IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!
TEXT: Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
INTRO: Though it may at first sound like an oxymoron, there are some things impossible for an omnipotent God! He has actually limited Himself by His own honesty.
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:Because of this, it is impossible for;
I. God to overlook sin.
Ezek 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
II. Impossible that sin be forgiven except through the blood of Christ.
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
III. It was impossible that the grave could hold Jesus.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
IV. It is Impossible to Serve God without some degree of Suffering.
Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
V. It is Impossible to Please God except by a Walk by Faith.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
VI. It is Impossible for one who has been saved to ever be doomed to hell.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
VII. It is Impossible for God to Turn Away a repentant sinner who seeks salvation on the merits of the blood of Christ.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
'Easter' Sermon
The words of the angels at the empty tomb, as recorded in
Luke 24:5-6 are no doubt read more during this season than at any other time all year long. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"
Is it possible that any more triumphant words could fall upon human ears? Men have heard cries of victories of all kinds, the victory of the hunt, the victory of battle, victory in games, but never before the cry of victory over the dreaded tomb! "He is not here, He is risen!" Death, which has kept men in the bondage of terror has had its dread grip broken. In Christ it's fear is gone until the believer can say with Paul, "for me to die is gain."
Several years ago there was considerable consternation caused in some religious circles by the declaration of certain liberal theologians that "God is dead." Frankly, this didn't upset me too much because the world has for centuries been plagued with men who serve dead and lifeless gods. Whatever the thoughts or ideas of man might be, the words of the angels ring clear and true for those who have trusted Christ, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"Christ is indeed alive and active today for those who know where to find him. He will not yet be found among the dead!
There are those who seek him in the dead works of ceremonial religion, but he cannot be found there. Listen to the words of Hebrews 9:14. "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
He is a living Christ and will be found in a Spirit-filled life. He is not to be found in the vast spiritual desert of Christless hearts or homes. Our nation, which was founded upon Christian principles has in a large measure become a spiritual Sahara in which the living water of Christ is found only in a rare oasis. But Christ does live and He is real! He is accessible to man today.
He is found in the preaching of the gospel. Paul declared the gospel to be the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth. Why should it be so powerful? There are tender stories that move men to tears; stories of atrocities that move man to righteous indignation; stories that prompt fear; stories that can cause men to move in almost any direction; but none other can do what the gospel can.
It is the story of how Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. It is able to exert such power because it is the story of the LIVING Christ. When one receives the Gospel, he receives not a story about one who lived a good life a long time ago but of one who NOW LIVES and sits at the right hand of the throne of God! The living Christ is still found today in the Spirit filled worship of the Lord's Church as they meet together, for he promised before he left, "I will be with you all the way, even to the end of the world."
Wherever our Lord went during his earthly ministry there was a stir caused by his presence. Never was he found sitting quietly by, while false religions and worldly men deceived the multitudes. So it is still today, when the living Christ is present, that presence is made known!
He is found, too, in the lives of consecrated children of God as they serve him. Paul said it for all who will truly let Christ live in them. "For me to live is Christ", and again, "The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."
Not only is Christ alive but he IS our life we are told in Col. 3:4 `When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.' We are told in Acts 1:3 that He showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, but the unbelievers have from the very beginning questioned these proofs. We who have accepted him however, not only do not question the proofs of the resurrection but we have another proof of the living Christ that is beyond the range of skeptical examination.You may try to deny the empty tomb or doubt the appearance of Jesus to his disciples in the upper room, or upon the sea shore after his resurrection. You may question the word of the two disciples whose hearts were made to burn within them as he talked with them on the road to Emmaus, but there is a proof of the living Christ that is real and impossible to question in the heart of all those who have trusted him as their savior.
We are made to think of the words of an old song that will no doubt be sung in many congregations. "You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart!"In Col. 3:1 we read these words, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the throne of God."
Christ is ALIVE and WE can go to the throne of grace in our time of need and talk to a Living Lord. Pity the one who bows and does obeisance to a lifeless idol. Our Christ ever lives to make intercession for us. Having lived in the likeness of sinful flesh we are told in the fourth chapter of Hebrews, he knows the feeling of our infirmities and we can therefore come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need.
If you desire present day testimony that he lives, then ask those who talk with him every day. Question those who have gone to him in an hour of desperate need and found the answer to the need, or the strength to face some trial.
Where will the living Christ be found? Not only in the places we have mentioned, but one day as he returns in great triumph in clouds of Glory He will be found with all his redeemed! Jude tells us that even Enoch, the seventh from Adam prophesied saying "behold the Lord cometh with tens of thousands of his saints. Job testified "I know that my redeemer liveth, and he shall stand in the latter days upon the earth."
The angels who stood by as the disciples watched him ascend up into the clouds, testified that this same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner.
He is a living Christ, and though some might refuse to believe it now, the living, eternal Christ will someday return and EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM! He will be seen some day sitting on the throne of judgement for according to Acts 17:31 the assurance of the judgement is given to all men in that He raised up Christ from the dead.
My friend, it is not a question of whether or not he lives, nor is the question whether or not you will ever see him. He does live and you WILL see him! The only question is, will you find him now at the throne of grace as you come repenting of your sins or will you wait to stand someday before him in judgement. This is your only choice, but it is a choice that can only be made by you.
ALONE BEFORE CHRIST
When I shall look upon his face
as he sits upon his throne
and I shall stand before him
to answer for me alone,
Then no longer shall I hide behind
another faltering man,
but answer for myself alone;
how I've used life's span.
I'll not be able then, to blame
my brother where I've failed
nor say, "temptation, far too great,
my poor weak soul assailed!"
For he promised grace to overcome
to all who only call,
and so I'll answer all alone
for every sin and fall!
But if I labor faithfully
and rid myself of pride,
confessing all my sins to him
and nothing try to hide,
someday I'll stand before him
judged for myself alone
and rapturous joy will then be mine
if he but says, "Well done
fcc
Three Mighty Men
THREE MIGHTY MEN
TEXT: 2 Sam 23:8 These be the names of the mighty menwhom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the samewas Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
2 Sam 23:9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistinesthat were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
2 Sam 23:10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil
2 Sam 23:11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite.And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was apiece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
2 Sam 23:12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it,and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
Introduction: Our instructions are;
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Sometimes we have a little trouble with trying to figure out how to stand, how long we should stand and what should we take a stand on? These three men and their exploits go a long way toward answering many of our questions.
I.Adino the Eznite. [Adino= spear, Eznite = sharp, Tachmonite= sagacious]
A. He faced incredible odds, yet persevered. In this he set the tone for those who would follow. In God's cause, odds are meaningless!
1.Gideon's band.
Judg 7:7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every manunto his place.
a. Against a mighty force.
Judg 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together,and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
2.Elisha and the army of the king of Syria.
