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WITHOUT DIVINE PURPOSE
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WITHOUT DIVINE PURPOSE
We are speaking about a life that fails to actively submit to doing Divine purpose. Living a life that is without purpose, or without even knowing that there is a Divine purpose.
IMAGINE IF A MAN WAS SET DOWN BY HELICOPTER IN A CITY, AND JUST LEFT THERE. WHAT WILL HE DO ? MOST MEN WILL SEEK TO FIND SOME WAY TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN LIVES. FIND FOOD. FIND SHELTER.
BUT, THE CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS DROPPED INTO THIS WORLD WITH A GREATER MISSION–TO PUT GOD FIRST ! WE HAVE A PURPOSE BEYOND MERELY SURVIVING.
WHAT ARE WE WITHOUT THE PURPOSE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN FOR OUR LIVES ?
1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS A LIFE-LONG PURPOSE.
- SOLOMON DIDN’T TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY. HE MADE IT A ONE-SHOT EFFORT.
1Kings 5:5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto My name. See I Kings 11:1-8
- NOT ALL RELIGIOUS PURPOSES PLEASE GOD. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
- KING SAUL SACRIFICED AND WORSHIPED, BUT DISOBEYED GOD. DID HIS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES NULLIFY HIS DISOBEDIENCE ? NO.
1 Samuel 15:21-26 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king. ¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
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SERVICE TO GOD SHOULD BE YOUR PURPOSE, NOT DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD OR TO AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE. WHAT DID JESUS TELL HIS DISCIPLES TO DO ? DID EVERYONE LIKE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ? NO. SO, DID JESUS TELL THEM TO SAY NOTHING ? OR, TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE BY MAKING NEUTRAL STATEMENTS ?
THIS IS WHAT JESUS SAID…
GO… TEACH… BAPTIZE.
NOT MAKE YOURSELF ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO EVERYONE. BY TELLING THE TRUTH, YOU ALWAYS RISK REJECTION. YOU ALWAYS RISK HAVING PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE AROUND YOU ANY MORE. BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE GOD PLEASED WITH YOU THAN PEOPLE !
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.
- PART OF OUR DIVINE PURPOSE MAY BE LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IF YOU CAN’T STAND UP FOR THE BRETHREN YOU SURELY WON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM. HONOR THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IN THE BRETHREN. DON’T ALLOW OTHERS TO TEAR THEM DOWN. STAND UP FOR TRUTH.
- IT MAY INVOLVE SUFFERING FOR THE LORD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE OBSERVE AND GIVE GOD GLORY WHEN THEY SEE A GODLY PURPOSE FOCUS ON THE LORD RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.
2. THE DEVIL WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.
When I was in high school, everyone was trying to get me to do things which were not the purpose of God. Even pastors were pointing me in the wrong direction.
- EZRA. From the secular world.
Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
IF YOU TELL THE TRUTH SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT YOU ALWAYS ARE AGAINST THEM WHEN THAT IS FURTHEST FROM THE TRUTH.
1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF PETER’S FAILURE TO WALK ON WATER. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HE DID AT THE CALLING OF GOD. THE DEVIL TEMPTED HIM TO FAIL.
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
HE WANTED TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE OF GOD BY HIS OBEDIENCE AND FELL. WHAT HAPPENED THEN ? JESUS LIFTED HIM UP, AND HIS FAITH WAS INCREASED EVEN BY THE NUMBER OF STEPS WHICH HE MADE ON TOP OF THE WATER.
**HAVE YOU EVER FAILED AT SOMETHING YOU THINK GOD WANTED YOU TO DO ?
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
THINK OF THE NUMBER OF STEPS THAT YOU TOOK BEFORE YOU SANK. THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GET EVEN THAT FAR SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY AGAIN. BEING FAITHFUL TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD –even after we fail–IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD TO SUCCESS.
HOW DID PAUL GET TO THIS POINT IN HIS LIFE ? BY SUCCEEDING EVERY TIME HE TRIED ? NO. AND CERTAINLY NOT BY QUITTING ONCE HE FAILED. HE CAME TO THIS POINT BECAUSE EACH FAILURE HAD A LITTLE SUCCESS IN IT, AND HIS FAITH KEPT GROWING.
