Passing Through the Wilderness
February 10, 2008
- You will never see enough to keep from having to make a decision between satisfaction with Jesus and satisfaction with things.
- We please God to the degree that He pleases us
- There will never be enough examples to keep us from being unfaithful if we do not truly desire God for Who He is.
- We all have impurities that only manifest themselves when the heat is turned up.
You Can Be Bitter or You Can Be Better
January 27, 2008
(Matt. 18:15-35)
- Bitterness is often the result of a failure to communicate
- Accountability will loose you while dogmatism binds
- There is never a time when Christians are not obligated to forgive
- How can we withhold a little mercy when we have been given such a great amount?
“I Am Against Thee”
October 13, 2007
Nah 2:13 Behold, I am against thee, said the LORD of hosts Nah 3:5 Behold, I am against thee, said the LORD of hosts;
Introduction
A) The Most frightening declaration uttered to man by a living God.
A) Against those who provoked Him to wrath
B) I am against thee said the Lord of Host
B) Cannot fathom anything more fearful. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
A) No one can go against those God is for.
B) Who then would think of going up against God successfully?
C) This is asked at least 4 times in Scripture
a) Joel 2:11 “The day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who
can abide it?”
b) Nah 1:6 “Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in
the fierceness of his anger?”
c) Mal 3:2 “But who may abide the day of his coming?”
d) Rev 6:17 “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be
able to stand?”
C) Can’t stand against God’s Power.
I GOD’S AWESOME POWER.
A) WHAT GOD IS.
1)Sovereign – Immutable – Omniscient – Omnipotent Omnipresent – Self- sufficient and Self-existent.
2) These characteristics are to much for most of us to grasp.
3) Nahum ascribe to Him in great Eloquence The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm”
4) Tornadoes – Hurricanes – Storms cannot stand against Him.
B) WHAT GOD DOES.
1) I Would have liked to been there at the Red Sea
2) Or on the ship with the Disciples when Jesus rebuked the Sea.
3) Or with Elijah when God fed him with meals brought by the Ravens
4) Nah 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation?
5) and who can abide in then fierceness of his anger?
B) MAN’S ASSUMED POWER
Ps 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves & the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, & against his anointed.
A) MEN OF AUTHORITY PLOTTING TOGETHER
1. Able to assemble vast armies to try to overcome the Lord.
2. The Psalmist goes on to say…
3. Ps 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. {Laugh – scorn – mock}
B) IF KINGS & RULERS CAN’T STAND AGAINST HIM – WHO CAN
1) Nineveh the capital of Assyria tried to act independent of God – destroyed Nineveh.
2) God give Nineveh, the greatest revival the world ever knew just a 150 years earlier.
3) Here in this chapter Nineveh is described as a well-favored harlot.
4) She turned to witchcraft and the occult.
5) God has never tolerated the occult.
C) ASSYRIAN SOLDIERS HAD KILLED GOD’S PEOPLE
Nah 3:1 “Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery;”
1) They had forsaken God for their Idols
2) God Said “I Am Against Thee.”
D) NO MAN CAN STAND AGAINST GOD.
1.) America could well learn from this lesson
2.) America can’t continue to against God.
3.) God will say “I Am Against Thee.”
III. NO ACQUITTAL FOR THE WICKED
Nah 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.”
A) IT’S EVIDENT GOD IS SLOW TO ANGER
1) America has tried it ALL to anger God.
2) Rise in crime – Prayer from school.
3) Drugs – Drunkenness – Cults – Witchery
B. TO “ACQUIT” IS A COURTROOM TERM.
1) Wicked found guilty – Sentence is a banishment to Hell – There is NO Reprieve.
2) Hell’s occupants are NOT eligible for parole.
