Heed God’s Word And God’s Way

Posted on October 23, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Many people do not read the Old Testament because it often seems confusing. It can be confusing. However, there are great truths in the Old Testament that relate directly to our modern day lives. One of the stories that relate to us today is the story of King Jehoshaphat, King Ahab, and a prophet named Micaiah, the son of Imla.

King Jehoshaphat

King Jehoshaphat was a good king who ruled over Judah. The Bible says of Jehoshaphat:

2 Chronicles 17:3-4 …. the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 but sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

Jehoshaphat “walked” in the ways of his ancestor King David. He did not worship false gods, here literally called “Baal”. Baal was the supreme male god of the Phoenicians and the Canaanites. When Solomon, King David’s son, first dedicated the Temple in 2 Chronicles 7, the Bible tells us:

2 Chronicles 7:12-14 the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; {my note … could this be the Coronavirus, this “pestilence”?} 14 if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God told His people – and us who profess to be Christian – to humble ourselves, to pray, to seek HIS face. Not the false gods and goddesses of our land, but the Lord of Scripture. But this is not where God left it. He said that His people are to “turn from their wicked ways”. Beloved, the Bible declares:

Romans 6:23 … the wages of sin is death

Blessing will not come to the land until God’s people do as He says. Jehoshaphat did as God said. Jehoshaphat walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto {Baal}. Jehoshaphat sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments. Jehoshaphat honored the God of the Bible, and God blessed his life.

2 Chronicles 17:5-6 Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

Jesus tells us in …

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Blessings come when we follow God. Jehoshaphat followed God. His heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. He did not halfheartedly follow God, but enjoyed following the Lord. Jehoshaphat removed the altars to the false gods and goddesses that were in the land. He also sent out teachers into the land to tell the people about the Lord. We are told:

2 Chronicles 17:9 they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

What was the result of this? There was peace in the land. As the people drew near to God through His Word, God drew near to them. The Bible says:

2 Chronicles 17:10 the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

There was prosperity in the land because the leadership of Judah loved God. Cities were built. Businesses flourished. The military of that land became great (2 Chronicles 17:12-13). But then Jehoshaphat messed up.

King Ahab

2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

Jehoshaphat had all that he needed. There was peace in the land. He and his people had riches, and honor in abundance. There was no one going to make war with Judah, because Judah was protected by God. But then Jehoshaphat joined forces with Ahab. Who was Ahab?

Ahab was the King of Israel, the ten northern tribes. When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam over taxed the northern tribes. They revolted against the Throne of David, and made their own nation, a second Israel. As a separate nation they called Jeroboam to be their King. Jeroboam was the great, great, great, great, great grandfather of Ahab. The Bible tells us …

1 Kings 16:30-33 Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. 31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32 And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

Ahab would lead Israel far away from God. He worshiped the false god Baal, and commanded this to be the state religion. Elijah told Ahab:

1 Kings 18:18 … I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.

Ahab sent his prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel to challenge Elijah and the God of the Scripture. Elijah called fire down from Heaven, calling upon God in prayer, saying:

1 Kings 18:36-39 … Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.

The 450 prophets of Baal who stood against Elijah were executed that day. Yet Ahab did not repent. He continued in the worship of Baal, continued to reject the God of Scripture.

Jehoshaphat had no reason to join forces with this evil king – but he did. Oh Beloved, God tells His people:

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

God’s children are to be in the world, but not of the world. Jehoshaphat should have known better. I do not know why he did it, but he joined forces – actually making a treaty – with Ahab. Ahab wanted to attack and conquer the Aramean held city of Ramoth-gilead. When Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to go with him to Ramoth-gilead, Jehoshaphat, as a believer, told Ahab:

2 Chronicles 18:4 … Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day.

He wanted Ahab to ask a godly prophet what the Lord’s will was before he committed to following Ahab. Ahab called his false prophets, asking them:

2 Chronicles 18:5 … Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.

These false prophets were not in tune with God. They were only saying what they thought Ahab wanted to hear. However,

2 Chronicles 18:6 … Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him?

Jehoshaphat was not impressed with the large number of false prophets. He just wanted to hear what God said through JUST ONE prophet of the true God.

The Prophet Micaiah, The Son Of Imlah

2 Chronicles 18:7 … the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

J. Vernon McGee once said:

“Someone has said that a man is not really known by his friends. Rather, he is known by his enemies. Every man ought to make sure that he has the right enemies. The best compliment that could be paid to Micaiah was for Ahab to say, ‘I hate him.'””

That is so true. When you stand for the Lord, you will make enemies. Jesus said to us:

John 15:18-20 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

In our world today there are many false prophets who will tell you what you want to hear. But they will not tell you what God has said. Ahab was mad at Micaiah because he didn’t tell him what he wanted to hear. People are often mad at Bible teachers and preachers because they do not tickle their ears. The Apostle warned Timothy:

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

To endorse a lie as the truth is not only to mislead people, but you can possible draw people to destruction. Ahab had his select false prophets who only told him what he wanted to hear. But he hated Micaiah, for Micaiah told him what GOD wanted him to hear.

Are You Of The 400? Or Micaiah?

Beloved, when you tell others that God endorses other than male/ Female marriages, you have become one of the 400 Ahab listened to. When you declare that sexual infidelity prior to marriage is perfectly fine, you have become one of the 400 Ahab listened to. When you begin to preach evolution, believing that man evolved from apes, but was never created by God from the dust of the ground, you are one of the 400 that Ahab listened to. When you declare abortion is acceptable to the God Who made us, you have become one of the 400 that Ahab listened to. Ahab didn’t want to hear the Biblical truth. Ahab didn’t want to hear the Word of the Lord. Ahab just wanted to hear what would support his feelings, his desires, his wants.

But then they call for Micaiah. The messenger that Ahab sent to Micaiah said:

2 Chronicles 18:12 … Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

Now the pressure is on Micaiah. There are 400 false prophets talking to both Ahab and Jehoshaphat. Micaiah is the lone prophet of God. What will he do? Well, Micaiahis actually one of the four disciples of Elijah (J. D., Eisenstein, Otzar Midrashim, vol.1 (New York: Noble, 1915), p. 173. Hupat Etivahu, part four, number 47). I believe Micaiah had been there when Elijah stood against the 450 prophets of Baal. Now he is confronted with 400 prophets of Baal, and a very wicked King Ahab. What will he do? Micaiah tells the messenger:

2 Chronicles 18:13 … As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak..

“As the Lord liveth” is the Hebrew יְהֹוָה Yahweh חַי chay, {pronounced khah’-ee}, which is a play on words. He says “As the Ever Living, Always Living God says, that I will speak”. His attention is not fixed on what others think of him. His attention is not fixed on popular opinion, or majority rule. Micaiah was going to preach what God told him to preach, regardless as to the outcome. The world needs preachers and teachers like this, people who are not afraid of speaking the Word of God. Micaiah comes to where Ahab and Jehoshaphat are, and Ahab asks Micaiah:

2 Chronicles 18:14 … Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?

Micaiah knew what Ahab wanted to hear, so he told Jehoshaphat sarcastically answers him:

2 Chronicles 18:14 … Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

When Jehoshaphat pressed Micaiah for the truth, he said:

2 Chronicles 18:16 … I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

Ahab said, “Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?” 2 Chronicles 18:17. Ahab thought that Elijah and Micaiah were his enemies, but they were not. The Bible tells us that we are to be:

Ephesians 4:15 …. speaking the truth in love

The Prophet, Pastor, or Teacher of God is obligated to speak the Word of God. The hearer can then hear and repent, or sulk and hate the messenger. God’s will will be done! Micaiah continues with:

2 Chronicles 18:18-22 … Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 19 And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. 20 Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? 21 And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. 22 Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken {destruction} against thee.

This is a very interesting text of Scripture. Because Ahab rejected the Word of God, first from Elijah, then from Micaiah, God gave him over to lying spirits. God will reach out and try to lead people into the way of Christ. But if people continue to resist, then God give them over. He backs up and says, “All right – you wanted it – here it is!”. We see the same thing in:

Romans 1:21-28 when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

God tells us what is the truth. When we refuse to hear it, and reject His Word repeatedly, then God backs away. Ahab was planting and had been planting the seeds of his own destruction. When you reject the way of God, you walk a path to destruction. God is in control. God is always true. What He tells us to do, He tells us from a heart of love and care.

Ahab refused to repent. He told his servants:

2 Chronicles 18:26-27 … Put this fellow {Micaiah} in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace. 27 And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me.

King Ahab does not heed Micaiah, but had him imprisoned. And what of King Jehoshaphat? We read:

2 Chronicles 18:28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.

The believing King Jehoshaphat is unequally yoked with King Ahab – and they both lead their people to battle. God has already determined the destruction of Ahab. Jehoshaphat almost got killed himself because of his foolishness. The Bible says that:

2 Chronicles 18:31-32 … Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. 32 For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.

Ahab died that day on the battlefield. An archer fired an arrow in the air, and it ended up in the weakest part of Ahab’s armor. It was the grace of God that Jehoshaphat was not killed.

Beloved, follow the Lord. Christians, do not unequally yoke yourselves with unbelievers. Heed the Word of God. Do what He tells you to do. Do not believe that you can keep one foot in the world and one foot in God’s Kingdom. When Jehoshaphat got back to Jerusalem:

2 Chronicles 19:2-3 …. Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

God hold His followers accountable. The stepbrother of Christ put it this eway:

James 4:4 … know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

You and I are called to be ambassadors for Christ. We are called to be light in the Lord. We are to both love, and follow our God. We are never to enter into an intimate relationship with the lost. Live your lives, not like Ahab, nor like Ahab’s 400, but like Micaiah.

All glory to God in the highest! Amen and Amen!

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Receive Ye One Another

Posted on October 18, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
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Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

There is nothing more disturbing to me than what the political process has become in America. When we listen to the politicians, we do not hear civility, but mudslinging and rudeness. I despise it. I was raised in a civil household. My parents taught me to respect others. Yet it seems we live in a day of terrible disrespect, and of evil actions to one another.

When God spoke to the Roman Church, He was speaking to a diverse group of people from several different backgrounds. In the society of that day, the Jews despised the Romans, because Rome had overthrown Israel. The Romans despised the Jews as a defeated people. Yet within the Church there was both Romans as well as Jews.

God does not want His Church to be like the lost world. The Church is a city of light. Jesus said of His people:

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The Scripture says that we are to be …

Colossians 1:12-14 giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

The world is a kingdom of darkness. It’s dark prince, satan, rules this world through fallen creatures and the powers of sin and death. But we who are Christ’s are IN this dark world, but not OF this dark world.

The Church Is IN But Never OF

In our text today we are told:

Romans 15:7 Wherefore RECEIVE ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Word Study The word translated RECEIVE is the Greek προσλαμβάνω proslambánō, {pronounced pros-lam-ban’-o}, which means “to take to oneself, to welcome, to embrace that which is given”. Some translations use the word “accept”, but I do not think that is a good rendering of this word. In Matthew 16:22 the word proslambánō is used when Jesus told Peter that He was going to be crucified. In that text we read:

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took {proslambánō} {Jesus}, and began to rebuke {Jesus}, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

To render the word as “accept” makes no sense. Peter was not accepting what Jesus said. Peter was incorrectly rebuking the Lord. But nonetheless Peter EMBRACED Jesus. Peter proslambánō – hugged Jesus to himself. Now Jesus rebuked Peter for his action that day (you can read the context yourself). But Peter did not accept what Jesus was saying … though he nevertheless EMBRACED our Lord. He loved Jesus, and did not want Jesus to die (see also Mark 8:32). Or consider the use of proslambánō in the ministry of the Evangelist Apollo, a contemporary of Paul. The Bible says that …

Acts 18:26 {Apollos the Evangelist} began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took {proslambánō} him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Apollos was a sincere, God called Evangelist. He was “an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24). But Aquila and Priscilla were disciples of the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:1-4), who had often stayed in their home. As a matter of fact, Paul had often preached in their home, which was where a small Church met (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19}. When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos preach, they heard him preach some things wrong (can you believe it? Preachers are sometimes wrong:). Anyway, they EMBRACED or WELCOMED Apollos after his preaching in the Synagogue at Ephesus, but corrected his errors by “expounding unto Apollo the Way of God MORE PERFECTLY”.

Aquila and Priscilla did not agree with Apollos – but they welcomed him, and lovingly corrected him.

When the Apostle tells us to “receive ye one another”, he is telling us to lovingly welcome one another. We are to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. And yet, we are NOT to allow the errors of the world to flourish in our midst. The Church is a lighthouse in a world of darkness. The Church is NOT to be like the world. The Church is to be like Christ. The Bible is very specific on these points. The world is lost, and exists in darkness, in the grasp of satan and under the influence of sin. But the Church belongs to Jesus. If you are saved by faith in Christ then the Bible commands you:

Romans 12:1-5 I beseech you therefore, BRETHREN, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

The Church is one body in CHRIST. We are bound together by faith and practice to Christ.

