Bible Gems: Gospel Light

Preface

Acknowledgements

My heart felt appreciation goes to two special people in my life. First my life’s partner and co-worker, Marge who through the years took the lowly place as a “keeper at home” and stayed by the “stuff” and carried on the domestic responsibilities giving me freedom to spend time in the Word, preparing messages to share with our Filipino friends and others. A special thanks goes to our daughter Ruth, who has made many helpful suggestions in the production of this book.

Thank you beloved!

Preface

A Study Aid For Serious Christians & Busy Workers

This book is intended to be a reference tool rather then an exposition of Scripture or commentary. A study aid for committed Christians and busy servants. It covers mostly topical themes and each of the twelve chapters follow a planned format. Each chapter opens with, EXPOSITION – a detailed exposition on the theme of the chapter. This follows with, OUTLINES – also consistent with the theme of the chapter. Then, SEED THOUGHTS AND SERMON STARTERS – these are very brief thought provoking outlines. Then, NOTES AND QUOTES – to stimulate interest. Followed by MEDITATIONS – devotions that touch the heart and leads to worship, and finally, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – to deal with difficulties relating to the theme of the chapter.

The goal of this book is to stimulate under the ministry of the Holy Spirit a desire in the hearts of sincere believers, to search the Scriptures and claim the treasures that God has for us, and above all that our blessed Savior and Master will be glorified.

The title of the book was inspired by the abundant provision, Naomi observed in one days gleanings of Ruth, her daughter-in-law. It so impressed Naomi that, she asked; “Where hast thou gleaned today?” Ruth 2:19 - A good question for us to ask ourselves and of our friends. “Where hast thou gleaned today?” – (In God’s Book)

Chapter 1 - Jesus Our Savior And Lord

Exposition

Every human who ever lived shares the following vital concerns: his purpose for life on earth and his eternal destiny. All depends completely on a personal relationship to the subject of this chapter, the Lord Jesus Christ. The key question of the universe is, what think ye of Christ?Mat. 22:42 - To the artist, He is “altogether lovely”(Song of Solomon 5:16).To the architect, He is the “Chief Cornerstone”(1Peter 2:6).To the hungry man, He is the “Bread of Life”(John. 6:35).To the bankrupt beggar, He is the “Hidden Treasure”(Matthew 13:44).To the builder, He is the “Sure Foundation” (Isaiah 28:16).To the carpenter, He is the “Door”(John. 10:7).To the sick, He is the “Great Physician” (Jeremiah 8:28).To the lost, He is the “Savior” and the “New and Living Way” (Heb. 10:20).

To the Christian, because of Christ’s preexistent deity and glory, He has become the Preeminent Lord of all.To God the Father, all the fullness of the Godhead bodily dwells in Him. (Colossians 1:19; 2:9).

Christ is preeminent because of His unique person. His deity and sinless, impeccable, human nature makes Him unique. Even His enemies were forced to reluctantly admit, “have nothing to do with that just Man” - “I find no fault in Him”(Mat. 27:19; Luke 23:4). Judas, the betrayer, as he went out to hang himself, said of Jesus, “Innocent blood.”His preeminence is unrivaled in the universe. The Father spoke from heaven and said, “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”The Holy Spirit of Truth speaks only of Christ and glorifies Him.The theme of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is Christ; “Cristo-centric” is the key to interpret the Scriptures.In salvation, He is the “only Way”.To the Church He is the Head, Foundation, and Chief Corner Stone.To the Architect, He is Builder, Owner, and Occupier of the house.To the universe, He is Creator and Sustainer.In the judgement (the Bema and The Great White Throne) He will have the last word in righteous judgement.In heaven, He will be worshiped and crowned forever.

He is able to offer unqualified pardon, forgiveness for all our trespasses, deliverance from the power of darkness, translation into the kingdom, redemption and peace through the blood of His cross, and much more.

The blessed truth for the believer is that his position and standing are “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10). This is possible because our Lord has done it all with nothing for us to do but believe, receive, and enjoy. “Nothing in my hands I bring; simply to thy cross I cling.”

His preeminence is based on the dignity of His name, the majesty of His person, and the brightness of His glory.

A story is told which claimed that Leonardo DaVinci, after completing his famous painting,

The Last Supper, showed it to a friend. His friend was impressed and said, “What a beautiful gold cup; it looks so real that you feel like reaching out to take it!”The painter took his brush and painted the cup away. “Why would you do that?” his friend asked. DaVinci said, “I will not allow anything to distract attention away from my Master.”

When the believer sets his affection on things above, he will be occupied with Christ and His all-sufficiency, which is the key to making one heavenly minded. “We have the mind of Christ”(Colossians 3:2; 1Corinthians 2:16).Let us avoid the world’s religious quick-fix substitutes and be occupied alone with Him.He has the preeminence, and we are complete in Him.

Outlines

Christ In Revelation One

**Revelation 1:5,7,18 - "He loveth He cometh He liveth"

1. Three names express different aspects of His person. (Revelation 1:5)

(1) “

Faithful Witness”(Revelation 1-3)

(a) He assesses the condition of the Churches.

(b) He is grieved with Compromise, Condoning sin and Complacency.

(2) “

Firstborn From The Dead”(Revelation 4-18)

(a) He triumphed over death and is glorified in heaven.

(3) “The Prince Of The Kings Of The Earth”(Revelation 19-22)

(a) We will reign with Him in the millennium and eternity.

I. “Unto Him Who Loved Us” 5

1. He is “Faithful Witness” - “as many as I love, I rebuke”(Revelation 3:19)

2. He is “Firstborn from the dead” - love in His priestly ministry.

3. He is “Prince of the Kings” - His love will one day let us reign with Him.

4. “I love the Lord because” – our love for Him is conditional.(Psalms.116:1)

(1) “We love him, because he first loved us”(1John 4:19)

(2) “ Christ died for the ungodly” – His love for us is unconditional.

5. “The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared”(Titus 3:4-6)

(1) “According to his mercy he saved us”

(2) “Shed on us abundantly”

6. God’s infinite love and grace were veiled in the Old Testament.

7. See how low such love will stoop to reveal itself.

(1) Stable; manger (2) Upper room; feet washing (3) Garden; agony (4) Judgment hall; shame.

(5) Cross; suffering (6) Tomb; empty, “He lives”

8. Such love deserves total devotion.

II. “Behold He Is Coming”

1. This is not the rapture, but the “Advent” to reign.

(1) John says, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”(Revelation 22:20)

(2) John agreed with the advent, but was anxious for the rapture.

2. The rapture, the next great event in God’s prophetic program for the Church.

3. The Second Advent will be no secret.(Matthew 24:26-28)

III. “I Am He Who Lives”

1. The living Savior died and rose again.

2. The eternal One; “which is, and was, and is to come.”(Revelation 1:8c)

3. The omnipotent One - “the Almighty”(Revelation. 1:8c)

4. He is the righteous Judge (1) “Out of His mouth, a two-edged sword.”(Rev. 1:16)

(2) He holds the “keys of hell and death.”(Rev. 1:18c)

Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

THE POWER OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST: see Col. 1:11-14. He has redeemed us through the blood of His cross.We are “Strengthenedaccording to His glorious power.”He “hath delivered us from the power of darkness.”He has “translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

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CHRIST be with me, CHRIST within me,

CHRIST behind me, CHRIST before me,

CHRIST beside me, CHRIST to win me,

CHRIST to comfort and restore me,

CHRIST beneath me, CHRIST above me,

CHRIST in quiet, CHRIST in danger,

CHRIST in hearts of all that love me,

CHRIST in mouth of friend and stranger.

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He Is The Great ATTRACTION

**Luke. 2:15,16; John. 1:35-39; 12:32,33; 19:38-42; Acts. 7:55,56 (Like a magnet, Jesus attracted people to Himself)

1. His moral perfection was attractive. (His enemies conceded He was sinless)

2. His humble life was attractive. (Washed the disciples’ feet - John. 13:4,5)

3. His deeds of kindness were attractive. (Had compassion on the multitude)

4. His miraculous power was attractive. (Healed the sick and raised the dead)

5. His words of divine authority were attractive. “Never man spake like this Man”

6. His zeal to go to Jerusalem and to Calvary was attractive. This was the only hope for a lost world.

7. Unlike magnets repel. “Sinners drew near” / “Pharisees murmured.”Luke. 15:1

Notes & Quotes

The best place to be with our sorrows is at His feet, because there we will never doubt His love.

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The fear of God can lift the feeblest and humblest above the fear of men. “It is I; be not afraid.” Mark. 6:50

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There is no pillow like love, and the Lord said, “Come unto me and rest.”

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The calm of a soul, which reposes in the will of God, is unspeakable.

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We cannot have power before men until we first have power with God in His presence. Power is displayed by the revealing of Christ in our daily life.

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Results must be left for the judgment seat of Christ.Meanwhile, we must sincerely desire to be in His will and to one day hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Mat. 25:21

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To honor and exalt Christ is evidence we are in communion with the mind of God.This will be our sole occupation in heaven.

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The filling of the Holy Spirit is the normal state of the believer. The humble and contrite spirit makes this a practical reality in life.

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The qualification for service is deeper acquaintance with the heart of God.

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Like cut flowers fade, so truth that is separated from Christ will fade away.

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Satan cannot find entrance into a heart filled with Christ.With God’s provision it is wiser to keep the enemy out, than to expel him after he has entered.

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The whole life of our blessed Lord as Man is compressed into the words, “He humbled Himself.”

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Christ should be everything to us because He is everything to the heart of God.

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A real revival is making room for Christ in the heart.

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Meditations

Humbled Himself

“He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”(Philippians 2:8)

The Almighty humbled Himself at Bethlehem.The faithful Servant of Jehovah tirelessly ministered on the rugged hills of Galilee.Our loving Redeemer predestined to go to Jerusalem and then climbed the rugged slopes of Calvary.Our sympathizing great High Priest is on the throne, praying for His own.Our loving Bridegroom is wooing and one day is coming to rescue His Bride from this evil world.

MARANATHA!- “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

Better / Lower

**Heb. 1:4 - “so much better than the angels”

**Hebrews. 2:7,9 - “a little lower than the angels”(Psalms. 8:5)

In His Deity, He is true God, and much better than the angels.He is their creator and they worship Him. In Humanity, He is true Man, and became lower than the angels. He had to be both, to qualify as our Redeemer.

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“He Loved Them Unto The End”(John. 13:1)

Why do I love Him so little when He loves me so much? - Is He not “Fairer than the children of men”? Did He not prove His love at Calvary? - Does He not supply all my needs every day? - Have not all of His promises come true? - Then it must be me.At times I seem so remote and distant from Him. What I need most is restoration to intimate communion and to trust Him because He is trustworthy.Lord, help me to be like Mary, sitting at His feet, listening, learning, and adoring. Or help me to be like John, with his head on His gentle bosom, experiencing and enjoying, the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” Philippians 4:7 – This is, ETERNAL REPOSE!

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Christ And His Own In Colossians.

**Colossians 1:18 - “that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.”

**Colossians 2:10 - “ye are complete in him”

**Colossians 3:11 - “Christ is all, and in all.”

(Christ is pre-eminent and we are complete in Him.Colossians 1:18; 2:10)

Questions & Answers

Question:- A friend, to whom I have been witnessing, has doubts about the deity of Christ. This being a fundamental doctrine, how can I help her from the Bible?

Answer:- Indeed, the deity of Christ is an essential doctrine. The Holy Spirit will guide an honest seeker to Christ who is the Truth.God may use you as the human instrument to accomplish this. Your friend may be ignorant of, but sincerely seeking for, the truth. Be assured, God will guide her in her search for truth. The great subject of the deity of Christ is prominent in both the Old and New Testaments and many volumes have been written on the subject. Because of limited space we are compelled to be brief. In the wilderness Jehovah spoke to Moses out of the burning bush and introduced Himself as the, “I am”(Exodus 3:14).Now notice how the Lord Jesus applies this title to Himself in the Gospel of John.”I AM the Door” - I AM the Bread” etc. And again the attributes of deity are applied to the Lord Jesus - eternal: “before Abraham was I AM” - (He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent) - Again the offices of deity are employed by Him(Creator and Sustainer of the universe).Also, the prerogatives of deity apply to Him.He forgave sins, raised Himself from the dead and preformed many miracles. His titles and names relate to deity: “Emmanuel” means “God with us”. Through the centuries, many Christians staked their lives on this fundamental truth and became martyrs, contending for the faith. - Be sure to pray for the Spirit’s enlightenment as you pursue this truth with your friend.

Chapter 2 - I Have A Wonderful Treasure

Exposition

God’s Word exhorts us to seek or set our affection (mind) on things above.(Colossians 3:1,2).These things are spiritual and eternal.They include God, the church, people, spiritual blessings, treasures in heaven, the incorruptible crown, and the eternal Word of God.

For the moment, we want to focus our thoughts on the Bible, which we delight to refer to as “The very Word Of God”.Our goal is to inspire full trust in God’s Word and appropriate it by faith. The Psalmist prayed, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”(Psalms 119:18).There are precious nuggets available, but they need to be discovered and enjoyed.

The early Christians did not each possess a copy of the Bible, because the canon of Scripture was not complete at that time.They depended on public readings of select Scripture, usually read in their local assembly or in private Christian gatherings.1Tim. 4:13

Our goal is to convince our hearts, under the Spirit’s guidance, that the Bible is the absolute authority of God, and that it is God’s message and love-letter to man.The Psalmist found it such a delight, that he meditated on it day and night.(Psalms 1:2).It is called our “heritage”; it is ours to claim, explore, and enjoy forever.(Psalms 119:111).Appreciation and appropriation of the Word is a barometer of our spiritual condition and commitment.

The Bible is at once the most loved, and also the most hated, book in the world.Through the centuries, many have tried in vain to destroy it, only to be destroyed them selves. Others have loved it so much that they staked their lives on it and became martyrs for the cause.

Some words to research in relation to this Book are revelation, inspiration, illumination, interpretation, application, inerrancy, and canonicity.

Revelation means unveiling and contains all the truth that God has been pleased to reveal to man.In it, God has revealed information about man’s origin, fall, and sinful condition. He has revealed that God is Sovereign, holy, and a God of infinite love. Also, God has revealed His plan for the ages concerning His Son and mankind. This revelation from God has been progressive; that is, “precept upon precept...line upon line.”(Isaiah. 28:13).In other words, starting with Genesis, it takes us step by step through the book of Revelation, when God’s special message to man was completed. God has secrets, which He has not been pleased to reveal to man. To go beyond that is human speculation and this must be avoided. Deut. 29:29 - Revelation implies absolute authority.”Thus saith the Lord” and “the Lord spake” occurs over two thousand times in the Old Testament.The Bible is Godlike because it has divine attributes ascribed to it(living, powerful, etc.).Man was created with a “spirit’ and therefore is God-conscious; man’s conscience appeals to revelation for answers.Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?

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God’s Revelation To Mankind(2 Kinds)

General revelation is God’s revelation of Himself through nature and history, and is God’s universal message to man.Special revelation is specific revelation through the Bible and Christ, and becomes the Church’s mission in the world.

Inspiration: means”God-breathed.”(2Timothy 3:16).God breathed into the Bible the breath of life, as He did when He gave life to Adam in Eden.

Illumination:The Holy Spirit is the Author and Teacher of the Bible. He enlightens the minds of spiritual believers in spiritual truths. The unbeliever does not possess the Spirit, so spiritual truths are foreign to him. The carnal believer hinders the illuminating ministry of the Spirit. (I Corinthians 2:13,14)

Interpretation: is the meaning of the term “Hermeneutic” and is the human, common sense handling of the Scripture. There are basic rules to follow if we are to “rightly divide the Word”. For example, study a text within its context. (The immediate and remote context will give clues as to its meaning)Not all Scripture is applicable to all people. “Work out your own salvation in fear and trembling” is not the Gospel. The rituals of Judaism are not intended for the Church. The “Lord’s Supper” was not intended for Israel. Another rule is, interpret the Word literally unless symbolism is obvious. (The book of Revelation clearly uses symbols).

Application: is the personal appropriation and application of the Word.If doctrine is solely head-knowledge, rather than knowledge applied to daily life, it is worthless and even dangerous.Head knowledge puffs up. The Word of God is to be applied personally.(Each Israelite partook of the manna for himself; no one else could gather or eat it for him).

Inerrancy: is the absolute accuracy of the Bible. Because the infallible Holy Spirit is the Author, it is without error. All the Word has “thus saith the Lord” stamp of approval on it. When there are “seeming contradictions” it is because man is fallible or is adding his own opinions.Enlightenment by the Holy Spirit is essential.

Canonicity: is referring to the authenticity of the Word of God.Early church leaders compiled ancient manuscripts, which met certain qualifications, into the volume we now recognize as the “inspired Word of God”. In the early years there were many spurious copies in circulation, but because it was God’s Word, the Holy Spirit guided the selections so that only authentic copies would be included. Today we have 66 books in the Bible, of which we can confidently say, “This is the very Word of God” and “THUS SAITH THE LORD.”

Outlines

Enjoy Your Bible

**Jeremiah 15:16; Ezekiel 3:1-4; Revelation10: 8-11%

1. Three visions / three prophets / all ate the Word.

2. Eating implies food: milk / meat / bread / honey / water.

(1) Eating is essential for life, survival, and growth.

(2) Personal appropriation is necessary for it to become a part of us.

(3) Each Israelite gathered manna for himself. (More or less) (Ex. 16:15-17)

3. It had a threefold affect on the prophets:Sweet / Bitter / Joy.%

4. It was preparatory for service: “eat... go... speak... prophecy.”

5. Our goal (see Psalms 1:2)”delight...meditate day and night” (Not just a duty).

I. Understand The Uniqueness Of The Bible

1. It claims divine authority;(“Inspiration” - God breathed. Genesis 2:7)

2. It is inerrant; its subject matter harmonizes.

(1) 66 books by 40 writers over 1,500 years and no contradictions (2) Prophetically and historically accurate, scientifically correct.

3. It is inexhaustible.

(1) Spurgeon; 7 week series on John 3:16. - “Haven’t scratched the surface.”

(2) Difficult verses; God is wiser then we are so don’t choke on bones.

4. It is indestructible.

(1) Voltaire; “Bible dead in 100 yrs.” His house is Geneva Bible Society. + (2) Ingersol; “Bible in the morgue in 15 yrs.”Instead, he was.

(3) Jesus;”...my words shall not pass away...” Luke 21:33

5. It answers man’s three basic reasons for existence.

(1) Where did I come from? (2) Why am I here? (3) Where am I going?

6. It provides the only satisfactory remedy for sin. - The Gospel.

7. It introduces heaven and earth’s most wonderful Person (Christ)(Isaiah.9: 6)

8. It works!

(1) The Gospel is seed that germinates into new life.

(2) The Bible is food that sustains life.

(3) The Bible is a Sword that convicts and defends.(Hebrews 4:12)

(4) The Bible transforms lives, homes, and nations.

(5) New Hebrides; (Cannibal / Christian) French trader “pot… supper”

II. Cultivate An Appreciation For The Bible

1. Like a bride reads a love letter - Completely.

2. Like a traveler consults a road map - Constantly.

3. Like a scholar studies a textbook- Carefully.

4. Like a soldier obeys a battle order - Conscientiously.

III. Develop An Appetite For The Bible(Three D’s)

1. Desire – Supernatural: motivated by the Spirit.

2. Dependence - The Holy Spirit is Author and Teacher.

3. Discipline - An act of the will.

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1. Neglect spells defeat, gradual and in stages.

(1) Spiritual anemia; Shows up in prayer, witness, and in the assembly.

(2) Disqualifies in the Christian race, service, and leadership.

(3) Fatality - Puts one out of commission and becomes a spiritual “drop out”

2. Junk food spoils the appetite; tastes good but has no nourishment.

3. Enjoyment of the Bible is a barometer of our spirituality.

4. As good stewards, we are to share, not hide the treasure.

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Footnotes:

% Three prophets, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and John, had visions from the Lord. In their visions, they had an experience of eating the Word.The Word becomes sweet to the surrendered believer, bitter to the compromising believer, and joy to the victorious believer.

+Voltaire, a professing atheist, committed his life to destroy all Bibles.He predicted the Bible would be obsolete in 100 years. Voltaire died, and his house was taken over by the GENEVA BIBLE SOCIETY, which printed the Bible for millions to read.

#John G. Paton, a Scottish missionary, was called by God in the 1800’s to go to the New Hebrides Islands to share the Gospel of Christ with a cannibalistic people.The island was transformed into a genuinely, delightful Christian community.One day a national Christian was sitting on the steps of his grass hut reading his Bible.An ungodly, French trader passed by and scoffed at him for reading that book, saying, “That book never did anyone any good.”The Christian responded, “Do you see that pot where I am cooking my supper?If it wasn’t for this Book, you would be in that pot boiling for my meal tonight.” The Bible works!It transforms lives, families, and nations.

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The Believer And The Bible

1. There are more Bibles in print today then any other book. It is too bad so many of them are collecting dust on the bookshelves.

2. It is the inspired “God-breathed” Word of God. It has divine life, as when God “breathed” into man the breath of life.(Gen. 2:7).

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CORRECT ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES, In Studying The Bible.

I. STUDY IT

PRAYERFULLY:

1. Keep in close communion with the Author and Instructor.

2. One must be near to hear His “still, small voice.”(1Kings 19:12).

(1) God would rather whisper grace than shout warnings.

II. STUDY IT

REVERENTIALLY:

1. God’s Word deserves our utmost respect. (An awesome God and Word).

(1) No place for puns on the Word by comedian preachers. (Sacrilege)

(2) Comedians belong in Hollywood, not in the pulpit.

(3) A sense of humor and laughter in its place is proper.

III. STUDY IT

DILIGENTLY:

1. Study in 2 Timothy 2:15 suggests a diligent pursuit.

(1) Study is hard work.

(2) It is an exercise of a Spirit-surrendered will.

(3) It seeks to earn God’s approval.

(4) It is the key to knowing God’s will.

IV. STUDY IT

TOTALLY:

1. Read it from cover to cover for a bird’s eye overview.

(1) Observe the progression in revelation to man.

(2) Learn the chronological order of events.

(3) Notice that not all Scripture applies to all people.

(a) Examples:Old Testament offered animal sacrifices.

(b) New Testament believers observe the Lord’s Supper.

2. Study it diligently, verse by verse and word for word.

V. STUDY IT

DEVOTIONALLY:

1. Study prepares the intellect for growth and service.

2. Meditation motivates the will to service and inspires the heart for worship.

VI. STUDY IT

DOCTRINALLY:

1 Doctrine is the fiber that reinforces the fundamentals of the faith.

2. Christian growth and stability depend on it.

3. It is what you guard when you “contend for the faith.”(Jude 1:3).

4. It was included in the battle cry of the Reformation.

5. It’s not doctrine that divides; it’s perversion of doctrine.

"The unlearned and unstable wrest the Scripture."(2 Peter3: 16).

V. STUDY IT

PRACTICALLY:

1. Look for instruction for daily living, family affairs, business, government, etc.

2. Theology in the head is useless, until it influences every member of the body.

VI. STUDY IT

OBEDIENTLY:

1. Obedience is the key to receiving more light from the Bible.

2. “To obey is better then sacrifice...”(1Samuel 15:22).

VII. STUDY IT

EXPECTANTLY:

1. God’s promises are based on His integrity.

2. Faith can trust a faithful God.

VIII. STUDY IT

PROPHETICALLY:

1. The prospect of the Lord’s coming is spiritually invigorating.

2. It becomes the “blessed hope” to cheer us on the long and rugged road.

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1. Reliable Christian books are good but must never replace the Bible.

2. The Bible is sufficient, not a substitute to human tradition or opinions.

3. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”(2Tim. 3:17).

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

The Word Is Able

· To “save your soul”(James. 1:21)

· To make you “wise unto salvation”(2 Timothy 3:15)

· To “build you up”(Acts. 20:32)

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The Power Of God’s Word

1. It purifies the soul. (1Peter 1:22)

2. It feeds the new life. (1Peter 2:2)

3. It sanctifies the walk. (John 17:17)

4. It lightens the path. (Psalms 119:105)

Note: God’s Word in our hands and heads must reach our hearts/change our lives.

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Power In The Word

1. Power is seen in creation and Old and New Testament miracles, etc.

2. A greater power is seen in God’s deliverance of the redeemed.

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More Power In The Word

I. Conviction - searching power of the Word / Spirit.(Hebrews 4:12)

II. Salvation - saving power of the Gospel.(Revelation 1:16)

II. Security - keeping power of God.(1Peter 1:5)

IV. Energizing - in-filling power of the Spirit for witness and service.

V. Resurrection - victory power over death and the grave.

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Still More Power In The Word

I. REGENERATION - livens up(John 6:63)

1. Based on Christ resurrection.(1Peter 1:21)

2. Born-again through the Word of God.(1Peter 1:23)

3. The Word and the Spirit gives life.(John 6:63)

II.SANCTIFICATION - cleans up(John 17:17; Psalms 119:9)

1. The water of the Word has a cleansing affect(John 17:17)

2. The young man cleanses his ways by heeding the Word(Psalms 119:9)

III.EDIFICATION - builds up(1Peter 2:2; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15)

1. Newborn babes grow by the milk of the Word.(I Peter 2:2).

2. “ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”(Colossians 3:16)

3. “Speaking the truth in love / grow up into him.”(Ephesians 4:15)

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The Word Of God

1. Purifies the soul.(1Peter 1:22)

2. Feeds the new life.(1Peter 2:2)

3. Sanctifies the walk.(John 17:17)

4. Lightens the path.(Psalms 119:105)

(God’s Word in our hands and heads must reach our heart and change our lives)

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Reliability And Authority

**1Peter 1:25”The word of the Lord endureth for ever.”

In the year 1889, Charles Duell, commissioner of patents, declared, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.”Tomorrow usually proves that man was wrong today. The Word of the Lord endureth forever.

The Bible stands like a mountain towering far above the works of man.

Its truth by none ever was refuted, and destroy it, they never can.

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Notes & Quotes

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When the Word is hid in the heart, it keeps one from sin.(Psalms 119:11).

Sin will keep you from the Bible, and the Bible will keep you from sin.

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There are “wondrous things” in the Bible to “open eyes.” (Psalms 119:18)Through listening to the Scriptures expounded, the Emmaus disciples experienced opened eyes, opened Scriptures and a sanctified “heartburn.”(Luke 24:27-32)

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Faith in the inspired Book makes one wiser then sages and philosophers, because “we have the mind of Christ.” (1Corinthians 2:16)

*****

God reveals truth to “babes”, not to the worldly wise.(Luke 10:21)

*****

There is an ongoing revelation of God in the lives of believers.

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Judgment awaits anyone who tampers with the Bible.(Deut. 4:2, Rev. 22:18,19) - Liberal translators and liberal readers, beware!

*****

A Bible Diary(Anonymous)

Jan. 15 - Been resting quietly for a week. The first few nights after the New Year my owner read me regularly, but he has forgotten me, I guess.

Feb. 2 - Clean up. I was dusted with other things and put back in my place.

Feb. 8 - Owner used me a short time after breakfast looking up a few references for Sunday school.

Mar. 7 - Clean up. Dusted and in my old place again. Have been down in the lower hall since my trip to Sunday school last month.

Apr. 2 - Busy day.Owner led League meeting, and had to look up references. He had an awful time finding one, though it was right there in its place all the time.

May 5 - In Grandma’s lap all afternoon. She is here on a visit. She let a teardrop fall on Col. 2:5-7

May 6 - In Grandma’s lap again this afternoon. She spent most of her time in 1Corinthians 13 and the last four verses of the 15th chapter.

May 7,8,9 - In Grandma’s lap every afternoon now.It’s a comfortable spot. Sometimes she reads me, and sometimes she talks to me.

May 10 - Grandma is gone. I’m back in my old place again. She kissed me goodbye.

June 3 - Had a couple of four leaf clovers stuck in me today.

July 1 - Packed in a trunk with clothes, golf clubs, and fishing gear. Off on a vacation I guess.

July 7 - Still in the trunk.

July 10 - Still in the trunk, though nearly everything else has been taken out.

July 15 - Home again and in my old place. Quite a journey, though I do not see why I went.

Aug. 1 - Rather stuffy and hot. Have two magazines, a novel, and an old hat on top of me. Wish they would take them off.

Sept. 5 - Clean up. Dusted and set right again.

Sept. 10 - Used by Mary a few moments today. She was writing a letter to a friend whose brother had died, and wanted an appropriate verse. She gave up; she couldn’t find the verse.

Sept. 30 - Clean up again today. (This wasn’t your Bible, was it?)

*****

An Anonymous Commentary

“This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell exposed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. It is the Book of books - God’s Book - The revelation of God to man.

*****

Tommy And The Bible

“Oh mother! I found an old, dusty thing, high up here on the shelf, just look.”

“Why that’s the Bible, Tommy, dear, be careful that’s God’s Book.”

“God’s Book!” the boy exclaimed.”Well, Mother, then before we lose it,

We’d better take it back to God, for you know we never use it.”

*****

Impressive Statistics

More Bibles in print then any other book.

More Bibles collecting dust then any other book.

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The World Doesn’t Read The Bible, But It Reads The Christian.

You are writing the gospel, a chapter each day,

By the things that you do, and the words that you say.

Men read what you are, whether faithless or true.

Say, what is the gospel according to you?

