- Published on
Intro: “Be patient;” we hear it from our parents when we are small children; we hear it when we are pre-teens wanting to be teens; when we are teens wanting to be adults; wanting to drive; wanting that NEW car or truck; wanting to be out on our own; wanting to marry... Oh, how we dislike hearing that phrase! How we want to grow up to the place that we don’t have to Hear, Be Patient!
Then we become adults and we still hear it- Life keeps saying to us, Be patient. Want that NEW car or truck; want that New house; want that new Gun; that new Furniture...
So the Lord says to us Be Patient Son- Be Patient Daughter. So the Word of God says to us from James the Apostle, Be Patient Brother- Be Patient Sister.
I. There is a Patience Which Toils.
Vs. 7- Be Patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord; behold the husbandman, [consider the Farmer] he WAITS for the precious fruit of the earth- he has LONG patience for it Until he receives the early and latter rain.
Think about that for a minute- how does a farmer WAIT; how does he manifest patience?
In summer he sits in the living room in the recliner with an ice cold lemonade; In winter he sits in the living room in the recliner by a roaring fire with a mug of hot coffee; Every morning he looks out the window and says, Well, no crop yet but I’ll just keep waiting; I’ll be patient... Then back to the recliner...
I don’t think so!
The farmer Toils- he plows the field; he plants the seed; he cultivates it; he fertilizes it; he keeps the weeds out of it; he guards against pests and insects that would invade his fields; he fights against diseases that would destroy his crops. The whole time he is Waiting for a Harvest, he is Working; Toiling.
There is a patience that Toils. He keeps doing every thing he can do; and he is patient in waiting for God to do what only He can do- send the Early and Latter Rain.
Every one of us has been Converted to Serve God; we have been Commanded to Serve God; we have been Called to Serve God. We are Co-Laborers together with God; we are laborers in his field; in his vineyard.
Some are planting; Some are watering; Some are Reaping
Some are Praying; Some are Preaching; Some are Teaching; Some are Testifying; Some are Singing; Some are Serving; Some are Leading; Some are Lifting burdens; Some are Making Decisions; Some are Getting Dirty so to speak; BUT WE ARE ALL TO BE TOILING; Working for the Lord.
Be Patient Brother-Be Patient Sister! Don’t become impatient in the work of the Lord.
Charles Ryrie said it is one thing to become Weary IN Serving; It is another thing entirely to
become Weary OF Serving.
You Don’t think you are accomplishing anything? Don’t feel like anyone is listening/obeying?
Don’t feel like anyone is being helped or changed? Don’t feel like the kingdom of God is benefitting from what you are doing?
What and Who are you working for?
Are you Working for People? Working for Applause? Working for Recognition? Working for Results? OR Working for the LORD?
Be Patient Brother; Be Patient Sister- There is a patience which toils.
II. There is a Patience Which Trusts.
Vs. 8 Be patient, establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh;
vs. 10 Take, my brethren, the Prophets, [Consider the Prophets] who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience.
James was writing to believers who were suffering affliction because of their faith; they were being severely persecuted for their allegiance to Jesus Christ; they had renounced Judaism and turned to Jesus the Messiah. Now they were suffering; afflicted; persecuted; life was full of trouble; Wondered if it was worth it; wondered if it might just be easier to go back to the way they used to be.
James reminds them that the Lord is coming soon; in light of his coming they were to be Patient and TRUST the LORD.
James also reminds them of the Prophets they knew so well- those great men of God who proclaimed God’s truth even when it was not popular; when the people would not listen and became furious when they were told the Word of the Lord; even when Kings decreed against it.
Prophets like Elijah whose Life was in danger for Years;
Prophets like Michiah who was put in prison;
Prophets like Jeremiah who was arrested and put in a dungeon
Like Amos who was told by the king to Keep Quiet- they didn’t want to hear him anymore
Like John the Baptist who was arrested; imprisoned and beheaded.
Like Jesus Christ himself who was rejected; reviled; crucified by his own countrymen.
These men and others like them Suffered Affliction; but they were Patient in Trusting God.
These men and others like them were Misunderstood; misquoted; and hated but they were Patient in Trusting God.
So you and I must be Patient in Trusting God; regardless of the situation we are in today; regardless of the affliction we are suffering to day;
Be Patient Brother- Trust the Lord; Be Patient Sister- Trust the Lord; establish your hearts- the coming of the Lord draws nigh.
III. There is a Patience Which Triumphs.
Vs. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure; ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (sympathetic) and of tender mercy (compassionate). I don’t need me to rehearse the whole story of Job but here’s the highlights:
He was a Devout Man of God and was Prospering Materially; he had 10 children and they were a very close family. Then the devil got involved and began Testing the Faith of Job. In one day he Lost his Oxen, his Plowing Horses; his Sheep; his Camels; all but three of his servants; then All 10 of his children!
We Cannot comprehend such Tragedy! Seems more than a man could take; not finished yet!
Job was then smitten with Sore Boils from his head to his feet; His wife in despair suggested that he Give Up and Curse God and Die; Three friends showed up and spent the next number of days criticizing him and accusing him of sinning against God.
We Cannot comprehend such Suffering; Seems more than a man could take!
This went on for some time; seemed to be no relief; no help from God; no escape from the suffering and pain; Still- JOB PATIENTLY ENDURED!
Some of the great proclamations of Faith come from Job in the midst of this Severe Trial.
“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
“He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:And though skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold”
Be Patient Brother; Be Patient Sister;
Keep Toiling for the Lord; Keep Trusting in the Lord; You will Triumph in the Lord.
He is Sympathetic; he cares about your affliction; he cares about your suffering; your confusion; your perplexity; your disappointment and discouragement.
He is Compassionate; he will minister to you with Tender Mercy and Amazing Grace.
Be Patient Brother! Be Patient Sister!
Then we become adults and we still hear it- Life keeps saying to us, Be patient. Want that NEW car or truck; want that New house; want that new Gun; that new Furniture...
So the Lord says to us Be Patient Son- Be Patient Daughter. So the Word of God says to us from James the Apostle, Be Patient Brother- Be Patient Sister.
I. There is a Patience Which Toils.
Vs. 7- Be Patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord; behold the husbandman, [consider the Farmer] he WAITS for the precious fruit of the earth- he has LONG patience for it Until he receives the early and latter rain.
Think about that for a minute- how does a farmer WAIT; how does he manifest patience?
In summer he sits in the living room in the recliner with an ice cold lemonade; In winter he sits in the living room in the recliner by a roaring fire with a mug of hot coffee; Every morning he looks out the window and says, Well, no crop yet but I’ll just keep waiting; I’ll be patient... Then back to the recliner...
I don’t think so!
The farmer Toils- he plows the field; he plants the seed; he cultivates it; he fertilizes it; he keeps the weeds out of it; he guards against pests and insects that would invade his fields; he fights against diseases that would destroy his crops. The whole time he is Waiting for a Harvest, he is Working; Toiling.
There is a patience that Toils. He keeps doing every thing he can do; and he is patient in waiting for God to do what only He can do- send the Early and Latter Rain.
Every one of us has been Converted to Serve God; we have been Commanded to Serve God; we have been Called to Serve God. We are Co-Laborers together with God; we are laborers in his field; in his vineyard.
Some are planting; Some are watering; Some are Reaping
Some are Praying; Some are Preaching; Some are Teaching; Some are Testifying; Some are Singing; Some are Serving; Some are Leading; Some are Lifting burdens; Some are Making Decisions; Some are Getting Dirty so to speak; BUT WE ARE ALL TO BE TOILING; Working for the Lord.
Be Patient Brother-Be Patient Sister! Don’t become impatient in the work of the Lord.
Charles Ryrie said it is one thing to become Weary IN Serving; It is another thing entirely to
become Weary OF Serving.
You Don’t think you are accomplishing anything? Don’t feel like anyone is listening/obeying?
Don’t feel like anyone is being helped or changed? Don’t feel like the kingdom of God is benefitting from what you are doing?
What and Who are you working for?
Are you Working for People? Working for Applause? Working for Recognition? Working for Results? OR Working for the LORD?
Be Patient Brother; Be Patient Sister- There is a patience which toils.
II. There is a Patience Which Trusts.
Vs. 8 Be patient, establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh;
vs. 10 Take, my brethren, the Prophets, [Consider the Prophets] who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience.
James was writing to believers who were suffering affliction because of their faith; they were being severely persecuted for their allegiance to Jesus Christ; they had renounced Judaism and turned to Jesus the Messiah. Now they were suffering; afflicted; persecuted; life was full of trouble; Wondered if it was worth it; wondered if it might just be easier to go back to the way they used to be.
James reminds them that the Lord is coming soon; in light of his coming they were to be Patient and TRUST the LORD.
James also reminds them of the Prophets they knew so well- those great men of God who proclaimed God’s truth even when it was not popular; when the people would not listen and became furious when they were told the Word of the Lord; even when Kings decreed against it.
Prophets like Elijah whose Life was in danger for Years;
Prophets like Michiah who was put in prison;
Prophets like Jeremiah who was arrested and put in a dungeon
Like Amos who was told by the king to Keep Quiet- they didn’t want to hear him anymore
Like John the Baptist who was arrested; imprisoned and beheaded.
Like Jesus Christ himself who was rejected; reviled; crucified by his own countrymen.
These men and others like them Suffered Affliction; but they were Patient in Trusting God.
These men and others like them were Misunderstood; misquoted; and hated but they were Patient in Trusting God.
So you and I must be Patient in Trusting God; regardless of the situation we are in today; regardless of the affliction we are suffering to day;
Be Patient Brother- Trust the Lord; Be Patient Sister- Trust the Lord; establish your hearts- the coming of the Lord draws nigh.
III. There is a Patience Which Triumphs.
Vs. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure; ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (sympathetic) and of tender mercy (compassionate). I don’t need me to rehearse the whole story of Job but here’s the highlights:
He was a Devout Man of God and was Prospering Materially; he had 10 children and they were a very close family. Then the devil got involved and began Testing the Faith of Job. In one day he Lost his Oxen, his Plowing Horses; his Sheep; his Camels; all but three of his servants; then All 10 of his children!
We Cannot comprehend such Tragedy! Seems more than a man could take; not finished yet!
Job was then smitten with Sore Boils from his head to his feet; His wife in despair suggested that he Give Up and Curse God and Die; Three friends showed up and spent the next number of days criticizing him and accusing him of sinning against God.
We Cannot comprehend such Suffering; Seems more than a man could take!
This went on for some time; seemed to be no relief; no help from God; no escape from the suffering and pain; Still- JOB PATIENTLY ENDURED!
Some of the great proclamations of Faith come from Job in the midst of this Severe Trial.
“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
“He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:And though skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold”
Be Patient Brother; Be Patient Sister;
Keep Toiling for the Lord; Keep Trusting in the Lord; You will Triumph in the Lord.
He is Sympathetic; he cares about your affliction; he cares about your suffering; your confusion; your perplexity; your disappointment and discouragement.
He is Compassionate; he will minister to you with Tender Mercy and Amazing Grace.
Be Patient Brother! Be Patient Sister!
- Published on
Say Amen!
Ps 106:48
Intro: The word “amen” is a common word in our church setting. We use it as a closing for a prayer. We use it to express our agreement with the preacher.
We use it in a more common way to express our agreement with a statement someone makes in regard to just about any subject: the weather, politics, work, life in general. So the word “amen” becomes very common and ordinary and even gets used sometimes in an inappropriate way because of carelessness.
