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The Message of the Grave Clothes
John 19:38 - 20:8
Intro: This month we are celebrating the Crowning Day of Christ’s Life and ministry; Easter- Resurrection Sunday! Thank God we know that Jesus Christ is ALIVE!
Every other religious leader and every other founder of a religion died and remained in the tomb; Jesus Died but Rose Again by the Power of God and is Eternally Alive.
That first Easter Sunday morning was an Amazing Day full of drama and emotion and full of Divine Power. Mary Magdalene was the very first one to reach the tomb of Jesus on that glorious day. She had come out of great love and devotion and along with other women desired to further anoint the body of the Lord. When she arrived, she saw that the stone had been removed. She immediately ran from the Garden in fear and went directly to Peter and John and she told them breathlessly that the Body of Jesus had been taken away from the tomb and no one knew where they had put it.
[That was her first thought and reaction; she did not immediately realize that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive; she assumed that either the Jewish leaders or the Roman authorities had moved the body of Jesus from the garden tomb to another location]
Of course, Peter and John were shocked by the news and they also began to Run. They Ran Toward the Garden and John reached the tomb first. He bent down and looked inside and here’s what he testifies that he saw: he “saw the linen clothes lying.” However, John just looked in, he didn’t actually go in at this point. Peter came rushing up and he pushed past John and actually went Into the Tomb. There he also saw the Linen Clothes lying, AND the napkin that had been wrapped around the Lord’s head was “wrapped together in a place by itself.”
Let’s think about the Message of the Grave Clothes.
I. It is a Message of Power.
When John and Peter saw those Grave Clothes, they knew something unusual had happened. The grave clothes were All there, even the napkin that had been wrapped around his head; BUT his Body was definitely Gone!
John doesn’t give any more details, but this is the way I think it looked. I believe the linen clothes were still wound just as they had been done by Joseph & Nicodemus; they may have still held some of their shape but the Body that had been inside them was no longer there. I believe that Jesus resurrected to eternal life Right Through the Grave Clothes. After all, he passed through the stone walls of the tomb and it was certainly less difficult to pass right through the grave clothes.
Talk about Divine Power! God raised up Jesus from the dead from the Inside Out. He came alive and passed through the grave clothes on his way out of the tomb.
Let me remind you that with as much as we Do know about God, we have not Begun to Scratch the Surface of Under Standing His Great Power! Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:14 that God raised Jesus from the dead by His Own Power. In Rom. 6:4 Paul said Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father. In Phil. 3:10 Paul spoke of the “Power of his resurrection.”
No other event in History manifested the Power of God in a Greater Way; Not creation; not the parting of the Red Sea; not the Sun standing still; not the earthquake on Calvary and the torn veil. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was a Mighty Act of God’s Power.
II. It is a Message of Peace
I love this scene: Mary was frantic; Peter and John were rushing about and out of breath; their minds were in turmoil; they reached the tomb and when they looked inside there were No Signs of Violence; no Signs of Terror; no Signs of Burglary; no signs of Disorder or Confusion.
The linen clothes were lying still wrapped in the form they were in. They were not torn to pieces and strewn all over the tomb. The tomb did not look the room of a teen age boy. It did not look like a fight had taken place. There was no evidence that anyone came to steal the body of the Lord. If anyone came to steal it, would they not take it IN THE GRAVE CLOTHES? No one would remove the linen grave clothes, remove the body, then Rewrap the linens!
The empty tomb was a Peaceful Place. Even the Napkin had been carefully wrapped up and laid aside in another place. The Risen Lord will bring Order to your life; not disorder.
The Lord will bring Contentment to your Life; not Confusion.
The Lord will bring Direction to your life; not Disarray.
Some of you are living lives of confusion; lives of discontentment; lives of disorder and chaos.
You blame a lot factors for it but at the bottom line; its because Jesus is not where he needs to be and ought to be in your life. When Jesus comes; Peace comes. After all one of his Titles is “Prince of Peace.” Even his tomb was a place of peace.
III. It is a Message of Promise
One commentator said that the Folded Napkin was a sign that said, “I am not Finished, I’m just away for the moment but I will be Back.” I like that analogy; for it certainly fits with what Jesus promised before he ever died. As he tried to prepare his disciples for his death and departure back to heaven, he assured them that he was going to prepare a place for them, AND that he would come back for them and receive them to himself; that where he was- there they would be also.
Thank God, the work of Jesus Christ is not done! Not only is he sitting at the right hand of the Father right now interceding for us, he is Coming Again for us. The last recorded words of Jesus in the Bible are these in Rev. 22:20: “Surely, I come quickly.” Just as Jesus promised his disciples that he would be crucified and buried and would rise again on the third day, He also promised that he would come again in the clouds.
Paul described the Rapture like this: The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout; with the voice of the arch angel and the trump of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first and then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, Comfort one another with these words!
There is great comfort in the promises of our Lord. He lived, he died, he resurrected from the dead and he lives today; And he is coming again.
Celebrate! The tomb is empty; Jesus is Alive.
John 19:38 - 20:8
Intro: This month we are celebrating the Crowning Day of Christ’s Life and ministry; Easter- Resurrection Sunday! Thank God we know that Jesus Christ is ALIVE!
Every other religious leader and every other founder of a religion died and remained in the tomb; Jesus Died but Rose Again by the Power of God and is Eternally Alive.
That first Easter Sunday morning was an Amazing Day full of drama and emotion and full of Divine Power. Mary Magdalene was the very first one to reach the tomb of Jesus on that glorious day. She had come out of great love and devotion and along with other women desired to further anoint the body of the Lord. When she arrived, she saw that the stone had been removed. She immediately ran from the Garden in fear and went directly to Peter and John and she told them breathlessly that the Body of Jesus had been taken away from the tomb and no one knew where they had put it.
[That was her first thought and reaction; she did not immediately realize that Jesus had risen from the dead and was alive; she assumed that either the Jewish leaders or the Roman authorities had moved the body of Jesus from the garden tomb to another location]
Of course, Peter and John were shocked by the news and they also began to Run. They Ran Toward the Garden and John reached the tomb first. He bent down and looked inside and here’s what he testifies that he saw: he “saw the linen clothes lying.” However, John just looked in, he didn’t actually go in at this point. Peter came rushing up and he pushed past John and actually went Into the Tomb. There he also saw the Linen Clothes lying, AND the napkin that had been wrapped around the Lord’s head was “wrapped together in a place by itself.”
Let’s think about the Message of the Grave Clothes.
I. It is a Message of Power.
When John and Peter saw those Grave Clothes, they knew something unusual had happened. The grave clothes were All there, even the napkin that had been wrapped around his head; BUT his Body was definitely Gone!
John doesn’t give any more details, but this is the way I think it looked. I believe the linen clothes were still wound just as they had been done by Joseph & Nicodemus; they may have still held some of their shape but the Body that had been inside them was no longer there. I believe that Jesus resurrected to eternal life Right Through the Grave Clothes. After all, he passed through the stone walls of the tomb and it was certainly less difficult to pass right through the grave clothes.
Talk about Divine Power! God raised up Jesus from the dead from the Inside Out. He came alive and passed through the grave clothes on his way out of the tomb.
Let me remind you that with as much as we Do know about God, we have not Begun to Scratch the Surface of Under Standing His Great Power! Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:14 that God raised Jesus from the dead by His Own Power. In Rom. 6:4 Paul said Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father. In Phil. 3:10 Paul spoke of the “Power of his resurrection.”
No other event in History manifested the Power of God in a Greater Way; Not creation; not the parting of the Red Sea; not the Sun standing still; not the earthquake on Calvary and the torn veil. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was a Mighty Act of God’s Power.
II. It is a Message of Peace
I love this scene: Mary was frantic; Peter and John were rushing about and out of breath; their minds were in turmoil; they reached the tomb and when they looked inside there were No Signs of Violence; no Signs of Terror; no Signs of Burglary; no signs of Disorder or Confusion.
The linen clothes were lying still wrapped in the form they were in. They were not torn to pieces and strewn all over the tomb. The tomb did not look the room of a teen age boy. It did not look like a fight had taken place. There was no evidence that anyone came to steal the body of the Lord. If anyone came to steal it, would they not take it IN THE GRAVE CLOTHES? No one would remove the linen grave clothes, remove the body, then Rewrap the linens!
The empty tomb was a Peaceful Place. Even the Napkin had been carefully wrapped up and laid aside in another place. The Risen Lord will bring Order to your life; not disorder.
The Lord will bring Contentment to your Life; not Confusion.
The Lord will bring Direction to your life; not Disarray.
Some of you are living lives of confusion; lives of discontentment; lives of disorder and chaos.
You blame a lot factors for it but at the bottom line; its because Jesus is not where he needs to be and ought to be in your life. When Jesus comes; Peace comes. After all one of his Titles is “Prince of Peace.” Even his tomb was a place of peace.
III. It is a Message of Promise
One commentator said that the Folded Napkin was a sign that said, “I am not Finished, I’m just away for the moment but I will be Back.” I like that analogy; for it certainly fits with what Jesus promised before he ever died. As he tried to prepare his disciples for his death and departure back to heaven, he assured them that he was going to prepare a place for them, AND that he would come back for them and receive them to himself; that where he was- there they would be also.
Thank God, the work of Jesus Christ is not done! Not only is he sitting at the right hand of the Father right now interceding for us, he is Coming Again for us. The last recorded words of Jesus in the Bible are these in Rev. 22:20: “Surely, I come quickly.” Just as Jesus promised his disciples that he would be crucified and buried and would rise again on the third day, He also promised that he would come again in the clouds.
Paul described the Rapture like this: The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout; with the voice of the arch angel and the trump of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first and then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, Comfort one another with these words!
There is great comfort in the promises of our Lord. He lived, he died, he resurrected from the dead and he lives today; And he is coming again.
Celebrate! The tomb is empty; Jesus is Alive.
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Jesus, our Shepherd
John 10:11 & 14
Intro: One of the most loved passages in the Bible is Psalm 23 where we are reminded that the Lord is our Shepherd and that there are great benefits because He is! There are many references in the Bible shepherds and it is certainly one of the most mentioned professions in the Bible. Shepherds were important all through Bible days. Sheep were raised for their wool; for food; and for religious sacrifices. The Bible writers used the analogy of a shepherd in illustrating the person and work of Jesus, our Savior.
There are three different designations in the Bible concerning Jesus as our shepherd.
I. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
Jesus himself said in the text verses that he was the Good Shepherd. He said of the devil that he comes to steal, kill and destroy, BUT that he, Jesus, comes to give us Abundant Life. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Laid Down his own life that we could be Saved.
Jesus said that as the Good Shepherd, he knew his sheep and would lay down his life for them. He said plainly that No Man could TAKE his life from him; no one could take it by force; but that he would lay it down of himself; he would give his life willingly for our Redemption.
