STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST


For Those That Search To Know God ...

DATE SUBJECT
1/4/2009 WHAT GOD GAVE US
1/18/2009 MURDER
1/25/2009 FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE
1/25/2009 WISDOM FROM SOLOMON
2/1/2009 PROBLEMS WITH JESUS
2/8/2009 I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
2/15/2009 LOOK TO SALVATION
2/22/2009 GOSPEL CLARITY
2/22/2009 THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM GOD
3/1/2009 THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
3/15/2009 THE WORD RELIGION STRIKES FEAR!
3/29/2009 DAILY LIVING IN CHRIST
3/29/2009 DO YOU HAVE THE HEART FOR GOD?
4/18/2009 THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
4/19/2009 FAITH
4/20/2009 THE DEATH OF A KING
4/21/2009 THE COMMISION OF A KING
8/16/2009 RIGHTEOUSNESS: OUR DUTY TO DO
8/23/2009 WINGS OF EAGLES
9/13/2009 WHO WOULD LOVE HIM MORE?
9/21/2009 BASICS OF BAPTISM
9/22/2009 HOLD PEACE ABOVE WORRY
9/27/2009 VALUE OF THE EVERLASTING SOUL
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1/4/2009 ~ What God Gave Us


... I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. ~ Genesis 1:29-30

All food comes from God.

"Give us this day our daily bread." ~ Matthew 6:11

... the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden
to tend and keep it. ~ Genesis 2:15


It was given to man to keep it and care for it.

For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23


Man fell from his responsibility.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8


God wants to welcome man back.

... "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king,
and the mighty men of valor." ~ Joshua 6:2


... Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken
to the house of Israel. All came to pass. ~ Joshua 21:43-45


He has repeatedly done so, though we do not deserve it.

GRACE = UNMERITED FAVOR

"... who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?" ~ Romans 11:32-35


God requires no advice.
We owe God, ~ He owes no one.


... grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us ...
~ Titus 2:11-14


SALVATION:
● Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts
● Live soberly, righteously, and godly
● Looking for the blessed hope of Christ

We have a second chance God.

... and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
~ 2nd Kings 5:9-14


If you follow yourself, oblivion increases ahead.

... seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted
to the righteousness of God. ~ Romans 10:2-3


For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, ...
~ Romans 10:5


It’s not for us to tell God how we will be saved.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
~ Romans 10:4


CHRIST = GOAL

For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~ Romans 10:13

~ Find salvation in Christ and not yourself or any human based religion.
Salvation comes only through Christ.


... a man who was blind from birth. ... ~ John 9:1-12

Spiritual blindness is widespread.

... Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-10


God has made clear that will be condemned and what should be avoided.

... you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1st Corinthians 6:11


SANCTIFIED = SEPARATE

... be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master,
prepared for every good work. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 2:20-26


... by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of
Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him
through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
~ Colossians 2:9-12


One must come to God on HIS CONDITIONS.
We can not make our own terms with God.  


... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... ~ Romans 3:21-26

It’s not just faith only but earnest commitment to pursue His will.

... if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ...
~ 1st John 1:5-10


~ Do we want to sin?
Would the man of God want to sin?


"... 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' "
~ Luke 17:10


All are unworthy but we must strive to do our best to honor Him.
~ Excellence is the minimum standard.


... the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of
the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: ... ~ Zechariah 12:1


HE has freely given all that is.
God has given us our spirit and who among us can claim its' color?
~ What COLOR is spirit?
Arrogance is of man.


John’s baptism of repentance   Baptized in Christ
O To Christ → Psalm 130:5
Jeremiah 17:7-10
← From Christ O

Romans 2:14-15         

    John’s baptism:
      ● Faith to come
      ● Confess sins
      ● For remission of sins
  Matthew 3:5-6   Mark 1:1-8
  Luke 1:17, 77   Isaiah 40:3-5
     Making ready the
      people for the Lord


Matthew 11:9-14            
  Romans 10:4 P
E
N
T
E
C
O
S
T

Acts 2:38
Acts 17:30
Acts 18:24-19:7
Romans 10:8-10, 17

    ● Hear Gospel
    ● Believe it
    ● Repent of sins
    ● Confess Him
    ● Be baptized
               └─> For remission of sins.
Mark 16:16   John 3:5
O O   O O
  O
      O
O
O
PAID FOR
ALL SINS
 
Romans 3:25-28      Faith in Christ to come →
← Faith that He came
      Hebrews 9:15 John 8:12
1st Peter 3:18
Lamentations 3:25-26
Hebrews 11:6       
 Forward → ← Backward 
   O   O   O   O   
GOD HAS GIVEN US MORE THAN WE CAN KNOW.
Colors are a gift without charge.
Do you thank HIM for those little things?

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1/18/2009 ~ Murder


"... for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; ..." ~ Genesis 9:1-7

... "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ..." ~ Genesis 1:26

God honored us to reflect him.
           └─> His love.
                                              └─> His intellegence.

Do not kill (murder) His Glory is the lesson.


... The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground.
~ Genesis 4:10


... life of the flesh is in the blood ... ~ Leviticus 17:11

God gave us the glory of life in the blood.
~ To honor Him is to want Him ~


My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. ~ Psalm 42:2

... if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain;
for he is God's minister, an avenger ... ~ Romans 13:4


Murder outrages God and vengeance will be His.

... put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all
its districts, from two years old and under, ... ~ Matthew 2:16-18


● Infants killed – from Bethlehem, to Chinese not wanting girls.
                                           ~ Dumpster babies. <─┘
● Abortion – for convenience, 50 million now killed in this USA.
● Euthanasia – mercy killing, ~ death with dignity.


MURDER:
● Abortion
● Infanticide
● Euthanasia  

Abortion, infanticide, euthanasia ...
~ All is to disavow what God has commanded
~ And to ignore His will for flesh to live and thrive in His image.

Are you willing to go against what God has blessed ?
To destroy your relationship with God ?

┌─> Unnatural affection.                                

... they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, ... ~ Romans 1:28-32
└─> 1. Commit crimes        
                              └─> 2. Consent to the crimes

MURDER = SHEDDING BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT

Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:7

              └─> Everyone will go the way of man.

Does one die to live or live to die?

... Saul said to his armorbearer, "Draw your sword,
and thrust me through with it, ... ~ 1st Samuel 31:4-5


It is a fearful thing to contemplate taking your own life.
Not just euthanasia, but suicide is a form of murder.
- It is God that gives us our spirit.


... the Lord, ... forms the spirit of man within him: ... ~ Zechariah 12:1

... the body without the spirit is dead ... ~ James 2:26

Taking spirit from the body leaves it dead.

... in the image of God He created him; ... ~ Genesis 1:27

To despise yourself is to despise God and love death.

"... All those who hate me love death." ~ Proverbs 8:36

MURDER:
● Abortion
● Infanticide
● Euthanasia  
● Suicide  

... drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ... ~ Acts 16:27-28

Examples are given that God does not wish the frivolous taking of life.

                                                                      ┌─> This man lied to David.
... "Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified
against you, saying, 'I have killed the LORD'S anointed.' " ~ 2nd Samuel 1:1-16


The Bible shows that God does not approve of euthanasia.
Most people will suffer approaching death,
yet we can still honor them for Him.


"... inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me." ~ Matthew 25:40


Planned Parenthood (murder) = Disgrace of Man

There is no gray area.

... hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm
follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly ... ~ Exodus 21:22-25

                                                             └─> The punishment will meet the crime.

Life for Life.

"... Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed;
For in the image of God He made man. ..." ~ Genesis 9:6


... "Two nations are in your womb, ..." ~ Genesis 25:23
                                                       └─> Somebody before they were born.

... why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, Like infants who never saw light?
~ Job 3:9-16


Defined as infant while still in the womb.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. ...
~ Psalm 139:13-16


Confirmed identity through God's own revelations to us.

... "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born
I sanctified you; ... ~ Jeremiah 1:5


◎ It is God that sends souls to become humans.
They are that they are when joined by a man and woman.
One can argue, as legalists do, what God has ordained
~ but it does not change what He has commenced.


Announced by God:
Conception = Human Life with Soul Intact

... conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month ..." ~ Luke 1:36

... the babe leaped in her womb; ... ~ Luke 1:41

Heinous acts are the course of this world.

                              Someone is stopped from living. <─┐
"... making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. ..."
~ Acts 7:19


An accounting for actions is forthcoming.

"... eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." ~ Exodus 21:24-25


Life is the purpose of God.
~ The right to choose, but not if it goes against God’s will.
           └─> God tells us to choose the right way.
There is no reason from God for abortion to suicide.
We are called to maintain perseverance.


... glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~ Romans 5:3-4


... count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ~ James 1:2-4


Upholding STRENGTH or weakness,
We all will be before Him in final judgment.


Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he
will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but
he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ~ Galatians 6:7-8


People sow to the flesh.
                                                           └─> Makes things worse.
God has never given us the right to choose anyway we want to live.
~ More often punishment has followed those ages of disobedience.


Gods people serve over the True God:
 → To pursue Pleasure
 → To pursue Money
 → To pursue Self-Seeking Agendas  

"... Greater love has no one than this, than
to lay down one's life for his friends." ~ John 15:12-13


Every soul is precious to God and He calls us to feel the same.
~ A tall order to fill for all, but made easier if we rise back to Him.


       ┌─> This is to murder your relationship with God.
... Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that
no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. ~ 1st John 3:10-15


Clearly ...