2 Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
2 Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2 Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
3. The impossible task set for the little band of disciples which was the Lord's Church.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
4. The impossible IS possible because of the truth of the previous verse;
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
5.He has NEVER set an impossible task for his people.
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
II. Eleazar, the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. [Eleazar = God is my helper,the name of 7 Israelites, Son of Dodo,=Love, The Ahohite= Fraternity, brotherhood.]
A. His hand clave to his sword. He found it impossible to lay down his sword. Thus, he could not surrender and could only fight on. God gave him the victory!.
1.Job expressed these same sentiments.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
2. This characteristic was present in Abraham as he sacrificed Isaac. Faith would allow him no other course of action.
3. Peter expressed it in answer to the question of Jesus.
John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
John 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
4.It MUST be present in the lives of all victorious Christians.
Eccl 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
The truly committed child of God cannot find it in himself to abandon, or lay down his sword, the Word of God!
III.Shammah, son of Agee, the Hararite. [ Shammah = Consternation, Son of Agee = son of 'flame' {?} the Hararite = a mountain man
A. He continued the fight even when he was the only one left!
1.Consider the Apostle Paul;
2 Tim 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2 Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2.Churches have been preserved because one man refused to give up.
3.Many have been saved because someone just kept on praying and witnessing.
4.Victory has been gained in prayer because of not quitting.
Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
Luke 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
[importunity = perseverance, impudence, hutzpah]
B. He was risking his life for a PEA PATCH! There are many 'pea patches'not considered worth defending by some .
1. Some will not make an issue of alien baptism or the Lord's supper.
2.The truths of the Lord's church are not insignificant!
3. There are those who would tell us that the plan of salvation is 'just a pea patch'
C. If it is God's pea patch, the size of it is not relevant. It must be defended and He will give us the victory!
comment: Pat Gilbert of Cleveland, Ohio
As a retired man. according to your Bio., I see that even in your leisure you are practicing what you preach here and not quitting the service to the Master. May the will of the lord continue to work through you.
TEXT: 2 Sam 23:8 These be the names of the mighty menwhom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the samewas Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
2 Sam 23:9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistinesthat were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
2 Sam 23:10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil
2 Sam 23:11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite.And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was apiece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines.
2 Sam 23:12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it,and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.
Introduction: Our instructions are;
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Sometimes we have a little trouble with trying to figure out how to stand, how long we should stand and what should we take a stand on? These three men and their exploits go a long way toward answering many of our questions.
I.Adino the Eznite. [Adino= spear, Eznite = sharp, Tachmonite= sagacious]
A. He faced incredible odds, yet persevered. In this he set the tone for those who would follow. In God's cause, odds are meaningless!
1.Gideon's band.
Judg 7:7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every manunto his place.
a. Against a mighty force.
Judg 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together,and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
2.Elisha and the army of the king of Syria.
2 Ki 6:15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
2 Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2 Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
3. The impossible task set for the little band of disciples which was the Lord's Church.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
4. The impossible IS possible because of the truth of the previous verse;
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
5.He has NEVER set an impossible task for his people.
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
II. Eleazar, the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. [Eleazar = God is my helper,the name of 7 Israelites, Son of Dodo,=Love, The Ahohite= Fraternity, brotherhood.]
A. His hand clave to his sword. He found it impossible to lay down his sword. Thus, he could not surrender and could only fight on. God gave him the victory!.
1.Job expressed these same sentiments.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
2. This characteristic was present in Abraham as he sacrificed Isaac. Faith would allow him no other course of action.
3. Peter expressed it in answer to the question of Jesus.
John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
John 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
4.It MUST be present in the lives of all victorious Christians.
Eccl 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
The truly committed child of God cannot find it in himself to abandon, or lay down his sword, the Word of God!
III.Shammah, son of Agee, the Hararite. [ Shammah = Consternation, Son of Agee = son of 'flame' {?} the Hararite = a mountain man
A. He continued the fight even when he was the only one left!
1.Consider the Apostle Paul;
2 Tim 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2 Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2.Churches have been preserved because one man refused to give up.
3.Many have been saved because someone just kept on praying and witnessing.
4.Victory has been gained in prayer because of not quitting.
Luke 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
Luke 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
[importunity = perseverance, impudence, hutzpah]
B. He was risking his life for a PEA PATCH! There are many 'pea patches'not considered worth defending by some .
1. Some will not make an issue of alien baptism or the Lord's supper.
2.The truths of the Lord's church are not insignificant!
3. There are those who would tell us that the plan of salvation is 'just a pea patch'
C. If it is God's pea patch, the size of it is not relevant. It must be defended and He will give us the victory!
comment: Pat Gilbert of Cleveland, Ohio
As a retired man. according to your Bio., I see that even in your leisure you are practicing what you preach here and not quitting the service to the Master. May the will of the lord continue to work through you.
FIVE WORDS AND THEIR USAGES
FIVE WORDS AND THEIR USAGES HARMONIZED
and FIVE GRACIOUS TRUTHS
Men have obscured God's revealed will by trying to explain what He said. God is quite capable of expressing Himself if we will but put forth the effort to study and meditate upon His Word.Consider these five words and what God has said about them.
FOREKNOWLEDGE
FOREORDINATION
PREDESTINATION
ELECTION
FREE-WILL (OR SELF-DETERMINATION FOR MAN)
FOREKNOWLEDGE: This term in NOT synonymous with the `omniscience' of God.
In the KJV there are two instances of the word `foreknowledge' and two of `foreknow'. There are other words which have been translated from the same Greek word however. The word is `prognosis' and means precisely the same as the present usage of the word in medicine: "To know or perceive before". There is nothing in the word itself to indicate any eternal knowledge but is always used to indicate a knowing before some event in time.
The context always determines the event before which the knowledge was. A good illustration of this is found in
Acts 26:5. Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Paul speaks of his life among the Jews in Jerusalem and states they KNEW him from the BEGINNING. The word used is the same `prognosis' of `foreknow'. It would be preposterous to think he was implying that the Jews knew him from the foundation of the world, or even from the beginning of the Nation of Israel. He is simply stating that they knew him BEFORE HE BECAME A CHRISTIAN and had known him from the time he first entered Jewish religious and political life upon his arrival from Tarsus to attend the school of Gamaliel.
Perhaps a disclaimer is in order before proceeding, lest someone think this is an attempt to deny the omniscience of God. There is no question that He knows all things nor that He knows the beginning from the end. (I John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.)
The usage of the word most near to the common idea that God knew from eternity and therefore what he knew MUST come to pass, is found in
Acts 2:23 Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:.
Peter is preaching and some in the group of listeners had been present at and even responsible for, the crucifixion of Christ. He is simply telling them that the death of the Son of God did not come as a surprise to the Father, for he had known and determined that Christ would die for the sins of the world. He is also telling them that the decision to take part in the killing of Christ was their own personal responsibility.
