1. THERE WOULD BE NO HOME FOR OUR SOUL AND SPIRIT.
A. IT IS TRAGIC TO SAY GOD IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HOPE WITHOUT HIS PROMISES.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION HAVE TO BE SAD, YOU SEE.
Acts 23:8“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”
(***Biblical joke… In New Testament times, the Sadducees were a group of religious Jews who did not believe in an afterlife of any kind – that when you die, that is all there is. Without this hope of eternal life, physical resurrection or even heaven, they must have been “sad, you see”.)
GOD MADE THE HOUSE FIRST, AND THEN BREATHED LIFE TO DWELL INSIDE IT.
Genesis 2:7“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
2. THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH THAT WHICH IS PHYSICAL.
The rich man could not communicate with those in the body unless he had a body. But, his souls and spirit could feel pain, just like a body does.
Luke 16:23-24“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
3. THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD.
BECAUSE HE PROMISED A NEW BODY. HE SET THE EXAMPLE BY RISING FROM THE DEAD. HE GIVES SPECIFIC PROMISES WHICH WE CAN COUNT ON.
PREACHING FROM JESUS, THE PROPHETS, AND THE APOSTLES ALL SAY THAT THERE IS A RESURRECTION.
THE PROPHETS.
Luke 20:37 “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 1 Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” 1 Corinthians 15:13 “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:”
JESUS SPECIFICALLY SAID HE WOULD RISE FORM THE DEAD BODILY.
Matthew 16:21 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 17:23“And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”
THE TOMB WAS EMPTY. IF IT WAS JUST A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, THE BODY WOULD STILL BE THERE.
Matthew 28:6“He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:7“And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”
JESUS LEFT US EVIDENCE THAT HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE.
Luke 24:36-40“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
WHY DON’T CHRISTIANS TODAY DESIRE THE RESURRECTION LIKE EARLY CHRISTIANS DID ?
**THIS DESIRE WAS NOT JUST FOR THAT GENERATION WHICH EXPERIENCED THE LORD WALKING WITH THEM ON THE EARTH. IT IS EXPRESSED BY GOD’S PEOPLE UNTIL RECENT TIMES.
TODAY, PEOPLE ARE TOO BUSY TO WALK WITH HIM. THEY HAVE THEIR KIDS, THEIR GRANDKIDS, THEIR DOCTORS, THEIR GARDENS, THEIR PETS, THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR JOBS. THEY HAVE TIME TO SPEND WITH THEIR RELATIVES, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO COME TO KNOW JESUS BETTER. THEY SAY THOSE THINGS KEEP THEM BUSY. THEY DON’T HAVE THE TIME.
BUT THEY MAKE TIME FOR THEIR INTERNET CHATS AND EMAILS. THEY MAKE TIME TO VISIT ONE ANOTHER. THEY MAKE TIME TO SEE DVD’s WHICH ARE NOT MORALLY UPLIFTING. THEY MAKE THE TIME TO SEE DOCTORS, LAWYERS, AND BUSINESSMEN. BUT, THEY CAN’T MAKE THE TIME TO WALK WITH JESUS AS ALL PAST GENERATIONS OF CHRISTIANS HAVE DONE.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME ! THEN, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. IT WILL COMFORT YOU. THAT IS HOW THIS CHAPTER ENDS. BUT, IF WE ARE TOO BUSY TO APPRECIATE WHAT JESUS DID, WE HAVE NO COMFORT AND NO EXPECTATION.
2 Corinthians 4:18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.
A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
B. THE PROMISES OF GOD FULFILLED TOTALLY. AN EXAMPLE IS THE PROMISE OF A NEW BODY.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
C. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. UNSEEN, BUT PRESENT DAILY.
HEALING. STIRRED THE WATERS AT BETHSAIDA. John 5:4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
MINISTRY TO ENCOURAGE AND LIFT. TEMPTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 4:11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS. ELIJAH—FOOD. I Kings 19:5And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
BRING JUDGMENT—SODOM. Genesis 19:13For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
BRING PHYSICAL DELIVERANCE—BRINGING LOT & GIRLS OUT OF SODOM. Genesis 19:16And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
KEEPING MAN FROM A WORSE FATE. (ACCIDENTS, ETC. ?) KEPT ADAM FROM GARDEN. Genesis 3:24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
CARRIED MESSAGES FROM GOD. DANIEL. Daniel 8:15-17And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
CARRY OUT DECREES OF JUDGMENT. REVELATION. Revelation 15:6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
TO BRING SOULS TO THEIR PLACE OF JUDGMENT. Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; —AND THIS IS FUTURE, TOO.— Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
2. WE MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD TO ACCEPT THE UNSEEN.
A. WE HAVE NOT SEEN JESUS. He was before our time.
John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
B. WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FATHER.
Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
C. WE HAVE NOT SEEN GOD’S WRATH OR THE RAPTURE, BUT WE KNOW IT WILL COME.
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
3. WE MUST DEPEND UPON HIS WORD TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNSEEN.
A. THAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
When God lifts you, He takes you up and away from someplace. It is always better than where you have been.
I know most people think of God doing that at death. But, the Bible has many more accounts of God lifting us while we are living our lives right here on earth.