3) God is slow to anger – Long-suffering
2 Pet 3 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance But the day of the Lord will come”
C) THERE IS A CUT OFF POINT – GOD HAS HAD ENOUGH
1. Day of the Lord comes as a thief in night
2. At that day He will not acquit the wicked.
IV. WHO CAN ABIDE {withstand) IT?
A) ONLY JESUS CAN WITHSTAND IT.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1)You Can choose the Rock Of Ages Today
2) Or you can run for the rocks and mountains to hide you tomorrow.
3) Nah1:7 He knoweth them that trust Him
B. JESUS OUR REFUGE IN DAY OF TROUBLE.
1) He Paid the price for our sin & iniquity.
2) Hear God as He extends an invitation for those who seek to stand against Him.
Ps 2:10-12 .Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, {Do homage to the Son} lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
First Words Of The Lord Jesus Christ
July 14, 2007
Text: Mark 1:21-22 & John 7:45-46.
Mk 1:21-22 “And they went into Capernaum; & straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority & not as the scribes”
Jn 7:45-46 “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
Introduction:
Mt 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
THINK OF THE POWER OF WORDS.
A. Hitler whipped Germany into a frenzy of hate with words harshly spoken.
1. Roosevelt roused America with his fireside chats.
B. Preachers have led thousands into the Kingdom of God by their words.
1. Johnathan Edwards – in a monotone.
2. Whitefield – with his powerful voice.
3. Wesley – moving messages.
4. Spurgeon – great eloquence.
5. Billy Sunday – with great dynamics.
BUT OH THE WORDS OF JESUS.
THE SOFTNESS OF A MOTHER.
THE ELOQUENCE OF A STATESMAN.
THE BEAUTY OF AN ANGEL.
NO MAN EVER SPOKE LIKE JESUS SPEAKS.
I. KNOW YE NOT THAT I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS. Luke 2:49
A. THAT WAS JESUS AT THE AGE OF 12 YEAR
1. At Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover.
2. Jesus left behind.
3. Mary & Joseph found him they rebuked him and Jesus answers Know ye not that I must be about my Fathers Business
B. THROUGH LIFE KEPT THAT SAME SPIRIT
Jn 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
C. HIS BUSINESS IS STILL THE GREATEST ON EARTH.
1. Greater than GM or AOI.
2. George Truitt said “I would give a thousand lives, if I had them, to God as a preacher.”
II. SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS A GREAT COUNTRY PREACHER
1. People came from all around to hear John.
2. Jesus came to be baptized of him.
3. John says “Oh no, not me.”
4. Jesus answers “Suffer it to be so not for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”
B. JESUS’ BAPTISM SERVES AS A PATTERN FOR EVERY REDEEMED SOUL.
1. Baptism is a matter of obedience.
2. Not for the washing away of the filth of the flesh
3. Answer of a good conscience toward God.
III. REPENT YE & BELIEVE THE GOSPEL Mk 1:15
A. JESUS WENT INTO GALILEE PREACHING THAT THE KINGDOM WAS AT HAND.
1. Question – How can I get through to God?
2. Answer given…No man cometh to the Father except through me.
B. PEOPLE SEEK HIM IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
1. The savage – by cutting & mutilating self.
2. Pagan – by bowing down before an image.
3. Civilized men – through religious forms/customs.
C. REPENTANCE IS A BIBLICAL DOCTRINE.
1. Not merely the fear of God.
2. Not simply sorrow for your sins.
3. Or conviction for your sin.
D. REPENTANCE IS A COMPLETE CHANGE OF HEART, SOUL, MIND AND LIFE.
1. Involves turning from sin to the Savior.
2. Coming over to God’s side.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
IV. WHAT SEEK YE. John 1:38
A. JOHN SAW JESUS COMING
Jn 1:29 John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1. Two disciples with John were pointed to Jesus Christ.