"You shall not murder." ~ Exodus 20:13

... "Which ones?" Jesus said, "You shall not murder, ..." ~ Matthew 19:18-19

And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or
their sexual immorality or their thefts. ~ Revelation 9:21


One must bury hatchets with others and self to obtain peace with God.
~ To obtain peace beyond understanding.
We search the deepest parts of the ocean, the densest jungles, and
the farthest reaches of space, for life, and yet, we treat it,
here on earth, so callously and carelessly flippant.


Without respect and value for life,
hearts are hardened oblivious to God.
~ Life without faith leads to death, self murder.
Love and Trust God more than self.


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1/25/2009 ~ Fruits Worthy of Repentance


"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, ..." ~ Matthew 3:8

John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ.
~ To humbly bring people to the righteousness of God.
○ Honestly ask, is your conduct for God or self?


"... do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' ..."
~ Matthew 3:1-12


All will come to one or the other:                           

1. Blessed by the Spirit of God        
2. Punished by judgment of His Son

~ Beware of being proud and accusing others
while maintaining a false sense of righteousness.


RIGHTEOUS = PENITENT SINNERS

PROUD = LOST

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5


... nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you.
But you were washed, but you were sanctified, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11


Bonded to His church is victory over sin.
~ Deception can be excessive if it is born of self.


"... unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 5:20


Going to heaven is not so casual; it will require huge effort of each heart.

... this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous,
and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple ..." ~ Luke 18:9-14


BETTER THAN OTHERS = DECEPTION

Christ called the pompous crowd by how God sees them:

"Brood of vipers!" ...


... Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them,
"Brood of vipers! ... ~ Matthew 3:7


"... hypocrites! ..."   

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! ..." ~ Matthew 23:29-33

                   "... of your father the devil, ..."

"You are of your father the devil, ..." ~ John 8:44

One must realize positive change toward what God would will.

... who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. ... ~ Acts 19:18-19

... walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ... ~ Ephesians 4:1

What actions are done to change from previous sins ...
... in order to follow God?


... believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth,
from the greatest to the least of them. ... ~ Jonah 3:5-9


It should be immediate; one’s turning from sin
and crying out for God’s mercy.

Can you say, “I was wrong, I am sorry” over “They deserved it.”
What change have you made to draw closer to God?
○ When have you overcome sin?
~ Sin can bring personal disgrace and is embarrassing to admit.


Blessed is the man who endures temptation; ... ~ James 1:12

Fruits Worthy of Repentance = Serves Christ

"... no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." ~ Luke 13:1-3

No further warning is coming to that which has already come.
We all need to repent of those things against God.


"... whoever does and teaches them he shall be called great
in the kingdom of heaven. ..." ~ Matthew 5:17-20


Action, not complacency, is what God calls for.

"... in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it
from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish,
than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ..." ~ Matthew 5:27-30


Repentance is hard but important.
◎ One has to get it done for salvations sake.
◈ Sin holds one back from serving Christ and going to heaven.
Exclude those things that tempt you.


EXAMPLES:
 DRINKER
  Proverbs 20:1     Proverbs 23:21
  Ephesians 5:18    1st Peter 4:3-4
  Romans 13:12-14      Hosea 4:11
  Remove it from your Home,
  do not go to bars or liquor stores.
  Use self control to Quit.
  Put on Christ. Love God first.
 PORNOGRAPHY
  1st Thess. 4:3-5    1st John 2:17
  Colossians 3:5             Titus 3:3
  James 4:1-4      Revelation 9:21
  Remove it from your Home,
  do not buy it, turn from its’ desire.  
  Use self control to Quit.
  Put on Christ. Love God first.
 THIEF / LIAR
  Psalm 10:8       Zechariah 5:2-3
  1st Peter 4:15     Proverbs 19:9
  John 10:10       Revelation 21:8
  Return it from your Home,
  Stop doing it. Ask for help. Give.
  Use self control to Quit. Ephesians 4:28
  Put on Christ. Love God first.
 CAUGHT IN SIN
  Ecclesiastes 7:20 ; Eccl. 12:14
  Romans 14:23        James 4:17
  1st Cor. 4:3-5      1st John 2:16
  Stop doing it. Ask for help. Pray
  Commit to Quit it. Assemble more.
  Put on Christ. Love God first.

Do you apologize to God?

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 7:10


Be Accountable to God = Repentance

... of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of
repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ... ~ Hebrews 6:1-2


God wants more than just faith, He wants action through belief.
Actions in themselves are not good enough for our salvation
but God searches the heart of man looking for diligence and
a good conscience concerning His once delivered Word.

One must love God more than self to go to heaven.


... walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every
good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ... ~ Colossians 1:10


... let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, ... ~ Philippians 1:27


~ Steadfast Action.

"And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for
I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. ..." ~ John 12:47-48


A judgment of fruit or lack of it is coming ...
Do we bear the fruit God calls for?

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1/25/2009 ~ Wisdom From Solomon


Solomon, son of David wrote Ecclesiastes.
He tested:

◊ Wisdom
◊ Wealth
◊ Power
◊ Pleasure

... and found it all worthless.
His main point is that Life without God is vanity.


● It’s all been done before

That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun. ... ~ Ecclesiastes 1:9-11


"For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always."
~ Matthew 26:11


There has always been poverty, man will never resolve this,
and God has given His light through His Son for man to see.


"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
~ John 12:32


To come to God it has to be through Jesus,
His Story, Life, and Resurrection.


● It’s not worse now than the past

Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?"
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:10


Commitment of faith has always been the test of God.
~ Do we trust God over the world?


"... He gives to all life, breath, and all things." ~ Acts 17:24-25

Our lives are a gift of God.

● Don’t take criticism too seriously

Also do not take to heart everything people say, ... ~ Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

● But don’t criticize the powerful

Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your
bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, ... ~ Ecclesiastes 10:20


"... 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' " ~ Acts 23:5

● Work hard

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; ... ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10

He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap. ~ Ecclesiastes 11:4


In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
... ~ Ecclesiastes 11:6


God wants us to redeem the time.

... not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
~ Ephesians 5:15-16


... with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...
~ Ephesians 6:7


... If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:10-12

We need to work hard.

● But not too hard

Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full,
together with toil and grasping for the wind. ... ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6-8


Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble.
... ~ Proverbs 15:16-17


... For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome;
even in the night his heart takes no rest. ... ~ Ecclesiastes 2:22-23


● Never forget God

... know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. ...
~ Ecclesiastes 11:9-10


... Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every
secret thing, Whether good or evil. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14


Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked,
but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ... ~ Acts 17:30-31


● It’s all been done before
● It’s not worse now than the past
● Don’t take criticism too seriously
● But don’t criticize the powerful
● Work hard
● But not too hard
● Never forget God

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ...
~ Hebrews 9:27


We have to face the truth.

Fear God and keep His commandments.

Purpose of Life
If you want to have meaning and happiness,
~ living for God gives us the best that life can offer.


Hope of salvation is the heart of faith.

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2/1/2009 ~ Problems With Jesus


... "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God
because of your tradition? ... ~ Matthew 15:1-20


The Pharisees were not happy to hear what Jesus had to say.

DISTURBING = NOT COMFORTABLE

PLANTED
 =  x 
- Themselves -
Religious Elite
~ the Conservatives
→ Pharisees, Scribes
               IN THEMSELVES               

Many Claim to be Planted in Christ:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
● CHRIST

● Catholic
● Muslim
● Protestant
● Presbyterian
● Baptist
● Methodist
● Mormon
● Jehovah Witnesses
?
2009?

Just because a plant exists does not mean it is approved of by God.

... he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and
understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: ... ~ Matthew 13:18-23


"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." ~ Luke 8:11

Is your seed the word of God?
~ We need to question if it is what God has given.  
Christ tells us to question what we believe, if it is from God or man?


Test all things; hold fast what is good. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:21

ANCESTRAL GRAVITY = TRADITIONAL PRACTICES

┌─> If it is right, build on it.                               
Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
~ Proverbs 22:28


Individually or collectively, are we planted in God?

"... For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
~ Matthew 12:33-34


There is a heart problem, man’s pursuits over that of God’s.

"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, ..."
~ Matthew 15:19-20


... "He who is without sin amoung you, let him throw a stone at her first." ...
~ John 8:4-11


Truly, on a path growing in God, inner and outer evil is loathed.

"... to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
~ Matthew 5:27-28


Your thoughts make you guilty.

Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him;
and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. ~ 1st John 3:9


Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
nor give place to the devil. ~ Ephesians 4:26-27


"... He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit,
for without Me you can do nothing. ..." ~ John 15:1-6


Work for God bearing fruit for Him.

... our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man
is being renewed day by day. ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:16


New creatures!

... if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:17


God is exciting everyday if it is His eternal seed planted in you.
It does not come from man, it is of God.


Today, I am a plant planted by God.

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2/8/2009 ~ I Am the Bread of Life


... "How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?" ~ John 6:51-52

Cannibalism?

... "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" ~ John 6:53-60

Blood too?


"But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. ..." ~ Genesis 9:4-6

... 'You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood.
...' ~ Leviticus 17:14


... abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled,
and from sexual immorality. ... ~ Acts 15:29


These were foreign concepts to be fathomed.
Flesh, Blood?
It was deeper than the physical, ~ a spiritual union; calling to come.


... "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said,
"How can I, unless someone guides me?" ... ~ Acts 8:30-31


It was hard to understand.

... He said to them, "Does this offend you?" ~ John 6:61

Will you depart from Me because it is hard?

"... It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. ..." ~ John 6:62-64

Understanding from God has been given for all to receive.

"... seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." ~ Luke 11:9

... having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have
your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. ~ Romans 6:17-22


One must get past the comfortable self.