--------

Meditations

Joy

“The joy of the LORD is your strength...”(Nehemiah 8:10)

“Having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” (1Thes. 1:6)

The Lord and His Word are the source of the believer’s joy and strength. A firm grip of God’s BOOK is essential for unspeakable joy. A loose grip of the other book, (the bank book) is necessary for this “other world’s” joy- “God loveth a cheerful giver.”(2Cor. 9:7)When our Lord rejoices, the believer rejoices with Him.When the soul is genuinely converted, the pocket book will be truly inverted.

*****

Let Us Thank God For This Gift Of His Book.

If I should live a thousand years and search it every day,

The precious Word of God would still shed light upon my way.

And when some day He calls me home and at His face I look,

I’ll want to kneel and thank Him for the great gift of His Book.

*****

Gleaning

“Where hast thou gleaned today?”(Ruth 2:19)Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law was in a bitter heart condition. She was impressed by the bountiful provision Ruth had gleaned for the day. This may well have been the first step in Naomi’s restoration of soul to fellowship with the Lord, including a great part in God’s eternal program.

Where hast thou gleaned today, in the Scriptures? The abundant gleanings will Thrill your soul, and will have a positive influence on your fellowman.

The Bible/ Manna From Heaven

“...The people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day. (Exodus 16:4).The manna gathered yesterday did not satisfy the Israelites’ hunger today.What was true for them in the physical is true for us in the spiritual. Our spiritual renewal is dependent on our daily feeding on the heavenly manna, the living and written Word of God. (2Cor. 4:16)

Questions & Answers

Question #1- I love the Lord, and at times, I love to be reading and studying the Word, but... right now I feel “dry”. I read it anyway, but I long to have it meaningful again.What do I do?

Answer - The key to enjoy and understand the Bible is in the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit in a surrendered life. The Holy Spirit is both the Author and Teacher of the Bible.Make sure there is nothing hindering the Spirit of Truth from working in your life, including sins that need to be confessed or poorly chosen priorities.

Question #2 - I am a new Christian, and I don’t know where to start in myBible reading.I do not have a systematic way to study, how do I start?

Answer - For your Bible reading, a good place to start is where the Bible starts, the book of Genesis. This will give you a good foundation for your faith to rest upon. Read through the Bible to get an overview of the whole and to understand the chronological order of events. For serious study, some students use what is called the inductive method.(This means, “to lead on” in a systematic progression). Inductive Bible study includes three parts: observation, interpretation, and application. (1) OBSERVATION simply asks, what does it say?Here the mind is at work. (2) INTERPRETATION asks what does it mean?This is the Spirit’s ministry and requires our surrender to Him. (3) APPLICATION asks what does it mean to me?This moves the truth of the Bible from the head, to the heart and life, where it needs to be. The books of John, Mark and 1Thessalonians are good books for a new Christian to start with. Then launch out into the deep.Watch for: commands to obey; promises to claim; sins to avoid or confess, warnings to heed, examples to follow or avoid and doctrines to study about God, the Trinity and Christ, lessons to apply and share, and difficult passages to research.Key verses to memorize and meditate on. (Go on, in the power of the Lord, for His glory)

Chapter 3 - Ministry

(Spiritual Food For Hungry Christians)

Exposition

Priesthood

Three prominent offices in the Old Testament were prophet, priest, and king. They were called and anointed by God. When God had a message for His people, He called prophets as His messengers. The priests were ministers, communicating spiritually between God and man. The kings were monarchs to lead God’s people in political and civil issues among the nations.

What is the priesthood? Is it functioning today? Does Christendom practice a Biblical priesthood? The clergy system in Christendom is looked upon as the priesthood, but is this Biblical? This practice is found in the Old Testament, but not in the New Testament church. The practice was borrowed from Judaism or pagan religions, and the earliest record of this creeping into the Church is in the last part of the first century. By the second and third century, it was an accepted practice.

Dr. C. I. Schofield, a Bible expositor, considers the “Nicolaitans” in Revelation 2:6,15 as the introduction of the clergy system into the Church. There is no historical record of a sect or group of people called Nicolaitans. A study of the Greek word suggests it’s meaning is “conqueror or over-comer of the people.” In the church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:6) the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans are hated by both the Christians and the Lord. Two hundred years later, in the church at Pergamos during the Constantine period, this belief system degenerated into a “doctrine” (Revelation 2:15), and was hated by the Lord, but not by the church. The church was “getting used to the dark.”

I. The History Of The Priesthood

The first indication of a Biblical priesthood in the Old Testament can be called the patriarchal priesthood. This system was in place before the Law, when the head of a family functioned as priest on behalf of his family and descendents. Examples of this are Noah (Genesis 8:20), when he built an altar and offered a burnt offering unto the Lord; Abram (Genesis 13:4) at Bethel, when he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord; and Job (Job 1:5), when he offered burnt offerings on behalf of his children.

The next is the national priesthood. God called the nation of Israel to be a “Kingdom of Priests”(Exodus 19:5-8).As a kingdom, they were to be leaders among the nations of the world; as priests, they were to represent Jehovah before the heathen. The condition for this honor was to “obey the voice of the Lord” and keep God’s covenants. They disobeyed, and thus forfeited the opportunity to minister as priests. This ministry of priesthood will be restored during the Tribulation, when 144,000 witnesses will represent God to the nations.

Because Israel failed, God introduced the Levitical priesthood. From the tribe of Levi, He chose the family of Aaron to temporarily fill the gap. Death and infirmity made this a frail and failing priesthood.

Now God has provided an unfailing priesthood, the Great High Priesthood of Christ “after the order of Melchisedec.”(Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:6,10).This qualifies Jesus to be both King and Priest, and places Him beyond the limitations and failures of the Aaronic priesthood. He is “a priest forever.”

Today, under the authority of our great High Priest, the believer functions as a royal and holy priest(1Peter. 2:5,9)

II. The Qualifications For The Priesthood

Five words to study relating to the priesthood are as follows: Child, Called, Cleansed, Clothed, and Consecrated (Exodus. 28:1,2,40,41).In Leviticus 8, we read about the consecration ceremony, which sanctified the priests and set them apart exclusively for God’s service. Although referring specifically to the Levitical priesthood, these truths have application for the believer, as well. In verse six the, priests were washed in water by Moses. This seems to reflect the New Testament doctrine of regeneration (“He saved us by the washing of regeneration.” Titus 3:5). In verse 24, the blood from the altar was sprinkled on the right ear, thumb, and great toe. Blood suggests redemption and an application would be to be careful what you hear, do, and where you go. In verse 30, the blood was sprinkled on the body and clothes of the priest. The whole body is to be presented as a living sacrifice.” (Romans 12:1)The clothes represent the way we appear to our fellow man, who, must observe that we are not “conformed to this world... but transformed...” (Romans 12:2)Whether the priests entered the Tabernacle for worship, or returned to the courtyard for service, they had to pass by the Laver in the courtyard, where they washed their hands and feet.(Exodus 30:17-21)Daily cleansing (confession) is essential, whether we enter God’s presence for worship or go out to serve. (1John 1:9)

The priests had to avoid any type of strong drink. (Leviticus 10:9)Their minds had to be clear to focus entirely on the things of God. They were not to be controlled by carnal or worldly influences.

They were not to touch or be defiled by a dead body. (Leviticus 21:1)We live on the resurrection side of Calvary, and as Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live.”(Gal. 2:20)

The priests were not to have had any physical blemishes.(Lev. 21:16-24)The Old Testament physical qualifications apply spiritually to the New Testament priesthood.

III. The New Testament Priesthood

(Consider, two aspects of the priesthood - Holy and Royal - I Peter 2:5,9)

The holy priesthood is Godward and requires us to live a holy and sacrificial life for God. It is to “offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God.” This is accomplished only through the Person and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is worshipping in the holiest. It involves a dedication of our person. (“Present your bodies a living sacrifice.” Romans 12:1). (An offering of our praises) - “The fruit of our lips giving thanks.” Hebrews. 13:15).(A stewardship of our possessions)(Paul considered the gift sent to him from the church at Philippi “a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” Philippians.4:18)

The royal priesthood is manward and requires us to honor God in a hostile world. (1Peter 2:9-12).

Positive: It displays God’s Excellencies in a dark, sinful world, by our deeds, maintaining good conduct before the Gentiles.

Negative: It is abstaining from fleshly desires and maintaining a sanctified life.

IV. A Commentary On The Priesthood (Hebrews 10:11,12,19-22).

The participants in the New Testament are “brethren” which include women. The attitude and response for this ministry are “...boldness to enter.” The sanctuary is “the holiest.” The title deed for entering is “blood of Jesus... a new and living way.” The authority for entering is “having a high priest over the house of God.” The spiritual condition and preparation are “a true heart in full assurance of faith.” The inward preparation is “hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” by blood.(1John 1:7,9), The outward conduct is “bodies washed with pure water” of the Word. The “rent veil” abolished the clergy / laity system of Judaism. This is the message of the book of Hebrews.

Conclusion / Comments

The Old Testament priests stood ministering daily because their work was never finished. Christ, our great High Priest, is seated because He finished the work of redemption on Calvary. Now the believer, as a holy priest, is seated with Christ, resting in His finished work, and worshipping the One on the throne. The believer, as a royal priest, is standing because there is an on-going work and service to be accomplished. The Old Testament high priest was over the other priest, so our great High Priest is over and controlling the believer priests.

The Old Testament priesthood was a function for males only. Now under grace, the priesthood is for all believers, male and female alike.

The priesthood is not a spiritual gift, a matter of maturity, or academic achievement. It is a function that springs from a committed heart, expressed either silently or audibly.

What about the clergy system, which is prevalent in Christendom today? First, it is unbiblical because it is not to be found in the New Testament church. Second, it divides God’s people into clergy and laity. Third, it draws attention to a man instead of to the true Head, who is Christ. Fourth, it gives honor and titles to man, which belong only to God. Fifth, it hinders the development of spiritual gifts. Sixth, it restricts the function of the priesthood of all believers.

Israel’s calling and function as a kingdom of priests will one day be restored when 144,000 witnesses will be leaders and ministers to the nations.

We, as believers, will one day reign with Christ as kings and priests. (Rev. 6:9,10)

Outlines

Sanctification

**2Peter 3:9 - The Lord’s will is for all sinners to be saved.

**1Thessalonians 4:3 - God’s will is for all believers to be sanctified.

1. We are sure of God’s will in some areas; others need prayer.

2. Biblical sanctification means “set apart.” A saint is holy, set apart.

(1) Items in the temple were sanctified, set apart, holy for God.

(2) Jesus was sanctified by the Father and sanctified Himself. (Joh. 10:36; 17:19)

3. A carnal person resists sanctification; it disturbs his comfort zone.

4. Four aspects of sanctification are Pre-conversion / Positional / Practical / Final.

I. Practical Sanctification - Key To Happiness. (Php 2:1, 5, 15, 16)

1. It is a divine and holy process in a surrendered believer.

(1) Fellowship of the Spirit. V1 (2) be blameless in a corrupt world. V15 (3) Shine as lights…holding forth the word of life. V15, 16a

2. Christ likeness is the goal and evidence of being sanctified.

(1) Paul said, “Let this mind be in you...” (Philippians 2:5)

“Until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19)

(2) John - abiding means to “walk... as He walked.”(1 John 2:6)

3. Obedience is a factor in sanctification. v. 12

4. Fear is a compelling influence.” Fear and trembling” v12c (1) Fear is “reverential respect” - which influences our actions.

(2) Not fear of doom, but of grieving or dishonoring our Lord.

(3) Fear of moral breakdown. (None are exempt)

(4) Fear of being disqualified in the race. “A castaway” (1Cor. 9:27)

(5) Fear of tarnishing our testimony in an unbelieving world.

(6) Fear of the chastening hand of the Lord.

(7) Fear of suffering loss at the Bema.

(8) We need a contrite spirit that trembles at God’s word.(Isaiah 66:2)

II. Two Extremes - Unbiblical Attitudes About Achieving Sanctification.

1. Passive - “let go and let God”(It’s all God’s responsibility).

2. Aggressive - “do it yourself”

(1) New Years resolutions/ self-reformation/ build your self-esteem.

(2) Legalism - expressed in lifestyle, clothing, etc. (Cults and Monasteries)

III. The Biblical Balance(Philippians 2:12,13)

1. The believer works out what God worked in. v12, 13

2. Salvation & sanctification are God’s gifts; we are to receive and display them.

(1) Salvation requires the sinner to repent and believe.

(2) Sanctification leads the saint to confess and worship. (1John 1:9)

V. Five Factors In Sanctification(Philippians 2:13)

1. His Person -”it is God...” - v13 (1) He saves, keeps, and empowers.

(2) He calls, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies. (Romans 8:28-30)

(3) Paul says”...our sufficiency is of God...”(2 Corinthians 3:5).

(4) God will finish the work He began.(Philippians 1:6).

2. His Power - it is God who is working in the believer’s life.V.13 (1) Worketh - (Greek (energeo) is the word for, energy in English.

(2) Omnipotence - divine energy at work in the believer’s life.

(3) It inspires us to desire holiness, hate sin, and surrender to the Spirit.

3. His Presence - God is working “...in you...” V13 (1) In the OT, they worshipped in a temple.In the NT, we are the temples.

(2Cor. 6:16)

4. His Purpose- “...to will and to work...” v13 (1) God gives us the desire and ability to do His will and work.

5. His Pleasure -”...to do His good pleasure...” V13 (1) The goal of sanctification is to please and honor Him.

Conclusion

1. Practical sanctification is progressive holiness. (Heb. 12:14)

(1) Holiness is essential to “see the Lord.”

(2) Sometimes chastened to be partakers of His holiness.(Hebrews 12:10)

(3) Sin grieves the Spirit and hinders the process of sanctification.

2. Jesus / Peter - “He that is washed needeth not, save to wash his feet”(John 13:10)

(1) Moses washed Aaron and his sons once = regeneration(Leviticus 8:6)

(2) The priests washed daily at the laver = sanctification(Exodus 30:19,20)

3. “...This is the will of God, [even] your sanctification”(1Thessalonians 4:3)

(1) Its ultimate end - God’s glory and our glorification.

4. Four aspects of sanctification: Pre-conversion / Positional / Practical / Final.

*****

Beatitudes

**Matthew 5:1-16 - the Sermon on the Mount. (Mountaintop experience)

1. Beautiful / Instructive / Challenging / Convicting / Life-altering.

2. The multitude was not present; this was exclusive truth for disciples only. V1, 2 (1) The multitudes saw the parables, but they were explained to the disciples.

3. Beatitudes and “fruit of the Spirit” are virtues of Jesus and believers.

Beatitude is a beautiful announcement.

I. Theme: The King And His Kingdom. (Sermon on the Mount)

1. The “Magna Carta” of the great King. (A binding decree or edict)

2. Dispensational teaching, with abiding principles.

3. Jews expected a King on a throne, not a Savior on a cross.

4. He was rejected, but now reigns in exile and in the believer’s life.

5. He is anointed Prophet, Priest, King, Head of the church, and Lord of all.

6. After the rapture and tribulation, He will reign in the Millennium & eternity.

II. The Believer Is Portrayed As Blessed (happy / privileged)

1. Real joy isn’t affected by circumstances. Paul in prison. (Acts 16:25-33)

(1) These are virtues that stimulate happiness and a fulfilled life.

(2). The world’s fun depends on wealth, ease, fame, and pleasure.

III. The Virtues Of Jesus are to be reproduced in the believer’s life.

(First a statement, followed by a promise)

1. “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit...” - humility.V3 (1) Jesus “humbled Himself” - “Let this mind be in you.”(Philippians 2:5-11)

(2) “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” - Jesus points to little children -

2. “Blessed [are] they that mourn.” v 4(Are we too proud to shed tears?)

(1) Tears of compassion are not weakness. (Joseph / Nehemiah / Jeremiah)

(2) Jesus - our sins made Him the “Man of sorrows”(Isaiah 53:3)

(a) He “...beheld the city and wept.”(Luke 19:41)

(b) He wept with Mary and Martha.(John 11:35)

(3) “...They shall be comforted.”

(a) “He shall see the travail of his soul, and be satisfied.”(Isaiah 53:11)

(b) “God shall wipe away all tears.” (Revelation 21:4)

3. “Blessed [are] the meek...” - a gentle and mild temperament. v. 5 (1) Jesus was meek, but not weak; cf. Moses.

(2) “They shall inherit the earth” - the new, redeemed earth.

4. “Blessed [are] they that hunger and thirst after righteousness...” 6 (1) Hunger / thirst - a desperate longing for survival. (Rich man in hell)

(a) Compromising Christianity has lost this passion.

(b) Hollywood in the living room restricts a hunger for righteousness.(2) “...they shall be filled” (with the Spirit, the Fruit of the Spirit, and a fulfilled life)

5. “Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” v7 (1) Jesus -”...moved with compassion...”(Mark 6:34)

(2) Debbie and Nancy - “I sat on her mother’s lap and we cried together.”

(3) Mercy is a spiritual gift that is marked by cheerfulness.(Romans 12:8)

6. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God...” v8 (1) Jesus “...in Him is no sin...” (Communion broke at Calvary)(1John 3:3,5).

(2) “Pure in heart” - the condition for communion, now and in heaven.

(3) Without holiness, no one can see the Lord.(Hebrews 12:14)

7. “Blessed are the peacemaker- called the children of God...” v9 (1) Jesus was our “Peacemaker” - peace with/and of God.

(2) As ambassadors we have the “word of reconciliation.”(2 Cor.5: 18-21)

(3) Peace-making is a mark of being “children of God.”

8/9. “Blessed are the persecuted / reviled...” v10-12 (1) Jesus”...when he suffered, he threatened not”(1Peter 2:23)

(2) “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [are ye]” (1Peter 3:14)

(a) Disciples rejoiced to suffer shame for His name.(Acts 5:41)

(3) They will rejoice and be rewarded in heaven. V12

IV. Applied Beatitudes - Ye are the salt / light- v13-16

1. Salt preserves the virtues and makes them palatable.

2. Light reflects the virtues and makes them desirable.

Observations

1. Christ is presented as the King of kings in Mathew.

Chap. 1. - His birth and genealogy(none in Mark or John)

Chap. 2. - His dignity - the star / wise men / gifts. (Worshipped)

Chap. 3. – His Messiah-ship – baptism, a voice from heaven. (Honored)

Chap. 4. - His impeccable nature - proven in the Temptation.

Chap. 5. - His “Magna Carta” binding decree - of the great King.

Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

Have A Good Day

**Esther 8:17 - “the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day”

1. “Have a good day” (a familiar saying)

2. For the Jews it was when, (1) Their enemy, Haman, was hanged.

(2) Their mediator, Mordecai, was honored.

3. For Christians it’s when (1) The enemy is defeated. (Hebrews 2:14)

(2) Our Redeemer / Mediator is exalted. (Philippians 2:9-11)

4. The Man whom God delights to honor. (His Son)

Notes & Quotes

Partnership (Colossians 4:5-18)

1. Paul considered Philemon a partner.(Philemon 1:17)

2. Christian relationship is a partnership and fellowship.

3. Corporation partnership is for legal and tax purposes, not fellowship.

4. We have partners who are both like us and unlike us; a blessing.

5. The early Christians had different backgrounds.

(1) Greeks and Jews(2) Slaves and free(3) Masters and servants (4) Male and female

6. The early church had different gifts.

(1) Public and private(2) Equal in importance(3) All are needed.

7. The early church had different duties.

(1) Communicating truth. (2) Encouraging and comforting one another.

(2) Praying for one another.

8. The early church had one purpose and goal.

(1) Glorify God in their hearts and lives.

(2) Minister to the needs of the family of Christ.

(3) Serve the Lord as true disciples.

(4) We need Christ, but we also need each other.

(a) We prefer to be on the top of the ladder, but the man at the bottom, holding it, is essential.

(b) The organist and the bellows boy;*

*An accomplished organist was playing before a large audience in a music hall. She finished her first number and got a long- standing ovation. She said to the bellows boy, “I did a good job on that number” – She placed her fingers on the keys for the second number, but there was no air for the pipe organ. A bit frustrated, she reprimanded the bellows boy and told him to pump the bellows. The boy stuck his head around the corner and said, “Who did a good job? She, a bit perturbed, was forced to say, “All right we did a good job:” – We need each other. The behind -the - scene gifts and talents are just as important as public ones.

Meditations

Remember The Poor

“...We should remember the poor.”(Galatians 2:10)

The leaders of the church in Jerusalem suggested that Paul remember the poor, which he was already doing. The question is asked why does God allow poverty? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He could feed the poor with manna and quails like He did for Israel in the wilderness. Is it because He wants to give us the opportunity to share in love with those whom He loves? A cup of cold water given in His name is the same as giving to Him. Also, it moves the recipient to give thanks for Christian generosity, which brings glory to the Lord. He must love the poor, because there are so many in the world. They need to be loved.

I gave my life for thee. My precious blood I shed,

That thou might’s ransomed be, and quickened from the dead;

I gave, I gave my life for thee, and what hast thou given for me?

Be Ye Holy

“...Be ye holy...” (1Peter 1:16).

A holy life is not optional, but a command. God is holy, and it is impossible for Him to have fellowship with unholy creatures. Calvary is God’s provision to make sinners into saints, but also, to make saints saintly. A distinguishing feature of “saintly saints” is they are sensitive to sin; they hate it and turn from it.

Isaiah, reflecting the holiness of God, cried, “Woe is me... I am a man of unclean lips.” - and again, David, “...purge me... wash me... Create in me a clean heart... Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” One day the ultimate goal of saintliness will be reached, and we will join in the chorus, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...”

Once far from God and dead in sin, No light my heart could see,

But in God’s Word the light I found, now Christ liveth in me.

Christ liveth in me, Christ liveth in me, Oh! What a salvation this,

That Christ liveth in me.

*****

Manna / Old Corn

“They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”(Joshua 5:12)

Poor Israel struggled for forty years inhaling the dust of the desert because of unbelief and disobedience. In spite of their failure, in God’s mercy, He fed them with angel’s food and bore them on eagle’s wings. (Exodus 19:4)Then the day came when the fiery serpents, fierce Amalekites, and howling wilderness were past, as they arrived at the land flowing with milk and honey. Unbelief still staggered as they crossed the Jordan and faced the enemies in the land, which needed to be overcome by faith, moving forward in the name and power of God. “We who have believed do enter into rest.” (Hebrews 4:3)By faith in God’s grace and promise, the desert was replaced with a garden flowing with milk and honey. May we also trust and enjoy.

*****

Far Off / Made Nigh

“But now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”(Ephesians 2:13)

The sin in Eden is the cause of all the problems in the world, because man forfeited his communion-relationship with his Creator. Sometimes sin is an indirect cause and sometimes direct; but sin is always the cause for problems. Better news the gospel brings; “ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Now there is a changed allegiance - it means to abandon the ways, ruler, and desires of the world. A changed position - we are now raised and seated with Christ, near to God. A changed condition - our enemies are now friends and united; aliens become citizens of heaven and children of the household of God.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior, Naught of this world’s delusive dreams;

Nothing between my soul and the Savior, So that His blessed face may be seen;

*****

Follow

“... Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”(1Corinthians 11:1)

“...Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1)

“...Walk in the Spirit.”(Galatians 5:16,25)

A child is usually motivated to learn to walk by observing and imitating Someone. The Christian moves through the helpless stage; first creeping, then walking, followed by running the race. The key for this motivation and power is to “walk in the Spirit.” This involves “walk in love as Christ...loved us.” His perfect walk culminated by walking up the slippery slopes of Calvary, where He sacrificed His life for us. Then to “Walk as children of light” - that delivers us from the darkness of the world we once walked in, and enables us to produce the “fruit of the Spirit.” And finally, we will “walk circumspectly” (carefully/discreetly)

We will be wise in our use of time, in our conduct, in knowing the will of God, and in worship.

He walks beside me in the way, what a wonderful Savior!

He keeps me faithful day by day, what a wonderful Savior!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus!

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!

*****

Come / Follow / Abide

“Come unto Me”(Matthew 11:28)

“Follow Me”(Matthew 16:24)

“Abide in Me”(John 15:4).

The meaningful, loving invitations of our Lord have spiritual progression. First He said, “Come unto Me” and we found eternal rest. Next He said, “Follow Me.” We learned that discipleship has a stringent condition.” Take up your cross” means, death to self and all the things that are cherished by the old, flesh nature. Again, He said, “Abide in Me.” This is a necessary condition, if we are to bear “much fruit.” Abiding gives us a conscious awareness of His presence. It positions us to be in unbroken communion and communication with Him. Finally, it gives us the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy His Person. - There’s a story ever new, it is wonderful and true, and the best thing you can do, is believe it:

*****

Partners

“If thou count me, therefore, a partner, receive him as myself.”(Philemon 1:17)

Christian partnership is a divinely provided fellowship, which needs careful and prayerful nurturing. The world incorporates for monetary advantages, sometimes with strained fellowship. Because the believers are “in Christ”, they are bound together by Calvary’s love. There will be mutual respect and consideration, with cooperation, in assembly fellowship, service, and worship. The church works together with different backgrounds: ethnic, social, male and female, etc. Believers have different spiritual gifts and natural talents, some public, some private, but all needed and important. They have different duties, communicating truth, encouraging and comforting one another, but all praying for each other. They have one ultimate goal, to glorify God in their hearts and lives, minister to the needs of the family of Christ, and serve a loving Master.

Questions & Answers

Question: When I was first saved, I couldn’t get enough of the Bible. I looked forward to my Quiet Time, personal Bible reading, and assembly Bible Study. Now it seems I have to force myself to do this. How can I regain that hunger for the Word?

Answer: The problem may be spiritual. One needs wholesome food to grow physically, and the same is true in the spiritual. It is possible to become distant and out of communication with the Author of the Bible. When we are near, like Mary at His feet, John on His bosom, or the obedient sheep near the Shepherd, we will be able to hear and obey His commands. In the physical and the spiritual it is a fact that “junk food” hinders the appetite and doesn’t provide proper nourishment for growth. Priorities in choosing “first things first”, are important in the Christian life. This includes what we read or how we spend our leisure time. The world’s fun is out of bounds for the committed and growing Christian. We are as committed as we choose to be. Joshua said, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”(Joshua 24:15) - We must choose to be near Him to hear His “still small voice.” Sin that needs to be confessed will hinder this intimate communication fellowship with our Lord.” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9) So, confess to the Lord, surrender to the Spirit, and with the will, determine by the grace and power of God, to get back into full fellowship with the Author of the Bible. That, too, will make fellowship with God’s people a genuine delight.

Chapter 4 - Rescue The Perishing

(Evangelism and Missions - at home and abroad)

Exposition

The Lord Jesus And Missions - #1

The Lord Jesus challenged His fishermen disciples to follow Him and He would make them “fisher’s of men.” He of course meant they were to go into all, the world and preach the Gospel. He told them, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 - Jesus not only told them to be witnesses, He gave them first, (On The Job Training) on how to accomplish it. He assured them they would have the Holy Spirit to empower them for the task. The disciples were with Him for over three years to witness His compassion for souls and His commitment to win sinners to Himself. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10

Our Lord’s preferred method of witness was personal evangelism. He touched the multitude but there seems to be no real converts in the masses. They appeared to be interested in the “loaves and fishes” and in the end cried, “away with him... Crucify Him” The disciples must have listened as He told religious Nicodemus, “ye must be born again” - Our Lord’s witnessing to the Woman of Samaria certainly gave the disciples (and us) some insight into the importance of witnessing. First there was ‘line or angle” fishing; He won one; then there was “net” fishing. She went into the city and by her testimony and changed life won many.

Let us observe the “

MASTER FISHER OF MEN” at work in John 4:1-15,28-30,39,41 - First notice

I. He Applied The Basic Rules For Witnessing:

He was Spiritually in tune; His devotional, prayer and Quiet time life was always up to date. We observe Him all night in prayer and communion with His Father. – Next, He went where the fish were biting. This makes good sense in literal fishing. The fish weren’t biting in Judaea so He went to the place where people were ready to listen. - Again, He was impartial and not ashamed of an outcast woman, a non-Jew. This was in contrast to Jonah who was determined not to preach to the Gentiles in Nineveh. - Another good rule to follow for witnessing, Jesus was a good listener; He didn’t monopolize the conversation. - He also met her on her own terms; she professed to know something about, worship so He discussed that subject with her. (Vs. 20-24) - He was friendly; He proved His friendship by asking a favor of her.

“Give me to drink” (vs. 7) He was friendly but not the, “FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM” where the Gospel is watered down and the important issues are avoided. - He respectfully but tactfully exposed her sin. “Go call thy husband” (vs.16-19 - He employed a basic rule in teaching; moving from the known to the unknown; from literal water to “Living water”: - He convinced her of the emptiness of religion. That her ancestral tradition isn’t reliable; It is not religion but relationship to a Person; “... I am He” (vs.24) Not a place, like in this Mountain or Jerusalem or in a ritual but in “Spirit and truth” in the heart. (vs.24) - Then He points her to Himself. “.... I am He” (vs.26) - Notice again

II. He Was Compelled By An Unseen Force:

His Fathers’ will was always the compelling factor in His life; “not My will, but thine be done” - And again His love was like a magnet that attracted sinners to Himself. “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him, Luke. 15:1 – Again observe

III. He Was Committed To An Urgent Mission:

He “must needs” go through Samaria because there were precious souls who were ready to be saved. - He saw this woman as a precious soul; the disciples saw her as an outcast, or picnic basher. (vs.32) - Again He wasn’t deterred by inconvenience or danger. (vs.9) - Here the Eternal, “Great I AM” stopped and stooped to invite and welcome an infamous sinner into heaven. Observe,

IV. The Results:

A thirsty soul drank of the, “living water” and is saved by grace. (vs.15) A notorious sinner becomes a zealous soul winner. She “left her water pot” because now she had the “WELL” of “Living Water” (vs.28) - She didn’t wait till she became a theologian before she witnessed. (vs.29) - She kept her message very simple; “come see a man... Christ” (vs.29) Her mission field started at home. (vs.30) - Her credentials were convincing, a changed life and a zealous witness. – And finally the disciples received some needed “on the job training” in personal evangelism. - Every sinner is a potential candidate, a fish waiting to get caught. - Every believer is a “licensed fisherman” sent by the Lord to witness. - The fishing season is; “in season and out of season” When I don’t feel like it; or when it seems inappropriate. 2Tim. 4:2 - Statistics reveal that angle or line fishing catches more fish then nets; Mass-evangelism.