3. ABOVE ALL IT IS GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE SAVED AND SERVING HIM ACCEPTABLY !
Galatians 1:3-4 “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6 ” I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
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.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Hebrews 12:28 “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
“Without Divine Purpose”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
020316
POWERFUL WORDS: “HOLY”
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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
THREE FORGOTTEN WORDS
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RECENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF LARGEST CHRISTIAN PROTESTANT DENOMINATION SAID THAT THERE ARE THREE THINGS NOT BEING PREACHED TODAY.
1. THE WORD ‘LOST’.
A. THOSE WHO ARE NOT FORGIVEN BY GOD.
The Bible tells us that anyone who is not forgiven by God is lost.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Psalms 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments.
B. THEY ARE DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE. WE ALL HAVE BEEN THERE. LOSTNESS IS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE.
–THE PRODIGAL SON.
Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
HE WAS AWAY FROM HIS FATHER. HE CHOSE IN FAVOR OF A LIFE OF SIN. HE WAS USED BY OTHERS AND NOT GOD. HE WOULD PERISH IF HE DID NOT REPENT.
–THE LOST PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.
Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
PEOPLE WHO ARE BROKEN (PERHAPS THROUGH HEART-ACHES, ATTACKS FROM THE DEVIL, ETC.), PEOPLE WHO ARE DRIVEN AWAY FROM GOD (SOME THROUGH FALSE DOCTRINES, FALSE CHRISTIANS, FALSE TEACHING IN SCHOOLS, ETC.), AND THOSE WHO ARE WEAK (PERHAPS FROM BEING BEATEN DOWN SO MUCH, PERHAPS THROUGH BEING WEAKENED BY THE WORLD’S VIEWS ON LIFE).
2. THE WORD ‘PREPARE.’
The return of the Lord is an important prophecy of Scripture.
- BE READY AND USE THE GIFTS OF GOD.
1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
- BE WELL ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH.
- BE ESTABLISHED IN GOD’S WORD.
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
- DON’T BE MARGINAL, OR WEAK IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD.. YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT IN THESE DAYS !
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now 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.
- YIELD TO GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOU TO BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME.
1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
3. THE WORD ‘REPENT.’
GOD CALLS HIS CHURCH TO REPENT.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
“Three Forgotten Words”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
112215
THE FORGOTTEN COMMANDMENT
11TH COMMANDMENT = “BRING THEM.”
NOT ‘LOVE.’ THAT WAS COVERED BY THE FIRST 10 COMMANDMENTS. GOD DID NOT SAY, “INVITE THEM.” HE SAID “BRING THEM !” IT IS A COMMAND, AND NOT A SUGGESTION.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:
1. IT IS A COMMAND THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TO JESUS.
THE CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE TO BE BROUGHT—ALL NEEDY. NOT NECESSARILY WITH GOOD MANNERS, WITH GOOD MORALS, OR GOOD THINKING.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
A. EVERYONE IS LEADING PEOPLE TO SOME ONE, EVEN IF THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT LEADERS. MANY END UP BRINGING PEOPLE TO MORE AND MORE SIN—BECAUSE THEY ARE INVOLVED IN IT THEMSELVES.
Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
B. GOD HAS CHOSEN THE CHURCH AS ONE THAT BRINGS THEM.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
—BRING THOSE WHO ARE NEEDY.
Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
—BRINGING THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY SAVED TO A NEW LEVEL OF USEFULNESS.
Numbers 11:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
2. IT IS A TEAM EFFORT BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
A. IT RELIES ON THE POWER OF GOD.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
B. IT DEPENDS ON THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD.
Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
3. IT IS A COMMAND EVEN IF NO ONE ELSE DOES IT WITH YOU.
A. GOD WANTS TO RECEIVE YOU AS A VERY PRECIOUS PERSON.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
B. GOD WANTS TO MAKE YOU A NEW PERSON.
”The Forgotten Commandment”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
110115
BENEFITS FROM FORGIVENES
WHEN WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE SINNED, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN LIFE FOR WHAT WE DO, WE TURN TO GOD FOR FORGIVENESS. IT IS A LOGICAL AND REASONABLE THING TO DO. BUT, HOW DO WE GET TO GOD SINCE WE ARE SINFUL, AND HE CANNOT TOLERATE US IN HIS PRESENCE ? OUR ANSWER–THE ONLY ANSWER–IS JESUS.
