Little Foxes That Spoil The Vines

Posted on December 29, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

John 15:5-8 {Jesus said to us} I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

What does God our Father want of us? The Bible is very clear on this point. He wants every child of His, every Christian, to bear fruit. He says to His Child:

John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Jesus wants me and you – if you have been saved by loving faith in Him (blessed be the Name of the Lord!) – bear fruit that remains. We who are Christians have no ability of ourselves to bear fruit. Let me say again:

We who are Christians – Children of God –
have no ability of ourselves to bear fruit!

Our ability to bear fruit – which is what Our Father wants us to do – is tied to our being in Christ, abiding in Him.

We are to draw near to Jesus.
To trust Him.
To rest in His embrace.

As we do so, the power that is in Christ flows from the vine to the vines. Jesus’ power flows through our lives. As His power flows God imparts fruit through us. The Bible calls this fruit:

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Little Foxes Spoil The Fruit

What binds us to Christ? It is His Grace and love! But there are little foxes that come into the vineyard of the Christian to hinder our fruitfulness. One of my mentors in Christ, C.H. Spurgeon, said:

“The sea is made of drops; the rocks are made of grains: and the sea which divides thee from Christ may be filled with the drops of thy little sins; … If thou wouldst live with Christ, and walk with Christ, and see Christ, and have fellowship with Christ, take heed of the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.”

The foxes that spoil the vines – disrupting our relationship and joy in Christ – are very sneaky. Think about the fox for a moment:

  • Foxes are fast. They dart into the vineyard and eat the fruit, then run away. They are hard to catch.
  • Foxes are little. Their size makes us think that they are nothing. We tend to underestimate the small things. Not too long ago one of our members was bitten by a brown recluse spider – one of the tiniest of creatures. He had to go through several months of medical treatment to get over it. Oh Beloved, do not consider small to be insignificant. A nuclear weapon destroys millions by splitting the unseen atom. One tiny fox can lead many other tiny foxes to us, bring a BIG problem.
  • Foxes are cute. They are among the prettiest of animals. I have often thought how neat it would be to have a fox to raise (and I also like the look of a skunk). Truth be told, no one has ever tamed the wild out of a fox. They cannot be domesticated.
  • Foxes are cunning. They sometimes work in pairs, and as you watch one, another will sneak up and steal the fruit of your vineyard.

What are the “little foxes” than can rob us of our joy in Christ?

Beware The Little Foxes Of False Spirituality
& Spiritual Laziness

We have all, at times, been lazy. I tend to put off things that I don’t like to do. I don’t like crawling under the car to change the oil, or taking the time to tune up the engine by changing the plugs. Many times in my laziness (compounded with the fact that I am a little arthritic) I just opt to pay someone else to do that. As far as that goes, I supposed there’s nothing wrong with paying someone to do something that you hate to do in the secular world.

In the Spiritual world if you want to grow in power as a Child of God you must do the work. You can’t phone it in. You can’t put it off. And you can’t hire it done. It is YOUR walk with Christ.

The Bible tells us that we as believers must study the Word of God, this Bible. We read:

2 Timothy 2:15-17 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker …

You must put in the time. The Bible tells us to study to show thyself approved unto God. “Study” you ask? “Study what?” We are to study the Word of God, and shun the babbling words of the secular world. When we “study” (the Greek σπουδάζω spoudazō in the Imperative Mood – it is IMPERATIVE that you study God’s Word) the Word of God we are “approved unto God”. The word “approved” is the Greek δόκιμος dókimos, (pronounced dok’-ee-mos) which means “to be pleasing to God”.

The Spiritually Lazy Christian has no fence around his vineyard. The little foxes of the world easily run into the unguarded life, consuming our fruit, eating our joy!

God is not pleased with the spiritually lazy Christian. He loves you – yes, He does. But God has given you His Word just as a loving mother feeds her child. God provides, but WE must feed yourselves daily on His Word. Daily. When we do not, we drift from God. It does not amaze me that the Church in America has drifted from God’s Word. Years ago believers thought differently than they believe now.

If you have never been offended by a sermon, you have never heard the Word of God!

The Word of God offends the world. When we drift from God, we will be offended by the Word. But that’s good, not bad. God said …

Jeremiah 23:28-29 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

When we are offended by God’s Word, let us adjust course. God’s Word is true, and often what we think is not. I heard the story one time of a ship that saw another ship’s lights. The captain called across the airwaves, “Light on my north, I am a freighter. Veer off, or we will collide.” The light replied: “Light on my south, you veer off. I cannot. I am a lighthouse!”

God’s Word is always true – whether you agree with it or not! Jesus was emphatic when He decreed:

Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

You must READ and HEED Christ’s Word. Today.

“Tomorrow. Tomorrow.
Tomorrow I will open God’s Word.
Tomorrow I will attend Church and heed the Word spoken.
Tomorrow I will go to Discipleship Training.
Tomorrow I will attend Sunday School.”

The Christian way of life was not meant to be a comfy recliner or a snuggy in a warm bed. The Christian way of life is a Cross. Jesus said:

Matthew 16:24-25 … If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

He meant what He said!

The Little Fox Called The Little Look

Every action, whether right or wrong, begins with a thought. When we become lazy in our study of God’s Word it is not long before Satan will tempt us with a little fox.

Jesus made a statement one time that puzzled me – and has puzzled many over the years. He said:

Matthew 5:27-32 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever LOOKETH on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And 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. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

In our world today the sexual revolution of the 60s has become the sexual madness of the Century. How did the degradation of America and the American family begin? With a little look. Jesus told us that the little look – that little improper look at a woman – can turn into something ugly. Now people say, “But what does a little look matter? I’ve not done anything if I look and think about it. After all, sin is an activity, not a thought.” That is very true. Sin is an activity, not a thought. But sin always begins with a thought. Let me say this again:

Sin always begins with a thought.

I know of a Deacon who, good man that he is, donated one his kidneys to another Church member in need. Several years later this same generous and sweet man was caught in bed with the youth Pastor’s wife. How did this happen? It starts with a look.

Jesus tells us that Matthew 5:29-32 … 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.

“What?!” you cry out to Jesus. “Why should I pluck my eye out? Why should I cut my right hand – in most of us, the dominant hand – off?” Because that little fox called Folly has you look where you should not look. Do you not remember the Apostle’s warning:

1 Corinthians 5:6 … Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

A little folly, a little sin.
A little crack, the devil’s in.

Consider the life of King David, a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). What brought great misery to David? A little laziness and a little look. We read:

2 Samuel 11:1-2 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time WHEN KINGS GO FORTH TO BATTLE, THAT DAVID sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. BUT DAVID TARRIED STILL AT JERUSALEM. 2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof HE SAW A WOMAN WASHING HERSELF; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

David as King was supposed to be at war with his people. The leader should always lead. But instead, David decided to delegate his responsibility to others. David decided to take a sabbatical, a rest, a little vacation from what God told him to do. The devil watches. He watches David. He watches David NOT doing what God told him to do.

A little look.
A little call.
A little touch.
A little kiss.
A little baby.
A little murder.
A little curse.

None of it is little to God. God is watching, and God told David:

2 Samuel 12:9-12 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. 11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house…

The world calls this “Karma”. The Bible says it is “sin”. There is no little sin with God. I saw this horror played out before my eyes at a Church I once pastored. There was a faithful family of believers who came to Church regularly. One day I saw a little fox walk into the assembly. She wore short skirts, fish net stockings, provocatively placed tattoos. One day I was at the local Walmart when she came out of the store hand in hand with one of the male family members. Though they quickly made excuses to me to make their actions seem innocent, there is no reason for a married man to be walking hand in hand with another woman. Less than a year later the husband abandoned his wife and children. Most of the family left the Church, broken and in pieces. Oh Beloved, avoid the little sins. Confess sin before God, and draw near to Jesus!

The Little Fox Of Worry

Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

One of the little Foxes that rob our us of joy is that little Fox called “Worry”. Worry is actually a form of faithlessness. This is what our Jesus said:

Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

The one ravaged by the Fox of Worry is a person of “little faith”. God is able. God is able. God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham (Matthew 3:9). God gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. When you received Christ as Savior God was able to graft us into the Covenant Promises of Grace (Romans 11:23). As a Child of God our God is able to make you stand (Romans 14:4). And when we sin, our God is able to make all grace abound unto us (2 Corinthians 9:8).

My God is able.
It is God Who worketh in you both to Will
and to Do of His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13

If God can save a sinner and fit that sinner for Heaven, there is nothing that God cannot do. Our Lord Jesus said …

Matthew 19:26 … with God all things are possible.

Mark 9:23 … If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Beloved, our God is able. When we worry about the things that we have no ability to change we rob ourselves of our today. This Jesus we follow is able to do anything. I remember once when the disciples were crossing the sea with Jesus a storm rose, and began to wash waves over the boat. The disciples saw Jesus in the rear of the boat sleeping. Rousing the Lord up, the disciples – with fear in their voices – cried out:

Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Jesus woke up, stood up, and said simply “Peace. Be still.” The wind and the waves immediately stopped. Jesus then turned to His disciples and said:

Mark 4:40 … Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Why indeed? Why do we allow the little Fox of Worry and its companions Fear and Doubt to run into our vines? God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He gave the most He could give to us at the Cross. Why would He now abandon us.

My God is able.
My God is able.

But perhaps, just perhaps, you have never met my God. Perhaps you have heard of Him from others, but have never called on Him for yourselves. Perhaps you are relying on your own self righteousness to get you to Heaven. Oh Beloved, self righteousness has damned so many to hell. We need Jesus.

The Little Fox Of Self Righteousness

There are many other “little foxes” that I could preach on today, but I want to end with one of the worst. It is the little fox of self righteousness. As I preached this sermon some sat in the audience thinking, “What’s wrong with these people? None of these things afflict me. Boy, the preacher really told them, didn’t he?” If you thought these thoughts or thought yourself superior to others while God spoke, then you are afflicted by the worst of the little foxes – that of self righteousness.

The greatest enemies of Christ while He walked this earth was not the secular world, but the self righteous religious world. The Pharisees aqnd Scribes often attacked the Master. I will end with this text:

Luke 18:9-14 {Jesus} spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

If you believe that you are above the little foxes that afflict us all, then you are the grips of the most wily of the foxes – self righteousness. Even after Jesus spoke this word to His disciples the disciples – before His words had even just left the air – began to self righteously run people away from Jesus. “The Master cannot be disturbed by these babies. Away with you!” Jesus rebuked them, then said:

Luke 18:17 … Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

If you want to be blessed of God you have to be like a little child. Humble yourselves. Kneel at His feet. If He bids it, sell all you have, give it to the poor, and follow Him (Luke 18:22). All to Jesus. All to Jesus.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Thee I freely give,
I will ever love and trust Him;
In His Presence daily live!
I surrender all. I surrender all.
All to Thee, my Blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Evangelist Billy Graham often had this song sung at the invitation he gave at the end of his crusade messages. Billy wrote:

“One of the evangelists who influenced my early preaching was also a hymnist who wrote “I Surrender All” — the Reverend J. W. Van de Venter. He was a regular visitor at the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity Bible College) in the late 1930’s. We students love this kind, deeply spiritual gentleman and often gathered in his winter home at Tampa, Florida, for an evening of fellowship and singing.”

If you sing this song in it’s entirety you would sing the word “surrender” thirty times. The way to power with God and in this life is “surrender” – living in the shadow and will of Christ. Will you surrender to Him this New Year? Perfect vision is 20/20. In 2020 let us have perfect vision – surrender to Christ!