Thank the Lord! As the Good Shepherd Jesus provides our Redemption. He paid the price for our sins; He satisfied the demands of the Holy Father; he defeated the devil and broke his dominion over us.
Fanny Crosby said it well in her song Redeemed- Redeemed! How I love to proclaim it; Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through his infinite mercy, his Child forever I am.
Yes, its strange in a way but true- The Good Shepherd became the Lamb! Its intriguing to me that the one known as the Good Shepherd was also the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.
Jesus as the Good Shepherd has Redeemed us from our sin.
II. Jesus is the Great Shepherd.
In Heb. 13:20 we read that Jesus is that “great shepherd of the sheep.” It is said of him that “the God of peace brought him again from the dead”
Jesus as the Good Shepherd speaks of Redemption.
Jesus as the Great Shepherd speaks of Resurrection.
For, while Jesus laid down his life as the Good Shepherd and died a terrible death of shame and agony, as the Great Shepherd, he arose from the dead on the third day and by doing so he provided the Clinching Proof that he was the very Son of God; he was God in the flesh.
Yes, his birth was miraculous and wondrous.
Yes, his life and ministry were miraculous and wondrous.
Yes, even his death was miraculous and wondrous for there were supernatural signs that attended his crucifixion.
And YES, his Resurrection was the most amazing event in all of history.
Paul wrote in Rom.1:4 that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with Power...by the resurrection from the dead.” And we know that the resurrection of Jesus assures the resurrection of every true believer to eternal life. The day is coming when every child of God will be resurrected from the dead and gloriously transformed to be like Jesus.
Jesus as the Great Shepherd was Raised from the dead and Promises the Same blessing to every one of his Sheep.
III. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
Peter wrote that “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.”
The Good Shepherd- Redemption
The Great Shepherd- Resurrection.
The Chief Shepherd- Rapture.
Jesus said that he was going away to prepare a place for US and that he would come again and receive us unto himself that where he was there we would be also.
What a glorious promise.
What a wonderful hope.
Jesus is coming for us!
The Chief Shepherd will Appear.
We are not abandoned.
We are not deserted.
We are not here on our own.
Are you Fearful & Fretting?
Are you Anxious & Afraid?
Are you Doubting & Discouraged?
LOOK UP, my Friend!
The Chief Shepherd will appear.
When Jesus ascended into heaven as recorded in Acts 1, Angels told the watching disciples that this very same Jesus would come again in like manner as he had gone away into heaven.
Don’t lose hope! The Chief Shepherd will appear.
As the Good Shepherd, He laid his life down for his sheep.
As the Great Shepherd he rose from the dead and promised our victory over death and the grave as well.
As the Chief Shepherd he will come in the clouds and take us home to be with him forever.
Wherefore, Comfort one another with these Words.
John 10:11 & 14
Intro: One of the most loved passages in the Bible is Psalm 23 where we are reminded that the Lord is our Shepherd and that there are great benefits because He is! There are many references in the Bible shepherds and it is certainly one of the most mentioned professions in the Bible. Shepherds were important all through Bible days. Sheep were raised for their wool; for food; and for religious sacrifices. The Bible writers used the analogy of a shepherd in illustrating the person and work of Jesus, our Savior.
There are three different designations in the Bible concerning Jesus as our shepherd.
I. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
Jesus himself said in the text verses that he was the Good Shepherd. He said of the devil that he comes to steal, kill and destroy, BUT that he, Jesus, comes to give us Abundant Life. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Laid Down his own life that we could be Saved.
Jesus said that as the Good Shepherd, he knew his sheep and would lay down his life for them. He said plainly that No Man could TAKE his life from him; no one could take it by force; but that he would lay it down of himself; he would give his life willingly for our Redemption.
Thank the Lord! As the Good Shepherd Jesus provides our Redemption. He paid the price for our sins; He satisfied the demands of the Holy Father; he defeated the devil and broke his dominion over us.
Fanny Crosby said it well in her song Redeemed- Redeemed! How I love to proclaim it; Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through his infinite mercy, his Child forever I am.
Yes, its strange in a way but true- The Good Shepherd became the Lamb! Its intriguing to me that the one known as the Good Shepherd was also the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.
Jesus as the Good Shepherd has Redeemed us from our sin.
II. Jesus is the Great Shepherd.
In Heb. 13:20 we read that Jesus is that “great shepherd of the sheep.” It is said of him that “the God of peace brought him again from the dead”
Jesus as the Good Shepherd speaks of Redemption.
Jesus as the Great Shepherd speaks of Resurrection.
For, while Jesus laid down his life as the Good Shepherd and died a terrible death of shame and agony, as the Great Shepherd, he arose from the dead on the third day and by doing so he provided the Clinching Proof that he was the very Son of God; he was God in the flesh.
Yes, his birth was miraculous and wondrous.
Yes, his life and ministry were miraculous and wondrous.
Yes, even his death was miraculous and wondrous for there were supernatural signs that attended his crucifixion.
And YES, his Resurrection was the most amazing event in all of history.
Paul wrote in Rom.1:4 that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with Power...by the resurrection from the dead.” And we know that the resurrection of Jesus assures the resurrection of every true believer to eternal life. The day is coming when every child of God will be resurrected from the dead and gloriously transformed to be like Jesus.
Jesus as the Great Shepherd was Raised from the dead and Promises the Same blessing to every one of his Sheep.
III. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
Peter wrote that “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.”
The Good Shepherd- Redemption
The Great Shepherd- Resurrection.
The Chief Shepherd- Rapture.
Jesus said that he was going away to prepare a place for US and that he would come again and receive us unto himself that where he was there we would be also.
What a glorious promise.
What a wonderful hope.
Jesus is coming for us!
The Chief Shepherd will Appear.
We are not abandoned.
We are not deserted.
We are not here on our own.
Are you Fearful & Fretting?
Are you Anxious & Afraid?
Are you Doubting & Discouraged?
LOOK UP, my Friend!
The Chief Shepherd will appear.
When Jesus ascended into heaven as recorded in Acts 1, Angels told the watching disciples that this very same Jesus would come again in like manner as he had gone away into heaven.
Don’t lose hope! The Chief Shepherd will appear.
As the Good Shepherd, He laid his life down for his sheep.
As the Great Shepherd he rose from the dead and promised our victory over death and the grave as well.
As the Chief Shepherd he will come in the clouds and take us home to be with him forever.
Wherefore, Comfort one another with these Words.
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The Bible’s Greatest Text
John 3:16
Intro: This is probably the single, most recognized verse in the Bible. It is probably the most memorized and the most quoted and For Good Reason! It really is the Whole Gospel in just One Verse. (You’ve never received a text message greater than this one)
I. The Greatest Love Ever Known.
A. Supernatural Love.
For GOD so loved...
This was not man loving God, but God loving man. This was not man seeking for God but God seeking for man. It was God who commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
B. Sacrificial Love.
That he GAVE his only begotten Son...
These are not just feelings of love or words of love, but Love that Sacrificed. God gave his son Jesus. Jesus gave himself. He left heaven, lived as a man, suffered as a criminal, was ridiculed, tortured, and even crucified. He was Bruised & Beaten. He was Humiliated. He was Scourged. He was Crowned with thorns. He was nailed to a cross. He was pierced with a sword. He Died!
It is true that Greater love hath No man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus said, No man takes my life from me, I lay it down. I am the Good Shepherd who giveth his life for his sheep.
Without a doubt, This was The Greatest Love Ever Known
II. The Greatest Gift Ever Given.
Whosoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life.
- Shall Not Perish- A Gift whereby you can Escape Hell!
- But Have Everlasting Life- A Gift whereby you can Receive Eternal Life!
Everyone will exist forever somewhere, and we were destined (because of sin) to be punished forever in Hell. But, God gave the greatest gift ever given to man; the gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ.
III. The Greatest Choice you will Ever Make.
Whosoever believeth on him...
You Must Believe!
You Must Receive!
This Great Love which was shown by God, and this Great Gift which was given by God, brings you and I to the Greatest Choice we will ever make.
Will you believe in Jesus Christ?
Will you believe that he is God’s only Son?
Will you believe that he came to the earth to live as a man?
Will you believe that he suffered and died on a cross?
Will you believe that his death was for the purpose of paying for Your Sin?
Will you believe that he was buried in the tomb but raised from the dead on the third day, and that he ascended back into heaven and sits now at the right hand of God the Father?
Will you believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY Savior from Sin?
Will you RECEIVE Him as Your Savior and Lord?
Will you repent of your sins and ask him to forgive you?
Will you submit to him and make him the Lord of your life?
Will you receive his Word and live in obedience to his Will?
The Greatest Choice anyone will ever make is the Choice about What to Do with Jesus Christ.
Believe on him and Receive Him Today!
John 3:16
Intro: This is probably the single, most recognized verse in the Bible. It is probably the most memorized and the most quoted and For Good Reason! It really is the Whole Gospel in just One Verse. (You’ve never received a text message greater than this one)
I. The Greatest Love Ever Known.
A. Supernatural Love.
For GOD so loved...
This was not man loving God, but God loving man. This was not man seeking for God but God seeking for man. It was God who commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
B. Sacrificial Love.
That he GAVE his only begotten Son...
These are not just feelings of love or words of love, but Love that Sacrificed. God gave his son Jesus. Jesus gave himself. He left heaven, lived as a man, suffered as a criminal, was ridiculed, tortured, and even crucified. He was Bruised & Beaten. He was Humiliated. He was Scourged. He was Crowned with thorns. He was nailed to a cross. He was pierced with a sword. He Died!
It is true that Greater love hath No man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus said, No man takes my life from me, I lay it down. I am the Good Shepherd who giveth his life for his sheep.
Without a doubt, This was The Greatest Love Ever Known
II. The Greatest Gift Ever Given.
Whosoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life.
- Shall Not Perish- A Gift whereby you can Escape Hell!
- But Have Everlasting Life- A Gift whereby you can Receive Eternal Life!
Everyone will exist forever somewhere, and we were destined (because of sin) to be punished forever in Hell. But, God gave the greatest gift ever given to man; the gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ.
III. The Greatest Choice you will Ever Make.
Whosoever believeth on him...
You Must Believe!
You Must Receive!
This Great Love which was shown by God, and this Great Gift which was given by God, brings you and I to the Greatest Choice we will ever make.
Will you believe in Jesus Christ?
Will you believe that he is God’s only Son?
Will you believe that he came to the earth to live as a man?
Will you believe that he suffered and died on a cross?
Will you believe that his death was for the purpose of paying for Your Sin?
Will you believe that he was buried in the tomb but raised from the dead on the third day, and that he ascended back into heaven and sits now at the right hand of God the Father?
