TOPICAL SERMONS BY REV MIKE JONES. These are Sermons on various topics that were preached by Rev Mike Jones in years gone by. They were in a file and I decided to put them on our Web Site so others could use them. The Information contained in these sermons was gathered from a number of difference sources (Most long forgotten by me) and the sermons were preached at a time when I did not bother to record where references came from. I hope they will provide some ideas or inspiration for you that you can pass on to others.
A DOZEN THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE
DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF CHRISTIANS
HAS THE CHURCH LOST ITS YOUNG PEOPLE ?
KNOWLEDGE THAT KEEPS YOU FROM CRYING AND QUITTING
METHODOLOGY VS PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
MEDIA GUIDELINES FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
ADVICE FROM ENEMIES
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war (Proverbs 20:18). People today seek advice from newspaper columnist, TV talk show hosts, and almost anyone else you can think of. Let me give you some advice from an unusual source; Enemies!
As I read through the Bible I continually come upon the enemies of God trying to defeat the people of God. Their goal is all wrong but sometimes we can learn from their methods.
First- Destroy the source of your Problem. When the Roman general, Titus, captured Jerusalem he destroyed it so that not one stone was left on another (Fulfilling a prophecy of Jesus). Sin in our lives is many times like “Worrisome Weeds”; if you don’t pull them out by the root then they return over and over again.
Good works just cover over the outside of the problem; salvation changes the heart. Learn to hate sin for what it does to you now and in the future.
Second- Relocate the people of your Problem. When Assyria conquered Israel they deported all the people to another land. This made them much easier to control. In the same way, Christians need to get away from “friends” that would lead them the wrong way. We don’t isolate ourselves but we do realize that friends at the fire may get us burned! (Ask Peter!)
Change your “hitching rack” so you won’t be tempted by the old way of life in your daily duties. Get involved in Church and make Christian friends.
Finally- Boast of your power over the Problem– The Giant had the entire army of Israel scared to fight by his boasting until a shepherd boy with a sling cut him down to size. Christians shouldn’t be people of Pride but they should be people of Confidence- “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”.
March around Jericho until it falls down and you can go forward.
Tell the king to cast you into the fire before you’ll bow.
Pray that God would open your eyes (like the eyes of Elisha’s servant) so you can see that there are more for us than for them.
Turn the enemies weapons back upon him; and be a victorious Christian today. Make a Public Stand for Christ by accepting Him as Savior, joining His Church, and following His example of Baptism.
ANIMAL PREACHERS
Saul’s Sheep- I Sam 15 Told of His Sin
Peter’s Roster- Convicted His Heart
Jonah’s Whale- Convicted of Backsliding
Balaam’s Donkey- Preached not to go
A DOZEN THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE
The Problem with Living is that it sometimes sucks the Life out of you! Pressures, stresses, and daily duties all combine to defeat your joy, burden your soul, and exhaust your body. The last thing anyone wants when 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 dont want to be so busy dusting your shelves until you dont realize your house is burning down!
The Bible contains many things that MUST be done:
1) The Bible Plan 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.
2) Grief must be endured- (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.
3) 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.
4) 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.)
5) Societys law and regulations must be observed: (Rom 13:5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. IN the world but not OF the World
6) 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 dont find or make many friends sitting in front of a TV or Ipad.
7) 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.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) You must be Born Again- (John 3:7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
11) 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.
12) 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.
AFRAID
BE NOT AFRAID- HE LIVES!:
The Risen Lord is WITH YOU: But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid (Mat 14:27).
The Risen Lord is NEAR YOU: And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise , and be not afraid (Mat 17:7).
The Risen Lord GOES BEFORE YOU: Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me (Mat 28:10)
The Risen Lord CAN BE TRUSTED: As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe (Mark 5:36)
The Risen Lord UNDERSTANDS OUR FEARS: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid (Mark 6:50)
The Risen Lord SECURES OUR FUTURE: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do (Luke 12:4)
The Risen Lord IS HERE; BE NOT AFRAID: But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid (John 6:20)
BIBLE FRUITS
There are nine “Fruits of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. Can you unscramble these words and identify those fruits? CAN YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IDENTIFY THESE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE?
ndogoses | |
tihaf | |
ojy | |
reffgnlosugni | |
ltgnensese | |
vloe | |
cepea | |
permetcane | |
sekemsne |
If you want FRUIT FROM YOUR LABORS there needs to be FRUIT IN YOUR LIFE!
ANGER:
UNJUSTIFIED ANGER IS A SIN because it is controlled by your EMOTIONS instead of your DEVOTIONS:
1. There is a right anger [God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day Psalms 7:11] and wrong type of anger but anger should never control you: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26).
2. Anger is to be put away Eph. 4:31
A. Anger ‑ to lift oneself up in violent passion
B. “Put Away” ‑ to lift up and put away
C. Attitudes and actions associated with anger: Bitterness, Clamor (Shouting), Evil Speaking
(Note on Clamor (Shouting)- ” A soft answer turns away wrath”. If one party speaks in a louder than normal voice and the other party answers in a louder than normal voice then the first party will increase their volume and back and forth it goes until you are shouting at one another. The second party must answer (important that you don’t give the silent treatment!) softly and tone the conversation down instead of tune it up!).
Sources of Anger
1. Ecc 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Anger dwells in the heart of a fool [Silly, Mindless People]
2. Esther 3:5 Anger results from wounded pride- Haman was “full of wrath” because Mordecai would not bow to him. [Daniel 3:19 where Nubuchadnezzar was full of “fury” because the 3 Hebrews would not bow and therefore he had them cast into the firy furnance.]
3. Anger is a reaction against God when we are not totally at peace with Him ‑ Cain (Gen 4:6-7), See also Jonah (But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry Jonah 4:1).
Effects of Anger
1. Anger causes us to commit foolish actions
A. Proverbs 14:17, 29
B. II Kings 5:11 ‑ Naaman
C. Genesis 39:14 ‑ Joseph and Potiphar
2. Anger worsens an existing problem Proverbs 30:33, 15:13
3. Anger creates strife Luke 15 ‑ Elder brothers
4. Anger is contagious Proverbs 22:24‑25
Anger can be controlled
1. Recognize it as sinful
2. Recognize self control as good and desirable Proverbs 16:32, 19:11
3. Seek to develop the “Fruit of the Spirit”
ANGER IS FUTILE, FOOLISH, and FATAL. It is Normally caused by:
1) HUMILIATION
2) FRUSTRATION
3) AGGRAVATION
Some “ANGER” Scriptures to Think on: PRO 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. PRO 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. PRO 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. PRO 22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. PRO 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
PRO 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
PRO 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
APPEARANCES
Sometimes things in life are not what they immediately appear- this “Jesus” Plaque is hard to read at first but once you see it it’s easy. That’s the way we have to learn to look at things in life also; not by first appearances but by God’s Word.
Jesus was marvelous at giving people something different from what they wanted:
1) A man looked for healing- Jesus forgave his sins first Mark 2:1-12
2) A widow was looking at a funeral- Jesus raised her son Luke 7:11-17
3) The Disciples wanted to send the people home because of no food- Jesus wanted to feed them with a little boy’s lunch John 6:1-15
4) The Crowds looked for a physical king- Jesus offered them a spiritual kingdom
5) The Religious leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus by killing Him- He was resurrected to never die again!
We must learn to do is LOOK AT THINGS THRU GOD’S EYES:
1) Turn an Obstacle into an opportunity— But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (Phil 1:12)
Yesterday when I got ready to go to the Hospital and tried to crank my car it acted as if the battery was dead. The battery wasn’t dead; it was stolen! We’ve just started receiving bills from my wife’s last heart tests and it was not a good time to have an extra bill (plus aggravation) thrown in. Rather than become upset, however, I decided to see how God was going to work this for my good (Rom 8:28).
We were late going to the Hospital so I had to drive my old car. That meant I had to explain about the battery to the people who were riding back with me (no AC) as well as to the Clerk at the store when I was finally able to get the Battery (No old battery to turn in). Each time I was able to witness to my Faith in God’s provision.
And, yes, you guessed it. Right after I got the battery in a man came up with a check for me that was exactly $10 more than the cost of the battery. When I told him about the stolen battery he was amazed and said God must have decided to give me $10 for the aggravation involved!
2) You Want Relief; God wants Refinement– God allows Persecution, pain, or Problems to mold and strengthen you. He could change the problem; instead He Changes YOU. It is the File and not the feather that sharpens the axe. Let God use your trial to develop you; to make you better instead of bitter.
3) You Want to be Number One; God says the Way to accomplish this is to be a servant to everyone– And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all (Mark 10:44) (This is the basis of our ministry here at Grace. We do as much as we can to help as many people as we can).
4) You think the way to Joy is found in pampering Self: God says it’s in Forgetting Self– He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it (Mat 10:39).
We must learn to Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). Then Life can build us instead of batter us. Don’t allow Satan to Blind you with present troubles. Remember, a million years from now Heaven will not be something we talk about but somewhere we dwell!!
BELIEVING A LIE
What you believe determines what you do. Beliefs build Behavior. Behavior builds Habits. Habits build Bondage. Remember that! That is why Satan promotes Media Addiction; in order to get you to believe wrong and then do wrong.
Our Belief in the TRUTH is based on God’s PROMISES (Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began) and God’s WORD (John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free).
Believing and Speaking the TRUTH is the Mark of Christian- (Col 3:9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds
I. BIBLE EXAMPLES OF PREJUDICE:
A) RACE- (John 1:46) And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
B) RELIGION- (John 4:9) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
C) Application of RULES-(1 Tim 5:21) I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
II. OUR PREDISPOSITIONS TO PREJUDICE ARE BASED ON:
A) HISTORY- Abused in word or body
B) PERSONALITY- Optimist vs pessimist- Some see Glass half full; some half empty
C) SOCIAL LIFE- Who you Walk with and Talk with determine many of your thoughts
III. HOW DOES SATAN USE THESE PREJUDICES?
A) To defeat ABILITIES
B) To defeat HOPE
C) To Defeat DRIVE (Motivation)
Example- JONAH believed two lies because He wanted to Believe:
1) The destruction of Nineveh was more desirable than God’s plan of repentance
2) He could run from the Presence of God
EVE– Her Desire to be as god became more important than fellowship with God. Remember, The tree was good to look on- A lie is powerful not because it is deceptive but because it is delicious.