Christ was baptized, we are baptized.
Christ believed the Scripture, we believe the Scripture.
Christ reached out to sinners, we reach out to sinners.
Christ pursued holiness, we pursue holiness.
Christ lived to serve the Father, we live to serve the Father.
Christ rebuked sin, we rebuke sin.
Christ loved the unlovely, but hated the sin;
We love the unlovely, but hate sin.
Christ gave Himself to destroy sin, we give ourselves to destroy sin.

I could go on and on. The Church is Jesus’ body, and He is the head. Why did Jesus die?

Galatians 1:4 … our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father

The Church is a body of believers, delivered from this world by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are to be friendly to sinners, but haters of sin. The late Evangelist Billy Graham stated:

“Throughout the Bible, the lines are definitely drawn between the world of unbelievers and the world of the children of God. “Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Jesus Himself said, “The world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). Again Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

The Bible also teaches that the Christian will face opposition in the world. “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution,” said the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:12. Just as Christ’s life with all its love, concern and selflessness was a rebuke to the cosmos of His time, so our lives with Christ abiding in us today bring about criticism, opposition and persecution from those who cannot comprehend the mystery of God’s redemptive grace.

The Bible teaches that we are not to be discouraged by this belligerence. We are to consider it evidence that we are identified with Christ. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11-12).”

It shocks me that there are professing Christians in every denomination, and even in Catholicism, that believes sexual relations before marriage and abortion is fine. The Christian is called of God to stand up and speak out against that which the Bible defines is “sin”.

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
The gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our LORD.

The Church – with its many believers in Christ – is under the direction and guidance of Jesus Christ our Lord. The Church is never to justify sinfulness. We are to point others to Christ, to believe on Jesus, and be received by Jesus Who gave Himself for us all. When a person comes to Christ seeking salvation, they overcome the devil and sin by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). The Church never concedes to evil, to sin, to darkness. Light must shine. It cannot be light if it does not shine. When we are saved, what are we to do? The Bible says:

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We love all around us. But we do not accept into the fellowship as a part of the Church any who wallow in sin. Come out from amng them, and be ye separate. Do not touch the unclean thing, and I will receive you. Does this mean the Christian never sins? No, not at all. But

.. when we sin, and are convicted of our sin, or are corrected by a brother or sister in Christ, as Aquila and Priscilla corrected Apollos, then we repent of our sin and confess it in the name of Jesus (1 John 1:8-10).

How do we determine what is, and is not, sin? How did Jesus determine right and wrong? “It is written”. What did Jesus tell the devil when tempted in the wilderness?

Matthew 4:4 … It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

When Jesus rebuked those in the Temple, chasing out the moneychangers, the defilers of God’s house, what did our Lord say?

Matthew 21:13 … It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

When Jesus submitted to the death of the Cross, what did our Lord say?

Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him…

The Bible tells us what is right, and what is wrong. We do not heed opinion polls, peer pressure, or popular vote. We do not go by feelings. We go by what our God has said, and recorded in this grand old Book we call the Bible. The phrase “it is written” is peppered all through the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus referred to the Scripture. The Apostles referred to the Scripture. We can do no less.

What do we do if a professing brother or sister is in an act that the Bible says is sinful? The Bible gives us clear direction. In 1 Corinthians 5 a young man was in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. The Church at Corinth justified this activity rather than rebuking it. The Apostle Paul said:

1 Corinthians 5:1-7 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 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…

The Christian is “unleavened” because Jesus Christ died for our sins. We do not welcome sin into our congregation. The sinner is loved, but Christ is shared with them. If a brother or a sister descends into sin, the Church members are not to welcome their sin. The Apostle is even more specific:

1 Corinthians 5:11-13 I have written unto you NOT TO KEEP COMPANY, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Those who are outside the Church, God judges. But within the flock we are never to condone sin. We are to lovingly correct our brothers and sisters when they step away from the Way of Christ. We are to hate the sin, but love the sinner. If the brother or sister repents, and forgoes the sin, putting it under the blood of Christ, they are welcomed back. But if not they are recognized as those who have fallen. They are released unto satan for the destruction of the flesh. They make their choice.

The Church Is Filled With Imperfects

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

When the Apostle says “WELCOME one another”, he is not saying to welcome sin. But he is telling us to welcome one another as imperfect creations, the workmanship of Christ (Ephesians 2:10). Dr Joe Pettigrew writes:

“In the early church, Jews and Gentiles despised each other. Each wanted the other to become like them. But Paul took the axe to the root of that tree: “For Christ Himself…reconciled both groups…by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” (Ephesians 2:14–16) We certainly will disagree on many things, but the way we treat each other will reflect our love for our fellow man. Jesus is pretty clear about how we are to treat each other.”

A Church is a body of imperfect, but saved people. We are to love one another, just as Christ loved and still loves us. Sin is what God says is sin. But there are other things that are not sin. There are cultural differences. There are differences in tastes.

In the previous chapter the Apostle addresses a problem that occurred in the Church at Rome. He wrote:

Romans 14:1-4 Him that is weak in the faith RECEIVE ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Word Study The word translated RECEIVE is our old friend προσλαμβάνω proslambánō, {pronounced pros-lam-ban’-o}. Paul is talking of brothers and sisters in Christ. He says those who are WEAK or YOUNG IN THE FAITH – in their walk with Christ – we are to welcome them. But we are not to impose on them “doubtful disputations”. This is the Greek διαλογισμός διάκρισις dialogismos diakrisis. These are very interesting words. They both begin with DIA, meaning “of two types”. You could translate this as “two thinkings and two judgments”. The picture given here is of a person who is arguing with himself about what is right and wrong, a person confused. My Bible says that:

1 Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…

From the beginning of the Church, believers have often drifted into arguing about things of which the Bible sets no clear standards. Christians have argued about holidays, feasts, circumcision or no circumcision, and in our context, about food.

Rome was the center of pagan religion in the ancient world. The main gods and goddesses in Roman culture were Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Zeus, Venus, Pluto, Diana, Mars, and Janus. There were more I know, but these were the top tier. Rome made sacrifices to these gods and goddesses, and as center for worship the animals sacrificed were countless! What to do with all this meat? The temples of the false gods and goddesses were not stupid. They sold sacrificed meat to the public at a very good price. And this caused a problem in the Church at Rome.

The Gentiles in the Church at Rome saw nothing wrong with eating these sacrificed meats. Food is food, and cheap is cheap. But then there were Jewish believers in the Church at Rome, and they believed that to eat anything not kosher was a sin. So now you have two factions, all fighting over food. What did the Lord tell us about food?

One day Peter was in prayer. Now Peter is a very Jewish Christian. As he prays, the Bible says:

Acts 10:9-16 …. Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 and he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

God was going to send Peter to a Gentile Centurion named Cornelius. The Gentiles ate all manner of food.The Jews, however, ate only what God declared “clean” in the Old Testament. With this vision, God clarified what He had previously declared through Jesus Christ our Lord. When Jesus was told by the Pharisees that His disciples were eating unclean food because they were not washing their hands, our Lord said:

Matthew 15:10-11 … Hear, and understand: 11 not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

God removed the ceremonial laws when Christ came to this earth. Consequently, you as believers are free to eat any type of food. God has no provisions on us. The Gentile Christians were used to eating any and all foods, regardless as to whom it was sacrificed to. The Jewish Christians, however, were raised in a culture that taught them to eat only “clean” foods. So what is happening at Rome. Christians are arguing over things that are not sinful. We still do this today.

We argue over the “proper” type of singing in Church.
We argue over the color of the walls.
We argue over pews or chairs.
We argue over versions of the Bible.
We argue over whether women should wear pants or skirts.
We argue over hair length for men and women.
We argue over tattoos and ear rings.
We argue over what days are the Sabbath.
We argue over tobacco and alcohol use.

The Apostle tells the Church that – when we receive someone into our fellowship – we are not to trot out things that are matters of opinion and treat these things as if they are sin. The Word of God and the leading of God the Holy Spirit is the final determining factors. Every Christian belongs to Jesus. The Apostle said:

Romans 14:4-10 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

If a thing is a sin, then there should be very clear Scripture that shows it to be a sin. There are certain things that I personally do not like. Yet this does not make what I don’t like a sin. The Scripture determines sin. The ceremonial portions of the Law are gone. The Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. But now that Christ has come, the ceremonial laws do not apply

Galatians 3:23-26 … before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

But what of the Jewish believer? The Apostle gave a very clear direction in this. He said:

Romans 14:15-19 if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

There are many things that fall into what I call “gray areas”. On these things, if it brings disharmony in the body of Christ, even though it is lawful for me to do it, I must not. The highest Law that the Christian follows is the Law of love. Jesus commands us:

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

To the world Jesus says, (Matthew 7:12) “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Simply put, if you don’t want it done to you, don’t do it to others. This is the general law for all of civilization. But for the Christian, the Law is much greater. Love one another, as Jesus loves you. Again, our focal text:

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Jesus welcomes us into the Family of God. Jesus tolerates our daily failures. Jesus does not come down hard on us every time we mess up – and we all mess up plenty. Jesus never considered Himself first, but put us first. The Bible tells us to put our brothers and sisters in Christ first. To love those who do things that we don’t like. Now again, IF THE SCRIPTURE SAYS IT IS SIN, IT IS SIN. Period. But there are other things that are gray areas. To these areas, we avoid doing it in the presence of our easily offended brothers and sisters. The Apostle put it this way:

Romans 14:21-22 … 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. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God.

Consider the life of Christ, and imitate Him. Reject and correct sin. But in areas of preference and feelings, if it hurtss the faith of others, have it to yourself. Do it at home, in privacy, before God. But do not cause your brother or sister in Christ to stumble over something not clearly a sin.

May God touch your hearts with His Word!

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Joseph’s Bones

Posted on October 18, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Jacob's Bones
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

Genesis 50:14-26 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. 15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them. 22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. 24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. 26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

The Book Of Genesis Begins With A Disobedient
Believer, And Closes With An Obedient Believer

I love the Book of Genesis. It shows us the pattern to follow for blessing, and the path to travel to cursing. Genesis begins with blessing, as God creates all things. But it moves to cursing when man rejects God, and chooses his own path.

The Apostle sums up the first part of human history by saying,

Romans 5:12 … by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

Throughout Genesis, we see those who dishonor God and follow Him to blessing. But the Book ends with a positive example, A man by the name of Joseph. A man who, though tried, nearly as much as Job was tried, kept his eyes on the Lord Jesus. Beloved,

Trials can make you BITTER, but if you are in Christ,
trials should make you BETTER.

Joseph was the youngest son of Jacob, who would one day become Israel.

Genesis 37:3-5 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, THEY HATED HIM, AND COULD NOT SPEAK PEACEABLY UNTO HIM. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

Joseph was PREFERRED over his brothers by his daddy, Jacob. When a parent prefers one child over another, this can lead to bullying in the family. Jacob was bullied. They COULD NOT speak peaceably unto Joseph. Not WOULD not, but COULD not. Bad parenting makes good bullying. Being bullied, Joseph looked to God. I have heard it said that…

God lives at the end of Desperation Street.

Being bullied makes you desperate. Joseph hid himself in God, so much so that God began to speak to him in visions. God gave Joseph a dream in which it appeared he would rule over his brothers. In verse 9 we are told Joseph dreamed another dream, and in this dream his entire family was going to bow down to him. God promised Joseph he would be lifted up. Joseph lifted God up, and God would lift Joseph up!

Before there was Scripture, God spoke to His people in dreams.

  • God came to Abraham in a dream, saying “Do not be afraid. I am a shield to you, and your reward will be great” (Genesis 15:1)
  • God came to Israel (Jacob) in a dream, calling “Jacob, Jacob” (Genesis 46:2)
  • Pharaoh would later in our story have a dream (Genesis 41:1-7), a dream that would bless both Jacob and Israel.

There are 21 dreams recorded in the Bible, and 10 of these happen in the Book of Genesis.

Being bullied, Joseph did not turn to drugs or suicide. Joseph refused depression and despair. Joseph looked up. When you seek God, you will find God (Jeremiah 29:13).Joseph sought God.

If We Are With Jesus, Trials Will End In Blessing

God has a plan for your life. Your life should not be mediocre. You should not be a victim. You were not made to be bullied. You were not designed to be the servant of satan. God made you to walk with Him daily.

Illustrate As I left the Post Office the other day, a lady cried out to me, begging for gas money. I pulled out my wallet, and headed toward her. I handed her some cash, and like a volcano she immediately erupted. Her emotions were like 50 wild cats in a 1 pound bag. She professed to be a Christian, but immediately began to rail against God. God had abandoned her. There were no Churches open. Everywhere she looked, she found only condemnation and vitriol. As she said this, she paid little attention to the cash I put in her hand. This woman was thoroughly broken by life. I asked if I could pray for her, and she immediately bowed her head. As I prayed, I asked that God give her comfort … but she was too bitter. Her cup was filled to the brim with bitterness.