FORGIVENESS THROUGH CHRIST IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO US. WITHOUT IT, WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE ! BUT, JESUS DEMANDS SOMETHING FROM US— IF WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN, WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS. THIS SHOULD BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR THE TRUE CHRISTIAN. IT BRINGS NOT ONLY BLESSING FOR US, BUT FOR OTHERS, TOO.
1. FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE.
A. FORGIVING PEOPLE–WHO DO IT RIGHT–BECOME HAPPIER PEOPLE.
There are many accounts of such people in the Bible.
Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
B. THEY FORGIVE, AND THEY DON’T DWELL ON THE SINS OF OTHERS.
Readiness to forgive is an attitude which doesn’t dwell on other’s faults, but examines our own relationship with God.
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
WHAT IS GOD SPEAKING OF HERE ? IN MOST AREAS OF SCRIPTURE, HE ADMONISHED PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THINGS. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WHICH SHOULD BE BRUSHED TO THE PAST AND LEFT THERE. MOSTLY THINGS THAT OFFENDED YOU. FORGIVE THEM AND LEAVE THEM AS FAR IN THE PAST AS POSSIBLE (IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET SUCH THINGS, BUT YOU CAN RESOLVE THEM BY PUTTING THEM INTO THE PAST).
C. GOD IS READY TO FORGIVE.
Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
We must be like Him, READY TO FORGIVE.
D. DON’T COLLECT IMAGINARY SINS.
One mistake teachers often make is to setup a case against any student who has misbehaved in the past. Now, most of the time, a track record is valid. We act upon their track record. BUT, what if they change ? Do we come expecting that they are going to do wrong ? Do we make them examples with warnings even before they do wrong ? This can lead to a student not responding to a teacher at all. It, in effect, is unforgiveness.
Often, people misinterpret the actions or words of someone else. But, if they are in a bad spiritual state they could quickly make the wrong conclusions, and assume that someone sinned against them.
Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Matthew 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
HE MADE A CASE AGAINST HIS MASTER WITHOUT FACTS.
2. PEOPLE WHO DO THE FORGIVING BECOME HAPPIER.
Carrying around a grudge only makes our lives miserable.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
WE CAN BE HAPPY KNOWING THAT WE HAVE PLEASED THE LORD IN FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE OF FORGIVING.
3. FORGIVENESS REQUIRES MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.
A. FORGIVENESS IS NEEDED ONLY WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS AN OFFENCE DIRECTLY TO YOU.
Some hate a brother or sister “without cause.”
Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
DON’T TAKE THE GRUDGES OR ANGER OF OTHERS AS YOUR OWN. “IF MY BEST FRIEND IS ANGRY WITH SOMEONE, I AM ANGRY AT THEM, TOO.” THE BIBLE SAYS THIS IS WRONG.
B. IT DEPENDS UPON TRUE REPENTANCE.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. You have a Biblical obligation to tell him the fault face to face, not behind his back.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
How can this be done, if the person you want to forgive is dead ?—Get it right with God. If it even matters to the person, and they are in Heaven, there is forgiveness.
C. IT DEPENDS ON THE WILLINGNESS OF THE OFFENDED PARTY.
—IT IS REQUIRED WHEN CONDITIONS ARE MET.
Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Many carry around bitterness and anger from years past. Tragic ! It affects their health, their mental state, and their relationship with God. Even Christians who carry grudges areound for even as little as a couple weeks can be negatively affected.
4. GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS WHAT COUNTS THE MOST.
WHENEVER YOU SIN, YOU SIN AGAINST GOD FIRST. SIN IS A VIOLATION OF HIS LAW. WHEN WE SEEK FORGIVENESS, WE DON’T ASK THE ANGELS TO FORGIVE US. WE HAVE TO ASK THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST.
