Marvin Chapel Free Will Baptist Church

 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

THE LESSONS FROM THE ANTS

 

Prov 6:6-9 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, & gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep

Prov 30:24-25 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people {Creature} not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Introduction:

A)    God’s creation gives us valuable instruction 

1)    Isa 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

2)    Jer 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

B)    If man’s vision is too weak to look at the burning bush.

1)    Let him look at the glow worm at his feet.

2)    All of these things give us a Divine Sermon.

C)   The Writer says “Go to the ant you sluggard”

1)    A sluggard is one who loves his leisure.

2)    His is one who lives in idleness.

D)   The false cults are living around us.

1)    They knock on doors day by day…

2)    We are Lazy and Asleep.

I)      THE ANTS HAVE UNITY AND COOPERATION

A)    ANTS LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

1)    They don’t fight among themselves.

2)    Christians are Exhorted to “Love One Another”

B)    ANTS HELP ONE ANOTHER.

1)    If a grain is too large to move they pull together 

2)    If one is injured they help him out.

3)    If one falls in a pit the all work to rescue him.

4)    Christians need to “Bear one anther’s burden’s”

C)   ANTS WORK HARMONIOUSLY.

1)    Though small they unite to get greater results 

2)    Each individual ant has his own job.

3)    None is greater than the other.

D)   THERE IS POWER IN UNITY.

1)    Illustration of the African Ant… They march in the millions in close order - terror spreads before them - Nothing before them is safe - Lion - Snake - Elephant - People - Houses - Being united is powerful 

2)    Imagine what the Church could do of it were united like this……

3)    The Powers of Darkness would flee..

4)    The Early Church moved forward with Unity.

II)    THE ANTS ARE INDUSTRIOUS

A)    THEY WORK VOLUNTARILY.

1)    They have no guide - overseer or ruler…

2)    Thousands live in one colony and they all work

B)    THEY WORK ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY 

1)    Storekeeper - Nurses - Engineers..

2)    Can’t build a Cathedral - Can build an ant hill 

3)    God expects us to use our ability He has given us  Eccl 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

C)   THE ANTS WORK CONTINUALLY.

1)    They work from daylight to dark…

2)    Their motto is “Work for the night is coming”

3)    If an ant-hill is destroyed - They Rebuild.

4)    If an ant had a text “Be not weary in well doing”

D)   CHRISTIANS SHOULD STUDY THE ANT..

1)    Many think the church is a “Don’t work club” Just leave it - It will get done someway.

2)    Its like the farmer I read about…  A Tourist saw him sitting on a stump in the field He ask him “How are things going?” - “Pretty tolerable” - “I had to cut down some trees but the wind blew them down and saved me the trouble” … “That’s fine” said the tourist .. “Lighting set fire to the brush pile - saved me the trouble” - “That’s remarkable” said the tourist…”What are you doing now” - “Nothing much” said the farmer “Just waiting for and earthquake to shake the taters out of the ground”

3)    Cause of Christ suffers because of lazy Christians

(a)  Many Christians are indifferent…

(b)  Many put ease and comfort ahead of God…

4)    Most are not Workers but Shirkers…  Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

5)    90% of God’s work is done by 10% of the people

III)  CONSIDER THE ANTS - THEY ARE WISE

A)    GOD SINGLED OUT THE ANT FOR HIS WISDOM 

1)    Some ant hills are like a modern city - Streets are laid out - Some one-way.

2)    It has ample rooms - Hatcheries and barracks..

B)    CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE WISE IN THE WISDOM OF GOD  Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

C)   WE SHOULD BE WISE IN SOUL WINNING…  “He that winneth souls is wise”

1)    Many Church’s are well fed highly organized, But souls are going to hell because of NO Soul Winning

2)    Conversion of sinners was Christ whole objective

(a)  “He came to seek and save the lost”

(b)  Died that He “Might draw all men unto me”

(c)  He sent the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin.

3)    Notice how wise the N.T.   Church was…. 3000 Saved - 5000 Saved -Multitudes Saved..

4)    Today many church members are more interested in Bingo Parties….

IV)  THE ANTS HAVE DETERMINATION

A)    THEIR MOTTO COULD BE “This One Thing I Do”

1)    Nothing stops the ant from finding food.

2)    He will work - live - die to obtain food.