Bitterness! What a horrible fruit bitterness brings. Bitterness defiles you.

Hebrews 12:14-15 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any ROOT OF BITTERNESS springing up trouble you, and thereby many be DEFILED …

LOOKING DILIGENTLY. Look not at the trial, but at the Lord Who saved you. When Joseph was afflicted, he looked toward God. Joseph focused on the promise that God made him. He did not focus on the hurt, but on the Healer.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness… be put away from you

As humans, we often focus on what we do NOT have, rather than the good we have. Joseph’s brothers did not have the love of their father, so they took it out on Joseph.

Genesis 37:18-20 when {Joseph’s brothers saw him} afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this DREAMER cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

If Joseph’s brother Reuben had not objected, Joseph would have been killed right then. Instead of killing Joseph, they cast him into a pit, and then sold him to slave traders headed toward Egypt.

Genesis 37:36 … the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.

Just Like That, Joseph Went From The PAMPERING Of Jacob To The PIT, and from The PIT to POTIPHAR

Through all these life changes, Joseph clung to the PROMISE that God made him. Listen, dearly Beloved:

Are CIRCUMSTANCES your god, or is GOD your God?

Where your head is, is where your emotions will be. Joseph kept on loving the Lord. Joseph rejected bitterness and trusted God. His life radically changed, but his spirit remained the same. God saves, but only in the fullness of HIS time (Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10). Had Joseph let bitterness take him, we would have never read these words.

Genesis 39:2-4 the LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH, and he was a PROSPEROUS man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that THE LORD WAS WITH HIM, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And JOSEPH FOUND GRACE in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

I have known many who have gone from a joyous life to cancer, or Alzheimer’s, or a stroke, who allowed bitterness to take them. Whatever prison you may have been cast into, look upward. Trust God! The God Who saved you, He saves you still. Avoid the gall of bitterness.

Illustrate In the early Church, Apostles Peter and John were going about, sharing the Word of God to all who would hear. One man, merely called “Simon”, was converted under the preaching of Philip. We read:

Acts 8:12-13 when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Simon was a saved man – at least outwardly. But as Simon followed the Apostles and watched how they operated in the power of God the Holy Spirit, Simon “offered the Apostles money, saying, give me also this power” (Acts 8:18-19). Peter’s reply was very harsh. He said:

Acts 8:20-23 … Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that THOU ART IN THE GALL OF BITTERNESS, AND IN THE BOND OF INIQUITY.

The “gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity” has no place in the Christ follower. Cast it away. Let God be your portion.

Psalm 73:26 God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Joseph was willing to wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14; 37:34; Proverbs 20:22). God has promised that Joseph would one day be in the palace.

Genesis 39:7-9 it came to pass after these things, that {Potiphar’s} wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 there is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

The Devil Watches Us How often are we tempted to circumvent the plan of God? The devil watches us, just as he watched our Lord Jesus Christ, and waits for opportunities to try and tempt us from God’s best. Potiphar’s wife set her mind on taking Joseph as more than a servant. Yet Joseph kept the promise of God ever before him. It was not God’s best for Joseph to fall into sexual sin. Of course, Potiphar’s wife was not happy with this. She lied about Joseph to her husband, telling him that Joseph accosted her. Joseph was imprisoned (Genesis 39:20) on trumped up charges.

There is nothing more hurtful than to be wrongfully accused, and punished for something you never did.

Joseph has gone from Pampering, to Pit, to Potiphar, and now he is in Prison. Can you guess where God is?

Genesis 39:21-23 But THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.

There is a song Reba McEntire sings, “You Never Gave Up On Me”. I like to sing these words to my God:

You never gave up on me
Oh, You never gave up on me
I’m here where I was always meant to be
I never gave up, ’cause Lord, You never gave up on me

Our God is so good! He never gives up on us. We must look upward to Him!

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

I am told that Joseph spent this last stint in prison for about 13 years. Joseph was in Prison because of a lie, but God was still in control. The prison would be used by God to put Joseph on the Throne. God is in control.

While in prison the King’s Butler and Baker were also imprisoned alongside of Joseph. Joseph got to meet them because God blessed Joseph. the warden made Joseph his number 2 man, an assistant in running the prison.

Genesis 40:5-6 … {the butler and the baker} dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.

A person who has enjoyed the grace of God has a tender heart. Joseph was not focused on the bars that imprisoned him, but on loving those around him. These two men were sad. Concerned, Joseph asks them why they are sad. “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it” (Genesis 40:8). Joseph was not bothered with this. He said:

Genesis 40:8 … Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

When you have a daily relationship with God, the Lord communes with you. Joseph listened to both men’s dreams. When Joseph interpreted the two men’s dreams, he foretold that the Butler would be restored to his old position (Genesis 40:13), but the Baker would be hanged (Genesis 40:19). The Butler promised that he would speak to the King on Joseph’s behalf, but “the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him”. It was not time for the trial to end. Two more years passed, then Pharaoh had two dreams.

Genesis 41:8 … it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

When none could interpret the dreams, the Butler remembered Joseph. He told Pharaoh about Joseph, and the King sent for him. Pharaoh told Joseph:

Genesis 41:15 … I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Please listen to Joseph’s response. He says:

Genesis 41:16 … It is NOT IN ME: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

The saved live to glorify God!

Pharaoh told Joseph about seven fat cows, and how the seven fat cows were eaten up by seven thin cows. He told of one seven eared corn stalk, and how another stalk with seven withered ears came up and ate the seven good ears (Genesis 41:18-24). Joseph told Pharaoh:

Genesis 41:28-36 … What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. 29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30 and there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31 and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. 32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. 33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. 36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

Joseph Goes From Pampering, To Pit, To Potiphar, To Prison. Now He Moves Into The Palace.

The King will promote Joseph to the second highest seat in the land. Joseph would spearhead the collection of grain in preparation for the seven years of drought and starvation. Everything works out exactly as God said.

There is one more temptation left for Joseph to overcome. That which started Joseph’s journey was the hatred of his brothers. Joseph leads Egypt through the seven years of plenty. When the seven years of drought come, Jacob would send his sons to Egypt to seek food from a Joseph he thought was dead.

When Joseph’s brothers stood before him, they did not recognize Joseph. Like the Egyptians, he had an Egyptian name (Zaphnath-paaneah see Genesis 41:45). Joseph was shaved, like the Egyptians shaved themselves (Genesis 41:14), and dressed like the Egyptians around him. Here are his brothers before him, bowing down to him just as God foretold.

Would Joseph go from Palace to Punishing his brothers, making them suffer as he suffered?

Beloved, vengeance belongs to God. The Bible says:

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

When his brothers stand before him, Joseph does not avenge himself against them.

Genesis 45:3-5 I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. 4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. 5 Now therefore BE NOT GRIEVED, NOR ANGRY WITH YOURSELVES, THAT YE SOLD ME HITHER: FOR GOD DID SEND ME BEFORE YOU TO PRESERVE LIFE.

Joseph refused to be petty, saying, “It was God Who sent me here before you, to preserve life”. Joseph saw the divine chain that brought him to where he needed to be for the glory of God. He was not angry at his brothers.

Genesis 45:8 … it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Joseph reunited with his family. When Jacob died, Joseph and his family went back to Canaan to bury him (Genesis 50:13), then returned to Egypt. Joseph carried no grudge against his brothers. Joseph told his brothers:

Genesis 50:19-21 … Fear not: for AM I IN THE PLACE OF GOD? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Joseph took care of his family until, at 110 years old, he died. But Joseph told his brothers:

Genesis 50:24-26 … I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. 26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Joseph wanted his brothers to keep his bones in Egypt, but to carry his bones to Canaan when the time was right. Joseph’s bones became a witness to the people of Israel, a witness long after his death. Israel would be afflicted in Egypt for many years following the death of Joseph. Throughout the afflictions, the Israelites remembered Joseph’s bones. When God raised up Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt many hundreds of years later, the Bible says:

Exodus 13:19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straightly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and YE SHALL CARRY UP MY BONES AWAY HENCE WITH YOU.

As Joshua led the children of Israel into the Promised Land, it was Joseph’s bones that went with them. His bones reminded Israel to trust the God Who saved them. Just as Joseph trusted the Lord Jesus even in the worst of times, God wants His people to trust and believe on Him.

After conquering the land, Joshua died and was buried at the age of 110 years old (Joshua 24:29) – the same age that Joseph was when he died. I do not believe this was a coincidence. Both Joseph and Joshua trusted God, no matter what the circumstances. They followed the Lord. Right after Joshua was buried, we read:

Joshua 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

How about YOUR bones? When you leave this life, what legacy will you leave behind for your posterity? Trust in the Lord. Follow Him with all your heart. Live a life of faith, so that when you leave this earth, your example will lead others to the Lord. If you do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, today is the day to give yourselves to Him. Commit to following Him daily, no matter where the streams of life may take you. For whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)

May God bless you hearts with His Word. Amen and Amen.

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Seven Things To Consider When Voting

Posted on October 18, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
I voted image
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Tennessee began it’s early voting today, October 14th. You have until October 14, 2020 to participate in early voting. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. I thought as, I went to vote today, I would cover seven things every Christian needs to consider before voting.

  1. When you vote, make sure that you vote based on the direction of the Holy Bible. The Scripture is the truth that Christians follow. When Jesus prayed for His Church, He prayed:

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

It is God’s Word that is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Psalm 110:105). Much of the secularization of America today has come about because the Church of Jesus Christ has not adhered to the Word of God. As believers in Christ, we are commanded to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). The great Apostle tells us:

Romans 12:2 … be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What does your candidate believe? What does the Bible tell you is right and wrong? Does what your candidate believes line up with what you believe? Christians, if we elect godless people who have no respect for the Bible, then we will vote ourselves into a place of destruction. Let God’s Word guide you.

  1. Before you vote, seek God’s direction through prayer. The Bible commands us to:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalms 37:3, 5 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

  1. Ask yourself what do the candidates believe on Constitutionally endorsed principles? Does the candidate truly believe in what our Constitution calls the first and second Amendments? Does he or she believe that,

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Do not vote away your First Amendment privileges! It is the First Amendment that gives you the right to freely worship the Lord in both public and private settings. Does he or she believe that,

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Whether you own a gun or not, like guns or not, “the right OF THE PEOPLE to KEEP and BEAR ARMS shall not be infringed”. Why is this important? Because when England wanted to keep Americans in their place, one of the first things they did was outlaw guns among the colonists. The Tenth Amendment Center writes:

“Following the passage of the Intolerable Acts, the Massachusetts Government Act dissolved the provincial government in the state, and General Thomas Gage was appointed royal governor, all which inflamed tensions and prompted backlash from Americans who saw it as the Crown attempted to force their colonies into submission. … It was clear to the British that gun control measures would be necessary if they were to maintain their rule. Gage had only 2,000 troops in Boston, while there were thousands of armed men in Boston and more in the surrounding area.

One solution, Kopel writes, was to deprive the Americans of gunpowder. In September 1774, several hundred Redcoats raided a Charlestown powder house – where militias and merchants stored their gunpowder due to its volatile nature – and seized all but the powder belonging to the colonial government. … In October 1774 the Provincial Congress convened, with John Hancock acting as its president. The Congress adopted a resolution that condemned the military occupation of Boston and called on private citizens to arm themselves and engage in military drills. The Provincial Congress also appointed a Committee of Safety, giving it the power to call up the militia. “

It is the Second Amendment that gives American citizens the right to keep and bear arms, lest the government become tyrannical. The Second Amendment protects the other Amendments, that is, our freedom as American citizens.

  1. Ask yourself, What do the candidates believe on practical Christian application? Does the candidate view all life as sacred? Do they agree that God is the Designer of Life? Do they agree with the Scripture, that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)? Does the candidate have a policy to give welfare to the genuinely needy?

Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

  1. What is the track record of the candidate? If the candidate has previously been in office, what did he or she do while they were in office? Did he or she abuse their office, or were they guilty of malingering at the public expense? You are not voting for a pastor, but a politician. Whether the candidate is a professed Christian or not should not influence your vote. There are many who profess Christ, but do not live Christlike lives. As the Bible says:

James 2:17-19 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

  1. Bear in mind that Our God is ultimately in control. We are God’s instruments that He uses to bring about His plan.

Romans 13:1-4 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

  1. Finally, regardless as to who wins, commit yourself to pray for that individual. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders. It is disheartening to hear people say, “He might be YOUR President, but he’s not MINE”. You are an American Christian. You live in this country. Whoever is elected is indeed YOUR President. As a citizen of America and as citizens of the Kingdom of God you are commanded to pray for your leaders.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;

Your vote matters. Look up to God, and vote! May God bless you all this election year. Amen and Amen.