FORGIVENESS GETS US ON A RIGHT COURSE WITH THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST. BUT, SOMETIMES WE HAVE SET IN MOTION THINGS THAT WILL COMES AGAINST US, EVEN THOUGH GOD HAS FORGIVEN US.
**Like a man robbing a store. He is caught, he goes to trial, and is found guilty. While in jail, he receives a letter from the store owner. In it, the store owner says that he has forgiven the man. So what ? It doesn’t get him out of jail any more than self– forgiveness will get you out of Hell or out of a bad relationship with the Lord.
A. HIS FORGIVENESS IS REAL & LASTING.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
FOR US, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF US FORGIVING OTHERS ?
PEACE, HAPPINESS, KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE PLEASING GOD AND MAKING ANOTHER PERSON BLESSED BY UNLOADING THAT WEIGHT FROM HIM.
”Benefits Of Forgiveness”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
102115
Q&A: “Mercy/Grace”, “Lot” & “Doctrines Of Devils”
***At Solid Rock Bible Church, if you have a question about the Bible, doctrine, faith or anything related to your spiritual walk with God, we have a “Question Box” where you can deposit those questions. Pastor Ed then researches each one and give answers from the Word of God to help you grow in your faith !
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QUESTION:
“What is the difference between the Lord’s mercy and His grace ? Please be specific.”
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ANSWER:
DISTINCTION BETWEEN MERCY AND GRACE.
LOT KNEW BOTH TERMS AND UNDERSTOOD THEM.
Genesis 19:19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:
WE UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THESE WORDS BY THE WAY IN WHICH THEY ARE USED. ESPECIALLY TRUE IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
- MERCY = TO WITHHOLD PUNISHMENT WE DESERVE.
- GRACE = THE GIVING OF GOOD THINGS THAT WE DO NOT DESERVE.
MERCY
THE PUBLICAN ASKED FOR MERCY, NOT GRACE WHEN HE WENT INTO THE TEMPLE.
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Matthew 20:30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Ephesians 2:4 -8 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
WE DON’T DESERVE TO BE HERE AT THE THRONE, BUT WE ASK FOR YOUR MERCY….EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY.
GRACE
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
GOD COULD HAVE TAKEN HIM TO HEAVEN ALLOWED HIM TO BE THE ONE THROUGH WHOM THE EARTH WAS REPOPULATED.
GRACE IS OFFERED TO ALL MEN. BUT, THEY MUST RECEIVE IT BY FAITH.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
GRACE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. IT IS OFFERED TO ALL, BUT THOSE WHO RECEIVE IT ARE THE HUMBLE ONES. OTHERS REJECT IT. THINK THEY DON’T NEED TO DEPEND UPON GOD’S GRACE AND CAN WORK THINGS OUT ON THEIR OWN.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
SOME PEOPLE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GRACE, THINKING IT IS UNLIMITED AND WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
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QUESTION:
“When did Lot repent for his sin ?”
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ANSWER:
2 Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
THERE IS NO AREA OF THE BIBLE THAT TELLS US. EVEN IN FLEEING FROM SODOM, LOT WAS RELUCTANT TO FOLLOW THE WILL OF GOD FULLY. HE WAS BACKSLIDEN MOST OF HIS LIFE.
MOAB= “THE SON OF HIS MOTHER’S FATHER.”
BENAMMI= “THE SON OF HIS PEOPLE.”
BACKSLIDDEN PEOPLE DON’T GET THEIR PRAYERS ANSWERED.
Genesis 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
**LOT MAY HAVE THOUGHT GOD WAS LISTENING TO HIM, BUT THE BIBLE SAYS GOD DELIEVERED HIM FOR ABRAHAM’S SAKE, NOT BECAUSE OF LOT’S PRAYERS.
WITHOUT REPENTING, THEIR LIVES USUALLY GET MORE COMPLICATED, AND WORSE OFF.
Genesis 19:36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.
BACKSLIDDEN PEOPLE RAISE THEIR CHILDREN WITHOUT A GOOD EXAMPLE, AND THE CHILDREN GENERALLY GO ASTRAY.
Psalm 83:4-8 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
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QUESTION:
“Exactly what is the ‘doctrine of devils’ ? Can you name them specifically so we can recognize them immediately when we’re confronted with them ?