Will you believe that Jesus Christ is the ONLY Savior from Sin?
Will you RECEIVE Him as Your Savior and Lord?
Will you repent of your sins and ask him to forgive you?
Will you submit to him and make him the Lord of your life?
Will you receive his Word and live in obedience to his Will?
The Greatest Choice anyone will ever make is the Choice about What to Do with Jesus Christ.
Believe on him and Receive Him Today!
- Published on
God’s Word is True in 2022- 2 Tim 3:16,17
Intro: The Bible is the Most important book in all the world and in all of history. It is Unique- none other like it- there never has been and never will be. It is Unique in its Continuity. It is One book made up of 66 books- written over a period of 1600 years- by over 40 authors from almost every walk of life: historians, doctors, shepherds, tax collectors, cupbearers, military generals, philosophers, kings, and prophets. It was written in prisons, dungeons, synagogues, palaces, desert places, on hillsides near the temple, on river banks, and even on an island. It was Written on Three Continents: Europe, Asia, & Africa and in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, some Aramaic. It covers hundreds of controversial subjects and deals with all the details of human life, YET has NO contradictions. It is Unique in its Circulation. It was the first book printed on the printing press. It was the first book translated into another language, when the OT Scriptures were translated from Hebrew to Greek in about 250 BC. It has been translated into over 1000 languages, has had more copies published than any other book, and has been the consistent best selling book throughout the years. The Bible truly is a Wonderful Book!
I. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Divine.
Text- ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God. (God Breathed)
1 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Plenary Inspiration- Fully inspired- complete & entire- not partial. The Bible does not “contain” the Word of God; it IS THE Word of God. Every book, every chapter, every verse and every word.
Verbal Inspiration- the very words, not just the subjects or the thoughts are inspired by God. YES, God did use men to speak and to write his word. He used their distinctive personality and style but HE inspired their thoughts and the words they spoke and wrote.
God’s Word is Divine. Therefore, it carries Divine Authority. It takes precedence over every other book, over every teaching, over every opinion, over every belief and over every piece of advice ever given. John tells of the Beginning from an eternal perspective in John 1:1,2- In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God and the Word was God, the same was in the beginning with God. Vs 14 then states- The Word became flesh and dwelt among us an we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. Jesus Christ himself- the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Triune Godhead- the Divine Son of God is called the WORD- Jesus was the Living Word; and he was the source of the Written Word- What he spoke was divine- What he taught was Divine
1 Thess. 2:13- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
II. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Dependable.
Since God’s Word is Divine- since it came from God himself- since it was inspired by the Holy Ghost- it is absolutely dependable and trustworthy. There are no lies, no errors, no wrong directions, no false instructions, no bad advice. It is Good for all nations- all races- all languages- all cultures- all customs- all men- all women- all boys and all girls. It is Good for all situations- all circumstances- all matters. The Psalmist cried out- Forever O Lord, thy Word is settled in Heaven!
Prophecy in the Bible is one of the undeniable proofs of its Divinity and Dependability.
1) It Foretold the rise and fall of the World empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome hundreds of years before they existed.
2) Isaiah named King Cyrus 300 years before he was born. (Is. 44:28; 45:1)
3) There were over 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ alone and every one was fulfilled.
Dr. Peter Stoner wrote in Science Speaks concerning the law of prophetic probability- He said that the mathematical probability of only 8 (eight) prophecies being fulfilled in the life of any one person is Ten to the 17th power! He further illustrated what that meant: You would cover the state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep- one silver dollar would be marked and mixed with the others- a man would be blindfolded and sent out to pick the marked silver dollar- the probability that he will pick up the marked dollar on his first try is the same as the probability of 8 prophecies being fulfilled in any one person’s life. God’s Word is Divine and it is Dependable!
Pro 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. Pro 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
III. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Dynamic.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The Gospel of Christ is Power over Satan- power over demons- power over Sin- power over the flesh- power over Sickness.
Jer 23:28,29 ...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully...29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
You’ve probably heard the Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. Rebellious sailors mutinied, took over the Bounty and put Capt. Bligh and his few loyal men adrift on the open sea in a small boat. Nine of the white sailors along with the native wives they had taken from a South Sea Island and 6 more native men sailed to another island and sank the ship. They soon learned how to make whiskey from a native plant and drunkenness and debauchery ruled in the island colony. In just a few years, murder and disease had taken the lives of all the native men and all but one of the original sailors. His name was Alexander Smith and he was left alone on the island with a few of the native women and a number of children. One day, Smith found a Bible in an old abandoned trunk. He began to read it and became a Christian. He then started having regular Bible studies for everyone on the island. In 1808 the US Topaz landed at the island, known as Pitcairn, and found a thriving and prosperous community. The people were living in decency, harmony and peace. There was no whiskey, no crime, no jail, no immorality and no disease. The Bible, The Wonderful Word of God had changed the lives of everyone on the island. The Bible is Dynamic!
Rev. Thomas Dalington worked with the China Inland Mission for over 20 years and told this story: one day rebel bandits attacked the town where he was working and had built up a Christian congregation. To show that they would stand no resistance they killed a number of children who were playing in the street. They proclaimed martial law and decreed that no one was to leave his house. That night Rev. Dalington went to the church, threw open the doors and invited the bandits to come in. They came in with threats and cursing; he stilled them and began to read in their dialect the story of the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. They had never heard it before and sat spell bound in complete silence. When he finished, he closed the Bible, invited them to come again tomorrow night and left.
The next night the same thing took place and this continued each night through the week. After five nights, Rev. Dalington felt impressed by the Holy Ghost to give an altar call for these bandits and he asked those who wished to accept the Christ of this story as their own Savior to come forward and kneel down. Thirteen (13) of those men (all of them murderers and most of them cannibals as well) came forward and with tears in their eyes prayed to be saved. God’s Word is Dynamic!
It is God’s Word that works in our Conviction, and in our Conversion. It is God’s Word that works in our Salvation & in our Sanctification; In our Faith & in our Faithfulness.
1 Peter 1:23- Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.
IV. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Durable.
1 Pet. 1:23 leads us to our final point- “the Word which liveth (dynamic) and abideth for ever (durable).
Jesus said in Luke 21:33- Heaven & earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Everything around us is Perishable: houses, cars clothes, furniture, gadgets, LIFE itself, but the True Word of God is durable.
Is. 40:8- The grass withereth the flower fadeth but the Word of our God shall stand for ever
1 Pet. 1:25- but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever
The French sceptic Voltaire made the boast, “I will go through the forest of the Scriptures & cut down all the trees so that in 100 years Christianity will be but a vanishing memory” Later, his very room was purchased by the British and Foreign Bible Society and packed from floor to ceiling with Bibles. You and I can trust in the Word of God! It is Divine. It is Dependable. It is Dynamic. It is Durable.
Intro: The Bible is the Most important book in all the world and in all of history. It is Unique- none other like it- there never has been and never will be. It is Unique in its Continuity. It is One book made up of 66 books- written over a period of 1600 years- by over 40 authors from almost every walk of life: historians, doctors, shepherds, tax collectors, cupbearers, military generals, philosophers, kings, and prophets. It was written in prisons, dungeons, synagogues, palaces, desert places, on hillsides near the temple, on river banks, and even on an island. It was Written on Three Continents: Europe, Asia, & Africa and in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, some Aramaic. It covers hundreds of controversial subjects and deals with all the details of human life, YET has NO contradictions. It is Unique in its Circulation. It was the first book printed on the printing press. It was the first book translated into another language, when the OT Scriptures were translated from Hebrew to Greek in about 250 BC. It has been translated into over 1000 languages, has had more copies published than any other book, and has been the consistent best selling book throughout the years. The Bible truly is a Wonderful Book!
I. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Divine.
Text- ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God. (God Breathed)
1 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Plenary Inspiration- Fully inspired- complete & entire- not partial. The Bible does not “contain” the Word of God; it IS THE Word of God. Every book, every chapter, every verse and every word.
Verbal Inspiration- the very words, not just the subjects or the thoughts are inspired by God. YES, God did use men to speak and to write his word. He used their distinctive personality and style but HE inspired their thoughts and the words they spoke and wrote.
God’s Word is Divine. Therefore, it carries Divine Authority. It takes precedence over every other book, over every teaching, over every opinion, over every belief and over every piece of advice ever given. John tells of the Beginning from an eternal perspective in John 1:1,2- In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with God and the Word was God, the same was in the beginning with God. Vs 14 then states- The Word became flesh and dwelt among us an we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. Jesus Christ himself- the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Triune Godhead- the Divine Son of God is called the WORD- Jesus was the Living Word; and he was the source of the Written Word- What he spoke was divine- What he taught was Divine
1 Thess. 2:13- For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
II. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Dependable.
Since God’s Word is Divine- since it came from God himself- since it was inspired by the Holy Ghost- it is absolutely dependable and trustworthy. There are no lies, no errors, no wrong directions, no false instructions, no bad advice. It is Good for all nations- all races- all languages- all cultures- all customs- all men- all women- all boys and all girls. It is Good for all situations- all circumstances- all matters. The Psalmist cried out- Forever O Lord, thy Word is settled in Heaven!
Prophecy in the Bible is one of the undeniable proofs of its Divinity and Dependability.
1) It Foretold the rise and fall of the World empires of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome hundreds of years before they existed.
2) Isaiah named King Cyrus 300 years before he was born. (Is. 44:28; 45:1)
3) There were over 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ alone and every one was fulfilled.
Dr. Peter Stoner wrote in Science Speaks concerning the law of prophetic probability- He said that the mathematical probability of only 8 (eight) prophecies being fulfilled in the life of any one person is Ten to the 17th power! He further illustrated what that meant: You would cover the state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep- one silver dollar would be marked and mixed with the others- a man would be blindfolded and sent out to pick the marked silver dollar- the probability that he will pick up the marked dollar on his first try is the same as the probability of 8 prophecies being fulfilled in any one person’s life. God’s Word is Divine and it is Dependable!
Pro 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. Pro 4:20-22 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
III. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Dynamic.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The Gospel of Christ is Power over Satan- power over demons- power over Sin- power over the flesh- power over Sickness.
Jer 23:28,29 ...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully...29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
You’ve probably heard the Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. Rebellious sailors mutinied, took over the Bounty and put Capt. Bligh and his few loyal men adrift on the open sea in a small boat. Nine of the white sailors along with the native wives they had taken from a South Sea Island and 6 more native men sailed to another island and sank the ship. They soon learned how to make whiskey from a native plant and drunkenness and debauchery ruled in the island colony. In just a few years, murder and disease had taken the lives of all the native men and all but one of the original sailors. His name was Alexander Smith and he was left alone on the island with a few of the native women and a number of children. One day, Smith found a Bible in an old abandoned trunk. He began to read it and became a Christian. He then started having regular Bible studies for everyone on the island. In 1808 the US Topaz landed at the island, known as Pitcairn, and found a thriving and prosperous community. The people were living in decency, harmony and peace. There was no whiskey, no crime, no jail, no immorality and no disease. The Bible, The Wonderful Word of God had changed the lives of everyone on the island. The Bible is Dynamic!