Therefore the foreknowledge of God as to what He had determined to do, had in no way relieved them of their personal wicked acts. The foreknowledge and determinate counsel concerned what God Himself would do, and the decision to personally involve themselves in it, was made according to the free choice of those who killed Christ.
The fact that God has perfect knowledge of all things, and is not restricted in His knowing by the veil of time, cannot be construed to imply that He therefore has planned each happening, and that all things are the result of his determining that they must take place.
Imagine yourself standing before a schoolhouse. You know that at 3:30 the children will come out the doors and shove and play as they make their way home. It is yet but 10 o'clock in the morning but that knowledge is sure in your mind. Does that mean that YOU are responsible for school letting out?
Now since our knowledge is sometimes faulty and incomplete we may not be aware that a bomb threat or some other event will let them out earlier, but God's foreknowledge is perfect. He even knew about the little boy who would use the afternoon as an opportunity to visit the old swimming hole! The principle of foreknowledge however is the same. Neither you nor God caused it; you merely knew it would take place.
Another view of foreknowledge as it relates to time instead of eternity, can be pictured thus. The child feels that he knows all there is to know about his mother since he has been close to her all his life. Yet the father's foreknowledge of her includes things the child can never know; How she felt when the child was first known to be on the way; how she planned for it and how she suffered during its birth and how she seemed to glow later as she held it close. You see, the child has knowledge of its mother, but his father has FOREKNOWLEDGE. He knew what took place BEFORE the child ever became aware or even existed. In the same way, we may know Christ. Our knowledge or acquaintance with him began when we were born again, but the Father knew Him before the foundation of the world.
A good Scriptural example of this just happens to be also a good example of the manner in which men have confused the issue by interchanging words with totally different meanings. In I Peter 1:20 the KJV reads, "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you."
The `foreordained' of this verse is from the same Greek word translated `foreknow' in other passages and Young's Literal Translation so presents it. "Foreknown, indeed before the foundation of the world and manifested in these last times because of you".
This passage is not talking about a determination of a course of action but the knowledge or acquaintance with a person. When God knew Him and when he waspresented to man.
This provides us with a smooth transition to the consideration of our next word,
FOREORDINATION. Here is a word which is usually accepted to mean `To decree, decide or appoint in advance.' In its theological use, it is nearly always thought to mean that God decided in eternity and so decreed. Theology is supposed to be the science of God. Instead of expanding man's knowledge of God however, man often indulges in the obfuscation of that which God intended to be clear and simple.
Perhaps the most simple way of clearing away the fog, will be to examine each passage which is generally used in considering the subject. The most familiar one, I Peter 1:20 has already been noted and so we proceed to another.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
The word used, literally translated, means, `to prepare beforehand'. This verse is certainly not telling us that God decided and decreed and determined every act of His people. Nor is it saying that every one who has been saved by grace through faith will walk in God's ways, because it is apparent to each one of us that this is NOT the case in practice. Many turn back and do not walk as they should. It is saying however, that God has prepared or decreed a way in which his children should walk. He will not accept man's actions based on what the individual or society or theology might decide is the proper way.
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God unto lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 4
Now an entirely different word is used. It is the word `prographo' and means, `to write before, to notify in advance'. The meaning of the entire verse becomes clear; God has notified ungodly men in advance of their condemnation. It is as if one breaks a law in our own society. Our legislatures and courts do not wait until the deed is done and then pass a law by which the punishment is meted out, but rather the law is written in advance and men are put on notice, "this is the condemnation upon those who break this law". Nothing is found here which encroaches upon the free will of man.
Perhaps the most perplexing verse to many is found in
Acts 13:48; "And when the gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
Still another word comes into use here; it is`tetagmenoi'. A literal rendering of the passage reads, " - and believed, as many as were disposed to life eternal".
When we see what God said, instead of what others have said He said, it becomes clear. One of the phenomena we see today was evident then; We have all known of some who, upon hearing the gospel, accept it readily while others resist. Some are disposed toward, or receptive to the Word, while others are not. This does not depend upon whether God has decreed them thus, but rather is according to the free will of the individual who hears.
This is the same truth taught by Jesus in the parable of the seed and the four kinds of soil in the 13th chapter of Matthew. Each one does have the power to determine for himself what manner of person he shall be.
While there are some things such as our ethnic and family groups which cannot be changed, those things which are determined by our state of mind or `mind-set' are within our power to control. One can determine for himself if he will wallow in self pity because he was born into poverty or he can work to change it. He can excuse himself for his sinfulness by saying "This is the way God made me." or he can turn to Christ. The choice is his and he will do as he WILLS. Those who orient themselves toward eternal life WILL be receptive to the Gospel while those who indulge themselves in sin will refuse to listen.
This doesn't exhaust the scriptures which some have wrested, but serves to illustrate how men have often confused the issue by trying to explain God's expressed will for man. NEVER has God foreordained any event which would in any way detract from man's ability to exercise the God-given free-will which distinguishes man from the beast.
PREDESTINATION
Here is another word men have bandied about as if they were privy to the very mind and council of the eternal God. It is thought by many to mean something so very close to `foreordination' that the words are often used interchangeably.
What God actually said however is almost diametrically opposite to this idea. The word in the KJV is used but four times and in each case it is a translation of `prohoridzo'. The prefix, `pro' means `before' and `hidzo' is the source of our present word in English, `horizon'. It means a predetermined boundary. A look at the use of the word as it is used in Romans, chapter 8 and will illustrate a simple truth which has been complicated by men as they have attempted to make God say something which will agree with their preconceived notions of `Divine Truth.'
Romans 8:29 For whom God did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (v.30a) Moreover, whom He did predestinate them He also called.
Thus Paul is inspired to set forth proof of the statement in verse 28 that `all things work together for good to them that love God'. The first thing to consider in this passage is those whom `God foreknew'. The event before which He foreknew them is clear from the statement, "That He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
This cannot mean his being born in the flesh in Bethlehem, for in this birth he took upon himself the likeness of sinful flesh.
(Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:.)
Rather it refers to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Col. 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead: and that in all things he might have the preeminence.
This squares with the promise of
Romans 6:5 "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
The Old Testament is filled with expressions of the hope of the resurrection by the saints whom God knew before Christ was crucified, buried and risen. David expressed this hope and also the truth of Romans 8:29 in Psalm 17:15, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake with Thy likeness."
The truth is simple; All the saints of the Old Testament (who were known to God before Christ) died in hope of the resurrection. They were predestined (limited by the boundary set by God) however to wait for this hope to be fulfilled until AFTER the resurrection of Christ in order that they might be conformed to HIS likeness instead of Christ to theirs.