2. A True preacher points to Jesus & not self
3. This caused men to follow the Savior.
4. Jesus turned and said “What seek ye?”
5. They reply “Master, where dwellest thou?”
6. Jesus answered “Come and see.”
B. ONE OF THESE MEN WAS ANDREW.
1. Andrew immediately went after Peter.
2. Peter later was allowed to preach at Pentecost.
WHAT SEEK YE? MEN STILL SEEKING TODAY.
C. WHERE CAN A PERSON FIND THAT WHICH SATISFIES?
1. Not in science. 2. Not in profit.
3. Not in pleasure. 4. Or in earthly honor.
LISTEN TO WORDS OF JESUS…
THEY ARE WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OUR YEARS.
GUIDANCE FOR OUR LIVES.
STRENGTH FOR NEEDS.
COMFORT FOR SORROW.
HOME FOR OUR SOUL.
The Cry Of The Perishing
July 13, 2007
Mark 4:36-41
Introduction: Christ in the ship.
1. The trip is not always smooth.
2. The trip will always be safe.
3. This act is a picture of forgiveness.
I) THOSE READY TO PERISH. Vs 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. The boat was logged to the point of sinking & 2 things could sink the ship.
A) Storm Without Everything against them
1) The Wind Of Adversity.
(a) Business may fail.
(b) Family Members may go astray.
(c) Disease may fasten like a viper.
(d) The death Angel may visit a loved one.
2) May Think Jesus Is Asleep – HE IS NOT
B) The waves Within – Fills with Alarm…
1) The ship may wither a storm.
2) Sea in the ship is hopeless – Abandonment
3) The Elements Of Sin Flood Our Soul.
(a) All prospect of safety are cut off.
(b) The pumps and the oars are worthless.
4) Need to cease the struggle Call on Jesus
II) THE GREAT QUESTION Vs 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow & they awake him & say unto him Master carest thou not that we perish
A) ONLY WHEN THE SHIP WAS FULL DID THEY CRY.
1) It is surely time to call before sinking
2) Carest thou not
3) Was It A Sleep Of Indifference? – “NO”
4) The Cross Is His Answer. - 1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
III) THE DIVINE RESPONSE. 39 And he arose, and rebuked the windHe arose for our justificationHe answers the cry of the perishing.
A) REBUKING WORD He Rebuked the wind
1) Look at the cause of distress…
2) Disaster was Pending.
3) He Delivered Us From The Wrath To Come
B) HIS PEACE SPEAKING WORD. Vs 39 “To The Sea – Peace, be still. And the wind ceased”
1) Not only does He remove the Cause – He heals the Effect
2) Not only Saves From Wrath – Saves from Power of Sin My peace give I unto youI
V) THE AMAZING EFFECT 39b And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
A) INSTANT OBEDIENCE The Wind Ceased
1) They Called - He Spoke – It Was Done
2) Takes vengeance on them that obey not
B) A GREAT CALM CAME.
1) The Calm of Christ is Greater than the Storm of Sin
2) Ps 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”
C) A TREMBLING ASTONISHMENT. “THEY FEARED EXCEEDINGLY”
1) Then Who Is This.
2) What Matter Of Man Is This?
(a) Who can calm the sea?
(b) Who can heal the blind?
(c) Who can raise the dead?
(d) Who can make the lame to walk?
DANIEL WAS A MAN WHO LEARNED THE SECRETS OF GOD
July 9, 2007
Text: Daniel 1:1-21
A. Daniel’s Amazing Book.
1. It is a book of adventures in Faith.
2. It is a book that previews the Future.
B. Daniel’s Amazing Life.
1. Taken captive from Judah to Babylon.
2. Chosen as 1 of 4 to serve Neb…..
2. He was shown God’s plan for the Future.
C. Why God share His Secrets with Dan
I. BECAUSE OF DANIEL’S CLEAN HEART
Vs 8 But Daniel purposed {made up his mind} in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
A. DANIEL MADE UP HIS MIND WHAT HE WOULD DO
1. He would be an influence to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
2. Daniel Purposed to keep their hearts clean for the Lord
B. DECISION REQUIRED FAITH & COURAGE
Ps 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will
shew them his covenant.