Still, in the Bible the word “amen” is an Important Word; A Powerful Word; a Word Full of Meaning and Purpose.
In our text tonight we read where the Psalmist Cried out: Let All the People Say Amen.
When you read the whole Psalm, he had written about the goodness and mercy of God; about his might and power in the earth; about how those who trust in the Lord are Blessed and Rejoice in Him.
The writer then rehearsed much of Israel’s history: their deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of the Egyptian army.
He reminded them how their forefathers forgot the works of God and rebelled against him and he reminded of them the terrible price many paid for their rebellion. Some were slain by the Lord right at that time and eventually the entire nation was punished by being given into captivity to the heathen nations around them.
The Psalmist reminded them of God’s great mercy in spite of their sin. God regarded their cries for help and remembered his covenant with them.
Finally the Psalmist cried out in vs. 47- Save Us, O Lord our God! Gather us from among the heathen that we may give thanks unto thy holy name and triumph in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And Let ALL the People Say AMEN!
In light of God’s Great Power;
In light of Israel’s great Failure;
In light of God’s Great Mercy;
Let all the people say Amen!
This is not just a word to be spoken by habit without thought; it is a word of Great Feeling Spoken from a heart that Rejoices in the Power and Glory and Mercy of God.
1) Saying Amen means I Agree with the Word of God.
When you say Amen, you are saying I agree with the Word of God.
Even when it Corrects me- I say Amen.
When it Reproves or Rebukes me I say, Amen.
When it Instructs me I say, Amen.
There’s an interesting incident in Deut 27. Moses told the people that when they crossed over Jordan into the land of Canaan, their homeland, they would make a monument of stones coated with plaster; upon this monument they would write the Law of God so they would be reminded to Obey it all the days of their lives.
Moses also told them that when they crossed over into Canaan’s land, representatives of 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Gerizim and pronounce God’s blessing upon his people. Then representatives of the other 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Ebal to pronounce the curses that would come upon them if they refused to obey the Law of God.
The instructions were given that the curse would be pronounced, and “all the people shall answer and say, Amen!” 12 times, they were told to respond to the Word of God by Crying Out, Amen!
You know what response God wants from you when you Read His Word? AMEN!
You know what response God wants from you when you Hear His Word Taught and Preached? AMEN!
Whenever God’s Word is proclaimed we are to say, AMEN and by doing so we are Saying, I Agree with God’s Word.
Now God’s Word is True and will stand forever whether you and I agree with it or not; BUT if you want your life to Stand before God with his Blessing and Approval, you Must say Amen to God’s Word.
2) Saying Amen Means that I Approve of the Ways of God.
When God proclaims his truth, I say Amen and by doing so I say, I approve of your Ways, Lord.
Ps 18:21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD,
Jer 7:23 Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
In Rev 15 there is a assembly of those who have gotten the victory over the Beast and are now in the glories of heaven- vs. 3 says, And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
We must say Amen and Approve the Ways of God Even when we don’t fully Understand them from our human perspective.
God told us in Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways...”
3) Saying Amen Means that I Appropriate the Gifts of God.
When I say Amen! From my heart I am saying, Lord, I am Personally Obeying Your Word and I am applying it to MY Life.
You provided salvation and I said, AMEN and I have been saved.
You provided means for holy living and I said, Amen and I am obeying your Word to live holy.
You provided the fulness of the Holy Ghost and I said Amen! And I am making every effort to be filled with your Spirit.
Ps. 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
4) Saying Amen Means that I Give my Assent to the Will of God.
Saying Amen from my heart means that I am surrendering my will to the will of God no matter what his will may be.
I know that God doesn’t deliberately use his will to “punish” us even though some to have that mentality. Some have said, “think about what you dislike the most and you can pretty well figure that it is God’s will for you.”
Nonsense!
God’s Will for your life and mine is Heaven’s Highest Intentions for us! God wants your life to be full of Purpose; full of satisfaction; full of contentment; full of joy! So, however God leads your steps, say Amen! Yes, Lord- I give my assent to your will.
Remember the prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? His human nature was recoiling at the thought of the torture, the suffering, the humiliation, and the agonizing death that was just ahead. Jesus cried out “being in agony, If it be possible let this cup pass from me...Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.” Jesus said, AMEN! Giving his assent to the will of God.
God’s will may not take you away from your hometown, but it might.
God’s will may not make you preach, but it might. However God works, he will use your abilities, your strengths, your potential for your best.
He will direct your steps by his Word; he will direct your steps by his Spirit within you; he will direct your steps by the circumstances of your life; he will direct your steps by that inner feeling of peace and assurance.
Say AMEN!
Say it from your heart!
Say it with your heart!
Say it with fervency and devotion.
I agree with your Word O Lord.
I approve of your Ways O Lord.
I appropriate your Gifts O Lord.
I give assent to your Will O Lord.
AMEN!
Ps 106:48
Intro: The word “amen” is a common word in our church setting. We use it as a closing for a prayer. We use it to express our agreement with the preacher.
We use it in a more common way to express our agreement with a statement someone makes in regard to just about any subject: the weather, politics, work, life in general. So the word “amen” becomes very common and ordinary and even gets used sometimes in an inappropriate way because of carelessness.
Still, in the Bible the word “amen” is an Important Word; A Powerful Word; a Word Full of Meaning and Purpose.
In our text tonight we read where the Psalmist Cried out: Let All the People Say Amen.
When you read the whole Psalm, he had written about the goodness and mercy of God; about his might and power in the earth; about how those who trust in the Lord are Blessed and Rejoice in Him.
The writer then rehearsed much of Israel’s history: their deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of the Egyptian army.
He reminded them how their forefathers forgot the works of God and rebelled against him and he reminded of them the terrible price many paid for their rebellion. Some were slain by the Lord right at that time and eventually the entire nation was punished by being given into captivity to the heathen nations around them.
The Psalmist reminded them of God’s great mercy in spite of their sin. God regarded their cries for help and remembered his covenant with them.
Finally the Psalmist cried out in vs. 47- Save Us, O Lord our God! Gather us from among the heathen that we may give thanks unto thy holy name and triumph in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And Let ALL the People Say AMEN!
In light of God’s Great Power;
In light of Israel’s great Failure;
In light of God’s Great Mercy;
Let all the people say Amen!
This is not just a word to be spoken by habit without thought; it is a word of Great Feeling Spoken from a heart that Rejoices in the Power and Glory and Mercy of God.
1) Saying Amen means I Agree with the Word of God.
When you say Amen, you are saying I agree with the Word of God.
Even when it Corrects me- I say Amen.
When it Reproves or Rebukes me I say, Amen.
When it Instructs me I say, Amen.
There’s an interesting incident in Deut 27. Moses told the people that when they crossed over Jordan into the land of Canaan, their homeland, they would make a monument of stones coated with plaster; upon this monument they would write the Law of God so they would be reminded to Obey it all the days of their lives.
Moses also told them that when they crossed over into Canaan’s land, representatives of 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Gerizim and pronounce God’s blessing upon his people. Then representatives of the other 6 tribes would stand upon Mt Ebal to pronounce the curses that would come upon them if they refused to obey the Law of God.
The instructions were given that the curse would be pronounced, and “all the people shall answer and say, Amen!” 12 times, they were told to respond to the Word of God by Crying Out, Amen!
You know what response God wants from you when you Read His Word? AMEN!
You know what response God wants from you when you Hear His Word Taught and Preached? AMEN!
Whenever God’s Word is proclaimed we are to say, AMEN and by doing so we are Saying, I Agree with God’s Word.
Now God’s Word is True and will stand forever whether you and I agree with it or not; BUT if you want your life to Stand before God with his Blessing and Approval, you Must say Amen to God’s Word.
2) Saying Amen Means that I Approve of the Ways of God.
When God proclaims his truth, I say Amen and by doing so I say, I approve of your Ways, Lord.
Ps 18:21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD,
Jer 7:23 Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
In Rev 15 there is a assembly of those who have gotten the victory over the Beast and are now in the glories of heaven- vs. 3 says, And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
We must say Amen and Approve the Ways of God Even when we don’t fully Understand them from our human perspective.
God told us in Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways...”
3) Saying Amen Means that I Appropriate the Gifts of God.
When I say Amen! From my heart I am saying, Lord, I am Personally Obeying Your Word and I am applying it to MY Life.
You provided salvation and I said, AMEN and I have been saved.
You provided means for holy living and I said, Amen and I am obeying your Word to live holy.
You provided the fulness of the Holy Ghost and I said Amen! And I am making every effort to be filled with your Spirit.
Ps. 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
4) Saying Amen Means that I Give my Assent to the Will of God.
Saying Amen from my heart means that I am surrendering my will to the will of God no matter what his will may be.
I know that God doesn’t deliberately use his will to “punish” us even though some to have that mentality. Some have said, “think about what you dislike the most and you can pretty well figure that it is God’s will for you.”
Nonsense!
God’s Will for your life and mine is Heaven’s Highest Intentions for us! God wants your life to be full of Purpose; full of satisfaction; full of contentment; full of joy! So, however God leads your steps, say Amen! Yes, Lord- I give my assent to your will.
Remember the prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? His human nature was recoiling at the thought of the torture, the suffering, the humiliation, and the agonizing death that was just ahead. Jesus cried out “being in agony, If it be possible let this cup pass from me...Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.” Jesus said, AMEN! Giving his assent to the will of God.
God’s will may not take you away from your hometown, but it might.
God’s will may not make you preach, but it might. However God works, he will use your abilities, your strengths, your potential for your best.
He will direct your steps by his Word; he will direct your steps by his Spirit within you; he will direct your steps by the circumstances of your life; he will direct your steps by that inner feeling of peace and assurance.
Say AMEN!
Say it from your heart!
Say it with your heart!
Say it with fervency and devotion.
I agree with your Word O Lord.
I approve of your Ways O Lord.
I appropriate your Gifts O Lord.
I give assent to your Will O Lord.
AMEN!
- Published on
Mary and the Master
John 20:1,2; 14-16
Intro: Easter Sunday is one of the Greatest Days of the year for the Christian. Of course, Christmas is one because it’s a celebration of Jesus’ birth as a baby in Bethlehem; Easter is the other because it’s a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, proving that He really was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Lets take a look at that first Easter Sunday especially from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus.
I. The Misery
Mary Magdalene came very early in the morning on the first day of the week. Mark and Luke record that she and another Mary had brought a preparation of spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Of course, they wondered how they would move the stone that had been rolled up against the opening of the tomb, but they loved the Lord so much they decided to at least try to anoint his body if it could be done.
The last few days had been shocking to say the least.
The followers of Jesus had been shocked by the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of his own disciples.
They had been horrified by the trial and torture of Jesus.
They had been devastated by his crucifixion.
It seemed that their whole world had been turned upside down and inside out and they were in Misery.
Now, when they arrived at the tomb, the stone was already rolled away and the body of Jesus was not there and their misery increased even more.
The other gospels tell of an angel of the Lord that told the ladies that Jesus had risen from the dead; Matthew and Mark both say that the ladies were astonished by this turn of events and that they Ran from the tomb with fear and trembling.
John picks up the story here and tells how Mary ran and found Peter and John and told them what she had seen and heard. She evidently came back with them as they ran to the tomb to see for themselves what was going on. Peter and John looked into the empty tomb for a few minutes then returned to their own homes.
