LORD, IS IT I ?
MATTHEW 26: 18 – 25
I. MATTHEW 26: 21 – 22 THE DESCIPLES ASK…
LORD, IS IT I ?
A. ROMANS 14: 11 – 12
B. 1 CORINTIANS 11: 28
II. JAMES 1: 16 – 17 IS IT I…
THAT HAS BEEN BLESSED ?
A. JOHN 3: 15 – 17
B. TITUS 2: 11 – 14
III. 1 JOHN 3: 4 IS IT I…
THAT SINS ?
A. 1 CORINTHIANS 11: 27
B. GALATIANS 6: 7 – 10
C. PHILIPPIANS 2: 3 – 4
IV. JAMES 4: 17 IF I KNOW TO DO GOOD…?
A. HEBREWS 10: 25
B. 2 PETER 1: 5 – 8
C. 1 THESSALONIANS 5: 17 – 18
D. 1 CORINTHIANS 16: 1 – 2
E. MATTHEW 5: 14 – 16
HEBREWS 12: 1 – 2 LORD, IS IT I ?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
GOD IS THE GREAT REWARDER
“GOD IS..... HE IS THE GREAT REWARDER!”
Heb 11: 6
Intro: “God’s missing, and they think we’ve got him!”
I would like to begin this series with the following statement made by Brother Jeff Asher, “conviction determines conduct.” Simply put, how we act can be directly linked to what we believe. If you believe in the existence of God, then your actions will support that belief. To the one that doesn’t believe that god exists, they give no thought for how they are living. They don’t care about god’s word, OR HOW IT CAN AND SHOULD AFFECT THEIR LIVES. However, even in the world in which we live, there are still those who want to do what is right. There are still those who believe in the existence of god.
Beginning today, I want to talk to both of these groups. To those who do not believe, I want to tell you of the wonderful God whom I serve. To those who believe in him, I want to strengthen your faith, and tell you more about our Heavenly Father.
Today, we begin by asking the question, who is god? We answer that question by saying, “ He is the great rewarder!”
I GOD’S PAST IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. From the beginning God has rewarded us so richly.
A. Gen 2: 8,he rewarded Adam and Eve with the beautiful garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 7-8 He rewarded David with a kingdom, a victory, and power.
C. 1Ki 3: 6-13 He rewarded Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.
2. Why would he have rewarded these men so richly?
A. It was dew to the fact that all were in some way pleasing in his sight.
B. Adam and Eve pleased him because they were his greatest creation.
C. David pleased him because of his wonderful heart.
D. Solomon pleased him because of his unselfishness.
3. However, no matter how much they pleased him, God still didn’t hesitate to punish.
A. Gen 3: 23 He sent Adam out of the garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 14 He took the child conceived in sin.
C. 1Ki 11: 11 He took the kingdom.
I GOD’S PRESENT IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. Even still today God continues to shower down blessings upon us!
A. Consider our financial stability.
b. Consider our Familial stability.
C. Consider our spiritual stability.
2. Why does he give us so much?
A. Mt 7: 11 because he calls us his children.
B. Rom 8: 15 Because, THANKS TO THAT SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, we CAN NOW call him our father.
C. 1Jn 4: 19 All of this is because he first loved us.
3. Even so, he still punishes today.
A. Num 3: 4 God no longer strikes us down for our sins.
B. However, today, we do have to live with the consequences of our actions.
C. Psa 51 Just as David once lived with the consequences of his own actions.
III GOD’S FUTURE WILL BE FILLED WITH REWARDING!
1. There is a day to come when god shall reward the faithful!
A. Who shall he reward? His Children! (Ga 3: 29)
b. How can we become his children? Through obedience! (Mk 16: 16)
C. What shall be the reward? Everlasting life! (Jn 3: 16)
2. However, there is also a day when he shall punish the wicked.
A. Who are the wicked? The disobedient. (Mk 16: 16
b. What shall be the punishment? Everlasting fire. (Mt 25: 41)
Heb 11: 6
Intro: “God’s missing, and they think we’ve got him!”
I would like to begin this series with the following statement made by Brother Jeff Asher, “conviction determines conduct.” Simply put, how we act can be directly linked to what we believe. If you believe in the existence of God, then your actions will support that belief. To the one that doesn’t believe that god exists, they give no thought for how they are living. They don’t care about god’s word, OR HOW IT CAN AND SHOULD AFFECT THEIR LIVES. However, even in the world in which we live, there are still those who want to do what is right. There are still those who believe in the existence of god.
Beginning today, I want to talk to both of these groups. To those who do not believe, I want to tell you of the wonderful God whom I serve. To those who believe in him, I want to strengthen your faith, and tell you more about our Heavenly Father.
Today, we begin by asking the question, who is god? We answer that question by saying, “ He is the great rewarder!”
I GOD’S PAST IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. From the beginning God has rewarded us so richly.
A. Gen 2: 8,he rewarded Adam and Eve with the beautiful garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 7-8 He rewarded David with a kingdom, a victory, and power.
C. 1Ki 3: 6-13 He rewarded Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.
2. Why would he have rewarded these men so richly?
A. It was dew to the fact that all were in some way pleasing in his sight.
B. Adam and Eve pleased him because they were his greatest creation.
C. David pleased him because of his wonderful heart.
D. Solomon pleased him because of his unselfishness.
3. However, no matter how much they pleased him, God still didn’t hesitate to punish.
A. Gen 3: 23 He sent Adam out of the garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 14 He took the child conceived in sin.
C. 1Ki 11: 11 He took the kingdom.
I GOD’S PRESENT IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. Even still today God continues to shower down blessings upon us!
A. Consider our financial stability.
b. Consider our Familial stability.
C. Consider our spiritual stability.
2. Why does he give us so much?
A. Mt 7: 11 because he calls us his children.
B. Rom 8: 15 Because, THANKS TO THAT SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, we CAN NOW call him our father.
C. 1Jn 4: 19 All of this is because he first loved us.
3. Even so, he still punishes today.
A. Num 3: 4 God no longer strikes us down for our sins.
B. However, today, we do have to live with the consequences of our actions.
C. Psa 51 Just as David once lived with the consequences of his own actions.
III GOD’S FUTURE WILL BE FILLED WITH REWARDING!
1. There is a day to come when god shall reward the faithful!
A. Who shall he reward? His Children! (Ga 3: 29)
b. How can we become his children? Through obedience! (Mk 16: 16)
C. What shall be the reward? Everlasting life! (Jn 3: 16)
2. However, there is also a day when he shall punish the wicked.
A. Who are the wicked? The disobedient. (Mk 16: 16
b. What shall be the punishment? Everlasting fire. (Mt 25: 41)
A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT
Who is a Faithful and Wise Servant?
Matthew 24: 42 – 51
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I. Titus 3: 1 ONE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK. Paul writes Titus to remind them…
1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We need to remind each other. Preachers often remind the brethren to remember to be ready to every good work.
A. Acts 10: 37 – 38 Peter taught Cornelius that Jesus was our example.
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
B. Galatians 6: 10 Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia they were to do good.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready to do good? This is the beginning of a new year, why not start off right by being ready.
II. 1 Peter 3: 15 ONE READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
He does not say we must be ready to give an answer to everything in the Bible. Even I do not know every answer. He says be ready to give an answer to the “reason of the hope that is in you.” We have a hope or a faith in Jesus Christ and we should be ready and able to give an answer why we have this hope or faith in Him. Why do we believe Jesus Christ is our Saviour?
A. Colossians. 4: 5 – 6 Paul to the Christians in Colosse needed to know how to prepare their speech.
5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
It takes study, prayer and seasoned speech to teach those out side the church. Christ has made all of these available to us.
B. 2 Timothy 2: 14 - 15 Paul tells Timothy how to do it. Remind them to study.
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
One of the weaknesses in the church today is a lack of study. We are motivated by the world to neglect Bible study. It takes time, effort and commitment. We are committed to much to the things of the world. In time past a father would read the Bible to his family every day. This could be the only book they had. Children were taught to ready by reading the Bible. Today in China they let Americans teach students to read English from the Bible. If we study more we will know more and understand our responsibility more to God. Some don’t want that so they do not study. Are you ready to commit to study God’s word ?
III. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 ONE READY TO GIVE. Giving time, talents, good works.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Who are the rich in this world? We are. Christians are the richest because they have Jesus Christ and the Hope of Eternal life in Heaven. Whether you have a plug nickel or not you can have Jesus Christ. But if you have all the riches of the world and loose your soul your life is worthless. More people loose their trust in God with their high mindedness and their trust in their own earthly riches. They fail to be rich in good works, willing to give and communicate to others. I am afraid some would be saddened and most miserable if they had to give as the Jews were required. A tenth of everything, plus their sacrifices and then be ready to help someone in need on top of all that.
A. 2 Corinthians 8: 3 – 6 The Macedonian’s First gave themselves.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Paul writes to the Corinthian brethren that they may obtain the same grace as the Macedonian’s in giving themselves to the work of the gospel.
B. Acts 2: 44 – 45 The early church took care of their own.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
They helped one another, as we should do today. Not one or two helped, but all helped one another.
IV. Matthew 24: 48 – 51 Be Not The Evil Servant, Fallen from God’s Grace.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It is possible for one to loose his soul by going back into the world of willful sin.
If we turn our back on God there is no more forgiveness.
A. Hebrews 10: 26 Willful sin separates us from God.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
When we willingly sin over and over again with out repentance we are lost.
B. 1 John 1: 5 – 7 Are you walking in the light of Jesus Christ?
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Are You a Wise and Faithful servant to God Today? If your not in Christ your not. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Paul writes; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
How do we get into Christ? We are Baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3: 27 Paul writes; 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have you put on Christ in baptism? Why not?
If your not living faithful to God your not a wise and faithful servant of God.
Revelation 22: 10 “ be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” You can learn to do good, learn to give an answer, learn to give as God has blessed you, you can learn to be faithful. But Will you try? You can do nothing until you try. Do you need to come to Jesus? Will you come to Jesus now?
Matthew 24: 42 – 51
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I. Titus 3: 1 ONE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK. Paul writes Titus to remind them…
1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We need to remind each other. Preachers often remind the brethren to remember to be ready to every good work.
A. Acts 10: 37 – 38 Peter taught Cornelius that Jesus was our example.
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
B. Galatians 6: 10 Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia they were to do good.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready to do good? This is the beginning of a new year, why not start off right by being ready.
II. 1 Peter 3: 15 ONE READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
He does not say we must be ready to give an answer to everything in the Bible. Even I do not know every answer. He says be ready to give an answer to the “reason of the hope that is in you.” We have a hope or a faith in Jesus Christ and we should be ready and able to give an answer why we have this hope or faith in Him. Why do we believe Jesus Christ is our Saviour?
A. Colossians. 4: 5 – 6 Paul to the Christians in Colosse needed to know how to prepare their speech.
5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
It takes study, prayer and seasoned speech to teach those out side the church. Christ has made all of these available to us.
B. 2 Timothy 2: 14 - 15 Paul tells Timothy how to do it. Remind them to study.
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
One of the weaknesses in the church today is a lack of study. We are motivated by the world to neglect Bible study. It takes time, effort and commitment. We are committed to much to the things of the world. In time past a father would read the Bible to his family every day. This could be the only book they had. Children were taught to ready by reading the Bible. Today in China they let Americans teach students to read English from the Bible. If we study more we will know more and understand our responsibility more to God. Some don’t want that so they do not study. Are you ready to commit to study God’s word ?
III. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 ONE READY TO GIVE. Giving time, talents, good works.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Who are the rich in this world? We are. Christians are the richest because they have Jesus Christ and the Hope of Eternal life in Heaven. Whether you have a plug nickel or not you can have Jesus Christ. But if you have all the riches of the world and loose your soul your life is worthless. More people loose their trust in God with their high mindedness and their trust in their own earthly riches. They fail to be rich in good works, willing to give and communicate to others. I am afraid some would be saddened and most miserable if they had to give as the Jews were required. A tenth of everything, plus their sacrifices and then be ready to help someone in need on top of all that.
A. 2 Corinthians 8: 3 – 6 The Macedonian’s First gave themselves.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Paul writes to the Corinthian brethren that they may obtain the same grace as the Macedonian’s in giving themselves to the work of the gospel.
B. Acts 2: 44 – 45 The early church took care of their own.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
They helped one another, as we should do today. Not one or two helped, but all helped one another.
IV. Matthew 24: 48 – 51 Be Not The Evil Servant, Fallen from God’s Grace.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It is possible for one to loose his soul by going back into the world of willful sin.
If we turn our back on God there is no more forgiveness.
A. Hebrews 10: 26 Willful sin separates us from God.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
When we willingly sin over and over again with out repentance we are lost.
B. 1 John 1: 5 – 7 Are you walking in the light of Jesus Christ?
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Are You a Wise and Faithful servant to God Today? If your not in Christ your not. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Paul writes; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
How do we get into Christ? We are Baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3: 27 Paul writes; 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have you put on Christ in baptism? Why not?
If your not living faithful to God your not a wise and faithful servant of God.
Revelation 22: 10 “ be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” You can learn to do good, learn to give an answer, learn to give as God has blessed you, you can learn to be faithful. But Will you try? You can do nothing until you try. Do you need to come to Jesus? Will you come to Jesus now?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
JESUS IS RISEN
Jesus Has Risen!
Matthew 28: 1 - 20
The worst fear of the Jewish leaders came true. Every precaution they made in their paranoid minds was fulfilled. The resurrection came as a wonderful surprise to the disciples. It is very evident none of the disciples were sitting around at the tomb waiting expectantly to see Jesus alive and worshipping Him.
Matthew gives us a condensed report of a series of resurrection events and does not deny or contradict the other Gospel writers who give additional evidence. The reappearance of the risen Christ in Galilee is the grand climax to his Gospel.
A FUNERAL of A KING
I. Jesus Died Matt. 27: 50 Matthew said he cried out loud.
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
A. John 19: 30 The apostle John tells us the cry was, “It is finished!”
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
He breathed His last. He died.
B. Luke 23: 44 – 49 Luke records Jesus cried unto God.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
There was darkness. The Centurion glorified God. The people gathered saw the things that were done.
II. Jesus Was Buried. Matthew 27: 57 - 61
A Jewish rich man and leader, a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so He would be given a proper burial. It was the day before the Sabbath when Jesus died. The Sabbath began according to Jewish time about 6:00 PM when the sun went down.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
A. Mark 15: 44 – 45 Pilate certified Jesus was dead.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
The body of Jesus was not put into a coffin. They took His body down from the cross, wrapped Him up in a large linen cloth and carried him to the tomb.
The burial of Jewish people during the days of Jesus was not like modern American funerals and embalming. The Jewish people wrapped the bodies in linen clothes and sprinkled aromatic spices between the folds of the cloth.
B. Matthew 27: 59 – 60 Joseph took Jesus body and wrapped it for burial.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
There was no mutilation of the body and no bones were broken. Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice.
1. Numbers 9: 12 The Passover lamb was not to be broken.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
Not a bone of this Passover lamb had been broken
2. 1 Cor. 5: 7 – 8 Christ is our passover lamb.
7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
C. John 19: 39 – 40 Nicodemus a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews helped Joseph.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
They used a hundred pound mixture of strong spices composed of myrrh and aloes, “as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” They bound His body in linen wrappings with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews in the first century A. D. The large linen cloths in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped at the cross to carry it to the tomb would have been torn into smaller cloths or swatches like those of long medical bandages used for wrapping the torso or limbs. By tradition, the body of Jesus was wrapped in swaths of linen cloth covered with the thick layers of the aromatic spices of myrrh and aloes between the folds. The powder and gooey substances were poured next to the body and interspersed between the linen wrappings wound around the body. The term John uses in John 19:40 for “linen clothes” is generally agreed as the term that denotes thin strips or bandages. The body of Jesus was now bound around again and again, layer by layer with myrrh and aloes.
Jesus was not just buried; He was buried with the honor and dignity of a king. It was not the burial of a felon as the Jewish leaders had supposed, but that of a rich man, honored and respected. Joseph and Nicodemus made sure His burial was not a pauper or a criminal. It may have been rushed because of the Sabbath, but it was not cheap. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when he said hundreds of years earlier
D. Isaiah 53:9 Isaiah’s prophesy was fulfilled.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
III. GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD Matthew 28: 1 - 10
No one saw Jesus rise, but a huge number saw Him alive after He had risen from the dead.
This was now the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the dawn of the first day of the week when the following events took place. The Jewish Sabbath was now over. The Jewish day began at sunset, while the Roman day began at sunrise. The time setting is “late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week” (v. 1). The Sunday morning was dawning. It is not immediately after the Sabbath was over because that would have been at sunset on Saturday. About twelve hours have passed over and it is early in the morning before dawn of the sun on Sunday.
