Tag Archives: Promises of God

Without The Resurrection

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Without The Resurrection

 

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.

 

“Without The Resurrection”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
032716

ARE YOU STRONG IN THE LORD ?

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Are You Strong In The Lord ?

 

2 Chronicles 25:11   “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”

Daniel 10:19 “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

 

1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.

Colossians 1:11 “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

2 Timothy 4:17 “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.

Hebrews 11:34  “Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”
2 Corinthians 12:10  “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.

Judges 16:19-21  “And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”

4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.

Hebrews 6:18  “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.

Hebrews 5:12  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”
Hebrews 5:14  “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.

Ephesians 3:16  “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”

5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Ephesians 6:10  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”

“Are You Strong In The Lord ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616

 

WHAT WE DO NOT SEE

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What We Do Not See

2 Corinthians 4:18  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. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.

A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 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 4:16-5:2 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. 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 5:4 For 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 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS. ELIJAH—FOOD. I Kings 19:5 And 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 19:13 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.
  • BRING PHYSICAL DELIVERANCE—BRINGING LOT & GIRLS OUT OF SODOM. Genesis 19:16 And 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 3:24 So 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 8:15-17 And 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 15:6 And 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 16:22 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; —AND THIS IS FUTURE, TOO.— Matthew 24:31 And 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 20:29 Jesus 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 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
John 1:18 No 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 11:7 By 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 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

“What We Do Not See”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
031316

GOD’S HELPING HAND

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GOD’S HELPING HAND

 

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 102:10   Because 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 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

Revelation 3:19 As 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 11:1 Moreover 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 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.

 

GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.

1 Samuel 2:8 He 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 113:7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; 

Psalms 147:6 The 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 24:47-53  And 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 12:32 And 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 12:34 The 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?

“God’s Helping Hand”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
030616

DOCTRINE THAT FLOATS

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Doctrine That Floats

 

FAITH MUST FLOAT ABOVE THE STORMS

2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

***SOME PEOPLE THINK DOCTRINE IS NOTHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT.  BUT, THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS DOCTRINE, AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !  FORGIVENESS FROM GOD IS DOCTRINE.  AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !   HEAVEN IS A DOCTRINE.  AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !

 

1. IMPORTANT DOCTRINE MAKES GOOD SENSE. LIKE WEARING A LIFE PRESERVER IN THE STORM. IT HELPS PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CARRY OUT THE PLAN OF GOD.

Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

 

A. THE DOCTRINE JESUS TAUGHT WAS WITH POWER AND IT AMAZED PEOPLE. IT CHANGED LIVES, NOT JUST DID MIRACLES AND TELL INTERESTING STORIES.

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for His Word was with power.

B. GOD’S DOCTRINE DOES AMAZING THINGS.

Acts 13:10-12  And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

C. GODS’ PEOPLE FOLLOW THE UNCHANGING DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH WHICH JESUS GAVE US. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE DOCTRINES OF MEN WITH THE SAME DEGREE OF RELIABILITY.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2. GOD’S PEOPLE REJECT DOCTRINES THAT DON’T COME FROM GOD.

A. WE ARE TOLD TO TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT IS TRUE.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

B. THE LAST DAYS WILL BE FILLED WITH BAD DOCTRINE.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

C. WHERE DO WE GET OUR DOCTRINE ?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

3. FALSE DOCTRINE SINKS PEOPLE. IT IS OFTEN BECAUSE PEOPLE DON’T KNOW BETTER, OR THEY ARE ANGRY AT GOD.

A. PEOPLE WHO ACCEPT FALSE TEACHING REGARDING JESUS DON’T KNOW GOD.

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

B. PEOPLE WHO ARE SHIPWRECKED SPIRITUALLY HAVE ABANDONED THE TRUE DOCTRINES OF GOD. 

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

C. GOD IS AGAINST THOSE TO REJECT HIS TRUTHS. EVEN IF THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE CHURCH.  CALLING YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IS NOT A PROTECTION FROM THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WHEN YOU HOLD BASIC BELIEFS CONTRARY TO WHAT GOD SAID.   ***GROUP CALLED “CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.”  THEY ARE NEITHER CHRISTIAN NOR SCIENCE.