Mary, however, remained near the tomb, overwhelmed with sorrow. She was weeping and mourning the loss of her beloved Lord and Savior. This man was the one who had delivered her from 7 demons and saved her soul. She loved Jesus and believed completely in him as the Son of God. Now he was Gone. It was bad enough that he had been tortured and crucified, but now he had disappeared!
In her misery, she turned away from the tomb and from the corner of her eye, she saw someone standing across the way in the garden. The man standing there asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She thought he was the gardener and that he might have moved the body of Jesus to a different place. She pleaded with him to tell her where Jesus was so she could take him herself and care for his body.
Mary was immersed in Misery!
II. The Master
At this point in the story, Jesus said gently, “Mary.”
Something pierced through her misery when she heard that voice; there was something about the way he said her name; She quickly Turned to face him and cried out, “Master!”
It Was Jesus!
He was really here; And He was ALIVE.
He was standing there; breathing; speaking to her; he was Alive.
Her misery dissolved into great Joy.
Her sorrow vanished; her grief was gone.
Hope had been reborn; Joy had been restored; Faith had revived; and Peace had returned.
Jesus was Alive; She had Met the Master.
Let me tell you here today; the cure for your misery is to meet the Master.
The cure for your despair is to meet Jesus and find that he is STILL ALIVE TODAY.
A. You Need to Hear his Voice.
- Like Moses hidden away in the desert, a fugitive from those who would punish him for murdering an Egyptian. He was living in Misery until he saw the burning bush and heard the Lord say, “Moses, Moses! I am God and am come down to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians.”
- Like Samuel who was dedicated by his parents to serve the Lord in a time when Israel was in spiritual darkness. The Lord called his name and he first thought that it was the Priest Eli calling for him. When he realized it was the Lord, he cried out, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
B. You Need to See his Glory.
- Like Joshua who was facing the fortified city of Jericho with its massive walls; he was struggling with the coming battle and the Lord appeared to him as the Captain of the Host. The Lord reminded Joshua that he was not in this battle alone, the Lord was going to fight for him.
- Like Isaiah who was grieving over the death of King Uzziah and knew that Israel was at a crucial point in their history. The Lord appeared to Isaiah while he worshiped in the Temple and his Glory caused the door posts to move; Isaiah saw the angels of God and heard them crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord.”
- Like the apostle John who had been exiled to the Island of Patmos because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He was isolated and alone but he was worshiping the Lord on the Lord’s day. Jesus appeared to him in his Glory and said to him, “I am he that Lives; I was dead but Behold, I am alive forevermore!”
Are you living in the misery of a sinful life?
Have you allowed things of this world to bind your mind and your body and they are making you miserable?
Have you drifted away from your relationship with the Lord and been overwhelmed by the frustrations of life?
Are you a Christian but you have allowed your circumstances to beat you down?
Are you carrying a heavy load of care today and its making miserable?
You Need to Hear His Voice! You Need to See His Glory!
In the words of Vance Havner- We have not gathered here today to Honor a Corpse, but to Hail a Conqueror.
He is Aware of your situation
He is Here to revive your Faith; renew your Hope; restore your Joy; Make Life worth Living!
He will Give you Abundant Life and He will Give you Eternal Life.
John 20:1,2; 14-16
Intro: Easter Sunday is one of the Greatest Days of the year for the Christian. Of course, Christmas is one because it’s a celebration of Jesus’ birth as a baby in Bethlehem; Easter is the other because it’s a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, proving that He really was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Lets take a look at that first Easter Sunday especially from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus.
I. The Misery
Mary Magdalene came very early in the morning on the first day of the week. Mark and Luke record that she and another Mary had brought a preparation of spices to anoint the body of Jesus. Of course, they wondered how they would move the stone that had been rolled up against the opening of the tomb, but they loved the Lord so much they decided to at least try to anoint his body if it could be done.
The last few days had been shocking to say the least.
The followers of Jesus had been shocked by the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of his own disciples.
They had been horrified by the trial and torture of Jesus.
They had been devastated by his crucifixion.
It seemed that their whole world had been turned upside down and inside out and they were in Misery.
Now, when they arrived at the tomb, the stone was already rolled away and the body of Jesus was not there and their misery increased even more.
The other gospels tell of an angel of the Lord that told the ladies that Jesus had risen from the dead; Matthew and Mark both say that the ladies were astonished by this turn of events and that they Ran from the tomb with fear and trembling.
John picks up the story here and tells how Mary ran and found Peter and John and told them what she had seen and heard. She evidently came back with them as they ran to the tomb to see for themselves what was going on. Peter and John looked into the empty tomb for a few minutes then returned to their own homes.
Mary, however, remained near the tomb, overwhelmed with sorrow. She was weeping and mourning the loss of her beloved Lord and Savior. This man was the one who had delivered her from 7 demons and saved her soul. She loved Jesus and believed completely in him as the Son of God. Now he was Gone. It was bad enough that he had been tortured and crucified, but now he had disappeared!
In her misery, she turned away from the tomb and from the corner of her eye, she saw someone standing across the way in the garden. The man standing there asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She thought he was the gardener and that he might have moved the body of Jesus to a different place. She pleaded with him to tell her where Jesus was so she could take him herself and care for his body.
Mary was immersed in Misery!
II. The Master
At this point in the story, Jesus said gently, “Mary.”
Something pierced through her misery when she heard that voice; there was something about the way he said her name; She quickly Turned to face him and cried out, “Master!”
It Was Jesus!
He was really here; And He was ALIVE.
He was standing there; breathing; speaking to her; he was Alive.
Her misery dissolved into great Joy.
Her sorrow vanished; her grief was gone.
Hope had been reborn; Joy had been restored; Faith had revived; and Peace had returned.
Jesus was Alive; She had Met the Master.
Let me tell you here today; the cure for your misery is to meet the Master.
The cure for your despair is to meet Jesus and find that he is STILL ALIVE TODAY.
A. You Need to Hear his Voice.
- Like Moses hidden away in the desert, a fugitive from those who would punish him for murdering an Egyptian. He was living in Misery until he saw the burning bush and heard the Lord say, “Moses, Moses! I am God and am come down to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians.”
- Like Samuel who was dedicated by his parents to serve the Lord in a time when Israel was in spiritual darkness. The Lord called his name and he first thought that it was the Priest Eli calling for him. When he realized it was the Lord, he cried out, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
B. You Need to See his Glory.
- Like Joshua who was facing the fortified city of Jericho with its massive walls; he was struggling with the coming battle and the Lord appeared to him as the Captain of the Host. The Lord reminded Joshua that he was not in this battle alone, the Lord was going to fight for him.
- Like Isaiah who was grieving over the death of King Uzziah and knew that Israel was at a crucial point in their history. The Lord appeared to Isaiah while he worshiped in the Temple and his Glory caused the door posts to move; Isaiah saw the angels of God and heard them crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord.”
- Like the apostle John who had been exiled to the Island of Patmos because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He was isolated and alone but he was worshiping the Lord on the Lord’s day. Jesus appeared to him in his Glory and said to him, “I am he that Lives; I was dead but Behold, I am alive forevermore!”
Are you living in the misery of a sinful life?
Have you allowed things of this world to bind your mind and your body and they are making you miserable?
Have you drifted away from your relationship with the Lord and been overwhelmed by the frustrations of life?
Are you a Christian but you have allowed your circumstances to beat you down?
Are you carrying a heavy load of care today and its making miserable?
You Need to Hear His Voice! You Need to See His Glory!
In the words of Vance Havner- We have not gathered here today to Honor a Corpse, but to Hail a Conqueror.
He is Aware of your situation
He is Here to revive your Faith; renew your Hope; restore your Joy; Make Life worth Living!
He will Give you Abundant Life and He will Give you Eternal Life.
- Published on
Look for Him
Heb. 9:28
Intro: “Look for”(ap e dech a me) means to attentively and patiently wait for. It is translated “wait for” 5 times in NT and 2 times “Look for”.
1Cor 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Seven times in the Gospels, Jesus gave us a strong exhortation to WATCH- to be Watching.
It is important for us to understand this statement: “unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” So, what does the phrase “look for,” “wait for,” or the word “watch” really mean to you and I?
I. Expectation of His Coming.
We must be expecting Jesus to come again. His coming is the clear declaration of God’s Word- no doubt about it.
Jesus Promised it- “If I go away, I will come again and receive you unto myself.”
Angels Promised it- “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
Paul declared it- “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God...”
James declared it- “be patient brethren unto the coming of the Lord.”
Peter declared it- “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
John declared it- “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
We Can Expect His Coming; We Should Expect His Coming; We Must Expect His Coming.
We sing it in our songs:
“Just any day now our Lord is coming, he’ll be returning for you and me, O I’ve been watching and I’ve been waiting, just any day now his face I’ll see”
“What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again, what a beautiful day for him to take his children home, How I long to see his face and to touch his nail scarred hands, what a beautiful day for the Lord to come again”
“Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound. All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, heaven ward bound”
Any Day we should Expect the trumpet to sound- expect to hear the voice of the archangel- expect Jesus to appear in the clouds- expect that all true believers will be caught up- raptured out of this world.
To “Look For” indicates an Expectation of His Coming.
II. Anticipation of His Coming.
The coming of Jesus for his people is not only the clear declaration of God’s Word, it is also the Blessed Hope of every Believer.
“Unto them that Look for him shall he appear...”
Looking for him not only involves an Expectation of his coming but an Anticipation of his coming. This is Not just a Fact that we expect- but a Fact that we Anticipate- not Just LOOK FOR but LOOK FORWARD TO.
To expect means to look for something to happen; to assume or suppose it will happen but to
anticipate means to look with longing and excitement for something to happen.
So Paul said that the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ our Savior is a Blessed Hope.
Paul told Timothy about a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord would give to all them that LOVE HIS APPEARING.
We not only Expect the Coming of the Lord- We anticipate His Coming.
We long for his coming- We love to think about his coming- We love to sing about his coming- Testify about it- Preach about it- Talk to one another about it.
The Coming of the Lord is the Blessed Hope of every Living Believer; Rapture to Eternal Life
The Blessed Hope of every Believer that has already died; Resurrection to Eternal Life.
It is Our Blessed Hope:
Benefits of a Glorified Body: no sickness or disease, no weakness or frailty, no pain, no death.
No weariness, no fear, no sorrow or tears, no burdens or worries.
Beauty of Heaven: foundations of precious stones, walls of jasper, street of pure transparent gold, gates of pearl, crystal river of life, crystal sea and rainbow around the throne.
Being Reunited with Saved Loved Ones: husbands, wives; parents, children, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grand parents, brothers and sisters in the Lord, wonderful friends- reunited forever in the presence of the Lord.
Blessing of God’s Personal Presence: God the Father seated on the throne; Jesus Christ, God’s Son at the Father’s right hand; Holy Ghost- the eternal Spirit of God; Holy Angels- worshiping and serving God.
To look for his appearing certainly involves an Anticipation as well as an Expectation.
III. Preparation for His Coming.
If we are Looking for his coming in Expectation- and in anticipation- then we will Look for his coming in Preparation.
If you are not preparing for the coming of Jesus, then you are not truly Looking for his appearing. The coming of Jesus is our Great Incentive for Holy Living.
Why Live a Holy Life?
God’s Word Requires a Holy Life; God’s Spirit Produces a Holy Life; The Coming of Jesus Inspires a Holy Life
1 John 3:2,3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Titus 2:11 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.
Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Unto them that Look For Him Shall he appear:
Lets Look for Him!
Look in Expectation.
Look in Anticipation.
Look in Preparation.
Heb. 9:28
Intro: “Look for”(ap e dech a me) means to attentively and patiently wait for. It is translated “wait for” 5 times in NT and 2 times “Look for”.
1Cor 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Seven times in the Gospels, Jesus gave us a strong exhortation to WATCH- to be Watching.
It is important for us to understand this statement: “unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” So, what does the phrase “look for,” “wait for,” or the word “watch” really mean to you and I?
I. Expectation of His Coming.
We must be expecting Jesus to come again. His coming is the clear declaration of God’s Word- no doubt about it.
Jesus Promised it- “If I go away, I will come again and receive you unto myself.”
Angels Promised it- “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
Paul declared it- “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God...”
James declared it- “be patient brethren unto the coming of the Lord.”
Peter declared it- “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
John declared it- “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
We Can Expect His Coming; We Should Expect His Coming; We Must Expect His Coming.
We sing it in our songs:
“Just any day now our Lord is coming, he’ll be returning for you and me, O I’ve been watching and I’ve been waiting, just any day now his face I’ll see”
“What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again, what a beautiful day for him to take his children home, How I long to see his face and to touch his nail scarred hands, what a beautiful day for the Lord to come again”
“Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound. All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, heaven ward bound”
Any Day we should Expect the trumpet to sound- expect to hear the voice of the archangel- expect Jesus to appear in the clouds- expect that all true believers will be caught up- raptured out of this world.
To “Look For” indicates an Expectation of His Coming.
II. Anticipation of His Coming.
The coming of Jesus for his people is not only the clear declaration of God’s Word, it is also the Blessed Hope of every Believer.
“Unto them that Look for him shall he appear...”
Looking for him not only involves an Expectation of his coming but an Anticipation of his coming. This is Not just a Fact that we expect- but a Fact that we Anticipate- not Just LOOK FOR but LOOK FORWARD TO.
To expect means to look for something to happen; to assume or suppose it will happen but to
anticipate means to look with longing and excitement for something to happen.
So Paul said that the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ our Savior is a Blessed Hope.
Paul told Timothy about a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord would give to all them that LOVE HIS APPEARING.
We not only Expect the Coming of the Lord- We anticipate His Coming.
We long for his coming- We love to think about his coming- We love to sing about his coming- Testify about it- Preach about it- Talk to one another about it.
The Coming of the Lord is the Blessed Hope of every Living Believer; Rapture to Eternal Life
The Blessed Hope of every Believer that has already died; Resurrection to Eternal Life.
It is Our Blessed Hope:
Benefits of a Glorified Body: no sickness or disease, no weakness or frailty, no pain, no death.
No weariness, no fear, no sorrow or tears, no burdens or worries.
Beauty of Heaven: foundations of precious stones, walls of jasper, street of pure transparent gold, gates of pearl, crystal river of life, crystal sea and rainbow around the throne.
Being Reunited with Saved Loved Ones: husbands, wives; parents, children, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, grand parents, brothers and sisters in the Lord, wonderful friends- reunited forever in the presence of the Lord.
Blessing of God’s Personal Presence: God the Father seated on the throne; Jesus Christ, God’s Son at the Father’s right hand; Holy Ghost- the eternal Spirit of God; Holy Angels- worshiping and serving God.
To look for his appearing certainly involves an Anticipation as well as an Expectation.
III. Preparation for His Coming.
If we are Looking for his coming in Expectation- and in anticipation- then we will Look for his coming in Preparation.
If you are not preparing for the coming of Jesus, then you are not truly Looking for his appearing. The coming of Jesus is our Great Incentive for Holy Living.
Why Live a Holy Life?
God’s Word Requires a Holy Life; God’s Spirit Produces a Holy Life; The Coming of Jesus Inspires a Holy Life
1 John 3:2,3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Titus 2:11 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.
Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Unto them that Look For Him Shall he appear:
Lets Look for Him!
Look in Expectation.
Look in Anticipation.
Look in Preparation.
- Published on
Love is a Matter of Priorities
John 21:15-17
Intro: The disciples had struggled terribly with the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus (we would have too). Even though he had appeared to them on two occasions after his resurrection, they still felt fearful and uncertain; they were still in turmoil and wondered what the future held for them all.
One day, 7 of the 11 were together (maybe discussing their situation and maybe airing out their doubts and fears) when Peter in his impulsive way suddenly says, I’m going fishing.
Well, it had a been quite a while since Jesus had called these men from their fishing to be his disciples and to become what Jesus called Fishers of men. Clearly, fishing was not a sinful activity, but its also clear that Jesus intended for their fisherman’s life to fade into the past while they moved forward into ministry and the preaching of the Gospel.
Now, Peter was reverting back to a past Love. It had risen up in him suddenly and taken control. When he mentioned it the other 6 quickly joined in and agreed to go fishing also.
You’ll notice that their efforts were fruitless and they caught absolutely nothing though they fished all night long. When the dawn broke, Jesus was standing on the shore. John records that the disciples saw him but at first did not recognize who he was. Jesus called to them and asked them if they had caught any fish. They answered, No!
It’s interesting how a fisherman will talk your leg off when he’s had a great day of fishing; and how short he will be with words when it didn’t go well. Lol
Jesus called out to them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat; they did so and they began taking in so many fish they couldn’t even draw the nets all the way into the boat.
John immediately said to Peter, That’s the Lord!
All of them made their way to shore and found that Jesus already had fish and bread for them to eat. They all ate and then Jesus singled out Peter and asked him this question: Lovest thou me more than these?
Now, some have offered the opinion that Jesus was asking Peter if he loved the Lord more than these other disciples loved the Lord. I don’t think that’s the case at all. Later, Paul wrote that we are not to compare ourselves among ourselves and that those who do so are not Wise.
So, I don’t believe the Lord was asking Peter if he loved him more than those other disciples did, I believe he was Pressing a Point and asking Peter if he Loved the Lord More than he Loved Fishing; more than the Boat; more than the Nets; more than the Thrill of taking in a huge load of fish; more than the whole experience of fishing.
Jesus wanted to know what was the True Love of Peter’s life. Was it the fishing and being a fisherman; or was it being a Disciple and doing the work of the Lord?
True Love is a Matter of Priorities.
Peter was pressed to state his true love in such terms. I love you, Lord, More than I love fishing. I love you, Lord, more than I love the boats and the nets and the nights out on the sea.
The Lord wants to hear from you today. He wants to know what is the true love of your life. I’m not talking right here about a person you may consider the love of your life, I’m talking about whether Jesus Christ is the true love of your life.
Do you Love the Lord more than you Love Self?
Over and over Jesus told his followers that those who would come after him would have to Deny Themselves. So it is almost 2000 years later, those of us who really love the Lord must love him more than we love ourselves.
If your whole life is consumed with Your desires, your likes and dislikes, your convenience and your comfort, your wants and your wishes, You do not really Love the Lord.
Being Selfish breaks BOTH of the commandments that Jesus said are the most important ones of all:
- Love the Lord the God with ALL thy heart, soul, mind and strength.
- Love thy neighbor as thyself
Jesus wants to know if you love him more than you love yourself. Will you take your ways over his ways; will you take your will over his will; will you take your wishes over his commands?
Paul said that we are to Present our bodies a Living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. That we are not to allow the World to Conform our life to its pattern But that we are to allow the Spirit of God to Transform us by renewing our Hearts and Minds.
Do you love the Lord more than Self?
Do you Love the Lord more than Material things?
Paul wrote that the Love of Money is the root of all evil. He did not say that Money is the root of all evil but that the LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all evil.
In another place we are told to Use this world but not abuse it. In other words, we are to use the material things that are a necessary part of this human life but we are NOT to allow them to control our lives.
Think of the people who say they are Christians whose lives are consumed with their Work and their Income and their Salary and their Benefits and their Savings and their Investments and their Houses and Vehicles and on and on....
Jesus would say to you, Lovest thou me More than these?
Jesus himself said that our heavenly Father knows we have need of food, clothing and shelter; God knows that we need a job, a source of income; God knows that we need finances to live in this physical world; but Love is a matter of Priorities and we must Love the Lord More than these.
For the sake of space I’ll not try to name everything that can get our attention and our affection for I think I’ve made the main point: Nothing should be allowed to come between us and our Lord.
In conclusion let me point out that there are two main ways of checking our priorities:
The Use of Money and The Use of Time
If you want to really find out what matters the most to you in your life, check where your money and your time go. Jesus said that where your treasure is, there is your heart also. When we have money for everything else but never for the Lord and his work, we are proving that we don’t love the Lord more than these. When we have time for everything else but not for the Lord and his Word and his church and his work, we are proving that we don’t love the Lord more than these. Love is a matter of priorities. Can you Hear Jesus asking, Do You Love Me More than These?
John 21:15-17
Intro: The disciples had struggled terribly with the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus (we would have too). Even though he had appeared to them on two occasions after his resurrection, they still felt fearful and uncertain; they were still in turmoil and wondered what the future held for them all.
One day, 7 of the 11 were together (maybe discussing their situation and maybe airing out their doubts and fears) when Peter in his impulsive way suddenly says, I’m going fishing.
Well, it had a been quite a while since Jesus had called these men from their fishing to be his disciples and to become what Jesus called Fishers of men. Clearly, fishing was not a sinful activity, but its also clear that Jesus intended for their fisherman’s life to fade into the past while they moved forward into ministry and the preaching of the Gospel.
Now, Peter was reverting back to a past Love. It had risen up in him suddenly and taken control. When he mentioned it the other 6 quickly joined in and agreed to go fishing also.
You’ll notice that their efforts were fruitless and they caught absolutely nothing though they fished all night long. When the dawn broke, Jesus was standing on the shore. John records that the disciples saw him but at first did not recognize who he was. Jesus called to them and asked them if they had caught any fish. They answered, No!
It’s interesting how a fisherman will talk your leg off when he’s had a great day of fishing; and how short he will be with words when it didn’t go well. Lol
Jesus called out to them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat; they did so and they began taking in so many fish they couldn’t even draw the nets all the way into the boat.
John immediately said to Peter, That’s the Lord!
All of them made their way to shore and found that Jesus already had fish and bread for them to eat. They all ate and then Jesus singled out Peter and asked him this question: Lovest thou me more than these?
Now, some have offered the opinion that Jesus was asking Peter if he loved the Lord more than these other disciples loved the Lord. I don’t think that’s the case at all. Later, Paul wrote that we are not to compare ourselves among ourselves and that those who do so are not Wise.
So, I don’t believe the Lord was asking Peter if he loved him more than those other disciples did, I believe he was Pressing a Point and asking Peter if he Loved the Lord More than he Loved Fishing; more than the Boat; more than the Nets; more than the Thrill of taking in a huge load of fish; more than the whole experience of fishing.
Jesus wanted to know what was the True Love of Peter’s life. Was it the fishing and being a fisherman; or was it being a Disciple and doing the work of the Lord?
True Love is a Matter of Priorities.
Peter was pressed to state his true love in such terms. I love you, Lord, More than I love fishing. I love you, Lord, more than I love the boats and the nets and the nights out on the sea.
The Lord wants to hear from you today. He wants to know what is the true love of your life. I’m not talking right here about a person you may consider the love of your life, I’m talking about whether Jesus Christ is the true love of your life.
