Calvary Chapel of Joplin: Recent Episodes
Over - over again God proves the reliability of His word. In so doing it comforts - encourages His people. Strengthens - fortiBies the faith of His people. - Often the way God-proves the reliability of His word is by informing us of things we would not know, in fact could not know if He hadn't told us. -We call it prophecy-.
Paul wrote to Timothy, -Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.-1 There is a sense in which Isaiah 45 is saying-showing in historical narrative form, what Paul summed up in a single sentence in 1 Tim 1-17.
I'm just going to trust that the book of Isaiah has brought both blessing, - times of refreshing to your spirit. - -God's word is always right on time. It has this way -proverbially-speaking- of lifting us up by our lapels, slapping us around a little bit, -or splashing some -proverbial- cold water right in our faces- - snapping us back into reality.
Last week's word ended w-a warning of judgment. The principle in play was essentially this, -Do not be deceived, God is not mocked- for whatever a man sows, that he-will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,-1 Israel, refusing to turn back to the Lord, to repent of their sin -their idolatry- - trust in the Lord, only the curse - reproach remains.
In Isa 42, two servants come into focus. Both called-commissioned by God. One successful, the other unsuccessful. One fruitful - faithful, the other failed being unfaithful. One exalted to the highest prominence, the other punished. The curtain closed on Ch 41 proclaiming the fact that idols are nothing. It draws back on Ch 42 w-God's Servant, who is everything.
We left off last week on a wonderful litany of promises from God. We were isolating the horrible atrocity, the sinful nature of fear - anxiety. Though, I would say that if we were to be transparent w-one another, those are things that we all struggle with from time to time - in various-sundry situations.
Isaiah 41 is all about the comfort of our Creator. If we take a moment to -zoom out-, we remind ourselves that Isaiah is speaking -in this section- to future generations of God's people.
Lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, do not be afraid- say to the cities of Judah, -Behold, your God--
-There is a paradigm shift that takes place at this point in the book of Isaiah. We're lifted out of the minor key of condemnation - heavy exhortation to the major key of comfort - consolation. Our focus transitions from the Sovereign's crown to the Savior's cross. From the government of God to the grace of God. From the law of God pointedly proclaimed to the love of God powerfully portrayed. From the -burden of the Lord- to the -blessing d to the joy of God.-
Every now - then you watch a movie that opens w-a real nail biter- Then suddenly it cuts to something more subdued - a caption comes up, -6 months earlier- -or something like that-. That's essentially what we have here in these next couple of Ch's. We just witnessed the dramatic deliverance of the city of Jerusalem from the onslaught of-Assyria. In one night, the angel of the Lord swept through their camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat - remain in his own land.
-Every now - then God will step miraculously into the tide of human history. Among other reasons, it may be to deliver the righteous, it may be to judge the wicked. Many times, it will serve both purposes simultaneously, but every time it serves to bring Him glory. Ch 37 of the book of Isaiah certainly brings into focus for us one of the most incredible-victories ever experienced by the people of God.-
God gives Isaiah a word of -Woe- to the nation of Assyria - a precious promise to the nation of Judah.
As many of you know, Matthew chapter 7 is the third of three chapters-in the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus' -Sermon on the Mount- is-recorded.
The result of rebellion is condemnation. The result of repentance is transformation. Rebellion piles on detriment. Repentance unleashes benefits. Unfortunately for some of us, it doesn't seem to matter how often the way of wisdom is shared w-us - shown to us, there's a prideful, rebellious element in us that's always got to learn the hard way.
The curtain pulls back on Ch 29 in a bit of a mysterious fashion. God pronouncing -woe- to -Ariel-, which makes us wonder exactly what God is talking about. We hear the word -Ariel- we start thinking -little mermaid- or something. J But it quickly becomes clear that -for whatever reason God calls it Ariel- He's referring to the city of Jerusalem - by extension the nation of Judah.
Let's recall that at this point, the nation of Israel is divided into two kingdoms. Israel to the north, Judah to the south. Judah had the capital city of Jerusalem, so Israel declared Samaria to be its capital. The most prominent tribe of the northern kingdom was Ephraim. So, when the Lord addresses the northern kingdom, you may hear a reference to Israel, perhaps to Samaria, still other times to Ephraim.