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1. EXACTLY WHAT IS DOCTRINES OF DEVILS ?
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;
DECEPTIVE DOCTRINES. Can’t be deceptive unless similar to the real thing.
–These are lies.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
SO, ALMOST ANY DOCTRINAL LIE COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO SATAN STARTING IT.
2. CAN YOU NAME THEM SPECIFICALLY SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE AND CONFRONT THEM ?
- THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL. Gets people away from their purpose and the true identity of god. they make him Santa Claus instead of the Almighty Creator.
- DENY THAT JESUS IS THE ONLY MESSIAH, THE ONLY SAVIOR.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
- ANOTHER JESUS. ANOTHER WAY OF SALVATION.
2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
- THE DOCTRINE THAT SAYS YOU CAN HATE OTHERS, BUT LOVE GOD IS A DOCTRINE FROM THE DEVIL.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
- THE DOCTRINE OF SINLESS PERFECTION IS OF THE DEVIL. (Others can see your sin, but you can’t).
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
- THE DOCTRINE THAT SAYS MAN WROTE THE BIBLE AND DO NOT ATTRIBUTE ITS WRITING TO GOD.
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
THIS IS A SMALL NUMBER OF THE MANY LIES SATAN HAS THROWN AT THE WORLD TODAY.
”Q&A – Difference Between Mercy & Grace/When Did Lot Repent ?/What are “Doctrines Of Devils” ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
092715
WHY DO WE NEED SALVATION ?
1. BECAUSE WITHOUT GOD WE ARE HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
WE CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF DOING THINGS WITHOUT GOD. FAMILIES WHICH DON’T PUT GOD FIRST INHERIT HUGE AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, RANGING FROM DRUGS, BOOZE, MURDEROUS FRIENDS, RUN-INS WITH THE LAW, SICKNESSES WHICH CANNOT BE EXPLAINED, AND MANY MORE. JUST BECAUSE A PERSON CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN DOESN’T MEAN THAT HE IS, OR THAT HE FOLLOWS CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. MOST PEOPLE TODAY WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS LIKE THE IDEA OF GOING TO HEAVEN, BUT HAVE NO COMMITMENT TO PUT GOD FIRST.
Colossians 1:14-17 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
“CONSIST” = literally means “ARE HELD TOGETHER”. Jesus is the one that holds families together. If you are half-hearted, don’t expect Him to reward that.
2. BECAUSE WE DIE. WE SEE DEATH ALL AROUND US.
Even if you are already saved and are resurrected at the Rapture, you will have to leave this old body behind. It will be completely changed as you ascend.
IF YOU LIVE LONG ENOUGH, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A LOVED ONE DYING. IT IS OBVIOUS.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
A man once gave a testimony that as a church reader was reading Genesis 5, he thought how boring this passage was. It was just a list of different people, and how long they lived, who their kids were. He was young, and had never thought about himself dying. Suddenly, as he was listening he realized that one thing each person listed had in common was that they all died. Some lived longer, some had more children, but they all died. He understood that God was speaking with him about death and his need to get ready.
Genesis 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Genesis 5:8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
Genesis 5:11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
Genesis 5:14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
Genesis 5:17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
Genesis 5:20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
Genesis 5:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Genesis 5:31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.
3. BECAUSE YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT WILL LEAVE THIS BODY ONE DAY . . .
. . . AND WHEN THEY DO, WE NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL OVER WHERE WE END UP. IT IS UP TO GOD TO BRING US TO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL LIVE FOREVER. THE DECISION IS MADE WHILE WE LIVE, NOT AFTER WE DIE.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
4. BECAUSE THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO DISOBEDIENCE, OR SIN.
A. ALL IT TAKES IS ONE SIN TO BREAK THE LAW OF LIFE.
ADAM AND EVE SINNED ONCE, AND SPIRITUALLY DIED. GOD TOLD THEM IT TOOK ONLY ONE ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DONE THE SAME ? MORE THAN ONCE ?