Do you Love the Lord more than you Love Self?
Over and over Jesus told his followers that those who would come after him would have to Deny Themselves. So it is almost 2000 years later, those of us who really love the Lord must love him more than we love ourselves.
If your whole life is consumed with Your desires, your likes and dislikes, your convenience and your comfort, your wants and your wishes, You do not really Love the Lord.
Being Selfish breaks BOTH of the commandments that Jesus said are the most important ones of all:
- Love the Lord the God with ALL thy heart, soul, mind and strength.
- Love thy neighbor as thyself
Jesus wants to know if you love him more than you love yourself. Will you take your ways over his ways; will you take your will over his will; will you take your wishes over his commands?
Paul said that we are to Present our bodies a Living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. That we are not to allow the World to Conform our life to its pattern But that we are to allow the Spirit of God to Transform us by renewing our Hearts and Minds.
Do you love the Lord more than Self?
Do you Love the Lord more than Material things?
Paul wrote that the Love of Money is the root of all evil. He did not say that Money is the root of all evil but that the LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all evil.
In another place we are told to Use this world but not abuse it. In other words, we are to use the material things that are a necessary part of this human life but we are NOT to allow them to control our lives.
Think of the people who say they are Christians whose lives are consumed with their Work and their Income and their Salary and their Benefits and their Savings and their Investments and their Houses and Vehicles and on and on....
Jesus would say to you, Lovest thou me More than these?
Jesus himself said that our heavenly Father knows we have need of food, clothing and shelter; God knows that we need a job, a source of income; God knows that we need finances to live in this physical world; but Love is a matter of Priorities and we must Love the Lord More than these.
For the sake of space I’ll not try to name everything that can get our attention and our affection for I think I’ve made the main point: Nothing should be allowed to come between us and our Lord.
In conclusion let me point out that there are two main ways of checking our priorities:
The Use of Money and The Use of Time
If you want to really find out what matters the most to you in your life, check where your money and your time go. Jesus said that where your treasure is, there is your heart also. When we have money for everything else but never for the Lord and his work, we are proving that we don’t love the Lord more than these. When we have time for everything else but not for the Lord and his Word and his church and his work, we are proving that we don’t love the Lord more than these. Love is a matter of priorities. Can you Hear Jesus asking, Do You Love Me More than These?
- Published on
Spiritual Strategies for the New Year
Heb. 6:11,12 and 2 Peter 1:5,10
Intro: I won’t take a long time talking about the motivation we all (or at least most) feel at the coming of a new year. Whether we write down resolutions or not, most all of us have made some in our mind; at least we’ve considered some things that we need to change in the new year; some things we need to Stop Doing and some things we need to Start Doing.
So it is with our Spiritual Life.
We need to plan some strategies Right Now for this coming year because we all Know that we have not fully Perfected our Christian life; we have not Lived it out to its fullest potential; we have not reached the pinnacle of Spiritual success.
So, what strategies will you employ in this new year?
I have three suggestions.
I. Revive in 2025.
The number one meaning of revive is to restore to life.
Is it possible that your spiritual life has actually died in the past year? I hope not but it is possible for our spiritual life to die in the midst of the details of earthly life.
There are literally thousands of incidents each year where a person’s Life ceases but they are revived and continue to live. Think about that! They were dead! Their life was over; they were not breathing; their heart had stopped beating; their existence in the world was ending; THEN
Someone Intervened! The intervention actually brought them back to life. Sometimes it required that CPR be administered by someone’s hands; sometimes it also required mouth to mouth resuscitation; sometimes it required the intervention of high voltage electricity to shock the heart back into action.
One thing is sure- whatever intervention is required; relatively gentle or extremely violent; IT HAS TO BE ADMINISTERED QUICKLY!
There is a point where life cannot be restored no matter what you try to do.
Let me Urge you today- if your spiritual life is ebbing and dying- REVIVE!
Take whatever action is necessary to restore Life to your Christian experience.
You May need to actually leave your pew and kneel at the altar; I know for some that’s really drastic action but it could be necessary.
You certainly need to make a special place of prayer and Pray all the way through. Pray until you have repented of your disobedience; of your neglect and laziness; of your lack of diligence in your Christian life.
The second definition of Revive is: to make active or flourishing again; to bring back into use.
Hopefully you haven’t actually died as a Christian but maybe you have become listless and inactive. Maybe you have allowed the details of earthly life to overload you and you are no longer Active in your spiritual life.
Are you Active in your prayer?
Are you Active in studying the Word of God?
Are you Active in Obeying the Word of God?
Are you Active in your church attendance?
Are you Active in Worship when you are here?
Are you Active in Service for the Lord and the church?
This year would be the right time to become active and flourishing again;
II. Strive in 2025.
If you need to be revived; that’s first on your to do list.
Then, all of us who are Alive Spiritually; all of us who are Active and Flourishing; Need to maintain our Diligence and Strive in 2025.
Not talking about strife between us that causes us to strive with or fight with one another.
Talking about what the Bible has to say about being Diligent in our Christian life and walk.
Our text in Heb 6 instructed us to “show diligence...unto the end.” We are told to “follow those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.”
Our text in 2 Peter commanded us to “give All diligence...” and to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure...”
Jesus said in Lu 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.
Paul wrote in Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...(and) stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
1Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
This is No Time to Slack Up or Back Up; this is a Time to Press Forward and Strive to show diligence Unto the End.
Listen brothers and sisters to these words of Paul in Rom 13- knowing the time...it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (immorality) and wantonness (indecency), not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Revive and Strive and...
III. Prioritize in 2025.
The key to being Revived and the key to Striving Diligently in the Christian life is to Prioritize.
We all have differing amounts of money; differing amounts of material resources; differing degrees of wealth and health; BUT we all have the Exact Same amount of Time.
The richest and the poorest; the most able and the least able; we all have 7, 24 hour days each week; we all have about 52 weeks in the year; and the Key to being Revived and Striving diligently is how we Use our Time.
Twice (in Eph 5:16 and Gal 4:5) we are exhorted to Redeem the Time!
Use your time to its Best Advantage.
Don’t Waste your time on frivolous matters. Spend it on the important things of life.
Sure you must spend some time for Work to earn money and material things.
Certainly you need to spend some time for Family; family relationships are an important part of human life.
Sure you need some recreation and leisure time; everyone needs to step away from the hustle and bustle of work, earning, toiling, paying bills, fixing cars, maintaining houses, and host of other earthly matters; need some relaxation and recuperating time.
BUT WHATEVER You Do- Don’t Forget that Spiritual Matters are to be Your Number One Priority.
Jesus was asked what was the Number One Commandment, the most important one of them all; you know what he said?.....
Yes- Love the Lord your God with ALL your Heart, soul, mind, and strength.
(With your spirit (heart), soul (mind, emotions, will) and body (strength).
Love God with your Entire Being!
Then Jesus also said this:
Seek ye FIRST The Kingdom of God and his righteousness!
First! First!
Jesus knew we needed material things like money- but he made it clear that earning money is NOT To be our main priority.
Jesus knew that we needed to care about our family- but he made it clear that family is NOT to be our Main Priority.
Jesus knew that we needed some “down” time to catch our breath- but he made it clear that relaxation and recreation were NOT to be our main priorities.
You need to make it one of your spiritual strategies in this new year to Prioritize!
Put first things first; put what God says are the first things first.
KEEP the first things first throughout the year.
When you Love God with All of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to work hard and earn money and pay bills and take care of your earthly possessions.
When you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to Love your family and care for them properly.
When you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to enjoy times of leisure and recreation.
You don’t LOSE those Other things just because you set your priorities right.
Remember the words of Jesus- Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... (but that was not the end of what he said) the then said “and all these things shall be added unto you.”
God will help you take care of your earthly responsibilities when YOU take care of your Spiritual responsibilities.
Spiritual Strategies for the New Year: Revive, Strive and Prioritize in 2025!
Heb. 6:11,12 and 2 Peter 1:5,10
Intro: I won’t take a long time talking about the motivation we all (or at least most) feel at the coming of a new year. Whether we write down resolutions or not, most all of us have made some in our mind; at least we’ve considered some things that we need to change in the new year; some things we need to Stop Doing and some things we need to Start Doing.
So it is with our Spiritual Life.
We need to plan some strategies Right Now for this coming year because we all Know that we have not fully Perfected our Christian life; we have not Lived it out to its fullest potential; we have not reached the pinnacle of Spiritual success.
So, what strategies will you employ in this new year?
I have three suggestions.
I. Revive in 2025.
The number one meaning of revive is to restore to life.
Is it possible that your spiritual life has actually died in the past year? I hope not but it is possible for our spiritual life to die in the midst of the details of earthly life.
There are literally thousands of incidents each year where a person’s Life ceases but they are revived and continue to live. Think about that! They were dead! Their life was over; they were not breathing; their heart had stopped beating; their existence in the world was ending; THEN
Someone Intervened! The intervention actually brought them back to life. Sometimes it required that CPR be administered by someone’s hands; sometimes it also required mouth to mouth resuscitation; sometimes it required the intervention of high voltage electricity to shock the heart back into action.
One thing is sure- whatever intervention is required; relatively gentle or extremely violent; IT HAS TO BE ADMINISTERED QUICKLY!
There is a point where life cannot be restored no matter what you try to do.
Let me Urge you today- if your spiritual life is ebbing and dying- REVIVE!
Take whatever action is necessary to restore Life to your Christian experience.
You May need to actually leave your pew and kneel at the altar; I know for some that’s really drastic action but it could be necessary.
You certainly need to make a special place of prayer and Pray all the way through. Pray until you have repented of your disobedience; of your neglect and laziness; of your lack of diligence in your Christian life.
The second definition of Revive is: to make active or flourishing again; to bring back into use.
Hopefully you haven’t actually died as a Christian but maybe you have become listless and inactive. Maybe you have allowed the details of earthly life to overload you and you are no longer Active in your spiritual life.
Are you Active in your prayer?
Are you Active in studying the Word of God?
Are you Active in Obeying the Word of God?
Are you Active in your church attendance?
Are you Active in Worship when you are here?
Are you Active in Service for the Lord and the church?
This year would be the right time to become active and flourishing again;
II. Strive in 2025.
If you need to be revived; that’s first on your to do list.
Then, all of us who are Alive Spiritually; all of us who are Active and Flourishing; Need to maintain our Diligence and Strive in 2025.
Not talking about strife between us that causes us to strive with or fight with one another.
Talking about what the Bible has to say about being Diligent in our Christian life and walk.
Our text in Heb 6 instructed us to “show diligence...unto the end.” We are told to “follow those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.”
Our text in 2 Peter commanded us to “give All diligence...” and to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure...”
Jesus said in Lu 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.
Paul wrote in Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...(and) stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
1Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
This is No Time to Slack Up or Back Up; this is a Time to Press Forward and Strive to show diligence Unto the End.
Listen brothers and sisters to these words of Paul in Rom 13- knowing the time...it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (immorality) and wantonness (indecency), not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Revive and Strive and...
III. Prioritize in 2025.
The key to being Revived and the key to Striving Diligently in the Christian life is to Prioritize.
We all have differing amounts of money; differing amounts of material resources; differing degrees of wealth and health; BUT we all have the Exact Same amount of Time.
The richest and the poorest; the most able and the least able; we all have 7, 24 hour days each week; we all have about 52 weeks in the year; and the Key to being Revived and Striving diligently is how we Use our Time.