What a wonderful journey 1st John has been. John has written to us in a profoundly simple, straightforward - powerful way.His overwhelming emphasis upon who Jesus is in truth, who you are in Him - what your life will look like if you truly belong to Him. His heart has been to assure us of the fact that salvation is in Jesus.
To be born of God is to believe that Jesus is the Christ. - Every believer has a few distinct -birthmarks- that give way to the fact that they're God's children. Those indicators -those ingredients in the life of every believer- are love for God, love for God's people - obedience to God's Word. - The general sphere or domain of the child of God is one of victory.
Today is a great day- You may or may not remember that I made mention to you last week something to the effect of every day is a great day for the follower of J.C., not because we always feel good or are in perfect health. Not because our path is primrose - problem free, or because we are emersed in the creature comforts of this life. But because God has loved us - has given His Son for us. Jesus was delivered up - crucified for our transgressions - He was raised to life for our justification -that we might stand justified before God by faith in Him- - each - every day you -believer- live your life in the power of the resurrection-
A common struggle that believers can wrestle with is that of -assurance-. - We've touched on this topic along the way, people will at times wonder what kind of compromise they can get away with - still make it to heaven- But you need to understand, that's a dangerous road -at best- to travel down-
When you believe on the Lord Jesus. God seals you, places w-in you, His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is His -gift- to you -if you will-, to seal you, to strengthen you, to encourage - aid you in your walk with Jesus until you stand before Him face to face.
Comparing - contrasting. That's what John's been up to in this, our present passage. He's been reasoning w-us from both the positive - the negative position - he's trying to get us to understand that -the proof is in the practice- of a person's life. How can you know if you're truly a child of God.
What we are, what we shall be, what we should be. That's the context we're coming back to here in 1 Jn Ch 3. The love of God has seen fit to make us children of God. As a believer in J.C. that's what you are presently. You are a child of God.
-We left off last time thinking through familial likeness. When someone is born of another, there's typically what we refer to as a -family resemblance-. We tend to take after our parents in some form or fashion. - John was bringing insight to the fact of what's true-physically, is also true spiritually. In Vs 29 of Ch 2 he said--
A sharing in the things of God, a relationship w-God is everything in the Christian life. It's imperative that we stay vigilant - be on guard against anything that might impair or poison that relationship. - John has been very careful to instruct us regarding things that can do just that. Last week he spoke to us through the incredible passage of scripture--Vs 15-17- warning us of the dangers of worldliness. How that worldliness can absolutely-devastate - destroy our walk-relationship w-God.
Paul told young Timothy, -Flee- youthful lusts-- 2 Timothy 2-22. The problem with -youthful lusts- is that they aren't limited to the young. They may be found in - associated w-the young, but they tempt - trouble us all-
The book of 1st John is incredibly practical. It's very black - white. John is all about giving us tools that enable us to discern-distinguish between true - false, right - wrong, godliness - ungodliness.
1 John is all about setting the record straight. John's heart is to teach us the truth of who God is. The truth of who Jesus is, the relationship that He has w-the Father - His role in our lives. The truth of who we are, what our relationship is -as Christians- to the world - with one another- Translation-- This book is gonna be good-
We're in a section of scripture that has catapulted us forward in time. To time when life as we now know it no longer exists. God's judgment has been poured out upon the earth in -what the Bible refers to as- the Great Tribulation. The earth has since experienced restoration, - now we're in this post tribulation period known as the 1,000 yr reign or -Millennial- reign of Christ upon the earth when we will rule - reign w-Him as kings - priests - we will enjoy His exaltation over all creation.
In Vs 23 of Ch 24, Isaiah focuses our attention upon a prophetic picture. A time in which the Lord will rule the earth victoriously-gloriously from Mt Zion, in Jerusalem. Ch 25 is the response of praise that overflows from his heart as the result of this coming reality. The day in which the earth undergoes renovation-restoration - God's will is done on earth, even as it is in Heaven.