B)    THE AVERAGE CHRISTIAN SAYS “WE CAN’T”

1)    Can’t Teach    -    Can’t Preach

2)    Can’t Win Souls - Can’t Tithe

V)    THE ANT IS PURPOSEFUL

A)    THAT HAVE A PURPOSE IN EVERYTHING THEY DO 

1)    They don’t waste a move…

2)    They will take the straightest path home…

B)    CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE 

1)    Need Purpose in our Praying…

2)    Need Purpose in our Giving…

3)    Need Purpose in our Separation…

VI)  THE ANT HAS FORESIGHT

A)    HE PREPARES FOR THE FUTURE.

1)    He lays up in the summer for bad times.

2)    Times when he cannot come out..

B)    MEN BELIEVE IN LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE YET THEY DO NOT PREPARE FOR HEAVEN.

1)    Prepare for good education, Good job, Retirement

C)   GOD TOLD US TO PREPARE IN THIS LIFE

A MOTHERS DAY PROMISE

 

Ex 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Eph 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Honour thy  father and mother; (which is the first  commandment with

promise;)

A)    The only commandment that  contains a promise.

1)    Commandment is Divine recognition of that which is due our Parents 

2)    Commandment given 3,000 years ago issued to God’s people

B)    It is no mere human proposition.

1)    God Himself speaks in this edict.

2)    His voice is to be heeded.

3)    It has confirmation in the N.T.  Mk 7:10 Jesus said For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother,let him die the death:

4)    Our Savior knew that this was a commandment of God…

C)   There is something personal about this special commandment.  Ex 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

1)    Five 2nd person Pronouns in this Vss

i)       Thy Father…

ii)     Thy Mother…

iii)    Thy Days…

iv)   Thy God…

v)     Giveth Thee…

2)    The Heavenly Parent knows the problems of the earthly ones.

3)    Father & Mother stand as one in this verse

D)   The Text Of This Commandment Divides Itself Into Four Parts

I)      DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY “HONOR"

A)    HONOR IS AN EXPERIENCE.

1)    It is to be rendered Daily…

2)    Must be Continuous, not Irregular..

3)    NOT left up to the individual to carry out this Commandment at his pleasure

4)    God says the Child has a very Decided responsibility toward the parent.

B)    WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "HONOR"?

1)    All Patriotic citizens HONOR the Flag.

(a)  Stand at attention as the flag passes.

(b)  We stand up with pride as we see it unfurled in the wind and we admire it

2)    We are  giving HONOR to our flag of the U. S. &  Rightly So…

3)    We Are To Give "HONOR" To Our Parents

C)   "HONOR" IMPLIES OBEDIENCE.  Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

1)    The Lord has given us the answer….

(a)  To Give Obedience to the Lord first

(b)  Then To Our Parents.

2)    I owe my Mother the profoundest respect.

3)    Jesus gave respect HONOR To his mother Because She Respected the Commandments.  Lk 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

4)    Even dying on the cross He thought of Her Jn 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

D)   A TRAGIC SIGN OF THE TIMES  2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, unthankful, unholy, 

1)    Hear discussion today about Children

(a)  Some say they are Hell-bent..

(b)  Others say it is not so…

2)    "When Has The Flesh Been Other Than Hell-bent"

3)    ALL Need equally to be regenerated by the Power Of God's Holy Spirit.

4)    Every child is sinner in the eyes of God.

(a)  Not one gets into Heaven by virtue of his its sweetness or innocence…

(b)  It is the Blood Of Christ that avails, even for infants…

II)    DIVINE REPRESENTATION.  "THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER"

A)    HOME LIFE REPRESENTATIVE OF GOD

1)    The First FOUR commandments deal with the Duties Men Owe To God…

2)    The Last FIVE Commandments Deal With Duties Men Owe To Each Other…

3)    FIFTH Commandment Deals With The Question Of Authority.

B)    THERE CAN BE NO AUTHORITY UNLESS IT BEGINS AT HOME.

1)    God cannot have authority in you home unless you have authority in your home.  Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2)    There can be no Authority in the Nation unless there is Authority In The Home..

3)    When Home Authority Decays - ALL Authority Decays.

C)   THINK OF THE AUTHORITATIVE ASPECT.

1)    If parents want HONOR From our Children - We Must stand before them Honorable

2)    We want their Love -we must be Loveable 

3)    We MUST Teach Our Children Respect…

(a)  Respect God First. - Includes God's House

(b)  Respect Parents 

(c)  Respect Our Elders

(d)  Respect Our Nation…

III)  DEFINITE REWARD.  That thy days may be long upon the land

A)    THE REWARD FOR OBEDIENCE.  Deut 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and THAT IT MAY GO WELL WITH THEE, in the land which the LORD thy God  giveth thee.

