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.
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 complete outlines.
Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned.
THE HOLY SPIRIT TELLS US OF THINGS TO COME.
John 16:13 Howbeit 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.
1. A NEW GENERATION WHERE A FEW ARE FAITHFUL.
THE LAST DAYS YOUTH. HOPE FOR A FEW. PARENTS WHO ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PAYING BILLS THAN THEY ARE RAISING CHILDREN TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS.
2 Timothy 3:1-2This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
WHERE DOES THIS COME FROM ? IT COMES FROM PARENTS WHO DIDN’T TEACH THEIR KIDS. THEY FED THEM, TOOK THEM TO DOCTORS, KEPT THEM ALIVE, BUT DIDN’T INSIST THAT THE CHILDREN LEARN SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES.
GENERATIONS TO COME ARE LOST WHEN PARENTS DO NOT PASS DOWN GOD’S LAWS TO THEIR CHILDREN. THIS IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO AMERICAN CHRISTIANS. PARENTS ARE TOO BUSY. TOO BUSY ON THEIR CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS TO TAKE TIME TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN.
Psalm 78:5-8For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF A PARENT IS TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO KNOW GOD AND DETERMINE WHAT GOD’S WILL FOR THEIR LIVES.
BUT, PARENTS CAN RAISE THEIR CHILDREN IN A BIBLICAL WAY THAT INVOKES THE PROMISES OF GOD. THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL. DISCIPLINE. EFFECTIVE, LOVING, CONSISTENT, AND JUST.
EDUCATION. AT HOME. SHOW THEM THE DANGERS OF THE REAL WORLD. REVEAL THEIR TRUE ENEMIES. BASE THEIR LEARNING UPON THE WISDOM OF GOD. FRIENDS. NOT OF THIS WORLD.
FUTURE. SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD.
2. WHO WILL RULE IN THE WORLD TO COME ?
OBVIOUSLY, JESUS WILL BE THE HIGHEST RULER OVER ALL.
Ephesians 1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
NOT THE ANGELS.
Hebrews 2:5For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
–WE SHALL JUDGE THE ANGELS.
1 Corinthians 6:3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
WE SHALL RULE ON EARTH.
Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
HOW CAN WE PREPARE ? IMPORTANT TASKS AHEAD. WE NEED GOOD JUDGMENT AND DISCERNMENT. NEED TO GET OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT, AND SEE GOOD AND EVIL FOR WHAT EACH ONE REALLY IS.
–ASK FOR IT.
James 1:5-6If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
–LEARN WHAT GOD SAYS THROUGH HIS WORD AND GODLY TEACHING.
Hebrews 5:14But 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.
GOD WILL RAISE UP GODLY PRIESTS IN THE MILLENIUM THAT WILL TEACH THE JEWISH PEOPLE.
Ezekiel 44:23And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
3. THERE ARE VICTORIES UP AHEAD.
FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS CAN WIN OVER THE WORLD. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD DOES. WE CAN BE ON FIRE FOR GOD !
Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
–WE HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND POWER TO DO IT.
Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
–THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO BE LUKEWARM. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO PLAY LIKE YOU LOVE THE LORD WHEN YOU LOVE OTHER THINGS MORE. GOD’S POWER HAS NOT CHANGED.
–SOME PEOPLE WONDER HOW CHRISTIANS WHO WERE ONCE EXCITED ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TO THE LORD COULD BECOME LUKEWARM. THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. IF YOU TAKE A HOT CUP OF COFFEE AND LEAVE IT IN THE AIR, JUST LETTING IT SIT THERE, IT WON’T TAKE LONG BEFORE IT BECOMES LUKEWARM. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE JUST SITTING THERE, MAKING ONE EXCUSE AFTER ANOTHER AS TO WHY THEY CAN’T BE DOING SOMETHING FOR THE LORD.
–HOW DOES A PERSON WHO IS LUKEWARM GET ON FIRE ? GET CLOSER TO THE FIRE. LOOK TO JESUS. SEE WHAT HE SEES, AND PREPARE YOURSELF TO BE IMMERSED IN A BAPTISM OF FIRE THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR WAYS.
Revelation 1:14His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;
Revelation 2:18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass;
Revelation 19:12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He himself.