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4. The Musts Of Christianity: We MUST Love

Posted on October 10, 2020 by bibleteacherorg

John 4:1-4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And {Jesus} must needs go through Samaria.

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I have noticed that the quarantine from the Coronavirus has made people a little meaner, a little uglier, than they were before. I don’t know if it’s the masks that are hiding the faces, but people seem more predisposed to bed abrupt and rude during this time. I’m standing in line at Aldi’s, one of our local stores, and have my facemask and gloves on. Behind me are standing two Afrian-American women – neither observing social distancing toward me (or towardanyone) – who are apparently in a bad humor. The Caucasian lady in front of me is equally in a bad humor, and both parties are complaining LOUDLY how there are not enough registers opened. In my mind I wonder, “Where are you in such a hurry to go to?”. Under the Governor’s quarantine no one is rushing to eat out, or to make a doctor’s appointment. “Chill out” is the next words that come to mind.

Following Aldi’s, I head to Kroger’s to gas up the car and buy some crushed ice. We have no ice maker, so I usually buy the 20 pound bag of ice. After fueling up my van I step over to the Cashier and ask for a 20 pound bag of ice. She frostily tells me “We no longer carry 20 pound bags”, while rolling her eyes. So I tell her “Well, just me a bag of whatever you have – it will be all right.”

Trials and tribulations will often bring out the worst in people. What is bad about rudeness and other such negative emotions is that they spread as quickly as does the Coronavirus. A person with a bad or an unloving nature will easily rub off on others around them. Racists often make other racists. Haters often make other haters. The attitude you carry will, like a virus, spread to others. The Apostle wrote:

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Or as another version puts it, “Bad company ruins good morals”. Or as King Solomon wrote:

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 22:24-25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Your attitude sets the tone around you. If you are born again by faith in Christ then you are called to love others as you have been loved.

  • Love is the fulfillment of the Law of God:

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

  • Love is the evidence that you have been born into God’s Family:

1 John 2:9-11 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

  • Love is not merely emotion, but an outward action that seeks God’s best for others:

Galatians 5:13-14 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  • God modeled the love that He would have us show through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ:

1 John 4:9-12 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Why Was Jesus Compelled To Go Through Samaria?

We read in our focal text today:

John 4:2-4 … Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And {Jesus} must needs go through Samaria.

Jesus MUST NEEDS go through Samaria. The phrase translated “MUST NEEDS” is the Greek verb δεῖ deî, (pronounced die) which is translated “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper”. The same word is used describing our Lord’s appointment with Calvary in:

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he MUST {deî} go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

It was imperative that Jesus go through Samaria. Jesus is compelled to go through Samaria. What compelled Him? Was it that this was the only road to get where He was going? No. Though the Jews from Galilee would often short cut through Samaria, the Jews from Judea refused to walk through the same area. It was their habit to take a circuitous route on the eastern bank of the Jordan instead of the more direct route through Samaria. Why? Because they considered the Samaritans to be half breeds, genetically unworthy to be recognized. This great hatred between the Samaritans and the Judeans went back to 722 B.C. when the Ten Northern Tribes of Israel were conquered by Assyria (see 2 Kings 17:6, 24). Because of their conquering those Jews who remained in Samaria remarried with pagan Assyrians. The subsequent children of these people were considered half-breeds and heretics. When God sent Ezra and Zerubbabel, along with Jeshua back into Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple after years of captivity the Samaritans offered to help in the rebuilding. We read:

Ezra 4:2-3 … they {the Samaritans} came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.

The Judean refugees abruptly turned away the offer of help from Samaria – and taking offense, the Samaritans responded in kind by hindering the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 4:4). This is the way of hatred. This is how Satan works in hatred.

The Assyrians overthrow Israel, taking the land.
God allows the Israelites to return after some years.
The returning Israelites come, bearing in their hearts hatred.
The descendants of the Assyrians offer help.
Israel, driven by hatred, rebuffs the children of Assyria.
Now the children of Assyria hate Israel.
A hatred that has continued for over 800 years!

Some people believe that God taught hatred of enemies in the Old Testament, but love of enemies in the New. Many are familiar with Jesus’ teaching:

Matthew 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for {God your Father} maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

The truth is when Jesus stated “you have heard it hath been said”, He is not changing Old Testament Scriptural teachings. He is changing what many erroneous Old Covenant “scholars” taught. God never taught to hate your enemies. There were times when God had Israel remove certain peoples from this earth, but that was because their practices were so evil that they were unspeakable. The Old Testament tells us:

Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

The Apostle Paul quoted this text in Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. He went on to add – as God inspired him – Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. When a Child of God responds to evil with good it had the effect of quenching the evil. But when a Child of God, ones like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, responds lovelessly toward the enemy – it pours gasoline on a flame. God told His Old Testament saints:

Exodus 23:4-5 If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

God sometimes brings trial to an enemy to correct an evil. King Solomon said:

Proverbs 24:17-18 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

What God does or allows to be done to another, He is governed by seeking the best for that person or people. God has that right. He has said (Ezekiel 18:4) “all souls are mine”.

God has a purpose for every person who has ever been born, and that purpose is only realized when he or she is connected to the Godhead through Christ.

God sent Christ ointo the world to save ALL people – not just a select few. God spoke through the Prophet saying:

Ezekiel 33:11 … As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways …

Christ must needs go through Samaria because God our Father will have ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Our God did not send Christ Jesus our Lord to offer His salvation to just a few, but to whosoever will receive Him as Lord and Savior. Our God is “longsuffering to us all, not willing that any should perish, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE” (2 Peter 3:9).

Love Compelled Jesus To Reach Others
Not Like Himself

John 4:5-9 Then cometh {Jesus} to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

There was a time in America that water fountains were labeled “White’s Only” and “Colored Only”. What was taught during the Jim Crow era was that whites would be contaminated if they drank anything from the same source that the black person used. Jim Crow laws established strict segregation along racial lines, not just at water fountains, but also in schools, on buses, and in restaurants. These things were not driven by love, but by negative, unbiblical emotions.

The same was true in Jesus’ day. Solomon said “there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Racism and bigotry has been around since the start of human history. When Jesus asked this woman of Samaria for a drink of water bigotry is evident in two texts.

  1. Jesus is by Himself because “His disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat”. Why would ALL of the disciples be gone away to buy meat? I suspect that prejudice and bigotry had something to do with this.
  2. The Jews considered the Samaritans to be unclean people, and would not drink from the same well that they drank from. They justified this by taking Leviticus 15 and applying it to anyone who was not Jewish. Though the well in Samaria was originally Jacob’s well – deeded to Joseph his son – no Jew would drink from the same buc ket that a Samaritan drank from. This is why the woman said to Jesus:

John 4:9 … How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? …

“Don’t you know that this is a colored only fountain?” That is exactly what is going on. Beloved, our God does not see color. He sees people. Every person God sees is made in His image and after His likeness (Genesis 1:27). There are no inferior humans – all life is sacred. Jesus told His Church:

Matthew 28:19 … Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Church, you MUST go to all races. God is no Respecter of persons. Peter must needs go to Cornelius, a Gentile believer. Love compels him to go, so that he can learn:

Acts 10:34-35 … God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.

When the Holy Spirit falls on the early Church, Philip must needs go to Samaria (Acts 8:5). Love compelled him to go. Once he led Samaria into a great revival, the Holy Spirit sent Philip to an Ethiopian Official to share Christ with him. Love compels. If you have been loved of God, you must love as you were loved.

Beloved, if God had loved as we so horribly love, then few would have been saved. If God had only gone to people like Himself, then would ANY be saved?

We are none of us like God. The Bible says:

Romans 5:8 … God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We are NOTHING like God, yet God sought us out. The Samaritan woman is NOTHING like Jesus, and yet Jesus seeks her out. God the Son stepped outside of His comfort zone. Our God Who is righteous, and holy, and just, lowered Himself to go to and among the fallen sinner. God does not care if you are colored like a Samaritan or like a Jew or like a White or like a Black, Red, or Yellow people. Christ must needs go to Samaria because love compelled Him. The Pharisees asked “why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). The better question is, “Why does God care about any of us? Why would Jesus be compelled to go to Samaria to meet one woman not like Him?

Because this is what love looks like.
Love looks like a weary Jew sitting down with a Samaritan woman.

Love Looks Like Jesus

John 4:10-14 … {Jesus said} If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

This woman started her day like she had every other day. She lived her life in the momnent. She sought love, but never found it. Jesus promises this woman “a well of water springing up into everlasting life”. Perhaps her whole life she has lived as less than. Like many before her, she sought happiness in other fallen creatures. She says:

John 4:15 … Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

Any change to her miserable existence would be welcomed. Jesus tells her:

John 4:16 … Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

F.B. Meyer notes:

“This really meant that she must confess her sins and have them put away before she could expect the up rushing of the fountain of life.”

The woman acknowledges,

John 4:17-18 … I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

The woman has sought love in men. She has sought love in religion. Yet her life is unsatisfactory, unpleasing. She needed what all people need.

This woman needed to fall in love with the Savior.
She had been looking for the Messiah.
Now He is here!

John 4:25-30 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

When Jesus found Peter, he left his fishing boat (Luke 18:28).

When Jesus found James and John, they left the family business (Mark 1:20)

When Jesus found the woman, she left her waterpot (John 4:28).

When Jesus found Matthew, he left his tax tables (Luke 5:28).

When Jesus found Zacchaeus, he left his tree (Luke 19:6).

When Jesus found Saul, he left off persecuting Christians (Acts 9:4).

Jesus must find people in order that they be changed. We must let Jesus shine through us. We must love those not like ourselves. We must do good in the power of God’s Spirit, that Christ may come to others. I cannot save anyone, but Jesus Christ can save everyone. Turn to Jesus. Turn to Jesus.

May Christ Jesus bless this message through His Word and His Spirit. Amen and Amen.

Posted in Five MUSTS Of Faith, Sermons Preached | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Christian View Of Politics

Posted on October 6, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Marco Oriolesi on Unsplash

I teach a men’s discipleship Bible study on Tuesday nights at our Church. As we come together, we fellowship, and study the Word of God. As part of our class we talk about things going on around us.

In our class last night, several of the men wanted to get home right after the Bible Study so they could watch the Presidential Debates. If you watched the debates (I didn’t), I was told that it was a – and I quote one news source – a “hot mess”. Again, I didn’t watch it. But as part of our study we are going through the Book of John, and the text we read are really appropriate to this time in American history. What we read was what occurred right after Lazarus was resurrected from the grave by Jesus. Let’s read this together:

John 11:44-53 And {Lazarus} that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Who Controls The Earth? Politicians? Or God?
I Believe God Is In Control – ALWAYS!

What you see in the text above is POLITICS. It has nothing to do with religion. The Lord Jesus Christ had upset the Sadducees, the Pharisees, the Herodians, and the Temple Officials. Jesus came preaching the truth of God. Nothing will gain you enemies than preaching the truth of God, the Scripture itself. The Pharisees and Sadducees were upset with Jesus because, at the beginning of His ministry, He entered into the Temple and removed all things that dishonored God. The Bible says that Jesus ..

John 2:15-16 made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16 and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

The Pharisees were upset by what our Lord did. They and the Sadducees were probably making money on the selling of sacrifices. When Jesus ran the money changers out, they asked Him:

John 2:18 … What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

In other words, “By what authority are You doing what You just did”? Jesus’ answer (you can read it in John 2:19-21) did not satisfy them. From that point on in His earthly ministry, Jesus and the religious crowd were at odds with one another. They were constantly chasing after Jesus. They questioned His ministry, from A to Z. Jesus spoke the Word of God, carrying the message of the Father to the world. Jesus said, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9). Yet the politicians continued to hate Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was genuinely concerned for the lost. They, in turn, were only concerned for themselves, and how they looked before the people.

Then Jesus resurrected His friend Lazarus from the grave. The politicians had been planning to destroy Jesus – but now they meet in earnest, plotting His death.

John 11:47-48 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

The chief priest of the Temple gathered with the Pharisees, the religious conservatives of Jesus’ day. They called a meeting of “the Counsel”, the Jewish Supreme Court known as the Sanhedrin, or “The Seventy”. The question before the Court was not whether Jesus was true to the Scripture. No, the Bible had nothing to do with what they were planning. Instead they postulated a straw man argument. They said:

“If Jesus continues without us doing something, then He will gather many who believe in Him. If enough believe in Him, the Romans will see this as an uprising against their authority. If that happens (and we know it will), then we will lose our jobs, and our nation will be destroyed!”