Twice (in Eph 5:16 and Gal 4:5) we are exhorted to Redeem the Time!
Use your time to its Best Advantage.
Don’t Waste your time on frivolous matters. Spend it on the important things of life.
Sure you must spend some time for Work to earn money and material things.
Certainly you need to spend some time for Family; family relationships are an important part of human life.
Sure you need some recreation and leisure time; everyone needs to step away from the hustle and bustle of work, earning, toiling, paying bills, fixing cars, maintaining houses, and host of other earthly matters; need some relaxation and recuperating time.
BUT WHATEVER You Do- Don’t Forget that Spiritual Matters are to be Your Number One Priority.
Jesus was asked what was the Number One Commandment, the most important one of them all; you know what he said?.....
Yes- Love the Lord your God with ALL your Heart, soul, mind, and strength.
(With your spirit (heart), soul (mind, emotions, will) and body (strength).
Love God with your Entire Being!
Then Jesus also said this:
Seek ye FIRST The Kingdom of God and his righteousness!
First! First!
Jesus knew we needed material things like money- but he made it clear that earning money is NOT To be our main priority.
Jesus knew that we needed to care about our family- but he made it clear that family is NOT to be our Main Priority.
Jesus knew that we needed some “down” time to catch our breath- but he made it clear that relaxation and recreation were NOT to be our main priorities.
You need to make it one of your spiritual strategies in this new year to Prioritize!
Put first things first; put what God says are the first things first.
KEEP the first things first throughout the year.
When you Love God with All of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to work hard and earn money and pay bills and take care of your earthly possessions.
When you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to Love your family and care for them properly.
When you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength; you will still be able to enjoy times of leisure and recreation.
You don’t LOSE those Other things just because you set your priorities right.
Remember the words of Jesus- Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... (but that was not the end of what he said) the then said “and all these things shall be added unto you.”
God will help you take care of your earthly responsibilities when YOU take care of your Spiritual responsibilities.
Spiritual Strategies for the New Year: Revive, Strive and Prioritize in 2025!
- Published on
A Christmas Story In the Old Testament
Gen. 22:1-14
Intro: Earlier this year when I read this familiar story, it suddenly occurred to me what a similarity there was in the Incident of Abraham and Isaac and the glorious story of Christmas.
I. A Father’s Sacrifice
“Take now thine only son Isaac and offer him up...”
What a request; actually a demand!
What a response:
Immediate- he rose up early
Deliberate- he made all necessary preparations: took Wood, Fire, Knife, Rope
Complete- there was no balking; no hesitating; no half hearted effort. It was serious obedience- immediate action- deliberate action- complete action. Abraham took all the necessities; made the long journey; didn’t stop along the way; didn’t take a detour; didn’t try to find a way around God’s command or a way out of the responsibility placed upon him.
It’s hard to imagine a Father being willing to sacrifice his own son; willing to give him up
II. A Son’s Submission
“They went both of them together...”
Isaac went along with his father. You might say, “Yes, but he didn’t know what was planned for him...” That may be true, still Isaac went along with his Father’s plan without complaint.
He was Willing to be Burdened
The wood was laid upon Isaac! He submitted to carrying the wood on which he was to be offered as a sacrifice.
He was Willing to be Bound
This is VERY important in the story. Isaac was willing to be bound. Remember, he was not a toddler; not a child; not just a young teen, he was young man. He was fast enough to run away; strong enough to resist; old enough to refuse. Still he did not Fight against his father; did not refuse to be bound; he submitted his Father’s will.
III. A Soul’s Salvation
“Lay not thy hand upon thy son...”
Abraham was stopped at the last moment by the angel of the Lord; then he saw a Ram caught in the thicket behind him and the Ram became the sacrifice.
Isaac was saved; his life was spared by a substitute.
Now, think with me about the key ingredients of the Christmas story.
There was a Father’s Sacrifice.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...
In the fulness of time God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law.
God made all the preparations to sacrifice his Son.
Mother to Carry Him
Manger to Cradle Him
Messengers to Confirm Him
Ministry to Complete His Mission
Nothing was left undone- God worked out a Complete Plan. The Father was willing to sacrifice his own son.
There was a Son’s Submission
I mentioned in regard to Isaac that he probably didn’t really Know ahead of time what was planned for him up on the mountain but he was willing to submit anyway.
In this case, Jesus Christ KNEW exactly what was planned and he was willing to go through with it Anyway!
He was willing to be Burdened.
He carried the sins of all mankind. He was feeling the weight of this horrible burden in the Garden of Gethsemane and began sweating as it were great drops of blood. He was feeling the pressure of Sin, the spiritual attack of Satan, the dread of death BUT he was willing to be burdened.
He not only carried all of our sins, He Carried the Wood; he carried his own Cross.
He was willing to be Bound
He was bound not with cords of Rope and not with rusty Nails. He was Bound by his Love for Mankind-YOU, ME! He stated plainly to his disciples that NO man could take his life from him; he would Lay it down. He told Pilate that he could call for angels from heaven to come and deliver him, but he refused to so.
He was Guilty of no Sin; guilty of no wrong doing; guilty of no Crime. An old song declared that he was “Guilty of LOVE in the first degree.”
When Jesus reached his place of sacrifice there was NO Voice from heaven to interrupt the proceedings; no Divine Command stopped his crucifixion; the hands of his executioners were not withheld.
FOR Jesus WAS not only the SON, he was also the Substitute- he was there taking My Place- he was there taking YOUR place. It was His Life for Ours; his life for yours.
Oh, yes on Mt. Calvary there was a Father’s sacrifice; a Son’s submission; and thank God there was a Soul’s Salvation.
My soul; your soul; our souls; the souls of our families, our children, our loved ones, our friends.
John declared that Jesus was the Propitiation or Payment for the sins of the whole world.
Peter declared that we are redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death...that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 14 ...as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
How about YOU? Are you saved? Are you redeemed by the blood of Jesus? Have you been delivered from the bondage of sin and fear of death? Do you know that you have passed from the darkness of sin into the glorious light of salvation?
The only TRUE way to celebrate the Christmas season is to not only Know about the birth and death of Jesus, but to believe on Him as your Savior and your Lord.
Gen. 22:1-14
Intro: Earlier this year when I read this familiar story, it suddenly occurred to me what a similarity there was in the Incident of Abraham and Isaac and the glorious story of Christmas.
I. A Father’s Sacrifice
“Take now thine only son Isaac and offer him up...”
What a request; actually a demand!
What a response:
Immediate- he rose up early
Deliberate- he made all necessary preparations: took Wood, Fire, Knife, Rope
Complete- there was no balking; no hesitating; no half hearted effort. It was serious obedience- immediate action- deliberate action- complete action. Abraham took all the necessities; made the long journey; didn’t stop along the way; didn’t take a detour; didn’t try to find a way around God’s command or a way out of the responsibility placed upon him.
It’s hard to imagine a Father being willing to sacrifice his own son; willing to give him up
II. A Son’s Submission
“They went both of them together...”
Isaac went along with his father. You might say, “Yes, but he didn’t know what was planned for him...” That may be true, still Isaac went along with his Father’s plan without complaint.
He was Willing to be Burdened
The wood was laid upon Isaac! He submitted to carrying the wood on which he was to be offered as a sacrifice.
He was Willing to be Bound
This is VERY important in the story. Isaac was willing to be bound. Remember, he was not a toddler; not a child; not just a young teen, he was young man. He was fast enough to run away; strong enough to resist; old enough to refuse. Still he did not Fight against his father; did not refuse to be bound; he submitted his Father’s will.
III. A Soul’s Salvation
“Lay not thy hand upon thy son...”
Abraham was stopped at the last moment by the angel of the Lord; then he saw a Ram caught in the thicket behind him and the Ram became the sacrifice.
Isaac was saved; his life was spared by a substitute.
Now, think with me about the key ingredients of the Christmas story.
There was a Father’s Sacrifice.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...
In the fulness of time God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law.
God made all the preparations to sacrifice his Son.
Mother to Carry Him
Manger to Cradle Him
Messengers to Confirm Him
Ministry to Complete His Mission
Nothing was left undone- God worked out a Complete Plan. The Father was willing to sacrifice his own son.
There was a Son’s Submission
I mentioned in regard to Isaac that he probably didn’t really Know ahead of time what was planned for him up on the mountain but he was willing to submit anyway.
In this case, Jesus Christ KNEW exactly what was planned and he was willing to go through with it Anyway!
He was willing to be Burdened.
He carried the sins of all mankind. He was feeling the weight of this horrible burden in the Garden of Gethsemane and began sweating as it were great drops of blood. He was feeling the pressure of Sin, the spiritual attack of Satan, the dread of death BUT he was willing to be burdened.
He not only carried all of our sins, He Carried the Wood; he carried his own Cross.
He was willing to be Bound
He was bound not with cords of Rope and not with rusty Nails. He was Bound by his Love for Mankind-YOU, ME! He stated plainly to his disciples that NO man could take his life from him; he would Lay it down. He told Pilate that he could call for angels from heaven to come and deliver him, but he refused to so.
He was Guilty of no Sin; guilty of no wrong doing; guilty of no Crime. An old song declared that he was “Guilty of LOVE in the first degree.”
When Jesus reached his place of sacrifice there was NO Voice from heaven to interrupt the proceedings; no Divine Command stopped his crucifixion; the hands of his executioners were not withheld.
FOR Jesus WAS not only the SON, he was also the Substitute- he was there taking My Place- he was there taking YOUR place. It was His Life for Ours; his life for yours.
Oh, yes on Mt. Calvary there was a Father’s sacrifice; a Son’s submission; and thank God there was a Soul’s Salvation.
My soul; your soul; our souls; the souls of our families, our children, our loved ones, our friends.
John declared that Jesus was the Propitiation or Payment for the sins of the whole world.
Peter declared that we are redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Heb.2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death...that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 14 ...as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
How about YOU? Are you saved? Are you redeemed by the blood of Jesus? Have you been delivered from the bondage of sin and fear of death? Do you know that you have passed from the darkness of sin into the glorious light of salvation?
The only TRUE way to celebrate the Christmas season is to not only Know about the birth and death of Jesus, but to believe on Him as your Savior and your Lord.
- Published on
God’s Generosity
Titus 3:3-7
I. Our Past. (Vs. 3)
We ourselves WERE:
A. Foolish- without understanding- one who refuses to believe in God- one who refuses to Fear God- one who refuses to Obey God.
The Most foolish life possible is life without God. It is a Life of darkness & disappointment; selfishness & sin; guilt & grief; sorrow with no hope; storms with no peace; life without God’s Grace now and without God’s Glory in eternity.
The Bible declares the foolishness of the life without God:
- The way of peace they know not (Is 59:8)
- They know not the way of the Lord (Jer.5:4)
- They know not to do right (Amos 3:10)
- They understand not God’s counsel (Micah 4:12)
- They are ignorant of God’s righteousness (Rom. 10:3)
- Eph 4- their understanding is darkened; alienated from God thru ignorance; suffer blindness of heart.
What a pitiful condition for the Lost- Foolish!
B. Disobedient- living in rebellion to God and his Word- rejecting his Son- refusing his Way- disobeying his will.
“Serving divers lusts” Slaves to many different lusts, desires, pleasures- In bondage to these evil desires.
Living in Malice (hostility)- Envy (jealousy)- Hatred (anger, rage)
We were Foolish, Disobedient, and ...