A. Matt. 28: 1 The Women came.
1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
When the women arrived early in the morning Jesus had already risen and left the tomb.
B. Matt. 28: 2 The stone removed
The Lord got their attention with the a violent earthquake.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
It happened suddenly. There is the sudden earthquake, the angel coming from heaven to the tomb and rolling away the stone, not to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let the women, and later the disciples to look in. Unless the stone was rolled away the women and others would surely think the body of Jesus was still there inside the tomb. The stone that guarded the tomb became the seat for the angel. The angel rolled the stone over and sat on it.
Mark’s account says the women asked themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.
C. Matt. 28: 3 Matthew describes the appearance of the angel
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
D. Matt. 28: 4 The Roman guards passed out
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
The Roman soldiers saw the angel They were paralyzed with fear like dead men.
E. Matt. 28: 5 – 8 The angel’s message is Jesus is risen
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
The angel didn’t say anything to the Roman guards. They had all fainted. So he turned his attention to the women. He began by calming the women down.
The women came looking for the body of Jesus who had been crucified. They were not looking for the risen Jesus. They had come to bury the dead and there was no dead to bury.
“He is not here, for He has risen” (v. 6). “as He said.” It happened just like Jesus said it would.
Jesus had repeatedly promised before His death that He would be crucified and then rise again from the dead.
F. Matt. 28: 7 They were told to go quickly.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
He told them Jesus has risen from the dead. You will see Him in Galilee.
They were afraid but very happy. Imagine for a moment those obedient women taking off in a run to tell the disciples and in obedience they meet Jesus.
G. Matt. 28: 9 – 10 Jesus met the women
Suddenly Jesus appeared to the women and they went up to Him. They recognized Him without any difficulty. They came right up to Him and took hold of His feet in an act of worship. These women had been the last to leave at the cross and were first at the tomb, and now they are the first to see Jesus alive.
Then Jesus said to them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
These women demonstrated their submission to their risen Lord in a manner in which subjects were accustomed to render a king in the East.
1. Philippians 2: 10 - 11
The apostle Paul tells us one day we will do likewise.
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The obvious thing Matthew is telling us is the fact that Jesus’ resurrected body was a real body. This is the real thing and not a hallucination or vision. They could feel His body was as real as theirs. It was not a spirit or ghost.
H. Matt. 28: 16 – 17 Jesus met the disciples
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful”
The disciples who had been scattered since the crucifixion and behind locked doors in Jerusalem, made their way to Galilee and there saw Jesus with their own eyes and worshipped Him. Matthew was one of them and this is his testimony of that meeting. Most of the other recorded appearances of Jesus alive after His death took place in Judea and Jerusalem.
I. Matt. 28: 11 – 15 Roman guards' report to Jewish authorities
Christianity has nothing to hide. It is an open book to be read by all.
Just like the resurrection the facts, the words of the lying authorities is told simply. The soldiers were as prompt as the women. Did they see Jesus alive? Did they know He was alive? “Some of the guard” went to the chief priests. We do not know what happened to the others. Matthew explains the source of the lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus. Everything is reported in a matter- of-fact style.
Of great interest is the fact that the guards reported “everything that happened when the angel came to the tomb.” The Jewish leaders were given an authentic testimony by credible witnesses they had chosen who where there. They had demanded the guards be Roman. They had demanded the seal on the tomb. These witnesses on duty at the grave gave a testimony as to what they saw and experienced at the tomb! They stated the truth that the body of Jesus was supernaturally removed from the grave.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
When you get an eyewitness report like this you are forced to decide to accept it or come up with defenses for your lies. The religious leaders had the facts of the empty tomb. They knew something extraordinary had happened. There was no body in the tomb. If you can’t produce the body then your only alternative is to pay off the soldiers with a large bribe . They paid them a “large sum of money.” The Roman soldiers had to say, “We were sleeping while on duty as guards at the tomb and Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body.”
There must have been a considerable amount of money that passed hands that day for Roman soldiers to say they slept on the job. This was a serious military offense that would have brought down the heaviest of Roman military penalty on them.
If they were asleep they could not have known it, and if one of them knew, he would have awakened the others. Either way the soldiers would have committed a crime and would have been severely disciplined. They could have faced death.
The chief priests were asking these seasoned Roman soldiers to sign their death warrant. It would have been suicidal to say they were asleep on the job. No one would have believed that for a moment. Matthew must have told this event with a roar of laughter. Of course, there are always those who are gullible for such deception. The facts are simple: the tomb was empty and eyewitnesses saw, heard and touched Jesus.
.
What happened to the lie when the news spread that people had actually seen Jesus alive?
The important thing is this: Neither the Jews nor anyone else could produce the body of Jesus. No body was ever produced by anyone. The tomb was empty! And it still is.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus was the Son of God. The payment for our redemption has been paid in full.
The tomb is empty because Jesus rose triumphantly.
IV. Matt. 28: 16 – 20 GO AND TELL THE WORLD
A. Matt. 28: 18 Jesus spoke unto them.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus has absolute authority over all living creatures in heaven and earth. He is Lord and King. He has the fullest possible authority of God. He has absolute power and authority. There are no limitations.
“I am with you always (lit. all the time), even to the end of the age” is great encouragement for our day. It is a statement of fact.
He is with us under all conditions and situations. How long do we go before acknowledging Him?
Jesus has in mind the time from His resurrection until the end of the world or end of time. He will never leave us. The one who experienced God forsakenness will never leave us down and out.
Jesus did not say, “I will be with you,” but “I am with you.” There is certainty, security and comfort in what He says.
No fact in history stands on such firm evidence as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men do not believe because they do not want to believe. There is solid evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He lives today. The choice is yours because Acts 4: 12 says: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There are no choices without eternal consequences.
Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.” It is the seal of the divine acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin. The resurrection completed His work of atonement and stamped it with divine approval. It says that the Father has accepted the Son’s perfect sacrifice as a complete and perfect ransom for all who take their refuge in Christ.
B. Matt. 28: 19 – 20 What Do I Do Now?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1. What if you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Acts 2: 38 Peter preached to the multitude about Jesus. They ask what must we do?
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
3. What do you need to do today?
If you have never obeyed Christ in baptism you need to be baptized. If you were baptized and you are not sure what for of why you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins.
4. Christians need to go and teach others that they might be baptized into Christ.
Jesus arose from the dead that he might show his power over death and the cross.
Will we deny Christ by our disobedience or will we obey Him and have eternal life in Him?
Matthew 28: 1 - 20
The worst fear of the Jewish leaders came true. Every precaution they made in their paranoid minds was fulfilled. The resurrection came as a wonderful surprise to the disciples. It is very evident none of the disciples were sitting around at the tomb waiting expectantly to see Jesus alive and worshipping Him.
Matthew gives us a condensed report of a series of resurrection events and does not deny or contradict the other Gospel writers who give additional evidence. The reappearance of the risen Christ in Galilee is the grand climax to his Gospel.
A FUNERAL of A KING
I. Jesus Died Matt. 27: 50 Matthew said he cried out loud.
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
A. John 19: 30 The apostle John tells us the cry was, “It is finished!”
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
He breathed His last. He died.
B. Luke 23: 44 – 49 Luke records Jesus cried unto God.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
There was darkness. The Centurion glorified God. The people gathered saw the things that were done.
II. Jesus Was Buried. Matthew 27: 57 - 61
A Jewish rich man and leader, a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so He would be given a proper burial. It was the day before the Sabbath when Jesus died. The Sabbath began according to Jewish time about 6:00 PM when the sun went down.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
A. Mark 15: 44 – 45 Pilate certified Jesus was dead.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
The body of Jesus was not put into a coffin. They took His body down from the cross, wrapped Him up in a large linen cloth and carried him to the tomb.
The burial of Jewish people during the days of Jesus was not like modern American funerals and embalming. The Jewish people wrapped the bodies in linen clothes and sprinkled aromatic spices between the folds of the cloth.
B. Matthew 27: 59 – 60 Joseph took Jesus body and wrapped it for burial.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
There was no mutilation of the body and no bones were broken. Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice.
1. Numbers 9: 12 The Passover lamb was not to be broken.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
Not a bone of this Passover lamb had been broken
2. 1 Cor. 5: 7 – 8 Christ is our passover lamb.