This was definitely for their good. It would have been tragic, indeed if they or we, had been forced to bear the image of the first man Adam in our resurrected body! Aren't you glad that we shall be conformed to the image of Christ, and not that of David, with all his fleshly faults?!
In the first chapter of Ephesians the context is different and those under consideration are not the same but the word and its usage has not changed.
Eph. 1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ, unto himself, according to the good pleasure of His will."
The preset boundary or limits in this occasion is plain, "the adoption of children". What is this adoption for which we wait upon the good pleasure of His will? It is set forth in unmistakable terms in
Romans 8:23, "even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."
We have a will which allows us to accept Christ when we are so inclined and to serve him if we desire. One who doesn't WILL to do so will neither be saved nor serve. One thing for which we all long and are certainly willing to receive in our new body; the adoption.
However, in this we are limited. The boundary has been set and we cannot go beyond it until God wills it in His own good pleasure.
Ephesians 1:11 uses the word in the same manner; "In whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all thing after the counsel of his own will."
As children of God we have an inheritance ( Jesus said, "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32. So Paul informs us that having made His intentions known, God will, according to his own good pleasure, in the fullness of time gather in one, all things in Christ.
(Eph. 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
When will this happen? Will it be at our choosing? NO! Even as we are to be resurrected at the time set by the Father, so we will receive our inheritance according to His good pleasure and we must wait at the preset boundary for the will of God. In this then, it is plain that God has not predestined that man will DO certain things, but that he will not do them until He, God, is ready!
ELECTION There seems to be no lack of understanding as to what the word means. Everyone seems to agree that it means a `choosing' while the word `elect' means the act of choosing when used as a verb and when used as a noun, those chosen. Yet in spite of this seeming agreement on election, confusion still clouds the air. It seems that some still try to make their concept of `The Doctrine of Election' shore up their false ideas of predestination and foreordination.
Election can be simplified if one will but use a variation of the well know Rule of Interpretation;Who is doing the choosing? Who is being chosen? To what are they being chosen?
Consider Isaiah 45:4 "For Jacob my servants sake, and Israel mine elect, I have called thee by thy name; I have surnamed thee, though thou has not known me." God is addressing Cyrus, who is to be the instrument for His chastisement of Babylon who had previously been chosen as the nation to bring His chastisement upon Israel for her rebellion against God who had chosen HER out of all the nations. There are several different elections or choosings involved in the passage. God had first chosen Jacob's seed to become His nation. That nation had chosen to rebel against God and worship other gods. He chose Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to chasten His rebellious elect, but Nebuchadnezzar and then Belshazzar had chosen to be lifted up in pride.
God, in turn has now chosen to send Cyrus against the Babylonians. It should also be noted that in each case man's will was involved in agreeing to that which God had chosen.
Joshua 24:15 "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve-".
This was the challenge put to the people by Joshua and they freely answered,
(v.16) "God forbid that we forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;
Nebuchadnezzar had already chosen to enlarge his dominion by adding territory extending into Egypt. When Sennacherib, king of Assyria had attempted earlier to do this same thing, God had sent him home in defeat and could well have done the same with Nebuchadnezzar, had he elected to do so. Even so, Cyrus had already set his objective of overcoming Babylon and God elected to make him victorious.
Isaiah 42:1 uses the word, "Behold my servant whom I uphold: Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him; He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
This begins one of the greatest prophecies of Christ in the Old Testament.
We know that it speaks of Christ because Jesus said so;
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,.
To what is he elected? Certainly not to salvation! Even a casual reading of the chapter reveals that it is the Messiah who is chosen to bring light and judgment to the world. He was elected because the love and holiness of God demanded it and Christ alone could fill the need.
Though others have set this task for themselves, it remains Christ and He alone who is the chosen of God to perform it.
Matthew 24:22, "And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elects sake those days shall be shortened."
Since this is in the New Testament, it must be speaking of church saints who were chosen to be saved. Right? WRONG! The hard evidence as to who these elect are is found in
verse 15. "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains-".
These elect then are:
1. The ones to whom Daniel chapter 9 was written. If one isn't persuaded as to their identity by the rest of the chapter, then verse 20 should make it clear, "And whiles I was speaking and praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people ISRAEL-".
Jesus even nailed down the precise geographical area in which they would be found at the time, "Let those which be in Judaea-"
2. These are observing, not the Lord's Day, but the Sabbath.
v-20
3. These have a `holy place', the Temple. According to Daniel, they will be offering their sacrifices when this event takes place. The elect here is again that nation which God has chosen and which He shall again protect in its hour of dire need.
I Thessalonians 1:4, "Knowing brethren, beloved, your election of God". Here is a passage which must surely refer to election to salvation! WRONG AGAIN! Verse 5 indicates what this election was. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance."
How had the gospel arrived in Thessalonica?
In the 16th chapter of Acts the account is given how the Holy Spirit would not allow Paul to further evangelize Asia at that time and directed him instead toward Macedonia and thus to Thessalonica.
It is clear that God had indeed elected them to be recipients of the gospel message. When they heard it however, it was their choice as to whether or not it would be believed and according to Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.-
5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. some did believe and others refused. This election then is not to salvation but rather to have the opportunity.
I Peter 1:2, "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God".
Perhaps the best way to examine what Peter has said is to read a better rendition of what he actually said.
The translation of I Peter 1:1,2 as given by Young's Literal Translation of the New Testament is as Follows;
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the choice sojourners of the dispersion of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, according to a foreknowledge of God the Father -".
The 'foreknowledge' of this passage concerns the dispersion which took place in the time of the persecutions of the Church at Jerusalem. Peter, the apostle to the Jews, felt a need to instruct those who were no longer under his physical care; Thus the need for the Epistle. They were a choice people. They were distinguished from others by the fact of the sanctification of the Spirit to obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. God still elects to bless, watch over and instruct those who are willing to be one of these!
John 5:21 is often cited to show that Christ saves those HE wants to save. "As the Father raiseth up the dead and quickeneth them, even so, the Son quickeneth whom he will."
This is an indisputable statement of fact and if one but continues to read, when he comes to the 24th verse he find who he WILLS to save.
"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life."
God has chosen, (elected), to save only those who willingly accept his son. THE FREE WILL OF MAN
Revelation 22:17b "and whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely -". Thus the Bible ends on a note that has been its theme from the beginning ,as God said, "Let us make man in our image." Of all the material creation, man stands alone in this respect; He has the ability to make choices which affect his relationship to his creator and determine his eternal destiny.
Jesus is quoted in John 10:34 saying, "Is it not written in your law, I said ye are gods?" In this he was making reference to Psalm 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High..
As the serpent sought to beguile Eve with the forbidden fruit his clincher was, "ye shall be as gods, knowing good from evil".