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Their Works Do Follow Them (Part 1)

Posted on December 23, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Understanding The Difference
Between “Justification” And “Sanctification”

What is a “saint”? The Roman Catholic Church defines a “saint” as “someone who has led a life of heroic virtue”. In Catholicism it is the Pope who proclaims someone to be a “Saint”. Once someone is named a “Saint” by the Pope “public devotion to the saint, called a ‘cultus’, is authorized for Catholics throughout the world”. But is this what the Bible teaches?

The Bible defines a “Saint” as a person who has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This is clear in Scripture.

Romans 1:6-7 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, CALLED TO BE SAINTS: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every person called into salvation by Jesus
is “called to be a Saint”.

The noun form of the word “Saint” is the Greek hagios (ἅγιος hágios, pronounced hag’-ee-os) or in the Hebrew (קֹדֶשׁ qôdesh, pronounced ko’-desh), both of which means “one who has been set apart, consecrated, or dedicated by God”. The verb form of this word is, in the Hebrew, (קָדַשׁ qâdash, kaw-dash’), such as is found in creation:

Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Or when God told Israel

Exodus 29:43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.

In the Old Testament God “sanctified” the seventh day, “sanctified” the firstborn, “sanctified” the children of Abraham by circumcision, “sanctified” the Tabernacle and the Temple, and “sanctified” the priests.

In the New Testament the verb form of “sanctified” is (ἁγιάζω hagiázō, hag-ee-ad’-zo). God is the Saint Maker – not the Pope.

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are SANCTIFIED in Christ Jesus, called to be SAINTS, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Sanctification is a part of being in Christ Jesus. When you are saved by faith in Him then God comes to you and changes you. The Christian is no longer like the lost of the world – the Christian is found of God. The Apostle told the Church at Corinth:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

“Justification” is when God makes you righteous because of Christ. “Sanctification” is when the Holy Spirit moves on the justified believer. The Blood of Christ makes our justification possible, and it is the Blood of Christ that causes the Spirit to come into the framework of our lives. Sanctification always accompanies justification or what we call “salvation”.

Justification Versus Sanctification

Justification is Free (John 4:1)

Sanctification is Costly (Luke 14:25-33)

Justification is Immediate,
at New Birth (John 3:8)

Sanctification is a Life Work (John 8:31)

Justification is by Faith alone
(Ephesians 2:8)

Sanctification is by Faithfulness
(1 Corinthians 4:2)

God alone Justifies (Ephesians 2:9)

We partner with God in Sanctification
(Ephesians 2:10)

Justification is Christ’s
love for me (John 3:16)

Sanctification is my love for Christ
(1 John 4:19)

Because of Christ I am justified – I possess His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)

If I am justified I will want to be sanctified (Luke 14:25-33)

Justification involves my position in Christ
(Colossians 2:11-14)

Sanctification involves my practice in Christ
(Colossians 3:1-11)

Justification considers what God has done (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Sanctification considers what I am doing for God (Luke 14:25-33)

Justification is God’s commitment to me
(1 John 5:9-13)

Sanctification is my commitment to God
(John 14:15)

Justification requires obedience to
believe the Gospel (Acts 6:7)

Sanctification requires obedience to
Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20)

Justification focuses on the Cross that Jesus took up for me (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Sanctification focuses on the cross I am to take up for Jesus (Luke 9:53)

Justification stands finished at the
moment of faith (John 5:24)

Sanctification is not finished until I meet my
Lord in Heaven (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The believer is a “Saint” because Jesus and the Holy Spirit “sanctify” us.

Hebrews 2:9-17 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

A lost person cannot be sanctified. Only a person saved by faith in Christ can be sanctified. On the day that you – dear believer – received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior then God who sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) applies the Blood of Jesus Christ to your lives. Jesus then baptizes you with the Holy Spirit – sending the Spirit of God to you to change you (Luke 3:16). The Holy Spirit enters the life of the genuine Christian, saved by faith. Once the Spirit enters your life you are set apart – sanctified – made a saint or, if you prefer, a Child of God.

We are “justified” or made right before God
by the authority of Christ.
We are “sanctified” or made “saints”
by the action of the Holy Spirit.
“ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

If you understand the two works of salvation – “Justification” and “Sanctification” – then you will understand this: No Christian Is Saved By Works, But If You Are Saved You Will Work – For You Are A Work Of God!

Sins Do Not Follow Us To Heaven – But Works Do

Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

What does God say of His “Saints”?

Here is the patience of the saints

A “saint” is NOT someone saved by works, but by faith in THE work of Christ. The Scripture says:

Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 That being justified by his grace, WE SHOULD BE MADE HEIRS according to the hope of eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: [IT IS] THE GIFT OF GOD: 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.

We who are believers are the product of God’s Grace. Jesus Christ paid for our salvation. The Holy Spirit causes us to be born again and adopted into the Family of God. We are changed by God.

But once changed, we work.

We are set apart, sanctified, called to be saints by God. And we patiently work. The Christian continues to serve God in some capacity throughout his or her life. The Christian is not overcome of the world or worldliness, but is an overcomer because our God is in us.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

God is in the Christian.
God is at work in the Christian.
God uses the Christian.
The Christian is set apart to be used of God.
The Christian is a Child of God.
The Christian belongs to God.

There are many who profess Christ but are not possessed of Christ. They outwardly look good,
but inwardly are not good.

My wife Sherry and I went to Longhorn Steak House the other day to treat ourselves. I love steak. When our meals came (Sherry ate chicken strips) my steak looked really nice. I cut into it, and it was cooked just right. It was a beautiful steak. I took a bite and … something was not right. It didn’t taste right. It was slightly rancid tasting. The waitress came by and asked how our meal was, and I said “Something’s not right with this meat. It’s off.” Without complaint she took it back, and about 10 minutes later the manager came out with another steak. It looked just as good as the first steak looked. Outwardly it was fine. So I took a bite and PERFECTION. Well, maybe not perfection, but it was a good steak. Outwardly it looked good, but inwardly it was rancid.

Those Saved By Jesus Love Jesus –
And Work From A Place Of Love

There are many who profess Christ who look right and righteous but are wrong. There was a group of people who antagonized Jesus while He ministered, the group called Pharisees. Jesus said of these Pharisees:

Matthew 23:3-5 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But ALL THEIR WORKS THEY DO FOR TO BE SEEN OF MEN: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

The Pharisees did not love others. They loved themselves. They did what they did because they loved the praise of their neighbors. Jesus told the Pharisees:

John 8:42-44 … Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. …

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day and the Pharisees of our day look outwardly good – but God looks at the heart. Jesus described them as …

Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

The outside of the Pharisees looked good, and right, and holy. But inwardly they were lost and undone, without Christ and without the Holy Spirit. YET THE PHARISEES WORKED.

We are not saved by our works, but if saved we are indwelt by God, in partnership with God, and servants as well as sons of God. If Saved you are Sanctified, set apart for God’s use. The Christian was once a broken, bad tree. But God changes the heart – the interior – of the Christian. He does this so that we can be fruit bearing to the glory of God.

Matthew 7:17-20 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The Pharisee obeys the commandments, but does not do so out of love for Jesus. The Christian both keeps the commandments all the while maintaining loving faith in Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The Saints are those who overcome the world and worldliness. The Saint keeps the commandments of God AND keeps their faith in Jesus. We follow Jesus. The faith the Christian has in Jesus is a shield that we ever keep before us.

When we fail, we turn our failure over to Jesus.
When we sin, we put our sin into the hands of our Savior.

1 John 2:1-6 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation (covering/ atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And HEREBY WE DO KNOW THAT WE KNOW HIM, IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. 4 HE THAT SAITH, I KNOW HIM, AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

We who are saved follow Jesus because we love Jesus.

Works Do Not Save Us, But They Are
The Witnesses That We Are Saved

Several times in His ministry Jesus was questioned as to whether He was the Messiah or not. They asked “How do we know you are the Messiah?” Jesus never said “Because I say so”. How did Jesus prove He was Messiah?

By His Works!

The Pharisees told Jesus “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” (John 10:24). Jesus told them “I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.” Was Jesus the Messiah because of the works? No. He was the Messiah because He was the Messiah. But the works that Jesus did testified or proved that He was indeed the Messiah. When the Pharisees continued to question Jesus, He said:

John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, BELIEVE THE WORKS: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Jesus was not Messiah because of the works – but BECAUSE He was Messiah He DID THE WORKS.

When Jesus’ disciples began to question Him Jesus said:

John 14:11-12 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else BELIEVE ME FOR THE VERY WORKS’ SAKE. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, THE WORKS THAT I DO SHALL HE DO ALSO; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Jesus said that the works we do for God are PROOF that we are God’s Saints. The works that Jesus did PROVED that He is the Son of God. The works that WE do prove that WE ARE SONS OF GOD. If we are saved, we are sanctified or set apart for God’s use. Our works will reflect our sanctification.

The person who is saved also shows evidence of that salvation. James – the half brother of Christ – states:

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

The faith that saves is always accompanied by the witness of works. What you do is what you are. A duck quacks because it is a duck. A dog barks because it is a dog. A Christian lives to please the Lord because the Christian is a Saint and a Son of God. We are what we do.

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD also.

Let us live for Jesus while we can – for one day we will give an account of our stewardship. More on this tonight! May God touch your hearts with His Word!

Posted in Revelation, salvation, Sermons Preached | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Unto Us

Posted on December 22, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Some 700 years before Messiah came Israel was in a terrible place. God’s people that He loved, and had saved with a mighty hand, had forgotten their God. God told His people when He saved them from Egypt and led them into Canaan:

Exodus 34:11-14 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: 13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: 14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

God loves His people. He loved His Israel. He warned His people, His Church, not to turn away and follow other gods. But Israel did not listen. This is why, 700 years before Messiah came, that Israel found herself as a nation torn in two. Israel was no longer a free nation, but her temple was destroyed. Jerusalem laid in ruins. The glory of God seemed to have departed from the land.

But God reached out still. He would not leave His people hopeless.

The prophecy that we read this morning, I have read it many times, but read it one more time the other day. I had never noticed this word. The word “is”. Do you see the word “is”? Read it again:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child IS born, unto us a son IS given:

Why is this “IS” so significant? As I have already said, this prophecy was given 700 years before the birth of Christ in the Manger. 700 years! Now I’m no scholar or whiz kid, but the proper grammar for what we are reading today should have been “shall be” or “will be”. The verb should have been future tense. But the verb is present tense. Why is this? Because our God is the Great I AM. Time means nothing to God. He sees and …

declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure … (Isaiah 46:10)

Though Christ had not yet been born, God spoke as if it was occurring at this time. He wanted His people to have hope in the midst of their darkness. God had not abandoned them. Everything that had happened, as horrible as it seemed, was still under God’s control. God still loved His people.

God was going to become Man! He would write Himself into our story. He would lower Himself to become one of us so that He could give Himself to us. Though I enjoy the Grace of God, I do not understand the Grace of God. It is beyond my grasp – and it’s beyond your grasp as well. In this modern world (which is as fallen as the ancient world was) we fall into love and out of love. Love is like fluff to us. But to God, love is a much sturdier proposition. God would become incarnate, taking on Himself humanity, entering time from eternity in an unprecedented act of love. Why would He do this?

By Grace we have been saved.
Grace sent God to be born of a virgin in a manger.
Grace sent God to grow up in Nazareth.
Grace sent God to minister to the sick and sinful.
Grace sent God to a Hill called Calvary, bearing our sins.
Grace sent God to die in the midst of mocking and jeers.

Oh how our God loves us! Oh, how He loves us!

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Here is the take away from the text this day. Please, please grasp this. No matter how dark your day may be. No matter how far you may have strayed from God. No matter how cold and aloof your love may be. God loves you still. And God reaches out to you even in the midst of your present darkness. If you will receive Him, He will change your life forever!