... For they had not understood about the loaves,
because their heart was hardened. ~ Mark 6:45-52


How do you explain creation?
God asks us to trust in Him beyond understanding.


For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and
that are on the earth, visible and invisible, ... ~ Colossians 1:16-17


How can one explain God?
~ Believe Jesus is from God in the flesh.
They had a hard time separating the spiritual from the physical.


... "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful
of the things of God, but the things of men." ~ Matthew 16:23


One needs to understand beyond the mere mortal.

... "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man
and drink His blood, you have no life in you." ~ John 6:53


Look to the spiritual meaning.
~ Take of Me.


... while they watched, He was taken up, and
a cloud received Him out of their sight. ... ~ Acts 1:9-11


Jesus ascended and was never physically eaten
or was His physical blood ever drank.


"... Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures
to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, ..." ~ John 6:22-27


Food that does not perish comes from above.

... "This is the work of God,
that you believe in Him whom He sent." ~ John 6:28-29


~ To believe in Jesus who God sent forth.
Believing involves working in a search for humble understanding.


... "The Lord knows those who are His," and "Let everyone who names
the name of Christ depart from iniquity." ~ 2nd Timothy 2:19


BELIEF = WORK

Genesis – Isaiah – Revelation
└─> Search for God.

STUDY = EFFORT

... "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What
work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; ..." ~ John 6:30-31


He got their attention by feeding them food.

"... For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world." ... ~ John 6:32-35


God will satisfy.

... For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will,
but the will of Him who sent Me. ... ~ John 6:36-40


Eternal food from heaven is Christ.

"... in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore everyone
who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." ~ John 6:41-45


Hear, Learn, Grow.

... opened the doors of heaven, Had rained down manna on them to eat,
And given them of the bread of heaven. ~ Psalm 78:13-24


"... he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your
fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead." ~ John 6:46-49


Jesus is eternal life unveiled.
The physical perish, - long for more.


"... and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give
for the life of the world." ~ John 6:50-54


HIS BODY = HIS LIFE  
HIS BLOOD = HIS DEATH

""This is the bread which came down from heaven--not as your fathers ate the
manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." ~ John 6:58


DIGEST CHRIST = MANNA FROM GOD

We do not have life without His life now.

... The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." ... ~ Psalm 14:1-2

... whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" ...
~ John 11:25-26


Do you strive to understand?

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2/15/2009 ~ Look to Salvation


... and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. ...
~ Numbers 21:4-9


┌─> Within a year.     
Israelites were close to entering the Promised Land.
~ After seeing all the wonders and miracles they were miserable.
● Though tough, one must serve God over self.


A BITTER HEART = A DISTANT HEART

"... but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all
except this manna before our eyes!" ... ~ Numbers 11:4-10


" '... you have despised the LORD who is among you, and have wept before Him,
saying, "Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?" ' " ~ Numbers 11:18-20


... these forty years ... to humble you and test you, ... fed you with manna ...
make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; ... ~ Deuteronomy 8:2-6


Not being thankful for what the Lord has given
~ and desire for more leads to despondency.


Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart
of unbelief in departing from the living God; ... ~ Hebrews 3:12-13


... So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
~ Hebrews 3:17-19


.... since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear
lest any of you seem to have come short of it. ~ Hebrews 4:1


Either one is a loyally waiting on the Lord or contrarily objecting.

"... and our soul loathes this worthless bread." ~ Numbers 21:5

~ They called manna worthless bread.
They had become despondent; miserable and unthankful.


Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! ~ Psalm 27:14


"Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, ..."
~ Joshua 24:14-15


... for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ...
~ Philippians 4:10-13


Faith is what delivers you, not your circumstance.
Regardless of the physical condition, serve God unto eternal life.


So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they
bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. ~ Numbers 21:6

They died after having died a spiritual death. <─┘             

An ungrateful heart sees not God.

Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints. ~ Psalm 116:15

You don’t want to be lost in the eleventh hour.

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:22


Some people never overcome; unrepentant sinners

... "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray
to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us." ... ~ Numbers 21:7


For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again,
But the wicked shall fall by calamity. ~ Proverbs 24:16


... Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, ... ~ Psalm 32:1-5

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart
- These, O God, You will not despise. ~ Psalm 51:17


The Lord waits for our humble return to Him.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray
for one another, that you may be healed. ~ James 5:16


... "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that
everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live." ~ Numbers 21:8


Instructions were given to the Israelites where to look for salvation.

"... as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man
be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish ..." ~ John 3:10-15


Our problem is sin.  
● Christ became sin for us that we might find life through Him.
└─> If we don’t look to Him, we will not be saved.                     


"... whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16


... the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and
the weakness of God is stronger than man. ~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25


  Christ crucified   →   Jews request a sign =   Stumbling Block  
  Christ crucified   →   Greeks seek wisdom   =   Foolishness

If faith doesn’t do enough for you, you are blind in your ignorance.

   Message of the Cross   → who believe =   POWER of GOD  
   Message of the Cross   →   those perishing   =   Foolishness

God’s Choice:
FOOLISHNESS = STRENGTH

Will you look to a crucified Jesus?

"... He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." ~ John 7:37-38


"... but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.
But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water
springing up into everlasting life." ~ John 4:12-14


... I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. ...
~ Revelation 21:6-8


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled." ~ Matthew 5:6


God’s word is a bottomless fountain of truth.

~ The Israelites were given a certainty to look to  
in the wilderness, that they would be saved.


... made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had
bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. ~ Numbers 21:9


Are we satisfied with what God gave us?
~ Is Christ enough for you?  
He has richly given us His glory for salvation.


No more can be given.

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2/22/2009 ~ Gospel Clarity


... where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned
in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness ... ~ Romans 5:18-21


Without the law, sin would be unknown.
                                        └─> But He has made it known to us.


(... until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed
when there is no law. ...) ~ Romans 5:12-13


So is Grace so abundant that we should continue in sin?

... Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! ...
~ Romans 6:1-2


Does your life line up with The Word.

... we were buried with Him through baptism into death,
that just as Christ was raised from the dead ... ~ Romans 6:3-4


Buried into His death, so we are raised in His life.

BURIED
RAISED
UNITED

... we have been united together in the likeness of His death, ... ~ Romans 6:5-7

... putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised
with Him through faith ... ~ Colossians 2:11-12


... For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all;
but the life that He lives, He lives to God. ... ~ Romans 6:8-10


... this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. ~ Hebrews 7:26-27

Once for all time.

... we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all. ~ Hebrews 10:9-10


... present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and
your members as instruments of righteousness to God. ~ Romans 6:11-13


                            ┌─> Members.
Each of us has an arsenal to utilize.
Do we choose righteousness over wickedness?
~ Self control is the key to achieving this.


... put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness,
passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ~ Colossians 3:5


... whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man
if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ~ Matthew 16:24-27


... my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached
to others, I myself should become disqualified. ~ 1st Corinthians 9:27


Love will carry us if we trust and obey.

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you, for you
are not under the law but under grace. ~ Romans 6:14


... Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! ...
whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
~ Romans 6:15-16


SLAVES:                                
SIN → DEATH  
OBEDIENCE → RIGHTEOUSNESS

... though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart
that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ~ Romans 6:17


We read it to see how it instructs us, not how it justifies us ~ how we live.

... Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that you should follow His steps: ... ~ 1st Peter 2:21


CHRIST IS OUR EXAMPLE

He will lead us to what He would have us to be.
◈ One has to be committed.


... so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
~ Romans 6:18-19


~ A setting apart.

... having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness,
and the end, everlasting life. ~ Romans 6:20-22


For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23


OLD LIFE
“Metamorphosis of spirit”
NEW LIFE
OUTCOME – PROMISE OF FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE

Do you breathe for Eternal Life with God and Christ?

A true believer requires a continual pursuit of His knowledge

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2/22/2009 ~ This is a Message from God


... all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 2:19-22


... well spoken of by the brethren ... ~ Acts 16:1-3
       └─> Timothy was circumcised as to not offend the Jews.

He became a faithful disciple, servant of Christ


... that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, ... ~ 1st Timothy 1:3-4


Timothy was a loyal teacher.

... share with me in the sufferings for the gospel
according to the power of God, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 1:8-13


... the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation
for everyone who believes, ... ~ Romans 1:16


"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful
generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed ..." ~ Mark 8:38


If we choose not to confess Him here on earth,
He will reject those pleading cries, when time has past.
Don’t be ashamed to eagerly announce Him as your savior.


Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me,
in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ~ 2nd Timothy 1:13


A standard has been given.
└─> It is a life giving word.
We need to stay close to what has been God breathed.


And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit
these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:2

└─> Basic qualifications of an evangelist or a preacher.         

1) Faithful to the Word
2) Able to Teach Others

We have been called to teach what has been once delivered,
not something yet distant or what is still to come.


Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:15

\ | /    
Hand it down, to those your life touches, on a path to heaven.
Make your study straight.
         └─> What is in the revealing Word.
Much of the Bible is statements of fact.


But you must continue in the things which you have learned
and been assured of, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:14-15


Teach what you have learned from God and practice (apply) it.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17


ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD BREATHED

This is a message from God for all to hear.

... Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke,
exhort, with longsuffering and teaching. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 4:1-8


          TEACH
          STUDY
          CONTINUE          

... Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?
- unless indeed you are disqualified. ~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5


Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown,
so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. ~ Philippians 4:1


Watch for our opportunities
while being the best people we can be, for Him, as an example.