Those controlled by Flesh over Faith– (Rom 1:25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
BELIEVING A LIE CAN BECOME A PERMANENT WAY OF LIFE– (2 Th 2:11‑12) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
BIBLE MYSTERIES
Mysteries Definition from Greek: A derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites):–mystery.
I. BIBLE MYSTERIES: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory 1 Cor 2:7. Mysteries are Obscure to Outsiders and must use Illustrations (Parables) to share: And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4:11.And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Luke 8:101)
1) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Mat 13:11.
2) ISRAEL’S BLINDNESS: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in Rom 11:25
3) GOSPEL REVELATION OF CHRIST AS GOD’S SON AND OUR SAVIOR: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Col 1:26-27
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Rom 16:25. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Eph 3:3-4. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ Eph 3:9
4) THE RESURRECTION: Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 1 Cor 15:51.
5) OF THE MARRIAGE OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church Eph 5:32.
6) OF INIQUITY: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way 2 Th 2:7
7) OF GODLINESS: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.1 Tim 3:16
8) OF UNKNOWN TONGUE: For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries 1 Cor 14:2.
9) OF JOHN’S VISION:
A) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches Rev 1:20
B) But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets Rev 10:7.
C) And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH Rev 17:5. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns Rev 17:7
II. OUR STEWARDSHIP OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God 1 Cor 4:1.
A) The MYSTERY seeks POWER TO PREACH: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel Eph 6:19. Because God PURPOSED for them to PREACH: Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself Eph 1:9.
B) The MYSTERY seek OPPORTUNITY TO PREACH: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Col 4:3
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience 1 Tim 3:9.
Always REMEMBER that LOVE IS SUPERIOR TO UNDERSTANDING MYSTERIES: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing 1 Cor 13:2.
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:
1) 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.
2) 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
3) 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?
4) 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.
5) Circumstances beyond our control: (Prov 14:10) The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
6) 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.
7) 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.
And because of that 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)
COVETING
COVET. 1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another’s). See Synonyms at envy. 2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire. –intr. To feel immoderate desire for that which is another’s. [Middle English coveiten, from Old French coveitier, from covitie, desire, from Latin cupidits, from Latin cupidus, desirous, from cupere, to desire.]
SYNONYMS: envy, begrudge, covet. These verbs mean to feel resentful or painful desire for another’s advantages or possessions. Envy is wider in range than the others since it combines discontent, resentment, and desire: When I peruse the conquered fame of heroes and the victories of mighty generals, I do not envy the generals (Walt Whitman). Begrudge stresses ill will and reluctance to acknowledge another’s right or claim: Why begrudge him his success? Covet stresses desire, especially a secret or culpable longing, for something to which one has no right: as thorough an Englishman as ever coveted his neighbor’s goods (Charles Kingsley).
I, COVET:
BAD COVET: (Exo 20:17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
(Micah 2:2) And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
(Rom 7:7) What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
(Rom 13:9) For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
GOOD COVET: (1 Cor 12:31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. (1 Cor 14:39) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
II. COVETOUS:
Praised by the Wicked: (Psa 10:3) For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
Practiced by Pharisees: (Luke 16:14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
A “keep company characteristic” to avoid: (1 Cor 5:10‑11) Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. {11} But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
A disqualifying leadership conduct: (1 Tim 3:3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
A “Keep out Heaven” Sin: (1 Cor 6:10) Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (Eph 5:5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
A Sign of End Time Wickedness: (2 Tim 3:2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(2 Pet 2:14) Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF CHRISTIANS
We live in the day of the “Christian” Stripper (She doesn’t want you to lust after her body, just admire how good God has been to her!), the “Christian” Pick-pocket (He steals your wallet with one hand while putting a gospel tract in your pocket with the other), and the sexually driven, money desiring TV Preacher (No explanation needed!).
It seems the Christians act like the world, the world acts like the devil, and no one seems to know right from wrong except Oprah and Donahue! That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to look at some distinguishing marks of Christians.
I. BRANDED CHRISTIANS– Saved, Set apart, easily distinguished
A) By our Love- Know they are Christians by their Love.
B) By our Life- As Cattle were branded in days gone by to identify them so the Christian is Branded. The Holy Spirit is our Earnest (Down payment) from the Lord. Our Bodies are His temple and our lives produce His fruit.
II. BIBLE CHRISTIANS– We come to Church to find how to get answers for the rest of the week. We must teach the Bible as a Text Book to allow everyone to become familiar with it; and as a Living Word to allow them to see it’s applicable for every situation.
III. BETTER CHRISTIANS– Growing: More Christlike, more Fruitful
IV. BONDED CHRISTIANS-Part of the Body, Fellowship, Functioning in Relationships.
V. BENEFICIAL CHRISTIANS– We benefit a lost, sin-sick world by our
A) Purity- Salt does no good in the shaker. We need to exert an influnce in the world by our actions and attitudes.
B) Witnessing- Christians don’t belong in a Monastery but in the Market Place. The answer the world is looking for is CHRIST and we need to share the good news of the Gospel with them.
Some Examples this week from our Church Members:
>Sully calling from Columbia to ask about home coming Supplies.
>Susan changing sign for homecoming
>Anne coming at daylight to get music on tape
>Damon printing up SS cards.
>Don taping Grace Bible Institute Class for sick
>Billie bringing Sandra to GBI
FACTS ABOUT LOVE
WHO ARE YOU TO LOVE?
1. God– And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deu 6:5)
2. Neighbor– Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. (Lev 19:18)
3. Church– LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. (Psa 26:8)
4. Enemies–But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Mat 5:44)
WHAT LOVE PRODUCES:
1. Purity: Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Psa 97:10)
2. Forgiveness: Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Prov 10:12)
3. Contentment: Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. (Prov 15:17)
4. Faithfulness: A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Prov 17:17)
5. Stability: Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (Song 8:6)
FALSE THINGS ABOUT GOD’S WILL
Col 1:9-10 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Paul’s Prayer here shows that The Will of God allow us to:
A) Walk Worthy of the Lord unto all Pleasing- Please God
B) Being Fruitful in every good work- Bear Fruit
C) Increasing in the Knowledge of God- Learn about God
You can’t ask for 3 greater goals than that. Why then do so many people fail to commit themselves to God’s Will for their lives? The Problem is that many people have a false concept of what God’s Will is and how you Determine it.
Men Falsely say that God’s Will is:
1. Dangerous– Somehow it will harm you or cause you a great deal of pain if you obey God (If I commit myself to God He will make me be a Preacher or Missionary {There are worst things, you know!!})
The Truth: It’s Dangerous NOT to do God’s Will. Do you want to face God with a wasted life and unused talents??
2. Distant– God’s will does not involve youth. It’s something for older people to be concerned with.
The Truth: Get in God’s Will as soon as possible. A little veer at first can cause a big deviation in the long run. The Longer you delay the lest useful you’ll be.
3. Divided– God has a Good, Acceptable and Perfect Will (Rom 12:2) and most people don’t want to be dedicated enough to chose God’s Best so they settle for the “good”.
The Truth: God has One Will that is Good, Acceptable, and Perfect; Don’t settle for cheap substitutes [Remember the man during the Civil war that wore a Blue Coat and Gray Pants so he could please everyone; and then both sides shot him!!].
4. Difficult to Discover– It’s almost impossible to determine what God wants you to do.
The Truth: God reveals His will thru His Word, thru the Urges of Life {What do you WANT to do?}, and by Faith (We do not live by Explanations but by Promises. Many people want to understand God’s Plan before they will follow it. But the Truth is that when we follow God’s Plan then we begin to understand it. God is not obligated to explain Himself to us but He will make Plain the Path He expects us to take).
A) It’s God’s Will that we do our job well- Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart See I Pet 2:15
B) It’s God’s Will that we Live a Holy Life- I Thess 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification , that ye should abstain from fornication:
C) It’s God’s Will that we Trust Him in all Circumstances- I 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.
ARE YOU DOING GOD’S WILL?
FAVOR Topic
PSALM 30:5 IN HIS FAVOR IS LIFE
PSALM 5:12 FOR THOU, LORD, WILT BLESS THE RIGHTEOUS; WITH FAVOUR WILT THOU COMPASS HIM WITH A SHIELD.
PSALM 119:58 I INTREATED THY FAVOUR WITH MY WHOLE HEART: BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD.
PROVERBS 3:3 4 LET NOT MERCY AND TRUTH FORSAKE THEE; BIND THEM ABOUT THY NECK; WRITE THEM UPON THE TABLE OF THINE HEART: SO SHALT THOU FIND FAVOUR AND GOOD UNDERSTANDING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD AND MAN.
PROVERBS 8:35 FOR WHOSO FINDETH ME (WISDOM) FINDETH LIFE, AND SHALL OBTAIN FAVOUR OF THE LORD.
PROVERBS 11:27 HE THAT DILIGENTLY SEEKETH GOOD PROCURETH FAVOUR: BUT HE THAT SEEKETH MISCHIEF, IT SHALL COME UNTO HIM. (SEE 12:2)
PROVERBS 18:22 WHOSO FINDETH A WIFE FINDETH A GOOD THING, AND OBTAINETH FAVOUR OF THE LORD.
PROVERBS 13:15 GOOD UNDERSTANDING GIVETH FAVOR; BUT THE WAY OF TRANSGRESSORS IS HARD.
PROVERBS 12:2 A GOOD MAN OBTAINETH FAVOUR OF THE LORD: BUT A MAN OF WICKED DEVICES WILL HE CONDEMN.