*****

Jesus; Moved With Compassion #2 - Mark 6:34-44

Compassion is love in action and Jesus was “moved with compassion” because He saw the people, “as sheep not having a shepherd” (verse, 34)

Jesus saw the;

NEEDY MULTITUDE: This reflects the spiritual condition of mankind. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” - Man is spiritually hungry, and no one is exempt and it ends in death. Sheep without a shepherd is a pathetic case, but there is something far worse, a sinner without a Savior. - Now let us observe an

ALERT DISCIPLE: Andrew. John. 6:89 - Andrew was the disciple who noticed a lad with a lunch basket of bread and fishes; they needed food to feed the multitude, so he introduces the boy to the Lord Jesus. Andrew is known as the, “personal evangelist” he was the one who brought Peter, his brother, to the Lord, (John. 1:40-42) and Peter in turn became a public evangelist who won 3,000 to the Lord on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) -- Now notice

THE RELUCTANT DISCIPLES: their first impulse to the needs of the multitude was; “...send them away...” (36) - The flesh hates to be inconvenienced and offers excuses. This is a desert place, the time is far spent and our resources are limited. (35,37)

Let us notice the

ANONYMOUS LAD: His name isn’t known and he was only a lad, but he surrendered all to the Lord and his account is recorded in the eternal Book. - Like the, widow’s “mites”- no gift too small to go unnoticed. Mark. 12:41-44 - Now observe the,

CHALLENGE - the Lord gave to His disciples. “You give them to eat...” (37) - The lessons they had to learn were; compassion for the needy, dependence on the Lord and involvement in God’s work. – Now observe, a

COMPASSIONATE SAVIOR: He was, “...moved with compassion...” (34) He saw them as, “sheep without a shepherd” - which would be equivalent to a sinner without a Savior. The first thing He did was, He, “ taught them” - their spiritual need was even greater then their physical. Then He “ fed them” and they did all eat and were filled” There is unlimited provision in our God’s storehouse. Compassion is love in action and this was the compelling influence at Calvary and now in missions and evangelism. “The Lord is not...willing that any should perish...” (2Peter. 3:9) - Finally observe the,

CO-OPERATION: of the disciples. (41) They served the Lord and the multitude. The Lord needs willing servants, not supervisors because He is the Master. The measure, which the Lord gave to the disciples, was the measure they were able to be a blessing to their fellow man. The more blessings they shared with the multitude, the more was available. He “blessed... broke... gave...” (41) “Blessed” - His divine attribute; “broke and gave” His human involvement.

-------

Outlines

Be Ready

“Be ready...” Titus. 3:1

I. Suppose, (1) A bride is not ready for her wedding.

(2) A farmer is not ready for harvest.

(3) A country is not ready for war.

(4) A sinner is not ready to die.

2. In the parable, the five foolish virgins were not ready. Mat. 25:1:13

3. Paul was a “READY” man: Three experiences made him ready. Acts 9:1-6 (1) He met the Lord; - (His soul was converted/Salvation) verse, 3 (2) He heard the Lord; (His will was challenged/Surrender) verses 4,6 (3) He obeyed the Lord; (His life was changed/Service) verse 6

*****

(Paul Was Ready To, SERVE / SUFFER / DIE)

I. PAUL WAS;

READY TO SERVE: “preach the Gospel” see, Rom. 1:14-16 (15)

1. Anywhere = at Rome in Neros’ territory. (Headquarters of lion’s dens)

2. He was “not ashamed of the Gospel” 16

3. He appreciated the, “power of the Gospel” 16

4. He acknowledged, he was, “a debtor” to preach the Gospel. 14 (1) Compare the Watchman; - “his blood will I require … “ - Ezekiel. 3:17,18

5. Peter agrees “be ready always to give an answer” 1Peter. 3:15

II. PAUL was,

READY TO SUFFER: see, Acts 21:13

1. Agabus/girdle; he dramatized Paul’s fate. “I am ready” Acts 21:10-13 (1) Ready to be bound, or to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. 13

2. Seven reasons why Paul (and we) should be ready to suffer.

(1) The Lord predicted it; “...he must suffer for my name’s sake...” Acts. 9:16 (2) It was the same path our Savior trod. “Suffer...Glory.” Luke. 24:26 (3) It is “light affliction,” compared to Christ’s suffering. 2Cor. 4:17 (4) It is brief, temporal suffering ends in eternal glory. 2Cor. 4:18; Heb. 2:9 (5) To be “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” 2 Cor. 5:8 (6) Marks; Scars on Paul’s body were reminders of Calvary. Gal. 6:17 (a) Mother/daughter: gloves/”ugly”/rescue story/”beautiful”.

( (7) God promises grace; to cope with infirmities, “My grace is sufficient”

3. Lessons in suffering.

(1) Crushing brings out the heavenly aroma. (Incense)

(a) Calvary released the fragrance of eternal love.

(b) The sweetest Psalms date to severe wilderness trials.

(c) John Bunyans’ - “Pilgrims’ Progress,” was inspired in prison.

(d) Paul’s prison epistles are fragrant with heavenly aroma.

(2) Storm clouds hide but never distance us from the Lord.

(a) The heavenlies is above the clouds where the Son is shining.

(3) Trials don’t deform, they transform.

(4) Diamonds are only ashes subjected to pressure.

(5) One day, “God shall wipe away all tears” Rev. 21:4 (6) A yielded life is required to endure suffering.

III. PAUL was,

READY TO DIE: 2Tim. 4:6,7

1. Paul, “a living sacrifice” is alive but dead to sin. Romans. 12:1,2 (1) Living the martyrs’ life is harder then dying the martyrs’ death.

2. Paul’s’ faithful life brought a happy ending.

(1) A brave soldier; “I fought a good fight” 7 (2) A self-disciplined athlete; “I have finished my course” 7 (3) A faithful disciple; “I have kept the faith”

3. An example of peace; a beautiful testimony on his deathbed.

4. An added incentive; A “crown of righteousness.” 8

5. To lift anchor and sail to the harbor and home is not a hard task.

6. Paul started well, ran well and finished well.

*****

Ready

(1) SINNER: (Israelite) “ready to perish” Deut. 26:5 (2) GOD: “ready to pardon and forgive” Nehemiah. 9:17 - Psalms. 86:5 (3) SAINT: “ready to every good work” Titus. 3:1 (4) SERVANT: “ready to preach” Romans. 1:15 (5) THE LORD: “ready to judge” 1 Peter. 4:5 (a) The same One who is, “not willing that any should perish” 2Peter. 3:9

*****

A Call To Active Duty: Mat. 4:18-22

1. All believers are, “sent ones” - across the back yard fence, street, town, the sea.

2. Jesus said; “look on the fields” – one for each. Your field is where you are now.

3. A picturesque - artistic scene with spiritual lessons; they were

*****

I. BUSY: When the Lord called them. (No openings for slothful servants)

1. David, tending sheep.

2. Gideon, threshing wheat.

3. Amos, doing chores. (God uses fishermen, shepherds and farm boys)

II.

OBEDIENT: They obeyed immediately and spontaneously

1. No questions asked - no conditions set by them.

2. Immediate obedience is important – cf. Noah (1) Build the ark (2) Come into the ark. (Suppose he procrastinated)

3. Obedience means, “now” - delayed obedience is disobedience.

III.

COSTLY: Salvation is free (not cheap) - following is costly

1. Materialism didn’t hinder, they left their nets and ship, etc. 20-22

2. Relationships didn’t hinder, they left their father. 22 (1) Cf. Abram, Left Ur – It was costly but he was reimbursed.

IV.

CASTING A NET: (Evangelism) Peter and Andrew - 18

1. “Fishermen” (natural talent) “fisher’s of men” (Calling/gift) 18,19

2. Peter was an aggressive spokesman by nature. (Public evangelist) Acts. 2

3. Andrew was reserved by nature but he brought Peter - (personal evangelist)

V. MENDING NETS: (Shepherding) James and John - 21

1. John; “apostle of love” - (pastor, teacher)

2. Broken nets need mending; hearts, lives, homes, relationships.

*****

1. Note the order; evangelists precede shepherds.

2. Conditions for discipleship (1) Industrious (2) Availability (3) Obedience (4)

Self-sacrifice. (5) Commitment.

3. Life is not to be salvaged but invested. “Treasures in heaven” Mt. 6:19,20

4. “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Ro. 12:11

5. Faithfulness leads to a higher calling.

Evangelistic Revival

**Acts 1:4,14; 2:1,41-47; 4:12,33; 5:14,40-42; 9:1,6,20,22; 16:30,31; 17:6,11; 20:27

1. Acts is the inspired record of the “GREAT EVANGELISTIC REVIVAL”

2. Spiritual revival precedes and ignites an evangelistic revival.

3. The Acts and Church Epistles, calls us, “Back To The Basics”

***** (Factors that ignited the revival in the early Church)

I. They Were; Surrendered To The Spirit Of God.

(Baptized/Indwelt/Filled)

1. Waited for the promise, in Jerusalem. Acts 1:4

2. Welcomed the Person, on Pentecost; Acts. 2:1-4

3. Witnessed the power, (Work/Worship/Walk/Witness) Act 2-28

II. They Were;

Loyal To The Son Of God; a “crucified, risen, coming” Savior.

III. They Were;

Obedient To The Word Of God; (authority)

1. They “continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine...” Acts. 2:42

2. Bereans “...searched the Scriptures...” Acts. 17:11

3. Paul declared, “...all the counsel of God...” (Uncompromising) Acts. 20:27

IV. They Were; Committed To The Assembly Of God; Acts. 2:42

1. They continued steadfastly in, Fellowship / Breaking of Bread / Prayers

2. They genuinely enjoyed the Christian family. (A sign of life)

3. An atmosphere of, sharing and caring in triumph or tragedy.

V. They Were;

Separated Unto The Living God; “idols to serve...” 1Thes.1: 9

1. Wall Street and Hollywood didn’t hinder or attract them.

VI. They Were; Busy In The Service Of God.

1. Evangelism / Shepherding.

2. Serving tables/Hospitality/Dorcas sewing clothes.

VII. They; Endured Hardship By The Grace Of God:

1. Prayed for boldness and endurance, not deliverance.

VIII. They; Anticipated The Coming Of The Son Of God. (Maranatha!)

*****

1. The “Lord added to the Church daily” Acts. 2:47 (1) The Lord “adds” converts; Man’s programs only add numbers.

2. Acts throbs with “power” - (a) The Spirit. (b) The Gospel. (c) Commitment.

3. Features; (1) A vibrant message of hope. (2) A goal of reproduction. (3) Caring Christians. (4) An environment for spiritual maturing. (5) “They turned the world up side down” Acts. 17:6

4. Commitment is contagious, so is carnality and complacency.

5. The last key words in acts; preaching, teaching, Lord Jesus Christ. Acts. 28:3

*****

Food Is First Appropriated; Then Enjoyed

1. Food must be “received and then eaten” (How foolish to refuse)

2. They gathered the fragments; The Lord is generous and also frugal.

Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

Good Tidings

“Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” - Luke. 2:10

The good tidings is for “all people” but it must first begin with me, and then it becomes my responsibility to share it with, “all people”

*****

Compelling Motives

Jesus said to His disciples; “...Go ye into the all the world...” - Mark. 16:15

What constitutes a call to the mission field? Every thought and action presupposes a motive. (Work, education, marriage, etc.) God’s plan may differ.

(Example; Philip - evangelistic campaign to one man. Acts 8:26-29)

*****

Discipleship

“...He said unto them, Follow Me.” - Mat. 4:19

The four disciples followed the Lord immediately but it was costly. Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed. James and John left their ship and father. Neither materialism nor relationships hindered their calling. Availability is our part - Ability will be provided by the Lord.

Notes & Quotes

A group of Psychologists prepared a questionnaire and made it available to different mission boards to screen their missionaries and candidates to see if they would be compatible and qualify as missionaries. - One question was, “Do you attend the Hollywood theater?” - One lady was anxious to join the mission but had a conscience against the theater, so answered, “No” - She was disqualified, because they said, “You might intimidate other missionaries who attend” - How thankful this writer is that he was not subjected to such screening because, he would never have gotten to the mission field.

*****

The past life can’t be salvaged, but from now on it must be invested.

*****

The key to revival starts in our hearts with a commitment to remove things to make room for Christ alone. This provides an eternal and spiritual environment.

*****

You need the Church, the Church needs you, and the world needs both. The world at its worst needs the Church at its best.

*****

A lot of people are worrying about the future of the world as though it had one.

*****

If you think the world is against you, it’s true.

*****

The Christian in the world needs more vision and less television.

*****

In Columbus’ day, few people believed the world was round. Today the question is: How long will it be around?

*****

The only way the world will change for the better is when the Gospel changes the hearts of its occupants.

*****

The world is a stage and too many people have stage fright and are under-rehearsed.

*****

We read the newspaper to see if the world is still here; and our Bible to see where it is going next.

*****

When you get to where you are going; where will you be?

*****

Not every Christian has the spiritual gift of evangelism, but every believer is called to be a witness. The gift of evangelism apparently includes personal evangelism as well as public. One who has a passion for souls and the Lord blesses his ministry evidently has the gift of evangelism.

*****

Faithfulness leads to a higher calling.

*****

A dying Aunt told me, “I think I will be alright, because I was baptized when I was a baby, and I have been faithful to my mothers religion.” (This is the sad confusion of religious ritual and ancestor religion – How thankful we are for the simple Gospel; “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved”)

*****

See, the testimony of the author, in the front of this book under, ABOUT THE AUTHOR.

*****

Consider The Testimony Of A Worker In Pampanga, Philippines.

Simeon Susi Jr. (Nick name, Jun) and his wife, Tessie, about 25 years ago, I (author) was parked downtown San Fernando Pampanga, PI, in the market area, about to drive away. A young gentleman came running to the car and said, “are you a missionary” – I said,” yes” – He said, “I am a Protestant, but I am not sure of my salvation, would you help me”? – I said, “that is the reason for my being in the Philippines” so we spent an hour or so going over the plan of salvation. – He said, “I have many relatives and friends who do not know the way of salvation, would you be willing to come to our village, and I will gather them for a Bible Study.” – That was the beginning of a beautiful experience. Jun was the first to get saved, followed by his wife Tess, his two brothers and their families and a good number of family and friends. – From that a “Youth Center” was started for a number of years and today it is an established New Testament Church.

After a few years, Jun’s progress in his spiritual growth and gifts became obvious, and he was commended to the “Grace of God” for full time ministry. Through the years he has been active with fellow elders and leaders of the Church in sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word and establishing assemblies.

Jun and Tess were married for about 10 Years and would loved to have children, but the Lord withheld this blessing from them. Jun’s brother is a doctor, and one day he came to their home and said, “I just delivered a baby girl, by a single mother who doesn’t want the baby and wishes to give her away, are you interested?” Dr. Rene’ said, he no sooner got the words out of his mouth and Tessie ran for the bedroom and changed her clothes, and came out, and said, “lets go” – They looked at the two day old infant and it was love at first sight. They talked to the natural mother and she was serious about giving the baby away. – They decided they needed to go to the Municipal Building, to consult the City officials on what the legal requirements would be, because normal adoption is very costly and usually take many years to accomplish. They told them they would have to bring the natural mother to the office to sign the baby away and then pay the documentation fee, which amounted to the equivalent of about $1.35. They paid the bill and rushed to the hospital and the hospital had a bill for miscellaneous expenses for, Pablum etc. It amounted to about another, $1.50 – They paid that bill and went home with that precious little girl who today is a stalwart Christian who dares to “be a Daniel” in a wicked world. (See her testimony in Chapter seven under, “Notes & Quotes”)

Suppose her natural mother would have raised that little girl. She would likely be a poverty stricken girl today, begging on the streets for a living. God’s grace is wonderful. Please pray for our Filipino friends.

Meditations

Menial Tasks

“They shall go hindmost with their standards.” Numbers 2:31

The tribe of Dan had the “hindmost place” when the army of Israel was marching. It would be more glamorous to be up front but someone has to take the humble position and do the menial tasks. After all the Danites’ followed the same Shekinah glory cloud, ate the same manna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and ended with the same Canaan inheritance.

The Danites had a unique mission to perform. No doubt the stragglers, too weak to continue the journey, needed to be picked up and helped. What a humble but honored role in the Church to be an encourager to those who are struggling along the way of life. Barnabas was an encourager; he picked up John Mark and helped him to become a profitable servant. ‘Lord, help us to build up the saints, and shun the demolition crew’

*****

Flesh / Spirit

“After the flesh…” 2Cor. 5:16

“After the Spirit…” Romans. 8:4

To know Christ only after the flesh, in an intellectual, natural way, will not endure in the storms of life. Ancestral religion and a, “me too” profession is not enough. The disciples knew Jesus in the natural sense for three years, but when the real storm broke out, they forsook Him and fled.

After Pentecost when they “knew Christ, after the Spirit” they were courageous in the storm. Only the Holy Spirit reveals these spiritual truths to spiritual minds. 1Cor. 2:13,14 - This was Paul’s burden, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, etc.” Php. 3:10

Though the angry surges roll; on my tempest driven soul,

I am peaceful, for I know, wildly though the winds may blow,

I've an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure.

And it holds, my anchor holds.

*****

Early Church Witness

The first assembly of believers in the New Testament; Acts.2: 41,42 - “we are His witnesses” Acts.5: 32 (Personal witness became corporate witness in the early Church)

1. By preaching the Gospel.

2. By baptism.

3. By adding the baptized believers to the assembly.

4. By continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.

5. In fellowship.

6. In breaking of bread.

7. In prayer.

*****

Disciples

The Lord, “... ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach” - Mark. 3:14

1. The world trains men to pass a test and receive a degree or diploma.

2. The Lord molds character and blesses and sends them on a mission.

*****

Servant Hood - Faith

“The apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith...” - Luke. 17:5

“The Lord said...which of you, having a servant...” - Luke. 17:6,7

The Lord prescribed the humble task of servant hood as the way to increase the disciple’s faith; busying ones self in humble service will increase our faith. As we work close to Him we will find Him both faithful and trustworthy

*****

Fellowship

“They continued steadfastly in fellowship...” - Acts 2:42

The Greek word for fellowship is “Koinonia” which means; (to have in common, to share, a partnership and a contribution) - Acts, which is the history of the early Church, is the record of, enthusiastic fellowship. The sharing aspect includes enjoying the same blessings, but also accepting equal responsibility. We are partners in this blessed fellowship, which includes reaching the lost with the Gospel.

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A Painting Of The Crucifixion

“Signifying what death he should die...” John. 12:32,33

In an art gallery in Dusseldorf Germany, there was a painting of the Crucifixion by a German artist, named Sternberg. A pretty gypsy girl sat for a character study. She said, “Who is the man on the center cross? He must have been a very bad man” - The artist said, “no He was the best Man that ever lived” - The girl replied, “then why did they treat Him so badly?” The artist said, “to save us” - She said, “Then you must love Him very much” He said, “no I don’t” - He was convicted and got saved. - Count Zinzendorf (a German noble) saw the picture and got saved. He founded the “Maravian Missionary Society” - The girl went to the gallery and saw the painting again and got saved. When she was sick and on her deathbed she sent for the artist. She told him, “He loved me enough to die for me; now I am going to die and live with Him forever”

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Mystery

“He made known unto me the mystery...” Ephesians. 3:3

“Praying... that utterance may be given unto me...to make known the mystery of the gospel, - Ephesians. 6:18,19

1. The revelation of the mystery given to Paul was to be shared.

2. The Gospel that was revealed to us must be made known.

3. Import/Export firms thrive on transmission of their produce.

4. The Church that doesn’t go with the Gospel will soon be removed.

5. The Church that doesn’t evangelize will fossilize.

6. Cosmic loneliness, the unsaved in the world of five billion people are lonely.

7. Jesus went up - the Holy Spirit came down – the Church goes out.

8. The Christiann needs a “show and tell” - personal experience lessons to the world.

9. Your life speaks so loud; I can’t hear a word you are saying.

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Preach The Gospel

“I strive* to preach the gospel...” - Romans. 15:20 -

#1 - An ill-prepared message and messenger won’t reach the goal.

#2 - Qualifications for a witness, he must...

1. Experience an intimate communion relationship with the Master.

2. Grasp the great doctrines of the Gospel. (Person/Work of Christ)

3. Possess divinely inspired compassion for souls. (Like the Master)

4. Evaluate the preciousness of souls.

5. Realize the awfulness of hell.

6. Acknowledge the heinousness of sin.

7. Be conscious of the holiness of God.

8. Know that the goodness of God leads to repentance. Romans. 2:4

* “Strive” = an earnest, ambitious goal, actuated by love and honor.

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Ambassadors For Christ

“We are ambassadors for Christ” - 2Cor. 5:20

1. We have been authorized to represent the King on foreign soil.

2. The simplest believer is more honored then a famous diplomat.

3. Our witness is to speak well of our Lord in heaven.

4. At the outbreak of hostilities the ambassador is recalled.

(1) It may be soon - “Occupy till I come” Luke. 19:13

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Witnesses

“...Ye shall be witnesses unto me...” Acts 1:8

Not every Christian has the gift of evangelism, but all have the call to witness. A consistent life speaks louder then words from a preachers lips. The Lord reminded His disciples, that before they go out into the world to witness they must wait for the Holy Spirit to empower them. Today the believer is in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit and this power is always available. Witnessing in the flesh only results in empty professions.

The Lord didn’t specify methods; here there are countless possibilities. He just said, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me...”

It may be one on one witnessing, tract distribution, child evangelism, radio/TV, mass evangelism, etc.

Questions & Answers

Question - How do I learn to share my faith with others? Is there a “method”? Sometimes I just don’t know what to say.

Answer - It is more of a Spirit inspired compassion for souls then a learning process. The woman at the well in John didn’t first take a coarse in witnessing. She shared what she personally experienced and how she met the Savior. Her changed life must have been a powerful witness to her friends. What to say? - It is very simple “come see a Man” - That Man is Christ. Each encounter in witnessing will be under different circumstances, but the message is the same, “Christ and Him crucified” - So pray for compassion for the lost and surrender to the Spirit, because the saving of souls is the Spirits work through the believer’s faithful witness.

Question #2 - I would like to serve the Lord in missions, but how can I learn more about it?

Answer - Keeping in communication contact with seasoned missionaries on the

Mission field, is always a wholesome spiritual exercise. To commit ones whole life to a specific mission like service overseas is a great undertaking and must be not taken lightly. It is a “calling” from God, which must not be ignored or misread.

Spend much time in the Bible to determine God’s will for your life. - Examine your heart to be sure you are willing to pay the price and that the burden in your heart is genuine. Share your burden with friends who will surely pray with you. Observe circumstances and open doors as these are in the Lord’s hands and He will make them plain, but not always easy. Be willing to wait God’s time, as that time may be a training period for you. A heart burden, which never seems to diminish, seems to be a good indication that the Lord is calling you. It is always spiritually invigorating to read “Missionary Biographies” - David Livingston, Hudson Taylor, C. T. Studd, Anthony Norris Groves, John and Betty Stamm, the Five Martyrs Of Equador, John G. Paton, and many others. Observe the “Faith” mission of George Mueller who established many orphanages by trusting in God alone for their daily needs. He never told man about the need, but was a man of prayer and he proved the faithfulness of God. Read, “FOX’S BOOK OF MARTYRS” - It will strengthen you faith for the difficult times. Here were Godly men and women who staked their very lives on “Contending For The Faith” - They died the Martyrs death and have earned the Martyrs Crown of Life. The book of Acts is God’s inspired “MISSIONARY HAND BOOK” - Read it to inspire interest in missions.

Chapter 5 - Praise Ye The Lord

(Worship)

Exposition

A Call To Worship

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm. 29:2 - Worship is the highest occupation of the believer, because it gives God what He is worthy of. The whole universe is bound to worship Him. The Father seeks voluntary worship from His redeemed children. John 4:24 - God is Self-sufficient but our Heavenly Father is not Self-satisfied. Worship is the most intimate communion possible between God and His children. We are exhorted to, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James. 4:8 - When we stand near to Him we loose sight of self and are able to hear His “still small voice” and look into His gentle face. That is “the peace... which passeth all understanding” Php. 4:7 - Our Lord was a frequent guest in a home in Bethany, the home of Martha, Lazarus. and Mary. John.12: 1-7 - These three members of that family illustrate for us the principles of “service, communion and worship” - Martha served, but was too remote to enjoy intimate fellowship with the Master. - Lazarus “sat at the table with Him” - He was closer and enjoyed a more intimate communion. - Mary, at His feet, took costly ointment and anointed Him and wiped His feet with her hair. The Lord defended Mary against her critics because that was the worship, which He was worthy of. At any rate whether it was service or communion or worship, the Lord Jesus was the center and object of their affection.

David the psalmist says, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2 - He agreed that the Lord is worthy of our worship. (The whole universe is bound to worship Him) - He acknowledged that worship is beautiful probably reflected in the beauty of the temple. - He also recognized it must be offered in a state of “holiness” - We remember how Nadab and Abihu offered, “strange fire”, and was instantly judged. Lev.10: 1,2 - We say without hesitation that the “Lord’s Supper” which is the remembrance meeting of the assembly which we have learned

To appreciate each Lord’s Day is the real worship meeting of the assembly. We want to say that worship must not be restricted to that meeting only. Worship must be a continual attitude of the heart, where ever we are and what ever we are doing. It is the overflowing of the heart when in meditation and occupation with the Savior and His redeeming love. - Worship can be expressed either audibly or silently. Three dear sisters who caught the Lord’s attention and commendation exemplify worshiping silently. Mary sat at His feet and silently listened and adored Him. Then there was the woman who silently washed His feet with her tears and the widow who silently gave two mites, (all her living) to the Lord. We must never confuse volume and boisterous vain repetition with worship.

The ark was symbolic of the presence of God, in the midst of His people. David longed for the ark to be in its rightful place, Psalm.105: 1-7 - Notice six elements of worship in this Psalm. First, Thanksgiving, (Verse 1) - God commands Thanksgiving. Psalm. 50:14 - There was a special thanksgiving offering in the Old Testament. Lev.7: 12 - It was a habitual attitude for Daniel to give thanks when he prayed. Daniel.6: 10 - The heavenly host is seen giving thanks as they worship. Rev.4: 9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17 - Second, David worships by calling upon His

Name: (Verse, 1) ““Glory ye in his holy name”. (Verse, 3) There is no other name for salvation; Acts 4:12 - Third, by making, “known

His deeds... “Talk ye of all his wondrous works” (verse, 1,2) this would include His power in creation, His longsuffering with Israel and mankind, and His love in redemption. - Forth, worship is accomplished when we, “ sing unto Him” (verse, 2) It is a “new song” one that couldn’t be sung in Babylon. There they “hung their harps on the willows” (Psalms 137:1-3) In glory the redeemed sing the “song of Moses... and the song of the Lamb”. Rev.15: 3 - Could this be harmony of Old and New Testament saints? Fifth, worship is experienced when we, “ seek the Lord... His strength... His face” (verse, 4), Seek the Lord because He is worthy, His strength because we are weak, His face to get His smile of approval. His promise to us is, “seek and ye shall find” - Sixth, the Psalmist says, “Remember his marvelous works that he hath done” (Verse, 5) Worship is to make known His deeds, not my needs. The Lord’s Supper is the ideal time to express this, as He said, “this do in remembrance of me” 1Cor.11: 24 - because, Calvary is the central theme of God’s creation we will find that even His deeds in creation, pale in comparison to His work of redemption.

There is a beautiful commentary on the subject of worship in, 1Chronicles.16: 29 - “...worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” - It is a sacrificial act because, we are told to “give... bring an offering” unto the Lord. It is an, intimate communion: as we, “...come before Him...” - It is the highest occupation as we, “...worship the Lord...” - The inner sanctuary worship is both beautiful and holy. (Maybe reflected in the beauty and sanctified vessels in the temple) The Lord deserves the “Firstfruits” because of the “... glory due unto His name...” 1Co.15: 20,23

The first mention of the word, WORSHIP, in the Bible is significant. In Genesis 22:5, when Abraham was on his way into the mountains of Moriah to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering, as the Lord commanded. Abraham said to the young men, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” – FIRST: we learn here that worship is based on a revelation from God. “And God said” See v.1-2 - (Worship to the Lord, as well as work for the Lord, must be guided by the Word of the Lord) – SECOND: worship is conditioned by faith in and obedience to divine revelation. “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac” Heb.11: 17 - (Prompt obedience to the known will of God as revealed in God’s word is essential to true worship) – THIRD: worship involves a costly presentation to God. “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest,... and offer him there for a burnt offering” Gen.22: 2 –

“The noble army of martyrs” gives eloquent witness to the cost of true worship. For us it will cost time in preparation and meditation; prestige in one’s social, business and ecclesiastical circle, and the generous stewardship of material goods. –

FORTH: worship requires a deliberate separation unto God. “And Abraham said unto his young men, “Abide ye here... and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship,” FIFTH: worship glorifies God and brings blessing to the worshipper. “Because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee” Gen.22: 16,17 - Abraham ascended into the mountain and presence of God with a heavy burden, but he must have come down with a song in his heart. It may be helpful to consider three words that are closely related to our subject.