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
A woman received a phone call telling her that her bank account had been accessed by a hacker, and all her life saving were gone. She was devastated. The voice on the other end said that the bank was committed to getting her money back, but they needed to verify that she was one who held the account. They asked for her social security number, and the account numbers. After which, they thanked her for her cooperation, and hung up. Shortly thereafter, she received a call from the REAL bank informing her that someone had accessed her accounts. The first called was a scam. She never fell for anything like that before. She did only once, and lost everything.
What if a man jumps off the top of a skyscaper ? On the way down, he changes his mind and decides it was the wrong thing to do. He complains that it was his first time to try something so stupid. It didn’t help. He died anyway. He did this only once. That is all it took.
ONE SIN PRODUCES AN AUTOMATIC VERDICT OF GUILT. ONLY ONE SIN !
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. BECAUSE EVEN WHEN WE TRY TO DO OUR BEST, WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
OUR FEEBLE EFFORTS ARE NOT TOTALLY PURE OR CLEAN ENOUGH TO MAKE IT INTO HEAVEN.
Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
When faced with the idea that one sin is enough to condemn them to hell, some contend that they are “Good people.” But, consider the number of murderers whose relatives and friends cannot believe they committed a crime. What about their neighbors who say they were always respectful and friendly. Does their good behavior outweigh them killing their children, their wife or others ?
6. BECAUSE OUR CREATOR SAYS THAT WE NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER WHAT HE SAYS ? ONLY GOD CAN DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY. THINK ABOUT IT.
What government can give you a home in Heaven ? Which of your friends can bring you safely all the way to Heaven ? None. You relay solely upon God.
Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
JESUS PRESENTED THIS TRUTH TO A MAN WHO WAS VERY RELIGIOUS, KNEW THE BIBLE, AND SEEMED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE. HOW MUCH MROE WOULD THIS APPLY TO EVERY ONE OF US !
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
7. GOD PROMISES EVERLASTING LIFE TO THOSE WHOSE SINS ARE TAKEN AWAY AND ERASED.
It doesn’t matter how bad your sins have been, there is a God Who wants to free you from them, and bless you. But, you have to do it HIS way.
WHY WOULD ANYONE TURN DOWN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE FREED FROM THE POWER OF SIN ? WHY WOULD ANYONE PUSH GOD’S LOVE AWAY WHEN THERE IS STILL TIME TO RECEIVE IT ?
John 5:24 Verily, 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 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
JESUS SPOKE OF DEATH AND CONFRONTED PEOPLE WITH IT MORE THAN ALL THE PROPHETS.
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;
8. BECAUSE WE CANNOT CONTROL WHAT LIES AHEAD IN A WORLD WE CANNOT SEE RIGHT NOW.
CANNOT GET INTO HEAVEN OR MAKE ANYTHING IN OUR LIVES COUNT WITHOUT HIM.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.
9. BECAUSE WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.
Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
”Why Do We Need Salvation ?”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
092015
YOUR MISTAKES
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MISTAKES. THEY ARE ERRORS. WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR NOT.
Mistake = 1. An error or fault resulting from defective judgment, deficient knowledge, or carelessness. 2. A misconception or misunderstanding 3. An act or judgment that is misguided or wrong
SOME CAN BE CORRECTED.
SOME CAN NEVER BE CORRECTED.
SOME CAN BE TOOLS FOR LEARNING.
SOME ARE MORE SERIOUS THAN OTHER.
THEY CAN BE FORGIVEN.
THOSE NOT FORGIVEN MUST RESULT IN THE FULL CONSEQUENCES.
IN ALL CASES, MISTAKES MUST BE ADDRESSED AND DEALT WITH PROPERLY.
1. WE MAY NOT UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING, BUT GOD TELLS US CLEARLY WHAT IS RIGHT.
A. A MISTAKE, OR ERROR IS STILL SIN, WHETHER IT IS DONE WITHOUT KNOWING IT IS SIN, OR KNOWING THAT YOU COMMITTED IT DELIBERATELY.
Old Testament WORD “ERROR”=07944 שׁל shal shal 1) error, fault, MISTAKE
2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
B. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE HEADING SPIRITUALLY. HAVE A PLAN, A PURPOSE, AND A PLACE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE SPIRITUALLY.