-Life - liberty aren't privileges extended to us by our government. They're rights graciously granted to us by God. - - It's important that we not be confused on this issue. For 10 straight chapters, as God declares judgment upon nation after nation, if one thing comes into focus for us, it's the fact that, He's the One we're to look to - trust in exclusively if -as a nation- we want to experience security, prosperity - liberty.
We're in this section of scripture that's dealing with the judgment of the nations. But by way of reminder, Isaiah isn't a book that's kept in any consistent kind of chronological order. We shouldn't think chronologically with these writings. Probably more accurate to think thematically. Let's not forget, his ministry spanned the reign of 4 different kings-
We've been on a -rinse - repeat- cycle for a few weeks -with a couple more to go-. God simply making it clear that no nation, no people, no one will be exempt from judgment.
We've learned a lot in this section of scripture we've been studying. But perhaps the primary overarching theme threaded throughout it, is simply the faithfulness of God to warn the nations of impending judgment-
As Isaiah prophesies in our present passage, war clouds are gathering in the north. The Assyrian army is mobilizing, they're preparing to move out in an effort to conquer the known world- But what they don't realize is that God is using them as His instrument of judgment upon the nations-
We spoke in our last gathering of the Biblical reference to Babylon. How it's not only a physical-historical place, but spiritually, it typifies the kingdom of the world system apart from God. In Ch 13 God promises the destruction of the kingdom of Babylon -- all that it stands for-. In Ch 14 He promises the destruction of its king.
How do I know that I can trust the Bible-- That what I'm being told isn't just the random musings of some well-meaning men-- What is it that sets this book apart from any other -religious writing- in the world-- Because when I'm putting my eternal destiny on the line, -rolling the dice- - going -all in- on this, it's important that I be assured that what I'm being told is true-
The psalmist, in thinking upon the might - the majesty of God, wrote these words--When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him--- He concluded by saying, -O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth-- In Psalm 86 we read, -Teach me Your way, O Lord- I will walk in Your truth- Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol-. Ps 139, -I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made- Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.-
Isaiah Ch 8 ends in trouble - darkness. The Lord had been speaking of the judgment that was to come upon the nation of Israel. How that the Assyrian invasion would utterly annihilate - overwhelm them -like a great river overflowing its banks-. The Assyrians would overflow even into the areas of Judah reaching all the way up to its neck. Coming right up to the capital city of Jerusalem, but God would be w-them -Immanuel-, He would take up their cause - fight for them - the Assyrians would not succeed in conquering them.
How do you handle a -no win- situation-- I mean, from all appearances there's no way out. Maybe you've made some decisions - the inescapable destructive consequences are upon you. Now what do you do--
From a wonderful king to a wicked king. -That's the transition from Ch 6 to Ch 7.-Uzziah was a great king. Although his reign was tarnished by his transgression in the temple, overall, he served the Lord. His son, Jotham -who reigned coregent with him for a number of years after he was struck w-leprosy- was also a good king. But his son, Ahaz abandoned-the faith of his fathers - was wicked. He did evil in the sight of the Lord - brought God's judgment upon the land.
Isaiah's clarity. He saw the Lord, seated on a throne, high - lifted up, - the train of-His robe filled the temple. But we note when this happened for him. It was in the year that-King Uzziah died.
Ch's 2-5 are a proclamation of punishment - purification toward Judah - Jerusalem. If while we're reading through it you find yourself thinking, -Man, this seems harsh-- You're correct. It is. Jesus said it like this, -For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required- and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.-
Hope - horror, both are headed down the prophetic pike for this planet. The one that applies to you depends upon which side of the line you take your stand. Ladies - gentlemen let's understand one thing. With God, there's no such thing as -neutral ground-. You're either for Him or against Him. You either trust Him or you don't. You either love Him or you don't. You're either saved or you're not- At the end of the day there are no-shades of grey as it pertains to things like God's justice, judgment, sin - salvation.
Often, when we think of the -prophets of old-, we think of men who -foretold- the-works of God. But they were also men who -told forth- the word of God. They acted in many respects like a good doctor. They would diagnose the problem, prescribe the remedy - then warn of the ramifications of ignoring or not acting upon the prescription.