(Access, Prayer And Worship)

ACCESS into the sanctuary, into God’s presence is implied in worship. Access is more then the way by which we enter, it means to, “be brought near” - We have to be brought by a power outside ourselves. Our previous position was “afar off” - We were enemies of God and would not want to draw near, and we were dead in trespasses and sins and would not be unable to draw near. Illustrations of this are, the debtor, was brought unto the creditor. Mat.18: 24 - The father who’s son needed healing was told, to, “bring thy son hither” Luke 9:41 - The moral order is; justification, for we were guilty, then peace, for we were enemies; and finally access through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom.5: 2 This is “Positional” access, but we are called on to exercise “Practical” access every day and this is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit and prayers of our Great High Priest. Heb.10: 22 -

PRAYER, We pray because of our connection with the earth. We worship because of our connection with heaven. It has been said, “prayer to the Christian is like the air we breath; it is essential to sustain life” - Like air, prayer has many components; which includes, Intercession, Meditation, Petition, Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving. All of these prepare and lead the heart to worship. The Lord Jesus is our perfect Pattern for prayer, in His private and public life. Prayer characterizes the early Church; they advanced on their knees. Paul continually commended it. Prayer like natural language is like a child speaking to his father, but it is a language that needs to be learned. The disciples said, “Lord teach us to pray” - Luke 11:1 - Adverse conditions can interrupt radio airwaves, so unconfessed sin and lack of trust etc. can hinder our prayers. It is comforting to know that the, “Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us” Rom.8:26

WORSHIP, Phrases which characterize worship are, “Bow the knee” - “bend the knee” - “fell down” - “fell at His feet” - This implies that self sinks out of view when the heart is solely occupied with the worth of God the Father and the Son, through the Holy Spirit. Worship is spiritual, lifting the soul above the material and mental. Worship can be imitated but not substituted. - The Lord Jesus was the object of worship by the, leper, ruler, disciples, Syrophenician woman, Zebedee’s mother etc. Not all were allowed to worship Him on earth, but all the redeemed will gladly worship Him in heaven.

What should be the theme of the Lord’s Supper? - We hear spiritually alert Christians comment on the theme they recognized at the Lord’ s Supper. The theme is not necessarily the first prominent word in the first hymn that was sung. The theme is a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, for He requested, “this do in remembrance of me” 1Cor.11: 23-25 - It will also include His redemptive work, which is symbolized by the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup.

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Calvary is the greatest miracle of the universe. See, Mat.27: 33, 50-53, In creation, the miracle of crossing the Red Sea and sustaining Israel in the wilderness were fulfilled by God’s word and power. But the miracle of Calvary, to redeem sinful man was a miracle of “love and grace” - It cost God His Beloved Son and it cost the Son His precious blood. It is not the place that is preeminent but the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. - This is when the

VEIL in the temple was

RENT. His sufferings and God’s plan of redemption was now finished. It meant that the restricted access the Old Testament saints experienced is now fully open, through, “a new and living way” Heb.10: 20 - At this time there was an,

EARTH QUAKE. God performs natural phenomenon to remind man of his need. The earthquake, thunder and lightning at Calvary and Sinai were reminders of a holy God and judgement against sin. Now the

GRAVES WERE OPENED, and three days later

HE AROSE. The empty tomb, like the bow in the cloud, reminds man of God’s grace and mercy. The message is, “Oh death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory?” 1Cor.15: 55 - And again, “because I live, ye shall live also

.... “ John 14:19 - His resurrection was God’s amen to the work of redemption. It established the way for our Great High Priest to ascend and pray and plead for us.

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Outlines

Draw Near

**Heb.10: 19-22 (22)

I. Positional; (We are as near as He)

1. Because of the,” blood of Jesus” - “it is finished” 19 (1) A type is the Old Testament, “God made coats” Gen.3: 21 (2) Another picture, “when I see the blood” Exodus.12: 13

2. A, “new and living way… “Through the veil”“ 20

3. “Having a High Priest” 21

II. Conditional; (We are as near as we wish to be)

1. A welcome, provision and command, “let us draw near” (An act of the will) 22

2. With a, “true heart...assurance of faith” 22:

3. With, “hearts sprinkled” (Blood applied) 22

4. With, “bodies washed” (sanctified life) 22

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A Great Work

**Neh.6: 3 - “I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down...”

1. Nehemiah could not be intimidated to leave a great work.

**Mark.15: 30 - “Save thyself, and come down from the cross...”

1. Jesus could not be intimidated to leave a far greater work.

(1) A work His Father sent Him to do.

(2) A work, Jesus and the Scriptures predicted.

(3) A work that the salvation of mankind depended on.

(4) A work that ultimately proved His character.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

The Reasons For Worship. Php. 2:9-11

1. God has highly exalted Him.

2. God has given Him a name above every name.

3. Visible evidence; every knee shall bow.

4. Audible expression; every tongue confess.

5. We worship Him because He is worthy; Jesus is Lord... to the glory of God.

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Worship And Related Terms

1. DEVOTION: Unquestioned loyalty. 1Cor.16: 15

2. HOMAGE: acknowledging the supremacy of God.

3. SERVICE: that which can only follow true worship.

4, PRAYER: implies our need and a holy conversation with God.

5. THANKSGIVING: expressing gratitude for all God has done in and for us.

6. PRAISE: commending God’s merits, to glorify and extol His attributes.

7. GLORIFICATION: to exalt and make great the name of God.

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This Man

**John. 18:40 - “Not this man...”

**Heb. 10:12 - “But this man...”

1. Not this man: but Barabbas.

2. But this Man: “better” then the Prophets, Angels, Moses, Joshua, Priesthood, Covenant, Sanctuary and Sacrifices.

3. This Man is the only One worthy of our worship.

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The Almighty

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending... the Almighty” Rev. 1:8

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead...” Rev. 1:17

John was awe-struck when he got a glimpse of the intrinsic glory of our risen Lord. The beautiful hymn; “Immanuel’s Land” expresses John’s reaction and what our goal and attitude should be in worship.

The bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegrooms face.

She does not gaze at glory, but on the King of grace.

Not occupied with crowns, but with His pierced hands.

The hymn rightly ends with,

“The Lamb is all the glory, in Immanuel’s land” -

Sincere worshipers at His feet, experience this principle of Biblical worship.

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Parting Bequests Of The Savior

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you” John. 15:9

“That my joy might remain in you” John. 15:11

“My peace I give unto you” John. 14:27 (Jesus wants to share His infinite love, joy and peace)

1. The love He displayed at Calvary. John 3:16

2. The joy He will have with His trophies of grace in glory. Isa. 53:10

3. The peace He won for us at Calvary. Heb. 13:20

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We Would See Jesus

1. A noble request; “...we would see Jesus...” Joh.12: 20,21

2. A present experience; “...we see Jesus...” Heb.2: 9 (1) In incarnation through faith, “for the suffering of death”

(2) Now and in the future, “crowned with glory and honor”

3. A blessed hope: “...we shall see Jesus...” 1John. 3:2 (1) We see Him as Savior now. (2) We shall see Him as Sovereign.

4. The loftiest and noblest ambition of the human soul is to, “see Jesus”

5. To behold His glory, is to contemplate His beauty.

(1) To wander, worship, adore Him, to see Him by faith now and one day, face to face.

(2) This is the Son’s prayer to the Father, for us; “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me” John. 17:24

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Notes & Quotes

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Wonderful love that rescued me, Sunk deep in sin; Love brought my Savior here to die on Calvary.

Love found a way to redeem my soul; Love found a way that could make me whole.

Love found a way, O praise His holy name.

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The quality of our worship should be of such a character that it would inspire others to want to know and worship Him.

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Satan doesn’t care what we worship, as long as we don’t worship God.

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The soul that reposes in the will of God enjoys unspeakable calm.

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Our worship should be so inspiring that it will cause people to want to know our God and to worship Him.

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We were willing to fight for the liberty to worship, why should we be so distant in the worship we fought for?

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“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31

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Worship prepares the heart for service, and makes the best workers. Only men who spend time in the sanctuary can do God’s service.

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As we praise, joys are heightened, skies are brightened, and trials are lightened.

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The heart must be in tune for worship. - “In spirit and in truth” John. 4: 23

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The joyless usually pray but the joyful praise.

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The whole body, soul and spirit are disciplined and involved in worship.

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Worship is not emotions excited by entertainment but a heart moved towards Christ by the Spirit.

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Worship, like “grace” and “love” is more easily experienced then described.

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Worship is, “The outpouring of a soul at rest in the presence of God”

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“Worship is the occupation of the heart, not with its needs, or even with its blessings, but with God Himself”

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Worship could be pronounced, “worth ship”. - Because, He”... is worthy” - Rev.5: 10

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Worship is, “The overflow of a grateful heart, under the sense of Divine favor.”

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Recommended reading: WORSHIP; by A. P. Gibbs - Waltrick Publishers; (It is a classic)

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Meditations

Joseph And His Brethren

“ His brethren...fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we [be] thy servants.” Gen.50: 18

1. Joseph’s brethren vowed they would never bow to him. Gen.37: 8

2. They were forced to bow for food, three times; Gen.42: 6; 43:28; 44:14

3. In Gen.50: 18 they bowed willingly and volunteered to be his servants.

(1) They learned who he was, and his motive and love to save them.

(2) He didn’t want their service; he wanted their hearts; (brotherly love)

4. When we see who Christ is and what He has done we will bow and worship Him.

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Universal Praise

“All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name” Psalms.86: 9

The redeemed are happy to bow the knee to their blessed Savior now. One day there will be universal praise when even the stubborn knees will be compelled to bow to Him, because, “God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name” Php.2: 9,10

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Mouth And Sword

“[Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;” Psalms.149: 6

The Lord’s people are both worshipers and warriors’

The new song and praise brings pleasure to the Lord, but it, also provokes anger in the enemy. (V, 1)

The Lord inspires “melody in your heart” to praise Him. Eph.5: 19 - He also provides, “the whole Armour of God...to stand against the wiles of the devil” Eph.6: 11

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The Shepherd

“...Every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians” Gen.46: 34

“He is despised and rejected of men...” Isa.53: 3

Humanly speaking it is difficult to understand why the Egyptians would despise the noble occupation of a shepherd. As we read on in Scripture we find the answer. The world hates the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep.

In contrast the believer is exhorted to, “go forth...unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” Heb.13: 13 - Only here the believer is on holy ground and in the position to worship Him who alone is worthy.

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Earnest Prayer Leads To Spiritual Praise.

“Give me to drink” John 4:7

How can the sovereign of the universe be in need of something his creature can supply? - In our meditations we are often preoccupied with our needs and blessings, and rightly so. Do we stop to think that because “God is Love”, that love needs an object to express it’s self upon and therefore He needs me. He desires responsive love, because He deserves our worship, obedience, and most of all, companionship. He is our dearest Friend and we must never deny His request, “Give me a drink”

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him! Who can tell how much we owe Him?

Gladly let us render to Him, All we are and have.

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A Perpetual Fire On The Altar

“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” Leviticus.6: 13

Whether it is the brazen altar of salvation, or the golden altar of communion, the fire must never go out. The enemy will try to misdirect our affection, so we neglect this important “altar” ministry. This starts with the private, “Quiet Time” devotion, to put the heart in tune with the music of heaven. - It extends to the “Family Altar”; so all the children get a foretaste of heaven, and will long to be reached by the grace of God. This fire must never go out, or flicker or grow dim. It needs to be a steady glow, to warm the heart and light the way. - The sacred oil of the Holy Spirit, poured on the live coals of Scripture, will keep the fire burning brightly, for the glory of God and for our spiritual well being.

Oh the pure delight of a single hour, that before thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

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Kinsman Redeemer

“And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth... and his name was Boaz” Ruth 2:1

The kinsman redeemer was God’s gracious provision for an Israelite to regain an inheritance, lost through neglect or misfortune. The Christian can’t lose his salvation, but he can lose his “spiritual blessings” by neglect or by having them snatched away, unaware, by the world or Satan. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer, interceding on our behalf, to restore our lost blessings, on the basis of His redemptive work at Calvary. Now we have the right to be heard, the right to confess, and the right to be forgiven and restored. 1John.1: 5-10

Redeemed how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb:

Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am.

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Incarnation

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

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:” John.14: 27

Peace is heavens’ atmosphere on earth; it was brought to man when the Savior came to earth in the incarnation, and the heavenly messengers announced it. - It is a “Fruit of the Spirit” so we experience “peace with God” and the, “peace of God” only as the Spirit ministers Christ’s peace to us through the Word. Christ defeated the enemies and removed the enmity, so now He says, “My peace I give unto you”

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?

The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. --

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?

On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

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Isaac And Rebecca

“Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide” Genesis.24: 63

Meditation is an admirable occupation, when it is focused on a worthy subject. It is like chewing the cud, to extract spiritual nourishment from the mental thoughts gathered elsewhere. It was at this time when Isaac found his beloved, Rebecca.

The field was an appropriate place for such contemplation. This is a place where the whole of Gods’ creation came into perspective. The heavens declare the glory of God, the birds of the air, and the lilies of the valley, all, move the heart to worship our Blessed Creator.

Eventide was an ideal time for such sanctified repose; the glory of the setting sun, and the solemnity of the approaching night should inspire our souls to worship. Let us remember, we are not restricted to a place or time. Where we are right now is the place and time for this holy meditation on our Beloved.

Great God of wonders! All Thy ways are matchless, God-like and divine.

But the bright glories of Thy grace - Above thine other wonders shine.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee? Or who has grace so rich and free?

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“He Touched Me”

**Mat.8: 15 “he touched her hand, and the fever left her”

**Mat.9: 20 “...a woman, which was diseased...touched...his garment”

**Luke.7: 14 “...He...touched the bier...And he said, Young man...arise”

As the hymn writer puts it, “Oh He touched me...” Whether Jesus touched them or they touched Him, their blessing and His glory resulted. He touched the cross and transformed it, from a curse to a blessing, from judgement to salvation, from hatred to love. He touches the sinner and transforms him into a saint. He touches the saint and makes him more saintly.

A Sweet Savour

“...We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ...” 2Cor.2: 15

The Old Testament priest threw incense on the burning coals of the golden altar and it filled the holy place with a sweet fragrance that delighted the heart of God and man. The “sweet savour of Christ” is a life hidden with Christ in God, producing a pleasant aroma as we commune with Him. Like Paul, our desire should be that, our life should become a sweet savor to God and man. Enoch “pleased God”, which was the result of a life long walk and communion with God.

You have longed for sweet peace and for faith to increase, and have earnestly, fervently prayed; but you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest, until all on the altar is laid.

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Wounded For Me

“What are these wounds in thine hands?” Zechariah. 13:6

1. Not scars which heal, but wounds, which are indelible reminders of Calvary’s love.

2.The Christ of Calvary is the theme of the old and New Testament.

(1) Coats of skins; (2) “lamb to the slaughter”

(3) “Destroy this temple...I will raise it up” John. 2:19 (4) Mount of Transfiguration. - They, “spake of His decease” Luke. 9:31

3. A look at Calvary moves the heart to worship.

(1) Thomas; saw Calvary’s nail prints and cried; “my Lord and my God” John. 20:28 (2) Emblems at the Lord’s Supper, leads the heart to Calvary and worship.

(3) The theme of Heaven and earth will be the; “lamb...slain” Rev. 5:6; 13:8

4. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (What a Friend we have in Jesus) Provervs.27: 6

5. Napoleon; “I conquered with a sword, but Christ conquered with love”.

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Cleanliness Is Essential For Worship.

“Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD” Isaiah.52: 11

Before the Old Testament priest preformed service at the brazen altar in the courtyard, or entered the holy place for worship, he had to stop at the laver for personal cleansing. Unconfessed sins disqualify a Christian from either service or worship. He may go through the motions of participating and partaking, but his service won’t be blessed and his worship won’t be accepted. God’s grace makes full provision for, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” 2Cor.7: 1 - An audible “amen” is good but it must come from the heart, not lips.

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One Sacrifice

**Lev. 16:34 - “...all their sins once a year...”

**Heb. 10:12 - “...one sacrifice for sins for ever...”

1. In the Old Testament, they had to “afflict their souls” with the remembrance of sin.

2. In the New Testament there was one sacrifice for our sins to be, “remembered no more” Heb. 10:17

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Questions & Answers

Question - Someone told me that worship is a higher occupation for the Christian then service. How can this be when souls need to be saved and “the Lord is... not willing that any should perish”? - 2Pet. 3:9

Answer - It is correct that worship is higher then service, because worship is

Godward and it is giving God what He deserves. Service is manward and it is giving man what he doesn’t deserve. Man receives all blessings in service by the goodness of God. God is not obliged to bless man but does in grace and mercy. We are however obliged to bless and worship God because He is worthy and has blessed us in spite of our unworthiness. - Man cried, “Crucify Him” but God highly exalted Him. Only the Father understood the distance His Son condescended in the incarnation. The eternal One, equal with God, became a Man and a servant to man. Only God could appreciate His Son’s devotion to His Fathers’ will. Only the Father could evaluate the ultimate depth He stooped to go to Calvary. The Father honored Him by giving Him, “a name which is above every name” Php.2: 9 - It therefore behooves us to worship Him, because He is our Almighty God and our loving Redeemer.

Chapter 6 - As For Me And My House

(Christian Home / Family)

Exposition

What a noble aspiration, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 - Joshua was a great leader chosen by God to replace Moses. Joshua experienced many military victories, but he also had a burden for his family. He longed for them to join him in serving the Lord. – Today, Satan threatens the family. It is his prime target because he knows if he destroys the family unit he as won a victory in the Church and the world.

Children are commanded to obey and honor their parents in the Lord. Eph. 6:1,2 -- Fathers are not to provoke their children to wrath, unnecessarily causing them to be discouraged, but rather bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

This is to be accomplished through training, discipline and instruction. Eph. 6: 4 - Timothy’s mother and grandmother did an excellent job of training young Timothy in the things of the Lord, and that in the absence of a believing father. 2Tim.1: 5 -2Tim. 3: 15 - There are many, “mothers in Israel” but where are the fathers?

In preparing this lesson, we searched for a model family. We gave up on David’s, family as well as Eli’s and the writer’s and settled for the family in which the Lord Jesus was raised. Joseph the foster father and Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus.

JOSEPH was a model husband, father and head of his family. He is said to be a “just man” - He didn’t indiscriminately expose Mary when he found out she was with child but not married. Like the Gospel, “love covers” sin, by forgiveness, but it never condones it. Proverbs 10:12 - and again “love suffers long... is kind... and thinks no evil” 1Cor. 13:4,5

Joseph was a man who was in touch with heaven. He had frequent communication with angels and dreams. Mat. 1:20 - 2:19-23 - as a result he was relieved of anxiety concerning his relationship with Mary and he learned about the virgin birth.

He was a moral man, because he, “... knew her not... “Till after their marriage was consummated. - He was an obedient man of faith. At the counsel of the angel, he took Mary to be his wife and called her firstborn son, “Jesus” - Mat. 1:24,25 - When word came of the threat against the life of Jesus, he immediately obeyed and took the young child and His mother and departed for Egypt. Mat. 2:13,14 - Joseph was a humble man. He worked behind the scene, for God. He “played the second fiddle well” It was Mary who was in the limelight. Mary was quoted several times but it was only Josephs’ life and actions that are noticed. Joseph was a responsible man, head and leader in the home. Luke 2:22,41 - Mark. 6:3 - He was faithful in performing his religious duties. He took the Firstborn to the temple for the ceremonial dedication. He took his family to the yearly feasts. He taught his sons a trade, (Carpentry) - A Jewish fathers responsibility was to, Circumcise, teach the Law and a trade to their sons.

MARY is a model wife, mother and homemaker. She was chosen by God and highly honored. She is “... blessed... among women... “ Luke 1:28 - We see Mary as the “virtuous” woman, personified of Proverbs 31:10-31 - (God’s true, BEAUTY QUEEN) - Again, Mary was a virgin when she stood at the marriage altar. Mat. 1:25 - She acknowledged her need as a sinner, she spoke of “...God my savior” Lu. 1:47 - She had a guarded sanctified tongue, her conversations were only spiritual. - She was available to do what she could for God. She didn’t have a special gift or talent but she presented her body a “living sacrifice” unto God. Rom. 12:1,2 - She proved her love to God and her family out of a pure heart and life. She was content with basic needs in life, swaddling clothes for he first born son and a manger for His crib. Luke 2:12 - she wasn’t hindered by non-essentials, wealth, luxuries and status quo. She was willing to pay the costly role of motherhood. Simeon prophesied, “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul” Luke.2: 35 - This prophecy was fulfilled when she stood at the cross and saw her beloved firstborn crucified. She would have experienced the severe birth pangs in a primitive setting. She faced that crisis flight into Egypt. Mat. 2:13,14 - she was the victim of a scandal of having an illegitimate child. John 8:41 - She saw the day when her firstborn son had to leave home for his public ministry and her other children rejected Him at first. Natural ties were broken for a higher spiritual calling. - Her ultimate heartbreak was when she saw her beloved on the cross. Our last glimpse of Mary is with God’s people praying and waiting for the promise of the Spirits coming. Acts 1:14 - Jesus left her in the care of John. That was a great legacy for John to have this godly woman in his home. We honor and respect Mary, but we don’t pray to or worship her.

THE LORD JESUS the perfect, model Child. - He developed naturally, from infancy to adolescence to adulthood. Luke. 2:40,46,52 - As a child He submitted to His earthly parents. - He was content with the basic needs of life. - He lived and died sacrificially. - He always did what pleased His heavenly Father. Here we have a “just” husband, a virtuous wife and a model Child that makes an exemplar family and home. God’s goal for us is, to become more like His beloved Son and one day we will be like Him and with Him forever. Our goal for our children is that they will be more like Him and not like their parents.

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The Book Of Proverbs And The Family

The book of Psalms is devotional and spiritual which touches the heart and inspires worship. - The book of Proverbs is practical and ethical, which influences the will and affects the walk. - There is much in the Proverbs about the family. God is interested in the family because He designed it and He has His own spiritual family. This is why Satan intimidates the family, and he has won many victories. A proverb is a brief pithy, thought provoking attention getter. Easy to remember and was useful before the Scriptures were recorded. In our text

Prov.1: 1-32 there is a father giving instruction to his son. Key words:

INSTRUCTION: = an exposition of truth. This may include, doctrine, discipline, chastening or rebuke. (v.8)

INTERPRETATION: = An explanation of the truth. (v. 6)

UNDERSTANDING: = a comprehension of the truth. (v. 5)

KNOWLEDGE: = An appropriation of the truth. (v. 7)

WISDOM: = An application of the truth. (v. 7) This is a virtue of the “wise” - They were skillful in war, administration, ethics and religion. The craftsmen of the tabernacle were filled with the Spirit and wisdom. Exodus 35:31 - The Lord Jesus Christ is Wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 and 1Cor. 1:30 - Wisdom is revealed in the written Word and creation and is a universal influence.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A WISE SON He values and seeks wise counsel, listens, obeys and increases in learning and understanding. (Pr. 1:5-9) - Train up a child... he will not depart from it. Pr. 22:6

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A FAITHFUL FATHER - He instructs! It is a shared responsibility. The father instructs but the mother endorses and enforces it. (v.8) - He warns against the enticement of the worldly crowd who deceives, and seduces the naive. Even carnal Christians try to pull spiritual believers down to their level. He warns against the unequal yoke. It was God’s plan that the youth would be thoroughly exposed to the Word at all times and everywhere. See, Deut. 11:18 - Prov. 1:20,21 - A wise father instructs, a wise mother cooperates, and a wise son listens. - Fathers have the primary responsibility. Eph. 6:4 - Godly example is a prerequisite for counseling. - It is the father who will give account at the Bema.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A REBELLIOUS SON (See, Prov.1: 22-32) - He is a fool because he has rebelled against the truth. He is materialistic, “greedy of gain”. He is ruthless in his dealings with others. He resists the Spirit’s pleadings and procrastinates until it is too late and he is doomed to destruction.

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Outlines

The Christian Home #1

**Deut.22: 8 - “When thou buildest a new house... make a battlement”

“Battlement” = Safety rails on the roof to protect the children. (Building code)

1. The Christian home presupposes. (1) Born again occupants.

(2) Implies Christ has His rightful place as “Lord”

2. God designed the home to be a miniature paradise; not a battle ground or nightmare.

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I. MAINTAIN YOUR DIVINELY ASSIGNED POSITIONS

1. Husband; is the “head” - able to, “rule his own house” 1Tim. 3:5 (leader, not dictator)

(1) Not superior, but spiritually equal and functionally different.

(2) He is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the Church. Eph. 5:25 (a) Leadership without love is dictatorship.

(b) Love without leadership is a domestic disaster.

(3) He listens, to her suggestions, and after deliberation, he is responsible.

(4) She was taken from his, “side” (place of love)

(5) Not from his head to reign or from his feet to be trampled on.

2. Wife; is a “help meet” (Submissive) Gen. 2: 18:20 (1) A supportive role. It should be easy when she is loved Biblically. Eph. 5:25 (2) The head covering is a symbol of submission to authority. 1Cor. 11:5, 10

3. Children are to “obey” but parents must teach and enforce it. Eph. 6:1

II. BUILD A HAPPY FAMILY UNITY

1. They all build together. It requires effort, time and supernatural involvement.

2. It is to be a happy home. Misery isn’t spiritual. We are to, “rejoice” Php. 4:4

3. Cultivate communication. Work together to close the “generation gap”

4. A proper child will respect the convictions of his parents.

(1) Honest Biblical convictions are contagious and irresistible.

5. “The family that prays together stays together” - also works & plays together.

6. Be on his team, not his back. - “Do not exasperate” Eph. 6: 4

7. Faith and hope are great, but the greatest of these is “ love”. 1Co. 13: 13

III. SUPPORT A BIBLICALLY APPROVED CURRICULUM

1. The Bible is the family Handbook, Manual and Textbook.

2. There arose, “another generation” See, and Judges 2:10 (1) One generation forgot to teach, and the next forgot God.

(2) The result, “every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes” Judges. 21:25

3. Proverbs is a manual on child training. - (See, Proverbs. 22:6)

(1) A condition and responsibility. “Train up…”

(2) A promise. “He will not depart” (if he departs, he is responsible)

4. The divine formula for child training. See, Deut. 6:4-9 (Note the Key words, and the progressive involvement and commitment)

(1) “Love the Lord” with all your heart, etc. 5 (2) The Word in the “heart” - not just the head. 6 (3) “Teach” = formal instruction. 7 (4) “Talk” = casual conversation. 7b.

(5) “Bind” = visual aid by example. 8 (a) “Hand” = the Word controlling the actions. 8 (b) “Forehead” = the Word controlling the mind and attitude. 8 (6) “Write” = an endorsed commitment. 9 (a) “Door post” = private and domestic life.

(b) “Gates” = public testimony in the community.

IV. ESTABLISH CLEARLY DEFINED OBJECTIVES, PRIORITIES AND GOALS:

1. Start the training in infancy. Teenage and adolescent is too late.

2. Uncompromising commitment in devotions, assembly and separation.

3. Absolute honesty. “White lies” are really black lies.

4. Respect for authority; parents, civil and Church. (Respect is earned)

5. Unselfishly live for others. Give, not to get. (Large families have an advantage)

6. Learn responsibility. No room for freeloaders or parasites.

7. Wise use of time, money and talents.

8. Be selective in choosing friends.

9. Parents must control, TV, music, literature, the Internet, and social life.

10. Parents emphasize, “Gods will” – not, assign vocations or life’s partners.

11. A child with goals feels secure, because he knows, (1) His parents care. (2) God cares. (3) It is for his good.

(4) He will appreciate it as he matures.

12. These goal must be taught by example and precept.

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1. The task of parenting is beyond us; we need the Lord’s guidance and power.

2. A suggestion; Give them twice as much time and half as much money.

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The Christian Home #2

**1Cor.13: 4-8a; 1Peter.3: 3-4; Psalms.127: 3-5

I. KEYS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE

1. Mature together, physically / intellectually / emotionally / spiritually.

2. Mutual love and respect should be your motto. 1Cor. 13:4

3. Keep the communication line open; talk it over before it boils over.

(Three communication killers; used for self defense) (1) Explosion. (2) Tears. (3) The silent treatment.

4. Pray together, a sure winner / forgive / forget.

5. Keep Christ on the throne as Lord.

6. Specialize in two golden words; I’m sorry and I love you.

7. Love children; “Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them”Psalms.127: 5

8. Practice hospitality; living for others stimulates happiness.

9. Keep neat and attractive for your partner.

(1) Modest externally, with a meek and quiet spirit. 1Peter. 3:3-4 (2) Dress to fit your gender / avoid the “unisex” perversion.

10. Accept marriage as a life long commitment.

11. A sense of humor often smoothes the rough spots.

II. GUIDELINES FOR BRING UP CHILDREN

1. A communist leaders’ comment on prevailing over the human will.

Age 0-7 is pliable and easily molded. (RC hold to this view)

Age 8-10 is stiff and requires pressure to bend.

Age 11-Teen is brittle and needs painful breaking.

The Hunch back is hopeless; only the grave will straighten him out.

2. Parents, you are your own children’s best teacher.

(1) Because you love them most; (2) You know them best, their strengths and weaknesses.