PROVERBS 22:1 A GOOD NAME IS RATHER TO BE CHOSEN THAN GREAT RICHES, AND LOVING FAVOUR RATHER THAN SILVER AND GOLD.
PROVERBS 28:23 HE THAT REBUKETH A MAN AFTERWARDS SHALL FIND MORE FAVOUR THAN HE THAT FLATTERETH WITH THE TONGUE.
DANIEL 1:9 NOW GOD HAD BROUGHT DANIEL INTO FAVOUR AND TENDER LOVE WITH THE PRINCE OF THE EUNUCHS.
LUKE 1:30 AND THE ANGEL SAID UNTO HER, FEAR NOT, MARY; FOR THOU HAST FOUND FAVOUR WITH GOD.
LUKE 2:52 AND JESUS INCREASED IN WISDOM AND STATURE, AND IN FAVOUR WITH GOD AND MAN.
FOUR GARDENS
The History of mankind can be summarized with Four Gardens:
I. THE GARDEN OF FAILURE: Gen 2:8-9 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Gen 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden He gave him something to be accountable for:
Adam was given a definite Place to Work- the Garden
Adam was given a Definite Job to do- Guard and Grow
Adam was given Definite Guidelines- Eat all but one
Adam was given a Definite Punishment- Death
Seems simply enough doesn’t it? Everyone Knows What to Do, Where to do it, How to Do it, and what will result if they don’t do it. Why then do so many wander aimless thru life without purpose, plan, or peace? The sad truth is “People don’t do what we expect. They do what you Inspect”. Most people substitute the “Necessary” for the “Important” because they are called to account for the Necessary.
One of the keys to being effective then is in being held accountable-Which is a major problem in churches: Attendance at services and during Sunday School is “Optional”. Students are never asked to account for the amount they learn thru tests. Income is on a “Volunteer” system. And many people are unaware of what the Church is trying to accomplish and how it hopes to do so. [The only two “measuring rods” presently used in most Churches are attendance and offering. A Church that increases these is said to be successful- or vice versa].
Are you FAILING because you are rebelling against God’s will for your life or disobeying God’s instructions?? Apply the Blood today
II. THE GARDEN OF SUBMISSION: John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Are you trying to be a King or are you being Faithful? God’s plan is the only right way to go.
III. THE GARDEN OF FAITH: John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
1 Cor 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Dying He saved us, raising He justified freely forever. Are you willing to die to self and believe God will raise you up at the proper time?
IV. THE GARDEN OF ETERNITY: Rev 22:1-3 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 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:
FRIENDS
The first problem man faced was the problem of “Loneliness” (It is not good that a man should be alone). God’s answer to that is a Family and Friends. Webster says a Friend is “One joined to another in mutual benevolence and intimacy”.
There are several Bible Friends- Jonathan and David who Loved him as he loved his own soul. Ruth and Naomi- Whither thou goest, I will go. Jesus was a friend of Publicans and sinners. He had close friends among his Disciples (Peter, James, and John) and among his “congregation” (Lazarus, Mary, Martha).
How do you tell a Friend? (Beware of “Job’s Friends” who only want to condemn you or of being a “Friend of the World” which will condemn you! [James 4:4]. Also beware of Friends you have to “Buy”- Prov 19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.
A Friend is TRUE– Prov 17:17 A friend loveth at all times. A friend is the first person to come in when the whole world goes out. A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you!
A Friend is STIMULATING– Prov 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countance of his friend. The axe is sharpeneth with the file and not the feather!! This may not be easy- Prov 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend.
A Friend SHARES– Ecc 4:9-10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Friends build one another as they build themselves.
Jesus listed 3 major requirements of Friendship:
1. Dedication- Jn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
2. Trust- John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
3. Communion- John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
AN EXAMPLE– James 2:23 Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God. Abraham was DEDICATED (Left Ur to Follow God), TRUSTFUL (Willing to offer his son because God said so), and had COMMUNION (Before God would destroy Sodom He told Abraham and offered to spare it on Abraham’s request if as few as 10 righteous men could be found).
How do you get 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.
I went outside to find a friend
But could not find one there.
I went outside to BE a Friend,
And friends were everywhere.
Hold on to Old Friends– Prov 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not. Friendship is one of the few relationships we chose. Friendships need never change. Happy is the man who has a friend; happier is the man who is a friend; Happiest is the man who has a friend and who is a friend.
It hurts to lose a Friend- Ps 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Pray for Friends– Job 42:10 The Lord turned the captivity of JOb, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Be careful of who you take for Friends– Prov 22:24-25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go; lest thou learn his ways; and get a snare to thy soul.
TURNING STRESS TO SUCCESS
A noted Christian Psychologist stated there are five underlying causes of frustration and stress in people’s lives today: 1) Insecurity, 2) Inferiority complex, 3) Guilt, 4) Hate, and 5) Fear.
Part of the greatness of the Christian Message is that it has a remedy for each of these problems (and every other one as well!)-
1) INSECURITY– II Tim 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Our God is called the Rock with good reason
2) INFERIORITY COMPLEX– God valued me enough to send His only son to die for me!! When I accept Christ I become a Child of God!! Jesus “accepted” a woman caught in the very act of adultery, a woman with 5 husbands, a man so full of demons until he lived naked in a graveyard, and even “the chiefest of sinners”, Paul .God will never put you into a position that He does not give you the Power to handle.
3) GUILT– Sins under the blood are forgiven, forgotten, and forsaken. Remembered No More! Christians should be Humble, never inferior!
4) HATE– We normally hate people because we are Jealous or feel rejected. As a Christian, we aren’t Jealous because we know that each person has a Place in the Body of Christ; therefore we accept our place and accept others in their place. And even though men may reject us we know that God never does!
5) FEAR. Let’s look at this emotion a little closer and find how to turn it from STRESS into SUCCESS. There are numerous levels of Fear:
A) Controlling Fear [Overwhelms us. When Fear is in control, noteworthy success is seldom obtained]
B) Cautious Fear [Leads us to Avoid Trouble]
C) Correcting Fear [Motivates us to Change something or to develop wisdom about people or situations]).
D) Situational Fear:
a. Danger- The Children of Israel were trapped at the Red sea with the enemy behind and the water before them. God’s command to them, (Ex 14:13) Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,…
b. Death- Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; Even a walk in the “dark” is not scary when your father holds your hand!!
E) Our Imagination can bring Fear: The sad truth about this is that many times our fear is more in our minds than in reality- Ps 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee.
Faith in God Overcomes Fear: Ps 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. God turned Victims into Victors.
Remember, God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and told us to Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; (Isaiah 8:12 14). That is the way to turn Fear from STRESS TO SUCCESS.
FRUSTRATION FEELINGS
We have just come through a tremendously tough week; the shock of an all-night vigil as we wondered if our home could survive the storm, the shock of property destroyed, the aggravation over lack of power and water, the concern over how to clean up, and the realization that life (and bills!) must go on when you feel like you need a week just to cry over the freezer food you’ve lost. The “Fun” was over very quick, the nervous energy that you were running on gave out about Tuesday, and now all you want to do is “holler and scream and throw a tempter tantrum”!!
You just want things back to some degree of normality and you’re angry at the President, the Governor, the light company, the news media, and even God for all that’s happened. You can quarrel at the President, the Governor, and the Light Company; you can think dark thoughts about God and never say anything; but the only people you can vent you anger on are those around you. That’s where the Problem comes in. What are we going to do with all this anger that’s built up inside you without doing tremendous harm?
There are 3 things we can do with Anger:
1> We must CONTROL Anger or it will control us- We build up “Reservoirs of Resentment” in our lives and when they become full the “dam” breaks. We must use that energy to Build up instead of Blow up (Jesus was angry at them for their hardness of heart so he healed the palsy man).
You must have a DESIRE to control Anger before you will be able to do so. If you can control your anger in front of the boss or co-workers but say you can’t in front of your wife and children then you are actually saying your boss is more important than your family!
2> We must CHANNEL our Anger into the right things- We can allow it to make us abuse others or ourselves or we can use it to change situations (Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple in order to demonstrate a point). The difference in bad anger (Clamming up and Blowing Up) and good anger is whether it is used destructively or constructively. Do you vent it at people or the Problem (Remember that sometimes People ARE the Problem. Don’t become angry at the individual but at the incident).
3> We must CONVERT our Anger into an attitude of trust, patience, and acceptance or it will destroy our body (ulcers, heart attacks, etc), our reputation, and even our soul.
Look at the Anger you have for your:
A) Circumstances- are they really difference from multitudes around you?
B) Situation- Is it as hard as you think? Or if you compare it to some others is it not something to be thankful for?
What can we do to change things? Vent that anger on tree limbs! Pray for changed hearts and attitudes. Work to make a difference. Commit yourself and your circumstances unto the Lord. God hasn’t deserted you. He Still loves you and wants you to love and serve Him.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
GRATITUDE
I Thess 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Let’s begin with a “Quiz”. List the Following in the order you feel they belong. “The Problem with People is”:
1. Not Grateful
2. Not Showing Love
3. Critical
4. Prideful
5. Not Understanding
I sort of “stacked the decks” in this list. Each of these is basically the same form of Ingratitude. Many years ago someone took a poll as to the greatest sin committed by mankind and the surprising answer was “ingratitude”.
Let’s look at 10 ways we can cultivate the Attitude of Gratitude.
1. Remember that there is no such thing as a self made man. All Christians are part of the Body of Christ and each part is vital to the others- I Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
2. The Foundation of Gratitude is to expect nothing- Luke 17:10 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. Remember it’s better to be asked to come up to the head of the table than to be put down.
3. Weigh a Small Gift- Prov 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. Remember that “money is time wrapped in a paper sack” {$10 is 2 hours of a person’s life at $5 per hour!}.
4. Do Not Weigh a Large Gift- Deut 16:19 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.
5. Never lose appreciation for a gift. Kids expect big Christmas Presents and don’t appreciate them as much as a surprise.