These people – politicians all – are looking for a reason to kill Jesus. They cannot find a reason in the Scripture. The Bible states that:

Deuteronomy 5:17 Thou shalt not kill {רָצַח râtsach, {pronounced raw-tsakh’, “do murder”}

When Noah and his family got off the Ark, the very first Law God gave humanity was:

Genesis 9:5-6 … surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

The Sanhedrin had no Biblical reason to kill Jesus. Had Jesus committed a capital offense, then He could be tried and executed – but ONLY if there were two witnesses who saw Jesus do the offense. The Bible says:

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Jesus had done nothing worthy of capital punishment. The Scripture would not support killing this Man. So the politicians used a straw man argument against Jesus because, frankly, that is what Rotten Politics 101 teaches. With their “we’d better get rid of Jesus” argument on the table, the High Priest speaks up:

John 11:49-50 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

Rather than correct the discussion, Caiaphas joins in with the “kill Jesus” decision. Caiaphas says, “It is better for Jesus to die for the people – and this will save our nation Israel”. Caiaphas is not doing what High Priests should do. He should be interceding with God for the people. Instead, he has moved into the realm of politics in order to have Jesus killed. After all, Jesus is rocking the boat!

What is most extraordinary about our text today is what the Apostle writes next. We read:

John 11:51-52 And this spake {Caiaphas} not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Did you catch that? Caiaphas did NOT speak this of himself. When he spoke of Jesus dying for Israel, in fact, for all the people, Caiaphas was prophesying. If you study your Bible you’ll find out that prophecy is a gift given by God. The Bible says:

Romans 12:6 … Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

2 Peter 1:21 .. the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 … the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit … prophecy

Caiaphas is not a believer in Jesus Christ. He is a plotter against Christ, part of the conspiracy to murder the Messiah. And yet, God gives him a prophesy. He speaks as God moves him! That should tell you something.

Our God is in control. It is not the politicians that determine the fate of our nation, but our God.

As these politicians plot the murder of Christ, this is in accordance with God’s own will. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is …

Revelation 13:8 … the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The politicians were plotting murder, but God knew that Jesus Christ had to die. It is only through Christ’s death that our sins are covered. The Bible tells us:

Romans 5:8-19 God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

God the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world to be our Messiah, our Savior from sin. Jesus had to die on Calvary. He had to go to that Cross, or else, we would never be forgiven. Sin is a trespass against an infinite and immortal being we call God. When you offend the Infinite, nothing you will ever do will correct that offense.

So Jesus went to Calvary to be the correction.
Jesus Christ, by dying for us, whited out our sins.
When we believe on Him, and receive Him as Lord and Savior,
we become the sons and daughters of God. Forgiven. Redeemed.

The politicians plotted against the Son of God, but Jesus came to be our Savior. He knew He was going to die. Jesus actually knew who was going to kill Him. The Bible tells us:

Mark 8:31 and {Jesus} began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 9:31 {Jesus} said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mark 10:33 {Jesus said} Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34 and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Jesus knew. God knew. The only ones who did not know were the politicians. The Apostle said:

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 … we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The politicians who plotted and planned and executed the betrayal of Christ had no idea they were doing God’s work. They thought they were protecting themselves. God is in control.

The Christian Responsibility In The Area Of Politics

Every election year for, I guess, the past 11,576 days, or 31.7 years, I have had to choose between two candidates, neither of which I particularly liked. The last politician I cared for was Ronald Reagan. You may not have liked him, but I did. I thought he was a good Christian man, though like all of somewhat flawed. Since Reagan left office on January 20, 1989, I have struggled every year at who I would vote for.

And yet I voted.

So many Christians I talk to have thrown up their hands, saying, “I’m just not going to vote”. That is certainly your decision. I never thought about this before, but I was reading the article “Politics and Its Christian Discontents” today, and really enjoyed it. David Deavel wrote:

“Politics as we know it and civilization, on the other hand, with their complicated and morally messy details, were founded by Cain, who founded the first city in the land of Nod after being exiled from his family. Cities have organized government, social stratification, and a written language. They have more complex market systems and, generally speaking, more advanced technology and a more developed artistic and cultural world. Politics and civilization, you see, are the legacy of a killer.”

I never thought about that before. It was Cain who, on killing his brother Abel, went to the land of Nod. The Bible says:

Genesis 4:17 Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

It was Cain who built the city, and named the city. Cities are organized governments. Cain was probably the first politician. Many Christians throughout the history of the Church have withdrawn themselves from politics, preferring to live in monasteries or closed communities. After all, doesn’t the Scripture say:

Philippians 3:20 … our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:

The word translated CONVERSATION is the Greek πολίτευμα políteuma, {pronounced pol-it’-yoo-mah}, from where we get the word “politics”. The word literally means “our community, our citizenship, our commonwealth”. The Christian has dual citizenship. We are citizens of the countries we are in on this earth, but our most real citizenship is in Heaven, with Jesus Christ our Lord.

But does that mean we should not vote?

I don’t think so. The Bible tells us that Jesus wants us to be

Matthew 5:14 … the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

When God saved us through faith in Christ, He left us on this earth to represent Him. Light does not stay enclosed, but shines so that all can see it. Jesus said:

Matthew 5:13 … Ye are the salt of the earth …

Light contained has no purpose. Salt in the shaker does nothing. As Christians we are called to have an impact on our world for Jesus. What better impact can we have than to VOTE? We need to VOTE. When Israel was carried away into captivity, exiled to Babylon, God told His people:

Jeremiah 29:5-7 … build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; 6 take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

The old song says,

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through;
My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me to Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore!

It’s true that this earth is a place we are just passing through. But just as Israel was not going to stay in Babylon captivity forever, neither will we be on this earth forever. But while we’re here, we are to make homes here. We are to marry, and give in marriage. We are to contribute positively to the area we are in, no matter where that area is. We are to seek the peace of the city, of the nation, to pray unto the Lord for it.

Christians are to be in the world, but not OF it. Jesus prayed for His Church:

John 17:14-19 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one). 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Christian, you are on mission for Jesus until the day He calls you home. You need to contribute. You need to vote.

But Who Should I Vote For? They Are All So Flawed!

I agree. I do not personally like any of the candidates that are running. And yet, I will vote. I will not tell you who to vote for, but I’ll tell you what I do. I pray and ask God Who I should vote for. Yes, they are all flawed. But God can use (and does use) flawed people.

God used a pagan Persian king called Artaxerxes I. Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter, stating:

Ezra 7:12-13 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. 13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

In the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, Nehemiah, his cup bearer, asked:

Nehemiah 2:5-8 If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchers, that I may build it. 6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. 7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah; 8 and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

This Persian King gave Nehemiah the authority and the funds to go back to Israel, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There are so many other examples in Scripture.

  • God gave Joseph the favor of the unbelieving King of Egypt, so that Joseph could save Israel, causing it to become a mighty nation.
  • God sent Daniel to Babylon. Daniel excelled, and was made the Prince of the Magi (Daniel 5:29) by unbelieving King Belshazzar. Daniel taught the Magi about the coming of Jesus Christ. Descendants of these Magi would come to see the Baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1).
  • Cyrus the King of Persia, though an unbeliever, rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem:

Ezra 1:1-2 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

God is in control! He is always in control. As we come to the election this year, let’s not be monks. Let’s vote. Before you vote, seek God’s face. Seek His direction. Whoever goes into the White House, will go in accordance to the will of God. The Apostle said”

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

God is in control. Pray. Seek God’s face. Then vote. Regardless as to who gets into office, pray for that individual daily. Pray for kings, and all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Let the light of Christ shine through all that you do. Vote! David Deavel wrote:

“We will certainly not be able to create a Heaven on earth, but we are often able to put off the creation of little hells.”

Amen and Amen. May God touch your hearts with His Word.

Posted in John, Politics, Sermons Preached | Leave a comment

Forgiveness and Unity

Posted on October 6, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash

Matthew 18:12-14 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

The Importance Of Christian Unity

It is so easy to misinterpret and misapply Scripture. We know that God says of His Bible that,

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • It is the Bible that gives us “doctrine”, truths by which we live.
  • It is the Bible that “corrects” us, keeping us in the Way of Christ.
  • It is the Bible that gives us “instruction in righteousness”, that is, in how to best live our lives so as to honor our Savior and Lord.
  • It is the Bible that makes us “perfect”, that is, “mature” in the eyes of God.
  • It is the Bible that equips us to do good works, works that GOD considers good.

This is why it’s so very important to read the Bible carefully. The text above has often been preached by well meaning Pastors as an evangelistic message, teaching us how we ought to “go out from the Church and tell others about Christ”. The principle preached is correct. We should go out from the Church and tell others about Christ. This is what the Great Commission teaches us. Didn’t Jesus say:

Matthew 28:19-20 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 …

Yes, we should go out and reach others for Christ. We are salt, but no good if we stay in the salt shaker. We are light, but no good to God nor anyone else if we are only light while in this building. The salt must go. The light must go. But our focal text has nothing to do with reaching the lost.

This text deals with Christian unity.

It’s very clear that it deals with Christian unity, a unified Church. First, what is Jesus speaking of? Who is lost? Jesus is speaking of a sheep. A SHEEP that went astray. The word “sheep” is used 189 times in the Bible. Many times it just refers to the animal, that baa, baa, baa sheep. Abel was a keeper of sheep (Genesis 4:2). Abraham had lots of sheep (Genesis 12:16). But sheep has another use in scripture. Sheep is a term used for the people of God, those saved by faith. You find this in the Old Testament:

Psalm 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. …

Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Before the Millennial Kingdom begins on the earth, Jesus said:

Matthew 25:31-34 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

It is the sheep on Christ’s right hand that will enter His Kingdom. But the goats on the left hand, what happens to them?

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

When Jesus speaks of leaving the ninety and nine to reach out to the one sheep that strayed, and went “into the mountains”, He is speaking of a believer who wanders away from the Shepherd and the Church. This is not a lost person, but a saved person, a well intentioned believer who has allowed life to lead himself or herself astray. This is not a goat, but a sheep. The shepherd went after the one sheep. Why? We are told in:

Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Again, what does Jesus mean by “little ones”. Read your context.

Matthew 18:6 … one of these little ones which believe in me …

When one of the “sheep” gets away from the flock and the protection of the shepherd, the little one is susceptible to be eaten of wolves. The protection that a believer has is the Church, the gathering of like minded believers. As we come to this section of Scripture Jesus is emphasizing the importance of Christian unity and love. The Church must remain Christ focused, and must care for one another. It is not God’s will that any of you should perish. He wants you to live blessed lives in Him. God our Father wants you to be the light of the world, the City of God (Matthew 5:14). We cannot be light while there are divisions and fighting among us.

Jesus is ministering now in the shadow of the Cross. It will not be very long before Judas Iscariot betrays the Lord, and the disciples will scatter as the Master is taken. Jesus knows this is coming. He knows His earthly purpose will soon be fulfilled. As He speaks in the shadow of the Cross, He wants His Church to know the importance of unity in Him. There is safety in the Church. There is protection in the Church.

Conflict Resolution In The Church

A Church is a gathering of imperfect, but saved people, following Jesus Christ the Lord. Imperfect people often err. It happens. I have heard people get mad and leave their local Church because someone did something that hurt their feelings. It is a weak Christian that runs away from a problem, rather than resolving it the way Christ directs. Read with me:

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Jesus says “if thy BROTHER”. This is a brother in the faith, a fellow believer in Christ. If a fellow Christian trespass against thee, does something that offends you, then what are you to do? Does Jesus say?

“Get on the phone and tell somebody else – preferably a lost person – about it”.

Does Jesus say?

“Smile outwardly, but inwardly carry a grudge against that person”.

No, Jesus says, “Go to that brother or sister who offended you, and privately discuss it”. The hurt, though it may have occurred publicly, is to be resolved privately. “Tell him his fault between thee and him ALONE”. Don’t tell anybody else. Tell that person. Jesus said in ..

Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

There is no limit on the number of times a brother or sister in Christ offends you and you must forgive them. If they hear you, and repent of what they did (yes, say “I’m sorry”), then you are to LET IT GO. Let go of the hurt. Let go of the slight. After all, how many times a day do we ourselves fail our Jesus? The Apostolic text says:

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Jesus forgives us repeatedly throughout the day when we fail Him. As He has forgiven us, we are to forgive those who offend us. When Jesus taught us the Lord’s Prayer – the model we are to follow when we pray – part of that prayer is:

Matthew 6:12 … forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

As we have been forgiven, we are to forgive. To drive this point home, Jesus said, following this Model Prayer:

Matthew 6:14-15 … For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

A failure to forgive someone is a breach of Grace. To harbor a grudge is to harm yourself. This active sin puts a wall between you and your Lord Jesus. God says:

Isaiah 59:2 … your iniquities have separated between you and your God,

and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Forgiveness is not an optional thing, but a commanded thing. Why is this so important? Because the Church is a group of believers who are to WORK TOGETHER FOR CHRIST. The Body is one, and has many members (1 Corinthians 12:12). God sets the members in the Body as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:18). And every member needs the other member. You have gifts given you by God that I do not have. When we unite as a Church, we stand together against the darkness. God has ordered that there be no division in the Body, but the members should care about one another (1 Corinthians 12:25). God has decreed:

Leviticus 19:17 … Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart

Ok, so you’ve went to your brother or sister who has offended you, and the conflict still exists. What is done then? Jesus said:

Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

This is not a new thing that Jesus devised. Jesus took this from the Old Testament Law.