C. Deceived- Led astray by our own lusts- led astray by Satan’s schemes-
The Bible warns us about a way that seems right to a man but is really the way of death- deceived! Oh, the tragedy of thinking all is well when it is not; Thinking I am OK when I am not; Thinking I can enter heaven when I am destined for Hell.
What a Terrible and Tragic Past!
II. Our Privilege.
Here is where we meet the Generosity of God. (Vs. 4,5)
- The Kindness of God our Savior Appeared.
- The Love of God appeared- “love here is not agape but philanthropia- used only twice in Bible; once in regard to the “kindness” showed to Paul when he and his companions had been shipwrecked; and Here “love”- means generous benevolence- abundant loving kindness) The Generous Kindness and Generous Love of God appeared; Oh! The Generosity of God!
Just in these three verses (4-6) Paul writes about His Generous Kindness- His Generous Love- His Generous Mercy (vs. 5)- His Generous Outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
By the Generosity of God we are blessed with:
- Regeneration- being born again- experiencing a new birth- becoming a new creature- new creation
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost- renewed a right spirit in us- renewed our mind- renewed our inward man- Made NEW in Christ Jesus.
Paul reminds us that these blessings came, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy and by the Holy Ghost (which he shed on us abundantly) According to his Mercy- HE Saved US!”
III. Our Position. (Notice vs. 7)
A. Justified by his grace we are cleared of all charges that were placed against us- Cleansed of all sin- made holy.
The old hymn talks about The Old Account that Has been Settled; “And My record’s Clear today for he washed my sins away”
B. Adopted- “made heirs”
We were Drawn by his Spirit and Accepted in Jesus Christ; we were Adopted into the Family of God; we were made Sons and Daughters of God and heirs with Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8: 14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
C. Glorified
We now have the great Hope of Eternal Life; The promise that we will Live forever in the presence of God. Remember, if our only hope was in this life we would be Miserable! But, Thank God for his Generosity! By his generosity we have inherited abundant life now and eternal life beyond this earth.
Thank God for his Generous Kindness; his Generous Love; His Generous Mercy and His Generous Outpouring of the Holy Ghost!
Titus 3:3-7
I. Our Past. (Vs. 3)
We ourselves WERE:
A. Foolish- without understanding- one who refuses to believe in God- one who refuses to Fear God- one who refuses to Obey God.
The Most foolish life possible is life without God. It is a Life of darkness & disappointment; selfishness & sin; guilt & grief; sorrow with no hope; storms with no peace; life without God’s Grace now and without God’s Glory in eternity.
The Bible declares the foolishness of the life without God:
- The way of peace they know not (Is 59:8)
- They know not the way of the Lord (Jer.5:4)
- They know not to do right (Amos 3:10)
- They understand not God’s counsel (Micah 4:12)
- They are ignorant of God’s righteousness (Rom. 10:3)
- Eph 4- their understanding is darkened; alienated from God thru ignorance; suffer blindness of heart.
What a pitiful condition for the Lost- Foolish!
B. Disobedient- living in rebellion to God and his Word- rejecting his Son- refusing his Way- disobeying his will.
“Serving divers lusts” Slaves to many different lusts, desires, pleasures- In bondage to these evil desires.
Living in Malice (hostility)- Envy (jealousy)- Hatred (anger, rage)
We were Foolish, Disobedient, and ...
C. Deceived- Led astray by our own lusts- led astray by Satan’s schemes-
The Bible warns us about a way that seems right to a man but is really the way of death- deceived! Oh, the tragedy of thinking all is well when it is not; Thinking I am OK when I am not; Thinking I can enter heaven when I am destined for Hell.
What a Terrible and Tragic Past!
II. Our Privilege.
Here is where we meet the Generosity of God. (Vs. 4,5)
- The Kindness of God our Savior Appeared.
- The Love of God appeared- “love here is not agape but philanthropia- used only twice in Bible; once in regard to the “kindness” showed to Paul when he and his companions had been shipwrecked; and Here “love”- means generous benevolence- abundant loving kindness) The Generous Kindness and Generous Love of God appeared; Oh! The Generosity of God!
Just in these three verses (4-6) Paul writes about His Generous Kindness- His Generous Love- His Generous Mercy (vs. 5)- His Generous Outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
By the Generosity of God we are blessed with:
- Regeneration- being born again- experiencing a new birth- becoming a new creature- new creation
- Renewing of the Holy Ghost- renewed a right spirit in us- renewed our mind- renewed our inward man- Made NEW in Christ Jesus.
Paul reminds us that these blessings came, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy and by the Holy Ghost (which he shed on us abundantly) According to his Mercy- HE Saved US!”
III. Our Position. (Notice vs. 7)
A. Justified by his grace we are cleared of all charges that were placed against us- Cleansed of all sin- made holy.
The old hymn talks about The Old Account that Has been Settled; “And My record’s Clear today for he washed my sins away”
B. Adopted- “made heirs”
We were Drawn by his Spirit and Accepted in Jesus Christ; we were Adopted into the Family of God; we were made Sons and Daughters of God and heirs with Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8: 14-18 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
C. Glorified
We now have the great Hope of Eternal Life; The promise that we will Live forever in the presence of God. Remember, if our only hope was in this life we would be Miserable! But, Thank God for his Generosity! By his generosity we have inherited abundant life now and eternal life beyond this earth.
Thank God for his Generous Kindness; his Generous Love; His Generous Mercy and His Generous Outpouring of the Holy Ghost!
- Published on
The Christian Life According to the 3:16's of Scripture
John 3:16
Intro: In my reading I ran across a reference to how both John 3:16 and 1 Jn 3:16 talked about the great love of God that provided salvation. It piqued my curiosity and I decided to go through the NT and see what other gems of truth were found in the various books at the address of 3:16.
My search turned up some great truths concerning the Christian life.
I. The Christian Life Flows from the Love of God.
Jn 3:16 is probably the most recognized and memorized text in the entire Bible (even more than Jesus Wept, lol). AND for Good Reason.
I don’t suppose any one verse proclaims the Gospel Message like this one does.
- God Loved the World!
- God loved the people of the world So Much, he was willing to give his only Son to be the Sacrifice for Sin and the Savior of all men.
- Anyone! Anyone! Who believes in Jesus and receives him as Savior will NOT PERISH!
Everyone who believes in Jesus and receives him as Savior will Inherit Eternal Life.
Talk about a Powerful Verse!
The Christian Life flows from the Love of God. We are told elsewhere that we only Love God because He First loved us.
Then also in 1 Tim 3:16 we read about what Paul calls 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.
God’s Great Love brought Jesus Christ from heaven to the earth as a man. As a man he suffered the sorrows of human life; as a man he was rejected and reviled; as a man he was crucified and buried; BUT As the Son of God he, by his death, paid the price for man’s sin and then rose from the dead, alive forevermore!
II. The Christian Life is Founded Upon the Word of God.
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The foundation of the Christian life is NOT man’s opinions; not the world’s philosophy; not the religions of men. The only foundation of the Christian life is the Word of God.
It is Inspired by God. (It’s subjects are inspired; its thoughts are inspired; its words are inspired; the theological term for this is Verbal, Plenary, Inspiration)
Therefore, it has No Errors. (When there seem to be errors, the fault is our interpretation or in our understanding, not in the Bible)
The Bible is the foundation for all True Doctrine.
The Bible is the basis for all Instruction in Righteousness.
The Bible has the authority to Rebuke and Correct any life.
Peter wrote that the Scriptures came to us by “holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost.” You and I can rest safely on the Word of God!
III. The Christian Life Finds its Fulness by the Spirit of God.
Our life in Christ is founded upon the inspired Word of God; upon the Facts presented there; upon the Virgin Birth of Jesus; his Sinless life; his sacrificial death; his glorious resurrection!
BUT these Facts alone do not make us a True Christian! The Fulness of the Christian life comes by the Supernatural Power and Work of the Holy Ghost. It is the Spirit of God that convicts us of our sin. It is the Spirit of God that Converts and Regenerates our spirit. It is by the Spirit of God that we are Born Again, become Partakers of the divine nature, and are changed into the Image of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
- Jesus Himself though he was the Son of God was anointed and empowered by the Holy Ghost.
- John preached that Jesus would baptize his followers with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
- Paul wrote twice that when we become Christians, we become the Temple of God and the Holy Ghost dwells IN us.
- Then Paul wrote that it is the Holy Ghost that Strengthens Us in our Inner Man.
The fulness of the Christian life comes by the Spirit of God.
So the Christian life flows from the love of God; is founded on the Word of God; finds its fulness by the Spirit of God and ...
IV. The Christian’s Life will Bear Fruit by the Power of God.
2 Thess 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1 Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
So, just in those 3:16 references we are told that the Christian life will be filled with Peace by the Lord of all Peace; the Word of God will dwell in us bringing us Wisdom and Joy for we will sing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs with Grace in our hearts; we will have a Good Conscience and Good Conduct; we will love each other like Christ loved us.
The final 3:16 is in Revelation and it warns us not to be lukewarm but on Fire. We are told that if our Christian life becomes lukewarm, Jesus will spew us out of his mouth. What a tragic end for someone who at one time was On Fire for God! Don’t become lukewarm. Let God’s Love Flow through you. Let God’s Word by your firm Foundation. Let God’s Spirit bring Fulness to your Life. Let the Power of God bear Fruit in your life. The Christian Life according to the 3:16's of Scripture.
John 3:16
Intro: In my reading I ran across a reference to how both John 3:16 and 1 Jn 3:16 talked about the great love of God that provided salvation. It piqued my curiosity and I decided to go through the NT and see what other gems of truth were found in the various books at the address of 3:16.
My search turned up some great truths concerning the Christian life.
I. The Christian Life Flows from the Love of God.
Jn 3:16 is probably the most recognized and memorized text in the entire Bible (even more than Jesus Wept, lol). AND for Good Reason.
I don’t suppose any one verse proclaims the Gospel Message like this one does.
- God Loved the World!
- God loved the people of the world So Much, he was willing to give his only Son to be the Sacrifice for Sin and the Savior of all men.
- Anyone! Anyone! Who believes in Jesus and receives him as Savior will NOT PERISH!
Everyone who believes in Jesus and receives him as Savior will Inherit Eternal Life.
Talk about a Powerful Verse!
The Christian Life flows from the Love of God. We are told elsewhere that we only Love God because He First loved us.
Then also in 1 Tim 3:16 we read about what Paul calls 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.
God’s Great Love brought Jesus Christ from heaven to the earth as a man. As a man he suffered the sorrows of human life; as a man he was rejected and reviled; as a man he was crucified and buried; BUT As the Son of God he, by his death, paid the price for man’s sin and then rose from the dead, alive forevermore!
II. The Christian Life is Founded Upon the Word of God.
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The foundation of the Christian life is NOT man’s opinions; not the world’s philosophy; not the religions of men. The only foundation of the Christian life is the Word of God.
It is Inspired by God. (It’s subjects are inspired; its thoughts are inspired; its words are inspired; the theological term for this is Verbal, Plenary, Inspiration)
Therefore, it has No Errors. (When there seem to be errors, the fault is our interpretation or in our understanding, not in the Bible)
The Bible is the foundation for all True Doctrine.
The Bible is the basis for all Instruction in Righteousness.
The Bible has the authority to Rebuke and Correct any life.
Peter wrote that the Scriptures came to us by “holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Ghost.” You and I can rest safely on the Word of God!