Rev. Thomas Dalington worked with the China Inland Mission for over 20 years and told this story: one day rebel bandits attacked the town where he was working and had built up a Christian congregation. To show that they would stand no resistance they killed a number of children who were playing in the street. They proclaimed martial law and decreed that no one was to leave his house. That night Rev. Dalington went to the church, threw open the doors and invited the bandits to come in. They came in with threats and cursing; he stilled them and began to read in their dialect the story of the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. They had never heard it before and sat spell bound in complete silence. When he finished, he closed the Bible, invited them to come again tomorrow night and left.
The next night the same thing took place and this continued each night through the week. After five nights, Rev. Dalington felt impressed by the Holy Ghost to give an altar call for these bandits and he asked those who wished to accept the Christ of this story as their own Savior to come forward and kneel down. Thirteen (13) of those men (all of them murderers and most of them cannibals as well) came forward and with tears in their eyes prayed to be saved. God’s Word is Dynamic!
It is God’s Word that works in our Conviction, and in our Conversion. It is God’s Word that works in our Salvation & in our Sanctification; In our Faith & in our Faithfulness.
1 Peter 1:23- Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.
IV. The Word of God is True in 2022 because it is Durable.
1 Pet. 1:23 leads us to our final point- “the Word which liveth (dynamic) and abideth for ever (durable).
Jesus said in Luke 21:33- Heaven & earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Everything around us is Perishable: houses, cars clothes, furniture, gadgets, LIFE itself, but the True Word of God is durable.
Is. 40:8- The grass withereth the flower fadeth but the Word of our God shall stand for ever
1 Pet. 1:25- but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever
The French sceptic Voltaire made the boast, “I will go through the forest of the Scriptures & cut down all the trees so that in 100 years Christianity will be but a vanishing memory” Later, his very room was purchased by the British and Foreign Bible Society and packed from floor to ceiling with Bibles. You and I can trust in the Word of God! It is Divine. It is Dependable. It is Dynamic. It is Durable.
- Published on
The Dragon who Hates Christmas- Rev. 12: 1-5
Intro: This is an amazing chapter of the book of Revelation. John had a vision of the great conflict that has gone on throughout the ages and culminates during end time; the time when the anti-Christ will rise to power and determines to destroy Israel. God prepares them a place of refuge in the wilderness and those who flee there are protected until the anti-Christ is defeated and cast into Hell. Let’s take a look at the Big Picture presented here of this conflict that raged through the ages of time.
I. The Dragon Hates Christ.
John saw a Woman who is described as being clothed with the sun. The moon was under her feet, and she wore a crown of 12 stars. She is a type of nation of Israel. You’ll remember Joseph’s dream of the sun, moon, and 12 stars bowing to him representing him and his brothers who would become the 12 tribes of Israel.
God would use the nation of Israel to bring his Son, Jesus Christ into the world. From the very beginning, Satan, the Dragon hated Christ and did everything in his power to see that Jesus Christ DID NOT come to earth as Savior, Redeemer, Lord & King.
Genesis 3:14,15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Satan had already rebelled while in heaven. Rev. 12:4 talked about how he had gathered one third of the stars (angels) of heaven and cast them to the earth. He had been cast out of God’s Heaven into the Air, the atmosphere of the earth, where he became the “prince of the power of the air”, “the god of this world” He then came into Eden and deceived the woman, persuading her to disobey God. God then pronounced his Curse on the Serpent, and on Satan who was using the serpent. God declared that Satan would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman BUT that the Seed of the woman would bruise Satan’s head. (clearly a fatal blow, bringing Satan to defeat)
Of course, Satan would not take this lying down. In the language of Rev. 12 “he stood before the woman...to devour her child as soon as it was born”
He started his attack quickly!
- Cain- enraged and motived by Satan himself rose up and murdered Abel; Satan was already trying to exterminate the godly line.
- Pharaoh in Egypt- decreed that all baby boys born to the Israelites be killed.
- Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat) became King, slew all of his brothers of the royal line (2 Chron. 21:4,13) Rebuked by Elijah the prophet.
2 Chron. 21: 17- all of Jehoram’s sons were also killed except ONE- the royal line had been reduced to ONE boy.
- Jehoahaz (Ahaziah) became king after Jehoram; when he died his mother Athaliah “arose and destroyed all the royal seed of the house of Judah” It was yet another Satanic attempt to destroy the Royal Line of Israel and Keep Christ from coming.
BUT- Jehoida the priest and his wife rescued one baby boy- Joash- and hid him away for Six years while Athaliah ruled with terror and evil.
- Haman’s wicked plan- because Mordecai the Jew would not bow to him, Haman obtained permission to destroy all the Jews. Haman was a descendant of Agag- the Amalekite King- and the Amalekites were sworn enemies of Israel and through the OT are a type of the flesh warring against the Spirit. Now Satan stirred up Haman to exterminate the Jewish nation again trying to thwart the coming of Jesus Christ to earth.
-When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men came from the east searching for him who was King of Israel. When they asked at Herod’s Palace, Satan aroused Herod’s jealousy and hatred and he decreed that all boys two and under be slain. This was a horrible massacre that must rank as one of the most vile deeds in human history.
Matthew Quotes from Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2: 17,18 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Again, God overcame the efforts of Satan for Joseph was warned in a dream to take Mary and the child Jesus and flee into Egypt where they remained until Herod had died.
Satan, the Dragon, did not stop trying:
- In the Wilderness he tried his best to cause Jesus to fail and be diverted from his mission of Redemption.
- Attempted stonings (Lk 4 & Jn 10)
- Betrayal, Arrest, Illegal Trial, Crucifixion of Jesus. He was Dead and Buried, Yet Victorious!
Jesus went into lower parts of the Earth. There He Declared Victory over Sin and Satan and took the Keys of Death & Hell from the devil. Jesus then Resurrected in Power & Glory. He Ascended; was Caught up into Heaven. Rev. 12:5 says that the woman brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, and her child was caught up unto God and to his throne.
Satan then turned his wrath toward believers on the Earth...
II. The Dragon Hates the Church.
Israel- the Woman- also brought forth the Church, for all the original believers were Jews of Israel. Satan has been on the attack against the Church ever since the Day of Pentecost. He is the Tempter- Accuser of Brethren- Deceiver (angel of light) He has Tried...Confusion, Deception, and
Persecution. It’s true that some individuals have been victims and fallen in defeat, But the true Church of Jesus Christ will not be defeated by Satan. Though Satan stands before us trying to destroy every new convert that is born again, and trying to destroy every Christian who loves and serves Jesus Christ, the Church is destined to be caught up into heaven.
1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The Dragon Hates Christmas because He Hates Christ and he hates the Church, but the Fact is that when Satan is forever confined to the Bottomless Pit and the Lake of Fire, we will still be Celebrating The Christ of Christmas!
Isaiah prophesied about the coming Christ: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, AND the government shall be upon his shoulder...and of the increase of his government and peace there shall BE NO END.”
Jesus truly is the LORD OF Lords and the KING of Kings!
Intro: This is an amazing chapter of the book of Revelation. John had a vision of the great conflict that has gone on throughout the ages and culminates during end time; the time when the anti-Christ will rise to power and determines to destroy Israel. God prepares them a place of refuge in the wilderness and those who flee there are protected until the anti-Christ is defeated and cast into Hell. Let’s take a look at the Big Picture presented here of this conflict that raged through the ages of time.
I. The Dragon Hates Christ.
John saw a Woman who is described as being clothed with the sun. The moon was under her feet, and she wore a crown of 12 stars. She is a type of nation of Israel. You’ll remember Joseph’s dream of the sun, moon, and 12 stars bowing to him representing him and his brothers who would become the 12 tribes of Israel.
God would use the nation of Israel to bring his Son, Jesus Christ into the world. From the very beginning, Satan, the Dragon hated Christ and did everything in his power to see that Jesus Christ DID NOT come to earth as Savior, Redeemer, Lord & King.
Genesis 3:14,15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Satan had already rebelled while in heaven. Rev. 12:4 talked about how he had gathered one third of the stars (angels) of heaven and cast them to the earth. He had been cast out of God’s Heaven into the Air, the atmosphere of the earth, where he became the “prince of the power of the air”, “the god of this world” He then came into Eden and deceived the woman, persuading her to disobey God. God then pronounced his Curse on the Serpent, and on Satan who was using the serpent. God declared that Satan would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman BUT that the Seed of the woman would bruise Satan’s head. (clearly a fatal blow, bringing Satan to defeat)
Of course, Satan would not take this lying down. In the language of Rev. 12 “he stood before the woman...to devour her child as soon as it was born”
He started his attack quickly!
- Cain- enraged and motived by Satan himself rose up and murdered Abel; Satan was already trying to exterminate the godly line.
- Pharaoh in Egypt- decreed that all baby boys born to the Israelites be killed.
- Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat) became King, slew all of his brothers of the royal line (2 Chron. 21:4,13) Rebuked by Elijah the prophet.
2 Chron. 21: 17- all of Jehoram’s sons were also killed except ONE- the royal line had been reduced to ONE boy.
- Jehoahaz (Ahaziah) became king after Jehoram; when he died his mother Athaliah “arose and destroyed all the royal seed of the house of Judah” It was yet another Satanic attempt to destroy the Royal Line of Israel and Keep Christ from coming.
BUT- Jehoida the priest and his wife rescued one baby boy- Joash- and hid him away for Six years while Athaliah ruled with terror and evil.
- Haman’s wicked plan- because Mordecai the Jew would not bow to him, Haman obtained permission to destroy all the Jews. Haman was a descendant of Agag- the Amalekite King- and the Amalekites were sworn enemies of Israel and through the OT are a type of the flesh warring against the Spirit. Now Satan stirred up Haman to exterminate the Jewish nation again trying to thwart the coming of Jesus Christ to earth.
-When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men came from the east searching for him who was King of Israel. When they asked at Herod’s Palace, Satan aroused Herod’s jealousy and hatred and he decreed that all boys two and under be slain. This was a horrible massacre that must rank as one of the most vile deeds in human history.
Matthew Quotes from Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2: 17,18 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Again, God overcame the efforts of Satan for Joseph was warned in a dream to take Mary and the child Jesus and flee into Egypt where they remained until Herod had died.
Satan, the Dragon, did not stop trying:
- In the Wilderness he tried his best to cause Jesus to fail and be diverted from his mission of Redemption.