Joseph was wandering around a field, uncertain of where he was, and not seeing any evidence of what he was looking for.
Genesis 37:15-18 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
LATER IN LIFE JOSEPH HAD A PLAN. HE WOULD SEEK GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS LIFE, AND FOLLOW IT EVEN IF IT LED HIM TO PRISON, PERSECUTION, OR DEATH. HE ACTIVELY LISTENED TO GOD, GOD GAVE HIM GUIDANCE BECAUSE HE WAS WILLING TO LISTEN.
Many people have died trying to climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Most of them died when they refused to listen to the guides who knew the mountain well. They decided to disregard their advice, and strike out on a different path. The most important and faithful guide in life is not some saintly relative, but the Bible, and the Holy Spirit.
C. GOD WILL BE WITH THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH.
REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE WORLD DOES, GOD WILL GET HIS PEOPLE THROUGH THEIR ORDEALS. DANIEL WAS METICULOUSLY FOLLOWING WHAT WAS RIGHT. SOME PEOPLE ARE HAPHAZARD ABOUT DOING THINGS. NOT SO WITH DANIEL.
Daniel 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
2. THE WORLD WILL LEAD YOU INTO THE COUNTLESS ERRORS.
A. THE WORLD HAS A PATH THAT LEADS TO DESTRUCTION.
IT CLAIMS THAT THIS ROAD IS NOT WRONG, AND THAT IS CANNOT BE STRAYING FROM RIGHT BECAUSE NO ONE CAN SET UP A STANDARD OF RIGHT OR WRONG EXCEPT THE INDIVIDUAL.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
B. THERE IS A LIFE STYLE OF MISTAKES AND ERRORS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
THERE IS A WAY OF LIFE THAT IS AN ERROR. IT LEAVES GOD OUT. EXCEPT FOR WHEN A CRISIS HITS, GOD IS CAST ASIDE AS UNNECESSARY. THAT IS THE WAY OF LIFE FOR SOME.
New Testament WORD “ERROR”=4106 πλανη plane plan’-ay
WANDERING AWAY, DECEIT, FRAUD, STRAYING
EVERYONE HAS A WAY OF DETERMINING WHERE TO GO NEXT IF THEY ARE LOST OR CONFUSED. SOME FREEZE. SOME ALWAYS CONSULT SOMEONE THEY TRUST. SOME REACH FOR SOMETHING TO EASE THEIR PAIN. SOME SEARCH IN A BOOK FOR AN ANSWER. SOME GET ON THEIR KNEES AND PRAY. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE FACT THAT YOU AREN’T GETTING ANYWHERE SPIRITUALLY ?
THE MISTAKE OF THE UNSAVED IS PART OF A LIFESTYLE WHICH DEPARTS FROM THE WAYS OF GOD. IN SOME CULTURES, A SPIRIT OF SIN TAKES OVER.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
THERE IS A DANGER OF BEING LED AWAY FROM THE RIGHT PATH FOR THE BELIEVER.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
GOD EXPECTS US TO BE STEADFAST IN THE RIGHT WAYS. THAT INCLUDES SERVING HIM.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
MANY WHO LIVE IN WORLDLY PLEASURES AND DO NOT SEEK THE PLEASURES OF GOD ARE THE TRUE WALKING DEAD TODAY.
1 Timothy 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Think you are secure ? You might be living a dream. For example, a man in a store parking lot got out of his car, took about 15 steps, and pressed the button to lock his car doors. The car horn blew to let him know they were locked. He questioned its safety though, so he goes back to the car, and makes sure the locks are in the downward position, indicating they were locked. They were. So, he walks away from the car assuming that it is protected safe. The problem is the car was a convertible and had the top down. Somehow he thought the car was safer since he checked on it.
Many people think they are safe because they used to attend church, used to be faithful, and when in a crisis, they pray to God. However, that does not provide eternal security. Only repenting of your sins, and putting your faith in Jesus provides for your soul to be secure and heaven-bound.
”Your Mistakes”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
091315
WHEN YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH
Mrs. Jones had a difficult time getting her five year old son to finish his dinner each night. He wanted sweets rather than nourishing food. One night, she told him that he could not have sweets for the rest of the night unless he ate his dinner. He got up, went to be without eating anything more. The next night, he refused to finish his dinner again.