By the end of Luke 23, Jesus has been tried, crucified - laid in a tomb. The tomb has been sealed, a Roman guard -as few as 4 soldiers, but up to 16- has been set. A couple days earlier the religious leaders had approached Pilate about securing the tomb -until the 3rd day- to silence any would be rumors or deception of a resurrection. Because Jesus had announced on multiple occasions that He would rise from the dead on that day, Luke 24 is that day.
Throughout this letter, James has placed no small emphasis upon the way we use our tongues. So it serves as no surprise that as he winds down-wraps up, he exhorts us unto its highest use- prayer, praise - persuading others unto godliness. But the primary emphasis of this passage -by far- is placed upon prayer -being mentioned 7x's in Vs 13-18-. He exhorts us to pray over our suffering, to seek prayer in times of sickness, we're to pray - intercede for one another- - we are to pray fervently. Meaning, not hyper-emotionally, - not mechanically or absent mindedly, but sincerely, passionately, from the heart.
James Ch 5 opens w-a great concentration of condemnation. - If someone were to say, -Hey, I want to read you something from the Bible.- Then, proceeded to read these words w-out telling you where they were found, you might be prone to think they were the castigating rebuke of one of the prophets of old-
James was writing to a people riddled w-conflicts. Wars-contentions, strife - divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige - prominence among - above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise - understanding, the -gifted-of God- teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w-the destructive problem of pride. - But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems that they're having in their relationships w-one another, it's really only indicative or-symptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.James was writing to a people riddled with conflicts. Wars-contentions, strife - divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige - prominence among - above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise - understanding, the -gifted of God- teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w-the destructive problem-of pride. - But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems that-they're having in their relationships w-one another, it's really only indicative or-symptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.
The Bible teaches that as the body of Christ, we are one. That just as your physical body is composed of many individual members, yet comprises one body, so to the body of Christ. Though we are many, we remain one body. Each individual adding an element to the body that makes up the whole. You need me, - I need you if we're to function - flourish as God intended. I serve you through the means in which God has gifted me - you serve me through the means God has gifted you- That is, we serve one another. It may be individually or corporately, however the case may be. We are to edify one another - glorify God.
Responsibility - accountability, that's what God places upon the words we use. Way too often we underestimate the power of a spoken word. - That is, the way our words impact - influence others. They can be directive, destructive, encouraging, edifying, discouraging, or disheartening. A well-timed word can set someone on the pathway to greatness or completely derail their otherwise fruitful trajectory in life.
What does -saving faith- look like in a person's life- That's really the heart behind this section of scripture. - It's an important question to consider because faith is a key, -in fact critical- doctrine in the Christian life. - The sinner is saved by grace through faith -Eph-2-8-, the believer is to -walk- or live by faith -2 Cor 5-7-. The Bible teaches that apart from faith it's impossible to please God -Heb 11-6- - that whatever is not from faith -Rom 14-23- is sin.
My reception of God's Word is made manifest in my response to God's Word. That's the life lesson James has just rehearsed w-us in this last portion of Ch 1. If my observation of God's word never translates into an application of God's Word, than it's not doing me-any good. It doesn't matter how much I study it, how accurately I can quote it or how well I think I know it- As the curtain draws back on Ch 2, James continues to build upon that principle, but he zeroes in on the specific point of partiality -or favoritism-.
Allow me to remind you- James is all about practical Christian living. He's given us keys on how we stay true to God through trials-tribulations, how we stay true to God rather than indulge temptations. Now, he wants to talk to us a bit about our temper.-Tribulations, temptations - tempers.
In chap 3 we found Solomon understanding the value of time and the purpose of the seasons we face in this life, both the good and the not so good. God has ordained and organized things so that Everything is going as planned..The result of this foothold leads us to trust God and if we let Him He will guide us in these moments and He will build our faith teaching us to keep our eyes on eternity where they belong.
Seasons are just part of our life, that big moment growing up when you hit double digits, the teen age years, 20's, 30's and upward.. college, marriage, kids.. it seems like our entire life is either entering into, enduring or coming to the end of another season.