- Attempted stonings (Lk 4 & Jn 10)
- Betrayal, Arrest, Illegal Trial, Crucifixion of Jesus. He was Dead and Buried, Yet Victorious!
Jesus went into lower parts of the Earth. There He Declared Victory over Sin and Satan and took the Keys of Death & Hell from the devil. Jesus then Resurrected in Power & Glory. He Ascended; was Caught up into Heaven. Rev. 12:5 says that the woman brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, and her child was caught up unto God and to his throne.
Satan then turned his wrath toward believers on the Earth...
II. The Dragon Hates the Church.
Israel- the Woman- also brought forth the Church, for all the original believers were Jews of Israel. Satan has been on the attack against the Church ever since the Day of Pentecost. He is the Tempter- Accuser of Brethren- Deceiver (angel of light) He has Tried...Confusion, Deception, and
Persecution. It’s true that some individuals have been victims and fallen in defeat, But the true Church of Jesus Christ will not be defeated by Satan. Though Satan stands before us trying to destroy every new convert that is born again, and trying to destroy every Christian who loves and serves Jesus Christ, the Church is destined to be caught up into heaven.
1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The Dragon Hates Christmas because He Hates Christ and he hates the Church, but the Fact is that when Satan is forever confined to the Bottomless Pit and the Lake of Fire, we will still be Celebrating The Christ of Christmas!
Isaiah prophesied about the coming Christ: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, AND the government shall be upon his shoulder...and of the increase of his government and peace there shall BE NO END.”
Jesus truly is the LORD OF Lords and the KING of Kings!
- Published on
Thanksgiving in Three Time Zones
Ps. 100
I. Thank God for What He Has Done.
Ps 126:3- The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
God has already done amazing things that we should regularly give thanks to Him for.
A. Creation.
What an amazing act of God! With his Word the worlds were framed and formed. With his hands man and woman were created and with his Breath of Life they became living souls.
B. Revelation.
What an amazing blessing from God! He did not have to reveal himself to us, but he did. He took the initiative to speak directly to man. He took the initiative to speak to man within his spirit. He then directed holy men to write down his Word so that we would have his complete revelation. Don’t take your Bible for granted; thank God for his divine revelation.
C. Salvation.
What an amazing work of God! He Saved Us. He provided the payment for our sins when we were at our worst and could do nothing about our condition. He sent Jesus Christ to be the perfect Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
D. Consideration.
What an amazing attitude of God! He is actually “mindful” of us. He thinks about us. He cares about us. Think of his consideration:
1) Physical- Birth; Parents; Health; Marriage; Family; Material Blessings (Work, income, shelter, transportation, clothing, food, ALL Needs, MANY Wants, FEW Luxuries
2) Spiritual- Heritage; Experience; Blessings (Holy Ghost, Healings, Refillings, Comfort, Peace, Joy, Encouragement, Strength, Grace.....)
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
II. Thank God for What He is Doing.
Ps 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
A. Sustaining- by Him all things consist- he is holding all things together by his power Right Now!
B. Saving- He is still saving souls- Those who have never heard before- Lost in the wilderness and in the jungles of this world- Lost in Gospel hardened America- Lost in West Plains- Backsliders who Know but are lost. He is still saving Moms, Dads, Sons, Daughters, Family, Friends, Co-Workers, and even Chance acquaintances.
C. Providing- He is still giving breath, health, and material blessings untold.
D. Ruling- He is still on the throne of the Universe; the hearts of kings are still in his hand.
III. Thank God for What He Will Do.
Joel 2:21- Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things.
2 Cor. 1:9 we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
A. He Will Remain Faithful.
Deut 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
1Thess 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
B. He Will Reward the Righteous.
One day the Rapture & Resurrection will actually take place. The dead in Christ will be raised from the dead and the living saved will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. After our Rapture up into his presence we will be Rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ. As his bride, we will partake of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Then, we will Rule and Reign With Him on Earth.
1 Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him
C. He Will Reign for Eternity.
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a statue or image that had a Gold head, a Silver chest and arms, a Brass torso, Iron legs, and Feet and toes of iron and clay mixed. This dream and this statue was an overview of all the empires and kingdoms of man, from the Babylonian empire through the Roman empire and then on to the 10 Kingdom Confederation that exists during the Tribulation. Then, a Stone Cut out of the Mountain without hands came crashing down upon the image and destroyed it completely. The stone became a great mountain that symbolized the eternal kingdom of God. Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
1Tim 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Thank God for What He Has Done!
Thank God for What He is Doing!
Thank God for What He Will Yet Do!
Ps. 100
I. Thank God for What He Has Done.
Ps 126:3- The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
God has already done amazing things that we should regularly give thanks to Him for.
A. Creation.
What an amazing act of God! With his Word the worlds were framed and formed. With his hands man and woman were created and with his Breath of Life they became living souls.
B. Revelation.
What an amazing blessing from God! He did not have to reveal himself to us, but he did. He took the initiative to speak directly to man. He took the initiative to speak to man within his spirit. He then directed holy men to write down his Word so that we would have his complete revelation. Don’t take your Bible for granted; thank God for his divine revelation.
C. Salvation.
What an amazing work of God! He Saved Us. He provided the payment for our sins when we were at our worst and could do nothing about our condition. He sent Jesus Christ to be the perfect Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
D. Consideration.
What an amazing attitude of God! He is actually “mindful” of us. He thinks about us. He cares about us. Think of his consideration:
1) Physical- Birth; Parents; Health; Marriage; Family; Material Blessings (Work, income, shelter, transportation, clothing, food, ALL Needs, MANY Wants, FEW Luxuries
2) Spiritual- Heritage; Experience; Blessings (Holy Ghost, Healings, Refillings, Comfort, Peace, Joy, Encouragement, Strength, Grace.....)
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
II. Thank God for What He is Doing.
Ps 103:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
A. Sustaining- by Him all things consist- he is holding all things together by his power Right Now!
B. Saving- He is still saving souls- Those who have never heard before- Lost in the wilderness and in the jungles of this world- Lost in Gospel hardened America- Lost in West Plains- Backsliders who Know but are lost. He is still saving Moms, Dads, Sons, Daughters, Family, Friends, Co-Workers, and even Chance acquaintances.
C. Providing- He is still giving breath, health, and material blessings untold.
D. Ruling- He is still on the throne of the Universe; the hearts of kings are still in his hand.
III. Thank God for What He Will Do.
Joel 2:21- Fear not, O land, be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things.
2 Cor. 1:9 we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
A. He Will Remain Faithful.
Deut 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
1Thess 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
B. He Will Reward the Righteous.
One day the Rapture & Resurrection will actually take place. The dead in Christ will be raised from the dead and the living saved will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. After our Rapture up into his presence we will be Rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ. As his bride, we will partake of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Then, we will Rule and Reign With Him on Earth.
1 Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him
C. He Will Reign for Eternity.
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a statue or image that had a Gold head, a Silver chest and arms, a Brass torso, Iron legs, and Feet and toes of iron and clay mixed. This dream and this statue was an overview of all the empires and kingdoms of man, from the Babylonian empire through the Roman empire and then on to the 10 Kingdom Confederation that exists during the Tribulation. Then, a Stone Cut out of the Mountain without hands came crashing down upon the image and destroyed it completely. The stone became a great mountain that symbolized the eternal kingdom of God. Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
1Tim 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Thank God for What He Has Done!
Thank God for What He is Doing!
Thank God for What He Will Yet Do!
- Published on
The Heavenly Marathon- Heb. 12:1-3
Intro: In recent years, fitness programs have become quite a fad, including jogging and running. There have been hundreds of long distance races every year in the US and numbers of Marathons as well, where people actually run over 26 Miles!
Of course, in Bible times things were some different. The first record of competitive racing was a 210 yard race held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. (Not even a quarter of mile).
Later the games grew to include wrestling, javelin and discus throwing, chariot racing, and long distance running. The race know as the Marathon was created in honor of a military victory.
Miltiades was an Athenian general who led his force of 11,000 men against the Persians who numbered over 20,000. They fought in the plain of Marathon, just over 25 miles from Athens and miraculously the Greeks defeated their larger foe. Miltiades was afraid the citizens of Athens would surrender before they could hear of his victory in the field so he sent a runner named Pheidippides to take the message of his victory to the people of Athens. Pheidippides ran the almost 26 miles with all of his might, entered the city, gave the message of victor, then collapsed and died. In his honor the long distance race was named the Marathon and added to the Olympic games.
By NT times, these games had been going on for hundreds of years and were well known around the world. Paul in particular used the analogy of running the race to illustrate the Christian life, from Earth to Heaven. And my friends, this race is not a Sprint or Dash, it’s a Marathon.
I. Getting in the Race.
There is only one way to qualify for this Heavenly Marathon- Salvation through Jesus Christ.
Conviction of Sin
- John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him;
- Paul after his deliverance from prison- the Philippian Jailer “sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”
Repentance-
- Eze 14:6 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations
- John the Baptist- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
-Jesus- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “Except ye repent, ye shall perish.”
- Disciples “went out and preached that men should repent.
- Paul said in Acts 17:30 that God “commands all men every where to repent.”
Repentance is not just sorrow for sin, but also confession of sin and a turning from sin.
Along with Repentance there must be Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. There must be an acceptance of the shedding of His blood for all sin so that a man or woman is Born Again, for Jesus said, “Ye must be born again,” and “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”
When you are saved, cleansed from sin, washed in the blood of Jesus, then you are in the Heavenly Marathon and you have joined in this Race from Earth to Heaven.
II. Putting off the Weights.
Text- let us lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us and let us Run...
The Bible has a lot to say about “putting off” and “laying aside” and “putting on.”
1Pet 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice (ill will toward others) and all guile (deceit, deception, dishonesty) and hypocrisies(pretending, faking) and envies (jealousy) and all evil speakings (tearing down others with your words; running someone down)
Eph. 4:22 Put off... the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.... 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good.... 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor (the outcry of strife; yelling & fighting), and evil speaking, (slander) be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you
Col. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him
Once you get in this Marathon, it is vital that you put off the weights of this world. There are many things that will hinder us and hold us back and cause us to fail in this race. We must recognize them and lay them aside.
Lay aside the Weights of Wrong Attitudes.
Lay aside the Weights of Worldliness- immodest fashions, immoral activities, sinful associations. You Cannot Run this Heavenly Marathon weighted down with addictions and filthy habits. We must lay aside all forms of alcohol, the use of tobacco, the abuse of drugs, the viewing of pornography in any form. We must guard our eyes and ears from all filth whether it comes through a TV, Video, or from the Internet or a cell phone.
Paul said to the Galatians, “Ye did run well, Who did hinder you?” It’s a tragic thing when someone Gets In the Race but Refuses to Put Off the Weights.