–THERE IS A NEW NATURE THAT MAKES US BE CHRIST-LIKE.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
***YOU CAN TAKE A CAT AND PUT HIM IN THE MIDST OF A HERD OF PIGS, AND IT WON’T MAKE HIM A PIG. HE I STILL A CAT. YOU CAN TAKE THAT SAME CAT AND PUT HIM IN A CAGE WITH MANY CANARIES, AND HE WILL STILL BE A CAT. SURROUNDINGS, AND WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HIM DOES NOT MAKE THE TRULY BORN AGAIN CHRIST LIKE WHAT IS AROUND THEM. THEY HAVE BEEN BORN-AGAIN, AND ARE NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST !
–IF YOU LOVE YOUR FAMILY, YOU WILL PUT GOD FIRST, BECAUSE THEN YOU HAVE THE POWER TO LOVE YOUR FAMILY RIGHT AND MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THEIR GUIDANCE.
THE VICTORIES BELONG TO A FEW. YOU CAN BE ONE OF THEM !
THERE ARE ALOT FEWER TRUE BELIEVERS THAN THERE WERE YEARS AGO. THAT GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY FILL THEIR SHOES BUT TO RUN TO GREATER HEIGHTS. MANY OF GOD’S PEOPLE WILL DIE, AS A BLESSING TO THEM.
Isaiah 57:1The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
–TRIBULATIONS.
John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
–FAITHFULNESS TO GOD GIVES US VICTORY OVER TRIBULATIONS. THE WORLD CANNOT TAKE OUR JOY OF FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, OR OUR POWER.
Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 7:4Great 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.
YOU CAN’T BUILD A SOLID HOUSE WITHOUT A GOOD FOUNDATION. ***Treehouses. Nice, big, modern. But, as the tree grows, the house tears apart.
SOME TRUE BELIEVERS WILL DEAL WITH SERIOUS PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY LEAVE THIS EARTH. AND THEY NEED A STRENGTH THAT ONLY COMES FROM GOD. IF IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM, WE COLLAPSE, AND WHINE LIKE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD WHO HAVE NO POWER, WE MISREPRESENT THE LORD. WE ALSO WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BAD TESTIMONY BEFORE CHRIST.
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
THERE IS THE ANGER OF GOD WAITING FOR SOME.
Acts 24:25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
THE CHURCH NOW WAS ONCE THE CHURCH OF THE FUTURE. GOD PROMISED HIS CHILDREN A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS SPIRIT. ***(WE CAN COUNT ON THE PROPHECIES OF GOD TO BE TRUE).
HE WOULD DWELL INSIDE THEM.
John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
HE WOULD DWELL WITH THEM FOREVER.
Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
A DAY OF JUDGMENT.
FOR THE CHRISTIAN. A DAY OF SHAME AND SORROW.
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
4. A SALVATION TO COME.
NEW LIFE BEGINNING NOW. “HATH” ETERNAL LIFE.
John 3:36He 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. John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 6:47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
FORGIVENESS AND GOD’S LOVE.
Numbers 14:18The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
A PLACE WITH THE LORD.
1 Thessalonians 4:17Then 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.
THERE IS A WIDELY HELD BELIEF THAT A PERSON CANNOT KNOW IF THEY ARE SAVED UNTIL THEY DIE. THIS IS NOT SO. IT IS NO SECRET WHEN A PERSON GETS SAVED. YOU CAN’T BE CLOSE TO GOD AND PEOPLE NOT KNOW IT.
WHEN MOSES CAME DOWN FROM THE MOUNT, THE PEOPLE COULD SEE A DIFFERENCE IN HIM. THERE WAS A VISIBLE CHANGE IN HIS COUNTENANCE, HE LITERALLY GLOWED FROM BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.
THE THIEF ON THE CROSS CHANGES RIGHT THERE WHILE DYING BESIDE JESUS. PEOPLE COULD SEE IT. THERE WAS AN INSTANT CHANGE IN ATTITUDE. THE CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR WAS VISIBLE.
BUT WHILE SALVATION IS NOT A SECRET, GOD DOES KEEP OTHER THINGS FROM US FOR NOW.