(3) You have more time with them. 168 hours a week.

(4) God commissioned you, so don’t pawn them unto the SS teacher.

3. Parents are “archer” - children are “arrows” see, Psalms. 127:3-5 (1) Parents influence the direction, distance and destiny of their children.

4. Parents direct the children’s development and activity. (Applied theology is plugged into reality)

(1) Behavior.

(2) Courtesy and respect.

(3) Talking and listening habits.

(4) Table manners.

(5) Responsibility.

(6) Hygiene.

(7) Discipline in their sleep and awaking time.

(8) Encourage their spiritual interests and involvement.

5. Practical observations.

(1) Be an example, not an unlicensed preacher. (Harper)

(2) Parents be consistent and in agreement on all issues.

(a) Never reverse the verdict of the other parent.

(b) Keep your promises, of rewards and punishment.

(3) Be fair, reasonable and avoid favoritism.

(a) Never belittle or compare with a more favored child.

(b) Give credit for achievements.

(c) Explain why the older one gets to stay up later.

(4) Admit mistakes; they look for honesty, not perfection.

(5) Never argue or settle disputes in front of children.

(6) Be available; if your too busy, then you are too busy.

(a) God’s call to service will never neglect your children.

(b) Eli; active in religion but neglected his children.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

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Houses are bought with money but it takes a heap of living and loving to build a home.

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There are two-committed Joseph’s in the life of the Lord Jesus; at His birth, the husband of Mary and at His death, Joseph of Arimathaea who lovingly laid the Lord’s body in the tomb. John 19:38

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In the Christian home, the father is to be the family priest. The Old Testament patriarchs like Noah, Abraham and Job erected altars on behalf of their children.

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The prayers of godly parents follow their children for life.

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“The family that prays together stays together” - also works and plays together.

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A wise practice is to give your children twice as much time and half as much money.

Notes & Quotes

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Parents who neglect disciplining their children are like those canoeing, against stream but they forgot their paddle.

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Parents who go to the prayer meeting and leave their children home to watch TV or surf the Internet are guilty of child-abuse. The children not only need our prayers, they need to learn to pray.

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Failure to warn our children or anyone when there are dangers is criminal. (A ship inadvertently heading for a glacier)

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“Disobedience to parents” is a sign of the last days.

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Meditations

Discipline - Child Training

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

A gross case of “child abuse” is when parents leave their children home to watch TV or surf the Internet

While they go to the prayer meeting. Take them with you! - They not only need your prayers, they need to learn to pray. An example of early childhood training is Moses. Just a few years with his parent and the things of God were so ingrained in him that all the treasures and pleasures of Egypt could not deter him; “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season... esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” Hebrews 11:25

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Father Forgets

Listen Son; I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls sticking wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.

These are the things I was thinking, son; I scolded as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.

At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table; you spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and wave a hand and called “Good-bye, Daddy” and I frowned and said in reply, “Hold your shoulders back.”

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the road I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before your boy friends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive - and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that son, from a father!

Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library how you came in, timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door, “what is it you want?”

I snapped.

You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone pattering up the stairs.

Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding - this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. It was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.

And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of yours was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me goodnight. Nothing else matters tonight son, I have come to your bedside in the darkness and I have knelt there, ashamed.

It is a feeble atonement, and I knew you wouldn’t understand these things if I told then to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real dad! I will cheer with you and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bit my tongue when inpatient words come. I will keep saying, as if it were a ritual: “He is nothing but a boy - a little boy.”

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mothers arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much! - Too much!

Dad: (Author unknown)

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Trust - Faith - Communion

“She took...an ark...and she laid [it] in the flags by the river’s brink” Exodus.2: 3

How could Moses’ mother be so calm in a crisis? Her child was the target of an evil tyrant and she calmly placed her precious son in the ark and into the river. In Hebrews 11:23 it says, “They were not afraid of the king’s commandment”

It becomes evident that they had been communing with the Supreme Ruler in the secret place. When the heart is put in tune in the inner sanctuary, the life will be in step in the market place. This includes remaining “calm in a crisis”

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Tell Her So!

Amid the cares of married life, In spite of toil and business strife, if you value your sweet wife, tell her so!

There was a time you thought it bliss to get the favor of a kiss; A dozen now won’t come amiss-- Tell her so!

Don’t act as though she’s passed her prime, As though to please her were a crime

If ever you loved her, now’s the time; Tell her so!

You are hers and hers alone; Well, you know she’s all your own - Don’t wait to carve it on the stone - Tell her so!

Never let her heart grow cold, richer beauties will unfold. She is worth her weight in gold; tell her so!

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - We are Christians and we love the Lord... but at times our relationships at home seem broken and fragile.

What can we do to have hope and to strengthen our marriage and family relationships?

ANSWER - God wants your home to be a happy home where there is harmony and mutual love. This does not come naturally. You need the love of Christ in your hearts and the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Make sure that Christ is preeminent and on the throne in your home. Mutual love and respect is essential and needs to be nurtured. Plan a family program where all the members mature together, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Keep communication lines open, talk it over before it boils over. Someone has said, “the family that prays together, stays together” - we would add, the family that plays and works together stays together. Don’t forget the two secret words to a happy marriage; “I’m sorry’ and “I love you” - Remember your marriage is a life time commitment so make it a miniature paradise on earth. Don’t forget your Quite Time and Family altar.

Chapter 7 - Peer Pressure

(Young People In An Evil World)

Exposition

In order to face the stresses in life, including “PEER PRESSURE,” we need to maintain an unbroken communion fellowship with the Lord. FIRST; you need; ASSURANCE and SECURITY - Can we be sure? - Few people are sure; Religionist’s are never sure. They have a “do it yourself... hope so... I’m doing my best,” philosophy. We ask the question, “are you married?” - we don’t expect them to answer, “I think so... or I hope so” - Assurance is manward, believing God’s promises. Security is Godward, resting in God’s provisions. The writings of the Apostle John provide much assurance for the believer. He frequently writes; “these are written... “ And then gives the reason for assurance. In John 20:31 he wrote; “... these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life... “ - In 1John 5:13 he wrote; “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life... “ - In 1John 1:4 he wrote; “... these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (That you might know that you have eternal life and that your joy may be full)

Assurance needs;

A SECURE BASE FOR FAITH TO REST UPON: It needs reliable information which is Gods “WORD” - 2Tim.3: 16 - It needs a

Durable Foundation which is the “

ROCK” - Christ Jesus. I Cor.10: 4 - It needs,

Dependable confirmation which is the “

HOLY SPIRITS’“ witness in the believers heart. Rom.8: 15,16 - It needs a

Personal Transformation; which is a changed life - 2Cor.5: 17 - This expresses itself in love for God, for His Word and for His people as well as for the souls of the lost. It is a changed attitude towards sin, the world, self-etc. “I have been crucified with Christ” Gal.6: 14 - It will inspire a new appreciation and involvement in the assembly, in witnessing and service. The whole being, body, soul and spirit must be transformed. Romans 12:1,2 - Carnal Christians can never enjoy assurance, because they are out of touch with spiritual reality.

Some;

BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF ASSURANCE: Noah; before the flood arrived, it tells us, “the Lord shut him in” Gen.7: 16, it must have been assuring that it was the Lord that shut the door and no man could open it. During the flood, it says the window in the ark was, “ upward” Gen.6: 16; there was only one way for Noah to look, upward toward heaven and God, not at the devastation of the flood. - After the flood, God placed a, “

BOW” in the clouds, which spoke of God’s everlasting covenant He made with man. Gen.9: 11-17 - Job enjoyed assurance; he could say, “... I know that my redeemer liveth... Whom I shall see for myself,” Job19: 25-27 - Paul could say; “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2Ti.1: 12

CIRCUMSTANCES AND FEELINGS SHOULD NOT AFFECT ASSURANCE: - Suppose we were to ask the dying thief on the cross; how do you feel? - What is your hope? Luke.23: 43 - He would answer, I feel terrible but my hope is wonderful, because my Savior promised “today shalt thou be with me in paradise:” - Paul and Silas in the horrible conditions of the Roman prison didn’t allow feelings to hinder their praying, singing, witnessing and rejoicing. Acts.16: 25 - Human emotions fluctuate and are unstable and unreliable, but salvation stands secure because it is all of God.

THE VICTORY CHAPTER (Romans 8)

STIMULATES ASSURANCE: It opens with, “No condemnation!” - for those “in Christ” In verse 16, there is, “No frustration! “ because, the Spirit bears witness with our spirit. - In the end of the chapter there is, No separation! Because “... we are more than conquerors...”

ASSURANCE IS NEEDED IN THE VALLEY OF DEATH: - In the Shepherd’s Psalm when the psalmist was passing through the valley of the shadow of death, he had assurance; “I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me...” Psalms.23: 4 - To the believer the valley of death is only a “shadow” not to be feared, but only a reminder of a reality. - Our Lord, who arose, has snatched the keys of death and hell from Satan!. Rev.1: 18 He is the, “Firstfruits” - to deliver victory over death and the grave. 1Cor.15: 20

Assurance is important, not for salvation, but to be a happy, healthy and helpful Christian. - God is “Light” He wouldn’t keep us in darkness. - God is “Love” He wouldn’t keep us in fear. 1John.4: 16 - Assurance is faith resting. - Security is God protecting. The only place of safety; is, Noah; in the ark; Rahab; in the house; Firstborn; under the blood; and the Believer; in Christ

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SECOND: We need A

QUIET TIME - for daily and intimate communion with our Lord.

A quiet time is an exclusive rendezvous with our best Friend the Lord Jesus Christ don’t keep Him waiting! Observe, the Lord Jesus’ Quiet time appointments with his Father; Mark 1:35 - If He needed a quiet time surely we do. It is a solemn experience, so the exhortation to Moses would be appropriate, “... put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” Exodus.3: 5 - The Lord chose a solitary place so the noisy world and busy life wouldn’t interfere with His communion with His Father. - The Christians goal in a quiet time is to become more Christ-like, through occupation with Him.

Consider four (“P’s”) - PRIVILEGE, POTENTIAL, PREPARATION and PROCEDURE of the quiet time. - This

PRIVILEGE we must always consider an honor not a duty. We commence each day with communion and instruction. As “Pilgrims” we need direction. Like batteries we need re-charging. - Note the goals and benefits the disciples had in their quiet time with the Lord. Mark 3:14 - So they could be “with Him” - It was preparatory in sending them to preach the Gospel. - Like Mary they sat at His feet to be near and to hear His voice and instructions. - It says, they “continued” with Him. - They were near to Him, able to share His sorrows, reproach and rejection. - Moses spent 40 years in the backside of the desert preparing for his great ministry.

THE

POTENTIAL OF THE QUIET TIME: - The weak are strengthened; the fearful are comforted. The ignorant are instructed. The wayward are guided; the sinful are restored.

THE

PREPARATION FOR THE QUIET TIME: - A humble heart; (an act of the will) “...If my people...shall humble themselves... And seek my face... Then will I hear...” 2Chr.7: 14 - A good prelude; (attitude check) “open thou mine eyes” Psalms.119: 18 - You will need self-discipline to select the best time and place. Make time! - Don’t “take” it, there wont be any left over. - Beware! The enemies are lurking in the shadows to disrupt your quiet time. - A good example; Israel gathered manna daily and early in the morning, each gathered for himself and gleaned all he needed for one day. Exodus 16:21 - Don’t wait until the concert is over to tune your instrument.

THE

PROCEDURE OF THE QUIET TIME: - Determine the place, portion and reasonable time frame. - Read, and re-read! - Be brief, this is devotion, not a Bible study. It is not literature for the intellect but food for the soul. Expect to meet the Author; He is the “Central Theme” of His Book. Take notes and file them, for future reference. MEDITATE; like a cow chewing the cud; it is digesting the food and extracting all the possible nourishment from the food. This translates the Word into spiritual bones, blood, and muscles. It stimulates growth and maintains strength. -

MEMORIZE; “...Thy word have I hid in mine heart...” Ps.119: 11 -

GUIDELINES AND PRINCIPLES; to consider; Promises to claim; Commands to obey; Responsibilities to accept; Warnings to heed; Sins to avoid, confess, and forsake; Examples to follow or avoid; Victories to gain; Doctrines to study; Lessons to apply and share; Difficult passages to research; Highlight and memorize key verses; Paraphrase; put it into your own words; -

PRAYER, is an important element in the quiet time.

Confession, tell Him all about it and remove all the obstacles.

Worship; give Him what He deserves; break the alabaster box of very precious ointment. Mat.26: 7 -

Praise and thanksgiving; only one leper returned. Luke.17: 12-19 - Supplication; appealing for our own needs and also the needs of others. -

Intercession; compassion and concern for “others”

The goal of the quiet time is to become more like Christ through occupation with Him. - Living stones will glow; radiate, life, love and light. - Listen! - Bow! - Enthrone! - Rejoice! - Worship! - Conform, to His image! - The privilege becomes a responsibility to

APPLY truth to our own soul and then share it with others. - Most fatalities in the Christian life can be traced to a neglected Quiet Time.

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Outlines

First Steps

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life...” 1John 5:13

1. Being a Christian may not be easy, but it is thrilling and rewarding.

2. Some responses of professing believers.

(1) “I hope so”

(2) I’m doing my best.

(3) It is presumption to say you know.

(4) I am as good, as most church members.

(5) I’m trying to believe but don’t know how. - I wish I knew for sure.

(6) No hope! I’m too great a sinner. (7) I’m not a heathen.

3. We can know, because of.

(1) Direct statements of the Word.

(2) The inner witness of the Spirit.

(3) The outward evidence of a changed life.

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I. DIRECT STATEMENTS OF THE WORD:

1. He that hears and believes has eternal life.

(1) There is no condemnation.

(2) Passed from death unto life. John. 5:24

2. Written that ye may know. 1John. 5:13

3. God, who cannot lie, has promised eternal life. Titus. 1:2

II. ASSURANCE RESTS ON THE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD.

1. The Bible claims to be the Word of God.

2. God said, God spoke, and the Lord commanded.

(1) “God said, let there be light” Genesis. 1:3 (2) “God spake all these words” Exodus. 20:1 (3) “The LORD commanded Moses” Joshua. 14:5

3. Jesus and disciples testified that the Bible was the Word of God.

(1) Jesus “in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” Luke. 24: 27,44 (2) Peters’ prophecies concerning Judas had to be fulfilled. Acts. 1:16 (3) Paul reasoned with them out of the scriptures. Acts. 17:2 (4) Paul, “...All scripture is given by inspiration of God” 2Tim. 3:16 (5) Peter, “holy men...spoke...moved by the Holy Ghost” 2Peter. 1:21

4. Proof that the Bible is the Word of God.

(1) Unity. Over a period of 1600 years and no contradictions.

(2) Forty-men of different walks of life agreed.

(3) One great theme; Redemption of mankind.

(4) Fulfilled prophecy, (a) His virgin birth / born in Bethlehem. Isa. 7:14; Mic. 5:2 (b) Concerning the Jew, and Gentile nations.

(5) The test of time.

(6) The universal demand, bestseller that meets every human need.

(7) Denounces sin openly and factually.

(8) The power to change lives.

5. Testimonies compliment Inspiration. (Five; S’s)

(1) The SPACE; “the heavens declare the glory of God” Psalms 19:1 (2) The SPADE; (external evidence) Archeology.

(3) The SCRIPTURES; (internal evidence) Consistency.

(a) David; “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me...” 2Samuel. 23:2 (b) Lord / Jeremiah; “...I have put my words in thy mouth...” Jer. 1:7,9 (c) Lord / Ezekiel, “...speak my words unto them...” Ezekiel. 2:7 (4) The SAVIOR, (eternal evidence) all convincing proof.

(a) “One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass...” Mat. 5:18 (b) “The scripture cannot be broken...” John. 10:35 (c) “He expounded / in all the scriptures / concerning himself” Luke. 24:27 (d) “All things must be fulfilled... concerning me” Luke. 24:44 (5) The SINNER, (logical evidence) transformed lives.

(a) “Dead / made alive / by the incorruptible Seed” 1Peter. 1:23 (b) New creatures in Christ. 2Cor. 5:17

III. THE WITNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Romans. 8:16

1. The Christian’s body is the temple of the Spirit. 1Cor. 6:19,20

2. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Romans. 8:16 (1) He is the Teacher and will, “... teach you all things.” John. 14:26 (2) He is the Comforter; (The One called along side to aid) John. 14:16 (3) He is the Guide, “The Spirit of Truth...guide you into all truth” John. 16:13 (4) He is our Helper and Intercessor: Romans. 8:16

3. A new transformed life; 2Cor. 5:17 (1) A new attitude towards sin; (hate) Romans. 7:19,20 (2) New desires and friendships. 2Cor. 5:17 (3) The “fruit of the Spirit” replaced the “works of the flesh”

IV. ASSURANCE NEEDS A SECURE BASE FOR FAITH TO REST UPON:

1. Reliable information, Gods “WORD” - 2Tim. 3:16

2. Durable Foundation, the “ROCK” - Christ. 1Cor. 10:4

3. Dependable confirmation, the “SPIRIT’S” witness. Romans. 8:15,16

4. Personal transformation, a changed life. - 2Cor. 5:17 (1) Love for God, His Word and His people.

(2) Attitude, toward sin, the world and self. “I am crucified with Christ”

(3) Involvement in the assembly, witness and service.

(4) The whole being, body, soul and spirit are transformed.

(5) Carnal Christians never enjoy assurance.

Note: Assurance is faith resting in the security provided and promised by God.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

Paul Leaves A Good Example For Young People To Follow.

“What shall I do, Lord?” Acts 22:10

1. Paul believed in Jesus as Savior and confessed Him as Lord. Romans 10:9

2. He prayed. This was the first evidence of life. “He prays” Acts. 9:11

3. He was baptized. (Obedience) “Arose and was baptized” Acts. 9:18

4. He preached Christ... that He is the Son of God. Acts. 9:20

5. He identified with the disciples. Acts. 9:26,27

6. He continued steadfastly in service and fellowship. Acts. 9:28

7. He spoke boldly in the name of Jesus, though his life was threatened. Acts. 9:29

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Notes & Quotes

(The Testimony Of A Committed Young Christian)

Elisabeth Susi – Valedictorian – Pampanga High School; 2000

Elisabeth is the daughter of one of the workers in Pampanga, Philippines. Her graduation class had nearly 2000 graduates and she was chosen as valedictorian, and consequently earned a full scholarship at the University of the Philippines. Elisabeth is a committed Christian, as you can tell by the following.

Excerpts, Of Her Valedictory Address.

Today we celebrate this momentous event in our lives, our graduation day; allow me to ask all of you, my dear fellow graduates, to express our praise and thanks to our God and Savior, for this is but fitting and proper since we owe everything to Him --- our success, our life, our all.

We shall be facing new challenges in life. As we face another chapter in the quest for knowledge, let me tell you my dear school mates, that there may be dark days ahead. Secular education alone is not enough to meet the challenges of the future. I am sure you will agree with me, that we have advanced very much in education, especially in the field of science and technology, but I observe that we live in a sick society. There is a pervasive moral breakdown, not only in our country, but also everywhere in the world. We read in the newspapers and hear over the radio and TV, about rampant drug addiction, sexual perversion, brutal rape and murder cases, committed mostly by young people like us. While it is true we have less illiteracy among our youth, compared to the past, it is also a fact that there is a much higher percentage of crimes committed by young people today compared to a couple decades ago. As I ponder these problems of our society, I can’t help but thank God for giving us parents who are concerned about our future. I praise God for the blessing of having Christian parents, in the truest sense, which taught not only the ABC’s of life but also the basic Christian beliefs stated in the Holy Scriptures. Unless we walk in the light of God’s ways, we will never be able to come to a solution to the malady in our society. I was reminded of the story of a crippled boy who was found by a young lady doctor in one of the slum areas in the metropolis. The lady doctor brought the boy into an orthopedic hospital for case study. Finally, after a successful operation the crippled boy was able to walk. So the elated physician searched for his parents and gave him back to them for proper care. After ten years the young doctor remembered that boy and decided to visit him and his parents, to know what had happened to him. To her disappointment, she learned that the boy, now a teenager was in prison, for multiple crimes he committed. – The doctor was saddened, and as she left the place, the thought came to her mind, which said; “I TAUGHT HIM HOW TO WALK, BUT I DIDN’T TEACH HIM WHERE TO WALK”

My dear fellow graduates, it is not enough that we know how to walk in order to face the challenges of this new millennium, but what is more important is to know WHERE TO WALK. The Lord Jesus said in the Bible, and I quote John 8:12, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.”

LET US WALK IN THE DIRECTION WHERE GOD POINTS TO US, and I assure you, my fellow graduates, we will never fail.

Let us not forget the sacrifices of our parents, the sympathy they have shown us all these years to help us overcome financial difficulties, trials and frustrations. We must be proud of our parents because they stood by us when we needed them most. I would like to thank my parents for impressing in my early life the need of knowing God, our Lord Jesus Christ, WHOM I HAVE GIVEN FIRST PLACE IN MY HEART AND LIFE, AND HE IS THE REASON I AM STANDING IN FRONT OF YOU TODAY.

I wont say good-bye to all of you because goodbye means forever. I would rather say good evening with the hope that we shall meet again tomorrow not as carefree adolescents but individuals with matured responsibilities and professions.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO (Many thanks, sir / mam)

------ Authors Comment:

I don’t know if such a valedictorian message would be allowed here in the states. They would probably get booed and ostracized. In the Philippines, a Roman Catholic country, she received a standing ovation.

At the PROM, of course the boys all lined up to dance with the beautiful, petite valedictorian. There, was a problem however, Elisabeth didn’t attend. – Her girl friend, a daughter of one of the elders in the assembly where Elisabeth attends, also graduated, and she didn’t attend the Prom either. We are grateful to the Lord, that there are still young people who stand up to be counted for the Lord. – Now we know what the songwriter meant, “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone.”

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Defeat and misery comes when a Christian tries to hold on, to two worlds.

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Youth and beauty are like fashion, they fade away quickly, but character endures.

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In youth we run into difficulties, but in old age difficulties run into us.

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The worst danger that confronts youth is poor example set by the older generation.

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It’s only a myth that; the old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, and the youth know everything.

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The accent may be on youth these days, but the stress is often on the parents.

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Reputation is something to live up to in your youth or you will have to live it down when you are old.

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Just because you passed your drivers test, doesn’t mean, you have license to pass anything.

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A misspent youth may result in a tragic old age.

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Kids need plenty of LSD, (LOVE, SECURITY, AND DISCIPLINE)

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When youth get married and raise a family and pay taxes, they wont become a burden to society.

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Stop criticizing our youth; if you can’t keep up with them, at least get behind them.

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Work hard! - By the way, “elbow grease is not a petroleum product.

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You are young only once, but what ever you do, don’t stay immature.

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Do our youth today, believe there was a day when most people wouldn’t buy or do anything they couldn’t afford?

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You are rich when you are content with whatever you have.

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Meditations

Grow / Mature

“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” 2Pet. 3:18

Spiritual growth is not an option, it is a command; Are we as concerned about spiritual growth as we are physical and intellectual? Infancy is normal and beautiful in both the physical and spiritual, but immaturity and carnality is not. Maturity is evident when childhood relics are replaced. “When I became a man I put away childish things” 1Cor. 13:11 - The dolls are replaced with living children to nurture for God. The Teddy Bears are replaced with a fulfilling husband and father role. - This growing process will continue until we become, “...a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Eph. 4:13

Give of your best to the Master; naught else is worthy His love;

He gave Himself for your ransom, gave up His glory above.

Laid down His life without murmur, you from sin’s ruin to save,

Give Him your heart's adoration: give Him the best that you have.

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Possess Your Possessions

“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you” Joshua. 1:3 - “There remains yet very much land to be possessed” Joshua. 13:1

Fear or apathy hindered Israel from possessing the full blessings promised to them. The land had been conquered, but it remained for the individual tribes to claim their possessions. Satan can’t keep us out of the land of promise, but he will do everything in his power to keep us from enjoying the blessings and victories. God gives us the invitation to possess the possessions, but also the ability to drive out the enemy. The book of Ephesians opens with, “who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” - It closes with, “Put on the whole Armour of God...stand against the wiles of the devil. “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Ro. 8:37 - We have to claim the blessings before we can proclaim the message.

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Be Not Conformed

“Be not conformed to this world.” Romans 12:2

A true Christian who is conformed to this world is classified as “carnal” - The Corinthian Church was plagued with this malady. It overpowers the believer and causes him to walk like natural, unregenerate men. It restricts him to baby food instead of the strong meat of the Word. He fails to enjoy the love of Christ, which passes knowledge. It results in, “envying, and strife, and divisions” It leads to admiring the preacher, instead of the Person of Christ. It hinders him from courageously going outside the camp, into enemy territory to worship and bear the reproach of Christ. Beloved let us not creep like babes, when we should run in the race, and carry the banner of victory to the finish line.

If I gained the world, but lost the Savior, Were my life worth living for a day?

Could my yearning heart find rest and comfort, in the things that soon must pass away?

If I gained the world, but had no Savior, would my gain be worth the life-long strife?

Are all earthly pleasures worth comparing, for a moment with a Christ filled life?

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We Shall Be Like Him

“When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John. 3:2

Today our limited faith has restrictions, but, one day we not only will be with Him and like Him, but we will see Him as He is; with unclouded vision. Then we will enter into the affections of the bride, “My Beloved is mine and I am His” S of S.2: 16 - Soon we will be invited to the wedding feast, not just as guests but as His bride, decked in pure white, just for Him. Let us experience a mutual love, and an eternal abiding fidelity.

Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor, Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

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Rejoice In The Lord

“The joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah. 8:10

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” Php. 4:4

The joy of the Lord does not depend on circumstances but the condition of the heart and communion relationship with the Lord. Paul wrote the Philippian Epistle, known as the “Joy Book” while he and his companion were in a horrible Roman prison with their backs bleeding and hands and feet in stocks. What, we ask; would he have to rejoice in under those circumstances? - They knew the Lord was with them and was listening to their songs and prayers. - They could rejoice in a unique mission opportunity to witness to the jailor who was involved in their arrest, which gave them an opportunity to witness to the family and see them all brought to the Lord. He certainly found joy in the sweet fellowship of the saints in the assembly at Philippi. Oh that we would know how to, Set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth Col. 3:2

Be still my soul: thy God doth undertake, to guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake,

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice that ruled them while He dwelt below.

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Guidance

“He shall direct thy paths” Proverbs.3:6

To be holy, useful and happy, the Christian must walk in the path, which the providence of God has charted for him. To do this it is essential, to, “acknowledge Him” and, “lean not unto thine own understanding” - Our commitment is to please and honor Him, then we will know what it meant, for Enoch, when he, “pleased God...and, walked with God” Gen. 5:22

Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go,

Anywhere He leads me in this world below,

Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade,

Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - My peers in school poke fun at me and say “I’m not cool” - because I don’t cheat in the exams, don’t attend the theater and dances, don’t drink and take drugs, the way I wear my cloths and hair, and I don’t flirt. Even the teachers laugh at me and take their side. How do I cope with this situation?

ANSWER - Just remember the Lord isn’t laughing, He takes it very serious and will eventually deal with the case. No matter how many kids are poking fun at you, remember you are in the majority. (You are on the Lord’s side and that is the winning side) The victory may not be immediate but it will surely come in God’s time. Look again at Elisabeth Susi’s testimony in this chapter under, ‘NOTES & QUOTES” - Consider Daniel in the lions den for refusing to defile himself with the kings meat. Also consider the three young Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnace. In the end they were all winners because they chose God’s side. The songwriter wrote, “Dare to be a Daniel” - It is taking God’s side and it is sure to be the winning side. All Christians are soldiers; there are “GOOD” soldiers who endure hardships; Chose to be a good one. That choice has eternal value. 2Timothy 2:3

Chapter 8 - Special Occasions

(New years / Thanksgiving / Mothers day, etc)

Exposition

----Mothers Day: God’s Beauty Queen - Proverbs. 31:10-31

God calls her,

A VIRTUOUS WOMAN: because, “...her price [is] far above rubies” 10 - There is no price tag because she is not for sale! You have to “find” her, (vs.10) - dig deep for this precious gems. You wont find her on the street, or the pub, or theater, but look in the Bible Class or prayer meeting. She is God’s,

BEAUTY QUEEN True beauty is inner character, not a superficial facade. It is the “Hidden man of the heart, not corruptible, an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” 1Peter. 3:4 - You can’t buy beauty in a bottle or apply it with a putty-knife that smudges or washes off in the shower. Age and wrinkles, betray a camouflage job. Don’t try to touch up God’s handiwork, unless you are a Rembrandt! Every woman is a front-runner candidate for Miss or Mrs. Universe. There is no competition, but by God’s grace, the inner beauty can be of sterling character. True beauty is a choice, and not a genetic accident. Outwardly neat and modest, but not to attract, impress, or distract. Avoid the beautiful woman with a tigers’ temperament, or a charming woman without practical common sense.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN personifies

All The Virtues In Proverbs: Wisdom, diligence, industrious, thrifty, self discipline, integrity, discrete, kind, benevolent, generous, gracious, merciful, sacrificial, committed, compassionate, a faithful wife and mother, praise worthy, God fearing, prudent, foresight, neat, modest, contented and fulfilled. She displays the “fruit of the Spirit.” 30; Gal. 5:22.23 - She is a model and inspiration to all; to her family, and to all men, women, and children, of all ages.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN is a faithful,

“HELP MEET” - She compliments and contributes to her husbands’ welfare. Her husband trusts her; they have only one bank account with no credit card conflicts. She is cherished “praised” by her husband and children. The husband’s claim to fame is his wife. An elders’ ministry of “hospitality” largely depends on his wife. Hers is the “gift of helps” which never hinders or drags its feet.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN is a

BUSY WOMAN: not a “business woman” or “busybody” - Her enterprise was from her home and for her family. She was not a “career woman” but a “committed” woman. She was there when her family needed her. She saw to it that her family was well cared for. She redeemed the time and expended her energy wisely. It was Early in the morning; late at night and hard work in between. She was frugal; She shopped around for the best bargains.