Eve was too innocent to realize that she already had this ability without its evil consequences. She had the ability to know what she should do and should not do and make the choice according to her own desires. This ability was her's and Adam's, because God had created them that way, in order that He might have a creature with whom He could fellowship.
Surely God had the power, had he so desired, to make a creature who was incapable of sin. One which would only worship and praise God forever. Such a creature would have been no more than a robot, programmed to do the will of its maker and there can be no real fellowship with such a being. We might program a recorder to praise us and agree with our every thought but there is no fellowship there as there is when, "brethren dwell together in unity".
Should God so wish, he could force men to accept His will. This however is the action we have come to associate with a twisted mind: When someone is so desperately lonely he kidnaps another and forces his attentions upon them. Our God needs to stoop to nothing so shameful as this! He created a being in His own image. A person able to exercise his own free will. When that will is to honor the creator, then true fellowship exists between God and man.
In His omnipotent sovereignty God chose to make man a free moral agent. Because of his foreknowledge, He knew this man would choose to sin. Because of His Holiness He foreordained a plan of salvation and a plan of work and service and will accept no others. Those who would have eternal life and fellowship with God MUST willingly accept this.
For the benefit of those who accept Christ, He has predestined or limited us to not go beyond and gain eternal things while still in this body. He has chosen for our own good, to make us wait for the good pleasure of His will on these things. He has elected, CHOSEN, Israel to be His nation and will someday grant to her all the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
BUT the individuals who shall make up that nation when the promises are all fulfilled are those who have used their free wills to do the will of God.
Malachi 3:16-18 "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
He has elected His Church to be his bride and those who choose to serve him in it according to His plan will share in that honor.
One thing which becomes very clear as the truth of these five things is understood, is that the sovereign God in His foreknowledge has foreordained nothing, predestined nothing and elected no one in such a way as to encroach upon the free will of the creature, man, made in His own image.
Man can accept or reject Christ when the Holy Spirit convicts him. God will not force him to accept nor will He consent to save man any other way. Man can, after he is saved, follow Christ in baptism and serve him or he can choose to turn back and not walk after him. God will neither force service from man nor accept any except that which he has prescribed. Anything short of this plan would be an attempt to lower God to the status of a master technician and rob those made in his image of that which makes them to differ from the beasts of the field.
Five Gracious Truths
As Jesus stood before Pilate, He said "everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice." Pilate's answer is a question which haunts the human race: "What is truth?"
It seems that man has so confused every issue that in his mind everything has become relative. Every issue has to be qualified in so many ways that no one is able to render a definite decision. We can almost sympathize with the man who, when greeted with the common greeting, `how are you?' answered, `compared to what?'
What is truth? We might give the short conclusive answer found in John 17 as Christ prayed to the Father, "Thy Word is truth!", but I would like to give briefly five distinct truths, each established on the other.
First a truth that the whole human race needs to relearn. There is an ABSOLUTE difference between right and wrong! Regardless of what theological infidels may say about situation ethics, sin is still sin. It matters not how broadminded men may become about the question, God has some very definite declarations about the matter.
"All unrighteousness is sin" 1 John 5:17.
Here is a very definite statement of truth! It is a statement that needs no qualifying. Indeed it cannot be qualified without questioning the truthfulness of God Himself!
"Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" Romans 14:23, and "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" Romans 10:17.
Man has always been prone to try to find some good in sin that he may justify himself. Even in Isaiah's day God said by the mouth of that great prophet, "Woe to them that call evil good and good evil." Isa. 5:20.
Call it social contact if you will, but the drinking party that causes men and women to lose control of their inhibitions is still sin. Immorality is still sin even when its name is changed to `love'. It matters not how hard men may try to change the nature of sin by labelling it a sickness, it is still sin in the eyes of a Holy God and the consequences are still the same as in the beginning.
Which brings us to the next truth.
Sin brings forth DEATH!
James 1:15. then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
There is no denying that there is a temporary, fleshly pleasure to be derived from sin. Moses had to choose between the afflictions of God's people and the pleasure of sin for a little season.
The euphoria of carnal pleasures is a great deal like the effects of drink and drugs. They may seem uplifting at the moment, but the after effects are like the after effects of a life of sin in that the torment is far greater than the pleasure received! Since all unrighteousness is sin and is the transgression of God's law of perfect holiness, He MUST mete out justice.
Since man is caught in a web of sin with no power to extricate himself we come to the third truth. The penalty of sin was paid in behalf of helpless man by that perfect man Christ Jesus.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly!" Rom. 5:6.
On this subject let us simply let the word of God speak to us!
1 Pet. 2:24 He bare our sins in his own body on the tree.
2 Cor 5:21 He was made sin (a sin bearer) for us.
John 1:29 Behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
I Pet 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
Heb. 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many...
Here is a divine truth which can bring hope and cheer to poor, sin-cursed man who finds himself under the terrible storm of God's wrath against sin. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY FOR MAN TO BE SAVED!
Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby ye must be saved"
Good deeds cannot get the job done for it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." Titus 3:5.
We are not to be saved by the keeping of the Law for we are told in
Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
Also, in 2:21; "for if righteousness came by the law, then Christ is dead in vain!`
'What is truth?' was the question of Pilate, and in the midst of the Babel of voices today, it is still a legitimate question. It matters not what men may say, however learned or pious they may seem. It matters not what our forefathers may have said, however ancient their words may be. Nor does it matter that multitudes of men may agree that the Bible is unreliable. Truth is still truth and all the denial in the world can never change it! "Yea, let God be true, and every man a liar." Romans 3:4.
Now I would like to briefly restate these truths and then present one other that is built upon them.
Truth number one;
sin is sin and is relative only in the deluded mind of man, while before God it is absolute and has touched the whole human race. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
Truth number two;
this sin has caused man to be without God and without hope in the world. It has brought about his spiritual death as well as sickness and death to the natural man.
Truth number three;
Christ took upon himself the penalty of sin for the whole human race after having lived a perfect life though tempted in all points like as we are.
Truth number four;
there is no other way of salvation than that provided in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Now for this final great truth for our consideration. Christ is coming again! In our text it was Christ standing before Pilate. Someday the roles will be reversed and Pilate will stand before Christ. There will be no question then as to the truth. Jesus said in John 12:48 "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
John describes it in this way. Rev 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
No perjured witnesses here to give forth their conflicting testimonies, but only the truths of the eternal Word of God with which to compare the deeds and lives of those who stand in judgment. There will then be no philosophizing nor moralizing about the relative goodness or badness of sin, but only condemnation for those who names are not found written in the Book of Life.
You may not think that sin is so bad, but your thoughts cannot dull the righteousness of God! You may think somehow to escape the consequences of sin, but the only way is the way that a loving God has provided. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! Then you will be able to say with the redeemed of all ages;
I'M SAVED!
How great the love that searched me out;
it could only be divine;
No other love could reach me;
I'm saved and he is mine.
