is a dangerous member of our body:

The tongue is compared to a Fire- James 3:6 One “Match” burns a forest! And to the poison of an asp- Ps 140:3, Rom 3:13 “Deadly”
It is used to separate friends- Prov 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. and can even destroy friends– Prov 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth detroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
It can overthrow a city- Prov 11:11 By the Blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
It can even kill you- Prov 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Your tongue can fill your life with trouble- Prov 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles or it can fill your soul with joy- 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.

The Tongue can be one of the greatest assets to a person as it proclaims publicly Christ as your Savior and then publicly proclaims Christ as the means of saving others. Or your tongue can be used to spread Gossip and condemn you- Matt 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. Ps 110:5 Whoso privlily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: What fruit will come from your tongue today?

HAVE YOU CONFESSED CHRIST AS SAVIOUR? DO YOU NEED TO REPENT OF TONGUE TROUBLE??

HOLINESS HELPS FROM OTHERS

G Campbell Morgan’s 7 points to what Holiness is:

1. Not inability to sin, but ability not to sin.

2. Not freedom from temptation, but power to overcome temptation

3. Not infallible judgment, but earnest and honest endeavor to follow the higher wisdom.

4. Not deliverance from infirmities of the flesh, but triumph over all bodily affliction.

5. Not exemption from conflict, but victory through conflict.

6. Not freedom from liability and falling, but gracious ability to prevent falling.

7. Not the end of progress, but deliverance from standing still.

PP Bliss wrote:
More Holiness give me,
More striving within;
More patience in suffering,
More sorrow for sin;
More faith in my saviour,
More sense of his care;
More joy in his service,
More purpose in Prayer.

IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY

Col 3:8‑12 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

ONE OF THE GREATEST HINDRANCES TO THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY TODAY IS THE DAILY LIVE OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE.

1> They say they have the greatest news in the world but they are afraid to share it.

2> They say Christianity is an Abundant Life but they miss Church for the smallest of excuses and seem to look with longing at the well watered valleys of Sodom that the world presents to them.

3> The world has begun to look at Christianity as just another religion among the many religions of the world- If it makes you happy then that’s fine but it may not work for everyone. One of the reasons for this is the FAILURE IN INTEGRITY AMONG PROFESSING CHRISTIANS.

We Believe that man was Formed by God, Deformed by Sin, and then he is Transformed by Christ. We believe that Christianity means we have forgiveness for sins and a NEW LIFE in Christ- 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.

But Christianity seems to have become more TALK THAN WALK and No amount of positive talk will remove an ruptured appendix. Or No amount of garden shows on TV will weed your flowers. Duty must go with Doctrine or we simply become people who are “ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”.

That is why Integrity of Christian Life is so important. Integrity: “The State of being complete. Honest and upright living”. John said, 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

1. Integrity should remain steadfast in spite of circumstances- Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

2. Integrity is a guidepost on the highway of life- Prov 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. NOTE- Sin destroys the DESIRE for Integrity- Rom 1:28 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

Even Heathens can have Integrity- When Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister to King Abimelech it was the Integrity of his heart that keep God’s Judgment away- Gen 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Integrity is one of the greatest things a man can give his Children-Prov 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

I’m not saying you have to be perfect, none of us are. I’m saying you must learn to WEIGH as well as WASH. Washing away your sins should also include living a new life for Christ.

THE MAN WITH FIVE LIVES

We’ve heard the fables about a cat having Nine Lives but did you know that every man has “Five Lives”? Let’s look at what they are and then see how God can change every one of them.

I. The Life The World Knows You By– The world judges us by our outward appearance- I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. The world expects you to dress and act like it does and it judges you by its standards. Don’t allow them to pressure you into their mold. It is a Christian’s responsibility to let their light shine in the world so they can see Christ in you.

II. The Life Friends Know You By– Take the example of Daniel. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and it led Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to take the same stand. Eventually this lead Friends and Foes alike to know Daniel was:

1. A man of prayer. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God (Dan 6:5).

2. A man of God. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end (Dan 6:26).

When your friends talk about you what do they say?? Does your character magnify your Christianity?

III. The Life Your Family Knows You By. Luke 2:20 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).

A. You can’t fool your family. They see you without your “make up” on. Do you bear your cross or are you simply cross?

B. Do they know you as one living the life. And he (Jesus) went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51-52)

Are you leading so the Circle will be unbroken. Are do you break the hearts of those who love you?

IV. The Life The Church Knows You By– Do They Know You as:

A. A Saved Individual?

B. A dedicated individual?

C. One that loves the Lord?

D. One that can be counted on to be faithful to all Church services?

E. One that is upright? Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Are you a Help to the Body of Christ; or do you cripple it’s effort.

V. The Life God Knows You By- Reputation is what people think you are. Character is what God knows you are.

This is the most important one. One day it won’t matter what others think of you but it will be all important what God KNOWS about you.

God knows your heart; is it right with Him? God knows your trust; is it in Him? What would God testify about YOU today? Would He say, “He’s religious but lost” or “He’s my child because of his faith in my Son, Jesus Christ”???

In Reality, There is only ONE LIFE and it will soon be past. Are you living it for God or serving Satan? What will be your destination at Death??

Luke 9:44-45 WALKING AS A CHRISTIAN

Far too many people today 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. Walk in the Commandments and ordinances of the Lord

2. WALK CORRECTLY-(Luke 1:6) And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 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. Walk in the Way of Holiness

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, Walk Worthy of His calling

5. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY- (Eph 5:15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

6. WALK IN COMPANIONSHIP-(Amos 3:3) Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Walk in Unity

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.

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