1. THERE IS A PLACE WHICH IS A SECRET TO OTHERS.
A. WHERE GOD DWELLS IS A SECRET. EVEN SCIENCE CANNOT FIND IT OUT.
Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
–GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE SET APART FOR YOU AND FOR HIM. IT IS A PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP, SOMETIMES CALLED PRAYER.
Psalms 4:3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
–NOT EVERYONE CAN GO THERE. GOD DESIRES THAT WE HAVE A SECRET PLACE FOR BEING WITH HIM IN ADDITION TO COMING TOGETHER.
Matthew 6:6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Many people will set aside special cleaned and pressed clothing, drive many miles, check their clocks to make sure that they get there on time. The phone rings, and they ignore it because they have a meeting. They have a place to go where they will be seen and spoken to privately by someone who has great knowledge. What are they doing ? Getting ready for a doctor’s appointment. BUT, why don’t Christians treat their appointment with God in the same dedication and seriousness ?
B. WHAT IS A SECRET TO SOME, IS NOT A SECRET TO OTHERS.
–GOD REVEALS THINGS TO PEOPLE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS.
Daniel 2:19Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel 2:30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
IT WAS NOT BECAUSE DANIEL WAS SO SMART !
–THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE.
–SALVATION REVEALED TO HEARTS THAT ARE HUNGRY TO KNOW GOD.
Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
–THINGS ARE REVEALED BUY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Luke 2:26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
–GOD HAS REVEALED OUR FUTURE THROUGH HIS SPIRIT.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11But 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.
C. THE LIGHT SHOULD NOT REMAIN A SECRET THAT WE HAVE BEEN WITH GOD.
Luke 11:33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
3. THERE WILL BE NOTHING SECRET IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.
A. YOUR SINS WILL BE REVEALED UNLESS THEY ARE HIDDEN BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
B. BUT WE ARE HIDDEN IN CHRIST.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
C. YOUR SPIRITUAL CONDITION IS NO SECRET.
PEOPLE DECEIVE THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME INTO THINKING THAT GOD DOESN’T REALLY KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR MIND. HE DOES. NOTHING IS A SECRET TO HIM.
HE KNOWS IF YOU HAVE BEEN HALF-HEARTED IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO CHRIST.
HE KNOWS IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRULY BEEN BORN AGAIN. DON’T TRY TO CONVINCE YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE SAVED WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE THE EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
1. GOD WANTS US THINKING ABOUT THE LORD’S COMING.
A. JESUS GAVE PARABLES ABOUT PREPARING FOR HIS COMING.
B. JESUS TOLD US TO ACT AS WATCHMEN AND PORTERS, LOOKING FOR HIS COMING.
C. WE ARE REMINDED OF THE LORD’S COMING EACH TIME WE HAVE THE LORD’S SUPPER.
WHY ? THE CLOSENESS OF THE BREAD AND BLOOD SHOULD MAKE US DESIRE HIM MORE, AND TO CRAVE HIS COMING.
1 Corinthians 11:26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.
2. WE SHOULD NOT BE DISCOURAGED OR CONFUSED ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THIS WORLD
A. NOAH HAD TO LOOK AT THE EVIL WORLD BECOMING WORSE AND WORSE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE JUDGMENT FELL.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
B. GOD WANTS US ACTIVELY SERVING HIM WITH THE GIFTS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN.
1 Corinthians 1:5-8That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. OUR RESPONSE TO THE NEARNESS OF HIS COMING SHOULD BE FOR US TO GET READY.
A man who has worked all day in the heat cleaning out septic tanks will want to change clothes and take a bath before going out on a date that night. “Coming as you are” is not an option. The same is true for the bride of Christ when meeting the Lord in the air. We need to be clean, and blameless.
A. WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE BLAMELESS BEFORE GOD AT THE END.
We should not accept a lowered standard of living just because the world’s standards are dropping. Instead, knowing the Lord is coming, we should upgrade our standards to the highest possible level in preparation of being with Him.
–EVEN IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, PEOPLE WERE TOLD TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT BECAUSE THE LORD MIGHT COME.
Hosea 10:12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.