How great the love that suffered!
only God could love me so;
to give His Son to die for me;
I'm saved! and this I know!
How great the love that intercedes
when I fail him o'er and o'er,
The love of God still keeps me,
I'm saved by His great power!
How great the love that comforts
and makes me to know this;
In spite of cares and sorrows,
I'm saved and I am His
fcc
Experiencing God
Experiencing God
INTRO: Can you imagine how difficult it would be for one who has never tasted ice cream to simply read the recipe and describe to another who also never tasted it. just how good it is? Ridiculous? Certainly it is. The only way one can describe the pleasure of a tasty dish is to experience the taste first.
In Romans 5:3,4 we read these words, "Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope."
Just as one can commit all manner of recipes to memory without ever knowing how they taste, so can we learn what God's Word says ABOUT many divine truths without ever experiencing them. For instance, Jesus said, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one for another. The love of God in the hearts and lives of his disciples will prove his Presence in their lives, but just knowing what the Bible says about that love will do nothing. Divine love must be experienced to be effective.
In these verses we have just read in Romans, Paul describes the full circle of Christian living; Tribulation, or trials, teaching us patience, patience or waiting on the Lord resulting in experiencing His blessings, that experience, causing hope to blossom as we face further trials and testing, for we have learned by experience that patient waiting will bring about further experiences of His blessings, which will further increase our hope!Christ taught not just abstract truths and ideas while here, but those Divine truths that he had personally proven in his own experiences. Prayer, personal righteousness, love of the truth, forgiveness of ones enemies, are not presented only as things which he personally had proven to be useful and workable as well. So can we today experience in our lives the truths of God's Word.
In Psalm 34:8 a challenge is made, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."Salvation is a very definite experience.
When Jesus said to Nicodemus "Ye must be born again" He spoke not of an abstract philosophy but of a very real birth of the Spirit which can be experienced. Do you ask proof that it is real and can be experienced? I can tell you I have experienced it, and refer you to the testimony of multitudes of others who have experienced this new birth by coming in repentance to accept Christ by faith. But though you might be overwhelmed by the evidence, and convinced that such as experience is possible, the only way you will ever know the joy we feel and the peace that has now become ours is to accept the challenge of God, Taste and see that the Lord is Good!
Men are constantly arguing about the way God saves sinful men, but the experiencing of the new birth ALWAYS settles the question for the individual.Experience taught Moses that God meant what he said and was able to perform any thing he promised to do. Through all the plagues in Egypt, across the Red Sea, in his provisions for the necessities of the people in the wilderness, in his anger against those who doubted Him; in all these Moses had learned by experience and his faith and hope grew as he saw more of the hand of the Lord, but he soon forgot and disobeyed God by striking the rock.
The most beautiful and moving of all the Psalms are those in which the Psalmist sings of his own experiences. When he sang the song of the Lord, his shepherd, he sang not just of those things he had been taught but of those things he had experienced. When he faced Goliath in battled, he had faith that God would be with him, but that faith was not a blind unreasoning faith. With God's help he had already slain a bear and a lion to protect his flock. He knew by experience that God was his helper! When he had to flee from the face of Saul the presence of his Lord was very real. He experienced then the companionship of a very real friend when all earthly friends had turned aside.
Paul had experienced many times in his service for the Lord, God's ability to protect and deliver. From the howling rioting mobs and the cunning craftiness of those who conspired secretly to take his life, God had delivered him, as well from other times of peril, from storm, starvation, and imprisonment. AS he stood on the deck of the ship in Acts 27 it mattered not to him that everything looked hopeless to everyone else on board. He was able to say, based on a long life of experience, "I believe God, there shall be no loss of any man's life!"
God had proven His ability in the past and that past experience now caused Paul to be filled with hope, even when all others were filled with hopeless despair.
After a person has experienced that very real event called the new birth, other grand experiences await him. In my record library is a recording of an old spiritual called, `I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey Now.' As I look back on the experiences I have had with Christ they are truly priceless. The first time I stood before the church and made public profession of Christ as my Savior, and then when I followed my Lord in baptism at the hands of that dearly beloved aged brother that I look upon as my `father' in the ministry.
Then there are all of God's provisions of material and spiritual blessings down through the years. All are memories of His fulfilled promises and answered prayers. Wonderful experiences, but experience teaches us that the best is yet ahead in the service of the Lord!Every child of God can experience in their lives these wonderful happenings as they serve the Lord. Surely, there will be trials and tribulations, but how else could we exercise that patience that brings about the experience of God's power and strength in our lives?
I would like to pose a direct question to you who are saved by the grace of God and know it.What are you experiencing in your life? Confusion perhaps as to how to serve God? We are told in 1 Corinthians 14 that God is not the author of confusion. Frustration? This is not one of the fruits of the Spirit promised to God's people. Fear? A disquieted spirit? Jesus said, `My peace I give unto you'.
These things are not God's will for His own and yet all too many of His people do experience them instead of the love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, meekness and temperance that are the fruits of the Spirit. Why? Simply because these fruits grow and abound only in that heart and life that is committed to the service of God according to His Word and without reservation!
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
When the blessings fall from heaven
be it Sunday Morn or Night,
those who find the greatest bounty
are the ones whose hearts are right.
For, the cold, indifferent Christian
with mind on worldly things,
can't recognize real pleasures
like the blessings heaven brings.
Instead of yielding to the Spirit
he can only criticize,
Or, sit and make excuses,
While others get the prize!
then while others are rejoicing,
he mumbles and complains,
and gets not a single blessing,
while around, a shower rains!
Now, if you're not enjoying services,
Try yielding Christ your heart,
Then when blessings fall from heaven
You'll surely get your part
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INTRO: Can you imagine how difficult it would be for one who has never tasted ice cream to simply read the recipe and describe to another who also never tasted it. just how good it is? Ridiculous? Certainly it is. The only way one can describe the pleasure of a tasty dish is to experience the taste first.
In Romans 5:3,4 we read these words, "Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope."
Just as one can commit all manner of recipes to memory without ever knowing how they taste, so can we learn what God's Word says ABOUT many divine truths without ever experiencing them. For instance, Jesus said, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you have love one for another. The love of God in the hearts and lives of his disciples will prove his Presence in their lives, but just knowing what the Bible says about that love will do nothing. Divine love must be experienced to be effective.
In these verses we have just read in Romans, Paul describes the full circle of Christian living; Tribulation, or trials, teaching us patience, patience or waiting on the Lord resulting in experiencing His blessings, that experience, causing hope to blossom as we face further trials and testing, for we have learned by experience that patient waiting will bring about further experiences of His blessings, which will further increase our hope!Christ taught not just abstract truths and ideas while here, but those Divine truths that he had personally proven in his own experiences. Prayer, personal righteousness, love of the truth, forgiveness of ones enemies, are not presented only as things which he personally had proven to be useful and workable as well. So can we today experience in our lives the truths of God's Word.