~ STAY IN HIM ~

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3/1/2009 ~ The Gift of the Holy Spirit


CHARACTER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. "... ~ He will teach you all things, ..." John 14:26
2. "... bring to your remembrance ..." ~ John 14:26
3. "... He will guide you into all truth; ..." ~ John 16:13
4. "... He will tell you things to come." ~ John 16:13
      HELPER John 15:26
      COMFORTER Acts 9:31
      HE John 16:7-8
      SPIRIT OF TRUTH John 16:13
      SPIRIT OF OUR GOD 1st Corinthians 6:11
      SPIRIT OF HIS SON Galatians 4:4-6
      SPIRIT OF CHRIST Romans 8:9
      SPIRIT OF HIM Romans 8:10-11
      ETERNAL SPIRIT Hebrews 9:14
      ONE SPIRIT Ephesians 4:4-6

... let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ...
~ Acts 2:38-39


God came to earth manifest in the flesh
So that we might be reconciled back to God.


FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE
~ GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ~
The opportunity to individually return
to a God given true genuine Spiritual Life


TALENT

The Gift was a giving of Himself, not about the talents of men.
The Holy Spirit came so that we may have and see the truth of God


... no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:19-21


To believe the Holy Spirit of God, total faith in His word is paramount,
... as we have been told.


All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17

~ From start to end.

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
~ Genesis 2:25


Humans were once not ashamed to know God.

"... God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' "
~ Genesis 3:3


A warning had been given.

... and they knew that they were naked; ~ Genesis 3:7

Self above God imposed shame.
~ It violated their relationship with God


So He drove out the man; ... ~ Genesis 3:24

And so they were cast out of paradise and God’s nurturing hand.

SIN = SEPARATED (SEVERED) FROM GOD

God wants to reconcile with those He created to Love.
His Book immediately tells of His saving return.


"... He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." ~ Genesis 3:15

The truth of Christ is an unavoidable punishing realization to Satan,
... and to all those that will posthumously realize thier denial of Him.


... your iniquities have separated you from your God; ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2

It is sin that hides our hearts from Him.
~ Our gravest sin is not having a relationship with God.


Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. ~ Psalm 51:11


David did not want to be separated from God.

God calls to us all ...


... all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, ... ~ Matthew 11:28-29


Learn from Me ...

... And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. ~ Genesis 1:2

… I was …

You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;
And You renew the face of the earth. ~ Psalm 104:30


By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
~ Job 26:13


… and I Am.

... All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is
before all things, and in Him all things consist. ~ Colossians 1:16-17


● This is the God that wants a relationship with us.
We all should be in awe of Him.
Especially for His paradise He has created for those that believe.


GOD WANTS TO HOLD US

~ We are His children.
He promised to create an avenue for our return.


... Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, ... ~ Isaiah 32:12-15

... I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, ... ~ Isaiah 44:1-5

"... shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; ..."
~ Joel 2:28-32


                                ┌─> ~ A Holy steadfast Spirit in Egypt and in the wilderness.
The ancient Hebrews knew the Holy Spirit and how important He was.
~
The first century Jews knew that the Holy Spirit would come
bringing blessings and rejuvenation in a desolate time.


Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, ... ~ Acts 2:37

HOLY SPIRIT
JESUS CHRIST
FATHER

The Jews did not know Jesus was the fulfillment.
They were told to worship whom they murdered.


... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ... ~ Luke 3:15-17

John knew the Holy Spirit was coming and through the Messiah.
~
The ministry of Jesus included miracles, wonders, and signs of God.


... Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. ...
~ Matthew 10:7-8


Jesus had given the Apostles the gift of miracles and the gift of revelation.

... for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of you Father who speaks in you.
~ Matthew 10:19-20


Jesus told the Apostles that the Holy Spirit would come after He left.

"... the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." ~ John 14:26


... He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; ...
~ John 16:13


"... I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of
Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." ~ Luke 24:46-49


"... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; ...
~ Acts 1:7-8


The Apostles were given special measures
of establishing truths and commencing gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The promise of the Holy Spirit is Jesus Christ and for they to bear witness.
~
The blessings of the Holy Spirit came through Jesus Christ
and the Power He afforded the Apostles and those they touched.


... that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus,
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ~ Galatians 3:14


... Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of
His promise in Christ through the gospel, ... ~ Ephesians 3:1-7


● GIVEN BY REVELATION TO PAUL
● PAUL WROTE IT DOWN
● OTHER PEOPLE READ IT
● HOLY SPIRIT KNOWLEDGE IMPLEMENTED

  LORD
   /\     
         /   \     
  REVEALED /      \   READ       
  /         \ 
       / Eph. 3:1-6 \      
  ───────── 
 Paul    WROTE   WE

... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ... ~ Ephesians 6:17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, ... ~ Hebrews 4:12


... shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:6


POWER IS IN THE WORD

... salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
to which He called you by our gospel, ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14


The Holy Spirit’s work was to point us to Jesus.
~ That God may indwell in us following Christ.


... that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from
the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, ... ~ Acts 3:19-21


In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed
with the Holy Spirit of promise, ... ~ Ephesians 1:13-14


● HEARD THE GOSPEL
● BELIEVED
● SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE

For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~ Romans 10:13

God wants to lift us up.

O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive,
that I should not go down to the pit. ~ Psalm 30:3


An offer has been given and a promise delivered.
Will you now look to Jesus as the authority?
~ The SAVIOR?  


HOLY SPIRIT
JESUS CHRIST
FATHER

"... and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~ Acts 2:38

Do you believe?
-It must be all three as one to be in fellowship
with His promise and blessings of Jesus Christ.


The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. ~ 2nd Corinthians 13:14


... first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those
who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders,
with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, ... ~ Hebrews 2:3-4


A revealing of God came through Christ reinforced by the Holy Spirit.
~
To honor the gift of the Holy Spirit is to accept His once delivered Word
rejecting those convoluted doctrines created since to exalt man over God.


... do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed
for the day of redemption. ... ~ Ephesians 4:25-32


Will you now heed the ongoing warning He has given?
The gift is His Word that has been once delivered for human salvation.
We should thank God always for what He has given for us to know.
~
Faith includes knowing God’s word is inspired and wholly pure.
- It our job to understand God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is found in His ordered Word: The Bible.


We are the focus of God.
Is He our focus?


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3/15/2009 ~ The Word Religion Strikes Fear!


... "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; ..."
~ Acts 17:22


RELIGION = FEAR OF HIGHER POWER

... we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, ... ~ Hebrews 12:28-29

God holds eternity in His hand.
We need to trust in Him;
~ Understand His given Word.


... according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee ...
~ Acts 26:5-7


The world and Paul had been exceedingly religious.

... being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers ...
~ Galatians 1:13-14


RELIGION

  FEAR            SYSTEM  

Jesus did not come to bring religion.
There has been religion since the beginning.


... it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to
the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock ... ~ Genesis 4:3-5


Jesus Christ came to direct true and proper worship to the living God.

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
~ John 4:24


... an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One
whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: ... ~ Acts 17:18-23


Paul was chosen to convey Christ's message to us all so we can know Him.

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD

"... in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your
own poets have said, For we are also His offspring." ~ Acts 17:24-28


We did not make God, He made us.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 14:12


We don’t author the doctrine of God.
The God of Heaven has given His Word for us to know Him.


RELIGIOUS EXTREMES OF MAN:
THROW OUT ALL RELIGION    ↔    UNITE ALL AS ONE

... "I am the LORD, and there is no other." ~ Isaiah 45:18

We need to have the proper reverence for God,
- not reverence for practices of men.

God does not see those things men do for men as worship to Him.
He has made it clear how He wants to be worshiped.
Commandments found in the New Testament.
~ From the inside and not the outside.


... Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. ...
~ Isaiah 1:11-17


We need to search out God and do what He has asked us to do.

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God
more than burnt offerings. ~ Hosea 6:6


HUMAN QUEST FOR IDENTITY:
1) How did it all Start?
2) Why are we Here?
3) What are our Morals?
4) Where do we place Certainty of Knowledge?

God started it all for us to know Him in goodness while being thankful.

... He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world
in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. ... ~ Acts 17:29-34


If you serve the right God
~ you will repent and believe in the resurrection of Christ.


"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now
commands all men everywhere to repent, ..." ~ Acts 17:30

               └─> For the Hindus, Buddhists, Islamic, etc., all people.

... necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for
the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3


God Himself has delivered the religion He commands man to follow.
It is the one way, from the One God, His truth once delivered, the only way.
All constructions devised of men are plagued for doom and destruction.
Either you believe this or deny this; there is no forgiveness for ignorance.
To remain oblivious or to deny Him is to follow Satan to hell.
There is no gray area.
This is God's truth.
Man’s been told.


RELIGION IS NOT WRONG,
WRONG RELIGION IS WRONG.


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3/29/2009 ~ Daily Living In Christ


The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written
was upright-words of truth. ... ~ Ecclesiastes 12:10-11


Living for Christ is something one must seek after in His word daily.
There would be those consumed by earthly desires ...
... caring less for or ignoring the principle of God. 

"... You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear
or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious." ~ Ezekiel 2:3-7


It should be the word of God we honor.
~ A faithful life in Him is a daily affair.

... it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; ... ~ Galatians 2:20

By faith we live in the faith of the whole Gospel.

... Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that you should follow His steps: ... ~ 1st Peter 2:21


Christ is the teacher and we are the students.
He gives to us through fellow men.



     James 1:21-25       
W  
o  
r  
d  
s  

F  
o  
r  
James 1:17
Sent From Above
  D
  a
  i
  l
  y

  L
  i
  f
  e

        Philippians 2:14-16
GOD
 CHRIST 
PAUL
Once Delivered
Jude 1:3

Many study Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5,6, and 7.
It is from these words that the principles of the Kingdom
are, and were being, established.


"... whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,
for this is the Law and the Prophets." ~ Matthew 7:12


SUMMERY OF THE GOSPEL

... "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind. ... You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ..."
~ Matthew 22:36-40


"Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. ..." ~ Matthew 5:7-9


"... Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants
to borrow from you do not turn away." ~ Matthew 5:38-42


"... if you do not forgive men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ~ Matthew 6:14-15


"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
... do not worry about tomorrow, ..." ~ Matthew 6:33-34


"... with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the
measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ..." ~ Matthew 7:1-5


Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love,
as Christ also has loved us ... ~ Ephesians 5:1-2


~ Words to CHALLENGE all of us ~
Christ and GOD teach us how to direct our lives ...
And the inspired words from the Apostle Paul.


... The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me,
these do, and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9


Consider Paul’s devotion to honor God with his life.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good
for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, ... ~ Ephesians 4:29-32


- Look at ourselves, what actions do we live by.
- Consider what God has done for us.

... Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:1-2

We should restore one another back to God and not condemn.

... he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save a soul from death ...
~ James 5:19-20


... aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 4:11


But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer,
or as a busybody in other people's matters. ~ 1st Peter 4:15


Instructions and recommendations are written to fill us.

... Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see
the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any
root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
... ~ Hebrews 12:12-16


We need to keep our mind on the goal.
The Holy Spirit has given His warnings through the word.
~
To go to heaven it takes all one’s strength to abide in His word.
Is this the life you want?


... teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed
hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, ...
~ Titus 2:11-14


One day without Christ is a life without Christ.

We need to pray for one another
to be successful in the Word.


BACK TO ALL SERMONS MENU SELECTIONS OR "RETURN TO PAGE TOP" - 2009 SERMON MENU

3/29/2009 ~ Do You Have the Heart for God?

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. ~ Psalm 53:2

"Blessed
are the
pure in
heart,"



↔ 




LOOKS
GD
TESTS




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"For
they
shall
see God."
... the Lord tests the hearts. ~ Proverbs 17:3

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart. ~ Proverbs 20:27


Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
~ Proverbs 21.2


"... man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
~ 1st Samuel 16:7


... He has put eternity in their hearts, ... ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
\ \ | / /
Each of us tuch forever.
God has given us our hearts;
We mustn’t fool ourselves in being more than we are.


"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; ..."
~ Jeremiah 17:9-10


GOD is the heart of All.

... you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
~ Jeremiah 29:12-13


'... they shall return to Me with their whole heart.' ~ Jeremiah 24:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
~ Proverbs 3:5


Apply your heart to instruction, And give your ears to words of knowledge.
~ Proverbs 23:12


... The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, ...
~ Proverbs 15:13-15


Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart,... ~ Psalm 31:24

... the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty
of a gentle and quiet spirit, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:3-4


So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
~ Psalm 90:12


... I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, ...
~ Psalm 86:11-12


... making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always ...
~ Ephesians 5:17-21


... "If you believe with all your heart, you may." ... ~ Acts 8:37

"... and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you."
~ Acts 8:22


... if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
~ 1st John 3:16-21


... For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, ... ~ Romans 10:6-10

COME TO GOD:


GOOD COURAGE
       ⭨

TRUST
IN THE LORD


CONFESS
CHRIST RISEN



CONFIDENCE
⭩       
GENTLE AND     
QUIET SPIRIT




    WHOLE HEART



RESPECTFULLY
FEAR HIM         




 




LOOKS
GD
TESTS




 ↔



SEEK KNOWLEDGE
          BE MERRY




APPLY INSTRUCTION



  NUMBER
     OUR DAYS

       ⭧
REPENT





BELIEVE
IN JESUS CHRIST


⭦       
ALWAYS
THANKFUL




Most if not all are challenged to apply all God has asked of us.
God identifies those things we need to avoid and sets what is precious.


... For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, ...
~ Mark 7:20-23


... lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, ...
~ Luke 21:34-36


... ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
who, being past feeling, ... ~ Ephesians 4:17-19


Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes,
it is a tree of life. ~ Proverbs 13:12


A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.
~ Proverbs 14:30


Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, ... ~ Proverbs 18:12

... does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion
is useless. ... ~ James 1:26-27


He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, ... ~ Proverbs 28:26

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we
also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ~ 1st John 3:16


... love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:22-26


... you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
~ James 4:7-8


... when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see
in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:11-13


... once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures,
living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ... ~ Titus 3:3-7


To find God is to Love Him more.

... those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! ... ~ Isaiah 35:4

A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness. ...
~ Psalm 101:4-5


DON'T DEPART FROM GOD:

⭦       
IGNORANCE


● CAROUSING
● DRUNKENNESS
● CARES OF THIS LIFE


PRAY
ALWAYS

       ⭧
ENVY

HOPE DEFERRED
     DESIRE FOR HIM


             ● HATE
CHILDISH THINGS
                 ○ FAITH
                  ○ HOPE
                  ○ LOVE


HAUGHTY
            HUMILITY




 




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TESTS




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NOT BRIDLE TONGUE
VISIT TROUBLED        
ORPHANS AND WIDOWS


TRUST IN SELF
SELFLESSNESS           

YOUTHFUL LUSTS
GOSPEL TEACHER      


DOUBLE-MINDED
SUBMIT TO GOD        


PERVERSE HEART
⭩       



● EVIL THOUGHTS  ● ADULTERIES
● FORNICATIONS  ● MURDERS ● THEFTS
● COVETOUSNESS  ● WICKEDNESS ● DECEIT
● LEWDNESS  ● AN EVIL EYE  ● BLASPHEMY
● PRIDE  ● FOOLISHNESS


FEAR
       ⭨




Does darkness have more appeal than the light?

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, ...
~ Romans 8:15-17


"... For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." ~ Luke 6:45

"... these words which I command you today shall be in your heart."
~ Deuteronomy 6:5-6


Moses knew it, Jesus told it.

... love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, ...
~ Mark 12:30


... slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine ...
~ Romans 6:17


... that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; ... ~ Ephesians 3:14-19

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
~ Psalm 51:10


But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give ...
~ 1st Peter 3:15


Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart, ... ~ Proverbs 3:3


But above all these things put on love, ... ~ Colossians 3:14

COME IN TO THE LIGHT:


OBEY
THE WORD
       ⭨


MERCY

LOVE


TRUTH


CHRIST
INDWELLING
⭩       
  ALL YOUR HEART
  ALL YOUR SOUL




↔ 




LOOKS
GD
TESTS




 ↔



ALL YOUR MIND
ALL YOUR STRENGTH

       ⭧
STEADFAST
SPIRIT





SANCTIFY
THE LORD GOD


⭦       
GOOD
TREASURE




... He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts
individually; He considers all their works. ~ Psalm 33:13-15


Are we men of man or men of God?

... shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ. ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:6


... ... not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart, ... ~ Ephesians 6:6-7


... serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; ... ~ 1st Chronicles 28:9

... encouraged them all that with purpose of the heart
they should continue with the Lord. ~ Acts 11:23


... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, ...
~ Hebrews 10:22


If you have not been baptized for the remission of sins,
your soul lays uncovered exposed to the vast voids of darkness.


For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing his natural face in the mirror; ... ~ James 1:23-25


REFLECT CHRIST = CLOTHED IN HIS WORD

As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man. ~ Psalm 27:19

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:2

... wash your heart from wickedness, That you may be saved. ...
~ Jeremiah 4:14


THE HEART OF FAITH IS GROWING COMMITMENT

Each ‹heart› beat should passionately believe.

Meditate on scripture and it will uplift your heart.



BACK TO ALL SERMONS MENU SELECTIONS OR "RETURN TO PAGE TOP" - 2009 SERMON MENU

4/18/2009 ~ Thirst After Righteousness


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 5:6
G
A  j O y  beyond  words.
D
"... And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins." ~ Matthew 1:21


Matthew was written to show that Jesus Christ was the messiah.

Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount …

... seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated
His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, ...
~ Matthew 5:1-12


The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are those who mourn
Blessed are the meek
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the pure in heart
Blessed are the peacemakers
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, ...

The foundation principles of the Kingdom were given.
        - The character of Kingdom citizens.
        - What they spiritually look like.
        - Radically different from that of this worlds kingdoms.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 5:3


Those who realize they are spiritually poor needing to beg for salvation.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8


"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." ~ Matthew 5:4

Sorry for sins, heart sick about their condition.

... Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning
and your joy to gloom. ... ~ James 4:8.10


"Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth." ~ Matthew 5:5

Gentle and submissive yet strong like a domesticated ox.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, ..." ~ Matthew 5:6

1.
Desire for a right relationship with God.

... our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access
by faith into this grace ... ~ Romans 5:1-2


... But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you, ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2


We need a right relationship with Him.

... of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
~ Romans 8:29


Conformed to His image.

2. The Righteousness of a Transformed Life

... For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that
He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead
indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:1-11


... Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ~ Romans 6:1

... How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? ~ Romans 6:2

We died to sin.

... And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
in which you once walked ... ~ Ephesians 2:1-3


... we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:4

A newness of life … transformed.

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly
we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, ... ~ Romans 6:5


A spiritual resurrection.

"... unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 5:20


The righteousness demanded in this sermon is radical!

"... whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be
in danger of the judgment. ... ~ Matthew 5:21-22


"... whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already
committed adultery with her in his heart." ~ Matthew 5:27-28


"... I say to you, do not swear at all: ..." ~ Matthew 5:33-34

"... "... whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."
~ Matthew 5:38-39


"... love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who
hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ..."
~ Matthew 5:43-44


""Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men,
to be seen by them. ..." ~ Matthew 6:1-18


"... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys ... ~ Matthew 6:19-21


"... do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own
things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." ~ Matthew 6:25-34


"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge,
you will be judged; ..." ~ Matthew 7:1-2


If you truly desire it, God will help you find it.

"... seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ..."
~ Matthew 7:7-8


How?
Spend time in His word.


... be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ...
~ James 1:21-25


Courage to look at yourself.

... word of God is living and powerful, ... and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:11-12


Spend time in prayer

"... whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them,
for this is the Law and the Prophets." ~ Matthew 7:7-12


God wants us to be mature in His word – Turn to Him and His truths.

Evaluate how much time do you spend in worldly influences.


Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
~ 1st Corinthians 15:33


... with a furious man do not go, Lest thou learn his ways,
and get a snare to thy soul. ~ Proverbs 22:24-25


... seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this
world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, ... ~ Matthew 13:22


Do not allow your life to be consumed without God and His word.

Start Practicing Your Faith.
Passion is the desire to do what you love.
~ Care to be in His word as a servant.


Lve in motion results in emotions that follow.

BACK TO ALL SERMONS MENU SELECTIONS OR "RETURN TO PAGE TOP" - 2009 SERMON MENU

4/19/2009 ~ Faith


... "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,
that the Son of God may be glorified through it." ~ John 11:1-37


... "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." ~ John 11:21
Restricted the power of Jesus. <─┘     

~ Martha had limited faith.

Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
~ Matthew 13:58


~ Peter had limited faith.

"... I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him."
~ Matthew 17:14-16


... So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; ..." ~ Matthew 17:17-21

Jesus reprimanded His disciples for limited faith.

... "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
~ John 11:23-24


... "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God,
who is to come into the world." ~ John 11:25-27


Martha believed in her religion, but not actively in Jesus.
Limited believers understand truths but lack unlimited faith.

Limited Faith ≠ Active Faith

... faith without works is dead ... ~ James 2:20-26

Obedience = Adhering to a System of Faith
~
1. Believe
2. Repent
3. Confess
4. Baptized
~
... we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ
was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, ... ~ Romans 6:4


God calls us to be new creatures in Him.

... "With men it is impossible, but not with God;
for with God all things are possible." ~ Mark 10:27


... "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." ...
~ John 11:38-40


Jesus challenged Martha to wholeheartedly believe.

... "Lazarus, come forth!" And he who had died came out ... ~ John 11:41-44

... only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. ... ~ Matthew 8:8-10
                       └─> The Centurian had unlimited faith.

Words without actions are meaningless.

... But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is, ... ~ Hebrews 11:6


Unlimited Faith = Fully Developed Faith

Jesus wept. ~ John 11:35
                            └─> Because of their limited faith.

ARE YE OF LITTLE FAITH?

BACK TO ALL SERMONS MENU SELECTIONS OR "RETURN TO PAGE TOP" - 2009 SERMON MENU

4/20/2009 ~ The Death of a King


And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples,
which are not written in this book; ... ~ John 20:30


... many other things that Jesus did, ... the world itself
could not contain the books that would be written. ... ~ John 21:25


Certain things were selected to let us know about Jesus.
It was to show He was the fulfillment, the Messiah.


"... you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
~ Matthew 1:21


For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but
to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25


People look to the glory of humans and miss the humble message of God.
- A man condemned to death on the cross by those that manipulated Him.
~
Jesus had to die for us, included in God's plan from the beginning.
- All to create an avenue for us to preciously return to Him.
                               \ | /
... redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ, ... ~ 1st Peter 1:18-20
└─> As a perfect sacrifice.
                                  └─> God’s plan from the beginning of time.

... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; ...
~ Isaiah 53:4-6


It had been foretold to show us the truth of the seriousness of sin.

... your iniquities have separated you from your God; ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2

... God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. ~ 1st John 1:5

Jesus had to die for our sins so that we could learn the truth of God.

... Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood,
through faith, ... ~ Romans 3:19-30


Sin / Law / Justification / Grace / Redemption / Propitiation / Faith

● Sin
                                                ┌─> Theme of Romans.
... the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation
for everyone who believes, ... ~ Romans 1:16


... exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and
served the creature rather than the Creator, ... ~ Romans 1:18-32


The Gentiles were guilty of sin.

... God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
... ~ Romans 2:1-3:8


The Jews were also guilty of sin.

... they are all under sin. ... ~ Romans 3:9-18

... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... ~ Romans 3:23

ALL ARE UNDER SIN

● Law

... for by the law is knowledge of sin. ... ~ Romans 3:19-21

● Justification

... being justified freely by His grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus, ... ~ Romans 3:24


● Grace

... by grace you have been saved ... ~ Ephesians 2:1-10

● Redemption

... not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your
aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ, ... ~ 1st Peter 1:18-19


He bought us back from the slavery of sin, by the blood of Jesus.

"... For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of
every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and
priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." ... ~ Revelation 5:9-12


● Propitiation

... whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, ...
~ Romans 3:25


Jesus is God’s answer to accept our humble return to Him.

... now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
~ Romans 5:9


God has a judicial wrath which punishment for sin is due.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23


SIN DEMANDS PUNISHMENT

... your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you, ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2


Jesus offered Himself to pay for our sin that we may return to Him.

GOD IS JUST AND THE JUSTIFIER

... to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be
just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. ~ Romans 3:26


... we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all. ... ~ Hebrews 10:1-18


● Faith

... a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. ...
~ Romans 3:27-31


... For by grace you have been saved through faith, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8-10

Faith is man’s part.
In return for His love we must submit to Him and repent.
~ We must respond.


"... if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." ~ John 8:24

... "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
~ John 6:29


We are told to believe.

... "If you believe with all your heart, you may." ... ~ Acts 8:37

We are told to repent of our sins.

... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ... ~ Acts 2:38


We are told to confess Jesus.

'... Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,
calling on the name of the Lord.' ~ Acts 22:16


We are told to be baptized for the remission of sins.

Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized
into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? ... ~ Romans 6:3-4


In the 1st century there was a great anticipation of the coming of the king.
Israel knew the prophecies well!

... I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body,
and I will establish his kingdom. ... ~ 2nd Samuel 7:12-16


... And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6-7


"... A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment
and righteousness in the earth." ~ Jeremiah 23:5


"... they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments
and observe My statutes, and do them." ~ Ezekiel 37:24


The Jews misunderstood that their King or Messiah would suffer.

"... I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who
plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. ..."
~ Isaiah 50:5-7


... And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. ... ~ Isaiah 53:1-12

The suffering Servant.

This passage caused perplexity.

"... of himself or some other man?" ~ Acts 8:34

It was Christ crucified!

... Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,
but to those ... called, ... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
~ 1st Corinthians 1:22-24


... with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:18-20


... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, ... ~ 1st Timothy 1:15

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus came to die for us all.

"... the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many." ~ Matthew 20:28


"... for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
~ Luke 19:10


... you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
whom God raised up, ... ~ Acts 2:22-24


The Apostles Preached the Cross As the Fulfillment of God’s Plan.

... with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
~ Acts 4:27-28


The Bible is prophetic about how Messiah and Satan would battle.
⭩ ↓ ⭨

"... He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." ~ Genesis 3:15

... "There is none righteous, no, not one; ..." ~ Romans 3:10

Satan had taken all of humanity captive!

... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... ~ Romans 3:23

... through one man sin entered the world, ... ~ Romans 5:12

Through Satan spiritual and physical death entered the world.

... in Christ all shall be made alive. ~ 1st Corinthians 15:20-22

"... "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ... " ~ John 8:31-32

Jesus gives us the opportunity to be free from Satan.

... through death He might destroy him who had the power of death,
that is, the devil, ... ~ Hebrews 2:14-15


... that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, ... ~ Philippians 2:9-11

Through His death He has been elevated to the highest glory and honor.
“Worthy Is The Lamb”


... For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood ...
~ Revelation 5:9-10


Don’t let religion stop you from seeking Jesus.
Learn for yourself what the Bible teaches about the Lord’s kingdom,
His church.
Submit to His truth and live through Him.
Obey the gospel and take advantage of the blood that was shed for you!

He did so much and asks for so little for eternal life.
JESUS DIED TO OFFER US LIFE.


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4/21/2009 ~ The Commission of a King


"... Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; ..." ~ Matthew 28:16-20


The Great Commission
~ Go make disciples following the teachings of Jesus.

... to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which
you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. ~ Acts 26:16


To implant the word of God…

... Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts,
you double-minded. ~ James 4:8


And purge oneself of sinful acts.

... we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:4

This personal living word once delivered came to the world.

... have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, ... ~ Acts 5:28

... they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. ~ Acts 5:42

~ They did their best to spread the word.

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
~ Acts 8:4


… preaching everywhere they went …

... preaching the Lord Jesus. ... ~ Acts 11:19-26

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, ... ~ Acts 13:9-10

… and Paul preaching again and again.

... from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 1:8

This sound, WORD established by God, will amplify to eternity.
We need to be His people, and if we are, then we take forth His message.

WHY SHOULD WE TAKE GOD PERSONALLY?

1. Because it is the King’s Will for His citizens.

"... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; ..."
~ Matthew 28:20


To find His word is to teach His word.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God."
~ Matthew 5:9


He wants us all to rejoice in His word.

... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... ~ Hebrews 10:25

Conditions have been set forth.