Since the restriction on sweets did not work, she added, he could not have anything sweet during the following day. He got up from the table and went to bed without finishing. The next night the tension increased. His mother was determined to make him eat his dinner. She told him that he had to finish his dinner, or else he would not be able to come out of his room for the next day.
He got up from the table and went to bed without finishing his meal. The next day the stubborn child stayed in his room the whole day. That night he once again refused to finish dinner and went to his room. The mother was in disbelief. So, she went to his room door and wanted to find what it was which allowed him such strong staying abilities. While at the door she could hear him talking. He was talking to the puppy they had given him. As the child confided in the puppy about his mother and her insistence that he eat his dinner, the mother soon realized that the puppy had been his comfort and security. So, the next night, she said he must finish his food or go to his room. However, she added the punishment that he must surrender his puppy to his sister’s room. The child was shocked and devasted that his mother would add on such a terrible punishment. He ate everythign on his plate.
The mother found his breaking point. Sometimes it is one thing for one person, and another for someone else.
1. SOMETIMES IT TAKES ENOUGH CHASTENING TO BRING A PERSON BACK TO THEIR SENSES.
PEOPLE CAN FINALLY GET TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF CHASTENING.
Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
2. SOME PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE SERVED THE LORD ENOUGH.
OTHERS THINK THEY HAVE LIVED LONG ENOUGH. IT IS NOT UP TO US TO MAKE THAT CONCLUSION. IT IS UP TO GOD. ELIJAH FELT THAT HE HAD DONE ENOUGH IN LIFE.
1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
3. SOME PEOPLE FALSELY BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE ENOUGH OF GOD.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING CAN LEAD TO A FALSE LICENSE TO DO WRONG. MANY PEOPLE REALIZED THAT THEY WERE BLESSED, AND THEN THOUGHT THAT GOD WILL ALLOW THEM SPECIAL PRIVILEGES WHICH GOD DID NOT REALLY ALLOW.
1 Kings 10:23-24 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
4. SOME PEOPLE THINK THEY HAVE ENOUGH OF GOD WHEN THEY DON’T HAVE HIM AT ALL.
THEY KNOW ABOUT HIM, AND DEPEND ON OTHERS FOR LIGHT. THERE IS ONLY ENOUGH OF GOD FOR EACH PERSON. YOU CAN’T REST ON SOMEONE ELSE TO GET YOU IN WITH GOD OR GET YOU OUT OF TROUBLE. IT DOESN’T ALWAYS WORK THAT WAY.
Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
5. SOME PEOPLE ARE SENSITIVE ENOUGH THAT THEY GET ENOUGH INNER PAIN TO QUIT THEIR SIN.
A PERSON CAN BECOME OVERWHELMED IN GRIEF OVER THEIR SINS. THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE GRACE OF GOD, HIS FORGIVENESS, AND THE POWER OF GOD TO OVE THEM ON TO THE NEXT STAGE OF GROWTH.
2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
6. WE HAVE TO GET ENOUGH OF GOD’S CHASTENING BEFORE WE TURN BACK.
IT WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH PERSON.
THERE COMES A TIME OF ENOUGH FAILURES THAT WE ARE READY FOR OUR OWN PENTECOST.
Mark 14:41 And He cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
7. WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE ENOUGH RESOURCES, THERE IS THE DANGER OF DEPENDING ON THAT RATHER THAN GOD.
In preparing for a natural disaster like a large storm or hurricane, what if a family prepared and made sure there was enough stockpiled food and water. But, they didn’t know that rats got in opened the food products, and what they didn’t eat, was overcome by ants and worms. What then ?
GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST. THE DISCIPLES SHOWED JESUS ALL THAT THEY HAD BETWEEN THEMSELVES, THERE WERE ONLY TWO SWORDS AMONG TWELVE DISCIPLES.
Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
8. WHEN YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DOING THINGS YOUR OWN WAY.
PRODIGAL SON.
Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
”When You’ve Had Enough”
A Bible Study with Dr. Ed J. MacWilliams
083015