7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
C. John 19: 39 – 40 Nicodemus a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews helped Joseph.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
They used a hundred pound mixture of strong spices composed of myrrh and aloes, “as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” They bound His body in linen wrappings with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews in the first century A. D. The large linen cloths in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped at the cross to carry it to the tomb would have been torn into smaller cloths or swatches like those of long medical bandages used for wrapping the torso or limbs. By tradition, the body of Jesus was wrapped in swaths of linen cloth covered with the thick layers of the aromatic spices of myrrh and aloes between the folds. The powder and gooey substances were poured next to the body and interspersed between the linen wrappings wound around the body. The term John uses in John 19:40 for “linen clothes” is generally agreed as the term that denotes thin strips or bandages. The body of Jesus was now bound around again and again, layer by layer with myrrh and aloes.
Jesus was not just buried; He was buried with the honor and dignity of a king. It was not the burial of a felon as the Jewish leaders had supposed, but that of a rich man, honored and respected. Joseph and Nicodemus made sure His burial was not a pauper or a criminal. It may have been rushed because of the Sabbath, but it was not cheap. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when he said hundreds of years earlier
D. Isaiah 53:9 Isaiah’s prophesy was fulfilled.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
III. GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD Matthew 28: 1 - 10
No one saw Jesus rise, but a huge number saw Him alive after He had risen from the dead.
This was now the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the dawn of the first day of the week when the following events took place. The Jewish Sabbath was now over. The Jewish day began at sunset, while the Roman day began at sunrise. The time setting is “late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week” (v. 1). The Sunday morning was dawning. It is not immediately after the Sabbath was over because that would have been at sunset on Saturday. About twelve hours have passed over and it is early in the morning before dawn of the sun on Sunday.
A. Matt. 28: 1 The Women came.
1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
When the women arrived early in the morning Jesus had already risen and left the tomb.
B. Matt. 28: 2 The stone removed
The Lord got their attention with the a violent earthquake.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
It happened suddenly. There is the sudden earthquake, the angel coming from heaven to the tomb and rolling away the stone, not to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let the women, and later the disciples to look in. Unless the stone was rolled away the women and others would surely think the body of Jesus was still there inside the tomb. The stone that guarded the tomb became the seat for the angel. The angel rolled the stone over and sat on it.
Mark’s account says the women asked themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.
C. Matt. 28: 3 Matthew describes the appearance of the angel
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
D. Matt. 28: 4 The Roman guards passed out
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
The Roman soldiers saw the angel They were paralyzed with fear like dead men.
E. Matt. 28: 5 – 8 The angel’s message is Jesus is risen
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
The angel didn’t say anything to the Roman guards. They had all fainted. So he turned his attention to the women. He began by calming the women down.
The women came looking for the body of Jesus who had been crucified. They were not looking for the risen Jesus. They had come to bury the dead and there was no dead to bury.
“He is not here, for He has risen” (v. 6). “as He said.” It happened just like Jesus said it would.
Jesus had repeatedly promised before His death that He would be crucified and then rise again from the dead.
F. Matt. 28: 7 They were told to go quickly.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
He told them Jesus has risen from the dead. You will see Him in Galilee.
They were afraid but very happy. Imagine for a moment those obedient women taking off in a run to tell the disciples and in obedience they meet Jesus.
G. Matt. 28: 9 – 10 Jesus met the women
Suddenly Jesus appeared to the women and they went up to Him. They recognized Him without any difficulty. They came right up to Him and took hold of His feet in an act of worship. These women had been the last to leave at the cross and were first at the tomb, and now they are the first to see Jesus alive.
Then Jesus said to them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
These women demonstrated their submission to their risen Lord in a manner in which subjects were accustomed to render a king in the East.
1. Philippians 2: 10 - 11
The apostle Paul tells us one day we will do likewise.
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The obvious thing Matthew is telling us is the fact that Jesus’ resurrected body was a real body. This is the real thing and not a hallucination or vision. They could feel His body was as real as theirs. It was not a spirit or ghost.
H. Matt. 28: 16 – 17 Jesus met the disciples
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful”
The disciples who had been scattered since the crucifixion and behind locked doors in Jerusalem, made their way to Galilee and there saw Jesus with their own eyes and worshipped Him. Matthew was one of them and this is his testimony of that meeting. Most of the other recorded appearances of Jesus alive after His death took place in Judea and Jerusalem.
I. Matt. 28: 11 – 15 Roman guards' report to Jewish authorities
Christianity has nothing to hide. It is an open book to be read by all.
Just like the resurrection the facts, the words of the lying authorities is told simply. The soldiers were as prompt as the women. Did they see Jesus alive? Did they know He was alive? “Some of the guard” went to the chief priests. We do not know what happened to the others. Matthew explains the source of the lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus. Everything is reported in a matter- of-fact style.
Of great interest is the fact that the guards reported “everything that happened when the angel came to the tomb.” The Jewish leaders were given an authentic testimony by credible witnesses they had chosen who where there. They had demanded the guards be Roman. They had demanded the seal on the tomb. These witnesses on duty at the grave gave a testimony as to what they saw and experienced at the tomb! They stated the truth that the body of Jesus was supernaturally removed from the grave.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
When you get an eyewitness report like this you are forced to decide to accept it or come up with defenses for your lies. The religious leaders had the facts of the empty tomb. They knew something extraordinary had happened. There was no body in the tomb. If you can’t produce the body then your only alternative is to pay off the soldiers with a large bribe . They paid them a “large sum of money.” The Roman soldiers had to say, “We were sleeping while on duty as guards at the tomb and Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body.”
There must have been a considerable amount of money that passed hands that day for Roman soldiers to say they slept on the job. This was a serious military offense that would have brought down the heaviest of Roman military penalty on them.
If they were asleep they could not have known it, and if one of them knew, he would have awakened the others. Either way the soldiers would have committed a crime and would have been severely disciplined. They could have faced death.
The chief priests were asking these seasoned Roman soldiers to sign their death warrant. It would have been suicidal to say they were asleep on the job. No one would have believed that for a moment. Matthew must have told this event with a roar of laughter. Of course, there are always those who are gullible for such deception. The facts are simple: the tomb was empty and eyewitnesses saw, heard and touched Jesus.
.
What happened to the lie when the news spread that people had actually seen Jesus alive?
The important thing is this: Neither the Jews nor anyone else could produce the body of Jesus. No body was ever produced by anyone. The tomb was empty! And it still is.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus was the Son of God. The payment for our redemption has been paid in full.
The tomb is empty because Jesus rose triumphantly.
IV. Matt. 28: 16 – 20 GO AND TELL THE WORLD
A. Matt. 28: 18 Jesus spoke unto them.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus has absolute authority over all living creatures in heaven and earth. He is Lord and King. He has the fullest possible authority of God. He has absolute power and authority. There are no limitations.
“I am with you always (lit. all the time), even to the end of the age” is great encouragement for our day. It is a statement of fact.
He is with us under all conditions and situations. How long do we go before acknowledging Him?
Jesus has in mind the time from His resurrection until the end of the world or end of time. He will never leave us. The one who experienced God forsakenness will never leave us down and out.
Jesus did not say, “I will be with you,” but “I am with you.” There is certainty, security and comfort in what He says.
No fact in history stands on such firm evidence as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men do not believe because they do not want to believe. There is solid evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He lives today. The choice is yours because Acts 4: 12 says: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There are no choices without eternal consequences.
Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.” It is the seal of the divine acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin. The resurrection completed His work of atonement and stamped it with divine approval. It says that the Father has accepted the Son’s perfect sacrifice as a complete and perfect ransom for all who take their refuge in Christ.
B. Matt. 28: 19 – 20 What Do I Do Now?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1. What if you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Acts 2: 38 Peter preached to the multitude about Jesus. They ask what must we do?
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
3. What do you need to do today?
If you have never obeyed Christ in baptism you need to be baptized. If you were baptized and you are not sure what for of why you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins.
4. Christians need to go and teach others that they might be baptized into Christ.
Jesus arose from the dead that he might show his power over death and the cross.
Will we deny Christ by our disobedience or will we obey Him and have eternal life in Him?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT?
“WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT, OR WILL YOU JUST STAND?”
(1SAMUEL 17)
Intro:
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from John Faneuf. It was an email which brought me a word of warning. It spoke of the FOX T.V. show called “FAMILY GUY.” The reason for the word of warning was owing to the shows content. In a single episode, the father was injected with what they called the “gay jean”, he then left his family, engaged in a public display of affection with his new gay friend, gave every indication that homosexuality is perfectly okay, and then finished out the show by attending a go straight religious camp, where he was taught that “Jesus hates lots of people, but he hates homosexuals more than everyone else.”