***There are times when we get help by using whatever weak power we have left, and at other times, God wants us to just stop our efforts, and watch as His hand comes down and pulls us up. –The case off Peter walking on water. He began to sink. There was an alternative to that, wasn’t there ? He could have started swimming back to the ship. After all, he was a fisherman, raised on the water, and probably knew how to swim. But, he chose to cry out to the Lord. It was the right thing for him to do at the time.
WHEN TORN BY SPIRITUAL BATTLES–GOD LIFTS US UP.
Psalms 30:1«A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.» I will extol thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
THIS WAS TO BE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID. IT DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD.
WHEN HURT BY CONVICTION, GUILT AND SHAME, GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND LIFT US UP.
Psalms 102:10Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
WE ARE CHASTEN OUT OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US.
Hebrews 12:6For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN LIFT US TO GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE.
Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Ezekiel 11:1Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD’S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHASTENED.
1 Samuel 2:7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.
1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He hath set the world upon them.
Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
GOD LIFTS US UP WITH THE BLESSINGS ONLY HE CAN GIVE.
JOY AND PEACE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
Luke 24:47-53And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
HE WILL LIFT PEOPLE TO JUDGMENT.
HE WILL LIFT THEM IN RESURRECTION, BOTH SAVED AND LOST.
John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
THE SAVED TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.
THE LOST TO THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
John 12:34The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE. EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.
SALVATION
1. SAVED FROM WHAT ?
– FROM THE WRATH OF GOD.
Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
AND WHY IS GOD ANGRY ? HE IS ANGRY AT PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT RESPOND TO HIS OFFER OF A FREELY GIVEN FORGIVENESS AND A CLEAN GARMENT WASHED BY HIS LOVE.
Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
NEED TO BE SAVED FROM THE JUDGMENT BY GOD UP AHEAD.
SOME JUDGMENTS OCCUR ON EARTH. SOME CALL IT KARMA.
1 Timothy 5:24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
–EVEN NATIONS WILL BE JUDGED ON EARTH. BUT, THAT DOES NOT AVOID THE GREATER JUDGMENT TO COME. ISRAEL AND EVERY NATION HAS BEEN JUDGED BY GOD AT SOME TIME FOR DISOBEYING HIS CLEAR LAWS.
2 Chronicles 34:21 Go, enquire of the LORD for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.
–PERHAPS THE MOST NOTABLE EVENT WAS WHEN GOD JUDGED THE ENTIRE EARTH IN THE DAYS OF NOAH. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH IS FOLKLORE. IT IS SOMETHING PROVEN BY MAN’S SCIENCE THAT HAS FINALLY MADE ITS WAY FROM INSISTING THAT THE EARTH WAS FLAT TO FINALLY ACCEPTING THE BIBLE’S TEACHING OF A ROUND EARTH, AND THAT CONTINENTS WERE ONCE ONE GIANT CONTINENT THAT WAS BROKEN APART.
Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
ALL PEOPLE WILL BE JUDGED AFTER THEY LEAVE THIS EARTH.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE IN DIVINE JUDGMENT ? SINCE THERE IS JUDGMENT NOW, WHY NOT A FINAL JUDGMENT OF A PERSON’S LIFE LATER ?
Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
THERE ARE NATURAL EVENTS WHICH REVEAL THAT DIVINE JUDGMENT IS A REALITY. IT IS KNOWN AS “CAUSE AND EFFECT.” IF YOU CONSTANTLY POLLUTE THE WATER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES. IF YOU TAKE TOO MANY PIECES OF PIE AFTER DINNER, THERE ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES. ALL NATURE BEARS WITNESS TO THIS PRINCIPLE.
BUT, IT GOES FURTHER THAN THAT. IT SPEAKS OF OUR LIVES. WHAT IF WE DO THINGS WHICH GO AGAINST THE ORDER WHICH GOD ESTABLISHED ? THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES. GOD WILL BRING THOSE TO PASS AFTER YOUR LIFE HERE.
Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
MEN WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO ESCAPE JUDGMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE BROUGHT TO IT BY THE ANGELS.
Matthew 13:40-43 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A LOVING GOD WOULD SEND PEOPLE TO HELL ?
GOD REVEALS WHAT HE WILL DO. WHO BETTER TO BELIEVE THAN GOD HIMSELF ?
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
–JESUS OFTEN WARNED ABOUT COMING JUDGMENT.
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
IS THERE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER DEATH, AND THAT THERE IS A LITERAL HEAVEN WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO ?
***WE NEED PEOPLE WHO HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS TO BE WITNESSES OF IT.
JESUS TESTIFIED OF IT. TODAY, THERE ARE COUNTLESS EYEWITNESSES OF BOTH HEAVEN AND HELL BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT BACK THROUGH CPR FROM BOTH OF THOSE PLACES !
JESUS TAUGHT BY CITING ACCOUNTS OF WHAT HAPPENED TO REAL PEOPLE.
Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
–JESUS SPEAKS OF JUDGMENT OVER THE BEHAVIOR OF A PERSON.