In Psalm 34:8 a challenge is made, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."Salvation is a very definite experience.
When Jesus said to Nicodemus "Ye must be born again" He spoke not of an abstract philosophy but of a very real birth of the Spirit which can be experienced. Do you ask proof that it is real and can be experienced? I can tell you I have experienced it, and refer you to the testimony of multitudes of others who have experienced this new birth by coming in repentance to accept Christ by faith. But though you might be overwhelmed by the evidence, and convinced that such as experience is possible, the only way you will ever know the joy we feel and the peace that has now become ours is to accept the challenge of God, Taste and see that the Lord is Good!
Men are constantly arguing about the way God saves sinful men, but the experiencing of the new birth ALWAYS settles the question for the individual.Experience taught Moses that God meant what he said and was able to perform any thing he promised to do. Through all the plagues in Egypt, across the Red Sea, in his provisions for the necessities of the people in the wilderness, in his anger against those who doubted Him; in all these Moses had learned by experience and his faith and hope grew as he saw more of the hand of the Lord, but he soon forgot and disobeyed God by striking the rock.
The most beautiful and moving of all the Psalms are those in which the Psalmist sings of his own experiences. When he sang the song of the Lord, his shepherd, he sang not just of those things he had been taught but of those things he had experienced. When he faced Goliath in battled, he had faith that God would be with him, but that faith was not a blind unreasoning faith. With God's help he had already slain a bear and a lion to protect his flock. He knew by experience that God was his helper! When he had to flee from the face of Saul the presence of his Lord was very real. He experienced then the companionship of a very real friend when all earthly friends had turned aside.
Paul had experienced many times in his service for the Lord, God's ability to protect and deliver. From the howling rioting mobs and the cunning craftiness of those who conspired secretly to take his life, God had delivered him, as well from other times of peril, from storm, starvation, and imprisonment. AS he stood on the deck of the ship in Acts 27 it mattered not to him that everything looked hopeless to everyone else on board. He was able to say, based on a long life of experience, "I believe God, there shall be no loss of any man's life!"
God had proven His ability in the past and that past experience now caused Paul to be filled with hope, even when all others were filled with hopeless despair.
After a person has experienced that very real event called the new birth, other grand experiences await him. In my record library is a recording of an old spiritual called, `I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey Now.' As I look back on the experiences I have had with Christ they are truly priceless. The first time I stood before the church and made public profession of Christ as my Savior, and then when I followed my Lord in baptism at the hands of that dearly beloved aged brother that I look upon as my `father' in the ministry.
Then there are all of God's provisions of material and spiritual blessings down through the years. All are memories of His fulfilled promises and answered prayers. Wonderful experiences, but experience teaches us that the best is yet ahead in the service of the Lord!Every child of God can experience in their lives these wonderful happenings as they serve the Lord. Surely, there will be trials and tribulations, but how else could we exercise that patience that brings about the experience of God's power and strength in our lives?
I would like to pose a direct question to you who are saved by the grace of God and know it.What are you experiencing in your life? Confusion perhaps as to how to serve God? We are told in 1 Corinthians 14 that God is not the author of confusion. Frustration? This is not one of the fruits of the Spirit promised to God's people. Fear? A disquieted spirit? Jesus said, `My peace I give unto you'.
These things are not God's will for His own and yet all too many of His people do experience them instead of the love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, meekness and temperance that are the fruits of the Spirit. Why? Simply because these fruits grow and abound only in that heart and life that is committed to the service of God according to His Word and without reservation!
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
When the blessings fall from heaven
be it Sunday Morn or Night,
those who find the greatest bounty
are the ones whose hearts are right.
For, the cold, indifferent Christian
with mind on worldly things,
can't recognize real pleasures
like the blessings heaven brings.
Instead of yielding to the Spirit
he can only criticize,
Or, sit and make excuses,
While others get the prize!
then while others are rejoicing,
he mumbles and complains,
and gets not a single blessing,
while around, a shower rains!
Now, if you're not enjoying services,
Try yielding Christ your heart,
Then when blessings fall from heaven
You'll surely get your part
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Standing At The Judgment Bar
STANDING AT THE JUDGMENT BAR
TEXT: Dan 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
Dan 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
Dan 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
Dan 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
INTRO: God’s judgment is absolute. He doesn’t grade on a curve. It is terrible folly when one tries to seek approval from other men with no regard for the demands of a Holy God.
2 Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Yogi might have been smarter than the average bear’ but he was still a bear. To be as good as or even better than the average sinner is not enough because God doesn’t approach judgment with a plus or minus tolerance for sin.
I. There is a standard of spiritual righteousness which MUST be met for salvation. Departments of Weights and Measures in every state determine the standard of accuracy for those who sell goods.
A. The very name of ‘SIN’ denotes the coming short of a standard. Missing the mark by falling short.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
B. The pharisees had not reached this goal.
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
C. All men are judged by the unvarying standards of God’s perfect demands. If you have ever felt the hopelessness of trying to satisfy some demanding parent, teacher, coach, employer, etc. then how do you expect to ever satisfy a Holy God who CANNOT be satisfied or even look upon any imperfection? It is necessary that we come to the knowledge of our complete failure and inability to do anything about it, so that God can then bring us in complete humility to the ONLY answer.
D. Christ was NOT given to men as a standard of righteousness, but as the answer to God’s demands for righteousness. God does not say, "Now you must measure up to this man", but rather, "HE has done what I expected from man and I will accept it in man’s behalf. In only this way can God remain Just and yet the Justifier of sinful men.
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Here is the seal of approval of the heavenly department of weights and measures-
Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.Only Christ can balance the scales for you...
II For those who are saved, there is a standard of living that must be met.
Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
A. We are weighed and found wanting in wrong speech; in perverseness; in licentiousness; in worldliness. There is a standard of POSITIVE performance. Some have accepted the standards of rebellious souls and are losing all hope of rewards.
B. To become strong in all manner of doctrinal teaching, but be calloused to the needs of men in material things,is to give short weight toward men
C. To be concerned about the needs of men and care nothing for the Word of God is to shortchange God.
It's A Fact
IT'S A FACT
TEXT: John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
INTRO: Facts- Facts- FACTS!
While the world searches frantically for facts, men are often disturbed as today's facts become tomorrow's fallacies.
[The ‘food pyramid’ we had long been taught to accept as essential to our well being, has been turned on its head!] It is no wonder that the question is so often asked, "What IS truth?" Even the terrible sins of yesterday have become the accepted practices of today.