III. Running Through the Gates.
It is not enough to start this race, We must Finish It. Our Text passage states that we must “run with patience the race set before us; Looking unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our Faith.”
- 1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Ecc 9:11 says that “the race is not to the swift.” That points out the fact that its How Fast you Run, but How Long you Endure! An old song said, “Its not the one runs the swiftest, or the one who shines for a day, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”
Jesus said in Mt 10:22 “ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Mt 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Paul said that every one who Finishes the Course and Keeps the Faith will receive Crown of Righteousness. When the Home Gates Swing Open for Me I want to be Running! I want to Run all the way through the Gates into my heavenly Home.
Intro: In recent years, fitness programs have become quite a fad, including jogging and running. There have been hundreds of long distance races every year in the US and numbers of Marathons as well, where people actually run over 26 Miles!
Of course, in Bible times things were some different. The first record of competitive racing was a 210 yard race held in honor of the Greek god Zeus. (Not even a quarter of mile).
Later the games grew to include wrestling, javelin and discus throwing, chariot racing, and long distance running. The race know as the Marathon was created in honor of a military victory.
Miltiades was an Athenian general who led his force of 11,000 men against the Persians who numbered over 20,000. They fought in the plain of Marathon, just over 25 miles from Athens and miraculously the Greeks defeated their larger foe. Miltiades was afraid the citizens of Athens would surrender before they could hear of his victory in the field so he sent a runner named Pheidippides to take the message of his victory to the people of Athens. Pheidippides ran the almost 26 miles with all of his might, entered the city, gave the message of victor, then collapsed and died. In his honor the long distance race was named the Marathon and added to the Olympic games.
By NT times, these games had been going on for hundreds of years and were well known around the world. Paul in particular used the analogy of running the race to illustrate the Christian life, from Earth to Heaven. And my friends, this race is not a Sprint or Dash, it’s a Marathon.
I. Getting in the Race.
There is only one way to qualify for this Heavenly Marathon- Salvation through Jesus Christ.
Conviction of Sin
- John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him;
- Paul after his deliverance from prison- the Philippian Jailer “sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”
Repentance-
- Eze 14:6 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations
- John the Baptist- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
-Jesus- “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “Except ye repent, ye shall perish.”
- Disciples “went out and preached that men should repent.
- Paul said in Acts 17:30 that God “commands all men every where to repent.”
Repentance is not just sorrow for sin, but also confession of sin and a turning from sin.
Along with Repentance there must be Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. There must be an acceptance of the shedding of His blood for all sin so that a man or woman is Born Again, for Jesus said, “Ye must be born again,” and “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”
When you are saved, cleansed from sin, washed in the blood of Jesus, then you are in the Heavenly Marathon and you have joined in this Race from Earth to Heaven.
II. Putting off the Weights.
Text- let us lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us and let us Run...
The Bible has a lot to say about “putting off” and “laying aside” and “putting on.”
1Pet 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice (ill will toward others) and all guile (deceit, deception, dishonesty) and hypocrisies(pretending, faking) and envies (jealousy) and all evil speakings (tearing down others with your words; running someone down)
Eph. 4:22 Put off... the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.... 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good.... 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor (the outcry of strife; yelling & fighting), and evil speaking, (slander) be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you
Col. 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him
Once you get in this Marathon, it is vital that you put off the weights of this world. There are many things that will hinder us and hold us back and cause us to fail in this race. We must recognize them and lay them aside.
Lay aside the Weights of Wrong Attitudes.
Lay aside the Weights of Worldliness- immodest fashions, immoral activities, sinful associations. You Cannot Run this Heavenly Marathon weighted down with addictions and filthy habits. We must lay aside all forms of alcohol, the use of tobacco, the abuse of drugs, the viewing of pornography in any form. We must guard our eyes and ears from all filth whether it comes through a TV, Video, or from the Internet or a cell phone.
Paul said to the Galatians, “Ye did run well, Who did hinder you?” It’s a tragic thing when someone Gets In the Race but Refuses to Put Off the Weights.
III. Running Through the Gates.
It is not enough to start this race, We must Finish It. Our Text passage states that we must “run with patience the race set before us; Looking unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our Faith.”
- 1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Ecc 9:11 says that “the race is not to the swift.” That points out the fact that its How Fast you Run, but How Long you Endure! An old song said, “Its not the one runs the swiftest, or the one who shines for a day, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”
Jesus said in Mt 10:22 “ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Mt 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Paul said that every one who Finishes the Course and Keeps the Faith will receive Crown of Righteousness. When the Home Gates Swing Open for Me I want to be Running! I want to Run all the way through the Gates into my heavenly Home.
- Published on
Vigilance and Victory
1 Cor. 15:58
Intro: This is one of the great doctrinal chapters of the Bible. In it, Paul discusses the doctrine of the Resurrection in much detail, proving it to be true on the basis of Christ’s resurrection and illustrating it by analogies from the natural and the spiritual world.
Paul describes the great Victory that lies ahead for every child of God. Paul states that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again to everlasting life. Then Paul reminds us that since Jesus rose from the dead, we will also be raised from the dead. Since Jesus lives forever we too will live forever. Our hope is not just in this earthly life; we would be of all men most miserable! Our hope is in the Lord and in the promise of the resurrection.
Behold, I show you a mystery we shall not all sleep (die) but we shall all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised and we shall be changed. This corruption will put on incorruption and this mortality will put on immortality.
The Child of God has a Glorious Promise of Victory even in Death. Death is the end of physical life as we know it, but it is not the end of abundant life, and it is the beginning of eternal life.
Paul then exhorts us that in order for us to have Victory in death, we must have Vigilance in life.
It’s sad but true, not everyone who starts on this narrow way makes it all the way to the end.
Not everyone who comes to Jesus for salvation stays in the race to heaven.
If we would have victory in death, we must have vigilance in life. There are three instructions for us all in this one powerful verse.
I. Be Dependable. (Be ye steadfast...)
“Not serving the Lord in spurts or spells”
“Not turning aside from the truth presented”
Positively stated- BE FAITHFUL- Dependable- Constant
Faithful to God- not devoted today and a deserter tomorrow- not loyal today and a traitor tomorrow.
Dependable in Prayer- Dependable in Bible Study- Dependable in Obedience- Dependable in Church Attendance- Dependable in Christian Character.
Every Christian goes through “Valleys”- low spots in Christian life. You Want God to be Faithful in the Valley as well as on the Mountain! Right? Well, God wants you to be Dependable in the Valley as well as on the Mountain too!
Be steadfast! Be Constant- Be Faithful- Be Dependable.
II. Be Determined. (Be unmoveable)
This is the only time this Greek word is used in Bible and it is a negative form of moved; as one that is moved from his place. So Paul Says, Hold your Ground! Stay in your Place! Don’t let anyone or anything Move you away.
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard...
The devil will do everything is his power to Move you away from your Commitment to God. He will use every weapon in his arsenal- every trick in his bag- every tool in his box. He will use people, circumstances, situations, genuine offenses & imagined offenses, criticism. He will use sickness, affliction, financial pressure, family pressures, emotional distress...
Some evidently have the motto: when the going gets tough even the tough give up.
COME ON! Don’t be easily offended. Don’t be easily discouraged. Don’t be easily detoured. Don’t be easily defeated.
Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Phil. 3:13 but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
III. Be Diligent. (Always abounding in the work of the Lord)
Every child of God is called to do work for the Lord. You may not be called to full time ministry (Pastor, evangelist, missionary); You may be Lay preacher, Youth pastor, SS teacher, supt., board member, Children’s church teacher. You may not have title. You may sing, play your music, testify, push a vacuum, empty a trash can, PRAY faithfully & fervently, attend church and “get in” when your there.
Some people are “workaholics” when it comes to physical work and making money, But shirkaholics when it comes to doing anything for the kingdom of God, for the church, for the reaching of souls.
[I am only one, but I am One. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do, & what I ought to do, by God’s grace I will do.]
Take your spiritual work seriously. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with might.
Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Ps 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
IV. Be Delighted. (forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord)
We should be living for God and working for God with delight, not complaint. There should be an overflowing JOY in our hearts, knowing that we have Great blessings NOW and that we will have even Greater blessings in the life to come if we remain faithful in our work for the Lord.
Ps. 40:8- I delight to do thy will O my God.
Paul told us that God loves a Cheerful Giver and I think it is also true that God loves a cheerful Christian: a cheerful preacher, a cheerful singer, a cheerful teacher, a cheerful church member .....
I know that the Christian life consists of Duties that are commanded by the Bible and expected by the Lord, but our duty should be not a drudgery but a delight.
D L Moody- “I am so tired of the misuse of that word ‘duty.’ A man will often get up in the prayer meeting and say he doesn’t really have much to say. but he feels it is his ‘duty’ to say something for the Lord just to fill up the time. What a nuisance!” When a minister took issue with him he said, “Suppose tomorrow was your wife’s birthday and you were to go buy her a present. When you gave it to her you said, ‘Today’s your birthday so here is a present for you. It’s not much but I felt it was my duty to get you some thing.’ Do you think she would be happy with that?”
[Be Dependable
Be Determined
Be Diligent
Be filled with Delight]
Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. If you would be Victorious even in Death, you must be Vigilant now in Life.
1 Cor. 15:58
Intro: This is one of the great doctrinal chapters of the Bible. In it, Paul discusses the doctrine of the Resurrection in much detail, proving it to be true on the basis of Christ’s resurrection and illustrating it by analogies from the natural and the spiritual world.
Paul describes the great Victory that lies ahead for every child of God. Paul states that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again to everlasting life. Then Paul reminds us that since Jesus rose from the dead, we will also be raised from the dead. Since Jesus lives forever we too will live forever. Our hope is not just in this earthly life; we would be of all men most miserable! Our hope is in the Lord and in the promise of the resurrection.
Behold, I show you a mystery we shall not all sleep (die) but we shall all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised and we shall be changed. This corruption will put on incorruption and this mortality will put on immortality.
The Child of God has a Glorious Promise of Victory even in Death. Death is the end of physical life as we know it, but it is not the end of abundant life, and it is the beginning of eternal life.
Paul then exhorts us that in order for us to have Victory in death, we must have Vigilance in life.
It’s sad but true, not everyone who starts on this narrow way makes it all the way to the end.
Not everyone who comes to Jesus for salvation stays in the race to heaven.
If we would have victory in death, we must have vigilance in life. There are three instructions for us all in this one powerful verse.
I. Be Dependable. (Be ye steadfast...)
“Not serving the Lord in spurts or spells”
“Not turning aside from the truth presented”
Positively stated- BE FAITHFUL- Dependable- Constant
Faithful to God- not devoted today and a deserter tomorrow- not loyal today and a traitor tomorrow.
Dependable in Prayer- Dependable in Bible Study- Dependable in Obedience- Dependable in Church Attendance- Dependable in Christian Character.