The Word of God offers a ready reminder of the frailty-brevity of life. The life span of man -in the grand scope of things- is as the grass of the field. The grass withers, the flower falls - it's beautiful appearance fades. Here today, gone tomorrow- - It's not that it's wrong to have money- The warning is to be wise. Don't make it your sole life goal to-acquire wealth. Don't put your faith in finances as though riches will assure future-security- That's a mindset focused on things that are temporary rather than eternity.
The epistle James is a very -put feet to your faith- kind of book. It's blatantly all about practical Christian living. Out of the 108 Vs found in this book, we find 54 imperatives. If you're wondering, -What's an imperative-- An imperative is a command. It's not a suggestion J, it's a command. Which means, we essentially have on average, some kind of call to action every other Vs throughout this book.
In Micah Ch 7, we find the prophet both grieving - glorifying God. He sees the faithfulness of God as a light shining in the darkness.
In Ch 6, God call's -again- upon His people to -hear- Him. - We've spoken previously about what it means to -hear- God. It goes beyond a simple listening to what's being said. It implies paying attention, gaining understanding, -leading to an appropriate course of action-
Allow me to remind you of that -rubber-band- pattern of prophecy so prevalent-throughout Micah's message. The phrase we highlighted is called -prophetic telescoping-.-Meaning that it's not uncommon -we saw it last week- when studying prophecy, to have in front of you a passage that deals w-what's happening presently -that is, in the text historically- - then w-out warning the prophet will take you hundreds, maybe thousands of years down the prophetic pipeline - then suddenly snap back to their current situation-or perhaps anywhere in between. - That may take place w-in the span of a single Vs or 2. God, not being bound by any constraints of time, seems to -on the occasion- speak w-out regard to time - He's well w-in His rights to do so-
Deception leads to destruction. - Micah had prophesied, that because the heads, the rulers, the priests - the prophets were leading the people astray -teaching, preaching, prophesying for pay, judging for a bribe- that Zion would be plowed like a field. Leveled to the ground. Jerusalem would become heaps of ruins- - the mountain of the temple like the bare hills of the forest. Ch 3 ends in darkness, destruction - devastation brought on by deception.
In Ch 1, God exposed the sins of His people against Himself. -Idolatry, spiritual adultery, harlotry, willful rebellion against His ways - His Word.- In Ch 2, He exposes - denounces the sins of His people against one another. It's the natural -albeit tragic- progression. If a person isn't right w-God, then he-she won't be right w-others. If then vertical relationship is off, then the horizontal relationships will be off as well. It may vary in severity or depravity, but the one necessarily leads to the other. If I'm not right w-God, then I can't be right w-you-
Micah has a message for all of humanity. But his scope narrows quickly -he speaks primarily- to Israel - Judah. So, though much of the interpretation belongs to Israel-Judah specifically, I trust there will be plenty of application to be found for you - me personally.
Some of the Christians in Corinth were flailing - floundering around because they were being bamboozled into believing that there was no resurrection- - As we've noted before, what we believe will determine how we behave- - If you don't believe there's a resurrection, if you believe that this life is all that there is, then living in extreme debauchery - depravity would make sense. Defile yourself to the fullest because there's no hope, nothing to look forward to, no joy or fulfillment beyond what you grab hold of in this world -of which you won't be in very long-.
As Christians, everything we believe hinges upon the resurrection of J.C. - You start tugging on the string that doubts or denies the resurrection, everything unravels. If there's no resurrection then all of the apostles are liars, Jesus Himself is a false prophet -a deceiver-, the Word of God is untrue, untrustworthy, full of failed promises - false hopes. Because they have all prophesied, promised or bore witness to the resurrection when in reality there is no resurrection -if Jesus didn't rise from the dead-.
Have you ever wondered, -So, how does it end- How exactly will the Lord wind-down - wrap up human history pertaining to the fallen state of humanity-- Paul touches-on that topic here in 1 Cor 15. - It may interest you to realize that it's related to the-resurrection. The resurrection of J.C. necessarily set in motion a chain of events that must-culminate in the destruction of death - the establishing of the eternal sinless state. The-day is coming -give God praise- when sin will cease to exist - death will be destroyed.