I. Truth in General - Facts are absolute and unchangeable
A. Sin of yesterday will be sin tomorrow. The transgression of God’s will is sin, whether it takes place in Eden, Sodom or a 21st century city
1. Mans standards vary with his whims but Gods desires are constant.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
B. All EXACT Science is based upon constant FACTS.
1. Math, chemistry, physics etc. are exact sciences. The formulas that worked 1000 yrs. ago still do.
2. Art, literature, language and grammar are not exact and change constantly. [This is why the study of the original languages is so important in Biblical research.}
3. When Theology deals with revealed truth [and not man’s conception of it] it is constant because He is constant.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Therefore the Gospel is as fresh now as when first declared, and Bible Truths can not become outmoded.
II. Some of these constant Truths;
A. The Truth concerning Sin.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
B. That Christ shed His blood to save sinners.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Heb 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Heb 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
C. The Truth that man must repent and believe, to be born again.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
D. That there is NO OTHER plan of salvation.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
This plan has NEVER changed;
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
E.The Truth concerning the Lord’s Church is constant.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
F. Truths of moral right and wrong never change.
1. Though all the world may drink;
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
2. Though all society goes virtually naked, we are told that it is an indication of insanity.
Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
3. Though a rebellious society might condone, and even approve of adultery and fornication, the Word of God is emphatic on the subject;
1 Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1 Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
G. Heaven, hell and judgment to come are scriptural facts. Though all the world might doubt, ridicule and deny, the suffering, risen, ascended and returning Christ is a FACT UNCHANGEABLE!
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
H. God’s demands upon you today are facts. Saying ‘NO’ to God will not alter them. You will someday give account to Him.
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
TEXT: John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
INTRO: Facts- Facts- FACTS!
While the world searches frantically for facts, men are often disturbed as today's facts become tomorrow's fallacies.
[The ‘food pyramid’ we had long been taught to accept as essential to our well being, has been turned on its head!] It is no wonder that the question is so often asked, "What IS truth?" Even the terrible sins of yesterday have become the accepted practices of today.
I. Truth in General - Facts are absolute and unchangeable
A. Sin of yesterday will be sin tomorrow. The transgression of God’s will is sin, whether it takes place in Eden, Sodom or a 21st century city
1. Mans standards vary with his whims but Gods desires are constant.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
B. All EXACT Science is based upon constant FACTS.
1. Math, chemistry, physics etc. are exact sciences. The formulas that worked 1000 yrs. ago still do.
2. Art, literature, language and grammar are not exact and change constantly. [This is why the study of the original languages is so important in Biblical research.}
3. When Theology deals with revealed truth [and not man’s conception of it] it is constant because He is constant.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Therefore the Gospel is as fresh now as when first declared, and Bible Truths can not become outmoded.
II. Some of these constant Truths;
A. The Truth concerning Sin.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
B. That Christ shed His blood to save sinners.
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Heb 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Heb 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
Heb 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
C. The Truth that man must repent and believe, to be born again.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
D. That there is NO OTHER plan of salvation.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
This plan has NEVER changed;
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
E.The Truth concerning the Lord’s Church is constant.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
F. Truths of moral right and wrong never change.
1. Though all the world may drink;
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
2. Though all society goes virtually naked, we are told that it is an indication of insanity.
Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
3. Though a rebellious society might condone, and even approve of adultery and fornication, the Word of God is emphatic on the subject;
1 Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1 Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
G. Heaven, hell and judgment to come are scriptural facts. Though all the world might doubt, ridicule and deny, the suffering, risen, ascended and returning Christ is a FACT UNCHANGEABLE!
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
H. God’s demands upon you today are facts. Saying ‘NO’ to God will not alter them. You will someday give account to Him.
Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
The Constancy of God
THE CONSTANCY OF GOD AND OUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH
TEXT: James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
INTRO: We are all aware of the constancy and order in our universe. We have learned to depend upon it and any deviation from it brings great consternation. Without such constancy, there could be no advancement in any field of knowledge and all scientific experiments would be but vain games. This idea of constancy does not follow through to the spiritual realm, but rather stems from it. In this message we look at three things;
1. the constancy of God’s attitude toward man and sin.
2. The problem of man’s inconstancy and undependability.
3. The solution to the problem.
I. God’s constancy
A. In the stated purpose of man’s existence.
Eccl 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
B. In His unchanging hatred of sin.
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
C. In His desire for man’s redemption.
This is seen from Genesis to Revelation
1. The promise
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
2. The picture
Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
3 The performance
Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
4 The perpetuity
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
D. In His instructions to the saved
1. In prayer -
2. In Service - 1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
3. In our hope -
Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Heb 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
4. In our doctrinal position -
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
5. In resisting satan’s devices -
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
II. Man’s shortcomings and the results of them.
A. Physically; Our endocrine glands and metabolism provide a constant body temperature. When anything upsets this, we become ill.
B. Mentally. Man functions best when he has a stable mind.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
C. Spiritually.
When this constancy is affected, we wax hot and cold like the Laodicians. Man’s natural spiritual condition is cold but with God, it is to be on fire with fervent zeal. The first is subject to the conviction by the Holy Spirit and knows it. The second is being used by God and is thrilled by it. The lukewarm christian can’t seem to decide one way or the other. He has a form of godliness but no power.
1. Some wavered because of strong teaching.
John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
2. Peter wavered out of fear.
Mat 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Mat 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
Mat 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
Mat 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Mat 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Mat 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
3.Demas was lured off course by worldly attractions.
2 Tim 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
4.The Corinthian Church veered off course because of sin in her midst.
1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
1 Cor 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from
5. The Galatians were led astray by bewitching teachers.
Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
6. Thyatira allowed a Jezebel to teach and seduce her members into spiritual fornication and idolatry.
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
III. The Solution.God, who has provided so wondrously for stability in the universe, has not neglected that which is eternal.The answer is CHRIST!
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.A. For stability of mind.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
B. When Christ is present we cannot be bewitched by judaizers.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
C. He is the the answer to the constant need to face life’s problems.
1 Cor 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Cor 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Cor 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1 Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
D. For unswerving loyalty to God’s service, let Christ be your life!
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
E. For an unchanging hope.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
F. He can even provide unchanging purity of life.
1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SPIRITUAL YO-YO !!
1 Comments:
Chad said...
I guess I'm wondering if perhaps the mind of Christ that we all should embody isn't actually an entity that we must ask for and received from God. I tend to think of this 'mind' as Christ's very human approach to life, his worldview, and his way of living. Clearly we can't live as Christ did 2000 years ago, but instead we have to forge our lives, and our approach to living, our mind, from an inner constancy. Isn't perhaps looking outside of ourselves, whether its to someone else's interpretation of God's word, or to something else entirely really getting us away from the mind of Christ? Isn't our very "Christian" mind really our own, made so by living and thinking not with Christ's own mind, a gift given from on high, but with our own mind, forged from our understanding of the world, filtered through a Christian filter?
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