Matthew 25:41-43 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
2. EVIDENCE OF THE NEED FOR SALVATION.
EVERYONE HAS DONE WRONG AT SOME POINT. THE BIBLE EXPLAINS THIS.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
EVEN THE BEST OF PEOPLE HAVE COMMITTED SIN.
—DAVID. CONSIDERED TO BE A SAVED, RIGHTEOUS MAN, DESCRIBED AS “A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART…” EVEN HE SINNED AND KNEW THAT HE DID. .
2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
2 Samuel 24:17 And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
–THE CONDITION OF SIN HAS AFFECTED ALL PEOPLE.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
–WE ARE ALL CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE SINNERS. AND OUR SINS BEGIN EARLY.
Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
ANY REMAINING CONSCIENCE THAT A PERSON HAS TESTIFIES THAT THEY HAVE SINNED.
Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
WE ALL KNOW OF THINGS THAT IF WE HAD TO DO THEM OVER, WE WOULD. WHAT IS THAT ? A KNOWLEDGE THAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND DIDN’T. OUR OWN CONSCIENCE TELLS THAT WE COULD HAVE DONE GOOD AND BLEW IT.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
WHY WOULD GOD SEND HIS SON TO SUFFER AND DIE IF EVERYONE WAS GOING TO BE BETTER OFF AFTER THEY DIED ?
–FACT: THEY WOULD NOT BE BETTER OFF ! WITHOUT THE PAYMENT FOR SINS, WE ALL ARE DOOMED TO HELL ! THEREFORE, WE ALL NEED SALVATION ! HOW DOES IT COME ?
BIBLICAL SALVATION MEANS THAT THERE ARE NO MORE SINS APPLIED TO US.
THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED BY CHRIST. (“ATONEMENT” MEANS “COVERING”)
Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
THEY HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY BY CHRIST.
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
THEY HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST.
Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
YOU HAVE BEEN REDEEMED OUT OF THE HAND OF SATAN, AND BORN INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
JESUS CAME TO SAVE US FROM OUR SINS AND PROVIDE TRUE SALVATION !
Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
This is a multi-part series. On this page you will find links to all audio files in the series as well as the outlines for the entire series. Scroll down for study outlines.
The Callings Of God: Part 1 – 12-6-15 Sunday Morning
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CALLINGS OF GOD ?
CALLED TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD.
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
CALLED TO BE SERVANTS TO ACCOMPLISH SPECIFIC THINGS IN LIFE.
ABRAHAM. CALLED TO A NEW WAY OF LIFE. DEEPER THAN HIS PARENTS. HIS PARENTS WERE BELIEVERS, MORAL, GOOD POPLE. BUT THERE WAS AN EVEN BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
AARON. DESPITE HIS FAILURES, GRACE CALLED HIM TO SERVICE.
Hebrews 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
CALLED TO A LIFE OF OVERCOMING POWER.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
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SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
THE SHEPHERDS BECAME EVANGELISTS ! THE SHEPHERDS BECAME A VOCAL GROUP ! THEY WERE PRAISING GOD. IMAGINE THE IMPACT TO PEOPLE PASSING BY. IMAGINE THE GLORY GIVEN TO GOD !
–CALLED TO A SPIRITUAL VOCATION. THE SHEPHERDS PROBABLY NEVER SAW THEMSELVES AS EVANGELISTS OR CHOIR MEMBERS. NOW, THEY HAD A SPIRITUAL JOB TO DO.
**BIBLE DOES NOT SAY HOW THEY SOUNDED WHEN THEY SANG. BUT, TO GOD, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A BLESSING. THEY DIDN’T TURN PROFESSIONAL AND WERE NEVER KNOWN AS THE SHEPHERDS QUARTET. THEY HAD TO KEEP THEIR DAY JOBS.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [vocation= calling, or invitation]. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
–CALLED TO GROW IN USEFULNESS AND AUTHORITY FOR GOD’S GLORY.
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
–CALLED TO USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
SERVANTS ARE OBLIGATED TO FOLLOW THE COMMANDS OF THEIR MASTER. ARE WE TRULY SERVANTS, OR PEOPLE WHO SIMPLY STEAL FROM THE GOD THAT WE THINK WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. ***LOOK AT WHAT THE CHURCH DID DURING THE 60’S. IT JUST WANTED MORE COMFORT, MORE SOCIAL ACTIVITES, AND FORGOT TO OBEY GOD’S COMMAND TO REACH THE LOST. NOW, 3 GENERATIONS LATER, GOD HAS MADE AMERICA PAY THROUGH VIOLENCE, FEAR, AND INSECURITY.
–CALLED TO BE HELPED BY GOD. FORGET TRYING TO FIND IT YOURSELF. ACCEPT GOD’S CALLING TO COME TO HIM.
Luke 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called [her to him], and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
GOD DOES NOT HEAL EVERYONE DOWN ON THIS EARTH WHO ASKS FOR HEALING. BUT, HE DOES HEAL WHEN THOSE HE CALLS TO BE HEALED RESPOND IN FAITH.