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTING GOD’S DOCTRINE ?  HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO BE SAVED.  HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO PUT YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST AND REPENT OF YOUR SINS.  IF YOU PUT THAT OFF, YOU PUT OFF GOD.  YOU PUT OFF HIS DOCTRINE.   YOU ARE SHIPWRECKED.   YOUR LIFE WILL GO UNDER, AND YOUR SOUL WILL GO DOWN.

YOU NEED SALVATION.  

YOU CAN OBTAIN IT TODAY !

 

“Doctrine That Floats”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
022116

 

 

POWERFUL WORDS: “HOLY”

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This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Powerful Words

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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.

HOLY

 

Leviticus 10:8-11  “And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:  And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;  And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.”

 

ONE PROBLEM TODAY IS THAT WE HAVE MADE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOLY AND UNHOLY.

FIRST TIME THE WORD “HOLY” IS USED IN THE BIBLE. 

Exodus 3:5  And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE DEFINES “holy” AS…

06944 שׁדק  qodesh ko’- desh

AV-holy 262, sanctuary 68, (holy, hallowed, … ) things 52, most 44, holiness 30, dedicated 5, hallowed 3, consecrated 1, misc 3; 468

1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness

1a) apartness, sacredness, holiness

1a1) of God

1a2) of places

1a3) of things

1b) set-apartness, separateness

  •   A SPECIFIC DAY CAN BE HOLY.  FIRST DAY SET ASIDE FOR THE PASSOVER IS HOLY.    Exodus 12:16  “And in the first day there shall be an holy <06944> convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy <06944> convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.”

 

  •   CLOTHING CAN BE HOLY.    Exodus 29:29  “And the holy <06944> garments of Aaron shall be his sons’ after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.”

 

  •   MATERIAL OBJECTS CAN BE HOLY.    Exodus 30:25  “And thou shalt make it an oil of holy <06944> ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy <06944> anointing oil.”

 

  •   GOD IS SET APART AND IS HOLY.   Exodus 15:9-13  “The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.  Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.  Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?  Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.  Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.”

 

  •   GOD’S NAME IS HOLY.  IT MUST NOT BE TAKEN OR USED IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER NAMES.    Isaiah 57:15  “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

 

  •   THE PLACE WHERE GOD DWELLS IS MADE HOLY BY HIS PRESENCE.   YOU ARE SET ASIDE FOR GOD’S USE ONCE THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU.   DON’T TRY TO JUSTIFY ANYTHING ELSE.   YOUR BODY IS HIS TEMPLE !     1 Corinthians 3:17  “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”  1 Corinthians 6:19  “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ?

   

THE WORD “HOLY” AND ALL THAT IT INVOLVES IS IMPORTANT.  

As we have seen in Scripture, “HOLY” means to be separate, distinct from all else, and set apart as sacred.”

 

This is important in every day life.  Vitally important.  Imagine what would happen in the following situations…

  • If your doctor just removes a rapidly spreading cancer from one patient, and then used the same scalpel on you, it would not be nice. 
  • If your husband  went to the kitchen, and took your new expensive food mixer, and decided to mix a bucket of paint with it, you can imagine the implications of it.
  • If a man pours transmission fluid into the oil intake port of his car.
  • If a woman was pumping gasoline for the first time, and she put diesel fuel into her car which ran on gasoline.
  • A woman brought some scraps out to her small herd of pigs.  She was scraping the bowl into the dirty pig pen when one of the pigs bumped her leg, and she dropped the wooden spoon into the feeding frenzy of muddy pigs.  She left it there for a while, then went out there after an hour and retrieved her wooden spoon, and used it to mix the soup for the family that night.

 

SOME THINGS ARE DESIGNED FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE.  WHEN THEY ARE USED FOR SOMETHING ELSE, THEY BECOME POLLUTED, AND ARE NO LONGER USEABLE FOR THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSE.  THEY HAVE LOST THEIR HOLINESS.

  

  •   GOD HAS MADE THE JEWISH PEOPLE HOLY.   SET ASIDE TO SEE HOW GOD WORKS WITH HUMAN BEINGS.   Deuteronomy 14:2  “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”

 

CAN SOMETHING, OR EVEN PEOPLE THAT WERE ONCE HOLY LOSE THAT HOLINESS ?  HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN ?