Now, as I read this email, I cannot help but think of the many Christians who not only watch this pathetic excuse masquerading itself as “entertainment”, but actually say that it is okay to watch it. Brethren, this is the war which stands at our door. These are the things which we are fighting against. These are the dark things spoken of in Ephesians 6. It is time for God’s children to stand up and be heard. It is time that we stop living with the attitude which says, “Well, if you don’t like it just don’t watch it.” Folks, I don’t intend to watch it, but I’m worried about the souls, hearts, and minds of all those who do make that choice.
This morning, I want to talk to you about the battle which is ahead. As I said, it is time for you to make the choice to either stand and fight, or simply stand on the sidelines. Using the passage found in First Samuel 17, I want to show you the four things which are required of you if you choose to stand and fight. I want to ask you as never before, please listen to these four points, think about them, and then make the choice to join us on the front line in the war against sin.
I. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES COURAGE
(1SA 17: 1-8)
In 1Samuel 17: 1, we find the army of the Israelites preparing to fight the Philistines. This in and of itself isn’t new. For throughout their history these two nations have battled and fought against one another. Neither the Israelites nor the Philistines are new to war. Both were more than capable of defending themselves, as well as bringing destruction to other lands.
In the tradition of the time, we see that the two armies line up to face one another across a valley. God’s chosen people establish their camp on one mountain, while the Philistines make camp on another mountain across the plane. The battle lines are drawn, both armies know the score, and how it will be settled. All that remains is that all important first move. Who will fire the first shot? Who will begin the festivities?
As Saul and his men look on, A Giant of a man steps forward. A man who stood more than 10-feet tall. A man who wore a immense helmet upon his head, a coat of mail which was made of brass, greaves to protect his lower legs, and carried both a short sword as well as a spear. This man, this champion answered to the name Goliath. A warrior of the Philistines, Goliath came forth to challenge both the Lord, as well as his army of fighters.
The question is, what would it take for someone to answer his challenge? There would be some who would say that it would take great skill and knowledge. I would argue that while it might be nice if someone possessed the skill of a true soldier, or the fighting knowledge of a general, they are not necessarily required. There would be still others who might say that they would need the right weapon in order to step out and face this giant of a man. However, again the point should be made that these were fighting men, who had been to battle many times over. They were equipped with that which they needed to bring war to their enemies.
No, brethren what it was that these men required if they were to step out was simply courage. They needed the courage to come down, and defend the God who had seen them through so very much.
Let’s think about it in terms of the apostles of the New Testament. What did it take for them to follow Christ? A willingness to deny themselves, take up their crosses on a daily bases, and follow in his footsteps. (Luke 9: 23.) What would it have taken for them to have stood with Christ when he needed them most their in the Garden? (Jn 18: 1-10) Simple, it would have taken courage which they did not have according to Mark 14: 50.
Brethren, what about you and I? What do we do? What do we do now that our giant, our Goliath stands in the valley challenging both our God and his army? Will we stand and fight or will we just stand?
Let’s ask the same question which we asked earlier. What is required if we are to stand? Again, while skill and knowledge can be helpful, we are commanded to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” (Jude 1: 3) That doesn’t mean that we should wait until we know every answer, to every argument that might be thrown at us. Also, concern over our weapon shouldn’t keep us from entering the fray. We have been given the inspired word of the Lord! (2Tim 3: 16) We have been given the gift of the engrafted word which is able to save our souls! (James 1: 21) Folks, the requirement is very simple. You must have courage to face the giant which stands in the valley today. It is required that we take the advice which Moses gave Joshua and the children of Israel so long ago. In Deuteronomy 31: 7, he tells them to be of a “good courage!”
II. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES A PERSONAL INVESTMENT
(1SA 17: 10-11, 24-25)
There is something interesting that we see taking place here. Consider what it really is that is happening. Here we see Saul, a mighty man of courage and valor, along with his army, one of the most powerful on earth: cowering from the threat which Goliath presented. Why would this be? How can it be that none of these men wanted to go fight?
Certainly a lack of courage is part of it, (CF 1Sa 17: 11, 24, 25,) however it cannot be the whole story. I would submit to you that the answer lies in investment.
We are not speaking of stocks, bonds, CD’s, money market accounts, or 4o1k’s. Here we are speaking of personal investments. These men were not personally invested in the battle before them. Notice what they did. When they saw Goliath coming, they ran. Courage gone, just because they weren’t invested.
Again, how familiar is this to us today? We look around in seeming indifference to the enemies which stand in our valley. Rather than face them, we would rather run. Why? Because we feel no connection. Those men who followed Saul into that mountain reserve were more concerned with their own well-being than defending the God of Heaven. Did you catch the challenge in verse 10? There Goliath says: “I defy the armies of Israel.” How do they not take this as a personal effrontery? They aren’t offended because it doesn’t matter that much to them.
Unfortunately the same is often true of us today. Worship becomes a social club. Service to God becomes something we do that we might be noticed. Sharing the Gospel becomes something that we avoid doing by making countless excuses. Brethren, we must make a personal investment. Serving God must matter to us, or else we will never descend into the valley.
Now, I’m sure that someone is saying, “Why should I invest in my church, my religion, and my relationship with God?” There is a very simple reason. We invest because God invested. John 3: 16 is one of, if not the most, widely known verses in all of scripture. In that beautiful passage, we read of the amazing investment which God has made in us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God thought so much of us that he was willing to give all that he had to provide us with hope, with life, with a path back to himself! He invested in you; the question is will you invest in him?
III. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THAT YOU BE YOURSELF
(1SA 17: 26-40)
Beginning in verse 26, we see someone with real courage, with a personal investment in the events playing out in the valley below. David, shepherd boy and son of Jesse, not to mention future King of Judah, has arrived. David hears the challenge of Goliath, and from the words in verse 26, takes great offence. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killed this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David is horrified at the shear nerve of this Philistine. He wants to know what will be done.
What is interesting is that upon deciding that he himself would be the one to fight this giant, David had to defend himself against two different groups of people.
First, he had to defend himself and his actions against his piers. His brothers overheard David speaking with the other members of the army. In verse 28, his eldest brother Eliab questions his motives. He makes a few scathing remarks about the fact that David should be at home tending the sheep. Further more he states that it is David’s pride which has caused him to ask these questions. Never once did Eliab acknowledge the fact that David is apparently willing to do that which he himself is not.
Brethren, how often do we see those in the body of Christ who are unwilling to do, but are more than willing to offer advice, instruction, correction, and rude remarks to those who are willing to do that which need to be done? I am convinced that there are so many things that never get done because we spend so much of our time battling against one another.
However, David also had to defend himself against the doubters. His chief doubter was King Saul. When Saul found out that David was to be the man to face off against Goliath, his major objection was David’s youth. He tried all that he could to talk David out of doing. In other words, it wasn’t enough that Saul wouldn’t meet the challenge himself, he also wanted to talk everyone else out of doing it as well. David however had to be himself. Just as he wouldn’t allow his brothers to talk him out of fighting the battle, he wouldn’t allow Saul to change his mind either. In fact, when Saul attempted to put his personal armor on David he wouldn’t allow it, and instead went into battle with those items which made up who he was.
Brethren, as we descend into the valley below to meet our enemy, we will also have to face our retractors. We will have to face those family and friends who scauph at our commitment. Those who criticize our attempt to do the work of the Lord. Consider the fact that Jesus himself had those among his number who rejected him and all that he stood for.
Likewise we will have to deal with those who doubt our abilities. Those who want us to stop doing that they might not have to do as well. Folks, let me plead with you to serve God, and let everyone else think what they will.
IV. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THE ALTAMIT FAITH
(1SA 17: 41-58)
The final requirement of those who wish to stand and fight is faith. Faith, that first building block in our relationship with God. Faith, trusting without question in that which we cannot see. The faith of David can best be seen in the lack of faith of Goliath. Remember, this is a man who stands so tall, and has so much armor, and so many weapons, and is such a great champion, relied on a smaller man to bare a shield before him. It turns out that his faith in himself, that faith which we can see dripping from his words in verses 8-10, was a paper thin faith. However, David, being a man of God trusted in the Lord to see him through! “This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hands!” (1Sa 17: 46) David knew to whom the battle belonged. (1Sa 17: 47)
Before we stop, I want you to see what effect David’s courage, personal investment, commitment to being himself, and faith led too. In verse 52, after the Giant has fallen and been beheaded, the armies which had stayed in the mountains rushed out. They followed David’s example. By David doing what was right, other’s followed in his steps!