The Child Is BORN But The Son Is GIVEN

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

On that blessed day so long ago when Jesus was born in a manger His birth was unlike any birth that has ever been. Oh, I am sure that Mary suffered birth pains, just as every woman in history has had apart from medication. The pain of birth is part of the curse that sin brought to women. On the day that Eve fell into sin God told her:

Genesis 3:16 … I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

I believe that Mary brought forth the Christ in as much pain as all women have borne when delivering their children. I believe that when Jesus came into the world, Joseph cleaned Him up, and lovingly measured his little hands and feet, looking into His eyes. Jesus came into the world. A child is born. But Jesus is not just a Child. He is the Son of God. The Son of God has always existed with God. The Son of God is forever with Father and Spirit. The Apostle clarified this when He said:

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. God spoke all things into being with the Word. Jesus Christ is that Word. All things were made by HIM, and without Him was not anything made that was made. Jesus Christ – that Baby in the Manger – is the same God Who is:

Colossians 1:15-17 Who 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 of Jesus that God the Father speaks to us:

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Of this Jesus, God said:

Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.

That Child born in the manger on Christmas morn was human as we are – and yet without sin. That baby was weak as we are. God came among us clothed as we are. He was …

Hebrews 4:15 … in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

That Baby was without sin so that He could bear our sins.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Dr. Henry Morris said1: To die for our sins, He must Himself be free from any sin of His own. To be sinless in practice, He must first be sinless in nature. He could not have inherited a human nature, bound under the curse and the bondage of sin as it must have been, as do all the sons of men. His birth, therefore, must have been a miraculous birth. The seed of the woman was implanted in the virgin’s womb …”

Jesus Christ was born as all children are born, yet His conception was quite different from all other conceptions. When the Angel Gabriel told Mary about the impending conception he told her:

Luke 1:35 … The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

The humanity of Christ was born when God overshadowed Mary, miraculously causing her to be with Child. This Child would have no earthly Father – His Father is and will always be God. Jesus Christ did not come into existence when the Holy Ghost came on Mary – His humanity came into existence. His Being was and will always be Mighty God. One of the names that Jesus has is …

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

As God He was never born, but as Perfect Man He was born of the virgin. His birth of the virgin is one of the prophecies that prove that Jesus is the One and Only Christ:

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Baby Jesus Born Is Lord! Jesus is Lord!

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

Jesus Christ was born in the Manger, God become man – but He did not come just as Savior, but as Savior and Lord. Too many preach a half Jesus to the masses. Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins, but the government shall be upon His shoulder. He is Lord of His people. This is stated in His birth announcement. The Angel of God told Joseph:

Matthew 1:21 … And {Mary} shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins.

“He shall save HIS PEOPLE from their sins”. The Child born was Infinite God given, the Son of God, eternal and unchanging. He is Lord! One hundred and fifteen times (115) in Scripture Jesus is called “Lord Jesus”. When the Apostle Paul preached, (Acts 9:29) “he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus”. The result of preaching in the Name of Jesus?

Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

To speak in the “Name of the Lord Jesus” is to bring rest to the Church and disturbance to the darkness. The Church is edified or built up when Christ is Lord. Christians walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit when Christ as Lord is magnified. Churches GROW. Why are Churches not growing now? Because, dear friends, to many Jesus is NOT Lord. He is seen as Savior but not Lord. But Beloved, unless you surrender to Him as Lord you shall not enjoy Him as Savior. What brings salvation?

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

He is Lord!

Romans 5:1 … being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

He is Lord!

Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

He is Lord! The Magi who came to visit the Baby Jesus “came to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2). You do not “worship” people, but God is to be worshiped. When they found the Bay Jesus the wise men “worshiped Him” (Matthew 2:11). When you are saved by faith in Him what occurs?

Colossians 1:12-13 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:

We who are redeemed by His Blood are “bought with a price”, an incomparable price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). We belong to Jesus, and acknowledge Him as Lord.

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

He is no mere Rabbi, no mere great Teacher. Jesus Christ is Lord of those He has saved. He is Lord!

The Christian Is Called To Follow Christ

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The King James text is a text I love, but it is not without it’s flaws. In this case the Scripture puts a comma where no comma is warranted. It does not terribly destroy the text, for our Savior is Wonderful. But what the Spirit intends us to understand is that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. Why is He given this title? Because Jesus knows what you are going through. He took upon Himself humanity so that He could suffer as we suffer.

Jesus suffered as we suffer.
Jesus hungered as we hunger.
Jesus was betrayed as we are betrayed.

When Jesus comes to you as Counselor and guides you, He has walked in your shoes. Listen Beloved, you have a great Friend in Jesus. He knows your heart, knows your desires, knows your aches and sufferings, your despondency, your all. I have talked to pastors and preachers, and have found them to be the worst listeners I have ever met. When my heart bursts to share a pain or a joy with many they will not hear, for they are so focused on their own lives they have no time for mine. Yet Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor – He always takes time to listen to me … and He will listen to you, too, if you call upon Him.

If we would listen to our Wonderful Counselor and do as He says, our lives would be blessed.

So many hear the words of Christ then, hearing, walk away to never DO. One day at the end of a message Jesus gave this happened:

Luke 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Our Jesus – our Lord – is a Wonderful Counselor – but you will only see the glorious beauty of life in Him if you BOTH HEAR AND DO AS HE SAYS. So many want to argue with Jesus. So many want to critique Jesus. Yet to all Jesus says:

Luke 6:47-48 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

When you hear His Word and DO as He says you will find that, unlike the various Counselors and Psychiatrists and sooth sayers of the world …. What Jesus says to do will always bless you.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

I touched on this earlier so I will not spend long here. But I do want to say this:

To have a Wonderful Counselor is great, but what can listening do for me if the Counselor is without power.

Not so the Lord Jesus! He is not only Wonderful Counselor, but also Mighty2 God. He hears me, hears our cries, gives us wonderful advice – but is also able to change our estate. The words Mighty God are very intense, very powerful. He is not just God – though this title in itself implies limitless ability. But He is Mighty God, Giant God, all Overwhelming God. There is nothing that our Jesus cannot do. Though He came to us through a virgin, born as a Baby in a manger, looks are deceiving! This Child born and this Son given is Very God of Very God.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Yet we are not through with this text, for Jesus is The Everlasting Father. The Oneness Pentecostals confuse God the Son with God the Father, saying that Jesus is all in the same. But this is not what the Scripture means. When Jesus came, He came to do His Father’s business:

Luke 2:49 {Jesus} said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Jesus came to earth and was born of a virgin because the Father sent Him to do so. Jesus so perfectly did as the Father commanded that He told His disciples:

John 14:9-11 … he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (10) Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (11) Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Jesus is the manifest Member of the Godhead. He did as the Father commanded. If you belong to God by faith in Christ then your life should reflect this. You should be imitators of God:

Ephesians 5:1-2 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.

The Son of God followed God. If you are sons of God by faith in Him, then you, too, should – no – MUST follow God.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Finally, if Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, then He is to you The Prince of Peace. Os Hillman said3:

“Many of God’s greatest servants experienced deep disappointment in their journeys of faithfulness to God. Joseph, after spending years as a slave and in jail for crimes that he did not commit, revealed deep disappointment when he was forgotten another two years in prison. John the Baptist, when awaiting execution, doubted whether Jesus was, in fact, the Christ because he was sitting there awaiting his death. Elijah, losing all hope and despondent to the point of death, asked God to take his life in the desert; and Peter, who left his fishing business and invested three years of his life only to watch his Savior crucified, wondered whether the purpose of those three years could be justified. When life doesn’t add up, it leaves the heart sick. When we have done all we know to do and the formula has not worked, it leaves us questioning. These are times that try the very souls of men. There is no human sense to be made of it. We are left with a choice: to cling or not to cling. There are times when holding on to our Master’s robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do.”

Let Jesus have all that you are. Kneel to Him as the Magi did. Wonder at Him as the Shepherds did. Surrender your lives to Him – for only in Jesus Christ is there peace.

May God touch your hearts with His Word.

1 Henry Morris, The Bible Has The Answer, Baker Book House; as reported in “Evidence That Demands A Verdict”, page 122, Copyright 1972

2 H1368, גּבּר גּבּור, gibbôr gibbôr, ghib-bore’, ghib-bore’, Intensive from the same as H1397; powerful; by implication warrior, tyrant: – champion, chief, X excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man.

3 Today God Is First December 6, 2006

Posted in Christmas Sermons, Isaiah, Sermons Preached | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Questions Of Christmas

Posted on December 21, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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 Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

I thought since we have few who attend our mid-week prayer service that we would go a little deeper tonight than I go on Sunday mornings. Those who take the time to come to Wednesday night services perhaps have a stronger relationship with the Lord than the occasional Sunday morning visitor. I’m not saying this to puff you up, nor to denigrate our Sunday morning crowd. I am grateful for every person who comes, and makes up the assembly of Christ’s Church. But Wednesday nights are important. As we are told in Hebrews 5:13-14:

“For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

I was amused – somewhat amused – lately when a local Church who has no mid-week prayer meeting advertised with excitement on an upcoming prayer study and emphasis. Hopefully this means that this Church will go deeper into prayer, and all of Christ’s Churches will go deeper into prayer and study of God’s Word. If we are to survive in this pagan and secular world we ALL need God’s Word and God’s Presence.

The message tonight is called “Christmas Questions”. As I pondered Mary and Joseph a question came to my heart. It was:

Why did God choose Mary and Joseph – of all the billions of people who lived – to be the guardian and parents of the Messiah?

What Set Joseph Apart From Other Believers?

When I think about Joseph, I think he is probably the most under appreciated man in our faith. Do you know how many words Joseph spoke that were recorded in the Bible? None. Absolutely N-O-N-E. Zilch. Nada. We know what Joseph thought, for the Bible says things like:

Joseph was minded to put her away privately.
Joseph thought on these things.

Joseph encountered God in a dream (see Matthew 1). The Lord spoke to him through an Angel, but Joseph never questioned what he was told to do. Joseph was a man of few words. He proved his faith in God by not what he said, but by what he did. And I thank God for it, and you should, too.

  • Herod, who wanted to kill the baby Jesus, had his words written in Scripture (Matthew 2:8).
  • Pilate, who had Jesus executed, had his words recorded in Scripture (Matthew 27:2, 13, etc).
  • Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus, had his hypocritical words “Will I betray You, Master?” (Matthew 26:25) recorded.
  • Lucifer, that old devil who wanted to kill Jesus, had his conversation recorded (Matthew 4: 1-10) as he sought to tempt our Lord to sin.
  • Demons are recorded as speaking to Jesus along with Pharisees, Scribes, rich people, lepers, crippled … and on and on. . It seems as if everyone has had their words recorded. Everyone.

Except for Joseph.

Joseph never questioned, never complained, never commented. Joseph just did as God said. And I believe this is why God used Joseph as He did. You see, God loves those who have faith in Him. Not just a “Sunday go to meeting” faith, but a genuine faith that gets outside of the comfort zone and does what God says. Joseph had that quiet but an active faith. Joseph’s heart was focused on honoring God. Right after the Magi visited Jesus in Bethlehem the Bible says:

Matthew 2:13-15 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

A good carpenter has to have a good mind and a willingness to work. Joseph was a good carpenter. A good Christian has to have a good mind and a willingness to work.
Joseph was a good Christian.

Joseph kept his mind on God. He was open to God. Throughout his life there was no door of doubt to hinder him from serving the Lord he loved. When God spoke to Joseph in a dream Joseph didn’t wake up and sit there wondering what it was all about. What does the Bible tell us Joseph did?