6. Let nothing extinguish gratitude- Don’t Second Guess the Giver.
7. Feel Gratitude as you remember things done for you- Keep a “Gratitude Book” instead of a “Grudge Book”.
8. Express Gratitude- Remember the 9 lepers who didn’t return. Send Cards, Calls, etc.
9. Be Grateful for the USUAL- Anyone can be thankful for bonus; be thankful for a salary.
10. Be Grateful for not receiving what some others receive- Those with less responsibilities also have less pressures! Don’t Covet; You many not know the groaning that goes with the gift!
HAS THE CHURCH LOST ITS YOUNG PEOPLE ?
We often hear people say the church is losing its young people. Exactly what do they mean by this? It seems to me that this is not usually given as a statement of fact, but rather intended to be an indictment of the church for failure of some sort.
The truth of the matter is that the church has no young people to lose. God has entrusted children to their parents, not the church. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph.6:4).
The church has the same responsibility to young people that it has to anyone else, preach the word. It is not the church that must decide at what hour your teen must be in. It is not the preacher that tells your children what TV programs they can or cannot watch. The church does not choose the friends your children can have in your home, nor the ones they run with at school. The song leader cannot make your children sing in the choir. Teachers are not the ones who allow a boy or girl to leave Sunday school work undone and then leave workbooks at home. Who should see to these things?
Parents, who is kidding whom? If your child is lost, do not blame the church.
YOUNG ADULTS
AND
TEENAGERS
IF YOU ARE TIRED OF
BEING HASSLED BY
UNREASONABLE PARENTS
NOW IS THE TIME
FOR ACTION!!!!
LEAVE HOME AND
PAY YOUR OWN WAY WHILE YOU
STILL KNOW EVERYTHING!
HOME COMINGS
Home Comings are a Special Time in the Church Year and there are many Home Comings in the Bible I could share with you
1) The Tragic Home Coming of Jephthah– (Judg 11:34-35) 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. {35} And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.
2) The Triumphal Home Coming of David– (1 Sam 18:6-7) And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of music. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
3) The Joyful Home Coming of the Prodigal– (Luke 15:20) And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
4) The Strange Home Coming of Jesus– (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, and stood up for to read. (Luke 4:24-30) And he said, Verily, I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. {25} But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; {26} But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. {27} And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. {28} And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, {29} And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. {30} But he passing through the midst of them went his way,
5) Pentecost will be soon and I could gladly preach on the Day the Holy Spirit came “Home” to dwell in our bodies as the temple of God. (Acts 2:2-4) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. {3} And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. {4} And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Changes our SPEECH, our STANDARDS (Our Bodies become the temple of God), our COMPANIONS (We work and fellowship with others as we become the Body of Christ).
6) But what I want to share today is the good news about the Heavenly Home Coming– (Titus 2:11-14) 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; {13} Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; {14} Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
ALL can go. In the midst of Sin, Disease, and Despair; this is our BLESSED HOPE. It will enable us to finally SEE HIM face to face whom so long we have known heart to heart. ONLY FOR REDEEMED.
How Cheap Will You Sell Out?
MY BIBLE CALLS FOR:
1. A Changed Mind – Repentance
2. A Changed Heart – Regeneration
3. A Changed Life – Conversion
4. A Changed Standing – Justification
5. A Changed Service – Sanctification
It is often said that “every man has his price”. A statement that may or may not be true. But it is true that a lot of people have given up a lot for a very small return. There are numerous examples to be found but I want to list just 4:
1. Judas sold the Savior for 30 pieces of Silver and lost his Apostleship (Acts 1:20) and his life (Matthew 27:3‑5). And he found when he got the money that he didn’t want it after all! He threw it away like he threw away his life (Matthew 27:5)
2. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage (Genesis 25:34) and “afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected (Hebrews 12:17). He thought momentary Pleasure was better that future Profit and ended up with nothing but bitter memories.
3. Lot chose the well watered valley of Sodom to the Mountains of communion with God (Genesis 13:10‑15) and it cost him his testimony (Genesis 19:14) and his family (Genesis 19). As he sat in the cave viewing his grandchildren born of Incest and looking out on the smoldering ruins of Sodom I wonder if he wished he had that choice back again??
4. The servant of Elisha, Gehazi, sold out for 2 talents of Silver and 2 changes of clothes (II Kings 5:20‑27) and it cost him his health (He was stricken with the Leprosy that Naaman had been cured of!) And he couldn’t wear the clothes and he couldn’t spend the money. As the Leprosy slowly ate his life away I wonder if he thought clothes and money were so important after all??
HOW CHEAP ARE YOU SELLING OUT?? Are a few days of Pleasure worth the eternal Pain of Hell?? Is a big bank account worth facing God and having to pay the wages of sin which is death (Romans 6:23)?? Jesus said, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:37). Good Question! What’s keeping YOU from being saved??
It breaks my heart to see people sell out so cheaply today – job, career, or recreation. And what they don’t know is that they could have the same things plus peace with God if they would just accept Christ as Savior.
If you want to know Christ as Savior and Lord then let me know and I’ll be glad to tell you about the one who paid the Price for you.
HOW TO GET GOD TO PET YOU
One of my favorite “verses” is Jones 16:14 (Devised Version) “Everybody needs a little petting every now and then”. It’s not in the Bible but it sure is true! We all agree we like to be petted; but since everyone likes to be petted no one likes to be the “Petter”. The Good News is that God can and does “pet” His people. Let’s find out how to get Him to pet us.
1. HAVE A NEED– Problems, troubles, trials, etc offer opportunities for God to Pet you. Your burdens actually turn into Blessings as you experience the faithfulness and fellowship of God- Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Pet 5:7).
2. LOVE HIM– My nephew Andrew asked me if we were still “Buddys and Friends” and then asked me for a present! The love that we have for God enables Him to sometimes “pet” us with special favors- as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Cor 2:9).
3. TALK ABOUT HIM– When we brag on God and His Goodness toward us it pleases God and causes Him to want to “pet” us- Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (Mal 3:16-17).
4. GIVE TO HIM– When we do things for God it causes Him to want to do things for us- Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). We don’t want to pet someone who grumbles and complains about what they do for us. In the same way, God is much more inclined to “Pet” us when we serve Him out of love and devotion.
5. LIVE RIGHT– God can’t pet us when He has to punish us. Don’t let sin keep you from being God’s Pet- For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright (Psa 11:7).
God has petted me for so long now until I’m pretty well spoiled; and I wouldn’t have it any other way!! Why don’t you let Him start petting you today.
HOW TO KEEP THE AXE SHARP
II Kings 6:1 7 tells the Story of the lost Axe head that was made to “Swim”. Sadly today, some people are trying to do God’s work without the “Axe head” and all they are doing is expending energy and time and bruising the trees!!! Their life has no meaning or purpose and they consider themselves failures because they can not accomplish anything. So if God is to work THRU us He must first work ON us to give us something to work with. He then must keep that Axe head sharp so it can accomplish its job.
Anytime you want to do something you need something to work ON and something to work WITH. So the first thing we need to understand is WHAT IS GOD TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH? Let’s see how He does this:
A) Relationship: God desires relationship with His people and He is trying to build that. But Sin stands in the way; therefore there must be
B) Redemption: God had to make a way to redeem man from the bondage of sin and death so fellowship would be possible. He did that by sending His own Son to die in our place and pay the debt we owe. But God knows it is not enough to simply “buy us off the slave market”; we must now be
C) Renewed: There are 2 main ways God uses to accomplish this:
1. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that guides us into the ways of God thru the Word of God.
2. Circumstances that God allows to come our way to conform us to the image of His son Jesus.
So God can take an “old Stick”, fit only for the fire, and give it Purpose and direction. Suddenly we find ourselves with Joy in this life and rewards in the life to come.
Sad to say though, as we work the axe can become dull and the Joy turns into a real Job (Ecc 10:10 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).
HOW CAN WE KEEP THE AXE SHARP??
A) Avoid things that would dull the axe (The Sinful “stones” of Society) II Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (Change friends- Abram left Ur and his family)
B) Don’t let the Axe sit idle and get “rusty”. Witness of what God has done for you / Tithe your income to God’s work / Maintain contact with God (Prayer: Talk to God/ Bible Study: God talks to you)
C) Understand God’s way of Sharpening you- CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Prov 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend). Join God’s People (Church Membership) because you need the Fellowship Ecc 4:9 12 Two are better than one because:
1. They have a good reward for their labor: An award means little if no one knows you received it. Sharing Triumphs is important
2. If they fall, one helps the other. Sharing Troubles is necessary (Mountain climbers tie together to help should one fall).
3. Two Together have heat; a single coal goes out / Two together have more strength than one; strength in unity.
Are you “Beating your head against the wall” and just getting a headache for your efforts?? God wants to Redeem you today, so you can find Abundant Life in service with Him.
Is your “axe” dull and your life ineffective?? Dedicate yourself to doing right by becoming a working part of Christian Fellowship.
KNOWLEDGE THAT KEEPS YOU FROM CRYING AND QUITTING
Sometimes it just seems that burdens are too heavy to bear and all seems lost. You’ve tried everything you know to handle the situation but still the problems remain and the pressures increase. It is one of those times when it seems all you want to do is cry for a day or quit for a lifetime!.
What can possibly help you during such a time? What can keep you going when all you want to do is lay in the middle of your bed and let the tears of frustration and failure come rolling down? Times like these are not times for cotton candy cliches but, instead, call for steak and potato answers. This is the time you need to forget about all the things you aren’t sure of and grasp a few things that you KNOW for certain and allow them to keep you steady in the midst of the storm. After all, when the wind and rain have ceased, you will find that the storms can’t move these rocks (Glory!).
1) The first thing you must KNOW is that no matter how you feel, and no matter the circumstances, your Salvation is real and Steadfast- (2 Tim 1:12) 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. This is a basic bedrock conviction that is the foundation for all others things in your life. Don’t allow tears or trials to blind you to this foundational truth.
And, KNOWING I am saved allows me to KNOW that I am special to God- (Psa 4:3) But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. I want to cry and quit when I feel lonely and unloved. I can’t feel this way when I KNOW I am special enough to God for Him to send His Son to die for me.