(1SAMUEL 17)
Intro:
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from John Faneuf. It was an email which brought me a word of warning. It spoke of the FOX T.V. show called “FAMILY GUY.” The reason for the word of warning was owing to the shows content. In a single episode, the father was injected with what they called the “gay jean”, he then left his family, engaged in a public display of affection with his new gay friend, gave every indication that homosexuality is perfectly okay, and then finished out the show by attending a go straight religious camp, where he was taught that “Jesus hates lots of people, but he hates homosexuals more than everyone else.”
Now, as I read this email, I cannot help but think of the many Christians who not only watch this pathetic excuse masquerading itself as “entertainment”, but actually say that it is okay to watch it. Brethren, this is the war which stands at our door. These are the things which we are fighting against. These are the dark things spoken of in Ephesians 6. It is time for God’s children to stand up and be heard. It is time that we stop living with the attitude which says, “Well, if you don’t like it just don’t watch it.” Folks, I don’t intend to watch it, but I’m worried about the souls, hearts, and minds of all those who do make that choice.
This morning, I want to talk to you about the battle which is ahead. As I said, it is time for you to make the choice to either stand and fight, or simply stand on the sidelines. Using the passage found in First Samuel 17, I want to show you the four things which are required of you if you choose to stand and fight. I want to ask you as never before, please listen to these four points, think about them, and then make the choice to join us on the front line in the war against sin.
I. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES COURAGE
(1SA 17: 1-8)
In 1Samuel 17: 1, we find the army of the Israelites preparing to fight the Philistines. This in and of itself isn’t new. For throughout their history these two nations have battled and fought against one another. Neither the Israelites nor the Philistines are new to war. Both were more than capable of defending themselves, as well as bringing destruction to other lands.
In the tradition of the time, we see that the two armies line up to face one another across a valley. God’s chosen people establish their camp on one mountain, while the Philistines make camp on another mountain across the plane. The battle lines are drawn, both armies know the score, and how it will be settled. All that remains is that all important first move. Who will fire the first shot? Who will begin the festivities?
As Saul and his men look on, A Giant of a man steps forward. A man who stood more than 10-feet tall. A man who wore a immense helmet upon his head, a coat of mail which was made of brass, greaves to protect his lower legs, and carried both a short sword as well as a spear. This man, this champion answered to the name Goliath. A warrior of the Philistines, Goliath came forth to challenge both the Lord, as well as his army of fighters.
The question is, what would it take for someone to answer his challenge? There would be some who would say that it would take great skill and knowledge. I would argue that while it might be nice if someone possessed the skill of a true soldier, or the fighting knowledge of a general, they are not necessarily required. There would be still others who might say that they would need the right weapon in order to step out and face this giant of a man. However, again the point should be made that these were fighting men, who had been to battle many times over. They were equipped with that which they needed to bring war to their enemies.
No, brethren what it was that these men required if they were to step out was simply courage. They needed the courage to come down, and defend the God who had seen them through so very much.
Let’s think about it in terms of the apostles of the New Testament. What did it take for them to follow Christ? A willingness to deny themselves, take up their crosses on a daily bases, and follow in his footsteps. (Luke 9: 23.) What would it have taken for them to have stood with Christ when he needed them most their in the Garden? (Jn 18: 1-10) Simple, it would have taken courage which they did not have according to Mark 14: 50.
Brethren, what about you and I? What do we do? What do we do now that our giant, our Goliath stands in the valley challenging both our God and his army? Will we stand and fight or will we just stand?
Let’s ask the same question which we asked earlier. What is required if we are to stand? Again, while skill and knowledge can be helpful, we are commanded to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” (Jude 1: 3) That doesn’t mean that we should wait until we know every answer, to every argument that might be thrown at us. Also, concern over our weapon shouldn’t keep us from entering the fray. We have been given the inspired word of the Lord! (2Tim 3: 16) We have been given the gift of the engrafted word which is able to save our souls! (James 1: 21) Folks, the requirement is very simple. You must have courage to face the giant which stands in the valley today. It is required that we take the advice which Moses gave Joshua and the children of Israel so long ago. In Deuteronomy 31: 7, he tells them to be of a “good courage!”
II. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES A PERSONAL INVESTMENT
(1SA 17: 10-11, 24-25)
There is something interesting that we see taking place here. Consider what it really is that is happening. Here we see Saul, a mighty man of courage and valor, along with his army, one of the most powerful on earth: cowering from the threat which Goliath presented. Why would this be? How can it be that none of these men wanted to go fight?
Certainly a lack of courage is part of it, (CF 1Sa 17: 11, 24, 25,) however it cannot be the whole story. I would submit to you that the answer lies in investment.
We are not speaking of stocks, bonds, CD’s, money market accounts, or 4o1k’s. Here we are speaking of personal investments. These men were not personally invested in the battle before them. Notice what they did. When they saw Goliath coming, they ran. Courage gone, just because they weren’t invested.
Again, how familiar is this to us today? We look around in seeming indifference to the enemies which stand in our valley. Rather than face them, we would rather run. Why? Because we feel no connection. Those men who followed Saul into that mountain reserve were more concerned with their own well-being than defending the God of Heaven. Did you catch the challenge in verse 10? There Goliath says: “I defy the armies of Israel.” How do they not take this as a personal effrontery? They aren’t offended because it doesn’t matter that much to them.
Unfortunately the same is often true of us today. Worship becomes a social club. Service to God becomes something we do that we might be noticed. Sharing the Gospel becomes something that we avoid doing by making countless excuses. Brethren, we must make a personal investment. Serving God must matter to us, or else we will never descend into the valley.
Now, I’m sure that someone is saying, “Why should I invest in my church, my religion, and my relationship with God?” There is a very simple reason. We invest because God invested. John 3: 16 is one of, if not the most, widely known verses in all of scripture. In that beautiful passage, we read of the amazing investment which God has made in us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God thought so much of us that he was willing to give all that he had to provide us with hope, with life, with a path back to himself! He invested in you; the question is will you invest in him?
III. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THAT YOU BE YOURSELF
(1SA 17: 26-40)
Beginning in verse 26, we see someone with real courage, with a personal investment in the events playing out in the valley below. David, shepherd boy and son of Jesse, not to mention future King of Judah, has arrived. David hears the challenge of Goliath, and from the words in verse 26, takes great offence. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killed this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David is horrified at the shear nerve of this Philistine. He wants to know what will be done.
What is interesting is that upon deciding that he himself would be the one to fight this giant, David had to defend himself against two different groups of people.
First, he had to defend himself and his actions against his piers. His brothers overheard David speaking with the other members of the army. In verse 28, his eldest brother Eliab questions his motives. He makes a few scathing remarks about the fact that David should be at home tending the sheep. Further more he states that it is David’s pride which has caused him to ask these questions. Never once did Eliab acknowledge the fact that David is apparently willing to do that which he himself is not.
Brethren, how often do we see those in the body of Christ who are unwilling to do, but are more than willing to offer advice, instruction, correction, and rude remarks to those who are willing to do that which need to be done? I am convinced that there are so many things that never get done because we spend so much of our time battling against one another.
However, David also had to defend himself against the doubters. His chief doubter was King Saul. When Saul found out that David was to be the man to face off against Goliath, his major objection was David’s youth. He tried all that he could to talk David out of doing. In other words, it wasn’t enough that Saul wouldn’t meet the challenge himself, he also wanted to talk everyone else out of doing it as well. David however had to be himself. Just as he wouldn’t allow his brothers to talk him out of fighting the battle, he wouldn’t allow Saul to change his mind either. In fact, when Saul attempted to put his personal armor on David he wouldn’t allow it, and instead went into battle with those items which made up who he was.
Brethren, as we descend into the valley below to meet our enemy, we will also have to face our retractors. We will have to face those family and friends who scauph at our commitment. Those who criticize our attempt to do the work of the Lord. Consider the fact that Jesus himself had those among his number who rejected him and all that he stood for.
Likewise we will have to deal with those who doubt our abilities. Those who want us to stop doing that they might not have to do as well. Folks, let me plead with you to serve God, and let everyone else think what they will.