... Now on the first day of the week,
when the disciples came together to break bread, ... ~ Acts 20:7


... we were buried with Him through baptism ... ~ Romans 6:3-4

... not disorderly ... to make ourselves an example
of how you should follow us. ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-15


Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. ... ~ James 4:11-12

"... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; ..."
~ Matthew 28:18-20


The word includes a lifetime of effort to become better for the all.

2. It Is A Natural Result of Our Love For Others

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, ...
~ Ephesians 5:2


... without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope
in our Lord Jesus Christ ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 1:2-8


It takes love of God to pursue Him through the persecutions of this world.

3. The Value of the Soul

... God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them. ... ~ Genesis 1:26-28


God made man special.

Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:7


"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? ..." ~ Matthew 16:26


I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
~ Romans 1:14


We are obligated to return to God
and to help others in this same return, to Him, Creator of all.

4. Because We Are A New Testament Church

... the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified
by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Galatians 3:22-25


... And His commandments are not burdensome. ... ~ 1st John 5:1-4

5. Because It Is Easy

... praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word,
to speak the mystery of Christ, ... ~ Colossians 4:3


WHY CHRISTIANS OBEY GOD'S WORD
1. Because it is the King’s Will for His citizens.
2. It Is A Natural Result of Our Love For Others
3. The Value of the Soul
4. Because We Are A New Testament Church
5. Because It Is Easy

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been
written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
~ Revelation 13:8


All will bow to Him whether by choice or not.
His Ruling Power is over all.


I would like to Thank Wilson Copeland.

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8/16/2009 ~ Righteousness: Our Duty To Do


... "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree,
'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey ..."
~ Luke 17:1-10


The faith of Christ forgave all.
It is difficult to forgive someone repeatedly.

... "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
~ Matthew 18:21-22


Innumerably ~ we should forgive.

Most People Will Not Forgive Once

And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." ~ Luke 17:5

● Be prepared to forgive.
● It takes faith to forgive.

"... if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move; ... ~ Matthew 17:20


We can move mountains if we trust God, one rock at a time.
~ There is nothing we have without God and
righteousness is looking for opportunity to serve Him.

... 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ...' ~ Luke 18:9-14


Righteousness cannot be found by comparing yourself to anything else.

Feeling Superior  =  Unrighteous
God Forgave Me  =  Righteous

Look to God and Christ where righteousness is set.
Improvement is the message and this is where goodness holds.

... Zacchaeus ... "... if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation,
I restore fourfold." ... ~ Luke 19:2-10


We will never be good enough.

... seeking to establish their own righteousness,
have not submitted to the righteousness of God. ~ Romans 10:1-3


It is not sufficient to just obtain self-satisfaction.
One or two successes only leaves more ahead.
We are souls in search of redemption.
It never will be enough.

One will never find credit with God or be ahead of Him.
We eternally are indebted to Him.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
~ Romans 10:4


... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... ~ Romans 3:23

We need to want to try to please Him; continually seeking out ~ within.

... God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
"The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17


We need to come to Christ and the word to serve Him.

"... when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say,
'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' "
~ Luke 17:9-10


Again, God does not owe us anything.

Attitude = What Can I Do To Serve?

We will never be able to do enough for each other in Christ.
~ It is repentance with thanks for continued opportunities.
God wants to uplift us all.


"... it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven
that one of these little ones should perish." ~ Matthew 18:12-14


Let not your faith faint.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ~ Galatians 6:9


Being continually good can be tiring.
It is His grace that allows us to serve.

... spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
~ Galatians 6:1


In the end, we are all unprofitable servants
and must continue striving and in this is righteousness.

Righteousness is found in Obedience to God's Word.

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8/23/2009 ~ Wings of Eagles

... 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you
on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. ... ~ Exodus 19:3-8


God lifts those who obey and rely upon Him.
After the death of Joseph, the Israelites suffered oppression for 400 years.
God never forgot His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

... I will redeem you with an outstretched arm ... ~ Exodus 6:6

God reminded His people what He had done.

God is like an EAGLE.
└─> Powerful
└─> Swift
                        └─> Caring for the Young
                                └─> Teaching with Patience

... 'I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. ...' ~ Exodus 6:7

'And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give
to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; ...' ~ Exodus 6:8


... As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings,
taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, ~ Deuteronomy 32:10-14


God set His people free.

... if you will indeed obey My voice ... you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests
... ~ Exodus 19:5-6


His covenant is with individuals in the whole of His called for Body.

... a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:9

Today, God’s covenant chooses Christians as His chosen people,
not configurations of man.
● ○
People do not add to the church, God does when one obeys His instructions.
Each person is called to this royal priesthood.

... walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and
gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3


To be with God, one needs to be Holy with God and
giving (dedicating) ourselves to the service of the Lord.
~ To be like our God, we are called to be holy.

... You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. ~ Leviticus 11:44-45

As the O.T. gave conditions, so the N.T. instructs.

... but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:15-17


God has the power to set us free from sin.
~ It is when we realize how heinous sin is.
~ To rejoice in His redemption.
~ To ride upon His wings.
~ To turn to His ways
~ To never forget.

... those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:28-31


... that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:8-10


It took just a few days to get The Hebrews out of Egypt,
but 40 years to take Egypt out of the Hebrews.

JESUS LIFTS THOSE WHO LISTEN

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
~ James 4:10


Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven. ~ Lamentations 3:41

Praising Him lifts our heart and spirit.

Look up and let not your faith grow dull.

Thanks to my dear brother in Christ, Melvin Curry

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9/13/2009 ~ Who Would Love Him More?


He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat.
And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, ... ~ Luke 7:36-42


... "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." ~ Luke 7:43-50

CREDITOR DEBTOR DEBTOR
JESUS
"Son of God"
- PROPHET -
↓ Mouth of God ↓
Sense of Perception
Simon/Pharisee
Believed themselves Righteous
"We’re Cleaner than Others"
Pompously Deserving
Elite Superiors
Woman
Sinful
~ Possible Harlot ~
"Sorrowfully Undeserving"
Repentant
    
←       →
    
50
500

... "Simon, I have something to say to you." ... ~ Luke 7:40

Though Simon thought Jesus was less than He was, ...
... Jesus instructed him …

"... he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore,
which of them will love him more?" ~ Luke 7:41-43


How much love and appreciation would come
from one forgiven so much, ... to regain life?

"... you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet
with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head." ~ Luke 7:44


A response of service.

... He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, ...
~ John 13:5-7


Jesus clearly taught that we should maintain acts of service.

"You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet
since the time I came in." ~ Luke 7:45


Acts of worship.

"... Do not be unbelieving, but believing." ~ John 20:27-29

"You did not anoint My head with oil,
but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil." ~ Luke 7:46


Putting a blessing on Him and endorsing His mission.

Jesus somewhat insulted Simon
by putting the “Greater” repentor above him.

Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." ... ~ Luke 7:48-50

Her faith and trust in Him saved her.
~ Simon perhaps thought he had no sins to be forgiven him.

"... unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 5:20


To be in fellowship with God, we need to:
● Have a response of service
● Have acts of worship
● Bless Him by supporting His mission

We all have sins to be forgiven for.

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9/21/2009 ~ Basics of Baptism


An honest heart and an open Bible will deliver truth to the soul.

... When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
~ Acts 19:1-5


MISCONCEPTIONS:
● Believe baptism is important but not necessary
● Baptism is necessary because our faith is not strong enough

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves, ...
~ Ephesians 2:8-9


... a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ~ James 2:24

The religion of Jesus is not a faith only religion, it is one that calls
each soul to respond and most assuredly, act upon what is heard.
~ Jesus came to show us the way.


... When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; ...
~ Matthew 3:13-16


WHAT JESUS THOUGHT ABOUT BAPTISM:
1. Jesus did it
2. Jesus taught it
3. Jesus wants us to do it

... "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit,
he cannot enter the kingdom of God." ~ John 3:3-5


Conditions have been set to enter the Kingdom of God.

... make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ... ~ Matthew 28:19


It is a process of humble submission in view of our sins.

... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ..." ~ Acts 2:37-38


Design of Baptism.


... preached Christ to them. ~ Acts 8:5

It is clear that one must hear and believe
the word first, before acting upon it (obeying).


But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning
the kingdom of God ... both men and women were baptized. ~ Acts 8:12


Preaching Jesus includes baptism.

... "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ..." ~ Acts 16:30-33

What must I do to be saved?


... we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was
raised from the dead ... we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:3-4


Baptism is an immersion, it is nothing partial.


... But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11


Washed ...

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
~ Galatians 3:27


... in Christ

... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, ...
~ Ephesians 4:4-6


There is only one baptism, … though men have constructed many.

... now saves us - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God), ... ~ 1st Peter 3:21


The motivation of why we are baptised is what makes it different.

... Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
~ Revelation 1:5


Faith and baptism are not two separate categories.


... being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, ...
~ Hebrews 11:7


~ Faith will lead you to baptism.
We are all called to follow the Bible,
it is abundantly clear what is called for, ... let no man deceive you.
The New Testament does not mention unbaptized Christians.


First Century Christians Believed:
1. They were sinners
2. In the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
3. In the Lordship of Jesus
4. They believed faith (that included baptism) saves

"... whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."
~ Luke 14:25-27


For Jesus to be Lord, one must obey Him.
Our cross is what we give up to glorify Jesus our Lord.


"... whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
~ Luke 14:33


It is a question of self over that of God’s will.

... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ..." ~ Acts 2:38


... and that you put on the new man which was created according to God,
in true righteousness and holiness. ... ~ Ephesians 4:24-5:4


BROKEN OR INEFFECTIVE BAPTISMS:
1. Being baptized as a baby
2. Being baptized without changing
3. Being baptized without faith

... "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ..." ~ Acts 16:30-31

Baptism affirms the gospel message.