“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night,
and departed into Egypt (verse 14)”

Joseph did the same thing that Father Abraham did when God called him. He didn’t question. He didn’t argue. He just got up and moved. Joseph had the treasure that the Magi had brought Jesus to finance that move, but Joseph did not take his time. He moved! Do you know how far it is from Jerusalem to the Egyptian border? It is around 106 miles! Joseph had no car, but probably a donkey, a wife, and a young son. Joseph kept his little family safe until Herod died. After Herod died:

Matthew 2:19-23 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Again, God speaks to Joseph in a dream. “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.” Does Joseph debate God? Does he argue? No. He moves. He gets up, packs up, and moves, all without hesitation. Joseph moves in faith. God defines “faith” in:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Joseph “diligently sought” God. He lived his faith. If he had not been faithful then Jesus would have never been born. Jesus could have been killed in Bethlehem. He could have been killed when Mary first became with Child. Joseph’s faithfulness is a great blessing to us. He was chosen of God because the Lord “Who searches the hearts” (Jeremiah 17:10) knew Joseph, and knew that he was faithful.

God Uses Faithful Servants For His Glory

When the Angel of God came to Mary, he came because God had seen Mary’s heart. When the Angel told Mary that she would be the means by which Messiah would come into world, Mary asked:

Luke 1:34 … How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Her question was not doubting God. When Zacharias – the father of John the Baptist – questioned God, the Lord took away his ability to speak (see Luke 1:20). Why? Because it came from a heart of unbelief:

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

God despises unbelief. The Master has said,

James 1:6-8 … he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

When Zacharias spoke, he spoke from a place of unbelief. For this reason God took his ability to speak away. When our hearts are filled with unbelief, God will not bless us.

Faithlessness takes away our voice.

But Mary did not speak from a place of unbelief. She merely asked – believing – how God was going to accomplish this wonderful work. The Angel of God tells her:

Luke 1:35-37 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Mary’s faith is seen in both her voice as well as her actions. She replied simply:

Luke 1:38-39 … Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me ACCORDING TO THY WORD. And the angel departed from her. 39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

This is what comes from a heart of faith. Mary said, “I belong to You – dear Lord. Be it unto me ACCORDING TO THY WORD!” The phrase “according to thy Word” is found frequently in Psalm 119:

Psalms 119:9 … BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto ACCORDING TO THY WORD.

Psalms 119:25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me ACCORDING TO THY WORD.

Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, ACCORDING TO THY WORD.

Psalms 119:58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me ACCORDING TO THY WORD..

Psalms 119:154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me ACCORDING TO THY WORD..

Psalms 119:169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding ACCORDING TO THY WORD..

Psalms 119:170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me ACCORDING TO THY WORD..

Mary relied on the Word of God to live her life. God said that her cousin Elisabeth was with child. Since He said that, what should Mary do if she believed? She would get up and go be with Elisabeth. Faith goes. Faith does. Faith does not hear and talk about doing, but faith does. Faith works!

The Mature Believer Is Used Of God:
Your Maturity Is Proven By Your Tongue!

When I was a little boy and felt sick, mama put a thermometer IN my mouth to see what my temperature was. If it wasn’t 98.6 then I was sick. God puts something in your mouth – but it’s not temporary like a thermometer. It’s your TONGUE. If you are in GOOD SPIRITUAL HEALTH your TONGUE will prove it. As Mary was blessed of God she never bragged on herself. She magnified God with her tongue.

Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Mary was not prideful in her faith. She realized that what she was about to receive was entirely of the Grace of God. Mary said “my soul doth magnify (or declare Him great) the Lord”. The source of Mary’s relationship to God was not that she was perfect or sinless – for she was not.

Mary prayed to “God my Savior”. If she were perfect and holy apart from God then God would not have had to save her.

Mary spoke of the “low estate of God’s handmaiden”. The word translated “low estate” is actually used several other places in Scripture. The same word is translated VILE in:

Philippians 3:20-21 For our {citizenship} is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: {21} Who shall change our VILE body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Our bodies are indeed VILE, the products of corruption. Mary said “God has regarded the vileness – the imperfections of His handmaiden”. She recognized that God because of His great love saved her, and now would use her to be an instrument through whom God would save others.

How can God bring a Sinless Savior out of a sinful receptacle?
With God, all things are possible.

If God can bring Messiah out of Mary, He can take a wrecked life and make it whole. If God can take a child of satan and, converting him, lead him into the Family of God, God can do anything. God regarded the low estate of His Mary – and blessed her with Messiah anyway. God regarded me a sinner and, regardless of my great sins, paid for my salvation in Christ.

God is able! God can do it!

Mary may have been a good woman who loved the Lord, but her strength was in recognizing her own weakness. When pride tells us “you can do it”, then pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). The power of the Christian life is to live surrendered to God, to rest in His loving embrace. As the Apostle Paul said in another place:

2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

God can do great things in the yielded life. When we are prideful and self actualizing, we are in a good position to fail. But when we realize that we are at best “sheep” and God our Shepherd, then we are in a place to be used of God and blessed.

Isaiah 53:6 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.

God saves us, and God blesses us … but we must remember that we are at best “Sheep”. Our strength is in obeying the Lord. Our strength is in being open to serve and glorify God our Father.

Who was Mary before God called her into His plan? She was nothing, no one to any one. She was unknown to Herod, to Pilate, to Caesar, to anyone of power and wealth. Even today we know little of Mary the mother of

the humanity of Christ. She was nondescript, and yet her name is known by billions. Why is her name so well known today?

Because she was willing to be used of God.
Because she was possessed of God.

Her focus in life was to honor and serve God her Savior. God saw this on her heart, and so used her to bring His Son into this world. Oh that we, like Mary, would say “Yes, Lord” to Him. We are to be like John the Baptist in our faith. Christ must increase, and I must decrease (John 3:30). Let us not drown in the river called “Pride”. Let us, like Mary did, put our pride away and serve the Living God.

Mary continued with her praise of God:

Luke 1:49-55 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

God blesses those surrendered to Him, but He breaks down those who rely upon themselves. Mary relied on God. Thus Mary and Joseph were blessed.

This holiday season may we all learn to rely on the Lord. This is where the power for living comes. May God touch your hearts with His Word.

Posted in Luke, Matthew, Sermons Preached | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Worship The King

Posted on December 15, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Matthew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

I love Christmas time. I love it because we are reminded that God became man in order to save us from ourselves. Christmas is a joyous time when we celebrate the Baby in the Manger. Christmas fascinates us. Marshall Segal of Desiring God Ministries put it beautifully when he wrote:

“In Bethlehem a child was born, as millions of babies had been before him, and yet utterly and gloriously different. The Son of God, who held the universe in his hands (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17), laid in the arms of another — now fragile, vulnerable, needy. He never stopped ruling every molecule in every galaxy, yet he had to learn his letters, colors, and animals.”

This Jesus – brought forth and placed in a Manger – is magnificently different from other Rabbi’s and Holy Men. This God in human flesh – “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23) reached out to a people who had forgotten Him. Though the “multitude of the heavenly host would praise God, saying” …

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
(Luke 2:13-14)

Few would seek that Baby, that glorious Child of God in the Manger. A few shepherds visited by the angels would go and see Jesus. After seeing Jesus, these same men – the first missionaries – would

“ make known abroad the saying what was told them
concerning this child.”
(Luke 2:17)

You would think that there would have been a stampede from Jerusalem and Bethlehem and the cities round about, a literal black Friday mob heading toward that manger. It didn’t happen. People were too busy. It was, after all, the holiday season. We’ve got to get to Walmart for the last made in China plastic toy. We’ve got to gather around the table and have one more mouthful of pecan pie.

Outside of the shepherds who were watching their flock by night, no one else came to see the Baby Jesus.

Not that night. But there were others who came to see Jesus. We sing about them every Christmas. Well, sort of. We sing:

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse far
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Oh, star of wonder, star of might
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading
Still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Missionaries From A Foreign Land
Come To Jerusalem

Because of that song we believe there were three kings who came to see Jesus in Bethlehem. The problem with what the world tells us is that the world often gets it wrong. Now I love the song – I like peppy songs. And the song does celebrate Christ, which I love. But when you read and study your Bible instead of Google or Wikipedia you find out something interesting. You find out the truth.

Three kings did not come to see Jesus,
Though a king tried to kill Him.
Jesus was not in a manger when these men came,
but in a house (see Matthew 2:11).
And the focus of these early missionaries was not three gifts.
They came to “worship” Jesus (see Matthew 2:2).

How Did These Missionaries Come To Be?

Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem

The Bible tells is that those who came to see Jesus were “wise men”. No number is given, but they are all called in the Greek μάγος mágos, (pronounced mag’-os). Thayers Greek Lexicon of the Bible notes that “the word is now regarded by many as of Babylonian origin”. That is very interesting. Thayers goes on to quote the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament:

“the Septuagint Daniel 2:2 … for אַשָׁף; a magus; the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldaeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augurs, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.”

The Babylonians are famous and important to us because of two great truths. When God called the father of our faith Abraham to follow Him, and promised that the Messiah would come through Abraham’s line (see Genesis 11:28, 31; Genesis 12:1-2), it was in Ur of the Chaldees or ancient Babylon that Abraham lived prior to his following God. When Israel refused to obey the Lord it was in Babylon that Israel was conquered and exiled. One of the innocents that was caught up in the exile of Israel was a man named Daniel. Daniel was a believer in the Lord. When Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came unto Jerusalem, and besieged it (Daniel 1:1), Daniel was captured and carried away into Babylon to serve the king. The Bible says that:

Daniel 1:17 … Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

If you love God, God will love you. Daniel kept his eyes on God. When “King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and his spirit was troubled, so much so that he could not sleep, the king called for the magus. The King told them “tell me what my dream means. I’m not going to tell you the dream. If you are Magus – wise men – then you will know what I dreamed!” (my paraphrase). The Magus said “There is no one who can do what you ask! (Daniel 2:10-11) (again, my paraphrase. Get over it!). The King became angry, and was going to kill all the Magus!

Then Daniel intervened. Daniel knew God, and God knew King Nebuchadnezzar. God told Daniel what the dream meant – and Daniel went and told King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel told the King:

Daniel 2:27-28 … The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men (the Magus), the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are …

If you want to know what God told Daniel and the King GO READ YOUR BIBLES. It’s in Daniel chapter 2. But I told you all this to explain why the Magus were coming to Jerusalem looking for a Messiah. It was because Daniel followed God no matter what. After Daniel told the King what his dream was, the Bible says:

Daniel 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man… and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel was made chief of the Magus. Do you know what Daniel did after this. Well, when he wasn’t watching television, cheering on his favorite teams, he held a Bible class. Yeah, I’m joking – but not about the Bible class thing. Daniel lived his life for the Lord. Daniel had foreseen the Coming of the Messiah, and taught the Magus all about the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus. After Daniel passed away the life he lived for the Lord lived on. Do you know that ..

After you pass on – the life that you
live now will it live on?

If you only live for Jesus when it’s convenient, you’ll pass this attitude on to your friends, your spouse, your children and grandchildren. If you only live for Jesus about an hour on Sunday morning your kids will do the same – or less. If you never read your Bible your half faith will be inherited by those who remain after you depart.

Daniel lived for the Lord.
Daniel lived for the Lord when it was difficult.
When prayer was outlawed, Daniel openly prayed.
When Daniel was cast into a lion’s den, he taught them how to pray.
He fluffed up the nearest lion and used him as a pillow.
When his best friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo were tested,
They went into a fiery furnace and held hands with Jesus.
Daniel and his friends loved the Lord.
They taught the Magus to love the Lord.