–CALLED TO BE BLESSED PHYSICALLY NOW. CAME THROUGH OTHERS. SOMETIMES GOD USES OTHER PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO REMIND US OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, OF BETTER DOCTORS, OR MEDICAL HELP. GOD CAN CALL THROUGH ANY MEANS HE CHOOSES. DON’T LIMIT GOD. WHAT IF THE BLIND MAN REFUSED THE CALLING, SAYING HE WANTED IT DIRECTLY FROM GOD ?
Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
–PAUL WAS CALLED TO A POSITION OF AUTHORITY. PAUL, AN APOSTLE.
1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
HE DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO WORK HIS WAY UP. GOD CALLED HIM FROM THE DIRT OF THE DAMASCUS ROAD. HE CAN CALL YOU TO IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL ENDEAVORS THAT REALLY COUNT IN ETERNITY !
–BELIEVERS. CALLED TO A LIFE OF HOLINESS.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
–BELIEVERS. CALLED TO PEACE. GREAT INTERNAL PEACE.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
–BELIEVERS. THE PLACE YOU FIND YOURSELF IS USUALLY WHERE GOD CALLED YOU. BORN A JEW. DON’T TRY TO BECOME A GENTILE. BORN A GENTILE, DON’T TRY TO BECOME A JEW. BORN A SERVANT, DON’T BECOME A MASTER. DO YOU HAVE ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF EDUCATION AND OPEN DOORS IN BUSINESS ? USE THEM FOR THE LORD. IT IS YOUR CALLING.
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
***IF YOU ARE YOUNG, ACCEPT IT. IF YOU ARE OLDER, ACCEPT IT. YOU WON’T CHANGE FACTS. USE WHATEVER YOU ARE TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE LORD. WHATEVER CALLING YOU HAVE, USE IT !
1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
USE AGE AS AN ADVANTAGE ! YOUNG, OR OLD.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Philemon 1:9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
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ANNA
ANNA WAS A WOMAN WHO WAS A WIDOW AND SHE USED IT TO FOCUS ON THE LORD.
Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
–MANY ARE CALLED AWAY FROM DANGER. TYRANNY SURROUNDED JOSEPH, MARY AND JESUS. THEY WENT TO EGYPT. GOD BLESSED THEM WHEREVER THEY WENT SO LONG AS THEY LISTENED TO GOD’S CALLING.
Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
–WE ARE CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO BE CALLED TO THIS ? IT IS LOST WITH ALL THE OTHER CALLINGS OF THE WORLD. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US CREATES A HUNGER FOPR FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD.
–WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE A TESTIMONY FOR THE LORD.
Acts 24:21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Luke 21:12-13 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
–WE WILL BE CALLED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR LIVES, AT JUDGMENT.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
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CALLED PEOPLE:
SHEPHERDS WHO WERE OBEDIENT TO THEIR CALL.
DID SOME REMAIN IN THE CITY, PARTYING ? IF THEY DID, THEY WOULD HAVE MISSED THE MESSAGE, THE ANGELS AND BLESSINGS.
THE WISE MEN.
THEY HAD TO BE SURE OF THEIR CALLING TO TRAVEL SUCH A LONG DISTANCE TO SEE JESUS.
THE CALL OF GOD IS NOT JUST TO PREACH OR BE A MISSIONARY. IT DEALS WITH EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES. GOD IS ALMIGHTY AND CAPABLE OF MAKING HIS VOICE KNOWN, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
IN MANY CASES, GOD’S CALLING IS NOT EXPECTED OR PLANNED FOR. GOD CHOOSES THE TIME AND PLACE. HE CHOOSES PEOPLE TO DO HIS WORK.
THE CALL OF MARY.
A CALLING THAT MADE NO REASON OR LOGIC TO THE HUMAN MIND.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
THERE WAS AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE CALLING FROM GOD.
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
THE CALL OF JOSEPH.
A CALLING THAT HAD TO SET ASIDE ALL THE INFLUENCES OF MAN AND CONCERNS OVER WHAT THEY MIGHT THINK.
THE CALLING OF GOD CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD BY MANY PEOPLE. MARY WAS PREGNANT.
Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
THE CALLING OF GOD CAN SOMETIMES BRING SUBSTANTIAL inconvenience into your life. but, remember, we are supposed to be servants.
Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
–WE ARE CALLED TO DEPART FROM THIS WORLD’S WAYS INTO A BETTER LIFE…ETERNAL LIFE !
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
PAUL WAS CALLED TO SALVATION. AND YOU ARE, AS WELL.
Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
THE CALL OF JESUS.
WHY DID HE COME. HE FULFILLED THE FATHER’S PURPOSE TO PROVIDE SALVATION FOR THE LOST.
THE CALL TO REPENTANCE. PETER REMEMBERED THE WORDS OF JESUS.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
–THE CALLING FOR ALL MEN TO REPENT. THIS WAS THE PREACHING OF JESUS. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TO REMIND YOU OF WHAT JESUS SAID.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
–WE WILL BE CALLED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR LIVES, AT JUDGMENT.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
THE CALLING GOD HAS FOR YOU. TO BE SAVED. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TO YOU, JUST AS HE DID TO PETER.
FOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. ENCOURAGE, CORRECT, BUT ALWAYS KEEP A FOCUS ON THE GOAL.