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

If there is a breach, and the other brother is at fault and will not repent, then you are to take another believer with you and, together, speak to the wayward brother or sister. But what if they continue to repent?

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Those who will not make peace, in the end, are expelled from the Church. They are recognized as “heathen” and “publican”. That means the erring brother or sister is, at that point, treated as if they were lost (for they are).

You see, the only way that I know you’re saved is by your evident and outward behavior. The Apostolic text states:

1 John 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

The person who is saved will be loving of others, gracious to others, kind to others, forgiving of others. These are the fingerprints of God on the saved life. If a person stews in hatred, that person was lost anyway. The Church is called to recognize it when that person will not repent.

Why is unity so important in the Church? Because Jesus is in our midst only when we are together in Christian unity.

Matthew 18:18-20 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The Church, bound together by Christian love, has been given a great deal of power by God. The Church has the power to bind, and to loose. Not because of our power, but because, when we gather together in love, loving Jesus, then Jesus is manifest in us. And there is nothing too great for Jesus to do.

Are There Any Loopholes In What Jesus Said To Do?

As Jesus finishes teaching these great truths, Peter comes to Him and asks the question in everyone’s mind. Don’t make fun of Peter. When God gives us a law, then it is in our human nature to look for “loopholes”. Like when we drive. When the speed limit says “70 MPH”, we often drive 75, because “it’s only five miles over the limit”. I heard a fellow one day talking, LOUDLY, about a ticket he got for going 5 miles over the speed limit. He said, “I can’t believe the cop gave me a ticket! I just can’t believe it! I’m going to take this to court. I was only – only – five miles over”. If he took it to court, I’m curious what the judge said. I think I know. I think he had to pay the ticket, and maybe a little more for stupidity. The word LIMIT means LIMIT. But we are human.

So Peter comes and asks the question we were all thinking:

Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

“Lord, seven is a good number. That’s the number of completion. If my brother offends me seven times, can I hate him after that?” Jesus replied in a very interesting way:

Matthew 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Now why did Jesus choose “seventy times seven”? If you were a Jew, you would know this. When God gave Israel His Law, He gave them Shmita, or the Sabbatical Year. At the website My Jewish Learning we are told:

“In the Shmita year, debts are to be forgiven, agricultural lands to lie fallow, private land holdings to become open to the commons, and staples such as food storage and perennial harvests to be freely redistributed and accessible to all.”

Every 7 years Israel was to have Shmita (see Exodus 23:10-11). Though Israel was given this Law, for 490 years or 70 times Israel refused to take Shmita. It was only after 490 years of disobedience that God punished His Israel, and placed them in 70 years of captivity by Babylon, and later Medo-Persia. That is 70 times 7. Jesus said, you are to forgive your brother, just as God forgave Israel, 70 x 7 or 490 years. Let me ask, how many of you sitting here today are 490 years old? No one, I’d guess.

As long as you live, you are to forgive the brother or sister who has offended you. Those who will not do so are LOST, not found. They are not of Christ’s Kingdom.

Jesus now speaks a pretty lengthy parable. This parable is only found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus says:

Matthew 18:23-24 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

The “King” in this parable is a reference to our Heavenly Father. The King is settling accounts with His servants (that’s we who believe in Jesus). One servant stands in front of the King. This servant owes ten thousand talents. Now, this is an astronomical amount of money. Six hundred talents was the Roman Tax levied on all of Southern Palestine. Ten thousand talents is over 16 times more than that tax. It was impossible for the man to repay this.

Matthew 18:25-27 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

The man begged the King for Grace. And the King gave Grace. Rather than make the man pay what he owed, the King forgave him this tremendous debt. Beloved, if you are saved by faith in Christ, then you have been forgiven an immeasurable amount by God. Sin is an offense against God. Sin is a slight against the Immortal. And yet, for Christ’s sake, we have been forgiven.

The forgiven should themselves forgive. We have been forgiven much. We must forgive much.

Matthew 18:28-30 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

The man did the opposite that was done to him. He should have been gracious. Instead, he had no grace in him. He not only cast his poor servant into prison, but humiliated him by grabbing him by the throat. But word gets around.

Matthew 18:31-34 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

The King reversed his earlier decision. The evil and ungracious servant was “delivered to the tormentors”. What does this mean? I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out! I think that God surrenders the ungracious believers to something that causes them pain until they repent. Again, I don’t know exactly what that it. But I do know, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).

Jesus brings the parable home. He ends with:

Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

We are to forgive – FROM THE HEART – anyone who offends who is a brother or a sister in Christ. Always. No loopholes. It is the unified Church that can bring light back to America. Let us work together for Jesus, loving Him and loving one another. May God bless our hearts with this His Word. Amen and Amen.

Posted in Sermon Series "Red Letters", Sermons Preached | Tagged | Leave a comment

We Have The Mind of Christ

Posted on October 4, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Tom Parsons on Unsplash

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Apostle is making two statements here, two statements that seem to contradict one another. In his first statement he asks:

who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?

Let’s look at this statement first.

The Mind Of God Is Infinitely Unknowable

God is infinite in knowledge and wisdom. This is what makes God, God. The Apostle writes:

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (34) For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? (35) Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? (36) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

God, by definition, is unknowable. We know portions of Him as He has revealed in His Word. But if God were knowable, then God would cease being God. We can learn humans.

I have been married 42 years now (I think I got the number right) to a beautiful woman named Sherry. When we were first married we knew little of one another. We had a few fights in our early years as we got to know one another. But today she and I can almost read one another’s minds. It’s eerie at times. If you men would turn off the television and get to know your wives, you would learn and grow with them!

You cannot know God the same way you can learn to know your spouse. God is infinite. God knows all things. He knows EVERYTHING. Of Him, and to Him, and through Him are all things. God knows everything – and we can’t be God’s counselor. We often try to be His counselor, but it’s like a 2 year old trying to tell a parent something. Our God is infinite. Consider the immensity of God:

Isaiah 40:12-15 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (13) Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him? (14) With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? (15) Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

As humans, we often question, foolishly question, God. If you played chess with God He would always win, for He would know the move you were going to make before you ever set up the board. If you went fishing with God you would always catch a boatload, for He knows where the fish are and what they’re biting on. Remember this Bible story?

John 21:3-7 Simon Peter saith unto {the other disciples}, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. ..

The fish cannot hide from Jesus, the Son of God. Our God knows. No matter what happens to us in our lives, our God knows. Our God controls all things. Our God is, well, GOD! We cannot hide anything from God, for God knows both what you are thinking and who you are.

As humans we often wear masks – not coronavirus masks but masks to hide ourselves. We are hypocrites.

We hide our weaknesses, and smile through the pain, hoping to fool those around us.

But you can’t fool God!

1 Samuel 16:7 …. man looketh on the outward, appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

God knows what you’re thinking, and knows what you’re going to have for lunch today – or a thousand days from now. There is no mystery with God – He knows all! So when Paul asks “Who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him?” the answer to this question is “No one! No one can tell God anything, nor counsel Him, for He knows all things from the beginning to the end, and from the end to the beginning. God alone is God.”

God knows how everything fits together. As we go this life, we have highs and lows. We get surprised, and often hurt, by life. Yet nothing is a surprise to God. God says:

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We are not gods in thoughts nor in abilities. We often cannot control the things that happen around us. The trials, the catastrophes, the deaths, the diseases that have come on America, I believe much of it is a punishment from Almighty God. Read Psalm 2:1-7, and think of what God has said in light of what is happening in America today. If you applied Psalm 2:1-7 to America today, you could read …

“The Mainstream Media outlets rage, and Hollywood proposes vain and foolish things. The wealthy politicians sit together plotting against the Lord God and His Children, saying, “Let us throw away the truths of that old Bible, and cast off every law that God has established.” The Lord God Who sits in the Heavens laughs. The Lord God views them as nothing. Then shall He speak to them in His wrath, pouring out wild fires, and the Coronavirus, and Hurricanes, and floods. Our God shall vex them in His sore displeasure. Our God reigns! God has set His King upon the Holy Hill of Zion, Jesus Christ our Lord. Our God reigns!”

Beloved, I do not mean to add to or take away from God’s Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19), and I would not. I love my Lord too much to do so. But if you believe America is in a good place with the social justice warriors trying to take over the courts, and riots being justified by elected politicians as “just political protests”, then you are not in the Spirit. Just the other day I heard a woman chastise a CVS Pharmacy employee for calling the police on two black shoplifters. That is insanity – but insanity has gripped our nation. Why? Because we have gotten away from God.

The children are driving the bus, and can’t see over the dashboard!

We must, as God’s Church, and God’s nation, return to God and His Scripture. God knows best. His ways are best. Progressivism but another form of idolatry that is destroying our nation!

The Christ Follower Is Called To The Mind Of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But WE have the mind of Christ.

The Bible says “WE have the mind of Christ”. Who has the mind of Christ? The Bible says WE. Well, who is WE?

The Mind Of Christ Is Not Found In Worldly Wisdom

First of all, the WE does not refer to THE WORLD’S WISDOM. It is NOT found in Progressive rhetoric, nor in Social Justice Concepts, or in the philosophies taught by colleges and universities.

1 Corinthians 2:4-7 And my speech and my preaching was NOT with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: 7 but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

The Apostle says the mind of Christ is NOT WITH ENTICING WORDS OF MAN’S WISDOM. In many Churches today the Pastor pushes a self help program or a power of positive thinking program as the solution to what ails you. That is not what will fix you. That is not what will fix America. The Apostle said:

1 Corinthians 1:17-20 Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

The mind of Christ is not mud slinging, which is all we hear today on television. The mind of Christ is not lawlessness. The mind of Christ is not feelings. Beloved, God doesn’t care what you feel. I’m going to say this again – God doesn’t care what you FEEL! The world says:

Follow Your Heart
Do What Makes You Happy
Find Your Best Life
Just Do You

The mind of Christ is the opposite of what the world says. The mind of Christ is the Cross. The mind of Christ is not the flesh, but the Cross. When Jesus knew it was time to go to Calvary, the Scripture says:

Luke 9:51-53 And it came to pass, when the time was come that {Jesus} should be received up {that is, die on Calvary}, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

The Bible says that Jesus “set His Face” (Greek στηρίζω stērízō, {pronounced stay-rid’-zo}) or better “turned resolutely to go to Jerusalem”. Jesus did not feel like going to Jerusalem to die for our sins. But Jesus Christ knew that He had to go to Jerusalem to die for our sins. The Bible tells us that our flesh (our “feels” or feelings) wars against the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). The mind of Christ was to heed God’s Word, and to go to Calvary for your sins and mine.

And I am so thankful that he did so.

So it is also with the Christian. The world shirks pain, runs from pain, is willing to do anything – ANYTHING – to avoid pain. But this is not the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is the Cross. This why Jesus said:

Luke 9:22-24 The Son of man {that’s Jesus Christ, our Messiah} must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day {that’s Calvary} 23 And {Jesus} said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The wisdom of this world is “do anything, make government however big it needs to be … just don’t let me suffer”. The mind of Christ is “go to Calvary. As I went to Calvary and died for YOU, YOU go to Calvary and die for ME”.

The world considers this to be foolishness, but this is the way of salvation. God surrendered to our needs, and we surrender to God’s desires. Like Jesus surrendered Himself for us, we surrender ourselves. This is the mind of Christ. The madness that the philosophies of the world has unleashed upon our nation like Antifa and the Marxist BLM groups, these bring destruction. The mind of Christ does the opposite. We read in verse 7:

we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory

The mind of Christ – the Cross of Calvary – was ordained by God for OUR GLORY. It blesses us. It saves us. It raises us from the status of sinner, and makes us into Sons of God. It makes us into Saints! Oh praise God for that Old Rugged Cross!

‘Twas a life filled with aimless desperation

Without hope walked the shell of a man;

Then a hand with a nail print stretched downward,

Just one touch then a new life began.

And the old rugged cross made the difference

In a life bound for heartache and defeat;

I will praise Him forever and ever

For the cross made the difference for me.

The Mind of Christ Is Not Found In Political Power

WE have the mind of Christ. Beloved, the WE does not refer to Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist, Communist, or Marxist. It does not even refer to Independent. What does the Apostolic text say?

1 Corinthians 2:8-9 {the wisdom of God} which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Who was it that had Jesus Christ crucified? It was the politicians. Politicians on thrones. Politician behind pulpits. Politicians who were religious people. The Scribes and Pharisees suggested the Cross of Calvary, but it was the Sadducees and Herodians who, along with the Romans, carried it out. It was the darkness that tried to kill the light.