Every Christian goes through “Valleys”- low spots in Christian life. You Want God to be Faithful in the Valley as well as on the Mountain! Right? Well, God wants you to be Dependable in the Valley as well as on the Mountain too!
Be steadfast! Be Constant- Be Faithful- Be Dependable.
II. Be Determined. (Be unmoveable)
This is the only time this Greek word is used in Bible and it is a negative form of moved; as one that is moved from his place. So Paul Says, Hold your Ground! Stay in your Place! Don’t let anyone or anything Move you away.
Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard...
The devil will do everything is his power to Move you away from your Commitment to God. He will use every weapon in his arsenal- every trick in his bag- every tool in his box. He will use people, circumstances, situations, genuine offenses & imagined offenses, criticism. He will use sickness, affliction, financial pressure, family pressures, emotional distress...
Some evidently have the motto: when the going gets tough even the tough give up.
COME ON! Don’t be easily offended. Don’t be easily discouraged. Don’t be easily detoured. Don’t be easily defeated.
Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Phil. 3:13 but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
III. Be Diligent. (Always abounding in the work of the Lord)
Every child of God is called to do work for the Lord. You may not be called to full time ministry (Pastor, evangelist, missionary); You may be Lay preacher, Youth pastor, SS teacher, supt., board member, Children’s church teacher. You may not have title. You may sing, play your music, testify, push a vacuum, empty a trash can, PRAY faithfully & fervently, attend church and “get in” when your there.
Some people are “workaholics” when it comes to physical work and making money, But shirkaholics when it comes to doing anything for the kingdom of God, for the church, for the reaching of souls.
[I am only one, but I am One. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do, & what I ought to do, by God’s grace I will do.]
Take your spiritual work seriously. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with might.
Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Ps 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
IV. Be Delighted. (forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord)
We should be living for God and working for God with delight, not complaint. There should be an overflowing JOY in our hearts, knowing that we have Great blessings NOW and that we will have even Greater blessings in the life to come if we remain faithful in our work for the Lord.
Ps. 40:8- I delight to do thy will O my God.
Paul told us that God loves a Cheerful Giver and I think it is also true that God loves a cheerful Christian: a cheerful preacher, a cheerful singer, a cheerful teacher, a cheerful church member .....
I know that the Christian life consists of Duties that are commanded by the Bible and expected by the Lord, but our duty should be not a drudgery but a delight.
D L Moody- “I am so tired of the misuse of that word ‘duty.’ A man will often get up in the prayer meeting and say he doesn’t really have much to say. but he feels it is his ‘duty’ to say something for the Lord just to fill up the time. What a nuisance!” When a minister took issue with him he said, “Suppose tomorrow was your wife’s birthday and you were to go buy her a present. When you gave it to her you said, ‘Today’s your birthday so here is a present for you. It’s not much but I felt it was my duty to get you some thing.’ Do you think she would be happy with that?”
[Be Dependable
Be Determined
Be Diligent
Be filled with Delight]
Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. If you would be Victorious even in Death, you must be Vigilant now in Life.
- Published on
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Mat. 21:28-32
Intro: Yes, I know, it’s what they call an “old saying.” Ever wonder where some of those old sayings came from? Saved by the bell? Out of the frying pan into the fire? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? The squeaky wheel gets the oil?
Well, most of them are from right from life itself. We have found by life’s experiences that some things seem to be true, at least they will be true more often than not.
However, some “old sayings” go deeper than human life experience. So it is with this one: actions speak louder than words. This one goes so deep it gets to the heart of being a Christian; to the heart of being pleasing to God; to the heart of being ready for heaven.
This passage is a parable of Jesus concerning two sons.
I. A Reasonable Request.
- From Father to sons- that’s not unreasonable- we expect fathers to make requests of their sons & daughters; to expect certain things of them. Every father and mother has made requests of their children; happens every day several times a day.
- To work in the Vineyard- that’s a reasonable request- its not like asking him to drink the Red Sea or move the Mt. of Olives to a new location; to work in the vineyard is Do-Able; not too hard;
not too much to ask. Especially when you consider he was a son. The father had to hire laborers to work in the vineyard but a son needs only to be asked. After all, the father’s vineyard is part the son’s too; part of his livelihood depends on it; he needs the income it provides; it supplies necessities for his life- this is a reasonable request.
Even when he is asked to work in it Today- this task is a priority- it needs to be taken care of right now. That’s not too much to ask.
II. A Rebellious Refusal.
“I will not!”
Hear the Selfishness? I will not. This is not what I want to do; not what I had in mind for today. I’m not going to change my plans to do what you want.
See the Disobedience? I will Not! I know you’re my father but I am not going to do what you ask; I’ll do what I want
Feel the Rebellion? I Will Not! This son is rebelling against his own father! He is selfish and disobedient; and responds with a Rebellious Refusal.
III. A Ready Response.
“I go, sir.”
Hear the Willingness?
I go! There was no argument; no sighing; no huffing or puffing; no debate; not even questioning why. This son sounds willing to do what the father wants him to do.
Feel the Respect? I go, sir. He replied respectfully to his father, called him sir. There is politeness and honor there. Talk about a Ready Response. This son not only sounds willing to do what the father wants, he is respectful about it.
BUT then notice:
IV. The Reversed Roles.
One said, I will not! But Then he Did.
The other said, I go, sir! But then he Didn’t.
The First responded with Selfishness, Disobedience and Rebellion BUT he Reconsidered- He repented- he was sorry for his attitude- his words- his disrespect.
He not only reconsidered and repented, he responded with the action of Obedience.
He Did what the Father had asked him to do.
The Second son first responded with willingness and respect BUT he Delayed.
Chances are, he was Distracted by something else. That he really meant to go work in the vineyard but something caught his attention and one thing led to another and the next thing he knew, the day was gone and he had never made it to the vineyard.
So, Jesus asked his hearers, “which one did the will of the father?”
It’s true, our words are important. We should always guard our mouth; our words should be Kind- our words should be Loving- our words should be True- our words should be Respectful and Obedient.
But the fact is, Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
You can make all the promises in the world to God. You can say you love him; you can claim to be saved; you can claim to be his child; you can profess to be a Christian and claim to be on your way to heaven; you can claim to be Holy Ghost filled and Spirit led. BUT if your actions do not support your words- its your actions that are telling the Truth.
If by your actions you deny the Lord first place in your life, your words of allegiance are wasted.
If by your actions you live a worldly life, your words of commitment are wasted.
If by your actions you love the world, your words of devotion are wasted.
If by your actions others are despised, your words of love are wasted.
If by your actions you are lazy and apathetic in your worship of the Lord, your words of adoration are wasted.
If by your actions prayer and Bible time are neglected, your religious words are wasted.
James 1:22 Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 4:17 To him that knoweth to DO GOOD and Doeth it Not, to him it is sin.
Mt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
I’m sure that’s enough Bible proof that actions really do speak louder than words.
Have you been saying the right words but doing the wrong things? If so, you need to repent and respond with obedience to the Word of God and Will of God. Don’t just make promises to God- DO what you know to do.
Maybe you have been saying the wrong words And doing the wrong things, but if you are willing to repent; you can turn your life of rebellion and disobedience into a life of faithful obedience to the Lord.
When its all said and done, what you and I have Done will determine what is said to us at the judgment. Will you hear Jesus say, “Well Said but Lost,” or “Well Done”
Mat. 21:28-32
Intro: Yes, I know, it’s what they call an “old saying.” Ever wonder where some of those old sayings came from? Saved by the bell? Out of the frying pan into the fire? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? The squeaky wheel gets the oil?
Well, most of them are from right from life itself. We have found by life’s experiences that some things seem to be true, at least they will be true more often than not.
However, some “old sayings” go deeper than human life experience. So it is with this one: actions speak louder than words. This one goes so deep it gets to the heart of being a Christian; to the heart of being pleasing to God; to the heart of being ready for heaven.
This passage is a parable of Jesus concerning two sons.
I. A Reasonable Request.
- From Father to sons- that’s not unreasonable- we expect fathers to make requests of their sons & daughters; to expect certain things of them. Every father and mother has made requests of their children; happens every day several times a day.
- To work in the Vineyard- that’s a reasonable request- its not like asking him to drink the Red Sea or move the Mt. of Olives to a new location; to work in the vineyard is Do-Able; not too hard;
not too much to ask. Especially when you consider he was a son. The father had to hire laborers to work in the vineyard but a son needs only to be asked. After all, the father’s vineyard is part the son’s too; part of his livelihood depends on it; he needs the income it provides; it supplies necessities for his life- this is a reasonable request.
Even when he is asked to work in it Today- this task is a priority- it needs to be taken care of right now. That’s not too much to ask.
II. A Rebellious Refusal.
“I will not!”
Hear the Selfishness? I will not. This is not what I want to do; not what I had in mind for today. I’m not going to change my plans to do what you want.
See the Disobedience? I will Not! I know you’re my father but I am not going to do what you ask; I’ll do what I want
Feel the Rebellion? I Will Not! This son is rebelling against his own father! He is selfish and disobedient; and responds with a Rebellious Refusal.
III. A Ready Response.
“I go, sir.”
Hear the Willingness?
I go! There was no argument; no sighing; no huffing or puffing; no debate; not even questioning why. This son sounds willing to do what the father wants him to do.
Feel the Respect? I go, sir. He replied respectfully to his father, called him sir. There is politeness and honor there. Talk about a Ready Response. This son not only sounds willing to do what the father wants, he is respectful about it.
BUT then notice:
IV. The Reversed Roles.
One said, I will not! But Then he Did.
The other said, I go, sir! But then he Didn’t.
The First responded with Selfishness, Disobedience and Rebellion BUT he Reconsidered- He repented- he was sorry for his attitude- his words- his disrespect.
He not only reconsidered and repented, he responded with the action of Obedience.
He Did what the Father had asked him to do.
The Second son first responded with willingness and respect BUT he Delayed.
Chances are, he was Distracted by something else. That he really meant to go work in the vineyard but something caught his attention and one thing led to another and the next thing he knew, the day was gone and he had never made it to the vineyard.
So, Jesus asked his hearers, “which one did the will of the father?”
It’s true, our words are important. We should always guard our mouth; our words should be Kind- our words should be Loving- our words should be True- our words should be Respectful and Obedient.
But the fact is, Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
You can make all the promises in the world to God. You can say you love him; you can claim to be saved; you can claim to be his child; you can profess to be a Christian and claim to be on your way to heaven; you can claim to be Holy Ghost filled and Spirit led. BUT if your actions do not support your words- its your actions that are telling the Truth.
If by your actions you deny the Lord first place in your life, your words of allegiance are wasted.
If by your actions you live a worldly life, your words of commitment are wasted.