1)    This is an expansion of the Promise…

2)    Here is the blessedness of Obedience.

3)    Disobedience can only bring sorrow and ultimately death.

B)    FOR OUR CHILDREN TO LIVE LONG.

1)    They must be taught to "OBEY"

2)    They must be taught to Live Right..

(a)  To Obey God   b. Obey their parents…

(b)  To Obey Those In Authority Over Them..

(c)  To Obey Your Parents Pleases God..  Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

IV)  DESIRED REALIZATION.  The land which the Lord ..Giveth Thee

A)    THIS IS A RICH HERITAGE OF GRACE.

1)    To enjoy this heritage it is necessary to walk in obedience..

(a)  Obedience toward God…

(b)  Obedience toward God's representative The Parents 

(c)  We must never get away from the fountainhead of true blessing.

B)    LOVE OF GOD IS NEEDED IN THE HEART

1)    Love is the fulfilling of the Law.

2)    Lack Of Obedience Shows Need Of Love..

3)    The Love Of God In Your Heart Can Make Us What We Ought To Be In Relation To Our Fathers And Mothers…

VANISHING VALUES

Text: Judges 17: 1-13

Introduction:

A)   It is proven that history repeats itself.

1)     God gave Israel strict laws and values.

2)     By the time we reach Judges these values had vanished  Vs 6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

B)    America today is repeating history.

1)     In a large scale “Right in his own eyes”

2)     This “Religion” is called Humanism.

3)     Impossible to define - No set doctrine 

4)     If you think it is right or wrong - That makes it right or wrong – NO Absolutes.

C)    Text doesn’t say “Everyman did that which was wrong in their own eyes”

1)     That’s what many are doing today

2)     No matter what the crime it is alright - Example of Va. Tech – Schools are war zone

D)   The Partial birth Abortion issue.

1)     Many think it should be allowed.

2)     Alright because the majority says it is

E)    The majority is not always right.

1)     Noah’s generation was destroyed - The Majority 

2)     Sodom & Gomorrah was destroyed  - The Majority 

3)     Majority on Broad way that leads to hell.

4)     Why do sinners reject God’s Word?

F)    People do what is right in their own eyes

I)      FAMILIES WHO HAVE NO FOUNDATIONS

A)   TEXT TELLS OF A MAN NAMED MICAH

1)     Stole 1100 Shekels silver from his mother 

2)     She had saved a little nest egg of money.

(a)   Would have left it to him at her death

(b)  She was upset, spoke curses on the thief 

3)     Micah became afraid & confessed

B)    SOMETHING HAPPENED 

1)     When she was given back the money her disposition completely changed.

2)     Forgot all the wrong Micah did to her.

(a)   Amazing what the sight of money can do.

(b)  No doubt money was the god she served and loved 

3)     She tells him why she became so angry  Vs 3 I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD from my hand for my son, to make a graven image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it unto thee.

(a)   She said it would be given for her son’s benefit to make a house of god.

(b)  Notice she only gave 200 shekels to  the silversmith to make an image.

C)    WHAT HAPPENED TO THE 900 SHEKELS.

1)     She kept it for herself.

2)     No wonder she would have such a son

(a)   Many children today are a “Chip off the old block”  Illus: A true story. I read of a preacher James. One day his 2 boys found a little dog and took it home with them. Preacher James asked them where they got the dog - They said they had just found him. – The preacher came up with a bright idea and said “The dog is cute, someone may be trying to find him, get some shoe black and paint some black spots on him” - The boys did as they were instructed. Not long after that a man came by asking if anyone had seen a little stray dog. – The boys asked what color his dog was and he told them it was white. – The little dog trotted about then and the man said “That looks like my dog” - The boys chimed in “You said your dog is white, this dog is black and white.” The man admitted they were right and he went on his way to search for his dog.  The 2 boys were none other than Frank and Jesse James.

D)   WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR HOMES?

1)     Families used to Eat together - Talk together- Play together – Worship together

2)     America is coming loose at the seams.

3)     NO longer have families with good Moral Foundations or Spiritual Foundations

II)    PREACHERS WHO HAVE NO PRINCIPLES

A)   Vs 7-13 THE WICKEDNESS OF THE EMPLOYEE 

1)     This SORRY preacher is Micah’s Priest  18:4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest.