The irony of it all is that the Cross was ordained by God from before the foundation of the world. The Apostolic text states:

1 Peter 1:18-20 …. ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

Politicians crucified Jesus – but they did so not knowing that they were being used by God to accomplish His purpose. Before God created the earth, before the first family was made, before the first nation ever became a nation, God the Father ordained His Son to die for our sins. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we recognize that the Jesus Who has been loved of God from before the foundation of the world (John 17:24), was sacrificed by sinful men at the will of God the Father.

Beloved, the Christian saved by faith in Christ, the Christ Who died for sinners, that is the One Who has the mind of Christ. God gave His Son for us, so that we could be sons and daughters of God. God gave His Son for us “to bring many sons to glory”. Jesus Christ is:

Revelation 13:8 … the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 9:24-26 … Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Politicians cannot fix what ails our country. God can use politicians, just as He used Caiaphas the High Priest, Herod the King, and Pilate the Governor of Jerusalem to nail Christ to the Cross of Calvary. Oh yes, God can use the unbeliever to do His will, for God’s will is supreme. But the mind of Christ will not be found amongst politicians, unless that politician is a genuine Christian.

The Mind of Christ Comes To The
Spirit Indwelt Christian

1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we {who believe} have the mind of Christ.

Word Study The word translated “HAVE” is the Present Active Indicative of the Greek ἔχω échō, {pronounced ekh’-o}, which means “to have and hold”. We who are Christians have and hold the mind of Christ. How do we have this? Read with me:

1 Corinthians 2:11-13 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

At the point of salvation – the day you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ – God imparted His Holy Spirit to you. The Calvary you claim as yours covers your sins. Because your sins are covered, God Himself is able to come to you, and indwell you.

Every Christian has received the Spirit of God. How do I know this? Because it is promised by Jesus. Jesus told His disciples (and us) that:

John 14:15-18 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

When Christ went to the Cross of Calvary, He made a permanent covering for our sins. “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm 32:1). Jesus Christ is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus Christ had no sin. But on Calvary, He took upon Himself our sins. We are told in

2 Corinthians 5:21:{God the Father} hath made {Jesus} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The vessel is cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ, and can now be indwelt by the Spirit.

The Spirit was not given to man while Christ walked the earth. He came but temporarily, and always left afterward. But when Christ – once and for all – paid the penalty of sin, this opened the door for the Spirit to come.

The Spirit is the promise of God unto you. The Spirit comes to teach us the mind of Christ. Jesus said:

John 15:26 … when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

The Spirit testifies of Christ. It is the Spirit of God Who gives us the mind of Christ. He does this through the precious Word of God, the Bible. The Spirit of Christ guides us into the truths of Scripture (John 16:13). Beloved,

Romans 8:8-11 they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

There are many who say “I am a Christian”, and yet are not, in truth, Christians. If you are a Christian the Spirit of God indwells you. If you are a Christian in name only, the Bible calls you a natural man. You are not supernatural, but natural. You are still Adam’s Child. Read the Apostolic Text:

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Whether you are “natural” or “supernatural” is what will determine where your final destination is. If you belong to Jesus the bad times will come – but Jesus will see you through them.

I love the life story of Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie watched her entire family die in Ravensbrook concentration camp during World War II. In her book The Hiding Place, Corrie told about a conversation she had with her sister Betsy. Corrie asked Betsy, “How can we live in such a place?” Betsy replied, “{God has} given us the answer! Before we asked, as He always does! In the Bible this morning. Where was it? Read that part again!’ Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. ‘That’s it, Corrie! That’s His answer. “Give thanks in all circumstances!” That’s what we can do. We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about this new barracks!’ I stared at her; then around me at the dark, foul-aired room. ‘Such as?’ I said.“The fleas, Corrie. Remember to thank God for the fleas”. Corrie though her sister was crazy, but she thanked God for the fleas anyway. Corrie and Betsy started a Bible study in their barracks, and the guards never disturbed them. This was strange, because the German guards often raped and molested pretty women. Yet they never came into Corrie’s barracks. Do you know why? Corrie later found out that it was because of the fleas – the guards were afraid of catching the fleas!

Our God is awesome! Do you know Him? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Does your life reflect your profession? If not, come to Jesus. Come into His open arms. He loves you, you know, and will bless you if you will give your lives to Him.

If you do know Him, Beloved, pick up the Book every day. Read it. Ask the Spirit within to guide you in applying it’s truths. And pray that God will make you more like Jesus every day. You are the hope of America. Be the light of Christ. In Jesus name I pray. Amen and Amen.

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Come To Jesus, Or Go To Hell

Posted on September 27, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Simon Alibert on Unsplash

Matthew 18:3-11 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

We Are To Be Responsible For Our Own Lives

In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven – the place that God calls home – you must be “converted, and become as little children”. The word rendered “converted” is the Greek στρέφω stréphō, (pronounced stref’-o), which means “to turn yourself around, to turn back from where you were headed, to turn your self from one course of conduct to another”. The word requires that a person take responsibility for their own lives. To recognize the direction you are going in, and, like a child, turn to Jesus Christ and allow Him to take your hand, and lead you in another direction.

We live in a day of diminished personal responsibility. The narrative of the world is that “It’s not MY fault, but SOMEONE ELSE is the reason I am the way I am”. Blame shifting and finger pointing are all in vogue today. Yet this is nothing new. When God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He told Adam:

Genesis 2:16 … Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Adam was responsible for NOT eating of this one tree. The Bible says “the LORD God COMMANDED THE MAN”. יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהִים YAHWEH ‘Elohiym, the Triune and Eternal I AM, told just the man to not eat of this fruit. Eve was never told this. And yet, when Eve …

Genesis 3:6 … took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Sin entered into the world. When God questioned Adam as to why he ate of the fruit, Adam’s reply was to deflect his sin by saying:

Genesis 3:12 … The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

“It wasn’t MY fault, God. It was THAT WOMAN’S fault. Yeah, THAT WOMAN that YOU GAVE ME. It was she who sinned (and Lord, I think You had a little hand in this, too!” The blame game. Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the snake. The snake had no one to blame.

Jesus calls each and every one of us to personal responsibility.

When Christ speaks of eternity, He always addresses personal responsibility. You alone are responsible for your life, and your eternal life.

Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

We are called to HUMBLE OURSELVES as LITTLE CHILDREN. To come before God our Father and take accountability for our own lives. The Bible makes it clear that the Most Supreme Court of God does not judge a person based upon what someone else did, but Gods judges us on the basis of what WE did. The Scripture says:

Galatians 6:3-5 …. if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

Each and every person shall stand before God one day, and give an account for OUR OWN life. The things that we do in this life will echo throughout eternity. You cannot take anything physical with you when you depart planet Earth for the Kingdom of Heaven, but you will carry something spiritual with you.

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 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.

Every action, every thing you do in this life, is a seed planted that will effect the future of those around you, and your own eternal future. Each person will, in eternity, be responsible for their own actions. The Prophet said it this way:

Jeremiah 31:29-30 In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. 30 But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

You are responsible for your own iniquity, your own decisions. God will not blame another for what you failed to do. God will judge sin. God always judges sin. He said in Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 18:4-13 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. 5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, 6 and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbor’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, 7 and hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; 8 he that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, 9 hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God. 10 If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, 11 and that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbor’s wife, 12 hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination, 13 hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

In our day rioters are rioting because someone did something to them, therefore their rioting is to be excused. Beloved, this is not supported by Jesus.

Jesus said humble yourself as this little child. Jesus calls us to follow Him as little children, believing in Him, doing what He said do. We are to be responsible for our own lives. God never judges another for what you, yourselves have done. It is God’s Law – and God is just – Who says:

Deuteronomy 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

I Watch My Life Because God Watches My Life

God watches over His Children. You are to become as little Children in following Jesus. But what should you do if you are harmed, offended, diminished by the actions of another? Jesus said:

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

God takes care of His little children. If you are a child of God by faith in Christ then, rest assured, there is coming a day when God will avenge your enemies. When John the Revelator looked into Heaven, he saw:

Revelation 6:9-10 … under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

God will avenge His people Whom He loves.

Little child, little Christian, leave vengeance to your God. If you belong to Jesus, rest in Jesus, trust Jesus. Continue to tell others about the glorious salvation you have in Christ by faith. The Apostle said:

Romans 12:17-21 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

As our Master turned the other cheek when hit, we ourselves are to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). Rather than seek retribution against that which the unbeliever does, the child of Christ:

Matthew 5:44-45 … Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

God will avenge the evil done to you. Do not take vengeance, but follow our Master’s example and command. Jesus said:

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!

The world is going to be offended by the Christ Child following the Word of God. This is going to happen. You, as Christians, are light in the midst of darkness. This is going to happen. Jesus said:

John 15:18-21 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

The world will hate the Christian, living for the Savior. Why? Because the world is yet in darkness. It does not know the Heavenly Father as He is. You see, the world promotes the Heavenly Father as “A God of Nothing But Love”. The world takes passages like:

1 John 4:8, 16 … God is love …

It is true that God is love. God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son (John 3:16). But God is also holy.

Psalm 99:9 … the LORD our God is holy.

And God is just and righteous:

Isaiah 61:8 … I the Lord love judgment …

Psalm 33:4-5 the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

God is righteous, and holy, and just. God is the standard of truth, and judges all those who do not meet His standard. Beloved,

If You Go To Hell, It Is Your Fault!

In America, personal responsibility is no longer in vogue, and neither is the Biblical truth of hell and eternal punishment. Yet hell is a real place. Jesus said:

Matthew 18:8-9 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

It is your hands that do sin, your feet that lead you to sin, and your eyes that cause you to mull over the possibility of sin. Jesus is not commending self mutilation here, but is using a powerful analogy to explain how terrible hell is. Jesus used similar language when He spoke His Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:29-30 … if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Sin is an offense against an immense and eternal God. Those who leave this life with their sins uncovered shall never enter into God’s Heaven. Some people today believe that Jesus, on dying on the Cross, secured salvation for every person who has ever been born, whether they believe in Him or not. Yet the Scripture does not teach this. Jesus told Nicodemus:

John 3:16-18 … For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The text is very clear. To make it clearer, I remind you of the words of our Lord Who told the religious Scribes and Pharisees:

John 5:39-40 … Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

In Jesus is life, eternal life (John 17:3). In Jesus was life (John 1:4). When you come to Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior, the sins that are on your account are transferred to Christ’s account. The Bible says:

1 Peter 2:24 {our Lord Jesus} … committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29). When you receive Christ as Lord and Savior, your sins are covered because of what Jesus did for you on the Cross. It is not God’s desire that ANYONE end up in hell. The Lord taught that hell was originally designed to be a place for fallen angels to inhabit. Jesus said that hell is …

Matthew 25:41 … everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels

Hell is a place to be feared. It is a place that those who reject Jesus Christ as Savior will go to in the next life. Jesus said that hell is so horrifying that it would be better to willingly sacrifice a body part, than to be cast into such a place.

Hell is not a place of annihilation. It is a place of eternal punishment. It is Jesus who has the keys to hell and death (Revelation 1:18). Jesus said that He would send forth angels to gather up …

Matthew 13:41-42 … all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus made His viewpoint on hell clear when He spoke of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. In that story Jesus said of the thoughtless and heartless rich man:

Luke 16:22-24 … the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

The rich man in hell was unrepentant as to his previous lifestyle. He treated Lazarus as a servant, not a child of God. The rich man died, but being cast into flames he did not burn up. Instead, we see he is in torment, suffering. Hell is a place where those …

Revelation 20:15 … whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The horror of hell is not just that there is suffering in it, but in that the suffering never ends. C.H. Spurgeon noted:

“In hell there is no hope. The dammed have not even the hope of dying–the hope of being annihilated. They are forever–forever–forever lost! On every chain in hell, there is written ‘forever.’ In the fires there, blaze out the words, ‘forever.’ Above their heads, they read, ‘forever.’ Their eyes are galled and their hearts are pained with the thought that it is ‘forever.’”

Leslie Schmucker, writing in the article “The Uncomfortable Subject Jesus Addressed More Than Anyone Else” (see the Gospel Coalition):

“Jesus doesn’t only reference hell, he describes it in great detail. He says it is a place of eternal torment (Luke 16:23), of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43), where the worm does not die (Mark 9:48), where people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret (Matt. 13:42), and from which there is no return, even to warn loved ones (Luke 16:19–31). He calls hell a place of “outer darkness” (Matt. 25:30), comparing it to “Gehenna” (Matt. 10:28), which was a trash dump outside the walls of Jerusalem where rubbish was burned and maggots abounded.”

The sad thing about hell is the regret that those will experience for all eternity. “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). There is no indication in Scripture that people will be given a second chance at redemption upon leaving this life. I have heard people say:

“I don’t believe a truly good God would send anyone to hell”.

Would a good judge sentence someone who committed a crime to imprisonment? Of course they would. In fact, a good judge MUST sentence the guilty to imprisonment. God sends no one to hell, but offers all an escape from it.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

God would have all to repent, to be converted as little children, to come to Jesus by faith. God gives us a choice, and we are responsible for the choice we make.