2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
1 Corinthians 5:8–Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. DO NOT BE MOVED BY CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND UNFOUNDED RELIGIOUS THEORIES.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 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.
5. EXERCISE PATIENCE.
That is not sitting in a chair expecting the door to open any moment. It is actively doing what God wants, anticipating that we should be taken while serving God, so sleeping. Keep an eye on the door, look out the window, but be doing God’s work.
James 5:8Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
This is a common question when Believers recognize that this world has gone past the patience of the Lord, and judgment worldwide is around the corner.
WE DON’T LIVE IN HOPELESSNESS.
There is always something to do for the Lord until He comes.
He didn’t leave us on earth to watch the news and get depressed. He left us here to finish up the work He assigned to His Bride.
This week there was a record breaking 165 degree heat wave in Iran. An unknown number of people died. The government issued a mandatory 4 day heat wave holiday, where people were NOT to come to work.
In the fringes of this heat wave, in Pakistan, 600 people died. In India, over 230 died.
When will see similar things hitting where we live ? What we are seeing on earth down is simply a small amount that is leading up to God’s judgment during the Tribulation.
REVELATION 16:8-9 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
(THERE WILL ALSO BE TIMES OF FREEZING COLD JUST AS DEVASTATING AS THE HEATWAVES).
What about the people who see it coming, and wonder, what can we do in the time we have left ?
WE NEED TO FINISH THE WORK GOD GAVE TO EACH OF US TO DO.
JESUS COMPARES OUR WORK TO THAT OF A PERSON BUILDING A TOWER.
Luke 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
JESUS SET HIMSELF AS OUR EXAMPLE IN FINISHING THE WORK OF THE FATHER.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
PAUL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT FINISHING ALL THAT GOD ASSIGNED TO HIM.
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.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM FINISHED ?
Answer: “When God calls you to your reward in Heaven.”
1. BE A LIGHT TO THE LOST.
A. A STRONG LIGHT IS MOST VALUABLE IN THE DARKEST HOURS, NOT AT NOONTIME.
YOU WON’T CONVERT THEIR SINFUL HEARTS TO RIGHT THINKING UNTIL YOU SEE THEIR SOUL CONVERTED TO CHRIST.).
Matthew 5:14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
–SHOW THAT YOU KNOW THE TRUTH AND IT IS VALUABLE TO YOU. –SHOW THAT YOU HAVE A LIVING SAVIOR WHO HELPS YOU DAILY.
Luke 8:16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. Luke 11:33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. Luke 11:35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
B. THE LIGHT IS OBVIOUSLY DISTINCT FROM THE DARKNESS, YET THE TESTIMONIES OF SOME PEOPLE IS NOT SO DISTINCT FROM THE LIFE OF THE LOST.
C. BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE BRETHREN. HOW ?
–BE WITH THEM FOR WORSHIP. SHOW THAT GETTING TOGETHER IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. –SUPPORT EACH OTHER BY ENCOURAGING WORDS, AND YOUR PRAYERS.
James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
–SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER BY WORDS THAT BRING THEM TO REALITY BEFORE GOD.
Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
–BE AN EXAMPLE THAT THEY WANT TO BECOME, TOO.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
2. BE FAITHFUL TO GOD’S PEOPLE AND HIS WORK.
A. WHEN UNDER TRIALS FAMILY IS IMPORTANT.
YOUR SPIRITUAL FAMILY SHOULD BE IMPORTANT TO YOU ! (THAT’S WHY WE ARE CALLED ‘BROTHERS AND SISTERS’).
B. WARN THOSE THAT YOU CARE ABOUT.
THE BIBLE MENTIONS TWO ROLES, THE PORTER AND THE WATCHMAN. BOTH WARN OF DANGER, BOTH ARE IMPORTANT, BUT HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT ?
—PORTER IS THE PERSON WHO GUARDS THE GATES. —WATCHMAN IS THE PERSON WHO OBSERVES WHAT IS GOING ON OUTSIDE THE GATES.
–IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THEY WILL LISTEN, OR NOT. YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT REGARDLESS OF SOMEONE ELSE’S LACK OF CONCERN.
Mark 13:34For 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. Ezekiel 3:17Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. Ezekiel 33:6But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.