2)     He acknowledges that his money came from Micah and that he belonged to him.

(a)   Money can buy a Politician.

(b)  I hate it -money can buy some preachers

(c)   Realize this - A church should take care of its pastor  A workman is worthy of his hire

3)     True Pastor is not a Hireling - He is called 

4)     Today we have to many Hirelings and not enough preachers that are called of God.  Jn 10:12-13 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

5)     Micah hire a “Preacher” the preacher  said “I am his priest”

6)     We no longer have “Prophets” we now have men of P-R-O-F-I-T-SB. SEE THE WICKEDNESS OF THE EMPLOYER  Judg 18:5 And they said unto him, Ask counsel, {Inquire} we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.

1.  Micah had the same mentality that many have in America have today.

2.  They think that it brings you good luck to treat the preacher right.  Judg 17:13 Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, {really bless me} seeing I have a Levite to my priest. {a genuine priest working for me!}

3. What he said may have sounded real Spiritual, but he was wicked in God’s Sight 

Text: Judg 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

SHAMGAR - ONE GREAT LITTLE MAN

 Text: Judges 3:31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: & he also delivered Israel

Introduction:

A)   God's work is often done by the weak And  little known  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;

B)    Sham-gar is only mentioned twice in Bible.   Judges 3:31 and 5:6

1)     His name means "Destroyer"

2)     Sham-Gar is not one of the Bible Greats 

3)     You wouldn't mention him in the same breath with Abraham - Isaac or Jacob.

4)     He is not mentioned in Hebrews 11

5)     Wasn’t a Sampson - Elijah Or John Baptist

C)    This fellow was the third Judge of Israel after JOSHUA.

1)     SHAM-GAR Served in a very difficult time.  Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

2)     Word Of God was not proclaimed Like Today 1 Sam 3:1 "There was no open Vision"

3)     It was a time of Spiritual Darkness.

D)   We Live In Very Dark Days Today.

1)     Men have sold out for money in Politics - Sports - Even in Churches.

2)     A preacher who lets someone other than God Rule Him has Prostituted The Gospel.

3)     If he SOFT-PEDALS God's Judgement…

4)     If he sells out God for security.

E)    What Can I Do About The Worlds Condition "I Am just one person"

1)     SHAM-GAR was just one insignificant man

2)     However this one man delivered the entire nation of Israel with an OX GOAD

I)      SHAM-GAR WAS ONE MAN.

A)   HE WAS NOT AN ARMY.

1)     Just one person in a dark time.

2)     What can I do?

(a)   The world is going to the devil.

(b)  You can be as influential as SHAMGAR.

B)    HERE IS A GREAT PRINCIPLE.

1)     In days of darkness God delivers his people through individuals.

(a)   Not through organizations.

(b)  Not through Presidents or Congress

2)     God looks for dedicated Christians who will "LIFT UP HOLY HANDS" Unto Him.

3)     God Used A Man Called SAM JONES - The Fiery Methodist Preacher.    Illus: SAM JONES was in a revival preaching his usual hard hitting messages and they were digging into the hearts and tearing up sin…He was preaching against smoking - drinking - cursing and dancing…Calling them by name…All over town people were getting stirred…Finally the ministerial association declared an early morning prayer meeting to stop SAM JONES…One Preacher said "Lord We Pray You Will Help Old Sam To Calm Down"… Another said "Dear Lord We Pray Sam Will Not Offend Our Members"… Next one said "Lord Sam Is Stirring Up A  Hornets Nest"…They prayed on and on not realizing that Old SAM JONES had walked in….When they stood as they finished praying SAM Said.."Hold It, It's My Turn To Pray"…"Dear Lord, Don't  Make Me Like These Lazy Devils, Send A Revival To This Town." - {THEY HAD A REVIVAL}

C)    WHAT MADE SAM JONES DIFFERENT?

1)     When he was a circuit-riding Methodist preacher he heard one brother testify…  "Brethren, The Preacher Is A King, And The Pulpit Is A Throne."

2)     SAM JONES left that meeting and shook up the pulpits of America  3. This was One man making a difference

D)   WILL YOU GIVE GOD WHAT YOU HAVE.

1)     JONAH - One Man - One Sermon - "Yet 40 Days And Nineveh Shall Be Overthrown."

2)     PETER - 1 Man -Preached with such power that 3,000 got saved there at Pentecost.

3)     PAUL -1 Man - Established Church’s throughout Asia - Rome - Spain - Etc.