She wasn’t a slave in her home but she was committed to it and loved it. She was contented with the basic needs and a modest life style.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN is a

GOD FEARING WOMAN: “...a woman that fears the Lord...” (Vs.30) A godly person fears the Lord and this is the key to all her virtues. Proverbs begins with the, “fear of the Lord” 1:7 and ends with this virtuous woman as an example. She feared the Lord but not the snow or old age. - She is a faithful servant and a fulfilled woman. Like Paul she could have said, “I have finished my course” 2Tim. 4:7 here are “timeless truths” lessons for all, men and women alike.

----Easter

Good News From An Empty Tomb Mark 16:1-6 “... he is risen; he is not here...” This is not a yearly celebration but a daily devotion and weekly remembrance. This is a unique tomb, not death, tears and despair but life, joy and hope. -

HIS RESURRECTION WAS PREDICTED in Old Testament types. The living bird sprinkled with blood and let loose. Lev. 14:5-7 - In Old Testament prophecy, the Holy One would, not “see corruption” Psalms 16:10 - Job said, “I know [that] my redeemer lives” Job. 19:25-27 - Christ said; “I am the resurrection and the life...” John. 11:25 - and “Destroy this temple, (His body) and in three days I will raise it up....” John. 2:19,21

UNBIASED REPORTING Of Friend And Foe Confirmed His Resurrection. It was the women who initiated the annual pilgrimage to the tomb. - It was the angel who removed the stone, to let us look in, but not to let Him out; then he said, “He is not here...he is risen...Come, see the place” (Not the Person) Mat. 28:2,6 - The Roman seal was broken by a supernatural power. The trembling soldiers and desperate Judaisers were fumbling for excuses, but couldn’t find any. In Mat.28 - Saints were miraculously raised from the grave and appeared to confirm the resurrection. Mat. 27:52,53 - There were post-resurrection appearances of the Lord Jesus which proved He is alive. 1Cor. 15:5-9 - It was the apostles’ witness of His resurrection that led to their martyrdom. Acts. 2:24

THE IMPORTANCE OF A LIVING SAVIOR – It was to fulfill Scripture and His own predictions. It is Fundamental to Christianity and salvation. Founders of religions are dead, but the Founder of Christianity is alive. The definition of the Gospel is, “Christ died...was buried...rose again” 1Cor. 15: 1-4 a - He, “...was raised again for our justification.” Rom. 4:25 - It was, God’s “AMEN” - the last word concerning His Son. - It is the basis for the “living and blessed hope” 1Pet. 1:3 - He arose so He could, ascend and be exalted at God’s right hand and to function as our Great High Priest. Heb. 8:6 - He arose so He can guard and dispense our “spiritual blessings” Eph.1: 3 – and so He can, “prepare a place for us...” John. 14 – And to provide for us an incentive for steadfast service. 1Cor. 15:58 - The living Savior sent us to serve and is our Co-worker. He arose so He can, come again. John. 14:3

THE TRAGIC IMPLICATIONS If He Did Not Arise. 1Cor.15 - Our preaching would be in vain and we are false witnesses. Our faith would be vain and we would still be in our sins. - We would be of all men most miserable. - Our departed believing friends have perished; they are dead and not asleep. - Sensual living would be the only wise choice, “eat drink and be marry” - The good news from the empty tomb is, there is spiritual resurrection for the sinner who believes. There is bodily resurrection for the saint who has fallen asleep in Jesus. The last time the world saw Jesus was as Savior on the cross when He said, “Father forgive them” - The next time they will see Him will be as Judge on the throne and will hear Him say, “depart from me” - Like Paul, we desire to know Him, and “the power of His resurrection” Php. 3:10 - His resurrection marked Him out as the “‘Son of God” Rom. 1: 4 - The lyrics for the victors song is appropriate, “death is swallowed up in victory” 1Cor. 15:54 - The true believer should be able to say, “I know He lives because He lives within my heart.”

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---- Christmas

HEAVEN CAME DOWN - Mat. 1:18-25 - Luke. 2:1-20

The incarnation is, “...God manifested in flesh...” 1Tim. 3: 16 - The eternal God of the universe, came into this world as a human so He could reach man and become the Savior of the world. The word “Christmas” is not in the Bible, but the doctrine of Christ’s incarnation is a fundamental doctrine. It is not to be a yearly celebration, but a daily meditation. The exact date is unknown, but the fact is well documented. Note the delightful absence of commercialism in the Bible.

THE

RENDEZVOUS - heaven and earth welcomed Him. - The place was Bethlehem; the date was, “In the fullness of time...” Gal. 4:4 - It drew angels to earth to report the good news. Luke. 2:1-7 - It brought, Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, to fulfill Scripture. Luke. 2:1-7 - It drew shepherds to the stable, to meet their Savior. Luke. 2:8-20 - It attracted Wiseman from the east to seek and worship Him. Mat. 2:1-8 - There was Homage from afar (Gentiles) but hostility at home (Jews) John. 1:11,12 - The uplifted Christ on the cross, draws all men to Himself. John. 12:32 ---

THE

GUEST OF HONOR is our Lord Jesus Christ. - Mathew presents Him as King and records His kingly genealogy and birth. Because everyone is interested is the genealogy and birth of a King. Luke presents Him as Man and also records His genealogy and birth. - Mark presents Him as a Servant but not His genealogy and birth, because no one is interested in a slaves ancestry. - John presents Him as God with no human origin because He is the Eternal One without a beginning. -

The two greatest events in the history of the world are, His first and second advent. Both are predicted in the Bible; the first was fulfilled and the second will be. - There are three fundamental qualifications for our Redeemer. He had to be

Divine, Human and Sinless. -

Divine, because “salvation is of the Lord” Jonah 2:9 - “no one can by any means redeem his brother” Psalms 49:7 - An infinite debt requires an infinite Redeemer. That explains why His title is Emmanuel, meaning “God with us” Mat.1: 23 - He had to be

Human because, “without shedding of blood is no remission” Heb.9: 22 -- He had to be sinless, virgin born. The great miracle was not His birth, but His conception and condescension. - He was born to die; we are born to live - born again to live eternally. The distance He stooped, from Glory to Calvary measures his love.

Outlines

Mothers Are Special

1. God likens His comforting love to a mother. Isaiah. 66:13

2. As we get older we learn to appreciate our mothers more.

3. We started their birth pains and contributed to their headaches and heartaches.

4. We honor mothers and worship God who made them the way they are.

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NOTABLE MOTHERS: “Universal Beauty Queens” (Who Possess INNER Beauty)

1. Eve, is the, “mother of all living” Gen. 3:20 (1) Physical mother but also spiritual. “Seed of the woman” Gen. 3:15 (2) God made mothers to populate His perfect creation.

(3) The first mother thwarted God’s holy plan and introduced sin and a curse.

(4) At Calvary in grace, the Son of a mother bore her sin along with ours. 5

2. Rebekah gave up all for Isaac. (Pictures Christ and the Church) Gen.24

3. Ruth, a Gentile “Choice Gleaner” became the Redeemers ancestor.

(1) Grace reaches out to those “afar off”

4. Mid-wives, saved Israel from “infant genocide” (Anti-abortion/Pro-life) Exodus. 1:15

5. Hannah prayed for a “son” to give back to the Lord.

6. The

Shunem woman - See, 2Kings. 4:8 (1) She had spiritual perception.

(2) She was hospitable. (3) She was great and gracious.

(4) She was contented with her present lot. 13

7. Mary, bore our Savior who bore our sins, which Eve, introduced in Eden.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES For Committed Mothers. (Qualify As Beauty Queens)

1. Any restrictions for public ministry are overcome in motherhood. 1Tim. 2:11-15 (1) Lois and Eunice ministered privately to Timothy. (Home schooled)

(2) Timothy became a public servant. “A man of God.”

2. Hannah prayed for a son and God gave her Samuel. (A priest and prophet)

3. Older women can teach younger women. Titus. 2:3-5.

(1) Not theology but responsibility; Love, submission, “keepers at home”

4. A child’s sacred confessional booth is his mother’s sympathetic ear.

5. We honor mothers and worship God who made them like they are.

POEM; By, Joaquin Miller

The bravest battle that ever was fought; shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world it wont be found, it was fought by the mothers of men.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

History Of Thanksgiving Day

1. In 1621, Gov. Wm. Bradford of Mass. invited neighboring Indians to join the Pilgrims in a three-day celebration to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

2. It was celebrated in New England until the end of the 19th. Century.

3. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday.

4. Traditionally it was celebrated on the last Thursday of November and celebrated with turkey and pumpkin pie.

5. In 1941, an act of congress changed the day to the 4th Thursday of November.

6. Canada adopted it as a national holyday on Nov. 1879 and celebrates it on the 4th Monday of October.

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Notes & Quotes

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The best gift is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another.

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Freedom means it is impossible to mentally and socially enslave a Bible-reading people.

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Freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do, as you ought.

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Freedom of religion is not a choice to go to church or to go fishing on Sunday.

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Freedom of speech is often abused. Not to be confused with loose talk.

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We have the liberty to do that, which is good, just and honest.

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AT&T - reports 27% higher ratio of long distance call are charged to dads on Fathers Day then to mothers on Mothers Day. The supposed reason is dads are usually seen as the business movers in the home, with power, position and money.

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Meditations

Thanksgiving

**”Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift”. 2Cor. 9:15

1. This Gift is the, “Gift of all gifts” - the person and work of Christ.

2. This Gift is undeserved, unspeakable, precious and an eternal possession.

**”Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. 1Cor. 15:57

1. The victory is in our resurrected Savior. 1Cor.15

2. Our Captain leads the victory procession, which ends in glory. Heb. 2:10

3. We are to extend the sweet savor of His knowledge in every place.

4. We are thankful for, (1) His unspeakable Gift.

(2) Our Captain who leads us in the procession to victory.

(3) For the privilege of spreading the sweet savor everywhere.

5. Like the one leper, we return to say “thank you!” - Luke. 17:17

6. A thankful heart registers the spiritual condition of the heart.

7. We are also thankful for temporal blessings. (Turkey and pumpkin pie)

8. Thanksgiving isn’t a yearly celebration, but a continual attitude of heart.

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - I saw a sign that read, “PUT CHRIST BACK INTO CHRISTMAS” - What did they mean?

ANSWER - They probably mean the secular world has made Christmas an occasion for making money with precious little of Christ in it. You see

Santa Clause, Rudolf the red nosed reindeer and lots of tinsel, but you don’t see

Christ. You hear, “Jingle Bells” and “A partridge in a pear tree” but not, “Joy to the World! The Lord has come” - They leave Christ out of the name, and call it, “X- Mass” - Christ is the “X”, the unknown and it has become all “MASS” – God does not ask us to celebrate a day once a year, but the incarnation is a precious truth, to rejoice in every day.

Chapter 9 - “Surely I Come Quickly”

(Prophesy - Things to come)

Exposition

MARANATHA - 1Cor. 16:22 - Is of Aramaic origin, meaning, “Our Lord has come or will come.” - When two Hebrew meet they greet each other with, “Shalom” meaning peace. They are not so much thinking of peace with God as, peace with their Arab neighbors. When Christians in the early Church met they greeted each other with MARANATHA, that is, “the Lord cometh” - Their hearts were thrilled with the fact that He came and with the promise and prospect that He will surely come again. It would be good if we today would revive the use of MARANATHA, in our greetings, letters or accompanied with an autograph. This would bring an awakening and blessing to us and to others.

The use of the word

MARANATHA is an expression of

FAITH: - Faith in the promises of our Lord regarding His return. He looks for faith and rejoices when He finds it in our hearts. The promises of His first advent came true, so His second advent will surely come true as well. Sincere believing, and acting on these promises, will influence others to believe also.

Again it expresses

HOPE: It is “Looking for that blessed hope... “ Titus 2:13 - Believers don’t look for death, but the ‘Blessed Hope” - Death is a defeated foe, but a foe just the same. - Believers may die but they are looking for the Lord, not death. Enoch is a type of the translated believers at the

RAPTURE. Genesis. 5:24 Heb. 11:5 - When believing loved ones are taken by death, we sorrow but not as those who have no hope. 1Thes. 4:13

It also expresses

LOVE: - The Lord looks for faith but He also desires our love. One day The Lord asked Peter three times, “lovest thou Me?” John. 21:15-17 - If we love Him surely we will look for Him to return. (Like a bride longs for the coming of the Bridegroom) - A “crown of righteousness” is laid up for those who, “love His appearing” - 2Tim. 4:8 (It’s not the crown so much as Himself that we look for)

It expresses

JOY: - We are commanded to rejoice in the Lord. Phil. 4:4 - If we rejoice in the Lord we will rejoice in His return, and in the joy of seeing Him as He is and to be like Him. “What a day of rejoicing it will be when in rapture we behold Him”

There will be no more failures or disappointments. - A new body of flesh and bones like unto His glorious body. To Never suffer pain again. - There will be the joy of receiving a reward and hearing His, “well done thou good and faithful servant”

Finally it expresses

CONCERN: for others. By using the word, MARANATHA! We remind others of His imminent return. To the unsaved, it is a message of warning. “Prepare to meet thy God” Amos.4:12 - To the Christian, it means watch, pray and witness because the time is short. - Lets revive the use of the word, MARANATHA, for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Outlines

The Second Coming 1 Thessalonians.4: 13-18

The second coming of our Lord appears about 318 times in the New Testament indicating its importance. There are two advents in the Word, the first extending from the Incarnation of our Lord to His ascension back into glory. This covered a period of approximately 33 years. The Second Advent extends from the rapture of the Church till Christ’s appearing to set up His Kingdom. This covers a period of approximately 7 years. These truths are not determined by a single verse or passage of Scripture, but by an overview of the Old and New Testaments. An essential rule to follow is a literal interpretation of Scripture unless it is obviously symbolic. The word RAPTURE, is, a Latin word, literally, “caught up” – A snatching away. Acts. 8: 39 - 2Cor. 12: 2,4 (Contrast the

RAPTURE of the Church and Christ’s

APPEARING)

The

RAPTURE - is the removal of all believers from the Church age to be with the Lord in glory. (For believers only)

The

APPEARING - is the Son of God appearing to judge and set up His rule during the Mil. (Effects all men)

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The RAPTURE - is when the saints are caught up into the air.

The APPEARING - Christ will return to the earth to reign.

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The RAPTURE - is when Christ comes to claim His bride.

The APPEARING - is when Christ returns with His bride to reign.

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The RAPTURE - is the removal of the Church and the inception of the tribulation.

The APPEARING - is the establishment of the Kingdom.

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The RAPTURE - is imminent. (No unfulfilled signs to look for)

The APPEARING - (Preceded by many signs, some fulfilled, some to be fulfilled)

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The RAPTURE - brings a message of comfort to believers. 1Thes. 4:18

The APPEARING - brings a warning of judgment for unbeliever’s to heed.

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The RAPTURE - is a program for the Church.

The APPEARING - is a program for Israel and the world.

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The RAPTURE - is a “MYSTERY” revealed to Paul. 1Corinthians 15:51

The APPEARING - is predicted in both Testaments.

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The RAPTURE - the believer’s works judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The APPEARING - Gentiles and Israel will be judged.

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The RAPTURE - the elements of creation are unchanged.

The APPEARING - brings frightful changes in creation.

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The RAPTURE - Gentiles, unaffected.

The APPEARING - Gentile are judged in the tribulation.

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The RAPTURE - Israel’s covenants are unfulfilled.

The APPEARING - Israel’s covenants will be fulfilled.

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The RAPTURE - comes before the “day of wrath:” (The tribulation) Rom. 2:5

The APPEARING - follows the day of wrath. (Tribulation)

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The RAPTURE - the, “Lord is at hand” - Php. 4:5

The APPEARING - “the kingdom is at hand” Mt. 24:14

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The RAPTURE - the Church taken into the Lord’s presence.

The APPEARING - Israel is, “taken into the kingdom”

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

1. Some views on the second coming, which the writer doesn’t indorse.

(1) The Partial rapture theory refuted: “we shall

ALL be changed” (There will be no amputation’s of the body) 1Cor. 15: 51 (2) Mid-tribulation rapture theory refuted: “God hath not appointed us to wrath” - “no condemnation” 1Thes. 5:9; Ro. 8:1 (3) Post-tribulationism theory refuted: 1Thes. 5: 9 - “I will keep thee from the hour of temptation” Rev. 3:10

2. The second coming has always been the

HOPE of the Church.

(1) Blessed: “...comfort one another...” 1Thes. 4: 18 (2) Purifying: “...purifieth himself, even as he is pure...” 1John. 3: 3 (3) Sure: Prophesies and Promises. John. 14:3 (4) Imminent: “surely I come quickly” Rev. 22:20

3. The imminent return demands the pre-tribulation rapture.

(1) Imminent: so, watch, wait, pray and be not overtaken as a thief. 1Thes. 5:2,4

4. THREE GREEK WORDS: for His coming. (Determined by context)

(1) PAROUSIA: = coming – presence.

(2) HARPAZO: = “caught up” - Philip and Paul were raptured into heaven.

1Thes. 4:17 - Acts. 8:39 - 2Cor. 12:4 (3) EPIPHANEIA: = appearing – brightness. (Kingdom)

5. Note three days, ages or periods, not a 24hour day. Cf. - Day of salvation, Day of

Grace and the Day of Judgment.

I. DAY OF CHRIST: Php. 1:10

1. Duration: From the rapture to the appearing. (Fulfilled in heaven)

2. Main events: The Rapture, the Bema, the Marriage supper, and His appearing.

3. Participants; “Ye are all the children of light...” 1Thes. 5:5 (1) He comes, “for” His saints. 1Thes. 4: 15-17 (2) Some Bible scholars include Old Testament saints. “In Christ”

(3) Only the redeemed hear the “shout, the voice and the trump” 1 Thes. 4:16

4. Meeting place “in the air” - in enemy territory. Eph. 2:2 - 1Thes. 4:17

5. A “mystery” - An Old Testament secret, now revealed to the Church through

Paul. 1Cor. 15:51

6. Christ is the, “Bright and Morning Star” He is the first glimpse of the

Eternal day. Rev. 22:16

II.

THE DAY OF THE LORD: 1Thes.5:2 - Zec. 14:1

1. The Old Testament “day of the Lord” is a time of judgment. Joel 2:1,2,31,32

2. The duration: Tribulation through the Millennium.

(On earth; judgment and blessing)

3. Two “last day” signs precede this day.

(1) A world wide falling away from the faith. 2Thes. 2: 3 (2) The stage is set for the “man of sin” (anti-Christ) 2Thes. 2: 3

4. Participants: Children of “night...darkness...” 1Thes. 5: 5 (1) Zechariah.14 - read select verses.

(2) He will come “with” His saints. Zec. 14: 5 - 1Thes. 3: 13 (3) It will be ushered in by “signs in heaven” see, Mat.24: 29,30 (4) This is not a “mystery” - it was predicted in the Old Testament.

(5) He will judge unbelief; Armageddon; as a “thief in the night” 2Peter.3: 10 (6) He will reign as King in righteous judgment, (Millennium) 2Thes.1: 5 (a) He shall rule, with a rod of iron. Rev. 2:27 - Rev. 19:15 (b) He bless as the, “Sun of righteousness...with healing” Mal. 4:2

III.

THE DAY OF GOD: 2Pe. 3:12

1. Duration: time ends and the eternal state begin.

2. Participants:

(1) The Devil and the false prophet. - They are cast into the, “lake of fire”

(2) Unbelievers of all ages, not found written in the book of life are judged. (

Great White Throne) Rev. 20:11-15

3. Signs and accompanying events:

(1) Celestial bodies will, “melt with fervent heat” 2Peter.3: 10 (2) All rule, authority and power are put down. 1Cor.15: 24 (3) Christ delivers the kingdom to His Father. 1Cor.15: 24 (4) New heavens and new earth will appear. Rev.21: 1 (5) The “G.W.T.J.” - Culminates time and ushers in eternity.

----- CONCLUSION

1. IMMINENT: Why a 2,000-year delay?

(1) “The Lord is longsuffering...not willing that any should perish” 2Peter.3: 9 (2) God cannot be tied to time. (In His time)

(3) The Church has to be completed. (Until the last stone is in the building)

2. THE RAPTURE AND THE UNBELIEVER, facing the tribulation.

(1) The day of grace ends and the day of wrath begin. (The tribulation)

(2) The “Spirit” (Restrainer) will be removed; see, 2Thes. 2: 6-8 (DBY)

(a) The “salt” and “light” will also be removed. Mat. 5: 13

3. Revelation 5-19 is the Tribulation on earth, but no hint of the Church.

(1) “Come up hither” – Rev.4: 1 – (John’s call to “come up” pictures the Rapture of the Church)

(2) The marriage supper of the Lamb takes place in heaven; Rev.19: 7-10

4. The believer who dies falls asleep and is with the Lord, awaiting the rapture.

5. The “first advent” was to redeem but the second will be to rescue.

6. Different attitudes toward the second coming, (1) The scoffer, “where is the promise of His coming?” 2Pet.3: 4 (2) The backslider, “My Lord delayed His coming” Luke.12: 45 (3) The Lord, “behold I come quickly” (3x”s) Rev.22: 7,12,20 (4) The believer, “Even so come Lord Jesus” Rev.22: 20

7. A SUPPOSE SCENARIO; confusion reigns for those left behind after the rapture.

(1) A plane in the air, Pilot, co-pilot and some of the passengers disappear.

(2) A funeral procession and the honored guest vanishes.

(3) A liberal preacher says, “Maybe God has judged those reactionaries”

(4) A husband: “I checked the underscored verses in her Bible and I’m scared”

(5) Enoch and Elijah’s disappearance caused confusion. 2Ki. 2: 11-18; Heb.11: 5

8. This truth either comforts and regulates the life, or causes concern.

(1) “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away” So. 2:10 (2) His coming is, “sure, selective, secret, sudden and saving”

(3) We shall be changed; like Him; glorified.

(4) We shall see Him, as He is, face to face, the Altogether Lovely One.

9. The Divine Architects’ masterpiece will be finished on schedule; Eph. 5: 26,27 (1) Is not this the carpenter? Mark.6: 3 (2) I will build My Church, Mat.16: 18 (3) I go to prepare a place for you, “many mansions” John.14: 2 (4) Perhaps today! -”Surely I come quickly... Even so, come.” Rev. 22:20

Notes & Quotes

When the outlook isn’t good, try the up look.

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The last sight the disciples had of our Lord before He returned to heaven was His outstretched arm in blessing. That is His unchanging attitude toward us today as our Great High Priest.

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“Ye are my friends...” - Who can calculate the intimacy of that statement?

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Cultivate the enjoyment of Christ’s love and be surrounded by the holy atmosphere that created it.

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When we are near to God we lose sight of self and are able to comprehend His mind. At His feet is where He makes indelible impressions of Himself on our heart and life.

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Spiritual Light is important because it leads us to cultivate our love for Christ. It is to the heart, and not the head, that Christ reveals Himself and His love.

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The better we know Him the more we will love Him. His present absence makes our heart grow fonder.

Meditations

“Put thou my tears into thy bottle...” Psalm. 56:8

“Jesus wept...” John. 11:35

“God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes...” Rev. 7:17

Tears or it’s equivalent occurs 178 times in the Bible. This is not a sign of weakness, but of a tender heart. The Lord Jesus wept, as did many worthy saints.

God has a bottle in which He is collecting the tears of the saints. He is measuring our compassion, not our strength and accomplishments. Like the woman who washed His feet with her tears, we will likely, one day pour out those tears on His feet, in worship, and then, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes”. Rev. 7:17 - 21:4

Thus might I hide my blushing face, while His dear cross appears.

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay, the debt of love I owe,

Here, Lord, I give myself away - 'Tis all that I can do.

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“Every man’s work shall be made manifest:” 1Cor. 3:13

“The books were opened and the dead were judged out of those things according to their works.” Rev. 20:12

There is an organization called, “ANONYMOUS/ANONYMMOUS” which is designed for people who wish to keep their problem a secret from their fellow man. They may accomplish this for a time, but for the believer, “every man’s work shall be made manifest” at the Judgment Seat Of Christ.

For those who die without salvation, the books will be opened, at the Great White Throne Judgment, and will be judged by the One who wanted to be their Savior.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,

Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.

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“The things which are not seen are eternal” 2Corinthians.4: 18

For the Christian, the things, “not seen” are primarily spiritual, eternal and future. Hope is faith looking forward, and enjoying the sure promises. It sees our, “light affliction” is replaced by the “eternal weight of glory” 2Corinthians.4: 17 It sees the body of sin destroyed, the sting of death removed, and that the valley of the shadow of death holds no fear, because our loving Shepherd is with us. It sees that life is so brief and as someone has said, “death is but a narrow stream that will soon be forded,” and then we can enter into the reality of our Saviors promise, “where I am, there ye may be also.” John. 14:3 - We concur with John and say, “even so come Lord Jesus” Rev. 22:20

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - I have mature Christian friends who have different views on the second coming of Christ, the rapture etc. How do I deal with this difference?

ANSWER - Love them just the same! There are areas on this subject where we can’t afford to be dogmatic but are responsible to be convinced in our own minds and that based on what we understand in the Word of God. These issues are not fundamental where our salvation depends on it so it is best not to debate, but believe everything God has shown us, nothing more or nothing less. We are looking for the Lord’s return at any moment, not for death or the Anti-Christ. This subject can’t be established by a single verse or passage, but by an overview of the whole of Scripture. The writer believes in the Pre-tribulation rapture of the Church which means the “BLESSED HOPE” Is imminent, and that He could come at any moment.

Chapter 10 - Ye Shall Receive Power

(Holy Spirit)

Exposition

“When I am weak, then am I strong” - 2Cor. 12:10 - This is Paul’s testimony. When he realized he had no strength in himself, then he turned to the Lord for his support. All the work accomplished in and through the Christian is achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Before the Lord left His disciples to return into heaven, He promised them that they would, “receive power” Acts 1:8 - He was referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost when He would empower the disciples to witness and live for the Lord. This age called the Church age is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. He is the prominent person of the Trinity during the temporary, physical absence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us consider the, Work Of The Spirit, in the,

WORLD, the,

BELIEVER, and in the

CHURCH.

In the

WORLD, “he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” John 16:8 - He convicts the sinner and leads him to repentance and faith in the Lord for salvation. - Peter reminds us in, 1Peter 1:12, that it is the Holy Spirit who empowers the preacher to proclaim the Gospel. - Again, Paul tells us in 1Thes. 1:5 that the Gospel came not in “word only” but in the power and with much assurance of the Holy Spirit. -- Consider the work of the Spirit, in the

BELIEVER. - He saves us by regeneration and the renewing ministry in the believer. - Titus 3:5 - The Spirit leads the believer into an intimate relationship, enabling us to cry, “Abba Father” Gal. 4:6 - The Spirit also removes the bondage of fear and introduces the status of “adoption” Rom. 8:15 - Finally, the work of the Spirit in the

CHURCH. - The Spirit indwells both the believer and the Church. They are the temples of the Holy Spirit. 1Cor. 3:16 - The Spirit provides and develops the spiritual gifts in the Church. He equips and sends missionaries into the world. Acts. 13:2-4

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Outlines

THE HOLY SPIRITS’ RELATIONSHIPS To The Unbeliever And Believer.

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE UNBELIEVER

1. Resisted by unbelief. Ac. 7:51

2. Ignored by ritualism. (Chose Law over grace) Heb. 10:29

3. Blasphemed by rationalism. Mat. 12:28-32

4. Tempted by deception. Acts. 5:1-9

5. Reproves the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. John. 16:8

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER

1. Convicts of sin. “He will reprove the world of sin” John. 16:8

2. Sets apart for salvation. “The sanctification of the Spirit.” 1Peter. 1:2

3. Regenerates through the Word. “Born again...” 1Peter. 1:23

4. Seals, “with that holy Spirit of promise” Eph. 1:13 (1) The seal is. “The earnest of our inheritance...” Eph. 1:14

5. Sons have, “The Spirit of his Son...crying, Abba, Father” Gal. 4:6

6. The Spirit of Truth reveals Christ who is the “Truth”. John. 14:16,17

7. The indwelling Spirit will give life to our mortal bodies. Rom. 8:11

8. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit. (Assurance) Rom. 8:16

9. Intercedes in our prayers; “He helps us and makes intercession...” Rom. 8:26

10. Those who are “led by the Spirit...are the sons of God” Rom. 8:14

11. Prepares us for service.

(1) Calls to service. (Barnabas and Saul) Acts. 13:2 (2) Guides in service. “The Spirit suffered them not” Acts. 16:7 (3) Empowers for service. “Ye shall receive power...” Acts. 1:8

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Growth (Spiritual)

**Heb.5: 11-14; 1Peter.2: 1-3; 2Peter.3: 18 - (Key verses on spiritual maturity)

1. A command, not an option. “...Grow…” 2Peter.3: 18

2. The provision. “…Milk/meat of the Word…” “...Grace...”

3. The requisite. “…Lay aside…” “...Knowledge of our Lord...”

4. The goal. “To him is glory both now and for ever. Amen”

5. Maturity is essential for spiritual discernment. Heb.5: 13,14

6. Retarded spiritual growth is inexcusable.

I. TRATES OF IMMATURITY: see, 1Cor.3: 1-4

1. Carnal Christians are spiritually retarded. They act like natural men. 3 (1) The first symptom is the, “works of the flesh”. Gal.5: 19 (2) Three classes, Natural, Spiritual and Carnal. See, 1Cor. 2:14 - 3:1

2. They are undisciplined and childish in attitude and behavior.

(1) Self-centered. They like attention, pampering and entertainment.