... we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was
raised from the dead ... we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:3-4


Baptism is a beginning, just a start to eternity.

... it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which
I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, ... ~ Galatians 2:20


┌─> One of the bonds that unites us.                
... one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you all. ~ Ephesians 4:4-6


... Cornelius, a centurion ... a devout man and one who feared God ... who gave
alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. ... ~ Acts 10:1-4


WILL NOT SAVE YOU:
Being a Devout Man
Fear God
Give Generously
Pray to God Always
Have a Vision

... will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.
~ Acts 11:13-15


And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. ...
~ Acts 10:48


Baptism is for all those who want to go to heaven.

... He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, ...
~ Hebrews 5:9


We need to get heaven struck and not earth struck.

\ | /                                           
BELIEVE IN ME AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
/ | \                                           

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9/22/2009 ~ Hold Peace Above Worry


... This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
~ Psalm 118:22-24


The Sting of Bitterness can take away the Joy of God.
Resting in the Lord takes worry away.

                 O
"... My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~ John 14:27


~ Peace of God is from within.
Jesus offers peace to each of us.


The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me,
those do, and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:9


The Word once delivered is before us all.

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ~ Romans 16:20


Worry takes us away from peace.

"... I say to you, do not worry about your life, ..." ~ Matthew 6:25-34
                             
Jesus is specific in telling us not to worry.


In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.
~ Psalm 94:19


Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; ...
~ Psalm 139:23-24


Let God know your worries.

... "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things."
~ Luke 10:41


We are worried and troubled about much.
○ ●
~ We are called to desire His truth above any of our petty complaints.
Repeatedly, we are told not to worry.

... do not worry ... ~ Matthew 6:25

... do not worry ... ~ Matthew 6:31

... do not worry ... ~ Matthew 6:34

... men always ought to pray and not lose heart, ... ~ Luke 18:1

God calls us to grasp courage in view of His Power.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
~ John 14:1


... the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7


Faith is hearts resting in Him.

... casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. ~ 1st Peter 5:7

We live in a society of gloom and doom ...
... while we are constantly bombarded by woes.
We need to get rid of worry to be spiritual.
Many things cause us to worry.
~ We worry about our stuff, the things we cling to.
                            └─> Affluence of our age.

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But
the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:12


Life being hard with harsh experiences, tribulations causes worry.

Things that cause us to worry:
1. Our stuff
2. Life being hard
3. The future is uncertain
4. We are not in control

... besides the other things, what comes upon me daily:
my deep concern for all the churches. ~ 2nd Corinthians 11:28


We need to be concerned in our activities verses the pointlessness of worry.


   Concern
Worry


=
=
Does Something   
Does Nothing

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love
the other, ... You cannot serve God and mammon. ... ~ Matthew 6:24-25

⭩        ⭨
● Worry divides and conquers.
● Worry distances us from seeing Jesus.


"... will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" ~ Matthew 6:30

... "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" ... ~ Matthew 8:25-26

... "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ~ Matthew 14:27-31

... "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves
because you have brought no bread? ~ Matthew 16:8


"O you of little faith"
Worry denies reality and always thinks the worst.
~ It is in truth, a lack of faith.


● WORRY
Anxiety
Fear
Doubt
Human Reasoning
Takes Away
● FAITH
Strength
Joy
Trust
Solves Problems
Gives

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ..."
~ Matthew 6:27-28


Worry can only take away, it gives nothing.

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, ... ~ Proverbs 12:25

Worry brings a heart down.

"... if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is
thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, ..." ~ Matthew 6:28-30


  ┌─> Does not appreciate blessings.
Worry blinds us from seeing God
                         └─> It destroys our faith.

"... your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
~ Matthew 6:31-32


Facts of Worry (Vacuum of waste):
40% - Things that will never happen
30% - Things that we cannot change or past
22% - Things that are petty and do not matter
8% - Legitimate concerns which you can do something about

"... the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, ..."
~ Matthew 13:22


Worry makes one stagnate in Jesus.
                         └─> We pray less.
                                                        └─> Fear or grief overcomes reason.
Solution to worry:                  
Think right, ~ realize that God values you.


... the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained
against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. ... ~ Exodus 16:2-3


Do not be forgetful.

... I will rain bread from heaven for you. ... ~ Exodus 16:4-5

God has promised He will provide for us.

... not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed ...
~ James 1:25


... whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there
is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8


How can you think on God’s word
when you are consumed in your problems and troubles?
Pray right.


 ┌─> Put CHRIST first.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33


Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ... ~ Philippians 4:6


... casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. ~ 1st Peter 5:7

We need to give God our problems.

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. ~ Psalm 55:22


We are called to be lifted in Him.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, ..." ~ Jeremiah 17:7-10


We need to Do right, - to follow in His will.
Action delivers more than worthless inaction.


To Overcome Worry:
● THINK RIGHT
● DO NOT FORGET
● PRAY RIGHT
● DO RIGHT

... they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes,
and do them. ... ~ Ezekiel 37:24-27


Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. ~ Psalm 34:14

Commandment:
DO NOT WORRY

Worry hurts faith and lacks trust in Him.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also
you were called in one body; and be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15


God calls for faithful courageous Christian souls,
~ not faithless worriers filled with dissipation.
One can only hold peace of mind if God is held in the highest.


The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace. ~ Psalm 29:11


... for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ...
~ Philippians 4:11


... He will speak peace To His people and to His saints;
But let them not turn back to folly. ~ Psalm 85:8


God offers us so much and we need to appreciate what has been given.

... My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places, ... ~ Isaiah 32:17-18


The opportunity of God’s strength has been offered to us all.

OVERCOME WORRY WITH FAITH.

I would like to thank my brother in Christ, Roger Shouse

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9/27/2009 ~ Value of the Everlasting Soul


... do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear
Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ... ~ Matthew 10:27-33


Many have been martyred for Christ.
Each person has an everlasting soul.


... "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ..." ~ Genesis 1:26

We have an eternal parallel with God.

"God is Spirit, ..." ~ John 4:24

With our spirit we make choices.
  To eternal darkness <─┘                                └─> To eternal light      
Our hope is eternal life.


... And the spirit will return to God who gave it. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:7

For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26


It is not so much regarding self as about what God wills us to be.

"... because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God?
For when they rise from the dead, they ... are like angels in heaven. ..."
~ Mark 12:19-27


We will be on individual life terms with God.

"... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
~ Revelation 2:10


1. His Image
2. Realize Spiritual Value over physical


... you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even
a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. ~ James 4:14


It is not about tomorrow, it is about fellowship now.

... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
~ 2nd Corinthians 6:2


The soul is more valuable than the physical body.
~ It is a way one walks.


... rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy
the passing pleasures of sin, ... ~ Hebrews 11:23-27


Moses Knew the truth:
Comforts of Egypt
Pleasures of Sin
Soul Salvation
In the Light

... of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.
~ Proverbs 1:16-19


Evil does not like to be restrained.

Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
~ 1st Corinthians 15:33


Battles of the flesh are hard and can be grippingly difficult.

       ┌─> Lures of deceptive pleasures.
... Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding;
He who does so destroys his own soul. ... ~ Proverbs 6:27-35


Warnings have been given of our approaching death and the cost.

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? ..." ~ Matthew 16:26


   SOUL > THE WHOLE WORLD   


What is it you hold as valuable?
One must give all unto God.
We are merely custodians.


IDOLS:
Cars
Homes
Cell Phones
Celebrities (People)

All should come second to Christ.
We need to place conscious value on our souls
above the passing material.


"... he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. ..."
~ Matthew 10:34-39


     GOD's Calling:                      Mans Misgivings:
  GOD
⭧        ↑
YOU         ALL ELSE
                (Which is God's)

  GOD
⭧        
     Something OR Somebody
    ⭧
YOU

"... Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour
in which the Son of Man is coming." ~ Matthew 25:1-13


KINGDOM OF HEAVEN LIKENED TO TEN VIRGINS:
5 Wise Lamps with oil Ready Door Opened
5 Foolish Lamps without oil Unprepared Door Closed

We are responsible for ourselves.
~ It is difficult to be ready.


ETERNAL
SOUL
> ANY RELATIONSHIP
WITH OTHERS

... "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." ~ Hebrews 10:8-10

Christ showed us God desires us in service to Him.

                                       ┌─> No one will have an excuse.
"... All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them
one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. ..."
~ Matthew 25:31-40


... judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done
in the body, according to what he has done, ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:10


... And the dead were judged according to their works, ... ~ Revelation 20:12-15

... God, who "will render to each one according to his deeds": ... ~ Romans 2:4-10

Each ones works and deeds will inherit the according reward.
                                                                

WHO BY PATIENT CONTINUANCE
IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY,
HONOR, AND IMMORTALITY;
ETERNAL
LIFE
WHO ARE SELF-SEEKING AND DO
NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, BUT OBEY
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS-INDIGNATION
AND WRATH,
TRIBULATION
AND ANGUISH

Not that we are justified by our works
~ but we are required to do good works.


... we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:8-10


The Old Testament is clear that God will not find favor
with those that do not assist Him or remain indifferent.

... 'Curse its inhabitants bitterly,
Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, ... ~ Judges 5:23


Remaining indifferent will seal ones fate.

"... 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire
prepared for the devil and his angels: ..." ~ Matthew 25:41-45


ETERNAL LIFE OR EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT


"... into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
~ Matthew 25:46


Where will we hold permanence?

WE NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE NOW
↑ ETERNITY STANDS BEFORE US ALL ↑


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