Matthew 19:11…. the Son of man is come to save that which
was lost.

God became man, incarnate, so that He could seek out and save the lost. Our Jesus left the 90 and 9 in Heaven, and came to earth for the lost souls. It is not God’s will that anyone go to hell. And yet, Beloved, this is a reality that anyone without Christ will face one sad day.

That is your choice. Will you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Will you live a life surrendered to Him? What you do with your life is your choice, and your responsibility. Do not delay. If you are not saved, call upon Jesus’ name this very day.

I’d love to see you all in Heaven one day!

May God touch your hearts with His Word and His Spirit. Amen and Amen.

Posted in Sermon Series "Red Letters", Sermons Preached | Leave a comment

Preaching Christ Crucified

Posted on September 27, 2020 by bibleteacherorg
Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Are You Living The Life God Designed You To Live?

As humans, we spend many precious hours – even days – doing things that really don’t matter all that much. Though I love technology, and use my computers, my I-pad, DSL lines and WIFI connectivity,

I believe the devil and his demons are doing their level best to keep our minds and our activities on the mundane, the vain and useless.

If the devil can keep our young people and, might I say, you?, staring at a phone screen, you will miss out on the best that life has to offer. So often I see parents and grand parents with beautiful families, families they ignore while they stare at social media and get indignant over memes.

Go outside, and look around. Everywhere you look there is evidence of God’s grand design. It’s in the Fall leaves. It’s in every blade of grass, every butterfly, every cloud, every star in the sky. It reminds me of the scripture,

Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

It was God, not evolution or chance, that made the earth and all that is in it. It is God Who spoke, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3), and “there was light”. It is God Who framed the earth, Who separated the atmosphere from the waters, Who established the dry lands.

The devil wants us to live mundane lives. God wants us to live miraculous lives, joyous lives, peaceful lives.

There is power in the life that can say …

Psalm 121:2 My help cometh from the Lord, {Who} made heaven and earth.

It is God Who made all things. The Bible specifically says it was God the Son, the pre-incarnate Lord Jesus Christ, who made all things. If you have received Christ as Lord and Savior, then the Bible says:

Colossians 1:13-17 … {God the Father} hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 {Jesus Christ} is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

It is Jesus – the Jesus Who “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same {Jesus} was in the beginning with God {the Godhead}. All things were made BY HIM and FOR HIM, and without Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3). Jesus Christ is the Maker of Heaven and earth. He is the Maker of Adam and Eve, the Maker of us all.

Because we, as a nation, have drifted from the Biblical truths, we have drifted from the God Who made us. We all need God. We all need His forgiveness and mercy. We need Jesus Christ.

He Who breathed the breath of life into Adam, we need Him to breathe the breath of eternal life in each one of us. Oh, how America needs to come to Jesus.

And yet, so many procrastinate. They withhold allegiance to Christ. Feeling the call of God, they linger, and question. They harden their hearts. The Bible says:

Proverbs 28:14 … he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Just last Sunday as I preached to you, a good man and a good friend, John Riley, sat on the back row listening. Little did I know this would be the last time I would speak to John. John is a good Christian man, and I believe he is now with the Lord. A member of a Methodist church, he many times popped in to visit us. Now he is before the Lord, leaving this life at the call of the Master. John knew where his final destination was – do you? If you do not, do not hesitate. Do not harden your hearts.

If You Keep Waiting For A Sign,
You’ll Miss God’s Heaven

The Apostle Paul spoke to a wide audience of people while he walked this earth. He loved the Jews, and sought to preach Christ to them even when they tried to kill him. He writes:

1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign …

It doesn’t matter how good the preacher is – if you harden your heart to God’s call, you will not be saved. The Jews hardened their hearts, even when the preacher was Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus came unto His own people, but His own people would not receive Him (John 1:11). Israel had long waited for the Messiah. Now He is here, and they would not receive Him. Why not? Why wouldn’t they receive Him? Because they wanted a “sign”. They told Jesus …

Matthew 12:38 … “Master, we would see a sign from thee.”

The word translated “sign” is the Greek σημεῖον sēmeîon, (pronounced say-mi’-on), which means something miraculous that shows a person is of God. Jesus had shown the scribes and Pharisees many different signs, proofs that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. In verse 22 of the same chapter in Matthew we read that someone brought unto Jesus:

Matthew 12:22-24 … one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

The problem with the Jews was NOT that they had no signs from Christ that He is the Messiah. Jesus reached out to them. Jesus reaches out to you. And yet, many harden their hearts against God, just as the Jews did. They ..

Ephesians 4:18 …. {had} the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

How many times did Jesus give the Jews a sign? Here’s just a few cases from the Scripture:

  • Jesus changed water into wine (John 2:1-11). Not grape juice into wine, but water into wine. This shows He has absolute control over the elements.
  • Jesus cured a nobleman’s son in Cana of Galilee (John 4:46-47).
  • Jesus called out a great haul of fish for His disciples (Luke 5:1-11).
  • Jesus cast out unclean spirits (Mark 1:23-28).
  • Jesus healed lepers (Mark 1:40-45).
  • Jesus raised people from the dead (Luke 7:11-18).
  • Jesus stilled the storm and waves (Matthew 8:23-27).

When John the Baptist asked Jesus, “Are You the Messiah, or should we expect another?”. The Bible says:

Luke 7:21-23 …. in that same hour {Jesus} cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

There were ample signs that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, and yet the Pharisees continued to ask for a sign. Jesus refused them.

The Jews – like many today – say “I’ll surrender to Jesus when I see a sign”. How many signs do you need?

Our nation is falling to pieces. Politically we are a train wreck. Families are in shambles. Children are raised by single parents, often without the slightest bit of Biblical discipline. Young people have been sent to colleges, and taught Marxism and violent political activism. The heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). It needs the control of God.

When you say to God, “Give me a sign, and I’ll believe on Jesus, and receive Him as Lord and Savior”, God’s response is just this:

Matthew 12:39-42 … An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: 40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

God has given all the signs He is going to give. His thumbprint is on all of creation. He sent His Son to die for you and I. Jesus died on Calvary, suffering terribly for your sins and mine. We know He was dead. His death and its witness is recorded in:

John 19:34 … with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

When a body dies, the blood cells separate from the plasma. Jesus Christ was dead on that Cross. He died making payment for our sins. And yet, though Christ died for our sins, Jesus rose again on the third day. There were many who witnessed the resurrection of our Lord:

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Many people saw the resurrected Savior, our Lord Jesus. These people acknowledged the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, even though many were martyred for what they professed. Do you wish a sign that Jesus is Who He says He is? Then receive Him by faith. Beloved, there are many who have discovered that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

James 4:14 … what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Do not hesitate to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. He will save you. You are not promised another day to believe. Do not put it off any longer!

If You Keep Waiting For The World’s Approval,
You’ll Miss God’s Heaven

The Jewish mindset is to put off coming to Christ until “God gives me a sign”. The Gentile mindset is to put off coming to Christ
“Because I may look foolish and unwise”.

1 Corinthians 1:22 … the Greeks seek after wisdom

What do others say? What do my peers say? What do the scientists say? These wise people seek the approval of the world before coming to Christ – and come up with the most astounding ideas in order to cover their unbelief. God addresses the unbeliever, saying:

Psalm 14:1 … The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

The atheist touts his wisdom, saying, “We have evolved from goo into complex living beings. All that we are is but an accident of nature, a chance being.” Sadly, the wisdom of the world dehumanizes us. How else can you explain those who would abort a human life by vivisection, by chemical burning, and then turn around and sell that baby’s body parts for experimentation. Yes, this happens.

If humanity developed by accident, then that which is good and right is determined by the consensus of the people. If the people decide – by majority rule – that an action is right and proper, then there is no real moral truth. I once had an individual ask me,

“Why would you be against a mother aborting a child that had Downs Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, or some other limiting factor that would make them less than other children?”

My response was quite simple. I replied,

“For the same reason I do not advocate the death and dismemberment of senior adults in Nursing Homes, or adults who are no longer contributing to our society. Life, for me, has value because God says that it does. When we begin devaluing life at it’s beginning, it is not long before every life – even your own – can be devalued.”

The Greeks were well known for their pursuit of worldly wisdom. Yet worldly wisdom does not build a stable, moral citizenship. God has said:

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 … I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Our America is disintegrating. How do we fix it. We don’t – but God can. We need to come to God in Christ. The Bible says:

Proverbs 16:6 … By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

When people depart from the Biblical truths handed down to us by our Creator through His Prophets and Apostles, it isn’t long before the nation decays. In America we are definitely in the midst of an absolute moral decay.

Proverbs 10:27 … The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Proverbs 14:27 … The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

God loves America – it is time for America to love God. We need to hear His call, to cease hardening our hearts, to give ourselves to Jesus Christ. The Bible says:

1 Timothy 2:3-5 … this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

God gave His Son to this world so that all could be saved. The way to salvation is to come surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is:

Luke 2:32 … a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

How do we grow in wisdom? We learn more about Jesus. We study His Word and His truths. Listen Beloved, if you know little of Christ, you will never be wise. The Scripture says:

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

It is the Word of Christ, the Holy Scripture, that brings knowledge and wisdom. Though all the world call me a hater, homophobic, misogynist, deplorable, or whatever, I choose to seek out my Lord’s will through His Scripture. The Bible tells us that the Christian was once foolish, and is still considered foolish by the world. The Apostle said:

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 … God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: 29 that no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

We need to get back to the Cross.

It Is Through The Cross We Are Saved And Secured

1 Corinthians 1:23-25 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

A mamma tucked her little girl in for the night. The child asked “Mommy, will you bring me a glass of water? I’m thirsty!” The mother replied, “No honey, you’ve had enough water. Go to sleep”. The mother went and laid down to sleep. Just as she was about asleep the child cried out to her mamma. “Mommy, will you get me a glass of water? I’m thirsty!” The mother, exasperated, yelled back to her child. “If you ask for water one more time, I’m going to spank you!” A moment passed, then the child said “Mommy, when you get up to spank me, will you get me a glass of water?”

This little girl knew what she needed, and was willing to suffer a spanking to get what she desperately wanted. How about you? Are you thirsty? Jesus said:

John 7:37-38 Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

If we would come thirsty to our Lord and Savior, He will satisfy our needs. Jesus Christ died on Calvary to be the covering for our sins. Christianity is not a DIY (Do It Yourself) religion. Christianity is a faith that relies on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Bible tells us that God the Father …

2 Corinthians 5:21 … made {Jesus} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jesus Christ bore the payment of our sins on His own body. The Prophet writes:

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely {Christ} hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. {5} But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. {6} All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Though Jesus suffered in our place, never once did He cry against the injustice of it all. It was all of justice. We are all sinners, lost and undone, unable to pay for the evil we have done and continue to do. Jesus Christ …

Isaiah 53:7-9 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. {8} He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. {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.

It pleased God the Father to save us by bruising His Only Begotten Son.

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, …

The devil despises the Cross of Christ. He despises the Gospel of the Shed Blood of Jesus. When the early preachers were caught by Satan’s henchmen they were beaten – then warned – to cease preaching Christ crucified. “Do not speak in the Name of Jesus!” (Acts 5:40). What did the disciples do? They departed from the council, and preached Christ all the more in the Temple and in every place. “They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). We preach Christ crucified for this is the only thing that will change a life, the only thing that will save a soul.

Are you saved by faith in Christ? Not an empty faith, but a life changing, Christ centered faith? If you are saved by faith in Christ, you are to live out your life by faith in Christ. Live for Him. This is the greatest witness you can give to the world.

In the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit sent Philip the Evangelist to an Ethiopian Eunuch to explain Christ in the Book of Isaiah (Acts 8:26). The Ethiopian was reading from Isaiah 53:7, and Philip explained how the text related to Jesus Christ. That dear man was saved that day. God can save anyone if they will but look to Jesus.

One snowy Sunday, January 6th, 1850, a young 15 year old boy was under conviction, and felt that he needed to find someone who could help him. He had listened to many sermons, but had never been moved to turn fully to Christ. The young man came into a Primitive Methodist facility where just a few people were gathered. The Pastor had not made it to Church that day, but one of the old Deacons had. That grand old man read from Isaiah:

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

The young man would later testify, “… when I heard that word, Look!, what a charming word it seemed to me. Oh I looked until I could almost have looked my eyes away. That happy day when I found the Savior and learned to cling to His dear feet was a day never to be forgotten by me. An obscure child, unknown, unheard of, I listened to the Word of God; and that precious text led me to the Cross of Christ.” This young man would grow up to be C.H. Spurgeon, one of the greatest preachers of all time.

This is the peace and contentment that the Christian has. Do you have this in your life? If not, come to Jesus Christ, and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Surrender your life to Him, and He will give you true life, a blessed life, eternal life. May Christ Jesus touch you through His Word and His Spirit this very day. Amen and Amen!

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