1. That means the secrets of his promises
2. God Reveals His secrets to those who Trust Him.
C. DANIEL DESIRED A CLEAN HEART.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me.
1. Dan decision affected his choices in life.
2. He would refuse the King’s wine & meat.
3. He would live different than his captors.
II. DANIEL’S CONSISTENT LIFE
Vs 9-10 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking {looking worse} than the children {young men} which are of your sort {age}? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
A. NOT FAR FROM RESOLUTION TO REALITY
1. Testing is sure to follow Testimony.
2. Melzar arrived with king’s wine & meat.
B. DANIEL REQUESTED TO BE EXCUSED FROM TAKING THIS FOOD AND DRINK.
1. He respectfully stated his Convictions
2. His life affected Melzar and he agreed.
C. DANIEL’S EXAMPLE OF COURAGE AND FAITH OVERCAME MELZAR’S FEARS.
Why did God share His Secrets with Daniel BECAUSE
III. DAN’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Vs 12-16 Prove thy servants…. ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
A. TEST OF FAITH “Prove Thy Servants”
1. Melzar – Go on and put us to the test.
2. Give us 10 day to prove this to you.
B. THE FOUR MEN WERE LIVING LEAN IN THE AND OF PLENTY
1. Bean soup tasted better than wine/meat
2. Obedience to God makes life sweeter.
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice”
C. MELZAR DID AS DANIEL ASKED HIM.
Vs 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
1. Took away rich food & the wine they were to drink, & gave them vegetables.
2. They were allowed to eat what God wanted them to eat
D. RESULTS OF THIS TEST OF FAITH.
Vs 15 At the end of ten days their countenances {features} appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.{delicacies}
1. Dan & friends healthier than the others
2. So much so that even the Unbelievers saw the difference.
Vs 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, {information and judgment} that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
CONCLUSION:
A. Those live close to God learn His secrets
1. God gave these 4 young men.- Knowledge – Skill in learning and Wisdom
2. Dan given an understanding of God’s secrets
B. How Close To God Are You?
America Is Not Dead Yet
June 22, 2007
AMERICA IS NOT DEAD YET
Text: Psalm 144:1-15
A) The U.S.A. Was conceived in the hearts of God fearing freedom loving men & women.
1) He labor pains were so severe some thought she would be still born.
2) Our fathers stood over the new babe and called it a republic because she belonged to the people
3) The Goliath of Europe tried stalking her when she was still young.
B) While she was still young.
1) She struggled through disease – hunger – poverty
2) She suffered panics – depression – earthquakes floods – dust bowls and storms.
C) She had her Boston Tea Party.
1) She had to deal with her Benedict Arnold and other traitors.
2) She had a full attack from the Red Coats.
D) Many are still trying to destroy her.
1) The Moslem’s are trying to kill her.
2) The Koreans will try to Nuke her.
3) The French hate her
4) The Russians do not trust her.
E) Don’t hang up the Black Crept yet.
1) Old Glory, for now, is still flying high.
2) David said Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
F) God has given us some great military men
1) General George Washington.
2) General Douglas MacArthur.
3) General Dwight Eisenhower.
G) God has blessed us with great Churches
H) Over 400,000 Churches in America
I) Over 450,000 ordained preachers.
I) AMERICA’S HOPE LIES IN GODLY YOUNG MEN Ps 144:12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
A) BIBLE GIVES SPECIAL BLESSING TO YOUNG MEN Joel 2:28 & Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
1) Solomon said “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
2) I’m not talking about some – Freaked out – Doped up – Drugged out
B) I’M TALKING ABOUT A YOUNG MAN GOD CALLED
1) A John the Baptist – From the Wilderness
2) A Paul – From the intellectual world.
3) A D.L. Moody – From the shoeshop.