(2) Selfish. They are reluctant in sharing. “Give me…that’s mine”

(3) Ungrateful. Slow to say, “Please and thank you.”

(4) Combative. Rather quarrel then help. “Envy and strife” 3

3. Hero worshippers. “I am of Paul, etc.” - (Follow the preacher) 1Cor.3:4

II.

MARKS OF MATURITY (Steady progress - physical and spiritual)

1. From baby talk, to intelligent conversation.

2. From baby food (milk) to solid meat of the Word.

3. From stumbling to a steady forward walk/race.

4. From dependence to responsible activities.

5. Childhood relics are replaced. “I put away childish things” 1Co.13: 11 (1) From dolls, and Teddy Bears to parental roles, etc.

6. From spectator, to participant.

(1) Becomes a student of Scripture to share, not just spoon-fed.

7. A growing love and appreciation for Christ and God’s Word.

8. A hatred of sin and love for righteousness. (Separation)

9. Sensitive to the will of God.

10. A compelling compassion for the lost.

11. A genuine love for assembly fellowship.

12. A heart in tune for worship.

13. A changed life, “new life in Christ”. Ro. 8:2 - 2Co. 5:17

14. A commitment that leads to reproach for Christ. Heb. 13:13

15. Examine priorities, weights and hindrances. (Good, better and best)

16. A display of the, “fruit of the Spirit” Gal. 5:22

III.

BIBLE EXAMPLES of spiritual growth.

1. Peter; backslider to preacher.

2. Paul; Persecutor to bond slave of Christ.

3. John; Son of Thunder to a disciple of love.

4. Thomas; doubter to worshiper.

5. Hannah made a new coat for Samuel each year. 1Sam. 2:19

IV.

DIVINE PROVISIONS for stimulating growth.

1. Good diet, the Bible. “Milk and meat of the Word” - 1Pet. 2:2

2. Good Instructor, the Holy Spirit instructing and guiding.

3. Good instruction, Christ who indwells and intercedes.

4. Good experience, trials and temptations. Rom. 5:3-5

5. Good involvement, corporate worship and assembly fellowship.

6. Good occupation, active service. (Healthy diet and exercise)

V. LESSONS FROM PAUL’S NURTURING TIMOTHY see, Php.2: 19-23

1. Good materials, his mother and grandmother prepared him. 2Tim. 1:5 (1) Moses got his early training at his mother’s knees.

2. Timothy proved dependable, dead to self and committed. 21

3. Paul was concerned with both development and accomplishment.

4. Paul created an atmosphere for development.

(1) Treated him as a person, friend, son and co-equal.

(2) He commended him for progress but avoided flattery.

(3) He gave constructive criticism in love as needed.

5. A son, father relationship is built on mutual love, trust, respect, etc.

6. Rejoice when they pass you up and carry the baton.

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1. Elevator Christians, lots of activity but no progress.

2. Don’t expect mature behavior from youth.

(1) Allow them the luxury of a few mistakes, like we had.

(2) Development thrives on encouragement, not unnecessary reprimands.

(3) When correction is needed, do it in love.

3. Infancy is normal and beautiful but not immaturity or carnality.

4. A final word, “grow up!” - Be men of courage. (Strong) 1Cor. 16:13

5. Grow until you reach, “the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:13

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

The SPIRIT, In Galatians Chapter Five

1. All believers “live in the Spirit” but not all “walk in the Spirit” Gal. 5:25

2. To walk in the Spirit, assures, victory over the flesh. Gal. 5:16

3. The Spirit and the flesh are in conflict with each other. Gal. 5:17

4. Being, “led by the Spirit” - gives freedom from the law. Gal. 5:18

5. Liberty in the Spirit makes us free to bear the “fruit of the Spirit” Gal. 5:22

6. To “live in the Spirit” is unconditional, for all believers. Gal. 5:25

7. To walk and be led by and bear fruit, in the Spirit, is voluntary and conditional.

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The Spirits: - Coming, Comfort And Companionship

1. The Spirit’s

COMING - was dependent, (1) On Christ’s absence. John 16:7 (2) On Christ’s ascension. John 14:28 (3) On Christ’s advocacy. John 14:16

2. The Spirit’s

COMFORT - makes Christ dearer, the word clearer and heaven nearer. John 16:13,14,15

3. The Spirit’s

COMPANIONSHIP - Is in and with the believer.

(1) A

SEAL, Eph. 1:13; 4:30 (2) An

EARNEST, Eph. 1:14; 2Cor. 1:22 (3) A

RESIDENT, Rom. 8:11- 1Cor. 6:19,20 (4) An

ANOINTING, 2Cor.1: 21- 1John. 2:20 (5) A

WITNESS, Rom. 8:16 Heb. 10:15

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THE LORD’S RELATIONSHIP To The Believer

1. BEFORE to lead and direct us.

2. BEHIND to encourage and instruct us.

3. ABOVE to watch over and protect us.

4. BESIDE to befriend and walk with us.

5. BENEATH to uphold and sustain us.

6. WITHIN to empower and abide in and with us.

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The Spirit Filled Life -

“Be filled with the Spirit” - Eph. 5:18

1. It is a

COMMAND to obey. - “Be filled with the Spirit”

2. It is a “

JOYFUL” life. - “Singing and making melody in your heart.” Eph. 5:19

3. It is a “

THANKFUL” life. - “Giving thanks...” Eph. 5:20

4. It is a “

GRACEFUL” life. - “Wives submit... husbands love... “ Eph. 5:22,25

5. It is a

“PEACEFUL” life. - “Fathers provoke not...” Eph. 6:4

6. It is a “

PROFITABLE” life. - “Nurture children in the admonition of the Lord”

7. It is a “

POWERFUL” life. - “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”

8. It is a “

PRAYERFUL” life. - “Praying always with all prayer...” Eph. 6:18

Notes & Quotes

Worry is carrying our burden too far. He is the Burden Bearer, and says, “I will give you rest”.

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God may take us into His darkroom to develop our character.

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Those closest to Christ are sure to be drawn closer still.

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Martha, somewhat perplexed with life, was not entering into intimate communion with the Lord like her sister Mary, yet the chapter is prefaced with the statement, “Jesus loved Martha.” (John 11:5)

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The obstacles that appear to us as mountains, through the mists of unbelief, are only an occasion for God to display His omnipotent power and infinite love.

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An unsatisfied heart is a source of danger, and a divided heart is the continual cause of an inconsistent walk. When Christ possesses and engrosses our affections, we are superior to every temptation of the enemy.

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Meditations

Grace And Truth

“...Full of grace and truth” John 1:14

“...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ...” 2Cor.8: 9

“...I am the...Truth...” John 14:6

What perfect balance we see in our Lord Jesus. He could stand for truth and yet be gracious. Pray for me! - I wont to be gracious, but have the temptation to compromise and condone in doing so. I am in danger of forfeiting faithfulness to God for popularity with man. - Our Blessed Lord said, “neither do I condemn thee, but He also said, “go and sin no more” - He said, “Woe unto thee” but He also said, “come unto Me” - Beautiful balance of grace and truth. Let us seek God’s grace and power to see this a reality in our lives.

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Afflictions

“I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” Psalms. 119:75

How can a faithful God allow affliction to come into our lives? It is because He loves us and in the end it will prove to be for our good and for His glory. It sometimes takes a crisis to develop this. There were two secret disciples, who had been hiding in the shadows but needed the crisis of Calvary to test their allegiance to the Lord. While the other disciples were still hiding and trembling, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea boldly came out into the dangerous open and begged the body of their Lord to give Him a proper burial. God may use a crisis in our lives to reveal a virtue that has been lying dormant for too long.

Have thine own way Lord, have thine own way, thou art the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me, after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.

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Light Afflictions

“I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom.8: 18

“I will give her...the valley of Achor for a door of hope” Hosea 2:15

The valley of Achor is the valley of suffering, but also a door of hope; When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there is no need for fear because we have the assurance, that our Heavenly Shepherd is with us, and it is the door of hope into a blessed eternity. We may now be in the valley of Achor, but Paul reminds us the sufferings are only temporal, and is nothing to be compared with the glory that will follow.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,

To added affliction He addeth His mercy.

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure,

His power has no boundary known to men,

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth and giveth and giveth again! - (Annie Johnson Flint)

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Broken Fellowship

“I sought him, but I found him not...” So. 3:1

Mary and Joseph sought Jesus and found Him in the temple; they thought He was lost, but He was right where they left Him.

If our companionship with Him is broken, it is not He who moved, but we. We can’t lose our salvation but we can lose our fellowship. Unconfessed sin, breaks fellowship - neglecting our Bible breaks fellowship - neglect of prayer and assembling with God’s people, breaks fellowship. First, His blood cleanses from all sin - His Book teaches us precious truths about Him - on our knees we enjoy sweet communion and communication - consistent fellowship in the local Church shields us from the attacks of the evil one.

Later the bride could say, “I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go...” So.3: 4 - A blessed reality for the serious believer.

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - David prayed, “Take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” Ps. 51:11 - Does this mean the Holy Spirit may depart for the believer today?

ANSWER - In the Old Testament times the Holy Spirit came upon individuals to perform a given task, and then departed. Now in the New Testament times the Holy Spirit comes to reside in the believer forever. The believer today is “sealed” by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. Eph. 1:13 - Eph. 4:30 - This New Testament Church age is the dispensation of the Spirit.

Chapter 11 - God’s Mighty Army

(Heroes of the faith – Christian soldiers)

Exposition

Christian Soldier And His Armor

Paul exhorted Timothy to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” 2Tim. 3:4 - And, “... be strong... put on the whole Armour of God... that ye may be able to stand” - Eph. 6:10,11 - All Christians are in the spiritual battle, but to be a “good” soldier, it is voluntary. This requires a special commitment and endurance. - - First, let us consider the,

TRAITS OF A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST - He finds himself on the front lines encountering powerful foes. (The flesh, the world and the devil) The battles are too tough for us, so we are to be, “strong in the Lord and the power of His might” Eph. 6:10 - The devil is too strong; he is like a roaring lion, a subtle serpent, a deceiving angel of light and the god of this world.

The flesh is so weak and vulnerable that it could fail at any moment. The world is attractive and presents a constant temptation. Paul’s personal testimony in 2Cor. 11:23-33 illustrates, what it is for a good soldier to endure hardships. The pleasures and treasures of earth may entangle the good soldier. 2Tim. 2:4 - Moses chose the reproaches of Christ, greater riches then the pleasures and treasures of Egypt. Heb. 11:26 - Demas on the other hand loved this present world and deserted Paul. 2Tim. 4:10 - Someone says, “but I tried to control my tongue and temper but I failed” - Stop trying and surrender to the Spirit. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1John. 4:4 --- Second, consider,

THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER’S ARMOR: see, Eph.6: 11-18 - We are exhorted to “put on the whole Armour of God... “ – (By faith) - If we omit one piece it will give the enemy an advantage for an attack. The reason is because, “the days are evil” and so is the enemy. Remember to claim and thank God for the victory because Christ has already conquered, “if God be for us who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31,37 ---

Finally, consider the, “

ARMOR” (Equipment) Eph. 6:13-18 - (1) There is the ARMOR OF

CONSISTENCY; 14,15 - The

“Loins girt about with truth” The girdle holds the rest of the Armour together and prevents tangling and falling. The girdle of “truth” overpowers the lies of the devil and gives the soldier integrity and a bold, clear conscience in the heat of the battle. David tried to hide his sin for a year and lived a defeated life. Psalm 32:51 – Then, there is the “

Breastplate of

Righteousness” 14b - This is not the “imputed righteousness” which is by faith, Rom.4: 5, but rather, “imparted righteousness” for those who, “walk according to the Spirit” Rom.8: 4 - This is the Armour which is demonstrated in the life, and is the practical righteousness that protects from the attacks of the enemy. -

Next the,

“Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” 15 - This is living and speaking the message of the Gospel to the lost sinners of the world. Peace with God and the peace of God qualify the messenger for this assignment. When we practice what we preach the shoes of the Gospel are worn on “beautiful feet” Isa.52: 7; Rom.10: 15 - Satan has declared war, but we are ambassadors of peace, in the ministry of reconciliation. 2Cor. 5:18-21 (2) Then there is the ARMOR of

CONFIDENCE; 16,17 - The

“Shield of FAITH”, gives confidence in Christ and the Word. This protects against the fiery darts of the enemy, which are his lies that would cause us to doubt and sin. This is not saving faith, but faith lived out daily on the front lines. - Next comes the, “

Helmet of

SALVATION” 17 - This protects the mind and intellect from Satan’s lies. It is the mind that believes God’s promises and assurances. The mind plays a vital role in growth, service and victory. When the Word of God does not fortify the mind it is vulnerable. Remember how Satan beguiled Eve’s mind in the garden. Gen.3; 2Cor. 11:3 (3) Finally, the armor of

COMMUNICATION; 17-19 – The

“Sword of the Spirit” which is the

Word of God, 17b - The Bible is God communicating with us and we need to get marching orders from the Commander in Chief, daily on the front lines. The believer who is “Bible illiterate” is sure to be defeated in the battle. The Bible is not only food for the soul and marching orders for the Christian soldier but it is a “sharp two edged sword” to convict and to defend. It is the Sword for the Spirit to wield and not for us to, carelessly use in the flesh. Peter in the garden of Gethsemane swung the sword in the flesh and cut off the ear of the servant. Luke. 2:50 - On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the Word and the Spirit used the sword to convert 3,000 souls. Acts.2 - It is the Spirit who inspired the Word and He wields the sword to convict and convert sinners. We are to use it by faith. Jesus used the Sword for His defense, “It is written” (3 times) Mat. 4:4-10 - Satan pretends to use the Word but misquotes it to deceive. - And finally, “Praying always” 18 - This gives the needed energy for the strenuous encounter on the front lines. “Always” suggests an unbroken communication with the Commander in Chief. This is “praying in the Spirit” - The Spirit instructs us in the Word but also guides us in our prayers. As sheep flock together for protection, soldiers stand together for stability and saints gather together for fellowship. With the protection from the armor and the orders from our Captain we can with confidence, March forward into battle. Our Captain never sounds retreat or accepts defeat. Remember we are on the Lord’s side therefore the winning side.

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Flee, Follow, Fight - 1tim. 6:1-21 (11,12)

Paul, as it were blew the trumpet to alert Timothy, that the enemy is lurking in the shadows to rob us of the victory that is in Christ. Note the progression in the threefold warning, to “FLEE” - “FOLLOW” and “FIGHT.”

FLEE - Timothy is called, “MAN OF GOD” - A title given to a prophet, a messenger of God. 2Kings 1:12 - It suggest one who is born of God, is Godlike, for God’s purposes, to walk with and work for God, and of one who is mature. Flee, “these things” - No one is exempt; Adam, Aaron, Samson and David were defeated because they failed to flee. - No special strength is needed to flee, just good common sense and a decision of the will. It is a time to regroup, re-supply and count the cost. Paul warns against false teachers and unprofitable doctrine. Sound teaching honors Christ and promotes godliness. False teachers are proud, puffed up and conceited. They “know nothing” - They are the worlds’ intellectual philosophers but are spiritually ignorant. “Dotting about questions” means, an ailment of the mind. They love to debate mystery’s that belong only to God. Deut. 29:29 - They have “corrupt minds... destitute of the truth” busy with, “strife of words”, wangling about empty and trifling matters. Paul warns against the delusion of earthly riches. Supposing material gain is godliness. Beware of the “Prosperity Gospel” It is not money, but the “ love of money” that is the root of all, evil. -

“Love” - is “agape” love, which is, sacrificial and reaches out to others. - “

Patience” - is grace that does not retaliate, a courage that continues in tough going.

“Meekness” is an attitude of humility. Not weakness, but power under the control of the Holy Spirit. It is not seeking great things for self, like prosperity, pleasure or popularity. It is the fruit produced by one who walks, “in the Spirit” - Gal. 5:22,25 - Jesus exhorted Peter to, “follow thou me” - and don’t object to the fact that John is following; follow me! John 21:19-22 - Flee... idolatry” 1Cor. 10:14 - Remember we, entered this world naked and that is the way we will leave it. Job 1:21 - A desire to be rich, leads to temptations and a snare, and ends with many hurtful and foolish lusts that leads to destruction and perdition. It pierces through with many sorrows, however, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” - Paul also warned, “Flee...youthful lusts” - “flee fornication” 2Tim. 2:22 - 1Cor. 6:18 - Joseph fled from a dangerous proposition, and won a great victory. Gen. 39:7-12 - Such fleeing isn’t cowardice, but a mark of sanctified wisdom. Fleeing is separation, based on Biblical convictions. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he will be the one to “flee.” Jas. 4:7 - We are to flee from the wrath to come, by fleeing for refuge to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke. 3:7 - Heb. 6:18 - One day the ungodly will flee from God’s face at the Great White Throne Judgment. Rev. 20:11-

FOLLOW is to pursue the elements of Christian character. -

“Righteousness” is not the imputed righteousness of Christ, which is positional, but personal integrity gained by grace in submission to the power of the Holy Spirit. “

Godliness” - is Christ-likeness, practical piety received by grace. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” -

“Faith” - is faithfulness. The greatest ability in the believer is dependability. It will involve faithfulness to, “ the faith” which is Christian doctrine, and a willingness to “contend for the faith” Jude.

FIGHT: The English equivalent is to agonize, an athletic and military term. - Paul used this term, “Fight... I give thee charge... charge them” (vs. 12,13,17) It is to contend with a goal to obtain, straining to win the prize or battle. Paul said, “I have fought a good fight...” 2Tim. 4:7 - It is like Nehemiah and his co-workers with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. Neh. 4:17 - It is occupation with eternal entities and to lay hold of the things of eternal life. Notice again, verse 3, they are, “words of our Lord Jesus Christ and therefore “wholesome words” and suggest the “doctrine according to godliness”.

Outlines

Enoch Walked With God

**Gen. 5:21-24 - Heb. 11:5,6 - Jude 14,15

1. Five commendable facts about Enoch.

(1) He had faith in God.

(2) He pleased God.

(3) He walked with God.

(4) He prophesied for God.

(5) He was taken [translated] by God.

2. WALK = conduct, life style, steady forward progress, with a goal.

3. An exciting testimony. (1) His walk on earth. (2) His rapture into heaven.

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I. AN AMAZING FACT; God wants us to walk with Him.

1. Man was created for fellowship. (Body/soul/spirit)

2. Eden; (1) God looked for a walking companion. Gen. 3:8 (2) Sin thwarted the plan.

(3) The Gospel regains it.

3. It’s not God walking with us but we walk with Him; He leads the way.

II. CONDITIONS FOR WALKING WITH GOD: (Three)

1. Acquaintance: never walk with a stranger!

(1) The Lord enables us. The lame man, “Rise up and walk” John. 5:2-11 (2) “Walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”. Gal. 5:16

2. Agreement: Can two walk together, except they, be agreed? Amos. 3:3 (1) He plots the course, direction, goal, speed, etc.

3. Abiding: A commitment to stay near. (Prayer/Bible/Assembly) John. 15:4

III. BLESSINGS ARE KEYED TO OUR WALK WITH GOD:

1. Stimulates fellowship and develops friendship.

(1) Occupies our hearts with Him and not on self or the world.

(2) Jesus/disciples; not servants but friends. See- John.15: 14,15 (3) God and Moses; face to face, as a friend (intimate) see - Exodus. 33:11a (4) Emmaus, “Jesus Himself drew near”(walked/talked) see Luke. 24: 15

2. It keeps us within the “safety zone” (Cf. Shepherd and sheep)

(1) Separates us from the world. 2Cor. 6:17 (2) Shields us from darts of the devil. Eph. 6:16 (3) Occupies our minds with pure thoughts. See - Php. 4:8

IV. SIN HINDERS OUR WALK WITH GOD:

1. Eden; one sin caused God to walk alone. Gen.3: 8-13

2. A tiny spec of grit will stop an engine. (Sugar - Bills boat)

3. A tiny pebble in a shoe hinders a cross-country hiker.

4. Geometry: a slight angle results in a great deviation.

(1) Lose sight and voice contact, sheep become vulnerable.

(2) Long pauses in conversation, indicates alienation.

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1. Enoch walked with God, right into heaven.

(1) His translation followed a faithful walk that pleased God.

2. Not a literal walk, but a conscious unbroken communion.

(1) Possible today. (In the Spirit)

3. God is involved in our time and eternity. (Our choice)

4. Enoch started his walk at 65 - don’t wait, start now!

5. A desirable epitaph. “He walked with God” Gen. 5:22

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The New Testament Concept Of “ Walking With God”

1. Walk = manner of life and conduct. (102 X’s - N.T.)

2. The Lord enables us to walk; (1) cf. lame man - Jo.5: 2-11 (2) “Walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”. Gal.5: 16

3. The old walk. “Course of this world... power of the air... “ Eph.2: 2

4. The new walk.

(1) In “newness of life...” Rom.6: 4 (2) In “Love” - as Christ also hath loved us. Eph.5: 2 (3) In the “Light” Eph.5: 8; 1John.1: 7 (Jesus is Light/key to fellowship)

(4) In “Truth” stimulates joy. 3Jo. 1: 4 (5) In “Wisdom” - redeeming the time. Col. 4:5 (6) Circumspectly. (Carefully) Eph. 5:15 (7) Honestly. (Transparent) Rom. 13:13 (8) By “faith...not by sight.” 2Cor. 5:7 (9) “Worthy...pleasing...fruitful...increasing...” Col. 1:10

5. The “OVERCOMER” will one day walk with the Lord in white. Rev. 3:4

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Urgent Mission (Recruiting Soldiers)

**Mark. 16:15 - Go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel.

**1Cor. 9:16 - woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

(The Gospel is costly)

1. It cost the precious blood of Christ.

2. It may be costly for us to preach it.

(1) It could take us to the desert like Philip. Acts.8 (2) It could take us to prison like Paul and Silas. Acts.16 (3) It could take us to martyrdom, like James and Steven.

(4) Costly but productive. “Bringing his sheaves.” Psalms. 126:6

3. When we fail to preach the Gospel it is even more costly.

(1) Precious souls are lost in hell for eternity.

(2) Reward for obedience is forfeited.

(3) The glory of the Lord is thwarted.

(4) The Lord will use someone else and we will be set aside. 1Cor. 9:27

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MISSIONS (The “Mighty Army” Marches On)

**Acts 13:1-4 - A missionary call and commendation.

**Acts 14:25-28 - The first missionary report.

1. Acts is a, “Missionary Hand Book”

I. A MISSIONARY CALL AND COMMENDATION Acts. 13:1-4

1. The Holy Spirit’s involvement.

(1) A Divine call. “The Holy Spirit said...” 2 (2) The Spirit calls, prepares, gifts, makes willing and sends.

2. The assembly’s involvement.

(1) In tune. “Ministered... fasted...prayed...” 3 (2) They “sent” them away = let go, dismissed, set free.

(3) “Laid their hands on them” = (not ordination but identification)

3. The missionary’s involvement.

(1) A personal call. “Separate me Barnabas and Saul...” 2.

(2) A call to separate from all earthly ties. 2 (3) A specific assignment. “For the work.” 2 (Workers together - 2Cor. 6:1)

4. The commendation. “...To the grace of God...” Acts. 14: 26 (1) Not to a place, because grace has no boundaries or limitations.

(2) “Recommendation” = commit, permit, given over to, allow.

(3) A threefold agreement of the Spirit, the assembly and the missionary.

(4) A lifetime commitment, not short term adventures.

II. A MISSIONARY REPORT Acts. 14:25-28

1. One of seven meetings of the assembly.

2. The assigned task was completed. “The work, which they fulfilled.” 26c

3. They rehearsed, (1) All that “God had done” Acts. 14:27 (2) How God, “opened the door of faith” Acts. 14:27

4. No appeal for money. (Our Master owns the cattle on a thousand hills)

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1. They were accountable, to God and to the commending assembly.

2. There was no, “Mission Board” - Only the Spirits’ guiding.

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STEPHEN (Front Line VIctory)

**Acts. 6:1-15 - Acts. 7:51-60

1. One of seven deacons’. (?)

(1) Practical ministry led to spiritual. Stephen & Phillip are examples.

(2) Qualifications. Natural talent, Acts.6 - Spiritual gift, Acts.7

2. Stephen reflects Christ more then many Bible characters.

3. No negatives. Not sinless but early confession. (Cf. David)

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I. A MAN OF

INTEGRITY “...honest report...” 3

1.Trustworthy, Conscientious, Available and Compatible.

II. A

QUALIFIED man, based upon the word “full” 3

1. Full of faith 5,8 armed with the, “shield of faith” Eph. 6:16 (1) Shielded from darts of temptation, not stones of persecution.

2. Full...of the Spirit, 5 - “fruit of the Spirit” Ga. 5:22 (1) Conditional, His surrender to the Spirit - reflected heavens glory. 6:15

3. Full of power, 8 - in touch with Omnipotence.

(1) Stephen and Philip possessed miraculous power.

(a) The apostles laid hands on both of them. Acts. 8:6,15,17 (2) We are in touch with Omnipotence, in prayer and the Gospel.

4. Full of grace, 8 - ASV (a gift that makes one gracious)

5. Full of wisdom, 3,10 = spiritual discernment. 1Cor. 2:5,13

6. Full of the Scriptures. Note his Biblical sermon. Acts.7

7. Full of courage and zeal, “ye stiff-necked...” Acts. 7:51 (1) First martyr. He preached himself into the grave. Acts. 7:59 (2) He earned a “crown of life” Jas. 1:12 - Rev. 2: 10

III. A

DEPENDABLE man (practical/spiritual)

1. He served tables. (Natural talent) Acts.6 (1) A big man, willing to do a lowly task. (All service is important)

2. He preached an eloquent sermon. (Spiritual gift) Acts.7

3. Available to do what God had for him to do.

IV. An UNCOMPROMISING man

1. Falsely accused and publicly embarrassed. Acts. 6:11-14 (1) Didn’t defend him but spoke the truth in love. (The truth hurts)

2. Stones didn’t modify his message. (Committed to pleasing God)

(1) Would he have avoided martyrdom with a watered down Gospel?

3. Not popular but powerful and faithful. “Not able to resist” Acts. 6:10

V. A

FORGIVING man

1. Like Christ “Lay not this sin to their charge” Acts. 7:60 - Luke. 23:34

VI. A

HEAVENLY ORIENTED man, Acts. 7:55,56

1. Suffering caused him to look up. He saw three visions, (1) The “glory of God.” 55 (2) The, “Son of Man standing.” Mediator (Priest & Advocate) 55 (3) The “heavens opened.” (To welcome him with blessing) 56

2. His face reflected angelic glory. Acts. 6:15

3. “They were not able to resist the wisdom” 6:10

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1. A life of (1) Serving (2) Shining (3) Suffering

2. “Old soldiers never die...” He just “fell asleep” (Macarthur) 7:60

3. He didn’t live long but he lived and died well. “Well done” Mat. 25:21

4. “Faithful unto death.” He earned the martyrs “crown of life” Rev. 2:10 (1) Faithfulness assures promotion. (Serving tables, preaching, crown)

5. Instrumental in Paul’s conversion; Acts. 8:1; 9:1

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OBSERVATIONS (Choosing Deacon’s In Acts 6)

1. Lessons for the Church.

(1) Do things “decently and in order” 1 Cor. 14:40 (2) Leaders, chose qualified, Spirit filled men. Act. 6:3 (a) Elders, delegate specific tasks to willing committed servants.

(b) Spiritual growth assures numerical growth. 6:7 - Preach the Word!

(3) Practical.

(a) It gave more time for spiritual ministry. 6:2 (b) They chose Grecian deacons, to serve Grecian widows.

(c) The murmuring stopped. A message on “contentment.”

(4) The spiritual is important - the physical can’t be overlooked.

(5) Problems arise, but can be resolved through Spirit filled leaders.

2. Lessons for individual believers.

(1) Lowly tasks are important to God.

(2) Big (Spirit filled) men will do menial tasks. (Humble/Available)

(3) Faithfulness leads to a higher calling. (Serving tables to preaching)

(a) Promoted from deacon to preacher to martyrs crown.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

Bishop Ryle, on

MONEY; (Revised)

(1) The most unsatisfying of possessions.

(2) It takes away a few cares but multiplies many more.

(3) There is trouble in getting it. (4) Anxiety in keeping it.

(5) Temptations in using it. (6) Guilt in abusing it. (7) Sorrow in loosing it.

(8) There will be squabbles in settling the estate.

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Abraham - Isaac - Jacob

1. Abraham - the man of the altars. Gen. 22:9 (Worship and Sacrifice)

2. Isaac - the man of the wells. Gen. 25:11 (Fruitfulness)

3. Jacob - the man of the tents. Gen. 25:27 (Pilgrimage)

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Why Did These Christian Warier’s Press On?