4)     D.L MOODY - An uneducated shoe clerk shook 2 continents as God used him.

E)    SHAMGAR USED ALL HE HAD FOR GOD

1)     God saw SHAM-GAR "What Have You Got In Your Hand SHAM-GAR?"  - An OX GOAD, Lord..

2)     Use It For Me SHAM-GAR.

3)     The trouble with America today is not Secularism or Liberalism..

(a)   Trouble with America today is You & Me

(b)  We are trying to save society…

(c)   We ought to be leading individual to Jesus 

4)     We need to put GOD and HIS WORD first.

(a)   Many attend Church once a week don't Tithe - Don’t Get Involved…

(b)  Then Wonder why Church is not on Fire

II)    SHAM-GAR WAS ALONE.

A)   WHAT DID ONE MAN DO ALONE?

1)     Took an OX GOAD and slew 600 Philistines Destroying the enemy saving God's people

2)     He was ONE MAN Alone….

3)     Sometime you have to stand alone if you are going to be a SHAM-GAR.

4)     Of Course - Maybe You Don't Want God To Have Your OX GOAD

5)     You Don't Want To Lift Up HOLY HANDS

B)    GOD'S GREATEST MEN WALKED ALONE.

1)     STEPHEN - Crowd is about to Stone Him

(a)   They just hit him on the head with a rock

(b)  They Knocked him down - He is kneeling

(c)   He saying something LISTEN….  Acts 7:56 Behold, I see the heavens opened, and  the Son of man standing on the right hand of God

2)     JOHN - On Patmos - All alone - Wait A Minute - What is that God is showing Him

3)     Poor ELIJAH - A fanatic living on desert by a little brook – depending on the ravens

(a)   At Mt CARMEL face false prophets of Baal.

(b)  How many preachers are standing with  you Elijah? - N0 One, I'm Alone.

(c)   How Many On Jezebel’s Side -  850

(d)  But He Said "BUT I GOT THE FIRE"

4)     DAVID - just had the Armor of God…

(a)   One little slingshot - One man…

(b)  Delivered ISRAEL from the Giant's Army

C)    WHAT CAN I DO PREACHER?

1)     Student can witness in school.

2)     Factory worker can witness for Christ 

3)     One man can stand in the gap.  Ezek 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

III)  SHAM-GAR GAVE WHAT HE HAD.

A)   WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND SHAM-GAR?

1)     Its Just and old OX GOAD - A Stick Lord.

2)     Will You Give It To Me? - Sure Lord

3)     And he slew 600 Philistines with it.

B)    MOSES WHAT DO YOU HAVE.

1)     A Rod to Kill Snakes And Guide Sheep.

2)     Will you give it to God MOSES? - SURE 

3)     And he used to lead ISRAEl out of Slavery

C)    LITTLE BOY - WHAT DO YOU HAVE ?

1)     I Just Have My Lunch.

2)     Will You Give It To Jesus - SURE

3)     with It JESUS Fed 5,000 Hungry People

CONCLUSION:

1.  God Doesn't Want A Lot From You - Just What You Have.

2.  You can't Give Him More Than You Have - But If It's Only An OX GOAD He Will Use It

3.  Will You Give To God What You Have…

a.  Maybe your holding back on your money 

b.  Maybe your holding back on your SHOUT 

c.  Even You Can Raise Holy Hands To Jesus

WHY CHRIST DIED Easter #3

Text: Mark 15:16 - 38

Introduction:

A)   Veil in Jewish Temple shows  distance between God & Man is very great.

1)     The Temple was a series of walls.

2)     Gentile could in the Court of the Gentiles but no farther unless you were a Jew

3)     Then there was the Court of the Women.

4)     Jewish woman could come to a wall & only Jewish men could go beyond that wall

5)     The priest could go into the Holy Place with its  60 Ft H X 30 Ft W Veil

6)     Veil separated priest from Holy of Holies,  Mercy Seat there – Place where God dwelt.

B)    It was this Veil that barred man's access into the Presence of God.

1)     Only Way to God presence was by the Veil.

2)     Only One allowed in the Presence of God was the High Priest.

3)     Only Time he was allowed was on the Day of Atonement for the Blood of Sacrifice

C)    Veil showed the distance between God and Man was great on account of sin.

1)     Christ cried “It is finished"  the unseen  hand of God took that veil & tore it in two.

2)     In the ninth hour, the Veil of the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom.

3)     It was precisely at this hour that the priests were ministering in the Temple.

4)