3. KEEP THE LOVE FLOWING.
“CHARITY” – Literal translation “LOVE”
1 Corinthians 13:2-4 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1 Corinthians 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Corinthians 13:13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 16:14Let all your things be done with charity. Colossians 3:14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
–KNOW THAT THE TEMPTATIONS ON EARTH WILL INCREASE. You need to be more solid in your commitment to the Lord. –KNOW THAT OTHERS WILL HAVE TO BE STRENGTHENED. You will benefit if you help others to be strong. –KNOW THAT MANY WILL NOT DO THEIR WORK FOR GOD, AND SOMEONE MUST PICK UP THE SLACK. Don’t be afraid to try something you may never have done before. God is able to empower you and give you strength.
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Matthew 17:20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
1. GOD’S PATIENCE HAS A PURPOSE.
A. GOD IS WAITING FOR US TO CHANGE.
Romans 2:3-4 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
B. GOD PROVIDES THE HELP FOR US TO CHANGE.
–HE MAKES US NEW.
–HE ALLOWS THE SINS OF THE PAST TO ONLY VISIT–NOT CLAIM US. SOME ASPECTS OF OUR DNA ARE FORCED UPON US. IF OUR PARENTS WERE WHITE, WE WILL BE WHITE. IF OUR PARENTS WERE BLACK, WE WILL BE BLACK. THE DNA FORCES SOME THINGS ON PEOPLE. BUT, GOD MADE IT SO THAT SIN COULD BE REJECTED.
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
–HE HELPS US TO GROW UP AND MATURE. (The word translated “PERFECT” literally means “MATURE” not sinless.)
C. GOD WANTED PEOPLE TO REPENT RATHER THAN TO SUFFER. HE GAVE THEM 120 YEARS UNDER THE HARD PREACHING OF NOAH.
1 Peter 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2. GOD’S PATIENCE IS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
A. GOD’S PATIENCE IS SOMETHING HE WANTED PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT. HE REVEALED THIS QUALITY ABOUT HIMSELF TO MOSES WHEN MOSES WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HIM.
Exodus 34:6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
B. HIS PATIENCE IS AN EXAMPLE FOR US.
–WAITING FOR THE LORD’S RETURN.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
–IN BEHAVIOR TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AND THE WORLD.
1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
C. PATIENCE WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE TO US.
GOD HELPS US TO GROW IN PATIENCE SO WE CAN GET THE RESULTS WE NEED. GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS ANSWER PRAYER IMMEDIATELY. SOMETIMES HE DELIBERATELY WAITS IN ORDER TO MAKE US PATIENT.
–ABRAHAM WAITING FOR A SON.
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Psalms 40:1 « To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. » I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
3. GOD’S PATIENCE HAS LIMITS.
A. GOD HAS SHOWN HIS PATIENCE FOR MANY YEARS.
HE ALLOWED ISRAEL TO BE IN EGYPT, SHOWING THEM PATIENCE UNTIL MOSES.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.
We can be confident that God will spare those who are faithful to Him. God spared Moses when the Egyptians, then the Jews wanted to kill him. God spared Noah when the earth was destroyed by the Flood. God spared Lot – although barely, because of Abraham’s prayers. God spared Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego in the fiery furnace. God spared Daniel when he was sentenced to the lion’s den for praying to God, even though it was against the law. God saved the Apostle Peter from the swords of Herod, and many other times as different people tried to kill him.
All these people DID eventually die, but God spared them long enough for them to fulfill the mission that HE assigned to them.
Don’t forget that God is so great, kind, loving ! BUT He is God ! And, God is Holy, and has a right to judge people who oppose Him being God.
Psalms 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
1. GOD DOES NOT SPARE THOSE WILL GO ALONG WITH EVIL.
A. GOD DID NOT SPARE THE SOULS OF THE PEOPLE IN EGYPT WHO WENT ALONG WITH AN EVIL PHARAOH.
Psalm 78:43-51 How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
B. GOD DOES NOT SPARE THOSE WHO DISOBEY HIS WORD.
The early Church given a commandment to spread the Good News of Jesus to all the world. Instead, they stayed in one place to bask in the wonder of their own salvation. So, God allowed them to be persecuted for their disobedience.