---- (The call comes from four directions)

I. A commission from the regions above: “go into all the world” Mark.16: 15

II. A cry from the regions beneath: (rich man) “send him to my father’s house” Luke.16: 27

III. A call from the regions beyond: (Macedonian call) “come... and help us” Act.16: 9

IV. A constraint from the regions within: “the love of Christ constrains” 2 Cor.5: 14

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1. Feelings, emotions and human logic can’t be involved.

2. It is exclusively the Holy Spirit’s guiding and constraining the surrendered believer.

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**Psalm.78: 1-11 - The value of history.

1. History is like a lighthouse, to warn us of past mistakes.

2. For Israel it was to preserve them from the folly of their fathers.

3. God armed Ephraim for battle but turned back and was defeated.

(1) The immoral nations became a perpetual thorn is Israel’s flesh.

4. We have powerful foes.

(1) The “flesh lusteth against the Spirit” Gal. 5:17 (2) Greater is He that is in you then, he who is in the world. 1Jo. 4:4

5. We have.

(1) The Lord in heaven interceding.

(2) The indwelling Holy Spirit empowering.

(3) The Word, which is the sword of the Spirit to protect and guide.

6. All systems are “GO”! - “We are not of them who draw back” Heb.10: 39

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The Christian Soldier In Ephesians Chapter Six

1. An Impregnable Position. - “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph.6: 10

2. An Impenetrable Provision. - “Put on the whole Armour...” Eph.6: 11-17

3. An Invincible Protection. - “The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” - Eph.6: 17

4. An Incredible Power. - “Praying always... in the Spirit... “ Eph.6: 18

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The Armour Of The Christian Soldier

1. The Armour of

LIGHT, - “let us put on the Armour of light” - Rom.13: 12

2. The Armour of

RIGHT. - “The word of truth, power of God... the Armour of righteousness” 2Cor.6: 7

3. The Armour of

MIGHT. - “The power of His might” - Eph.6: 10

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Notes & Quotes

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On the front line you have to trust and follow the orders of the Commander in Chief. 2Tim. 2:8.9,13

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Paradoxes: Death leads to life - Suffering leads to reigning in glory. 2Tim. 2:12

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It is not trying to be faithful, but looking to the faithful One that won our victory.

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The conquering Christian soldier is not; “carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease”

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The WATCHMAN’S, life was required if he failed to warn God’s people of an approaching enemy. Eze. 33:2-8

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GOOD SOLDIERS are those who volunteer to fight under His banner and courageously stand against the flesh, world and the devil. They “fight the good fight of faith” - 1Tim. 6:12 - He will seek to please his Master by abstaining from things that displease Him and hinders in the battle.

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Professing Christendom is plagued today with compromise, complacency, condoning sin, and comforts. They want just enough Sunday morning religion to pacify the conscience, but not enough of Christ and commitment to disturb the comfort zone.

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Recommended reading: THE PILGRIM CHURCH - by E. H. Broadbent and FOX’S BOOK OF MARTYRS. (CLASSICS)

Memorandum

TO: JESUS, SON OF JOSEPH

WOODCRAFTERS CARPENTER SHOP

NAZARETH, 25922

FROM; JORDON MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

JERUSALEM, 26544

Dear Sirs:

Thank you for submitting the resumes for the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests: and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant. The profiles of all tests are included, and you will want to study each of them carefully.

As part of our service and for your guidance, we make some general comments, much as an auditor will include some general statements. This is given as a result of staff consultation and comes without any additional fee.

It is the staff’s opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.

Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interests above company loyalty. Tomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel that it is our duty to tell you that the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau has blacklisted Matthew. James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.

One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.

We wish you every success in your new venture.

Sincerely yours,

Jordan Management Consultants

------------------------------------------------

Meditations

Conscience

“Who being past feeling have given themselves over...”Eph. 4:19

“If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” 1Jo. 3:19

The conscience is a divine provision that needs to be fortified by the Word and the Spirit of God. A close walk and communion with the Lord cultivate a good conscience; a clean conscience, is when there is nothing between my Savior and me. The conscience is weakened by undue exposure and compromise with this evil world, and eventually it becomes “past feeling” and callused, unresponsive to the gentle pleadings of the Spirit. “Let your conscience be your guide”, is bad advice.

The Creator of the conscience is the only One who can accurately influence it. We must remember that, “God is greater then our heart” 1Jo.3: 20

Happiness is a healthy mental attitude, and a grateful spirit,

A clear conscience is a heart full of love.

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Caleb’s Faith Aimed High

“Give me this mountain...the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.” Jos. 14:12

Caleb’s faith claimed the land God allotted him, because he knew God would be with him in the battle to conquer it. The believer has entered into eternal rest by grace through faith, but there is work and a battle ahead. It required hard work before the “land flowing with milk and honey” would produce its precious fruit. It required faith and courage to March forward with God into battle. Our Canaan will produce fruit by hard work; prayer, self-denial, witnessing to a hostile world,

Facing opposition, obeying God’s Word regardless of the cost and challenging Satan’s right to trespass. We need the faith and courage of Caleb to say, “give me this mountain...the Lord will be with me”

“We rest on Thee” - our Shield and our Defender!

We go not forth alone against the foe,

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,

“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”

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Caleb; A True Disciple Numb. 14:24

1. He followed the Lord fully. (He exemplifies the principle of consecration)

2. He had “another spirit” - (A work of the Holy Spirit in a surrendered believer)

3. He entered the land. (Visible evidence of victory in the believer’s life)

4. His seed possessed the land. (The abiding value of the victorious believer)

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - Are all Christians soldiers? - What are, “GOOD” soldiers? 2Tim. 2:3,4

ANSWERS - All Christians are enlisted into God’s army, but to be a GOOD soldier, one must meet certain requirements. He must “endure hardness, as a good soldier”

Paul and many of his “fellow soldier’s:” endured hardships. Consider some traits of a good soldier. He

ENCOUNTERS ENEMIES, - The Lord alerts us, “the godly... shall suffer persecution” 2Tim. 3:12 - We need not be surprised or intimidated by enemy attacks. Php. 1:28 - 3:18 - The good soldier, “

ENDURES HARDSHIPS” - We are not “carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease” - Read Paul’s testimony in, 2Cor. 11:23-33 - Nominal Christians don’t qualify as “good” soldiers. Earthly treasures entangle the soldier. Demas loved this present world and deserted Paul. 2Tim. 4:10 - The goal of the good soldier is to please his Enlisting Officer, not self. - Paul exhorted Timothy, to “...fight the good fight of faith” 1Tim. 6:12 - This requires surrender and supernatural courage from the Holy Spirit, and true faith in our Captain and in His promises and uncompromising obedience to His commands.

Chapter 12 - Here Comes The Bride

(Church)

Exposition

What is the CHURCH? There are confusing answers to this question in Christendom. Some say, it is that building with the tall steeple. Some say it is the denomination, which my ancestors belonged to. There is only one place where we can find the correct answer and that is the Bible.

Let us consider the DEFINITION of the word, Church. According to Strong’s Greek dictionary the word is “Ekklesia” which means, an “out-calling.” It is used 118 times in the Bible - 115 times it is translated, “Church” and 3 time it is translated “assembly.”

There are two aspects of the Church - The Universal Church and the local assembly. Church in the singular usually refers to the universal Church, which includes all believers from the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two until the Rapture of the Church, which may be soon. Today is the “day of grace,” the Church age, the time of in gathering. The universal Church includes all believers who have fallen asleep, those alive today and those yet to be saved before the Rapture.

Churches in the plural refer to local gatherings of believers in a given location and are called “assemblies.” - When we hear the term, “The Church Militant” it refers to all true believers, alive in the world today.

We conclude the Church is a redeemed peoples not a building or a denomination. Before Paul was converted, he “persecuted the Church.” Gal. 1:13 - Again Paul told the elders from Ephesus, to “feed the Church.” Acts 20:28

The ORIGIN of the Church dates back to a past eternity. God chose the believers in the Church, before the foundation of the world. They were to be holy and without blame before Him in love. Eph. 1:4 - God has made the believers, “accepted in the Beloved (Christ).” This is all according to God’s will, and for His praise and glory. Eph. 1:5,6 - The Church was predicted by the Lord Jesus when He said to His disciples, “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” Mt. 16:18 - the Holy Spirit who was sent into this world to Spirit Baptize all believers into the body of Christ established the building on the day of Pentecost.

The Church was hidden from the view of Old Testament saints but the “Mystery of the

Church,” was revealed to Paul in the New Testament. Eph. 5:32 - 1Pe. 1:10-12

Now we can look back and see many beautiful types (Word pictures) of Christ and His bride the Church. Examples are, Adam and Eve - Isaac and Rebecca.

Consider the MISSION of the Church. To glorify God, by showing forth His Excellencies through worship, prayer and a godly life. 1Pe. 2:9 - The Church is to edify itself, corporately by developing and using the spiritual gifts God has given to the Church. Eph. 4:12-16 - Individually when we, “grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.” 2Pe. 3:18 - The Church is to, “purify itself” through God’s provision of sanctification. This may be the result of the Father’s pruning, chastening ministry. John 15:2 - Self-discipline will avoid the Father’s chastening hand. 1Co. 11:28-31-This could involve Church discipline when self-discipline is unheeded. 1Co. 5 - God’s ultimate goal for this sanctifying ministry is, for the Church to one day be presented to Him, “Without spot, holy and blameless,” Eph. 5:26,27 - Another mission for the Church is to, “contend for the faith.” The Church is the custodian of the truth. Jude 1:3 - The Church is in the world as “lights” to evangelize. Each assembly is a “lamp-stand” to display the light of the Gospel in a specific location. Re. 1:12,13 - Finally the believers of the Church is “salt” to retard and restrain the evil corruption in the world. Col. 4:6 - 2Th. 2:7

What is the DESTINY of the Church? The imminent return of Christ, called the “Rapture” will complete the in gathering of the “called out ones.” Following this will be the “Bema” the Judgment Seat of Christ and then the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, taking place in heaven.

MEMBERSHIP in the Universal Church is by new birth through faith in Christ. Fellowship is in the local assembly is by reception and involvement.

There are three figures of the Church in Ephesians. (Body/Bride/Building)

Each suggests. (1) A unique commencement. (2) A divinely controlled course. (3) A final consummation.

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Outlines

Assembly Growth

**3 Jo. 1:2 - John wished for Gaius to prosper in soul and body.

**Ac. 9:31 - A healthy environment in the early church.

(1) They had rest from the enemies. (2) They were edified.

(3) They were, “walking in the fear of the Lord.

(4) They found comfort in the Holy Spirit. (5) They “ multiplied,” (Numerically/Spiritually)

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1. We desire growth in our assembly.

(1) Spiritual growth must precede numerical growth.

2. Carnal programs can produce a Mega-church.

(1) Brass band/Hollywood style entertainment/drama.

(2) A mega-church on Sunday morning and a handful at the prayer- meeting.

3, A. W. Tozer said, “You win them too, what you win them with”

(1)Rock music, entertainment, and social activity more attractive than the spiritual.

(2) He spoke of “converted cowboys not too converted”

4. The way we count converts. (1) By their profession of faith. (2) When they are baptized. (3) And when they are in happy fellowship in the assembly.

5. Shepherds are called to feed the sheep, not entertain the goats.

6. Hindrances to avoid, (Carnality/Complacency/Compromise/Confusion)

(1) “I looked for the world, and found it in the Church”

(2) Laodicea; “left your first love” - “lukewarm...I will spue thee...” Re. 3:16 (a) “You say, I am rich...I say you are wretched” Re. 3:17 (b) “Behold I stand at the door and knock” Re. 3:20

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DANGERS In The Assemblies

1. The devil without, the flesh within and the world all around.

2. The enemy is trying to destroy what is precious to the Lord.

(1) In Galatia, the devil introduced false teachers and a false gospel.

(2) In Corinth, the flesh was the obstacle.

(3) In the contemporary Church, the world is taking its toll.

3. Satan wont succeed, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Mt. 16:18

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I. THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL PRIDE:

1. We have no monopoly on truth, just a commitment to the truth.

2. Its not, “Assembly truths” its “New Testament Church truth.”

3. We love all Christians, but not all the systems in Christendom.

II. THE DANGER OF PROFESSIONALISM:

1. The world’s standards are not the yardstick for God’s servants.

(1) Natural talent.

(2) Academic training.

(3) Social status.

(4) Business success.

(5) Bank account.

2. A good message leaves us talking about the Lord, not the preacher.

(1) John the Baptists, audience abandoned him to follow the Lord. Joh. 1:36,37

3. Natural advantages are good but not, criteria for the ministry.

(1) A “gift of gab” is not a spiritual gift.

III. THE DANGER OF LEGALISM:

1. Rules aren’t ruled out, but unbiblical rules are.

2. Tradition, is good only if it is Biblical.

3. Personal preference must give way to Bible truth.

(1) Be willing to change if it is Biblical and for the good of the Church.

4. The same flesh that demands legalism incites division.

IV. THE DANGER OF FAMILIARITY:

1. The holiness of God does not allow for a loose tongue.

(1) The fear of God requires reverential respect.

2. The Lord is worthy of His full title, “Lord Jesus Christ”

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1. Commitment is the key to personal and assembly growth.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

What We Believe

I. The Scriptures

The Bible, 66 books, in the New and Old Testament, is divinely inspired. 2Pe. 1:21 - It is infallible and inerrant. It is the supreme standard for human conduct, creeds and religious beliefs. 2Ti. 3:16,17

II. God

We believe in one true God, a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, equal in all things as to eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and immutability (Mt. 28:19 - 2Cor. 13:14)

III. Christ

We believe in the virgin birth of Christ. (Luke 1:26-35) – We believe in His absolute impeccability. (2Cor. 5:21 - 1Peter 2:22 - 1John 3:5) We believe in His vicarious death. (Ro; 5:6-8) We believe He bodily rose from the dead. (Ro. 4:25 – Lu. 24:36-40) We believe in His visible ascension. (Lu. 24:50-51) We believe He is presently enthronement. (Heb. 1:3) We believe in His High Priestly Ministry and Advocacy. (Heb. 7:25-26 - 1Jo. 2:1) And His Second Coming to the air and earth (1Th. 4:15-18 - 2Th. 1:7-10)

IV. Men

We believe in the total depravity of man through the fall of Adam in Eden’s Garden (Gen. 3 – Rom. 5:12-19) His absolute helplessness to please God in his unregenerate condition (Rom. 3:9-19 – Rom. 8:8)

V. Salvation

We believe in the love of God to the entire world, (John 3:16) And for the necessity of the new birth through the Word and Spirit of God. (John. 3:3-7 - 1 Pet. 1:23-25) Human works and merit is useless to obtain salvation. (Rom. 4:5 - Eph. 2:8-9 - Titus 3:5) In the finished work of Christ there is complete and eternal atonement for sin. (John. 19:30 – Heb. 9:26 – Heb. 10:12) Salvation is by grace alone through faith. (Eph. 2:8-9 - Acts 16:30-31) Because our justification is complete in the blood of Christ, the believer has present possession of eternal life and assurance of salvation. The true believer has eternal security in Christ. (John 10:28-30 - Romans 8:35-39)

VI. Pre-Millennialism

We believe in the rapture of the Church at the coming of Christ to the air (I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18). The revelation of Christ will be at His coming, to the earth prior to the setting up of His millennial kingdom (2Thes. 1:6-10). The personal literal reign of Christ over the earth will be for one thousand years. (1Cor. 15:24-28 – Rev. 19:11-20 – Rev. 20:4)

VII. Resurrection Of The Dead

We believe that all the dead will be raised by the power of Christ. The resurrection of all believers will be at the coming of Christ to the air, followed by the review of their life and works. (Luke. 14:14 - John 5:28-29 – Rom. 14:10-12 - 1Cor. 3:11-15 - 1Cor. 15:22-23) The unsaved dead, who went immediately at death to the place of torment, will be resurrected at the Great White Throne Judgment and there be judged and consigned to the Lake of Fire to endure eternal punishment (Luke 16:19-31 - John 5:28-29 – Mat. 25:46 - Rev. 20:11-15)

VIII. The Ordinances

All believers should be baptized by immersion, and we seek to teach this truth. (This, however, is not the door to the Church or an absolute condition of fellowship) We believe that all Christians should obey the Lord in observing the Lord’s Supper. The early Christians did this the first day of the week, and we follow this practice in keeping the Lord’s Supper each week (Mat. 28:19 -Acts 2:41-42 - Acts 18:8 - Acts 20:7 - 1Cor. 11:23-32)

IX. Priesthood Of All Believers

We believe that all believers are priests, and have equal access and divine right to draw near to God in the Holiest, and offer up spiritual sacrifices, apart altogether from human authorization or appointment. The sisters as well as the brethren are priests, but they do not minister audibly. (Heb. 10:19-22 – Heb. 13:15 - 1Peter 2:5)

X. Life And Walk Of Believers

We believe that all Christians should, through appreciation to Christ, and for what He has done for them, live a godly life in true separation from sin and the world, seeking to win others to the Savior who died for them. This can be accomplished only by surrender to the Holy Spirit and utilize His power in our lives. (2Cor. 6:14-18 - 2Cor. 7:1 - Titus 2:11-14)

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Notes & Quotes

Observing the Lord’s faithfulness inspires our faith in spite of our failures and weakness.

*****

The shadows of the Old Testament reflected, but were no substitute for, the reality. Religious ritual is very complicated and confusing, and leaves the heart empty. The reality of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ fills the heart with peace and joy. (Not ritual but reality)

*****

Consecration is when Christ has full control over the believers’ body, so they become organs for the expression of nothing but Him.

*****

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” - Because we are redeemed we should disown and reject every authority that conflicts with that of Christ.

*****

The most miserable man on the face of the earth is the Christian who is trying to enjoy both worlds.

*****

If you leave out the truth of the coming of the Lord Jesus, you miss a power for holiness that God has given to us. (1John 3:3)

*****

Christ is like a magnet, so He draws us into the heavens away from the world.

*****

There is a larger blessing than forgiveness, that is, Christ. We will never be satisfied until we are under the power and shadow of His love.

*****

The measure of our love indicates our usefulness. “...Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor... and have not charity... it profits me nothing.” (1Cor. 13:3)

*****

We are invited to come to Him in prayer with thanksgiving. He loves to hear our cry and knows it is the expression of our love and confidence in Him.

*****

Oh, to be taken out of ourselves and be altogether lost in the affections and aims of the Father and the Son. When self disappears, we can be completely occupied with Him.

*****

When the cross is applied, it crucifies two things: self and the world; consequently, there cannot be the least attraction between the two.

*****

When the world’s knowledge enters the head, it exalts me. When heavenly wisdom, which is Christ, enters the heart, it humbles me.

*****

Meditations

What think ye of Christ? Mat. 22:42

Who do men say that I am? Mat. 16:13

The correct answer to this question has eternal consequences. The Pharisees answered, ‘the son of David.’ The people saw Him as John the Baptist or one of the prophets. Peter said, ‘thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.’ Mt. 16:16

The sinner comes to know Him as my Savior and Lord. The believer sees Him as “the chief among ten thousand” - and “altogether lovely.” - When the initial

Meeting with Him is genuine, the heart will long for unbroken communion for the rest of ones life. Meditate on Him as the Man of Calvary who proved His infinite love: On the Man at God’s right hand, who is honored and exalted. With Thomas we behold the wounds in His body and cry out, “my Lord and my God.”

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For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph. 2:8

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Someone has said there will be, three wonders in heaven.

FIRST: To meet someone whom I thought would never be there. He did so many things I assumed were off-limits for a Christian. And he didn’t belong to the fellowship I considered Biblical.

SECOND: To miss seeing someone whom I thought would surely be there. He was such a good living friend and neighbor and went to church regularly. Apparently, he was religious but lost.

THIRD: The wander of wanders, that, I am there. After reflecting on a life of failure, I have to conclude, it has to be nothing but the grace of God.

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And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47

And they continued steadfastly. Acts 2:42

When it is the Lord that adds members to the Church, they are real and will continue. Man can introduce programs that will attract numbers, but many will prove to be, “Sunday morning only Christians.” - Are they new converts, or dissatisfied transfers from other congregations? If the numbers and enthusiasm is as great at the assembly prayer meeting as it is on Sunday morning, you have a healthy, spiritual assembly.

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Questions & Answers

QUESTION - They told us to, “Go to the church of your choice on Sunday.” - There are so many churches in Christendom, how can I be sure I have made the right choice?

ANSWER - Yes it is confusing without divine intervention. We are grateful that God has given us His Holy Bible to instruct us in these choices. The same Bible that showed us the way of salvation will guide us in our decisions in life. It is not, ‘go to the church of your choice,’ but go to the gathering or fellowship of His choice. Remember, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ you are already a member of the Church. What you need now is fellowship with Christians who seek to follow the Scripture in every detail of life. For one thing a Biblical New Testament assembly will meet in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and not in the name of a man who started the denomination. There are many other things to consider, including the practice of believers baptism by immersion and observing the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week.

About the Author

Milton Haack was born into a religious family, but did not have a personal conversion relationship to the Lord, so consequently did not have peace with God or assurance of salvation.

Stationed on PT boats in the US Navy during the 2nd World War, he heard the gospel and was saved on the island of Samar, Philippines. He learned to love the Filipino people and almost immediately had a burden to one day return and share the Gospel with them. In 1958, the Lord opened the door for the family, including two young children, to sail for the Philippines. They lived in the Philippines for thirty-one years, sharing the Gospel and teaching the Bible. During that time, the Lord established seventeen New Testament churches, which are now indigenous, carrying on the work without foreign help.

In 1990 they returned to the United States for medical help. They now reside in Minnesota, where the author teaches and preaches in various local churches, and speaks at Bible conferences.

For the past ten years, he has made yearly trips to the Philippines to visit the Christian friends and assemblies. It is always a happy reunion.

Milton’s testimony has been aired over the Unshackled Radio program a number of time since 1991.

Personal Salvation Testimony (Milton Haack)

I was raised in a religious family, baptized as an infant, sent to parochial school, and taught the catechism, doctrines, and practices of the church where all my relatives belonged and were totally committed. At twelve years of age, I was confirmed and re-instated my vows and affirmed that when I was baptized as an infant, I became a child of God and member of the true church. I was taught that if I abandon the denomination I belonged to, which was said to be “the only true church” I would have little chance to get into heaven. I never questioned what I was taught, because I knew the catechism from cover to cover, but was a stranger to the Bible.

My father was a dairy farmer, but by the time I was a teenager, I knew the farm was not for me. It was too early in the morning, too late at night, and too hard in-between. It was in the late 1930’s when World War II was brewing, and I was elated when my “1-A draft” classification came. My mother cried. The draft board told me that because I had farm experience, they would give me a deferment if I would take a job on another farm. I told them, “No, thanks, when do I go?” My mother never heard about this.

I volunteered for the Navy. In boot camp, the first day after induction, a rough, cursing chief came storming into our barracks and said, “You guys are no longer your own bosses; UNCLE SAM is going to tell you when to go to bed, when to get up, and what to do in between.” By that time, I was thinking, maybe the old farm wasn’t so bad after all. I remember leaning on my bunk and listening to all the cursing and filthy language, something my religious parents wouldn’t permit in their home. I thought, if something happened to all of us, and we died, surely I would go to heaven because I tried to be good, I was baptized, and a member of what I thought was the only true church. The fact is, if one hundred of the men would have gone to heaven, I would not have been one of them.

From there I was sent to the East coast for further training. I had volunteered for PT boats and was enroute to Melville, Rhode Island, with a temporary stopover in Boston. In the barracks, I saw a young man my age, around eighteen or nineteen, sitting on his bunk, reading a book which looked like it could be the Bible. I knew no one would have the courage to read the Bible in an environment like that. I decided I would walk past him to check it out. It was the Bible, all right, but I kept going because I didn’t want to associate with someone like that. I decided, well I have some training in religion; maybe we could get into a religious debate.

The first question he asked me was, “Are you saved?” This angered me, so I told him. “No one can know he is saved, because how do you know God wants you in heaven?” He told me how he was born again and had assurance of salvation and peace with God. I said to him, “We have been arguing for forty-five minutes and you have left out the most important part of salvation, that is baptism. You know that is the way of salvation.” He handed me his Bible and said, “Please show me where to find that.” I made a mistake by taking his Bible, because I didn’t know Genesis from Revelation. I had to admit I didn’t know where to find it, but I said, “I have a minister back in Minnesota; he knows where to find it, and that’s good enough for me.” I flung his Bible onto his bunk and walked away in a huff. That night I prayed my first un-memorized prayer, because I couldn’t find it in my prayer book. The prayer was, “Lord, this barracks isn’t big enough for the two of us, please get one of us out of here quickly.” The Lord answered that prayer. The next day I was on the train going to the PT boat training center in Melville, RI. Was I glad to get rid of that fellow!

While at the training center, on a weekend liberty pass, I visited a recreation park in Massachusetts, and while there, I noticed two girls handing out papers to the troops. As she handed one to me, I could see it was something religious. She said, “Are you saved?” I thought, Oh no, here we go again. I said, “Yes, I’m saved,” and then changed the subject. When I was finished, she said, “You told me you are saved. I would be interested to hear how you got saved.” I was in deep trouble, so I mimicked the testimony of the fellow I just got rid of in Boston. She thought it was a good testimony, and it was, but it wasn’t mine and it only added another lie to my already long list of sins. She invited me to their chapel the following Sunday evening, to a testimony meeting. I went, and there were four men who gave their testimony. I observed that each one had a conversion experience and assurance of salvation. By this time I was thinking, if these people are right, I am on my way to hell, because I have baptism and religion, but no assurance of salvation.

From there I was sent to the West coast and then to the Philippine Islands where a real war was going on. I watched twelve American ships sink, with many of my buddies dying, and I would ask myself, suppose that would have been me, where would my soul be? My religion and baptismal certificate brought no peace when the bombs were falling and my buddies were dying. I attended a Bible study on base where the Gospel was clearly presented. They said they had “a Bible study each morning after breakfast and would welcome me to attend,” so I went the next morning. Around five of us went to our knees to pray and each one thanked the Lord for salvation and assurance. I was the only one left to pray, and how could I thank God for salvation when I didn’t have it? There in a thatched–roof chapel, built by the US Navy on Samar Island on my knees, I quoted the words of a chorus we sang and I memorized the night before. “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free:” I stood to my feet, rejoicing with the assurance of sins forgiven and peace with God.

I went back to the PT boat and wrote a letter to Mom and Dad about the good news of salvation in Christ. They wrote many letters but never responded to my conversion experience. After the war when I went home, I found out why. My dad said, “You have gotten caught up in a cult that says you can know you are saved before you die. You will have to make a decision. Either give up that strange religion, and return to the only true religion, or get out of my house.” I said, “Dad, I will go, but I am taking my Savior with me.” I didn’t see Mom and Dad for six years, although we corresponded. Many of our Christian friends were praying, and twenty years later, Dad and Mom were saved and belonged to Christian assembly in Minnesota.

The girl who handed me the tract in the park in Massachusetts is Marge. We corresponded during the war, and some years later, we were married.

After getting saved in the Philippines I became acquainted with the Filipino people and learned to love them. I almost immediately started praying about the possibility of one day returning as a missionary to tell them about the Savior I met in their country. Marge and I got married with this thought in mind. Twelve years later, the Lord opened the door, and we took our two children with us to share the Gospel and teach the Word and establish local churches. We returned to the states, thirty-one years later for medical help and now reside in Minnesota. I make yearly visits to the Philippines and keep in close communication with them by mail and phone and email. The assemblies are indigenous and are doing better now then when we lived there.

Back to the Philippine: After I got saved, I tried to attend all the Bible studies on the base. I was on my way to the Bible study, with my little pocket New Testament in my hand. On the top deck, the skipper and the crew were celebrating. The skipper announced in a loud voice, “Hey, guys, put your beer away. Rev. Haack is coming through!” Everybody laughed, and they said, “Pray for us, Haack, so we won’t get too drunk.” More laughter. I stood on the bow of the boat and preached my first unrehearsed Gospel message. “Men, if you don’t repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are on your way to hell.” More laughter: I then turned back and said, “And, skipper that goes for you too.” More laughter, but I was uncomfortable with that because I knew I could be in big trouble with insubordination. That night when I returned the guard on duty told me, “The skipper wants to see you in his state room at 08:00 tomorrow. Now I was sure I was in trouble. The skipper was waiting for me and said, “I want to talk to you about what happened last night.” I said, “Yes sir, I know.” He said, “When I was a teenager, I went to a Christian camp, and I professed to receive the Lord as my Savior and then I joined the Navy and something happened. I guess you would never have guessed I once professed to be a Christian would you?” I said, “No, sir.” He said, “I want you to know I am sorry for the way I treated you last night and I have been looking at your records and noticed it has been a while since you got a promotion. I am sending to headquarters a recommendation for a promotion. It will be about a month and you will wear another stripe and I want you to know I am glad to have a Christian on board who isn’t ashamed of Christ.” I said, “Thank you, sir.”

Now, back on the mission field, in the first term. It is a known fact that the first term is the most challenging as far as financial support is concerned because from the human perspective few people know you. We had two children who needed school tuition as well as other material needs. We considered food, rent, and tuition to be legitimate needs. We figured out that we needed $49.50 cents by the end of the month to pay those bills. We didn’t have it so we prayed that the Lord would supply. We went to the Post Office to pick up the mail and there was a letter from some folks in Canada whom we didn’t know. They wrote a note, “We noticed you are new on the field, and my wife and I decided we would send you the enclosed $50. 00 for you to use as needed.” Our God has proven many times through the years that He supplies our needs without sending out begging or hinting letters. He is our Father and doesn’t want His children to act like beggars but heirs of His great estate.