If by your actions you love the world, your words of devotion are wasted.
If by your actions others are despised, your words of love are wasted.
If by your actions you are lazy and apathetic in your worship of the Lord, your words of adoration are wasted.
If by your actions prayer and Bible time are neglected, your religious words are wasted.
James 1:22 Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 4:17 To him that knoweth to DO GOOD and Doeth it Not, to him it is sin.
Mt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
I’m sure that’s enough Bible proof that actions really do speak louder than words.
Have you been saying the right words but doing the wrong things? If so, you need to repent and respond with obedience to the Word of God and Will of God. Don’t just make promises to God- DO what you know to do.
Maybe you have been saying the wrong words And doing the wrong things, but if you are willing to repent; you can turn your life of rebellion and disobedience into a life of faithful obedience to the Lord.
When its all said and done, what you and I have Done will determine what is said to us at the judgment. Will you hear Jesus say, “Well Said but Lost,” or “Well Done”
- Published on
Waiting on the Lord
Psalm 27:14
Intro: This is a familiar phrase, “wait on the Lord.” Still, sometimes we have misconceptions as to what waiting on the Lord is, what it involves. HOW do we wait on the Lord? Are we doing Nothing when we are waiting on the Lord? Are we in a state of suspended consciousness; kind of sleep walking in our spiritual life?
I See four points or directives here in this verse concerning waiting on the Lord.
I. Be Patient While Waiting.
“WAIT on the Lord”
This is probably one thing about waiting on the Lord that we do understand even though we don’t always do so well living it out; waiting clearly implies the need for patience. We suffer terribly from Impatience. We want things to happen NOW. We have a time schedule. When we need help, we need help Now. We need direction Now. We need assistance Now. We need answers Now.
Waiting is difficult on our human nature, but it is part of our Christian Discipline. We must remember that God is not on our Time Schedule and we must be Patient.
Lu 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope...and if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Heb. 6:12 we should be “followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Be Patient while waiting on the Lord.
II. Be Positive While Waiting.
“Be of good courage”
This is the Opposite of being Discouraged; Have Good Courage. It’s an important part of waiting on the Lord in the right way. We must be Positive; Not negative
I know that so-called, “Positive Thinking” has been taken to ridiculous extremes and unwarranted claims have been made. BUT, positive thinking is Biblical:
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
At least 35 times in NT we are exhorted to Rejoice!
6 different times Jesus personally told people to “BE of Good Cheer. Biblical “positive thinking” is Not so much Mind over Matter but: Faith over Fear, Assurance over Anxiety, and Confidence over Confusion. If you lose your faith and confidence in God you are not waiting on the Lord.
Be of good courage; Be Positive while you wait.
You’ve probably heard of the time when Martin Luther, the former Catholic monk who had been saved by faith in Jesus Christ and become a Great Preacher and Reformer, was going through a very difficult time. He was being persecuted; his work was hindered; his Cause seemed to be suffering defeat. He became discouraged and was moping around sad and miserable. He came home one evening and the lamps were down low. Black cloth hung over the curtains. He called to his wife and she came in wearing a black dress and veil as one in mourning. “What has happened,” Luther cried out, “Has someone died? “Yes, Martin,” she replied, “haven’t you heard; God has died.” Well, needless to say Luther was startled at first and then the message got through. He had been acting like God had died, when he knew for sure God had not died and could not die. We must be of good courage and wait on the Lord.
III. Be Productive While Waiting.
“He shall strengthen thine heart”
God has promised to give you strength while you are waiting. WHY? So you can go on doing what you are supposed to be doing for the Lord. When someone at a restaurant Waits on you, what are they doing? Sitting in a chair off to the side watching you? Waiting for you to say or do something? NO! They are Serving You; meeting your needs; fulfilling your requests; taking care of you.
So it is that Waiting on the Lord is Not going on a Spiritual Vacation and doing nothing. Some say, “I’m waiting on the Lord” and therefore justify the fact that they are Doing Nothing right now.
God wants you to Continue Living for Him; Continue Serving Him; Continue Working for Him; Continue Praying, Studying, Praising, Worshiping, Attending his House, Doing his will.
Waiting Time should not be Wasted Time.
Thin of Saul/Paul who was gloriously saved on Road to Damascus and preached powerfully in Damascus. Then he had to flee for his life, was taught by God in Arabia, finally was accepted by disciples in early church but doors of full time ministry did Not open for Him at that time among the Church in Jerusalem. He then went to his home town of Tarsus and served the Lord there for almost a year. Then Barnabas came looking for him and they went to Antioch for a year then out on the First missionary journey; as they say, “The rest is history” What if Saul/Paul had sat down in idleness to “wait on the Lord” to open doors of ministry? He would have probably sat there until his life ended. Instead, he was Up and Doing; working for the Lord while he waited on the Lord.
While You are Waiting for Further Directions, Keep Doing the Last Thing God told you to do.
While Waiting for a Future Work, Keep doing what God has led you to do right now.
One of the worst things you can do while waiting on the Lord is to go into Neutral spiritually where you are out of gear; not going forward; just treading water; IDLE; Unproductive and Unreliable. Those who are not Faithful in the Least- will not be made Rulers over More.
Bloom Where You’re Planted! Make a Difference Where You Are-
Don’t be Pining for God’s future Will- be Doing God’s present Will. Be Productive!
IV. Be Persistent While Waiting.
“Wait, I say, on the Lord.”
“Wait on the Lord, (patience) Be of good courage,(positive), He will strengthen your heart (being productive) THEN again, Wait on the Lord, (be persistent)
Don’t be discouraged- Don’t become disillusioned- Don’t let doubt overcome your mind and heart- Don’t Give UP- Don’t throw in the towel.
Keep Waiting on the Lord; Keep a Right Spirit and a Right Attitude.
Keep on Doing what you know to do; Keep on trusting His Word.
Keep on Praising his Name; Keep on Praying.
Wait, I say on the Lord.
Is. 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 27:14
Intro: This is a familiar phrase, “wait on the Lord.” Still, sometimes we have misconceptions as to what waiting on the Lord is, what it involves. HOW do we wait on the Lord? Are we doing Nothing when we are waiting on the Lord? Are we in a state of suspended consciousness; kind of sleep walking in our spiritual life?
I See four points or directives here in this verse concerning waiting on the Lord.
I. Be Patient While Waiting.
“WAIT on the Lord”
This is probably one thing about waiting on the Lord that we do understand even though we don’t always do so well living it out; waiting clearly implies the need for patience. We suffer terribly from Impatience. We want things to happen NOW. We have a time schedule. When we need help, we need help Now. We need direction Now. We need assistance Now. We need answers Now.
Waiting is difficult on our human nature, but it is part of our Christian Discipline. We must remember that God is not on our Time Schedule and we must be Patient.
Lu 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope...and if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Heb. 6:12 we should be “followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Be Patient while waiting on the Lord.
II. Be Positive While Waiting.
“Be of good courage”
This is the Opposite of being Discouraged; Have Good Courage. It’s an important part of waiting on the Lord in the right way. We must be Positive; Not negative
I know that so-called, “Positive Thinking” has been taken to ridiculous extremes and unwarranted claims have been made. BUT, positive thinking is Biblical:
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
At least 35 times in NT we are exhorted to Rejoice!
6 different times Jesus personally told people to “BE of Good Cheer. Biblical “positive thinking” is Not so much Mind over Matter but: Faith over Fear, Assurance over Anxiety, and Confidence over Confusion. If you lose your faith and confidence in God you are not waiting on the Lord.
Be of good courage; Be Positive while you wait.
You’ve probably heard of the time when Martin Luther, the former Catholic monk who had been saved by faith in Jesus Christ and become a Great Preacher and Reformer, was going through a very difficult time. He was being persecuted; his work was hindered; his Cause seemed to be suffering defeat. He became discouraged and was moping around sad and miserable. He came home one evening and the lamps were down low. Black cloth hung over the curtains. He called to his wife and she came in wearing a black dress and veil as one in mourning. “What has happened,” Luther cried out, “Has someone died? “Yes, Martin,” she replied, “haven’t you heard; God has died.” Well, needless to say Luther was startled at first and then the message got through. He had been acting like God had died, when he knew for sure God had not died and could not die. We must be of good courage and wait on the Lord.
III. Be Productive While Waiting.
“He shall strengthen thine heart”
God has promised to give you strength while you are waiting. WHY? So you can go on doing what you are supposed to be doing for the Lord. When someone at a restaurant Waits on you, what are they doing? Sitting in a chair off to the side watching you? Waiting for you to say or do something? NO! They are Serving You; meeting your needs; fulfilling your requests; taking care of you.
So it is that Waiting on the Lord is Not going on a Spiritual Vacation and doing nothing. Some say, “I’m waiting on the Lord” and therefore justify the fact that they are Doing Nothing right now.
God wants you to Continue Living for Him; Continue Serving Him; Continue Working for Him; Continue Praying, Studying, Praising, Worshiping, Attending his House, Doing his will.
Waiting Time should not be Wasted Time.
Thin of Saul/Paul who was gloriously saved on Road to Damascus and preached powerfully in Damascus. Then he had to flee for his life, was taught by God in Arabia, finally was accepted by disciples in early church but doors of full time ministry did Not open for Him at that time among the Church in Jerusalem. He then went to his home town of Tarsus and served the Lord there for almost a year. Then Barnabas came looking for him and they went to Antioch for a year then out on the First missionary journey; as they say, “The rest is history” What if Saul/Paul had sat down in idleness to “wait on the Lord” to open doors of ministry? He would have probably sat there until his life ended. Instead, he was Up and Doing; working for the Lord while he waited on the Lord.
While You are Waiting for Further Directions, Keep Doing the Last Thing God told you to do.
While Waiting for a Future Work, Keep doing what God has led you to do right now.
One of the worst things you can do while waiting on the Lord is to go into Neutral spiritually where you are out of gear; not going forward; just treading water; IDLE; Unproductive and Unreliable. Those who are not Faithful in the Least- will not be made Rulers over More.
Bloom Where You’re Planted! Make a Difference Where You Are-
Don’t be Pining for God’s future Will- be Doing God’s present Will. Be Productive!
IV. Be Persistent While Waiting.
“Wait, I say, on the Lord.”
“Wait on the Lord, (patience) Be of good courage,(positive), He will strengthen your heart (being productive) THEN again, Wait on the Lord, (be persistent)
Don’t be discouraged- Don’t become disillusioned- Don’t let doubt overcome your mind and heart- Don’t Give UP- Don’t throw in the towel.
Keep Waiting on the Lord; Keep a Right Spirit and a Right Attitude.
Keep on Doing what you know to do; Keep on trusting His Word.
Keep on Praising his Name; Keep on Praying.
Wait, I say on the Lord.
Is. 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.