That’s why these men are in Jerusalem. These men are not “Kings” but are “King Makers”. When Babylon was overtaken by the Parthenon Empire the tradition of the Magus went on. For over 600 years the life Daniel and his friends lived was passed on from generation to generation. Shari Abbot of Reasons For Hope Ministries wrote:

“When the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon, they established a hereditary priesthood of wise men, which was known as magicians or magi … When Medo Persia’s King Darius the Great reigned, he appointed Daniel to be master of the Magicians (Daniel 4:9) … the Magi held a dual priestly and governmental authority. Some have called them “King Makers” because they had power to give rule and authority.”

This is the reason that – when this unknown number of wise men entered Jerusalem, that:

Matthew 2:3 … Herod the king … was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Three well dressed men riding camels would not have drawn any attention riding into Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the seat of King Herod’s throne. Travelers came through Jerusalem regularly, travelers from all over the world. What was more likely was that this was a cavalry of well armed men who rode into Jerusalem looking for “The King of the Jews”. I suspect when they first entered the populace told them:

“Well, Herod is in his palace. Is that who you’re looking for?”

When they said “No, He has just been born. We are following His star. We have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this he was threatened. These “King Makers” are looking to recognize someone else as “King of the Jews”. When the King heard that the Prophet said:

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (compare to Matthew 2:6)

Herod invited the Magus to the palace. “When you find the King come and tell me all about it so we can go together to worship Him” (Matthew 2:8, my paraphrase).

Herod didn’t want to worship Jesus.
Herod wanted to kill Jesus.

There was a song many years ago by a group called Tears for Fears. The song was “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”. That is so very true. When you threaten someone’s ability to “rule their world” things get ugly fast. Herod plotted the death of Jesus, even while the King of Kings was embraced in His mother’s arms.

You Cannot Rule The World:
Jesus Is The King of Kings

The Wise Men – the Magus – left King Herod’s palace and continued to follow the Star of Bethlehem. The King had been born – the King that Daniel had told them of hundreds of years before. The Bible says:

Matthew 2:9-10 {The Magus} departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The King that these wise men had been waiting for all these years was here. God placed a bright shining star over His Son. Here is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And they rejoiced with exceeding GREAT JOY!

Beloved, you will not have joy in your lives while YOU are in charge of your lives. You were made to walk with God. You were made in God’s image – not to BE God – but to BE WITH God. While you try to be God of your own life, or, as that poem Invictus (by William Ernest Henley):

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

How many people have tried to be “master of my fate” and “captain of my soul” – only to die miserably.

Michael Jackson dead of drug abuse at 50 years.
Elvis Presley dead of opiate addiction at 42 years.
Whitney Houston dead of cocaine use at the age of 48 years.
Robin Williams dead by suicide at the age of 63 years.
Marilyn Monroe dead of barbiturate overdose at 36 years.
John F. Kennedy dead of an assassin’s bullet at 46 years.
And his son, John F. Kennedy Jr dead of a plane crash at 39 years old.
Rapper Tupac Shakur murdered at the age of 25 years.
Sir John Lennon murdered at the age of 40 years.

So many stars lived, burned brightly, and died. Their lives snuffed out. They all thought that they were “masters of their fate, captain of their souls”. They lived, burned up, and burned out. Oh Beloved, we cannot be kings of ourselves. But if we come to Christ and worship Him as wise people have always done then God will richly bless your lives. The world may never remember you – but your life will change others for the glory of God.

What The Wise Men Brought Jesus

Matthew 2:11 And when {The Magus} were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

The wise men brought Jesus three gifts that you can see, and one gift that you can see but do not often recognize. What are the three gifts you can see?

  • They brought gold. Gold is a gift that was fit for a King. Isaiah prophesied that when the Messiah came to Israel:

Isaiah 60:2-3; 60:6 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. … 6 … they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

Our Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Gold was a fitting gift for the King of Creation.

  • They brought frankincense. Frankincense was used by the Levitical Priests while serving God (see Exodus 30:34). This was a special incense that burned only to God.

Our Jesus is the High Priest of our faith:

Hebrews 4:14-16 … Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

  • And the Magus brought myrrh. It was myrrh that was used to embalm our Lord Jesus some 33 years later when He died for our sins on Calvary’s tree.

John 19:39-40 … And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Jesus died for my sins, and for your sins. He died but rose again on the third day. He came from Heaven to this earth. He was born once in Bethlehem, so that you and I can be born twice. Jesus Christ died once on the Cross of Calvary so that we who love Him can live forever.

What Was The Fourth Gift
The Magi Brought To Jesus?
It Was Their Hearts!

Oh, that you would, with the Magi, give your hearts to Jesus. My Jesus has promised:

John 11:26 … whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Give yourselves to Him. Trust Him. Let Him rule your lives. Let His Word be your guiding light. Trust Him.

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

“Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed”. You only begin to live when you live following Jesus. Be like Daniel. Be like the Hebrew Children. Be like the Magi. If you seek Him, you will find Him, when you seek Him with all your hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 29:13). Give Jesus your hearts. That’s what He wants. He will bless you, beloved ones.

May God touch your hearts with his Word.

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God The Builder Of His House

Posted on December 12, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Photo by Cassie Boca on Unsplash

Psalm 127:1-2 (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Before we start, the Scripture has nothing to do with building a Church building. The word “house” used by Solomon – the wisest King Israel ever had – is not a reference to a stick and mortar building. It is a reference to a family, or by extension a kingdom. You see the word used in:

Genesis 20:17-18 17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare [children]. 18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.

Genesis 28:16-17 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

Exodus 2:1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

It is God Who builds the “houses” or families. It is God Who sets up kings and presidents to rule. If someone has established a “house” on this earth it is because our God has allowed it, and blessed it. The Apostle wrote:

Romans 13:1-3 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:

God is the Builder of His House. The Christian is a member of the House of Christ. We are told in:

Hebrews 3:4-6 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

We who are saved by faith in Christ are of the house of Christ. Our God builds that House, placing people into the Family of God. Our God is building this little family we call “Riverview Baptist”. If you are a member of this family, you are here because God has called you here. Each one of you has value in God’s House. You are His people. You are the Church that God shed His Blood for:

“the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood”. (Acts 20:28)

God brought us together for His glory – not for ours. We are ..

1 Corinthians 12:27 … the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Corinthians 12:14-18 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

The Blood of Christ purchased our salvation. We are of Christ’s House. We are members of His Church. And we each need each other, and need to glorify Him Who saved us at such a high price. What did the Apostle say in another place?

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

We belong to the House of Christ. We belong to the Body of Christ. We live to glorify our Lord, the One Who gave so much for us. The Bible declares:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 15:5 … He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

When we come together as Christ’s Church and as Christ’s House we unify in seeking to do as He leads us to do. We can do nothing. On my best day, I can do nothing. Christ must do it. God’s people can cross the Red Sea if Jesus is leading them. God’s people can cross the Jordan and defeat the Canaanites if God is leading them. God can take a few, like Gideon, and destroy thousands with clay pots and candles. God can shut the lion’s mouths for Daniel, or protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo from a fiery furnace. When we stand with God, the Lord can bring fire from Heaven to destroy the worshipers of Baal on Mount Carmel. There is nothing our Jesus cannot do.

The question we often face in life is not whether I can do it or not, but whether God wants us to do it or not. If God leads us there, God will lead us through. But we have no power within ourselves. Solomon said:

Psalm 127:1 (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Several years ago we put a camera system in place around this building because of all the craziness that has infested America. The cameras are supposed to be monitored by Ron in our sound booth. But no matter how careful Ron is to watch the monitor, it is Jesus that has kept us safe. God must keep us. We can prepare in every way possible – but if God is not in it then we labor in vain. Folks, that literally means we are working for nothing. Solomon said:

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Too often we say “Well, if I get up earlier, and work longer days, things will get better”. Beloved, it is God Who builds the house. It is God Who blesses our families. It is God Who is in control. You can try your hardest. You can eat the bread of sorrows, believing that, if I suffer a little harder then God will look down and bless it. No, these things are vain, empty. I hear people say “well, when you pray, you need to put feet on your prayers”. That sounds good, and holy, and right. But if God does not lead you there, you can put all the feet on your prayers that you want – and still you will fail. Consider Israel. God told them to enter the Promised Land. They disobeyed, and refused to go. After God told them that they would wander for 40 years and die in the wilderness, then they decided to go. What happened?

Numbers 14:40-42 And {Israel} rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. 41 And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. 42 Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

Israel went anyway, and was thoroughly beaten. Why? Because God was not in it. If God is not leading, we need to wait. But if God is leading, we need to go. The Book of Hebrews tells us:

Hebrews 3:17-19 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

It is God that builds the house. It is God the Son Who bled and died for His Church. We are therefore under obligation to seek His Presence. Let us be like Moses, that grand old Saint of God, to whom God said:

Exodus 33:14 … My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

And to Whom Moses said:

Exodus 33:15 … If Thy presence {O Lord} go not with me, carry us not up hence.

God needs to be in it. It is He that should guide us into all that we do, and we must do all that we do for His glory, not for ours. Only in this will we be blessed, and will Christ be lifted up. The last line of our Psalm can be rendered as:

For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

God protects us who love Him even when we are asleep. May God give us the heart to live for Him and do as He says – ALWAYS. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

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Do You Understand Christmas?

Posted on December 8, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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The Book of Matthew starts with a genealogy of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 1:1 … The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham …

… and as you read through the genealogy you come across names of people you can hardly pronounce, people you may have never heard of, and some that you have. This genealogy stems from the father of our faith Abraham, and continues – one by one – showing a lineage between Abraham and the stepfather of Jesus, a man named Joseph:

Matthew 1:16 … and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Let me read to you these familiar words:

Matthew 1:18-21 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now I want you to focus on the words that the angel of the Lord (I believe, Gideon) spoke to Joseph:

Matthew 1:20-21 Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Having read this to you, I now ask you ALL to read this with me:

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

What does Philippians 2 have to do with the beloved Christmas story?

Joseph Was Afraid

Do you realize that the wonderful story of Christmas begins not with joy, but with fear? The Angel of God told Joseph:

Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife..

Joseph was fearful. Why was he afraid?

Joseph of Bethlehem, of the tribe of David, was engaged to be married to Mary of Bethlehem, of the tribe of David. Joseph and Mary loved one another. It was not uncommon among the ancient Jews to arrange marriages between families to strengthen bonds, and grow the tribe. It is very possible that Mary had been promised to Joseph from an early age. He may have been betrothed or engaged, promised to Mary since he was a baby. Joseph and Mary probably grew up together. He had known her his whole life. Mary was supposed to be a virgin. The Bible tells us that just before they formalized their marriage by coming together as one …

Matthew 1:18-21 … {before Joseph and Mary} came together {to formalize their marriage as man and wife} , she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

Joseph was confronted with a dilemma. Mary – a girl he has loved his entire life – Mary was “found” (the Greek εὑρίσκω heurískō, pronounced hyoo-ris’-ko) which means “to discover by examination”. I suspect this happened on their very wedding day. The honeymoon was beginning. And Joseph discovers that Mary is with Child.

You can summarize what is wrong with America today with our attitude as we read this ancient text. “Mary was with child. So what? There’s abortion, or adoption, or single parenthood. It’s no big deal!” Yes, it is a big deal. You see, Joseph was a just man, a believer in God, and God in His Word said that sexual sin was wrong. If Joseph revealed that Mary was pregnant outside of marriage at the least she would be shunned. God said of sexual sin:

Leviticus 18:29-30 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.