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
–AVOID STRIFE. SOME PEOPLE PLAN ON IT, SCHEDULE IT, AND EXPECT IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE.
Proverbs 17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
–LEARNING GOD’S WORD, AND KEEPING IT IN YOUR HEART HELPS YOU TO MAKE DECISIONS AND WILL GUIDE YOUR PATH CORRECTLY.
Proverbs 22:17-18Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
–IF YOU FILL YOUR KIDS ROOMS WITH UNPLEASANT THINGS–DON’T EXPECT THEM TO TURN OUT PLEASANTLY. EXPECT TO FACE TROUBLES. BAD POSTERS AND MUSIC WHICH ADVOCATES REBELLION, SATANISM, MURDER, DRUGS, AND VIOLENCE IS PLANTING SEEDS OF WHAT WILL GROW LATER IN.
2. SING PRAISES TO GOD IN YOUR HOME.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW A LOT OF PRAISE SONGS, READ PSALMS, MAKE UP YOUR OWN, OR SING ALONG WITH A RECORDING OF OTHERS WHO ARE NOT JUST ENTERTAINERS, BUT ARE TRUE WORSHIPERS.
Psalms 147:1Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
3. KEEP THE FOCUS THAT GOD WANTS EACH PERSON IN THE FAMILY TO KNOW AND SERVE HIM. YOU CAN’T BE AN EFFECTIVE SERVANT WHEN THERE IS STRIFE.
Psalms 133:1« A Song of degrees of David. » Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
4. DON’T ATTEMPT TO MAKE IT PLEASANT WITHOUT THE LORD. TRYING TO MAKE IT PLEASANT WITHOUT THE LORD WILL NOT SATISFY.
Isaiah 17:10-11Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.
5. SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO SUBJECT YOURSELF TO DIFFICULTIES SO THAT YOU CAN GET CLOSER TO GOD AND NOT DEPEND ON THE PLEASANT THINGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD. LET GOD MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD.
Daniel 10:3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
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PART 2
1. GOD MADE THINGS GOOD. WE CAN EITHER FOLLOW HIS GUIDANCE IN MAINTAINING THEM, OR WE CAN DESTROY WHAT HE WANTED US TO HAVE. .
A. SIN BROUGHT THE FIRST UNCOMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR MEN.
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Genesis 3:24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
THE PLEASANT AND HAPPY ENVIRONMENT TURNED INTO DISASTER BECAUSE OF THEIR OWN DECISIONS.
**The attitude of people often is affected by their environment. If their homes are noisy and contentious, and filled with music that is combative, they will be aggressive. ***Even plants are affected by the environment. Is it hollering, screaming, or crying ? Or, is it filled with praise, thanksgiving, and joy ? A quiet home can go either way. It can invite trouble, or it can be peaceful.
B. WHERE GOD IS ABSENT, THE PLACE BECOMES A WILDERNESS.
Jeremiah 12:10Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
C. WHERE GOD IS NOT THE CENTER OF THE HOME, THE WORDS OF THE HOUSE ARE NOT PEACEABLE AND KIND.
EVEN PEOPLE WHO DON’T USE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN, OR SWEAR SOMETIMES USE THEIR WORDS TO CONDEMN, CUT DOWN, AND CRITICIZE.
Proverbs 15:26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
D. THE HOME SHOULD BE FILLED WITH PLEASANT THINGS.
*Not monsters, rock star posters, etc.
Joel 3:5Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things:
2. PLEASANTNESS CAN BE MANY THINGS.
A. PLEASANTNESS IT CAN BE A FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION.
IT CAN BE RE-DEFINED, AND PERVERTED BY PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HAVE PLEASANTNESS SO MUCH, THEY WILL ACCEPT ALMOST ANYTHING.
Isaiah 2:16And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
B. IT CAN BE A TIME OF TRIAL OR TESTING; BUT WITH THE LORD, IT CAN BE PLEASANT.
Daniel 10:3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
C. IT CAN BE THE FRUIT OF PERSEVERING PRAYER.
James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
3. A PLEASANT PLACE CANNOT BE FULLY REALIZED WITHOUT THE LORD JESUS.
A. WE NEED PEACEABLY LIFE INWARDLY.
THAT COMES FROM PERSONAL SALVATION THROUGH FAITH.
B. WE NEED TO BE PEACEMAKERS.
HELP PEOPLE GET RIGHT WITH GOD, AND THEY WILL BE RIGHT WITH YOU. NO BETTER PLACE TO INITIATE THIS PRINCIPLE THAN IN THE HOME.
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
C. WE NEED THE PEACEABLE WALK THAT COMES FROM RESPONDING TO PROBLEMS AFTER WE BRING THEM TO THE LORD.
1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
There was a man who joined a mail-order wholesale club. He paid his $99 for the year, and then took advantage of the free shipping on everything he bought. He saved a lot of money, and was very pleased with his membership. Then, he got a letter from the club that started off this way– “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE AS A CLUB MEMBER?” He read on to find out that included in his membership fee was free movies, free recipes, help making travel arrangements, free TV and movies of his choice, free books, and a lot more. He was shocked. In the same way, many Christians don’t know all that they have in Christ.