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
This chastening for a sin of omission (when you were supposed to do something and you didn’t) may not be as severe as outright judgement for deliberate sins of commission (when you knew something was wrong and did it anyway), but it comes anyway.
–PERSECUTION WILL COME AND WE NEED TO ENDURE IT. HOW ? GET ROOTS ! ROOTS DON’T MOVE AROUND. ROOTS ARE CONSISTENT. IF A ROOT IS NOT NOURISHED CONTINUALLY, IT DIES.
Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
2. GOD DOES NOT SPARE THOSE WHO FLAUNT THEMSELVES WITH DISRESPECT AND REBELLION BEFORE HIM.
A. GOD DID NOT SPARE THE ANGELS.
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
B. GOD DID NOT SPARE THE WORLD OF NOAH’S TIME.
2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
C. GOD DOES NOT SPARE THOSE WHO KNOW THE TRUTH AND REJECT IT. HE DIDN’T SPARE ISRAEL IN HIS ANGER.
Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
3. GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON. HE DIED FOR US. NO ONE ELSE COULD ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE.
A. GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON SO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS SACRIFICE.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Every day we see more and more tragedy all over the world. This brings up the question in many people “Can’t God do something ?” Yes. He is doing something. He is showing people the fruits of evil actions. He is making them see that life without His is horrible.
God gave Adam and Eve a choice in the Garden of Eden. So today, each person has a choice to make. As people choose to follow their own hearts desires instead of choosing to obey God, the condition of the world will get worse. God is allowing the world to see what following Satan results in.
Matthew 24:6-8 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
1. THE DEVIL HAS POWER, AND DESIRES TO RULE OVER PEOPLE.
A. GOD WANTS PEOPLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SATAN RULES. THEY ARE THEN GIVEN A CHOICE.
It is hard to decide between two things when you don’t know what the two things really are. People today are fed much false information about the devil, and need to know that they can reject the devil and his ways.
Isaiah 14:16-17 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
B. GOD PUTS A HEDGE AROUND HIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN THOSE WHO SIMPLY RESPECT HIS WORD. THIS PROTECTS THEM FROM DOING THE FOOLISH THINGS.
Consider this, you won’t find any of the people committing mass murders going to church, or studying the Bible or having fellowship with born-again people.
Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
–GOD PUT A HEDGE AROUND LOT IN THE O.T. BECAUSE OF THE PRAYERS OF ABRAHAM. BUT, GOD WAS GIVING HIM TIME TO GET RIGHT AND WOULD HAVE REMOVED HIS TIME ON EARTH IF IT WASN’T FOR ABRAHAM PLEADING WITH GOD.
–TAKE AWAY GOD’S HEDGE, AND THE PEOPLE WILL BE OVERRUN WITH EVIL.
Isaiah 5:5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:
2. GOD HAS ALLOWED PEOPLE TO DECIDE ON THEIR GOVERNMENTS.
THIS IS TO LET THEM DETERMINE IF ANY HUMAN-LED GOVERNMENT IS GOOD, OR NOT.
A. GOVERNMENTS SO FAR ARE OF THE GENTILES.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
B. THE DEVIL, THROUGH THE WORLD, HAS TRIED EVERY TYPE OF GOVERNMENT, AND HAS FAILED.
Daniel’s image was the representation of types of human government.
Daniel 2:31-35 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
3. SICKNESS, DISEASE, ACCIDENTS ARE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PERFECTION WHICH GOD ESTABLISHED.
THESE CAME BECAUSE THE DEVIL DECEIVED MANKIND INTO THINKING HIS WAYS WOULD BE BETTER.
A. PEOPLE FOLLOW LIES AND SUFFER AND DIE BECAUSE OF IT.
–MANY DECEPTIVE SPIRITS.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
–THE DEVIL HIMSELF IS INVOLVED IN DECEIVING PEOPLE.
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
–A PERSON CAN DECEIVE THEMSELVES, TOO. GOD GIVES US THE OPTION OF GETTING OUR HEADS ON STRAIGHT.
Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
B. WE CAN CHOOSE LIFE OR DEATH.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
MANY DECEIVE THEMSELVES INTO THINKING THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH. GOOD ENOUGH TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN.