4) A Curtis Hutson – From the Mail Route. 1 Jn 2:14 I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Prov 23:26 “My son give me thine heart”
C) YOUNG MEN ARE RECEPTIVE TO CHALLENGE
1) They are not hardened in their ways.
2) They are willing to make a change.
3) That’s the reason the military wants young men.
II) AMERICA’S HOPE LIES IN GODLY YOUNG WOMEN Ps 144:12 That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace A. THE BIBLE USES THE PICTURE OF A BRIDE TO GIVE US AN IN-SITE INTO HEAVEN Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
1) Nothing anymore beautiful than a bride, 2. A Chaste Virgin, coming down the aisle.
2) Songs Of Solomon depict that beautiful picture
(a) A King and his true love.
(b) A Picture of Christ and His Church.
B) MOST BEAUTIFUL THING GOD HAS PLACED IN THIS WORLD IS……
1) A Beautiful, wholesome, young lady.
2) One who Dresses Nice – Acts Right – ETC
C) WE NEED TO DEFEND OUR YOUNG LADIES.
1) Need an Andrew Jackson – Defending his Rachel
2) A Harry Truman – Fighting for his Margaret.
3) Even Adam – Gave up Paradise for a Woman.
D) 2ND ADAM GAVE UP PARADISE FOR A WOMAN
1) In spite of the fact that the Church has not been true to Him.
2) He has loved His Bride – just the same.
E) MANY WOMAN HAVE STOOD AGAINST TRIALS
1) While William Booth was on trial in the Methodist Church for preaching to the Ghettoes
(a) Choice to renounce position or Excommunication
(b) Wife Kathryn yelled repeatedly “Say No Will”
III) HER HOPE LIES IN HER BOUNTIFUL MATERIAL BLESSING. Ps 144:13 That our garners may be full
A) SHE HAS SHARED GOSPEL WITH THE WORLD.
1) We have gone to Africa – China – Latin America
2) To almost every nation we have sent Missionaries Prov 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: & he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
B) AMERICA HAS SHARED HER MATERIAL GOODS
1) We have been the feeding trough of the world.
2) Given to the Poor and Needy – Jobs – Money – Food – Knowledge
3) No other nation has our Agriculture knowledge
IV) AMERICA’S STRENGTH LIES IN HER CHRISTIAN HOMES.
A) LEFT WING RADICAL GROUPS SAY WE HAVE OVERPOPULATED OUR NATION.
1) That is a LIE hatched out of Hell.
2) They Advocate Abortion – Zero Population growth
3) Christians mothers will continue to have children raised in Christians homes.
4) David “Lo, Children are a heritage of the Lord”
B) GOD IS STILL BLESSING – CHRISTIAN HOMES
V) AMERICA’S HOPE LIES IN HER WILLINGNESS TO LABOR Ps 144:14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
A) THE WAR ON POVERTY HAS BEEN DECLARED BY THE AMERICAN WORK FORCE.
1) Unemployment rate lower than any other nation
2) Anyone who wants to work can.
3) Paul said “If they won’t work, don’t let them eat”
B) OUR FOREFATHERS TRUSTED IN GOD
1) As they were nearing 5the coast on the Mayflower they begin kneeling in prayer.
2) They drafted a sacred doctrine that begin with “In the name of God …Amen”
3) That is what gave America a solid foundation.
C) AMERICA WILL NOT FAIL BECAUSE OF…….
1) Crooked Politicians..
2) Greedy Businessmen…
3) Or lack Of Firepower…
D) AMERICA WILL ONLY FAIL BECAUSE………
1) When we as God’s called out Church quits.
2) When we quit holding on to that old rugged cross
3) When we lose our Christian Heritage..
No More Bombs Bursting In Air
June 21, 2007
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 Micah 4:1-5
A) Freedom is purchased with a price
1) Liberty has always come through the overthrow of Tyrants.