1. WE HAVE GUARANTEES–THE PROMISES FROM GOD, WHO CANNOT LIE.
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
Without that absolute faith, we don’t have access to the other blessings. How do we get it ? By learning about Him.
A. WE HAVE THE GUARANTEE THAT WE CAN PARTAKE IN THE DIVINE NATURE. WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED
2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
B. BECAUSE WE ARE GIVEN THESE PROMISES, WE SHOULD RESPOND BY LIVING A BETTER LIFE NOW.
2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
THE GREATEST GUARANTEE IS ETERNAL LIFE !
2. WE HAVE BENEFITS BY BEING BORN INTO GOD’S FAMILY.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
**Too many ppl put all their hopes on whatever they can get right now.
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
WHAT ARE THESE BENEFITS ? AN INHERITANCE. WHAT TYPE ?
WHEN ISAAC WAS OLD AND ABOUT TO DIE, WE HAVE THE INCIDENT WHERE JACOB STOLE THE BIRTHRIGHT. IT INCLUDED BLESSINGS OF MATERIAL THINGS AND SAFETY. BUT, ESAU COULD HAVE ALSO HAD A GREAT INHERITANCE. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S DNA. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S LOVE FOR GOD. HE CARRIED THE TEACHING HE RECEIVED AS A CHILD. HE INHERITED THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY LIVING FROM HIS FATHER. WERE THEY NOT MORE A BLESSING THAN A THOUSAND SHEEP ? GOD PROVIDED IT FOR HIM, BUT IN BITTERNESS HE LEFT IT BEHIND.
***There was a very poor farming family in Georgia. They depended on the profits from the harvest each year to pay for their land and house. One day the father died, and left behind one son. At the funeral, one of his schoolmates was there and tried to comfort him. The friend, after trying to give words of comfort, said, “I’m sorry about your dad not having enough money to help you pay your bills and keep the farm.” The son replied, “My dad left me the greatest inheritance I could get. He taught me how to live and get through troubles and hardship and still be happy. So, I’ll make it with or without the farm.”
WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE THAT YOU CANNOT GET BY HAVING MOHAMED, BUDDHA, OR OTHERS AS OUR FATHER. THEY COULD NEVER GIVE US THE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT JESUS GAVE US.
3. GOD GIVES US A KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE.
***How important is it to know what is ahead ? If you knew what was ahead, would you take the same school courses you did ? Would you have married the same person you did ? Would you have children ? Would you have received the Lord as your Savior earlier ?
John 16:13Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
***THINK of what you could do if you knew the future—your health, your financial situation, world conditions. In your relationship with the Holy Spirit, God makes you aware of all necessary things.
4. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO GOOD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.
Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Who provides us opportunities ? God. But, how many go by without us responding, or even recognizing them.
5. WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN GO BEFORE GOD.
BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN STAINED WITH SIN, WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO GO DIRECTLY. BUT, JESUS NEVER SINNED AND HAS BECOME OUR INTERCESSOR, OR MEDIATOR AND HIGH PRIEST.
Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
6. WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (BECAUSE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST).
Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Ephesians 2:18For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
**To most people, if you told them that, they wouldn’t care.
WHATEVER WE REALLY NEED IS PART OF GOD’S PROMISE
Philippians 4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
TO SACRIFICE
TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS—REDEMPTION—NOT JUST FOR SALVATION, BUT BEING BOUGHT BACK FROM THE POWER THAT SNARES US.
Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
TO RECEIVE A RENEWED STRENGTH
TO MAKE COMMITMENTS
7. WE HAVE A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE GOD.
Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Put your hand over your heart. Feel it beating. It is beating because God gave you the time you have right now. The minute your time is up, it will stop beating, and you will go to your eternal destination. Every heart-beat you felt was a gift from God. Each one. That makes you indebted to God, because with Him, you wouldn’t have that heartbeat.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
SEVERAL THINGS TO NOTICE
THIS PEACE HAS TO BE GIVEN. IT IS NOT MADE OR BROUGHT ABOUT BY MAN.
THIS PEACE IS GIVEN NOT BY MEN, BUT BY GOD HIMSELF.
THIS PEACE IS UNIQUE. “MY PEACE” IS DIFFERENT THAN ORDINARY PEACE.
1. THE PEACE OF GOD IS DISTINCTIVE.
LOST PEOPLE CLAIM SOMETIMES TO HAVE PEACE. WHAT DO THEY MEAN ? THEY MEAN ABSENCE OF CONFLICTS, FREE FROM FEARS, WITHOUT PAIN, AND WITHOUT CHALLENGING THOUGHTS. That is basically a person who is unconscious or sedated and in a mental hospital.
A. LOST PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE PEACE OF GOD.
THEY WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING AND WHEN THEY ARE TIRED OF WORRYING, THEY TAKE PILLS, SHOOT UP DRUGS, HUNT UP A NEW SEX PARTNER, OR GET DRUNK SO THEY HAVE SOME RELIEF. BUT IT IS NOT THE PEACE OF GOD.