III. The Christian Life Finds its Fulness by the Spirit of God.
Our life in Christ is founded upon the inspired Word of God; upon the Facts presented there; upon the Virgin Birth of Jesus; his Sinless life; his sacrificial death; his glorious resurrection!
BUT these Facts alone do not make us a True Christian! The Fulness of the Christian life comes by the Supernatural Power and Work of the Holy Ghost. It is the Spirit of God that convicts us of our sin. It is the Spirit of God that Converts and Regenerates our spirit. It is by the Spirit of God that we are Born Again, become Partakers of the divine nature, and are changed into the Image of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
- Jesus Himself though he was the Son of God was anointed and empowered by the Holy Ghost.
- John preached that Jesus would baptize his followers with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
- Paul wrote twice that when we become Christians, we become the Temple of God and the Holy Ghost dwells IN us.
- Then Paul wrote that it is the Holy Ghost that Strengthens Us in our Inner Man.
The fulness of the Christian life comes by the Spirit of God.
So the Christian life flows from the love of God; is founded on the Word of God; finds its fulness by the Spirit of God and ...
IV. The Christian’s Life will Bear Fruit by the Power of God.
2 Thess 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1 Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
So, just in those 3:16 references we are told that the Christian life will be filled with Peace by the Lord of all Peace; the Word of God will dwell in us bringing us Wisdom and Joy for we will sing Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs with Grace in our hearts; we will have a Good Conscience and Good Conduct; we will love each other like Christ loved us.
The final 3:16 is in Revelation and it warns us not to be lukewarm but on Fire. We are told that if our Christian life becomes lukewarm, Jesus will spew us out of his mouth. What a tragic end for someone who at one time was On Fire for God! Don’t become lukewarm. Let God’s Love Flow through you. Let God’s Word by your firm Foundation. Let God’s Spirit bring Fulness to your Life. Let the Power of God bear Fruit in your life. The Christian Life according to the 3:16's of Scripture.
- Published on
Intro: We live in a Troubling World; troubled by International strife (war in Israel and Middle East; Russia & Ukraine); troubled by our own National situation- the political; the economic; the social; the moral;Troubled at times by our own Family situations and our own Personal situations.
There is much in this world to cause our hearts to be troubled.
Some time ago I read again a book by David Wilkerson from the early 70's, the Vision. He told of a Dramatic Vision he had concerning America and some other parts of the world. He described the terrors that would begin to take place; not only natural disasters, but terrorism and war; lawlessness right in our own nation; the collapse of our economy; the trampling of morals and the acceptance of perversion like homosexuality; Talk about a Sobering book; Scary; Depressing even.
The final chapters were titled: God’s Message for the Unprepared; then God’s Message for the Prepared.
Well, I consider myself to be one of the Prepared. How About You?
So- I turned expectantly to see what he said was the main message God had for his own people in light of the horrible things that had already been discussed.
Bro. Wilkerson said that as he prayed about these terrible things coming on the earth, he asked God, “what message do I give to your people?” God spoke to him and said give them a Message of HOPE- not to be Afraid- to remember that God is Still on the Throne.
There it is- Don’t be Afraid- Don’t Let your heart be troubled- God is on the Throne- God Will REMAIN on the throne.
So Jesus told his disciples- Let not your hearts be troubled- Don’t be Afraid; Don’t be Fearful; Don’t be Terrified; Don’t be Anxious or Worried.
I. Untroubled Hearts
Jesus used two factors in teaching his disciples that they could have and should have untroubled hearts:
A. Faith- You believe in God; Believe also in Me.
BELIEVE- you have had faith; you have expressed faith; you do believe in God; Now let that Faith take you to a new Level- Believe in ME, Jesus said.
It’s important that we not only Believe that God Exists but that he Became a MAN and lived on the earth; that he was born of a virgin; raised in a carpenter’s home; anointed by the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel; to deliver the captives; to mend the broken hearted; to set at liberty those who were bound;
That he was Arrested, Tortured and Crucified; BUT that he Rose from the Dead; that he Ascended in to Heaven; that he Sits NOW at the right hand of God the Father- [who is On the Throne by the way]
Believe that he Prays for us; intercedes for us; is our advocate; our mediator; our go between.
BELIEVE- if you really believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son and the precious Holy Ghost you will have an Untroubled Heart.
B. Facts
Jesus did not only appeal to their faith; to what they did and would believe.
He placed FACTS before them that they did not know.
He told them that in his Father’s house were many mansions- that if it weren’t so he would have been up front and honest with them and told them so.
In this familiar statement that we so quickly read over there are Three Very Important Facts:
1) God Really Does Exist- he Lives; he has a “House” a dwelling place; a home
2) His Home is Heaven- there really is a Heaven; it is an Actual Place; it is a Beautiful Place; it is a Prepared Place
3) In that Place, there are Mansions; homes for God’s People; Jesus was actually going to Prepare a Place for each of his children.
WOW= what tremendous Facts to base our Faith on!
II. Unfading Hope
Jesus then goes on to say that he is going away and that he Will Come Again and Receive us unto Himself that where he is there we may be also.
We can have Untroubled Hearts because we have an Unfading HOPE: Jesus is coming back to take his children to their Heavenly Home.
Not fiction; not fantasy; not some made up story; TRUE
When you KNOW that Jesus is coming to take you to your Heavenly Home- When you have this Unfading HOPE you can have an Untroubled Heart.
There is Hope for us In This World.
Jesus is preparing a place right now for us; He is already making plans to come and receive us to himself; he already sent the Holy Ghost to be our Comforter and Guide while we are living in this world; there is Hope for us right now in this world.
There is hope for us in the World to Come.
Where he is there will we be also; we are going to be IN his presence; right there where he is; we will See him as he is; we will walk with him; talk with him; fellowship with him; worship and praise him; honor and magnify him. We have an Unfading Hope!
Later in the chapter Jesus said to his disciples: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; Let Not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Talk about an unfading hope; we have not only Peace WITH God; we have the PEACE OF God.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
In John 20 in the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection, 3 times Jesus said to the disciples, “Peace Be unto You.”
In Phil. 4:7 Paul declares that we can have the “Peace of God” and says it is “Peace that passes understanding.”
Albert Barnes- The Christian who commits his way to God, and believes that God will order all things right, has a peace which is nowhere else known. Nothing else will furnish it ...No confidence that a man can have in his own powers; no reliance on his own plans or on the promises or fidelity of his fellow-men, and no calculations which he can make on the course of events, can impart such peace to the soul as this simple confidence in God.
I believe that you and I can have Untroubled hearts because we have an Unfading Hope.
Don’t Be Fearful; Be Faithful.
Don’t Be Scared; Be Strong in the Lord.
Don’t Panic; Pray
Don’t Cower in Fear; be Courageous in Faith.
God is on the throne; Jesus is coming for us; Heaven is our Home.
There is much in this world to cause our hearts to be troubled.
Some time ago I read again a book by David Wilkerson from the early 70's, the Vision. He told of a Dramatic Vision he had concerning America and some other parts of the world. He described the terrors that would begin to take place; not only natural disasters, but terrorism and war; lawlessness right in our own nation; the collapse of our economy; the trampling of morals and the acceptance of perversion like homosexuality; Talk about a Sobering book; Scary; Depressing even.
The final chapters were titled: God’s Message for the Unprepared; then God’s Message for the Prepared.
Well, I consider myself to be one of the Prepared. How About You?
So- I turned expectantly to see what he said was the main message God had for his own people in light of the horrible things that had already been discussed.
Bro. Wilkerson said that as he prayed about these terrible things coming on the earth, he asked God, “what message do I give to your people?” God spoke to him and said give them a Message of HOPE- not to be Afraid- to remember that God is Still on the Throne.
There it is- Don’t be Afraid- Don’t Let your heart be troubled- God is on the Throne- God Will REMAIN on the throne.
So Jesus told his disciples- Let not your hearts be troubled- Don’t be Afraid; Don’t be Fearful; Don’t be Terrified; Don’t be Anxious or Worried.
I. Untroubled Hearts
Jesus used two factors in teaching his disciples that they could have and should have untroubled hearts:
A. Faith- You believe in God; Believe also in Me.
BELIEVE- you have had faith; you have expressed faith; you do believe in God; Now let that Faith take you to a new Level- Believe in ME, Jesus said.
It’s important that we not only Believe that God Exists but that he Became a MAN and lived on the earth; that he was born of a virgin; raised in a carpenter’s home; anointed by the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel; to deliver the captives; to mend the broken hearted; to set at liberty those who were bound;
That he was Arrested, Tortured and Crucified; BUT that he Rose from the Dead; that he Ascended in to Heaven; that he Sits NOW at the right hand of God the Father- [who is On the Throne by the way]
Believe that he Prays for us; intercedes for us; is our advocate; our mediator; our go between.
BELIEVE- if you really believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son and the precious Holy Ghost you will have an Untroubled Heart.
B. Facts
Jesus did not only appeal to their faith; to what they did and would believe.
He placed FACTS before them that they did not know.
He told them that in his Father’s house were many mansions- that if it weren’t so he would have been up front and honest with them and told them so.
In this familiar statement that we so quickly read over there are Three Very Important Facts:
1) God Really Does Exist- he Lives; he has a “House” a dwelling place; a home
2) His Home is Heaven- there really is a Heaven; it is an Actual Place; it is a Beautiful Place; it is a Prepared Place
3) In that Place, there are Mansions; homes for God’s People; Jesus was actually going to Prepare a Place for each of his children.
WOW= what tremendous Facts to base our Faith on!
II. Unfading Hope
Jesus then goes on to say that he is going away and that he Will Come Again and Receive us unto Himself that where he is there we may be also.
We can have Untroubled Hearts because we have an Unfading HOPE: Jesus is coming back to take his children to their Heavenly Home.
Not fiction; not fantasy; not some made up story; TRUE
When you KNOW that Jesus is coming to take you to your Heavenly Home- When you have this Unfading HOPE you can have an Untroubled Heart.
There is Hope for us In This World.
Jesus is preparing a place right now for us; He is already making plans to come and receive us to himself; he already sent the Holy Ghost to be our Comforter and Guide while we are living in this world; there is Hope for us right now in this world.
There is hope for us in the World to Come.
Where he is there will we be also; we are going to be IN his presence; right there where he is; we will See him as he is; we will walk with him; talk with him; fellowship with him; worship and praise him; honor and magnify him. We have an Unfading Hope!
Later in the chapter Jesus said to his disciples: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; Let Not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Talk about an unfading hope; we have not only Peace WITH God; we have the PEACE OF God.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
In John 20 in the appearances of Jesus after His resurrection, 3 times Jesus said to the disciples, “Peace Be unto You.”
In Phil. 4:7 Paul declares that we can have the “Peace of God” and says it is “Peace that passes understanding.”
Albert Barnes- The Christian who commits his way to God, and believes that God will order all things right, has a peace which is nowhere else known. Nothing else will furnish it ...No confidence that a man can have in his own powers; no reliance on his own plans or on the promises or fidelity of his fellow-men, and no calculations which he can make on the course of events, can impart such peace to the soul as this simple confidence in God.
I believe that you and I can have Untroubled hearts because we have an Unfading Hope.
Don’t Be Fearful; Be Faithful.
Don’t Be Scared; Be Strong in the Lord.
Don’t Panic; Pray
Don’t Cower in Fear; be Courageous in Faith.
God is on the throne; Jesus is coming for us; Heaven is our Home.