  •   ISRAEL CUT OFF BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF.   Romans 11:17 “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;   Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:”

 

  • CAN A PERSON THROW AWAY HIS HOLINESS ?  Hebrews 10:29 “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”

 

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO RESTORE SOMETHING THAT ONCE WAS HOLY BUT LOST ITS HOLINESS ?   ONLY A MIRACLE.  AND ONLY GOD CAN PULL IT OFF.

  • GOD HAS MADE A PEOPLE THAT ARE NOW HOLY.     1 Thessalonians 5:27  “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”

 

  • WE ARE HOLY BY OUR OWN CHOICE.  WE MAKE THE DECISION TO HAVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES, OR TO BE HOLY TO THE LORD ALONE.   1 Peter 1:15-6  “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”   1 Peter 2:5  “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

 

  • SOME OF GOD’S CREATION IS HOLY.  ANGELS ARE.   Luke 9:26  “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.”

 

  •   YOUR BEHAVIOR IS SUPPOSED TO BE HOLY.  IT SHOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR GOD’S GLORY.    WHATSOEVER YOU DO !   2 Peter 3:11  “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”   Colossians 3:23  “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

 

  •    PEOPLE MUST MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICE TO FOLLOW GOD’S PLAN OF HOLINESS OR NOT.  Revelation 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

 

  • YOU ARE CLEANSED BY FAITH WHICH RESULTS IN OBEDIENCE.   Luke 17:14  “And when He saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”

 

  • YOU ARE CONTINUALLY CLEANSED BY BEING IN THE WORD OF GOD, HEARING IT AND OBEYING IT.   John 15:3   “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

 

   There is Power in the Word of God !  When you trust God, repent of your sins, Jesus cleans you.  Simply by Him speaking the Word, it is done !

 

“Powerful Words: ‘HOLY’ ”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
012416 & 012716

 

THE FALSE JESUS

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The False Jesus – 1-17-16 Sunday Evening
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WHAT WOULD JESUS DO ?

THIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING COMES FROM THE CHURCH’S FAILURE TO FAMILIARIZE THE SAINTS OF GOD WITH GOD’S WORD. PLENTY IS KNOWN ABOUT JESUS, BUT THE DEVIL HAS MANIPULATED SOME VERY CLEAR TEACHING ABOUT JESUS AND TURNED IT INTO A THEOLOGY WHICH IS DIRECTLY OPPOSED TO GOD’S WORD.

1. JESUS WARNS OF SIN, JUDGMENT, AND HELL.

 

THE FALSE JESUS NEVER SAYS ANYTHING NEGATIVE.

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

RICH MAN AND LAZARUS.

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

2. JESUS GIVES US SALVATION, HOPE AND JOY.

 

THE FALSE JESUS PRESENTS THE FALSE PROSPERITY GOSPEL OF PERFECT HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HAPPINESS ABOVE ALL.

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.

ZACCHAEUS. HE GAVE AWAY HIS FORTUNE, BUT RECEIVED THE JOY OF THE LORD.

Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

3. JESUS WAS HATED AND DESPISED.

 

THE FALSE JESUS IS LOVED BY EVERYONE AND ACCEPTED BY ALL.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

 

Luke 19:14 But His citizens hated Him, and sent a message after Him, saying, We will not have this Man to reign over us.

 

John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

4. JESUS HATES SIN AND REVEALS THE TRUTH.

 

THE FALSE JESUS NEVER CORRECTS YOU OF YOUR SIN, AND WOULDN’T WANT TO OFFEND YOU.

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John 16:8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Luke 11:46-47 And He said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them .

5. JESUS GIVES COMMANDMENTS WITH AUTHORITY.

 

THE FALSE JESUS GIVES SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER.

1785 εντολη entole en-tol-ay’ = comandment
AV-commandment 69, precept 2; 71
1) an order, command, charge, precept, injunction
1a) that which is prescribed to one by reason of his office
2) a commandment

John 14:15 If ye love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:21 He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 15:10 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.

6. JESUS CAN BECOME ANGRY AND CARRY OUT JUDGMENTS.

 

THE FALSE JESUS WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO HURT PEOPLE.

–THE REAL GOD WARNS PEOPLE

Ezekiel 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

–JESUS REVEALED HIS ANGER TOWARD SIN SO THAT ALL MIGHT SEE.