At the most the Law decreed:

Deuteronomy 22:23-24 If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbor’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

Joseph was a just man. He was a believing man, a follower of God, a keeper of God’s Word. But Joseph loved Mary, and the Scripture says that he was …

not willing to make her a public example,
was minded to put her away privily

Rather than reveal what looked to be a terrible breach against God and himself Joseph decided to put her away – to divorce her privately. He would not bring charges against her.

What a wonderful love Joseph had!
He loved God and loved Mary.
This is why God chose to use Joseph to bless the world.

The Angel of God comes to Joseph with a wonderful message!

Matthew 1:20 Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

The angel of God said “FEAR NOT”, phobeō mē, “stop fearing”. Put your fears to rest, Joseph. You will not have to expose Mary to death or dis-fellowship. You will not have to hide her pregnancy from your and her family. Do not fear to take Mary as your lawfully wedded wife. The Child she carries is not illegitimate. The child Mary is carrying is conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God working among us.

  • The Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the earth:Genesis 1:2 … and the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • The Holy Spirit moved the Prophets to write our Bible: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 {Spirit}
  • It is the Holy Spirit that leads people to faith in God, and makes the believer a Child of God by spiritual birth:John 3:5 {Jesus said} … Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit who makes the Christian and indwells the Christian (see 1 Corinthians 6:19) is indeed a member of the Godhead (see Acts 5:3-4). It is the Holy Spirit that empowers the Church and gives gifts unto the believer in order to glorify Jesus (see John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15). The Holy Spirit is a Person not a power Who can be can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30); has a will (1 Corinthians 12:4-7); and uses His mind to search the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). It is the Spirit that has fellowship with believers (2 Corinthians 13:14).

It is the Holy Spirit that caused the virgin we call Mary to be with Child of God. God bypassed man when He made the humanity of Christ. Joseph as a fallen man could have no hand in making the Savior.

Joseph – This Is Good News

God would choose to enter humanity through a little virgin called Mary. If Joseph had not listened to God but instead kept the Law of God without compromise then Mary would have been killed – and the Messiah would never come.

Joseph looked beyond himself.
Joseph lived his life by faith.
Joseph feared the Lord. Oh, that more of us feared the Lord!
and Joseph loved the Lord. Oh, that more of us loved the Lord!

The Angel gave Joseph the best news of all. Not only had Mary been faithful to him, but she was faithful to God.

Matthew 1:21 {Mary} shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

What Joseph started out hearing as bad news was actually the best news of all. What is this good news? God would send His Son into this fallen world to save us from our sins. Why would God choose this method to save humanity? We read:

Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew tells us that this plan that God has for Mary and Joseph has been in motion since the days of Isaiah, some 700 years before. Isaiah said:

Isaiah 7:14 … the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. {which means “God with us”. See also Matthew 1:22-23}

Isaiah 9:6 … For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

God will enter humanity through Mary. He will be born to and nursed by a virgin. Why did God have to do this? Because we are born sinners. Our first parent Adam sinned against God. God placed Adam in the perfect Garden then told him:

Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 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 did as he was NOT to do, and death entered creation. From the time of Adam every person born into this life was born physically alive, but spiritually dead. We are born into this life separated from God by a sin nature that plagues us from birth. The Scripture tells us:

Romans 5:12 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:

We compare ourselves to others around us to determine if we are ok or not ok. We look at ourselves in the mirror. “Man, I’m fat!” Then we go out and look at someone else. “But I’m not as fat as HE is!” Somehow we feel that by doing better than those around us we are ok.

I speak in tongues, so I’m ok.
I tithe, so I’m ok.
I go to Church, so I’m ok.
I don’t cheat on my wife, so I’m ok.
I pay my taxes, so I’m ok.

We determine our – shall I call it – ok-ness – by those around us. But whether we are ok or not is not based on others. Our ok-ness is based on God. How do we stack up to God?
How do we measure up in HIS eyes?

Romans 5:17-19 tells us … by one man’s offense death reigned by one; … 18 … by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; 19 … by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners…

God – the God Who made Heaven and earth and all that is in it – looks at us and says “death reigns among mankind. They are all condemned. They are all sinners. They are an offense to Me.” You may measure up as ok on a human scale, but on a God scale you and I are absolute zero. We are sinners in need of a Savior.

So God decided to save us. That’s what Christmas is about. Christmas is about we who are sinners – enemies of God – being reached out to BY GOD. The Lord reaches out. The Baby in the manger, the Child born of the Virgin, is Eternal God in human flesh. That Baby is the Lamb of God, sent by the Father to pay for the sins of the world. The Angel said:

Matthew 5:21 Mary … shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The Son of God enters humanity. He does not enter to parades and the cheers of the public. He enters humanity on a rescue mission. What did the Angel say?

Jesus SHALL SAVE His people from their sins

We are told in:

Romans 5:8-11 But 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.

The Baby born in the manger was born to die for us. Why did He have to die? Because sin is an eternal affront to God. It is not a lark, a fantasy, a jaunt. Sin is deadly, for it separates from God.

It was sin that cast Adam and Eve from Paradise.
It was sin that brought a flood that killed all but eight souls.
It was sin that destroyed Tyre and Sidon.
It was sin that demolished Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is sin that brings death and mayhem to humanity.
It is sin that keeps people from God, and ultimately from Heaven.
Sin is the third party that destroys marriages.
Sin robs children of their parents.
Sin kills babies in the womb.

Oh Beloved, would that we would all understand that sin is no joy, but a robber of joy. It pays a deadly wage. But Christ came to separate us from sin’s slavery. Christ was born once, so that we could be born again. Jesus came to make payment for our sins, to be the Savior of HIS people. To those who receive Him as Lord and Savior, you receive with Him life, love, adoption, and power to become the sons of God. With Jesus you receive Heaven in eternity and peace with God on earth.

We Need To Examine Our Salvation
With Fear And Trembling

Which brings us to the Scripture you read earlier:

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

The Bible doesn’t tell us to work FOR our salvation, but to work it OUT. Jesus worked worked for our salvation. None of us can earn nor deserve our salvation. This is why God became Man. He took our place on Calvary, dying for our sins. Once more:

Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were MADE sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be MADE righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath MADE him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be MADE the righteousness of God in him.

Are you one of Christ’s people? I am not your judge. God is your Judge. Examine your salvation, dear ones. I want us all in Heaven. But more than this, I want us all as Christ’s people right now, here on this earth. If you are saved then you are not save by your works – but once saved you will live for Jesus. You will live to honor the Lord Who saved you.

I wish every Christian a Merry Christmas. But if you are not one of Christ’s redeemed, I wish you a scary Christmas. I pray the conviction of God afflict you until you can say with confident peace,
“I am Christ’s and Christ is mine!”

May God touch your hearts with His Word!

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Christ Lifted Up

Posted on December 4, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash

John 3:13-18 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 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.

I believe John 3:16 is perhaps the most famous and memorized Bible verse. I believe this is because John 3:16 is part of a discourse that the Lord Jesus held with a Jewish Rabbi and Leader named Nicodemus. We are told this in:

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

and in John 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master (Greek διδάσκαλος – didaskalos, literally “master teacher” or Rabbi) of Israel, and knowest not these things?

As Jesus discussed salvation with this “master teacher of Judaism” He began to reveal that Christianity is not just another religion among many. Those who are true Christians are “born again of the Spirit of God” (John 3:3, 5, 8). A Christian becomes a Christian because that person calls on Jesus to be saved. The Genuine Call from the lost person creates what you might call a chain effect which is described in …

John 1:12-13 … as many as received {Jesus}, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

God makes the Christian. Not the Church, nor the Creed; not the Pastor nor the Person. Only God. God causes a supernatural change to occur in the believer, one in which God describes it as “being born again”.

Tonight I want to focus on the passages leading up to John 3:16, starting here:

John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on John says of verse 13:

“The perfect knowledge of God is not obtained by any man’s going up from earth to heaven to receive it – no man hath so ascended – but He whose proper habitation, in His essential and eternal nature, is heaven”

In other words only Jesus Christ has ever had direct contact with God in Heaven. He has looked upon God, spoken to God face to face, lived with God, and is Himself God. So what Jesus is about to tell this Rabbi named Nicodemus – and us who are listening in – is firsthand information. Jesus is not speaking as a Prophet nor a Pastor, but as a Person of the Trinity.

Now Jesus gives us a parallel between an Old Testament event, applying it to His coming crucifixion. Jesus says:

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

We know this is a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion because of the phrase LIFTED UP. Jesus told the Pharisees:

John 8:23 -24, 28 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. … Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

John 12:32-33 {Jesus said} And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Jesus knew from the very beginning of His earthly ministry that He would be LIFTED UP or crucified for our sins. Though Nicodemus may not have fully understood all that Jesus was saying, it is clear that Jesus is comparing His coming crucifixion to the time in the Old Testament that Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness.

The Lifting Up Of The Serpent Defines The Crucifixion

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

To understand Jesus’ illustration we need to go in the Bible to where Moses LIFTED UP the serpent. This is found in Numbers Chapter 21.

What happened in Numbers 21? Well, it starts out well. Israel had just had a great victory. Attacked by the King of the the Canaanites, God blessed His people. We read:

Numbers 21:3 .. the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and {Moses} called the name of the place HORMAH.

The name “HORMAH” means “devotion”. God’s people were having victory because they were devoted to God. They sought the Lord. They looked to Him, and not to themselves. The Church in America is failing today because we are NOT HORMAH. We are not devoted to our God. We are doing things all for the wrong reasons.

We are to glorify the Lord!
We are to trust Him, and fully rely on Him!
He is able, but we are not!

As Israel begins to move once more that day’s march starts out with celebration. Our God blessed! They started out singing. But then we read:

Numbers 21:4 {Israel} journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

The land of Edom is the place where the children of Esau lived, the ancient enemies of Israel. Israel had an easy win with the Canaanites, and probably thought that things would be downhill for a while. It wasn’t. There is more stress, more trials. And the people became discouraged.

God knows that we are going to be discouraged at times. This is why the Lord tells us:

2 Chronicles 20:15 … Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Fear and discouragement often go together. Discouragement is the devil’s greatest tool. He can fan the spark of discouragement into a flame of disobedience and dishonor. This is what happened with Israel.

Numbers 21:5 … And the people spake against God, and against Moses…

The people spoke against God and His chosen leader. They even went further by mocking the manna that God had given them in Grace. Israel had a shortage of water – though they were not dehydrated. They were tired and stressed – though not overwhelmed. But as they murmured and mocked, God listened.

The Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is DEATH” (Romans 6:23).
The Bible says that “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”
(James 1:15).

Sin is dangerous – very dangerous – especially when you anger God. The Bible says:

Numbers 21:6 {because of their sin} the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

As death came on many, Israel decided to repent, to turn from their sin and cry out to God. The Bible says that:

Numbers 21:7 … the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Now we’re coming to Jesus’ reference from John 3. God spoke to Moses, and told him:

Numbers 21:8-9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

Moses lifted up a brass serpent on a pole. If a serpent had bitten anyone, if that person looked up and focused on that serpent believing – they would live.

The Serpent And The Christ

The serpent represents the sin of the people. The serpent represents our Lord Jesus Christ. That was what Jesus said. Once more:

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

It was a serpent in the Garden of Eden that enticed Adam to sin against God (see Genesis 3:1, 6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3). That serpent is satan (Revelation 12:14-15; 20:2). Sin caused humanity to fall from God. Sin brought snakes into the camp of Israel. Sin brings death.