IV. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THE ALTAMIT FAITH
(1SA 17: 41-58)
The final requirement of those who wish to stand and fight is faith. Faith, that first building block in our relationship with God. Faith, trusting without question in that which we cannot see. The faith of David can best be seen in the lack of faith of Goliath. Remember, this is a man who stands so tall, and has so much armor, and so many weapons, and is such a great champion, relied on a smaller man to bare a shield before him. It turns out that his faith in himself, that faith which we can see dripping from his words in verses 8-10, was a paper thin faith. However, David, being a man of God trusted in the Lord to see him through! “This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hands!” (1Sa 17: 46) David knew to whom the battle belonged. (1Sa 17: 47)
Before we stop, I want you to see what effect David’s courage, personal investment, commitment to being himself, and faith led too. In verse 52, after the Giant has fallen and been beheaded, the armies which had stayed in the mountains rushed out. They followed David’s example. By David doing what was right, other’s followed in his steps!
SOMETHING STINKS
SOMETHING STINKS.
EPH. 5: 1 – 2
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Smell is one of the strongest of our senses. It can change our mood from good to bad or from bad to good. The candle industry is a 100 million dollar industry not counting all the liquid and sprays. If I ask you what was the worst smell you ever smelled you would probable have an answer with little hesitation.
Have you smelled chocolate chip cookies baking? Those big chocolate chip cookies, like Publix, the Cookie Jar, or Perkins. Can you smell them with me. Oh yes. They smell so good.
Some smells we never forget, good or bad.
2 Cor. 2: 14 – 16 Paul says of thanks to God.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
I. Smell Played A Great Role In The Old Testament.
A. Gen. 4: 3 – 4 We find Cain and Able offering sacrifice to God.
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
From the time of Adam and Eve God required an offering. They no doubt taught Cain and Able to offer sacrifice. God had a requirement for sacrifice.
1. Gen. 4: 5 - 7 Cain did not do as God had ask. He did not well in God’s sight.
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
2. Gen. 4: 8 Cain’s jealousy was so great he killed his brother Able.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
B. Gen. 8: 20 – 22 God told Noah to get out of the ark and he went to build an altar.
20 ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
God told Noah to take extra clean animals for sacrifice. When they got out of the ark, Noah knew what to do.
C. Lev. 3: 1 – 2 God told Moses what to offer out side the tabernacle and to tell the men.
1 ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
1. Lev. 16: 11 – 14 Aaron was to offer sacrifice for himself first.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
2. Lev. 16: 15 Aaron then will offer a goat as a sin offering for the people.
15 ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
3. All of this was to please God including sanctifying the tabernacle and letting a goat go with all the sins of the people laid on it.
II. After Christ crucifixion and resurrection the sweet smelling aroma to God changed.
A. Eph. 5: 1 – 2 We are to be followers of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Christ gave himself to God for a sin offering for us.
B. 2 Cor. 2: 14 – 17 Paul writes we are the sweet savour of Christ unto God if we are
faithful in Christ.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
If faithful to Christ we are sufficient to God to be a sweet savour of Christ.
III. As Sinful People We Can Get Used To The Smell Of Sin.
A. The body after death becomes one of the worst smells, I am told. Some people who come in contact with the dead become accustomed, to a point, to the smell.
A. We can become accustomed to the smell of sin to point we no longer are upset with the smell.
1. The sin that we classify as horrible and disgusting has an awful smell.
2. The sin that is all around us has less odor now.
3. The sin that we begin to over look has lost it’s smell altogether.
4. The sin that we find pleasure in actually begins to smell good to us.
B. Many Christians see adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, rape, incest, and murder have terrible smell because they are horrible sins.
1. You would not think of associating with that kind of person.
2. Some even believe they are unforgivable, so not worth teaching.
C. Some Christians accept that adultery, living together, one night stands, recreational drugs, social drinking and the lottery has a little odor unless it is a friend or an acquaintance you like.
D. Some Christians have come to the point of justifying sin if doesn’t hurt anyone, if it is private, or among consenting adults it is ok. They don’t smell anything wrong with it. If you drink a little now and then among friends, if you smoke a joint that you paid for and your not hurting anyone. If you snort a tote of coke to relax after a hard day or week at work and I don’t hurt anyone what is the harm? They do it just for
pleasure, not to get drunk or high. Their adults.
E. We can loose the smell of sin and it no longer bothers us to read.
1 John 2: 15 – 17 Are these not all things of the flesh, sinful, of the world?
John writes:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
F. Gal. 5:19 – 21 Some Christians no longer see some of these as sin. They do it so it must be ok.. By whose word, God’s or ours?
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Envy, hatred, strife, drunkenness no longer smells to some.
G. Gal. 6: 7 – 10 What you sow, or what you do will come back to you.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A friend, my dads age ,was an electrician and he could take the whole charge. He would wet his finger and touch a light socket when it was on. Why would we do that? To entertain, to show off, to fit into the crowd. Why did you first smoke, drink a beer, or curse? To impress someone? To shock someone? To prove you were not to good to do it? Then it become pleasurable.
Some say they smoke to calm their nerves. Some say they drink to be sociable or they just like it and can’t find any scripture against it. Some curse just to fit in. Oh, they don’t say the G word or the F work or the B word. Are you sure because cursing is a habit that you develop and some times don’t even realize you say some words. You sure hear it enough.
To God it stinks. It is sin.
Rom. 14: 19 – 23 Follow the things that are faithful to God and not self.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
What can kill the odor of sin? The blood of Jesus Christ.
What can we do for our brethren that dabble with sin. That play with sin for pleasure?
Pray. James 5: 16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Are you a Christian today?
If your not sure you should be.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ at the son of God?
Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Are you a Christian that has lost your sense of smell?
Do you need to come back to Jesus?
Which ever your condition and need is today. Will you come to Jesus?
While we stand and sing.
EPH. 5: 1 – 2
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Smell is one of the strongest of our senses. It can change our mood from good to bad or from bad to good. The candle industry is a 100 million dollar industry not counting all the liquid and sprays. If I ask you what was the worst smell you ever smelled you would probable have an answer with little hesitation.
Have you smelled chocolate chip cookies baking? Those big chocolate chip cookies, like Publix, the Cookie Jar, or Perkins. Can you smell them with me. Oh yes. They smell so good.
Some smells we never forget, good or bad.
2 Cor. 2: 14 – 16 Paul says of thanks to God.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
I. Smell Played A Great Role In The Old Testament.
A. Gen. 4: 3 – 4 We find Cain and Able offering sacrifice to God.
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
From the time of Adam and Eve God required an offering. They no doubt taught Cain and Able to offer sacrifice. God had a requirement for sacrifice.
1. Gen. 4: 5 - 7 Cain did not do as God had ask. He did not well in God’s sight.
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
2. Gen. 4: 8 Cain’s jealousy was so great he killed his brother Able.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
B. Gen. 8: 20 – 22 God told Noah to get out of the ark and he went to build an altar.
20 ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
God told Noah to take extra clean animals for sacrifice. When they got out of the ark, Noah knew what to do.
C. Lev. 3: 1 – 2 God told Moses what to offer out side the tabernacle and to tell the men.
1 ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
1. Lev. 16: 11 – 14 Aaron was to offer sacrifice for himself first.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
2. Lev. 16: 15 Aaron then will offer a goat as a sin offering for the people.
15 ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
3. All of this was to please God including sanctifying the tabernacle and letting a goat go with all the sins of the people laid on it.
II. After Christ crucifixion and resurrection the sweet smelling aroma to God changed.
A. Eph. 5: 1 – 2 We are to be followers of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Christ gave himself to God for a sin offering for us.
B. 2 Cor. 2: 14 – 17 Paul writes we are the sweet savour of Christ unto God if we are
faithful in Christ.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
If faithful to Christ we are sufficient to God to be a sweet savour of Christ.
III. As Sinful People We Can Get Used To The Smell Of Sin.
A. The body after death becomes one of the worst smells, I am told. Some people who come in contact with the dead become accustomed, to a point, to the smell.
A. We can become accustomed to the smell of sin to point we no longer are upset with the smell.
1. The sin that we classify as horrible and disgusting has an awful smell.
2. The sin that is all around us has less odor now.
3. The sin that we begin to over look has lost it’s smell altogether.
4. The sin that we find pleasure in actually begins to smell good to us.
B. Many Christians see adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, rape, incest, and murder have terrible smell because they are horrible sins.