2) Secondly, I must KNOW that Circumstances are not out of God’s control- (Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. They may be out of my understanding but they are never out of God’s Plan and they can never separate us from God’s love- (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.
3) Thirdly, I need to KNOW that all of my Efforts have meaning- (1 Cor 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. What a difference it makes in depression when we realize that God does not always pay up on Friday; but He will pay one day, so my Effort is Important- (1 Cor 9:24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And it is also a great help to KNOW that I don’t really KNOW the value of what I do until Heaven- (1 Cor 13:9‑12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. {10} But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. {11} When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. {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.
4) It is also a source of encouragement to KNOW that Ups and Downs are part of every Christian’s life, even the great apostle Paul– (Phil 4:12‑13) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. {13} I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God did not promise that I would never have problems but He did promise that He would give strength for every task through my relationship with Christ. That is a tremendous principle to KNOW.
5) And it is a great source of Motivation to me to KNOW that it is worth any cost to reach the Lost for Jesus- (James 5:20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. It is much easier to go on when I KNOW how important it is that I do my part in reaching a lost world with the life changing, destiny altering, Gospel of Christ. We are not playing mind games or doing make do work; we are engaged in the most important occupation in all the world; telling people about the deliverance they can have through Faith in Christ.
Therefore, when I Know all this, I find that today’s drudgery can’t quench tomorrow’s hope- (2 Cor 4:16‑18) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Looking at those things that clouded my eyes with tears and made my cross seem too heavy to bear in the light of all the things I KNOW causes me to see that they are matters of little consequence. Satan tried to make all my problems and persecutions seem like giants in my mind but when they were exposed to the light of God’s word and the comfort of the Holy Spirit they turned into only shadows with no real substance.. In fact, I KNOW I can handle them now by leaning on the Lord and trusting in His provision.
What a difference it makes when you stop allowing the world’s confusion and chaos to dominate you and instead rely on the wonderful things you KNOW as a child of God. Tears become cheers, life becomes abundant, and quitting is the last thing on your mind. So rest in what you KNOW ABOUT GOD and stop allowing Satan to control you with threats and intimidation. After all, Satan is a liar and the father of all lies and that is not who you want controlling your life.
LIGHT
Paul told the Corinthians about 3 types of people they had to consider in their ministry-The Natural (Lost) man, the Carnal (Babe) Christian, and the Spiritual (Mature Christian. Within each type there are varing degrees of growth but these are the 3 basic classes of people you will have to deal with and it’s good to keep them in mind. They are described in other parts of the Bible in their relationship to the Light- and that’s how we want to look at them.
I. SOME ARE IN DARKNESS II Cor 4:3-4 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.
A) Wrong Direction: They may try to lead others- Matt 23:- “blind guides” (Rom 2:19)
B) Wrong Goals: Matt 23:16-22 They promote Gold instead of God (Prosperity)
C) Wrong Actions: 23-24 They strain at Gnats and swallow camels (Dot “i’s”and cross “t’s” and never realize that the words are misspelled!!)
D) Wrong Standards: 25-26 They make sure the outside is clean while neglecting the inside (Hypocrites)
E) Wrong Ending: Matt 15:14- They lead into the ditch!!
F) They don’t realize their condition-having eyes to see they see not. They think everyone is in the same condition they are in. The Gospel light is turned on them and they either flee from it or come to it. Jn 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather that 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. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
II. SOME WALK IN THE LIGHT I Jn 1:7 We walk in the light
A) Saying we see doesn’t make it so I Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
B) Walking in the light results in 2 things: 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 (1 John 1:7).
1. We have fellowship one with another. (By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another). (See I Cor 3:1-4 Where this fellowship was broken for “Babes” by division and strife over leaders- sometimes when you walk in a leader’s shadow your eyes become blinded!!)
2. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son Cleanseth us from all sin.
Salvation-Freedom from Sins penalty
Sanctification- Sin’s power broken as we see the problems before we stumble over them.
As we walk in the light we should Grow in the ability to distinguish what’s helpful and what’s harmful to our Christian life. Heb 5:14 But strong mean 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.
If you fail to grow in Christian graces you will become “near sighted” and forget what a joy it is to have sight-II Pet 1:9.
THE RESULT OF LIGHT:
A) Direction- You can now SEE where you are to Walk (Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path Psalms 119:105). He that walks in darkness stumbles
B) Protection- Enemies come in the dark, Evil is usually done in the dark. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1).
C) Consummation- The light from the candle comes from the candle being consumed! He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light (John 5:35).
D) Illumination- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
III. SOME BECOME LIGHTS Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, and the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and Perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. For thou (God) wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness (Psalms 18:28).
A) You shine that others may see the way (Life testimony) vs 14 A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid
B) You must be careful not to hide your light vs 15
1. 2 Ways to hide it: a. under a bushel=too much work / b. under a bed=too much laziness
2. Put it on a candlestick that it may give light to all that are in the house
C) Make sure your good works bring Glory to your Father in Heaven
As a light you are to Glow for God. Dirt will “dim the window” and cut down on your light (Avoid Sin). The glow is not from your “Burning up yourself” but from the oil of the Holy Spirit within. If the Holy Spirit is within and the window is clean you won’t have to try to glow-you can’t help it!!!
REMEMBER- The Light comes from the WORD and the Author of the WORD:
Ps 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Ps 119-130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
John 1: 4 In him (Christ) was life; and the life was the light of men.
METHODOLOGY VS PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
Rev Mike Jones
METHODOLOGY: 1. A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry; a set of working methods: the methodology of genetic studies; an opinion poll marred by faulty methodology. b. The study or theoretical analysis of such working methods.
PHILOSOPHY: 1. A system of motivating concepts or principles: the philosophy of a culture. 2. A basic theory; a viewpoint: an original philosophy of advertising. 3. The system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life
Someone recently asked me what the difference was between Methodology of Ministry as compared to Philosophy of Ministry. As you can see from Webster’s definitions of Methodology and Philosophy, Methodology is HOW you do something while Philosophy is WHY you do something. One of the most basic Bible principles is that “Your belief determines your behavior”. That is how God uses the “foolishness of Preaching” (I Cor 1:21) to convert men. Preaching is the expressing of ideas, illustrations, and conceptions that (with the help of the Holy Spirit) cause people to look at their sinful state or their sorry living in a different light. Conversion or commitment takes place when this preaching produced belief leads to action.
This concept is also seen in the format of the Bible. Paul always wrote his letters using the formula of Doctrine in the first part and Duty in the last part. Paul knew it was worthless to tell someone WHAT to do unless he could first tell them WHY they needed to do the task and HOW they were equipped to do what was required of them. Paul knew that your methods of work would depend on your motivation of heart.
This principle also determines what kind of ministry a person has and how effective that ministry is over the long haul. If a minister believes that he is just to evangelize without spending time in edification then he will have great initial success but little long term fruit. Conversely, if a minister spends all his time studying the word but never spends time putting into practice what he has learned then his beliefs will take on a “dream world” state that leaves him (and his congregation) frustrated as his dreams comes up against the reality of a sin cursed world.
Another example would be my own Philosophy of ministry- “The greatest of all shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:43-44). What I believe (My Philosophy that being “number one” means serving as many people as possible) determines what I do in ministry. I look for ways to help others either come to Know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (the greatest service anyone can render another) or for ways to help a saved person Show Christ in their changed life (Through education, edification, encouragement, …). This belief that service for Christ is manifested in helping others causes me to use every method available to reach every person possible with the gospel of Christ.
When I lift up my eyes and look on a congregation I can’t be satisfied to simple serve that group with my sermon. My Philosophy causes me to think about using radio to reach others who are shut-in, have to work, or are traveling. When I teach a Bible course in church and witness in homes the next week to people who desperately need the material I just taught I know I have to put it in a book or newsletter so it can be distributed to those who can’t (or won’t) attend our services. When people in our church talk about how greatly distant relatives need the help and encouragement of our Church then I know we must serve them by freely distributing audio or video tapes of our services or by putting our services on the Internet. A ministry that believes that serving others is vital will look for practical ways to make service available.
The Apostle Paul knew this same heart beat- For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. {20} And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; {21} To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. {22} To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Cor 9:19-22).
Paul could have taken it easy and rested on his popularity and position. But his belief that the Gospel of Christ was the most important proclamation in the world caused him to sacrifice his own wants and desires in order to reach as many people as possible.
Note that Paul’s belief in service was much more than just lip service; it involved sacrificial changes in his life. A servant may not like the way a “master” does things but he is obligated to, as much as possible, follow the desires of the “master”. Paul did not violate his principles or testimony but he did serve in ways that were not necessarily “natural” to him. ( Warren Wiersbe puts it like this- “Paul was not a chameleon who changed his message and methods with each new situation. Nor was Paul a compromiser who adjusted his message to please his audience. He was an ambassador, not a politician …Paul so lived that he did not offend either the Jews or the Gentiles. He did not parade his liberty before the Jews, nor did he impose the Law on the Gentiles.”).
So, whether you realize it or not, your Philosophy of Ministry affects your Methodology of Ministry. Your core beliefs about Faith, Duty, the Power of God to convict and change a person, etc. all combine together to determine the method, and the effectiveness, of your ministry.
Therefore, if your ministry- preaching, teaching, Christian living – is not what it should be then you need to look at your Philosophy and see what needs to be added, subtracted, or corrected. This means you must look very closely as WHAT you are attempting to accomplish so you will know HOW you want to go about getting the job done.
– – If a Teacher claims that their goal in teaching a Sunday School class is to attempt to win their students to a saving faith in Jesus Christ but they never go over the plan way of Salvation, never pray with the students to be saved, and never have a class devoted to learning how to be saved then that teacher needs to examine their Philosophy or their Method of applying that Philosophy.