2) Wars have drenched battlefields with blood to gain freedom
B) Wars have been fought to end all wars
1) Still the world is an armed camp – A dangerous place.
2) Wars and rumors of was will continue Mt 24:6-7 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, & pestilences, & earthquakes, in divers places.
C) When will the world find peace?
I) PEACE IS THE CRY OF THE EARTH TODAY
A) THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES PEOPLE HAVE LONGED FOR PEACE.
1) Even so – war has continued on the Earth
2) No wonder cry for peace has continued
B) WHY WARS CONTINUE. Jms 4:1-2 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and…ye fight and war…..
1) There’s a constant lust for wealth & power
2) Desire to control wealth and people.
C) PEACE WITHIN THE GRASP OF MANKIND.
1) They believe peace and safety has arrived
2) However – Destruction is on its way.
3) We are to be alert to signs of His return.
D) THESE ARE TO DAYS TO WATCH & PRAY
II) PEACE COMING TO THE EARTH SOMEDAY
A) THE TIME OF PEACE.
1) A time of Religious Peace – Vs 1
2) A Time of Political Peace – Vs 2
3) A Time of Peace through Justice Isa 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
4) A Time of Peace in Nature. Isa 11:6-8 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.
B) A TIME WHEN VIOLENCE WILL END
1) Violence has been with us since man’s fall
2) There will be no more destroying in that coming time of peace.
III) PEACE WILL COME WHEN THE KING COMES AGAIN.
A) PEACE AGREEMENTS WILL FAIL UNTIL THE PRINCE OF PEACE RETURNS.
B) CHRIST WILL JUDGE AMONG HIS PEOPLE
1) He will Rebuke the wicked.
2) He will bring Fairness to all.
C) CHRIST WILL END ALL WAR.
1) Weapons will be put to better use. Mic 4:3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
2) Think about it “NO MORE WAR”
IV) CONCLUSION:
A) We can find peace with God now by Faith Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
B) Personal peace by full surrender Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
Fathers Don’t Check The Winds
June 12, 2007
FATHER’S – DON’T CHECK THE WINDS
Eccl 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. {Course} Eccl 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
Introduction:
A) Two women were standing at the supermarket talking about “Father’s Day”
1) 1st woman ask “How would you describe Fathers Day? 2nd woman said It’s
2) just like Mothers Day…Only you don’t spend as much 2. Today I am especially speaking to each Father that is here.
B) The message is concerning your place – In Home – At Your Work – With Your Children.
C) To be a good Father you need to KNOW the Will Of God.
D) Then You Need To DO The Will Of God.
I) THE BIBLE GIVES US AN INFALLIBLE GUIDE
A) CANNOT BE A GOOD FATHER WITHOUT THE BOOK
1) Your family leadership is nothing without the Word Of God.
2) Many books on how to be a Good Father
3) Only one that counts – The Bible…
B) SOME OF YOU DAD’S ARE TRYING TO RAISE YOUR CHILDREN ON THE WIND. Jn 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, (Wishes) and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence (Where) it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
1) Nothing more unstable than the Wind.
2) Your stick up you finger and Test the wind
3) Let the School system raise your children
4) You test the winds of modern day theories of child raising.
5) Or You say – “It’s the Mothers job to raise the children.”
C) DO NOT TEST THE WIND’S OF PRAYER – JUST PRAY.
1) David prayed for his family and Children. 2 Sam 7:29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
D) DON’T CHECK THE WIND OF THE LATEST TREND OF YOUR CHILDREN
1) Because – Johnny – Julie or Joe is doing it don’t make it right for your Children
2) The Wind is always changing Direction…
3) The Wind is always changing Intensity..
4) Wind is always changing Temperature.
II) THE BIBLE IS OUR FATHERS HANDBOOK Deut 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
A) PRODIGAL FATHER IS A GOOD EXAMPLE
1) It is True His son left home & wasted all that he had
2) The Son let the world get in him & He into the world
B) HE PRAYED FOR HIS SON.