1. You would not think of associating with that kind of person.
2. Some even believe they are unforgivable, so not worth teaching.
C. Some Christians accept that adultery, living together, one night stands, recreational drugs, social drinking and the lottery has a little odor unless it is a friend or an acquaintance you like.
D. Some Christians have come to the point of justifying sin if doesn’t hurt anyone, if it is private, or among consenting adults it is ok. They don’t smell anything wrong with it. If you drink a little now and then among friends, if you smoke a joint that you paid for and your not hurting anyone. If you snort a tote of coke to relax after a hard day or week at work and I don’t hurt anyone what is the harm? They do it just for
pleasure, not to get drunk or high. Their adults.
E. We can loose the smell of sin and it no longer bothers us to read.
1 John 2: 15 – 17 Are these not all things of the flesh, sinful, of the world?
John writes:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
F. Gal. 5:19 – 21 Some Christians no longer see some of these as sin. They do it so it must be ok.. By whose word, God’s or ours?
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Envy, hatred, strife, drunkenness no longer smells to some.
G. Gal. 6: 7 – 10 What you sow, or what you do will come back to you.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A friend, my dads age ,was an electrician and he could take the whole charge. He would wet his finger and touch a light socket when it was on. Why would we do that? To entertain, to show off, to fit into the crowd. Why did you first smoke, drink a beer, or curse? To impress someone? To shock someone? To prove you were not to good to do it? Then it become pleasurable.
Some say they smoke to calm their nerves. Some say they drink to be sociable or they just like it and can’t find any scripture against it. Some curse just to fit in. Oh, they don’t say the G word or the F work or the B word. Are you sure because cursing is a habit that you develop and some times don’t even realize you say some words. You sure hear it enough.
To God it stinks. It is sin.
Rom. 14: 19 – 23 Follow the things that are faithful to God and not self.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
What can kill the odor of sin? The blood of Jesus Christ.
What can we do for our brethren that dabble with sin. That play with sin for pleasure?
Pray. James 5: 16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Are you a Christian today?
If your not sure you should be.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ at the son of God?
Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Are you a Christian that has lost your sense of smell?
Do you need to come back to Jesus?
Which ever your condition and need is today. Will you come to Jesus?
While we stand and sing.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
MORE HOLYNESS GIVE ME
"MORE HOLINESS GIVE ME"
Isaiah 35:1-10
More holiness give me because
1. I want to be like God,
2. I want to be pure,
3. I want to go to heaven.
A. Read: Isaiah 35:1-10
B. The Text Tells Us:
1) Isaiah prophesies in this passage of the coming of the Messiah. Jesus.
2) The eyes of the blind would be opened.
3) The lame would walk.
4) The deaf and dumb would hear and talk.
5) Isaiah also prophesies about a highway.
6) In verse 8, he says, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein."
7) The time of the Messiah would usher in a way of holiness.
C. The song.
1) We sang the song, "More Holiness Give Me."
2) Here is another one of those songs that we really need to pay attention to when we sing.
3) Holiness is the quality of being set apart or different from the worldly standards around us.
4) Holiness also implies a purity and devotion that is found in those who are spiritual.
5) In this song we sing to have more holiness in our lives.
6) In words we are saying, "Give me more holiness."
7) Why should we to desire more holiness?
More holiness give me because . . .
I. I WANT TO BE LIKE GOD.
A. Isaiah 6: 3 It is no secret that God is holy.
6:3 "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
B. Leviticus 19:2 God wants us to be like Him in this regard.
"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy."
1)1 Peter 1: 15 - 16 Peter refers to this "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
2) Ephesians 4:24 exhorts us, "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."
C. Do we desire to be holy like God is holy? If we want to be like God, we will so act as God would have us act..
More holiness give me because…
II. I WANT TO BE PURE.
A. 2 Corinthians 7: 1 To be holy is to be cleansed.
7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
B. 1 John 3:2-3 John says to be holy is to be pure.
"Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
C. Becoming pure isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. We become holy by purging ourselves of sin.
2 Timothy 2:21 Paul wrote to Timothy, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work"
Purged, sanctified, for The Master’s use.
For God to use us in every good work.
D. 1 Peter 1:7 Sometimes this means strong trials. Peter said, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
Is our desire to be pure? Then let us be holy.
More holiness give me because…
III. I WANT TO ENTER HEAVEN.
A. 2 Peter 3:11-14 This earth is not going to endure forever. Because the earth isn't going to endure forever, we must prepare for the new heavens and earth. We do that by holy living.
Peter writes, "Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight."
B. Hebrews 12: 14 Heaven is a place that is reserved for the holy.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
1. Revelation 22:14 states, "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city."
2. Revelation 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
C. Is our desire to enter heaven? Then let us determine to live holy lives.
More holiness give me because . . .
1. I want to be like God.
2. I want to be pure.
3. I want to go to heaven.
This is why we live for Jesus in this world preparing to be with him in heaven.
Are you a christian? Have you been baptized for the remission of sins? If you have Christ promised to add the saved to His church, the church of Christ.
The story was told of an unfaithful christian being visited by the preacher. He was glad to see the preacher until the preacher started asking where he had been. The preacher ask if the man was in the army of God? The man answered he sure was. The preacher again ask where he had been. He ask how he could be in the army of God and not be in worship? The man hesitated and said, “preacher I am in the secret service.”
God has no secret service only faithful, holy servants. Are you faithful to God?
Do you need to come back to God tonight? Will you come to Jesus?
Isaiah 35:1-10
More holiness give me because
1. I want to be like God,
2. I want to be pure,
3. I want to go to heaven.
A. Read: Isaiah 35:1-10
B. The Text Tells Us:
1) Isaiah prophesies in this passage of the coming of the Messiah. Jesus.
2) The eyes of the blind would be opened.
3) The lame would walk.
4) The deaf and dumb would hear and talk.
5) Isaiah also prophesies about a highway.
6) In verse 8, he says, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein."
7) The time of the Messiah would usher in a way of holiness.
C. The song.
1) We sang the song, "More Holiness Give Me."
2) Here is another one of those songs that we really need to pay attention to when we sing.
3) Holiness is the quality of being set apart or different from the worldly standards around us.
4) Holiness also implies a purity and devotion that is found in those who are spiritual.
5) In this song we sing to have more holiness in our lives.
6) In words we are saying, "Give me more holiness."
7) Why should we to desire more holiness?
More holiness give me because . . .
I. I WANT TO BE LIKE GOD.
A. Isaiah 6: 3 It is no secret that God is holy.
6:3 "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
B. Leviticus 19:2 God wants us to be like Him in this regard.
"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy."
1)1 Peter 1: 15 - 16 Peter refers to this "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
2) Ephesians 4:24 exhorts us, "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."
C. Do we desire to be holy like God is holy? If we want to be like God, we will so act as God would have us act..
More holiness give me because…
II. I WANT TO BE PURE.
A. 2 Corinthians 7: 1 To be holy is to be cleansed.
7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
B. 1 John 3:2-3 John says to be holy is to be pure.
"Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
C. Becoming pure isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. We become holy by purging ourselves of sin.
2 Timothy 2:21 Paul wrote to Timothy, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work"
Purged, sanctified, for The Master’s use.
For God to use us in every good work.
D. 1 Peter 1:7 Sometimes this means strong trials. Peter said, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
Is our desire to be pure? Then let us be holy.
More holiness give me because…
III. I WANT TO ENTER HEAVEN.
A. 2 Peter 3:11-14 This earth is not going to endure forever. Because the earth isn't going to endure forever, we must prepare for the new heavens and earth. We do that by holy living.
Peter writes, "Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight."
B. Hebrews 12: 14 Heaven is a place that is reserved for the holy.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
1. Revelation 22:14 states, "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city."
2. Revelation 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
C. Is our desire to enter heaven? Then let us determine to live holy lives.
More holiness give me because . . .
1. I want to be like God.
2. I want to be pure.
3. I want to go to heaven.
This is why we live for Jesus in this world preparing to be with him in heaven.
Are you a christian? Have you been baptized for the remission of sins? If you have Christ promised to add the saved to His church, the church of Christ.
The story was told of an unfaithful christian being visited by the preacher. He was glad to see the preacher until the preacher started asking where he had been. The preacher ask if the man was in the army of God? The man answered he sure was. The preacher again ask where he had been. He ask how he could be in the army of God and not be in worship? The man hesitated and said, “preacher I am in the secret service.”
God has no secret service only faithful, holy servants. Are you faithful to God?
Do you need to come back to God tonight? Will you come to Jesus?
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