– – If a Preacher says his desire is to have a growing fruitful church but his methods of ministry are to simply maintain the status quo then either his Philosophy or his practices are in need of an over haul- Growing Churches don’t come by “hoping” the attendance will be better the next week. Souls are not won by “wishing”people would change, the gospel must be presented (Rom 10:14).
Try this- In one or two sentences write out your life motivating philosophy. Be Honest Don’t write what you SHOULD write; write what really motivates you. Now examine that philosophy in the light of God’s will for your life. Then ask yourself these questions. Is this the philosophy that God wants me to live with (and die with)? How does what I do in my life enhance (or distract from) the accomplishment of this philosophy?
What you believe determines what you do. So be careful that you don’t let your beliefs be warped by the world’s propaganda and philosophy. Stand fast in your faith in God and in the saving work of Christ- that is the philosophy that will make your works pleasing to God; for now and for eternity- (John 6:29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Music can Teach us (Books of the Bible Song); Calm us (Jesus Loves me); and Encourage us (Just a little Boy David). MUSIC IS A MINISTRY. As such it can not only Entertain us; but also Enlighten us when:
1. Seeking for the Will of God: When Elisha was asked to give the king advice about how to defeat the Moabites II Kings 3:15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.
2. When faced with a “bad Spirit: I Sam 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
3. To show you’re filled with the Spirit: Eph 5:18 19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
4. When Sorrow surrounds you: Isaiah 30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel
5. When you feel good: James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
6. To Defeat your enemy: II Chron 20:21 22 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
7. To “Preview” Heaven: Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
May this great “Heavenly Hymn” be an example in all our music for it magnifies God’s Greatness, God’s Power, and God’s Sacrifice.
Do you sing in Church simply Waiting for the Preaching or do you sing in order to Worship God? Can you sing at midnight in a jail as well as at noon in a Church? Put a song in your heart and a testimony on your lips and serenade the world for Jesus today.
MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN
Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house.
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
The dye has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I’m a disciple of His.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me, my banner will be clear!
May this creed be yours, and May God give you such strength to endure that nothing can tempt you to veer from the magnificent course God has appointed for your life!
OBEYING GOD’S COMMAND
I hope each of you would readily agree that obeying God’s Commands is an absolute must in our lives. Then why don’t we do it?? What keeps us from letting the “will of God be done on earth as it is in Heaven”?
Let’s look at several times God gave commands to men; and they hesitated to do what He said. Then as we find out why they wouldn’t do God’s Will it may help us realize why we fail to obey God’s Command.
1. II Kings 5:9-14 Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River 7 times in order to cure his leprosy. He didn’t want to do so because he was looking for some great magic show instead of a simple act of obedience- The Command of God deals with our PRIDE. Naaman’s servants said that if Elisha’s had told him to do some great thing then he would have done it but he didn’t want to do anything that would make him look foolish. We must come to God thru the Foolishness of Preaching, Become Fools for Christ’s sake, and live by what the world calls “Foolish Faith”.
Will Pride keep you from Obeying God in the matter of Salvation or Service?
2. Acts 10:9-16. Peter didn’t want to eat with, or associate with, the Gentiles so God used this vision to show him that anything God made was not unclean. The Command of God deals with our PREJUDICES. Christians are color Blind and pocket book blind (James 2:1-4); although we are not character blind (We love everyone equally- which means we dislike sin or slothfulness in anyone).
Some sinners are prejudice against the hypocrites in the Church. If they’re good enough to spend eternity in Hell with they’re surely good enough to spend a Sunday with!
3. And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue (Exo 4:10). Moses was willing to go back to Egypt but he didn’t want to speak- The Command of God deals with our PERSONALITIES. Many People don’t mind serving the Lord as long as it doesn’t require any real effort or stress.
We become New Creatures at Salvation. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of Christ. God uses the Bible and the events of life to mold and make us.
Are you going to miss Heaven because you think you aren’t good enough, or bright enough, or strong enough?? Obey God’s Command.
“Look at your life as you will see it on ETERNITY’S MORNING when life will be all behind you. What will you and I count on Eternity’s morning? Money? No, that will be gone, never to come back again. Position? That will have passed away forever. Pleasure and ease? They, too, will have gone.
But there will be two things which we shall value with all our being on Eternity’s morning. The first is to know that we have done His will with our lives, and the second thing will be to know that there are precious souls standing around the throne on the solemn morning that God used us to have a share in winning.” (G.S. Graham).
The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)
POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
Christianity has been called the “bloody Religion” because of its emphasis on Sacrifices. In one manner of speaking this is very true and marks the major difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world. Christianity is a Religion that is based on the shed blood of Christ as payment for sins instead of Works of man or Wisdom of man as in other religions. In other Religions my Education or my Ability; my Service or my Sacrifice, are the requirements. In Christianity I come before God, and am accepted by God, on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ.
That is a fundamental issue that even many Christians need to learn again. We must realize that Sin separates us from God‑‑and before we can know the Power and Blessings of God on our lives we must put away the sin that stands between us and God. Isaiah 59:1‑2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The only means of doing this is the Blood of Christ; Not improved Morals or increased Money [which is what many people are trying to use today to correct the world’s problems]. I want us to see today the necessity of the Blood of Christ in our coming to God and what great power there is in the Blood of Christ.
I> The Blood is the PASSOVER for our sins‑ EXO 12:12-13 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. The power that it conveyed was simply astonishing‑ anyone who was in the room where the blood was applied was safe; any firstborn in a house without the blood would die. It was not a degree of “Goodness” or “ability” but simply the applied Blood.
The Blood has ALWAYS been God’s way of dealing with the separation caused by sin. In the Garden of Eden God slew an animal and man was clothed with it’s skin. Rev 13:8 says that Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth. God would have immediately destroyed man had it not been for the Blood of Christ that He saw from the beginning.
II> Not only does the Blood save us from God’s Wrath, it also saves us from Sin’s Power by REDEEMING us. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
REDEMPTION means “To buy off the slave market”. Christ has bought us from the “Slave market” of Sin and set us free to live life abundantly. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World.
III> The Blood does even more than save us from Sin’s Power; it also saves us from sin’s POLLUTION‑ I 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.
God didn’t just deal with our PAST sins; He also made the necessary arrangements for our PRESENT sins. The Blood allows me to walk in FAITH instead of FEAR. It also allows me to approach God today JUSTIFIED (Just as if I had never sinned)‑ Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
IV> The Blood has POWER to:
A) Purchase the Church as the Bride of Christ. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath make you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
B) Cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Heb 9:14 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. I don’t have to DO what’s already been DONE so I can serve God Freely and Fully
C) Give us boldness to approach God. Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethen, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. I approach the “bank of Heaven” based on Faith in what Jesus did for me instead of what I have done or can do for God.
D) Give those who believe in him access to the tree of life and entrance into Heaven‑ Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Your ability to stand BEFORE GOD will depend on whether or not you have the Blood of Christ appropriated and applied.
Like Cain, you can come to God with the very best you have‑‑and be rejected, or you can come by way of the blood and find pardon and peace. DO YOU HAVE THE BLOOD APPLIED TODAY???
GOD SECRETS
Secrets are secret but there are some secrets we need to not keep Secret:
1. Unexpressed Affection: (Prov 27:5) Open rebuke is better than secret love.
2. Undisplayed Christianity: 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. 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. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad (Luke 8:15-17). Do not let Pride, Personality, or Persecution keep your “light from shining”.
SOME SECRETS GOD KNOWS:
1) Our “Secret Sins”: (Psa 90:8) Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
2) The “Mystery” of the establishment of the Church: (Rom 16:25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,. (Mat 13:35) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
3) The “Secure Place” God keeps His Children: (Psa 91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
4) The Way “Life is Created” by Humans: (Psa 139:15) My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Here are some WAYS GOD REVEALS HIS SECRETS:
1. Proclaimers of His Word: (Amos 3:7) Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
2. Those who Reverence His Fellowship: (Psa 25:14) The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
3. By Teaching and Passing On His Revelations: (Deu 29:29) The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
SNARES
Snare: A trapping device used for capturing something. Something that lures or entangles the unwary. Eve was snared when she decided to have a discussion with a snake. David was snared when he was restless on a roof top instead of being in a battlefield. Judas was snared when he counted coins instead of listening to his Lord.
Here are some Snared you need to avoid in your daily living:
Associating with the World until you think like them: Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee (Exodus 23:32-33).
Worldly Words: A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Prov 18:7).
To Disregard God’s Service and Holy Vows: It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry (Proverbs 20:25).
To allow Anger to Control You: Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul (Proverbs 22:24-25).
To put Public Opinion over faith in Godly Directions: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).
To become so involved in the Common until you forget the Coming: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21:34-35).
Depending on Worldly Wealth instead of Godly Provision: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (1 Timothy 6:6-9).
Trying to argue a person out of sin instead of sharing God’s Word: 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).
How do we Avoid Snares? Heed God’s Word and Diligently Walk in God’s Ways: The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death (Proverbs 13:14). The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27).
SPIRITUAL POSITIONS
During the course of a day we find ourselves in numerous Physical Positions. In much the same way, as we live for the Lord we find ourselves in many Spiritual Positions. I want us to look at some of them and determine to make the most of every situation we find ourselves in [Sometimes we think we must “bow our heads to pray” but that is difficult (and Dangerous!!) while driving a car. Today preachers stand to preach while in Jesus’ day they sat (Luke 4:16-21). Not many years ago people would “walk the aisles” Praising God; today we’re much too sophisticated for that (Unless of course it’s at a ball game and our team is winning!)].
I believe it’s possible to worship God in the Sick Bed as well as the Church; in the Work Place as well as the Worship Service. We simply must look for Opportunities.
The Seven Spiritual Positions We can use to our advantage are:
I. Lying Down– Spiritual Rest Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. A time of Spiritual Rest has been one of God’s requirements from the very beginning (Gen 2:2-3); but today it goes like this- rush to Church (Coming in breathlessly at the very last minute), leave church and throw together something for dinner before rushing off to do some shopping or other activity so you can just get back in time for the evening service (and pat your foot during it because you’ve got more things to do as soon as it’s over). Then we wonder why we don’t enjoy fellowship with God or feel so tired on Monday.