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark 3:5 And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

HE REFUSED TO DO MIRACLES IN NAZARETH. MANY NEEDED HEALING. MANY WANTED PRAYERS ANSWERED. HE DID NOT GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANTED BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF.

Matthew 13:58 And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

7. JESUS WANTS US TO SERVE HIM.

 

THE FALSE JESUS SAYS THAT HE EXISTS TO SERVE US.

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

8. JESUS WANTS US TO DENY OURSELVES AND LIVE FOR HIM.

 

THE FALSE JESUS WANTS US TO LOVE OURSELVES AND SO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE HAPPY.

–NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY TO LOVE YOURSELF. THE BIBLE NOTES THAT IT IS NATURAL FOR A PERSON TO LOVE THEMSELVES, BUT THIS IS NEVER A COMMAND. HOWEVER, IT DOES TELL US HOW OUR LOVE IS TO BE DIRECTED —

  • FIRST: LOVE GOD.

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

  • SECOND: LOVE THE BRETHREN.

Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned <5387> one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”;  (“affectioned” <5387> literally means = cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children)

 

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

HOW ??? IT COMES THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

  • THIRD: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

LUKE 10:27-29 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto Him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

  • FOURTH: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.

Matthew 5:43-44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

 

 

“THE FALSE JESUS”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
011716

THE CHURCH THAT GOD BUILT

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The Church That God Built – 1-13-16 Wednesday Evening
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1. THE CHURCH IS FOR THE SAVED, NOT THE LOST.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

–BEHAVIOR.

1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

–THE CHURCH IS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO GOD’S SYSTEM. BISHOPS, ELDERS, PASTORS, EVANGELISTS, ETC.,

2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. «The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.»

Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. «It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.»

–IT IS FOR BELIEVERS TO WHOM SPECIAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

–EVERY MEMBER HAS A GIFT AND A DUTY.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

–THE CHURCH SHOULD STRIVE TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.

Ephesians 5:27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

2. THE CHURCH IS TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.

–THE PILLAR OF TRUTH.

1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

–THE MESSENGER OF THE GOSPEL AND ANCHOR FOR THE BELIEVERS.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3. THE CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT JESUS. HE IS TO HAVE THE HIGHEST AND COMPLETE PRAISE.

Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

–SOME PEOPLE WANT TO STEAL THE ATTENTION FROM THE LORD.

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

–WORSHIP IS TO SURROUND AND FOCUS UPON JESUS.

Hebrews 2:12 Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.

4. THE GATES OF HELL CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

HOWEVER, TAKEN WITH OTHER SCRIPTURES, THIS REQUIRES THE CHURCH TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.

 

 

“THE CHURCH THAT GOD BUILT”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
011316

 

FULL TANK FOR THE JOURNEY

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Full Tank For The Journey – 1-6-16 Wednesday Evening
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1. FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS…IF WE RECEIVE THEM BY FAITH.

A. IS MY MOUTH FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS ?

Profanity has become an acceptable language for the average person today. But Christians are not average, and profanity does not belong anywhere in their speech. Christians have better things to talk about than damning people and talking about excrement and immoral sex.

Psalms 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honour all the day.

Psalms 104:28 That Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.

–SPEAKING IN A GODLY WAY OFTEN BRINGS THE SCORN OF THOSE WHO ARE UNGODLY.

Psalms 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

B. IS MY ENTIRE BEING FILLED WITH THE LORD ?

***HOW DID THEY KNOW THEY WERE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ?

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

–IT IS A COMMAND FROM GOD FOR US, TOO.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

C. ARE WE FILLED WITH COMFORT OVER DEATH ?

NOT JUST LOSS OF LOVED ONES, BUT LOSS OF THINGS PRECIOUS TO US. OUR COUNTRY HAS DIED. MANY ARE LAMENTING EVERY DAY WHEN THEY SEE THE STENCH OF DEATH OVER WASHINGTON DC. MANY CHRISTIANS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. DO WE FEEL THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REMINDING US THAT JESUS IS COMING SOON AND WE WILL HAVE REWARDS FROM HIM ?

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

D. ARE WE FILLED ENOUGH TO BE DOING GOOD THINGS THAT GET NOTICED.

WE ARE NOT TO BE NOTICED, BUT CHRIST IN US IS. (ACTIONS—ALL CALCULATED TO DO GOOD FOR HIM).