♦ MANY HAVE NO CONCEPT OF GOD’S PEACE. THEY THINK THEY HAVE PEACE, WHEN THEY DON’T. THE FRAUDS OF THIS WORLD TELL PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE PEACE WHEN THEY DON’T. POLITICIANS HAVE TOLD US THAT WE HAVE PEACE WITH IRAQ, WITH IRAN, WITH CHINA, ETC. BUT, WE DON’T.
Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
♦ GOD REFUSES TO GIVE PEACE TO THE WICKED. THAT IS WHY THEY TRY SO MANY OTHER WAYS TO GET IT. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TRYING TO GET EXCITEMENT INTO THEIR LIVES, ETC.
Isaiah 48:22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
♦ SALVATION THAT GOD GIVES BRINGS PEACE.
Luke 7:50And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
B. MANY CHRISTIANS HAVE FAILED TO RECEIVE IT.
Confusion in their lives due to battles. Decisions not made, but constantly thought about. God is not the author of such.
1 Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
As with the people in the church at Corinth speaking all different languages at the same time, some Christians are confused because they have too much going on at the same time. There are people eve now, who never finish anything they start, and so are packed with many troubles.
3. GOD’S PEACE COVERS ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
A. THE PAST.
Psalms 55:18He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
B. THE PRESENT.
If saved, Jesus has made peace in Heaven on your behalf.
Colossians 1:20And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
C. THE FUTURE.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
* This is not the fate which awaits the world. They will think they have peace, but sudden destruction will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
3. GOD’S PEACE CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED IN THE WAY GOD SAYS IT MUST BE OBTAINED.
A. GOD WANTS PEOPLE TO TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY, AND OBEY HIM.
Jeremiah 16:5For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away My peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.
Jeremiah 16:12And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto Me:
♦ HIS PEACE IS CONDITIONAL
Psalms 119:165Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Requires a change in focus for many people. (This is not something that suddenly overwhelms a person at once, it is a constant growth where the focus is on God and His will becomes dominant).
Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
♦ STAY AWAY FROM EVIL.
2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
IF YOU WALK INTO THE ENEMY’S CAMP, EXPECT TO BE WITHOUT PEACE.
♦ EXERCISE FAITH IN THE PROMISE OF GOD. HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE FAITH.
James 1:7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
UNBELIEF WILL HOLD YOU BACK FROM TRUE PEACE.
♦ A LIFE OF FAITH IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR MIND BEING READY TO RECEIVE FROM GOD.
1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
B. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO RECEIVE HIS PEACE THROUGH FAITH.
♦ THERE IS TRUE PEACE IN KNOWING THAT GOD WILL RECEIVE YOU IF YOU HAVE TRUSTED HIM AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD.
John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
“WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET CLOSE TO A MELT DOWN ?”
WHEN PEOPLE GET LOW ON SUPPLY OF SOMETHING MATERIAL, THEY OFTEN PANIC AND FIND A SCAPEGOAT. BUT WHEN THEY GET LOW ON SPIRITUAL STRENGTH, THEY MERELY ACCEPT IT. IT IS HUMAN NATURE TO WORRY. IT IS THE NEW NATURE THAT OVERCOMES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OLD NATURE.
One of the world’s greatest hypochondriacs, bumped into his doctor one day at the supermarket.
“Doc!” the hypochondriac exclaimed, “I’ve been meaning to tell you, remember those voices I kept on hearing in my head? I haven’t heard them in over a week!”
“Wow! What wonderful news! I’m so happy for you!” his Dr. exclaimed.
“Wonderful?” asked the dismal looking hypochondriac. “There’s nothing wonderful about it. I’m afraid my hearing is starting to go now!”
GOD REWARDS FAITH.
IS THERE A REASON FOR US TO BE CLOSE TO A MELT DOWN ? WE ALL KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE CLOSE TO ONE, OR HAVE EXPERIENCED ONE. THEIR EXAMPLE SHOULD TEACH US SOMETHING. EVERY DAY WE HAVE SOMETHIGN TO BE THANKFUL FOR !
Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
HAVE YOU CHANGED THIS INTO A NEW VERSION THAT SAYS INSTEAD . . . “This is the day the Lord hath made, and I will be afraid of what it holds for me” ?
1. FEARING THINGS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN.
This is a major strategy of Islamic terrorists today. They make it appear as if terrible things MIGHT happen tomorrow. So, people keep that forefront in their thinking.
ISRAEL CAME INTO THE WILDERNESS WITH FOOD, BUT NOT WATER, EXCEPT THE LITTLE THEY HAD IN FLASKS AND BARRELS IN WAGONS. THAT WAS SOON GONE. THEY WERE BROUGHT INTO A DESERT. IMAGINE THEM SEEING FOOD AND WATER DISAPPEAR EACH DAY. THEY ANTICIPATED STARVATION.
Exodus 15:22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
Numbers 17:12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
A. WHAT SHALL WE DO WHEN THE PHYSICAL NEEDS SEEM TO BE ALMOST GONE ?
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
B. WHEN YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY EXHAUSTED.
WHAT SHALL WE DO WHEN THE SPIRITUAL RESOURCES SEEM TO BE ALMOST GONE ? PEOPLE PANIC AND BECOME AFRAID. THEN, THEY CANNOT GO IN FAITH. GOD BLESSES FAITH, NOT WORRY.
Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
C. ASAPH THOUGHT HE WAS DOOMED SPIRITUALLY BECAUSE HE NO LONGER COULD SEE STRAIGHT.
HE WAS THINKING IN TERMS THAT GOD HAD LET HIM DOWN. HE EVENTUALLY GOT CONVICTED, AND BECAME STRONG AGAIN.
Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
2. MAKING ASSUMPTION AS IF YOU WERE A PROPHET.
A. ANTICIPATING THE WORST IS A COMMON SPIRITUAL CRIME TODAY. JESUS WARNED AGAINST IT IN THE BEATITUDES.
Matthew 6:25-31Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Luke 12:31-32 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
3. FEAR CAN BE HABITUAL….BUT CAN BE OVERCOME WITH JOY.
Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
A. WE NEED TO TRAIN OUR SOUL TO THINK BY FAITH, NOT NEGATIVE ASSUMPTIONS THAT ARE USUALLY WRONG.
Psalms 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.
B. PAUL EXPECTED HIS JUDGMENT TO GO WELL.
WHY ? HE KNEW HE WAS DOING RIGHT. DO YOU ?
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
C. ABRAHAM SHOULD HAVE HUMANLY BEEN WORRIED WHEN HE WAS PHYSICALLY TOO OLD TO HAVE CHILDREN.
Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
Genesis 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
D. EVEN WHEN ATTACKED AND THREATENED, IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO BEND. STAND STRONG.
Psalms 119:87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
–MOSES COULD SEE THE GROWING RAGE AGAINST HIM. EACH DAY HE COULD SEE THEM MORE ANXIOUS TO KILL HIM.
Exodus 17:4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
E. JESUS SAW HIS PHYSICAL STRENGTH DETERIORATE OVER 40 DAYS.
DID HE PANIC ? THE DEVIL THOUGHT HE WAS WEAKEST THEN.
Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days He did eat nothing: and when they were ended, He afterward hungered.
F. WHEN YOU THINK YOUR TROUBLES ALMOST HAVE YOU….
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
WHEN RELATIVES AND PEOPLE AROUND YOU ALMOST HAVE YOU GOING TO HELL WITH THEM……. REMEMBER THAT JESUS CAN PULL YOU OUT OF THE FIRE RIGHT NOW. HE CAN SAVE YOU AND GIVE YOU REAL FORGIVENESS AND JOY AND A FUTURE OF ETERNAL LIFE.
1. JUST AS SURELY AS THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO SIN, THERE ARE ALSO CONSEQUENCES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
A. ABRAHAM.
ABRAHAM REJECTED THE WORLD’S VIEWS OF SALVATION, AND PUT HIS FAITH IN GOD. HE WAS CONSTANTLY SURROUNDED BY THE PAGAN IDOLS AND GODS. BUT, HE STOOD STRONG, AND INHERITED ETERNAL LIFE BY HIS FAITH THAT DID NOT WAVER.
Romans 4:20-22 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
B. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
HE WAS BLESSED WITH A POWERFUL TESTIMONY. NO ONE ELSE HAD BEEN ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST THE ROMANS OR THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS OF THE DAY. JOHN DID, AND PEOPLE WERE AMAZED AND RESPECTED HIM FOR IT.
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Jesus implied that they would not have gone out to see a man who was blown over and fallen down from the pressures of other people.
C. WE WILL HAVE TRUE LIFE WHEN WE STAND IN OUR FAITH.
1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
–THERE WILL BE TEMPTATIONS TO MOVE AWAY FROM BIBLICAL PROPHECY IN THESE LAST DAYS.
2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2. OUR WORK FOR THE LORD SHOULD BE UNMOVABLE.
A. WE ALWAYS SHOULD KEEP SERVING GOD.
THE DISCIPLES HAD DAYS OF SORROW. THEY HAD DAYS WHERE THEY WERE PHYSICALLY HURTING. YET, GOD COMMANDED THEM TO BE UNMOVEABLE IN THEIR WORK.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
B. WE CAN’T AFFORD TO BE MOVED IN OUR FAITHFUL BELIEF OF GOD’S WORD.
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
C. PRAYER THAT IS ANSWERED REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS AND FAITH.
Luke 18:1 And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
3. BLESSINGS FOLLOW THOSE WHO OVERCOME THE ENEMY’S DESIRE TO MOVE US AWAY FROM THE UNCHANGING TRUTH.
A. GOD WON’T ALLOW THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED.
WHAT MAKES A PERSON RIGHTEOUS ? FAITH. REAL FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS. REAL FAITH REQUIRES TURNING EVERYTHING – OUR LIVES, OUR BURDENS, OUR TEMPTATIONS, OVER TO GOD.
Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
When Jesus was tempted to back out in the Grden of Gesthemeny, He set the example of turning it all over to the Father.
Matthew 26:38-39 Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
B. WHERE ELSE COULD WE GO ?
Psalms 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.
C. BY BLESSING GOD AND PRAISING HIM, WE WILL NOT BE MOVED. IF WE ARE SINGING ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE EXCEPT GOD’S BLESSINGS, WE WILL FALL.
Psalms 66:8-9 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