And we go through the entire week like that also. Try this for one week and see if you don’t find a noticeable difference– Take 5 Five minutes breaks during the day to read a Chapter in the Bible and think about what God is telling you. You’ll find increased energy, tremendously less stress, and a wonderful relationship with God.
The Three Elements the Psalmist lists are: (1) Requirement “He Maketh Me”, (2) Refreshment “Green Pastures”, and (3) Reflection “Beside the Still Waters”. Do you need Spiritual Rest??
II. Sitting– Spiritual Instruction Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. As long as you’re “roaming around” it’s hard to instruct you but when the teacher can get you seated then they can get your attention. Many people fail to understand (and as a result fail to accomplish) God’s Will for their lives because God can’t get them to focus on what He’s trying to say to them. They’re so busy with living until they miss the purpose of life.
Try this for a week- Take a Half Hour of your “television Time” and use it to sit and read the Bible. You’ll find God has been saying a lot more than you’ve been hearing!
III. Standing– Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. You need something firm to stand on- Get on the Rock so the Storms of life won’t undermine you. You also need a good pair of Shoes to grip the Rock, Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. If you don’t stand for God you’ll fall with the Devil.
IV. Walking– Spiritual Fellowship
A) Walk by Faith- II Cor 5:7
B) Walk in the Spirit- Gal 5:25
C) Walk with Christ and His Church- I 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. Wouldn’t it be great if they could write on your tombstone as they did on Enoch’s “He Walked with God”? But it can’t be just on Sunday; It must be a Daily Fellowship.
V. Running– Spiritual Progress Hebrews 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. A Runner realizes two things– He must run within Boundaries (God’s Guidelines) and He runs toward a Goal (God’s Purpose). How far have you progressed from the time you were saved?? Have you laid aside the hindrances and determined to patiently go forward (A long distance runner realizes he cannot “dash” the entire way. He learns to get in the proper “stride” so that he can manage the long haul).
VI. Leaping– Spiritual Praise Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping and praising God. Sometimes we simply must leap in exhalation as we praise the Lord and Rejoice in His goodness. While Christianity can not be based solely on emotion, one of the things missing in many people’s relationship is emotional involvement. No wonder some people dread coming to church instead of rejoicing in the privilege of worshipping the Lord.
When is the last time the Word of God so excited you until a hearty “AMEN” burst from your lips?? When’s the last time God so blessed you until you couldn’t wait to get to Church and testify?? When is the last time you really ENJOYED serving the Lord??
VII. Mounting Up– Spiritual Energy Isaiah 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. Isaiah uses this verse to include all the positions- Waiting (Resting and Sitting), walking, running, and leaping (Mount up with wings of Eagles). He shows us that when we position ourselves correctly with the Lord then we receive the power we need to do the jobs on life’s journey. Instead of being tired all the time we are able to accomplish exactly what the Lord intends; and enjoy life while we’re doing it!
What Position are you in?? Do you need:
REST- Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lay or Sit at His Feet
SECURITY- Plant your feet securely on the Rock
FELLOWSHIP- Walk with the Lord and His People
JOY- Count your Blessings
ENERGY- Wait on the Lord. Most of the pressure you are under is of your own making!! Because you’re following your timetable instead of the Lord’s. Stop trying to be what everyone else wants you to be and become what God intends you to be.
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 inconvenience or discomfort. How many Christians “wrestle” in Prayer, fast, or 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-
A) In Prayer Rom 15:30 Striving [To struggle in company with] together in prayers. Group Prayers are great!!
B) 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 REAL DETERMINATION to Stand for, and hold to, Faith.
5. Not just 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 consciously seek to have that power on our lives??
AN ADMONITION- Do NOT 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. When will be the last day God cares to care about YOU?
TEMPTATION’S COLORS
James 1:2 My brethern, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations: The word “divers” here comes from a Greek work meaning “motley” or “Many colored” (usually translated “Different”). James wants us to know that Temptation takes many forms, and sometimes it’s difficult to identify, but I think it will be easier if we learn to recognize the Many Colors of Temptation:
1. Black- Black comes from the absence of light and is usually associated with “the blackness of Despair” or Discouragement. This is a Temptation that everyone must endure as Satan continually tries to hide the light of God from our faces. In the Dark you must deal with an Active Imagination (“Boogie men”) and Isolation (You lose the “sight sensor” and only relate to things that YOU can feel).
It was in the Blackness of Despair that Job’s wife said, “Curse God and Die” (There is no Hope) and in the Blackness of Discouragement that Elijah sulked under the Juniper Tree saying, “I, alone, am left” (There is no Help). This Temptation can be conquered by the Light of God thru His Word (Ps 119:105) and thru the Witness of Christians (Matt 5:14).
2. Red- Red is normally associated with Danger. In this regard I think we can classify this as the Temptation to “Open Sin”. These are the sins of the “red light District”. This was the Temptation the Prodigal Son succumbed to. He thought the world would be wild and wonderful but it turned out to be poverty and hog-pens. Young people especially are attracted by “Red” but people in their mid forties seem to get “red-eye” also. The way to Avoid this temptation is to AVOID THIS TEMPTATION!! When you see “Red”; Stop.
3. Yellow- Yellow is the color of a Coward and is linked to the temptation to lack of Faith- Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, …shall have their part in the lake of fire which burneth with fire and brimstone: This Temptation can be avoided by putting on the whole armor of God (Ep 6:10-17) so you can defeat Satan and then Building your life on Christ the Rock so life’s Storms won’t frighten you.
4. Green- This is when people are “Green with Envy“. This Temptation is seldom preached on today but it greatly affects our society. It was such a prevalent Temptation until God made the 10th Command to deal with it; Ex 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s. And Paul told the Colossians that it could lead to a far worst sin; Col 3:5 covetousness, which is idolatry. The Answer to this Temptation is found in Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.– Count your Blessings and Remember God’s constant care and protection are yours.
5. Blue- This is a subtle temptation because it deals with Pleasures that become Problems- The “good” replaces the best. Every life needs some Blue Skies but Blues Skies alone produce desert- “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 O the things I learned that day when sorrow walked with me”. It is when you are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing that you wander away from God. Remember the admonition of Ps 62:10 if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
WHITE is the RIGHT COLOR: Temptation has many shades and colors but a Christian knows to keep his garment white as all times by living a life WITH God and FOR God.
THE EYES OF THE LORD
Prov 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. Let’s look at how God’s Eyes see us:
1. CONTEMPLATIVE EYES -Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I am glad God sees me thru His Grace instead of through other people’s eyes!
2. CONSTANT EYES: Prov 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Deu 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
3. COMPASSIONATE EYES: Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
4. CARING EYES: 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. 1 Pet 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
MY EYES LOOK TO GOD FOR DIRECTON: Psa 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.
To Do RIGHT: 1 Ki 15:5 Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Ki 15:11 And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.
To Avoid WRONG: 2 Chr 29:6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. 2 Chr 21:6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Jer 52:2 And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.
Always Remember: The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor Prov 22:12
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 it’s 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 its 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??
THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
Christianity has been called the “bloody Religion” because of it’s emphasis on Sacrifices. In one manner of speaking this is very true and marks the major difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world. Christianity is a Religion that is based on the shed blood of Christ as payment for sins instead of Works of man or Wisdom of man as in other religions. In other Religions my Education or my Ability; my Service or my Sacrifice, are the requirements. In Christianity I come before God, and am accepted by God, on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ.
That is a fundamental issue that even many Christians need to learn again. We must realize that Sin separates us from God and before we can know the Power and Blessings of God on our lives we must put away the sin that stands between us and God. Isaiah 59:1 2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The only means of doing this is the Blood of Christ; Not improved Morals or increased Money [which is what many people are trying to use today to correct the world’s problems]. I want us to see today the necessity of the Blood of Christ in our coming to God and what great power there is in the Blood of Christ.
I> The Blood is the PASSOVER for our sins EXO 12:12-13 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. The power that it conveyed was simply astonishing anyone who was in the room where the blood was applied was safe; any firstborn in a house without the blood would die. It was not a degree of “Goodness” or “ability” but simply the applied Blood.
The Blood has ALWAYS been God’s way of dealing with the separation caused by sin. In the Garden of Eden God slew an animal and man was clothed with it’s skin. Rev 13:8 says that Jesus was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth. God would have immediately destroyed man had it not been for the Blood of Christ that He saw from the beginning.
II> Not only does the Blood save us from God’s Wrath, it also saves us from Sin’s Power by REDEEMING us. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. REDEMPTION means “To buy off the slave market”. Christ has bought us from the “Slave market” of Sin and set us free to live life abundantly. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World.
III> The Blood does even more than save us from Sin’s Power; it also saves us from sin’s POLLUTION I 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. God didn’t just deal with our PAST sins, He also made the necessary arrangements for our PRESENT sins. The Blood allows me to walk in FAITH instead of FEAR. It also allows me to approach God today JUSTIFIED (Just as if I had never sinned) Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
IV> The Blood has power to cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Heb 9:14 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. I don’t have to DO what’s already been DONE so I can serve God Freely and Fully
V> It is the power God used to purchase the Church as the Bride of Christ. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath make you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
VI> It has power to give us boldness to approach God. Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethen, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. I approach the “bank of Heaven” based on Faith in what Jesus did for me instead of what I have done or can do for God.
VII> It has power to give those who believe in him access to the tree of life and entrance into Heaven Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Your ability to stand BEFORE GOD will depend on whether or not you have the Blood of Christ appropriated and applied. Your ability to stand FOR GOD will depend on whether or not you acknowledge the Power of the Blood of Christ.
Like Cain, you can come to God with the very best you have and be rejected, or you can come by way of the blood and find pardon and peace. DO YOU HAVE THE BLOOD APPLIED TODAY???
MEDIA GUIDELINES FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
At first glance it is amazing how much MEDIA and the “forbidden fruit” have in common.
Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree (MEDIA) was:
good for food- Provided refreshment
and that it was pleasant to the eyes- Visual stimulation
and a tree to be desired to make one wise- Source of information
she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat,- Private participation
and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat- Family activity
Everyone appears to have a bad opinion of Media; yet everyone seems to sit in front of it constantly. Everyone knows the things they OUGHT to watch but all too often they end up watching something else. Is your Media Meaningful or just Mean?
THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF TV–
A) Steals your TIME- We are to Redeem the time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:16). TV steals our life from us a half hour at a time- Compare the time you spend watching TV with the time you spend Reading the Bible, Interacting with your family, Building friendships and relationship, etc.
Solution- Go on a TV TIMER. Limit your TV time each week to NO MORE THAN 20 HOURS. That may seem like a lot; and it is (!) but in reality it is less than 3 hours per day. Examples- 3 hours= 1 baseball game or car race. 3 hours in a day would be only watching TV from 8-11pm at night (no news at 6pm or 11pm, no morning or daytime). One football game on Saturday or Sunday would wipe out your time for that day! (Many people watch 6 to 8 hours of TV a day on the Week end).
Put a pad on the table beside your easy chair. Each time you turn on TV list the time. When you turn it off list the time again. When your total for any week equals 20 hours then you are through with TV for that week. Most people CANNOT and WILL NOT follow this plan because of the next problem with TV.
B) TV is a HABIT CONTROLLING POWER in your life- (1 Cor 6:12) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient (beneficial); all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. You walk in, cut on the TV, and sit there in mind numbing fascination for hour after hour. Men will flip through the channels a dozen times trying to find something that is worth watching and never think that the “off” button is just as easy to push as the channel button. TV is used as a baby sitter while the kids are small but after awhile the “baby sitter” becomes the boss and the entire family is under its control.
Solution: Determine how much control TV has on you and your family. Unplug the TV and put away the remote for a week. For that week the TV cannot be turned on- No matter what happens in the news or with the weather. No matter what favorite program or special SPECIAL comes on the TV stays off. Withdrawal pains will be horrible and every excuse in the world will be given to get a “Fix”. But if you can’t go for a week without TV then you know you have a SERIOUS problem.
Once you make it a week. Determine that TV will never again gain control over you. Adopt our “TV-Less Tuesday” program (No TV from midnight Monday until Midnight Tuesday) as a means of continuing to break TV’s control over you and your family.
Every alcoholic will tell you that they don’t have a problem with alcohol; it is just that sometimes things get out of hand. Every TV addict will tell you that turning off TV for a week is foolish because they don’t have a problem with TV; and, besides, they could do it if they really wanted to!! (That means they are hooked beyond control).
C) TV effects your perception of life- (2 Cor 10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
It promotes pleasure in the sins of others- (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.
It mocks purity, poverty, and Christian principles- (Prov 17:5) He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. TV effects our Perception of MORALS- (2 Pet 2:8) For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. The latest information I have said that every major TV show now has a homosexual writer on their team. TV shows make it seem normal that unmarried people live together and that sex is the only thing on most people’s mind.
D) TV effects our Perception of WORLD EVENTS- News reporters have become news directors who CHOSE the news you view (A homosexual rally would rate much higher than an anti abortion rally). They determine what is the MAIN news that they want you to be concerned with (Note how often their lead story now ties in with a news magazine show later that night. This also causes you to think that certain news is much more important than other news- the death of a Princess with her lover is much more important than Russia passing a law outlawing all but state religions). (Prov 15:21) Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
E) TV effects our LANGUAGE- Slang and cursing rise in direct proportion to their use on TV. Since TV occupies such a large portion of most people’s time more and more conversations in the real world are geared about the unreal world of TV.
F) TV Doesn’t Satisfy- (Prov 14:13) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
PRACTICAL HELPS FOR DEALING WITH TV PROBLEMS:
1) Limit the channels you and your family have access to:
MTV can be blocked from your cable simply by requesting it- no charge. Other Channels can be blocked from cable ready TV. Some Channels can simply be put off limits by the Father or Mother. (We are attempting to get Trinity Broadcasting on cable channel 7 which is now vacant. Public opinion as well as profit affect the channels we are offered. Showtime and HBO would not be on Cable if no one paid to have them!!)
2) Don’t just shake your head and complain to your co-workers- Send letters of complaint to- Advertisers, Cable owner or Station, City Counsel (Cable must get permit from city to operate). Be specific about what you think is wrong and what should be done to correct it.
3) Don’t just curse the dark, light a candle.
Can we produce commercial for TV on the quality of Mormon ads and Beer ads.
Can we obtain a public access channel for broadcasting our tapes and ministry?
Can we produce 2 half hour Christian programs to distribute- Examples of what you think TV should be about.
What do you EXPECT TV to do for you? Entertain, Relax, Inform, Challenge. The answer should be, “How can TV build me up as a person and as a Christian?” TV is a tool; and like all tools it must be used correctly and at the proper time.
TV is easy to condemn but hard to abandon. Will we continue to “spit in the wind” at the problems with TV or will we resolve, by God’s Grace, to use this tool to glorify God, to reach men for Christ, and to provide a means to bring our families together instead of tear them apart?
WHAT SINNERS NEED FROM SAINTS
PS 69:20 142:4 ACTS 8:30‑31 JN 12:32
THE JOB OF CHRISTIANITY IS TO GET THE MAN INTO HEAVEN AS WELL AS GET HEAVEN INTO THE MAN. Soul Winning is not a part time hobby; it’s the Christian’s full time occupation. Don’t get so busy with life until you forget that the earth is a “sinking ship” and our job is to rescue as many people as possible before it goes down!
My wife and I kept my nephew once. After he had been with us for awhile he began to cry. Nothing we gave him would satisfy him but as soon as his mother returned and held him everything was alright. I’m afraid that sometimes the Church is like that. We try to give people entertainment or education that we think will satisfy them but it doesn’t fill the empty place in their heart. It’s time we realized what sinners really need so we can give it to them. And if you’re a sinner here today, lost and bound for hell, you need to realize that we have just what you need.
I. Sinners need COMFORT from Saints‑ Psa 69:20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Sinners today live in a troubled world with no one to turn to and nothing to cling to. They need someone to comfort them, someone to pity them
A) Can’t comfort them IN their sins‑ We love the sinner but we hate the sin
B) Can’t cast our pearls before swine‑ Can’t comfort those who turn away from our comfort.
C) Shouldn’t comfort the comfortable‑ Must get them to see their lost condition before we can help them.
But we can comfort the seeking sinner, the lost loser, and the desperate doomed. We can comfort them with our Preaching, Our Presence, and our Performance
1. Preach‑ Hope for this life and Heaven in the next.
2. Presence‑ Sometimes a touch on the shoulder, a look in the eye, and a simple statement of concern can do wonders.
3. Performance- Don’t just say Depart and be filled, Feed them (Man who said the pork chops, not the sermon, saved him)
II. Sinners need CARE from Saints‑ 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.
We live in a society that allows people to die on sidewalks while others walk by. That allows a young woman to be raped in a bar while the onlookers cheer on those who are raping her. And a society that shuts itself off behind locked doors where the only view of the world is thru the distorted misshapen window of TV. SAINTS MUST CARE ENOUGH TO:
A) Visit‑ Break down the barriers
B) Befriend‑ Jesus was a friend of sinners (Be a Friend, not a follower! Don’t let them guide you. Be enough of a friend to stand on Biblical convictions. They’ll grumble but they’ll respect you.
C) Claim them for the Lord‑ George Muller prayed for his 4 friends for 40 years BUT THEY GOT SAVED.
III. Sinners need CLARITY from Saints‑ Acts 8:30‑31 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
The Battle cry throughout the land today is “Maybe” or “It doesn’t make any difference what you believe as long as you’re sincere”. No one seems willing to make a stand on anything and sinners don’t know what to believe even if they wanted to (That’s why we use every method available to get the message out).
–Many teach a Philosophy of life but Jesus gives Abundant Life
–Many add to (Full Gospel, Mormons), take from (Social Gospel), or ignore the Bible. Human reasoning is the guideline.
–Many don’t know what they’re talking about and need to wait on God like Paul until they get God’s Message (Had Education but no message).
We need some clear teaching on Heaven, Hell, Being Born Again, Holiness of life, and Faithfulness to God’s Work. Many think Christianity is simply turning over a new leaf. Many more think Christian living ends at the altar of repentance and they never become dedicated to the Work and Worship of God.
IV. Sinners need CHRIST from Saints- John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
A) He is our SOURCE OF COMFORT. Psalm 69:20 was a prophecy of the suffering of Christ on the Cross when He bore our sins (See vs 21) and it does us well to remember that (Heb 4:15‑16) 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. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus was Weary; Jesus Wept, and Jesus was tempted like we are. He knows what we need and is able to give comfort.
B) He is a SAVIOR THAT CARES- Loved you enough to leave Heaven and come to earth to die for you. Jesus will Walks with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s genuine concern.
C) He’s a SOUND THAT IS CLEAR. How much clearer do you need than I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).
Christians, are you meeting the needs of Sinners?? Sinners, Christ has everything you need. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? Are you ready to die?
WITH TEARS
“Jesus Wept”. When is the last time you cared enough to add weeping to your words? Sometimes the water from your eyes tells more than the words from your mouth.
TO SHOW THE GREATNESS OF OUR CONCERN: Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
WHEN THE LORD’S PEOPLE ARE IN TROUBLE: Jer 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive. Jer 14:17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow. Lam2:11 Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.
TO SHOW THE EARNESTNESS OF OUR PRAYERS: Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
[BEWARE OF PRETEND PRAYER TEARS! Malachi 2:11-13 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand].
AS AN EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE AND DEVOTION FOR CHRIST: Lu 7:38 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. Lu 7:44 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.
TO SHOW OUR HEART IN OUR MESSAGE: Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
TO SHOW REGRET FOR FAILURES TO SERVE GOD: Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:41-42).