  • The serpent that was placed on Moses pole was not a natural serpent. It was made of brass by Moses. The Man that hung on the Cross of Calvary was not a natural born man. He is God made, born of the Holy Spirit:

Matthew 1:20 … the angel of the Lord appeared unto {Joseph} in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 1:35 … the angel {of the Lord} answered and said unto {Mary}, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

  • Sin was killing Israel. They could only be saved by looking up at that serpent on the pole. Sin kills us. We are only saved by looking up at our Jesus on the Cross of Calvary.

Why did God use a snake in the Old Testament to represent the Christ in the New Testament. The answer is very simple.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For {God the Father} hath made {God the Son} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The snake represented sin. When Jesus was crucified – LIFTED UP on Calvary’s Cross – God literally MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US. Jesus knew no sin. He was completely sinless. The Scripture declares:

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet WITHOUT SIN.

Jesus became not just me, but every sinner who would ever be born. He became the ultimate snake. Dying on that Cross He took my penalty and your penalty upon Himself. He did this so that we could become:

Sons of God
Children of Light
Priests unto God
A peculiar people who praise Him!

  • There was no work for Israel to do in order to be saved from death. Moses built the serpent and put it on the pole according to God’s specifications. All Israel could do was look at the serpent. They could not make their own pole. They could not earn nor deserve their salvation. God in Grace provided that salvation, they only need LOOK. God said:

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.

Only God can save. Only God. We look unto Him, high and lifted up. Suffering, bleeding, dying. That is MY sin which caused that. That is MY God Who is hanging there for me. Ever will I love Him because of that. We are to look unto Jesus. And, as Moses did, do nothing to modify what God has said. Moses did exactly as God said, and Israel lived. We as God’s Ambassadors must – we MUST – do the same!

Damnation Or Salvation Based On That Look

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

Whoever looks up at Jesus, believing will not perish. That is every person’s choice, to look or not to look. Those who look are saved. The sin is covered, and the person is freed from slavery to sin to serve the living God. What does the Scripture say?

Romans 6:6 … Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN.

Romans 6:16-18 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

The death of Christ freed us who are His from sin so that we can serve the Savior. Let us together serve the Savior!

May God touch your hearts with His Word.

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God’s Alphabet For His Children

Posted on December 2, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Psalm 119:1-8 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

When I was a little boy I learned my ABCs by song. Perhaps you did, too. Remember?

A B C D E F G

Come and sing along with me.

H I J K,

L M N O P

Tell me what think of me.

Q R S T U and V

W X and Y and Z

Now I know my ABCs

Come along and sing with me.

I still sing this song sometimes when I’m filing something away 🙂 – Singing is a good way to learn. God used a song to teach His children the importance of the Scripture. This is what Psalm 119 is: the ABCs of faith.

Psalm 119 Is The ABCs Of Faith

We can’t study the entire Psalm 119 tonight, for it has 2445 words, making it longest chapter in the Bible (and the longest song).

Psalm 119 Is A Very Long Song
Teaching God’s Children The ABCs Of Faith

Psalm 119 is one of the few chapters of the Bible where the verse divisions are inspired by God. The verse divisions of the Old Testament were assigned by the Jewish Rabbi Nathan in 1448 AD. Psalm 119 is broken up using the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, Aleph, Beth, and Gimel and so on, which are like our English ABCs. Each letter division is followed by eight verses.

22 Divisions
x 8 Verses
= 176 verses

The Rabbi at the Jewish website aish.com wrote:

“22 is a number of completeness, because it is the full representation of the 22 letters of the Alef-Bet – i.e. everything from A to Z (from Alef to Tav).

As for the number 8: We know that 7 represents the “natural realm” – i.e. 7 days of the week, 7 notes in the musical scale, etc. But 8 represents completeness beyond nature – a completeness in the spiritual realm. That is why Brit Milah is held on the 8th day of a boy’s life. This also explains why God first commanded Abraham to perform circumcision with the words, “Walk before Me and be complete” (Genesis 17:1).”

It is popular in this secular world today to hear people say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious. I don’t need an ancient text to guide my spiritual life.”

You may believe this, but Psalm 119 stands up and tells you that you are no more than an idolater. Idolatry worships what it thinks is God, but it is really an imaginary little “g” god. God is defined by His Word. Idolatry is very dangerous, which is why the Bible tells us …

1 Corinthians 10:13-14 … There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Trials and tribulations come to all who are human, animal, and plant life on this fallen earth. The God Who created all that you see – our faithful and trustworthy God – is able to take us through the trials that beset us. Yet an idol can do us no good. The first generation of Israel followed God out of Egypt, then began to make an idol of Moses rather than the Lord Who saved them. What happened when Moses was called up into Sinai to receive the Law? Israel had Aaron the High Priest create an idol to worship, a golden calf (Exodus 32:21-24) to worship and follow instead of Moses. Many churches today make idols out of their pastors or worship leaders. Beloved, do not do this. We are but men. But God is God, and He is defined by His Holy Scripture, the Word of God.

If you know God’s Word, you know God’s Character.
If you know God’s Character, you know God.
The Scripture – our Holy Bible – defines God, the True God.
Our worship is defined by His Word!

Blessing Comes By Obeying The Lord

Psalm 119:1-2 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

The word “blessed” starts this ABC of faith. ALEPH. Say this with me. ALEPH. That is equivalent to our “A”in the ABCs. Say it again. ALEPH. This is the beginning of faith. The word “blessed” is the Hebrew אֶשֶׁר ʼesher, (pronounced eh’-sher) which means “to be happy”.

Do you want to be “happy”?

Americans – in fact everyone – wants to be “happy”. When our nation broke away from the tyranny of Great Britain our founding fathers wrote in our “Declaration of Independence”:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our forefathers knew than God created us and wanted us to be happy. But happiness is not automatic – it must be pursued. It is not like the air we breath.

Happiness is to be pursued.
To pursue God is to pursue happiness!

As a nation we have in the last few years pursued happiness apart from an ongoing relationship with the God Who made us. As a result we are not happy – though we have so much stuff we have to rent storage space to hold it all. We are like the farmer that Jesus spoke of in Luke 12:13-21 who had so much stuff that he said:

“What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? and he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.”

But then God called him to judgment, this always busy, always unhappy farmer. The Lord told this foolish American:

“… Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Genuine richness comes from both knowing and walking in step with God your Creator. There is no happy life apart from God.

Psalm 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed {or happy} are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Who are the “undefiled in the way”? These are the ones who “walk in the Law of the Lord”. The ones who obey the Lord our God.

There has been much nonsense in my lifetime – particularly nonsense from the pulpits of liberal American churches – that has said:

The law cannot save you,
So toss the law away and believe on Jesus.
Do nothing beyond this, because you don’t have to.
You’re not under the Law, but under Grace.

This is hogwash – a twisting of the Scripture. Those who are saved walk by the precepts of the Lord Who saved them. It is true that the Scripture says:

Galatians 3:22-26 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But 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.

Well meaning and confused preachers have teaching secularism and liberalism from their pulpits have said “If you are a Christian you are no longer under the Law. You are therefore lawless. Just believe in Jesus, and do what you will – you will go to Heaven.” Our Lord Jesus did not teach this – ever! And neither did the Apostle Paul. Here is the Biblical teaching.

The written Law was given to unbelieving Israel at Mount Sinai. The written Law was given to show each and every one of us that we are at best sinners in need of God our Savior. The written Law was given to show us our need for Christ, and to demonstrate through its ceremonies how the Lamb of God would come from God to save us.

The written Law foretold our Jesus. When Jesus came to this earth – Incarnate God born of the virgin Mary according to the written Law (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; 1 John 4:9) He was quite specific. He said:

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Only Jesus among mankind has ever perfectly lived out the Law. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law. When He died on Calvary He decreed “It is finished”. Not “I am finished” but “IT is finished”:

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

When sin is finished it brings forth death. Jesus defeated sin and death on the Cross. When we receive Him as Lord and Savior then we are saved – saved by faith. BUT HEED THESE WORDS. ONCE SAVED BY FAITH, WE WALK OBEYING GOD. You cannot be saved by keeping the Law of God – the Pharisees are proof of this. But once you are saved you walk according to the decrees of God. Not to BE saved, but BECAUSE you are saved. We who are Christians do not have to kill animals to cover our sins. Christ’s death paid for our sins. We who are Christians do not have to avoid certain foods in order to be saved. God has decreed all things clean because of Christ (Acts 10:10-16). We who are saved need not be ceremonially circumcised according to the Law, for …

Colossians 2:10-11 And ye are complete in {Jesus}, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

The Christian is circumcised not in his foreskin, but every Christian whether male or female are circumcised in heart (Romans 2:29). Our hearts are tender toward God. We love Him, and follow Him Who saved us. We cherish His Word, and do according to His will. His Spirit indwells us, and directs us. This His Bible we love because we are loved of Him. The Bible tells us:

1 Corinthians 7:19 … Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Leviticus 22:31 Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 5:9-10 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, 10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 15:10-14 … If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Psalm 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed {or happy} are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

The “undefiled in the way” are those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believing Him to be our Lord and Savior. The early Christians were called “those who walk in the way“. When Jesus healed the blind man at Jericho the Bible says:

Mark 10:51-52 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

The blind man did not work to be given sight. He heard Jesus coming. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me”. When Jesus gave him sight then his way became Jesus’ way, and Jesus’ way was his way. He followed the Lord. What did Jesus say of Himself?

John 14:6 … I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Which brings me to this point:

I Am Not SAVED By My Works,
But I Am BLESSED By Following My Savior

Psalm 119:1-3 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

Blessing or happiness comes by seeking the Lord, and by keeping His testimonies – that is, by doing what He says. The professing Christian that is not following Jesus in the Way is one of two things:

Confused, or
Completely Lost!

The Scripture defines faith this way:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please {God}: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Without faith you cannot be saved. But faith properly defined is the heart felt pursuit of God. It is not the pursuit of religion. The Muslims pursue religion. The Mormons pursue religion. The Progressives, the LGBT crowd, the party goers, the various cults all pursue religion.

The Christian pursues God. Why?
Because we LOVE God our Savior.
We LOVE Jesus. We LOVE the Spirit of God.
And we know that God is NOT FOUND in sin,
But in the palace of righteousness.

When Christ Jesus came to this earth it was not merely to save souls, but to build a kingdom of Light. The kingdom of Light loves Jesus, loves the Father, loves others because we have been loved. We follow God by rejecting what He has defined as iniquity, and by walking in His ways. What are God’s ways? Well Jesus told us in His first recorded sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. What did He tell us?

Matthew 5:19-20 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:43-46 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, 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 he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

The Pharisees had a head knowledge religion rather than a heart knowledge faith. They did what they saw as commands in order to get to Heaven. This works based salvation just made them more selfish and self centered. They thought among themselves “Heaven was made for us because we are SO GOOD”. People with this mindset will be in hell one day, not Heaven. I was listening to a comedian the other day who was talking about God. He said (and I’m paraphrasing him):

“I believe in God – but only when I have to. When I’m flying I believe in God. When I get on a plane and see a little old lady trying to get her bag into an overhead compartment I stop and help her. Then I say, “See here, God, what a good person I am! Please don’t let the plane crash”. But when the plane landed he said “I don’t have time to help that little old lady. After all, I already helped her. Let somebody else do it – I just believe in God while I’m in the air”.

Many people are this way. They believe in a god of convenience, a god when they are hospitalized, a god to turn to when death visits their family. That person is not saved, but terribly lost. The Pharisees loved the Law, loved religion, loved doing stuff, but had no love for God or for others. They were terribly lost. The religion that touches the head but not the heart is the religion of the lost.