C) HE WAITED FOR HIS SON.
D) HE FORGAVE HIS SON.
III) DON’T CHECK THE WIND OF THE FUTURE Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: & when he is old, he will not depart from it.
A) LITTLE BOY OR GIRL IS WATCHING YOU.
1) If you suck on cigarettes – They will grow up sucking on them
2) If you party on the weekends – They will grow up partying.
3) If you think it is alright to drink socially They will think it is alright.
B) DON’T TEST THE WINDS OF PLAYING CHURCH.
1) A Child will know if you are playing Church or not.
2) When you allow negative conversation around the supper table…
3) Those little ears will grow weary of Church
C) IF YOU TEST THESE WINDS YOU’RE FAMILY WILL WIND UP OUT OF CHURCH
What Makes Us Free?
May 24, 2007
WHAT MAKES US FREE?
Text: Ps 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Introduction:
A) God Has Blessed America.
1) It is right to celebrate His goodness to us.
2) Great bounty we share in this good land.
B) Freedom Is One Of Our Greatest Blessings.
1) Political freedom.
2) Personal freedom.
C) What Makes Us Free?
I) THE SCRIPTURES MAKE US FREE. Jn 8:32 “The truth shall make you free.”
A) WORD OF GOD FREES US FROM BONDAGE
1) I firmly belie that God has made America His chosen land.
(a) Never been a land like it in all the annals of the history of human civilization.
(b) We proudly sing “My country tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty”
2) The Lord has made America the Great Nation She is.
B) THE SECRET OF AMERICA’S SUCCESS?
1) Her founding fathers wrote this in the “Mayflower Compact” We have undertaken this little settlement of ours on wild and virgin shores of a strange land…“For The Glory Of God And the Advancement Of The Christian Faith”
2) No wonder the poet has said..
Aye, call it holy ground,
The spot where first they trod,
For there they left unstained
What there they found -
Freedom to worship God.
3) Yes The Scriptures Make Us Free.
(a) They came for freedom to follow the teaching of the Bible.
(b) They came to found a nation based on Biblical principles.
4) The Scriptures in print and the Reformation brought persecution.
5) America provided a place for people to flee for freedom.
II) THE SAVIOUR MAKES US FREE. Jn 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed..
A) CHRIST COME TO SET PEOPLE FREE. Lk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
1) Nicodemus set free from Religious Bondage
2) Zacchaeus set free from Lust For Money
3) Woman at the well set free from Immorality
B) POLITICAL FREEDOM IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1) Patrick Henry shouted “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death.”
2) MacAuther in darkest hours of W W II in reporting his military victories always said.“By The Help Of God”
3) Spiritual Victory Can Be Ours Through Faith In Christ.
III) THE SPIRIT MAKES US FREE. 2 Cor 3:17. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty”
A) AMERICA MUST RETURN TO WHAT MADE US THE GREAT NATION WE ONCE WERE.
1) Woodrow Wilson wrote in 1923
Our civilization cannot survive materially, unless it is redeemed spiritually. It can be saved only by becoming permeated with the Spirit of Christ and being made free and happy by the practices which spring out of that spirit. Only thus can discontent be driven out and all the shadows lifted from the road ahead
2) The Fruit Of The Spirit Demonstrates Our Freedom. 2 Cor 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
B) AMERICA IS THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH.
1) The Greatest Government
2) The greatest Freedom
They bled on the slopes of Bunker Hill that hot day in June, 1775. – They shivered around the campfires amid the sleet and snow at Valley Forge. – They held the broken line at Shilo and climbed the flame swept hill at Chattanooga – They planted the Stars and Stripes On Foreign Fields amid the crimson flare in 1917 – They died on the shores of Battan and opened the beachhead at Normandy.
GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED SO WE COULD HAVE FREEDOM