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

2. WE NEED TO GET RID OF THE THINGS WHICH FILLED US BEFORE.

WE NEED TO HATE THE THINGS THAT WERE IN OUR LIVES PREVIOUSLY. NOT JUST JOKE ABOUT THEM OR SIMPLY RECOGNIZE THEIR PRESENCE.

A. WITH THE DEVICES OF THE SINFUL HEART.

Proverbs 1:30-31 They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

B. WE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT WE CAN FALL BACK INTO THE WRONG WAYS IF WE DO NOT TREASURE AND MAINTAIN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.

Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

3. ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES TO BEING ONLY PARTLY FULL ?

*For one thing, you won’t go as far on half a tank as you can with a full tank. If you are working like a bulldozer, you can only get half the work done that God wants before you run out of steam.

A. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS.

Haggai 1:6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

B. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH BAD THINGS LEADS TO MORE BAD ACTIONS.

Luke 6:11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

 

“Full Tank For The Journey”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
010616

WHAT GIFTS WILL BE RECIVED

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GIVING AND RECEIVING ARE SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS OF CHRISTIANS.  WE GIVE THE GOSPEL FREELY.  WE GIVE FORGIVENESS, AND LOVE.   BUT WE MUST ALSO BE TAUGHT HOW TO RECEIVE.

Philippians 4:15  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

FAITH IS THE KEY TO GOD’S GRACE.  WITHOUT IT, WE GET ONLY JUDGMENT.  

Matthew 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

WITHOUT FAITH, THERE ARE UNPLEASANT THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN.

Romans 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

 

1. THE WORLD’S GIFT IS NOT WHAT YOU REALLY WANT.

WE HAVE TO BATTLE AGAINST THE DESIRES OF THE OLD NATURE THAT WANTS TO HAVE THE GIFTS OF THIS WORLD.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

—its’ conversations revolve around the things of this world. We must center our lives—and conversation around the Lord Jesus.

1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

THE GIFTS OF THIS WORLD ARE OFTEN DECEPTIVE. ***Parents bought daughter a cell phone. Soon, she spent much her time on it, and developed relationship with people who finally brought her into the world of drugs and promiscuous sex.

Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

2. WE CAN RECEIVE THINGS FROM GOD, BUT MUST EXERCISE OUR FAITH.

A. THE BLIND MAN WAS NOT FORCED TO SEE. HE WAS OFFERED A GIFT AND RECEIVED IT.

Mark 10:48-52 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 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. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

3. WE KNOW THINGS FREELY GIVEN TO US BY GOD.

A. WE CAN RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE WORD, OR JUST HEAR IT AND FORGET IT.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

MORE THAN JUST MENTALLY. DO CHRISTIAN LEARN FROM THE WORD, BUT DO LITTLE ABOUT IT ? How would you classify them ? Strong or weak ? *(But, they almost always put on as if they are strong).

—DO YOU TRULY RECEIVE THE REALITY OF BIBLE PROPHECY ? ***SOMEONE IN A DOCTOR’S OFFICE ASKED THE TIME. THEIR WATCH HAD STOPPED. ONE PERSON SAID IT WAS 1:30. ANOTHER SAID THEIR CLOCK SAID IT WAS 1:00. THEY REPLIED, “I LIKE YOUR TIME BETTER.” DO WE CHOOSE TO ACCEPT WHAT TIME IT IS ?

Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

B. WE CAN RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GOD’S POWER.

BUT WHAT IS DONE WITH IT ?  IS IT USED TO GLORIFY GOD ? —purpose is=“TO BE WITNESSES UNTO ME”

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

C. WE HAVE TO OUT-VOTE THE OLD NATURE, AND RECIEVE THE THINGS OF GOD RATHER THAN THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

EACH OF US HAS A MINISTRY WHICH CAN BE RECEIVED OR REJECTED. [PAUL RECEIVED HIS. ARE WE BLESSED BECAUSE HE RECEIVED IT ? YES. HOW MANY WILL NOT BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU. IT MAY BE TEACHING, A MINISTRY OF FINANCES, A MINISTRY OF PRAYER, OF CONSOLATION, ETC.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

MANY RECEIVE THE OFFER TO BE SAVED, BUT DO NOTHING WITH IT. JUDAS.

John 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

 

“What Gifts Will Be Received”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
122715