I’m about out of time, but I want to give you a little more of this wonderful Psalm 119. Hear this:

Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Psalm 119:10-11 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Psalm 119:47-48 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

If some preacher has told you that you must keep God’s Law to be saved, then he is lying. We are saved by faith in the finished work of Christ. But if some preacher has told you now that you are saved by faith you no longer need hear nor heed God’s Word, this Holy Scripture, then he is lying. God gave us His Word to live by it, to learn by it, to love it. Our prayer is:

Psalm 119:5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

Born again by faith in Christ, we are indwelt by His Spirit. We need His Word. We live our lives according to His Word because we love Him. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

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Kingdom Of Heaven Taken By Force

Posted on December 1, 2019 by bibleteacherorg

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Matthew 11:12-15 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is {Elijah}, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

As we start the Advent Season and recognition of our Lord Jesus Christ coming into humanity (an event called “The Incarnation”) we will sing about the birth in the manger. We will celebrate the shepherds watching their flocks by night, and the celebration of angels as Messiah was born in a manger. We will talk about the little virgin called Mary and her faithful and godly husband Joseph. We’ll see and hear the children sing about that Holy Baby born.

So why am I in the middle part of Matthew instead of Matthew 2? Because the birth of Christ came according to Bible Prophecy. Someone asked me once “Why do you trust this Bible and what it says? Hasn’t it changed over the years? Haven’t people changed?” My answer is, “No, people haven’t changed, and the Bible hasn’t changed. Before Christ could come prophesies – written in Scripture – had to be fulfilled. When Jesus Christ came He fulfilled every single prophecy of the Messiah found in the Old Testament”. That’s why I trust the Bible. It has proved itself over and over again, and I love God it’s Author for it! Praise Him!

Before Messiah could come someone else had to come. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16; Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:3; Daniel 2:47; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 1:5; Matthew 28:18; Acts 10:36), our Blessed Jesus, was going to be born into humanity. The King was coming! The Promise of salvation from the serpent of sin (Genesis 3:15) was going to be fulfilled! The blessing of Abraham was now going to come on the world (Genesis 12:1-3).

Before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords could be clothed
in flesh a Herald must be raised up.
Part of the miracle of Christmas is John the Baptist.

John The Baptist – The Herald Of Christ
Was The Elijah & Moses Which Was To Come

Jesus never spoke a lie or made an error. Jesus is …

1 Peter 1:19 … a Lamb without blemish and without spot

Or as John spoke of Him:

John 1:29 … Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!

Jesus said of John the Baptist:

Matthew 11:13-14 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is {Elijah}, which was for to come.

Elijah was one of the Greatest Prophets in the Old Testament. It was Elijah who stood on Mount Carmel – just he and God, together against the false idols of that day. No one else stood with Elijah but God. But Beloved, if you and God are standing together, you are in a majority! It does not matter if the whole world stands against you.

Romans 8:31 … If God be for us, who can be against us?

Elijah and God that day on Carmel proved God’s faithfulness. The idols were overturned, satan was cast down, and God once more showed Himself to be faithful. Yet Israel would not hear.

Time passed, and the Messiah did not come. The Messiah was prophesied. One of the texts you will hear this Season prophesying Jesus’s birth is:

Isaiah 7:14 … Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

God the Messiah would come to us through a remarkable birth, a virgin birth. But there is significance in Jesus saying that John the Baptist
was the Elijah who was to come.

After Elijah defeated idolatry on Mount Carmel God took him up to Heaven without death – he was caught up by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:3-9). After taking Elijah into Heaven God foretold through the Prophet:

Malachi 3:1 … Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 4:5-6 {God said} Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

John the Baptist was the messenger that God sent to prepare the way before Jesus. He – like Elijah – would stand strong against the forces of evil, often standing by himself against the religious evils of satan. Jesus said …

Matthew 11:14    And if ye will receive it, this is {Elijah}, which was for to come.

The first Elijah – that great Prophet – after fighting the forces of evil with God by his side grew weary and despondent. He was exhausted. Why was he exhausted if God stood by his side? Because the devil and the forces of evil are relentless. They never cease! When righteous Elijah stood up against the false prophets – the false religious system of Jezebel and Ahab – he trusted in God. But after battling and standing with God there was one more evil to come. The queen of Israel, Jezebel, sent to Elijah a messenger:

1 Kings 19:2-4 … saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

The first Elijah experienced what even the strongest of God’s servants will experience. Evil is relentless. Evil is Judas Iscariot hiding among the twelve. Evil is the soldiers hiding in the bushes of Gethsemane, waiting to see who Judas kisses. Evil is the deacon who rises up against the overseer. Evil is the religious Pharisee plotting Christ’s death because Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Evil takes many faces. It is violent. It is pretty. It is winsome. It is sneaky. It is shining as Lucifer – that fallen angel – shines.

Elijah let evil effect him. He broke, and ran. His mind went away from God and, for just a moment, he took his eyes off of Jesus.

Evil Is Persistent – But God Is Greater Than

Just as even Elijah broke and ran from evil,
John would have his failure.

But just as God stood with Elijah, so now Jesus stands with the Elijah who was John the Baptist. Jesus said:

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is {Elijah}, which was for to come.

Elijah failed and ran – and John the Baptist had a crisis of faith, too. What lead up to our text of today? Evil starting attacking John as soon as he came into ministry. His story starts at his birth, which was miraculous and part of the Christmas story.

Luke 1:5-7 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Zacharias and Elisabeth were faithful to serve God, but they had no child. Then God sent an angel to them, saying:

Luke 1:13-14 Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Why was John being born? Because he was the prophesied Herald of the Lord. The angel told Zacharias that John (whose name means “The Grace of the Lord”) …

Luke 1:17 … shall go before {the Messiah} in the spirit and power of {Elijah}, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

John the Baptist was a cousin to Jesus Christ, and would be born about 6 months prior to Jesus. This was so his ministry would herald Jesus for 6 months or so until Jesus the Messiah began to minister.

The devil did not want the Messiah to come. He tried to kill the Messiah in Bethlehem through evil Herod. But God protected His Son. As John and Jesus grew John started preaching about six months before Christ Jesus came to be baptized. As John preached the kingdom of Heaven suffered violence. All of the forces of evil rose up to discredit John. When John began to preach the idolatrous Pharisees and the fallen world began to attack:

John 1:19-22 … And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou {Elijah}? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet {Moses}? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

The forces of evil struggled against John. They tempted him, asking him “Are you the Christ?”. There are many preachers who, in the preaching of the Gospel, as their churches grew to the glory of God began to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think (Romans 12:3).

John kept his eyes on Jesus.

“Are you Elijah, John? Are you the Moses that was to come?” the idol worshipers of religion asked. You see, God promised that when Moses died:

Deuteronomy 18:15 … The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

John, are YOU that Moses? But John was very careful, and very humble. He would not say he was the Elijah that was to come, and definitely knew that he was not the Moses of God’s people. That title was reserved unto Christ Jesus. He is our Moses, our Leader, our Lawmaker, our Lord! So John said, “No, I am not Moses nor Elijah”.

If the idol makers cannot get you to follow their idol, they will try to get you to make yourself into an idol. John the Baptist was not fooled – and neither should you be!

They pressed John. “Then WHO ARE YOU! We must know!” And John replied, quoting the prophesy of …

Isaiah 40:3 {John the Baptist was} The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

John 1:23 … I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet {Isaiah}.

Evil is persistent! They pursued John. The demanded:

John 1:25 … Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John kept his eyes on Jesus. He cried out:

John 1:26-27 … I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

John stood on the mountain just as Elijah stood on the mountain many years ago, standing up for the Messiah. The Christ has come – He now is! Yet You, false god called “religion”, false light called “secularism”, false doctrine called “humanism” and “progressiveness” – oh it’s gone by many names over the years. But it still is evil. John stood, and pointed to Christ.

The Kingdom Of Heaven Suffers Violence,
And The Violent Take It By Force

Returning to our text we read Jesus’ words once more:

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

You will not coast to Heaven. If you are born again and living for Jesus then evil will seek you out. Evil will attack you. On the day that Jesus uttered these words the Bible tells us:

Matthew 11:2-3 Now when John {the Baptist} had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

The first Elijah had a crisis of faith in 1 Kings 19, and now the second Elijah has a crisis of faith.

John has been serving the Lord, and if you serve the Lord you are often not politically correct! Politicians are often professional liars who say what everyone wants to hear. But Beloved, if you are God’s child by faith in Christ then you are to say what God wants to hear.
That will get you into trouble.

John had been preaching of the coming Christ. As part of that, John preached REPENTANCE. John stepped on people’s toes because he lived for the Lord. This is where his focus was.

John is in prison for saying that King Herod’s sexual incest was evil (see Matthew 14:4 – “it is against the Word of God for you to have her”). If you are the Light of God that God has called you to be YOU WILL NOT DRIFT TO HEAVEN ON GOSSAMER WINGS. Jesus told us:

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

There is nothing more the world hates than to be told that sin is wrong and God is right. There is nothing more hated than those who speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The devil wants us all to buy into his lie that we can all just get saved by faith in Jesus, and then drift into Heaven on a cushion of grace, never going against the tide. Oh Beloved, if you believe this then hear the words of our Savior and Lord:

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

The mark of the false prophet is the one who says:

Ezekiel 13:10-13 … Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: 11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. 12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.

If you are saved, you are called to stand with the God Who saved you. You are called to be Light even if you are the only one shining. You are called to stand up for Jesus and be counted. Those who believe in a salvation that brings no change of lifestyle nor change of temperament are believing in a Baal sort of religion, a Pharisaical abomination that crucified Christ, a godless paganism that drove the nails through His hands and feet.

If you are born again you may fail – but Jesus will stand with you and lift you back up. When John had his crisis of faith Jesus did not abandon him. No, Jesus never abandons His children. Jesus did not condemn John, no more than He condemned Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After ministering that day Jesus told John’s disciples:

Matthew 11:4-6 … Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

John, keep looking toward Me. Keep your eyes on Me. Though you may be in a valley now, one day you will be in glory with Me. And John, I will not forsake you. I love you. Keep standing. Keep your eyes on Me. Not on others. Not on the idols of the ages. On Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

I love Jesus, and there have been times in my life when I have cried out to God. Every believer has, Old or New Testament. But keep your eyes on Jesus. He is there. And realize, dear ones – that Heaven is taken by the violent. The devil will attack if you are following Jesus. He will seek to destroy you. He will seek to destroy this Church. As Robert Turnage of Alpha & Omega School of Christ writes:

“The powers of hell will try to prevent the salvation of a soul. God is the Victor. But, when you enter into God’s Kingdom, every opposition of hell will be brought against that soul. From the beginning, a born again soul realizes that God’s dealings with him were not just for his redemption, but he now has the realization of his new life and how he must guard and fight against every attempt to rob him of this treasure. That individual will fight every prejudice and bias leveled against him. The overcomer will stand and fight against every hindrance, criticism, and personal attack against his testimony. He knows God did not just make him a citizen of heaven at the moment of salvation; he knows God not only started a good work in him but, has an eternal purpose to finish what He has begun. God saves and keeps His children. His chosen ones will never only accept His eternal plan but will follow {His Word}…”

The message of Christmas is that God came into the world to save us from damnation. The forces of hell will do everything it can to damn a soul – so we must, as John did, keep our eyes on Jesus. As that beautiful song “It’s About The Cross”:

It’s not just about the manger,
Where the baby lay
It’s not all about the angels,
Who sing for Him that day
It’s not just about the shepherds,
Or the bright and shining star:
It’s not all about the wise men,
Who traveled from afar:
It’s about the cross …
It’s about my sin ….
It’s about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again.
It’s about the stone …
That was rolled away …
So that you and I could have real life someday.
It’s about the cross.

May God touch your hearts with His Word.

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