-Top 10 most important chapters of the Bible.- Is such a list even conceivable- How do you place the precepts-principles of scripture into a category of -greater-lesser- importance when the fact is, -It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' -1There's no such thing as an -irrelevant- section of scripture. Because even if a particular portion's interpretation may not belong to us -i.e. the Mosaic law that was given to ancient Israel under the old covenant-. We're always going to be able to mine application that is relevant to us. - Having said that, if you were to formulate such a list, I just don't see how 1 Cor 15 couldn't be on it.
In the body of Christ, none are insignificant - none can be independent. We've all been gifted in some capacity by the Spirit of God - have been placed in the body specifically where God has purposed as it pertains to His plan for our lives. Each of you have a role, each of you have a responsibility if we're to function effectively as a body.-We're members individually, but collectively we make up the body. We need one another. No one has every gift, but everyone has some gift-s-- God has designed it this way so that we might have the same care for one another.
Spiritual gifts are a matter of great interest in the church today. Many are confused - uncertain as to their applications-operations. Wondering, are they for today - in what way do they evidence themselves when at work-
In Ch 12 we find the endowment of spiritual gifts, Ch 13 gives us the energy of spiritual gifts - Ch 14 will speak to the exercise of spiritual gifts.
What Paul had established as that time of commemoration,-celebration - anticipation, essentially disintegrated into a time of separation - self gratification. They had managed to take this sacred rite that the Lord had entrusted to His own - somehow twist it into sacrilege
From creation to salvation, we serve a God who is structured - orderly. Even so, when it comes to the home --or the corporate assembly -which is what Paul points out today- there is order - authority that He has established. - - In many ways it flies against the spirit of our age today, to which we are neither shocked nor surprised because worldliness is opposed to godliness on virtually every level.
Overconfidence creates weakness. That was the basic principle Paul put forth as we were ending our time together last week. The Corinthian Christians had experienced blessing after privilege after blessing from God. Baptized into Christ, provisions - protection from Christ, yet not really living lives that expressed gratitude toward or love for Christ. Thinking that because they'd believed in Jesus, they'd been baptized, they partook of communion that they were safe from any real form of discipline or disqualification.
The best way to learn- Some would say, -Experience.- I would agree. However, does it always have to be your experience that you learn from- - I would say, no. Perhaps you've heard the phrase, -Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.- - The idea being that the experience of others in the past should serve to save us some heartaches or repeating the same mistakes in the present-
Confusion - controversy are the topics of the hour. In Ch 7 Paul dealt with Corinthian confusion. Questions concerning marriage-singleness - serving the Lord. In Ch 8 we begin leaning into Corinthian controversy. There was some tension concerning the topic of eating meat offered to idols. Is that something a Christian could do, or should do- - Obviously, for you - me -culturally- this really isn't something that applies to us. However, the principle in play regarding Christian liberty very much does. For instance, people have questions about Christians - movies, or television, or smoking, or drinking or dancing... Things that the bible may not layout in black - white. They linger in -the gray- - so people-volley back - forth as to what's the appropriate response of the believer regarding these kinds of things. It's in Ch 8 that Paul outlines the principle that should guide-govern our lives when it comes to questionable things.
Beginning in Ch 7, Paul the apostle is resolving issues revolving around Corinthian-confusion. - What we have are his answers, what we don't have are their questions. They-had written him a letter because they had questions, evidently revolving around married-life, single life, sexual intimacy - spirituality.
Up to this point, the things he's addressed didn't really have anything to do with what they wrote to him, but what he'd come to learn about them- But here in Ch 7 he-begins to bring clarity in some of these, their areas of confusion.
The flesh is so subtle, so crafty in its ability to justify sin. It wants to be satisfied- or gratified at any expense. It takes - twists even good news for selfish gain. We start perverting biblical principles in order to satisfy sinful desires. We'll take the words of Jesus, -Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.-1 Or the apostle Paul, --where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.-2 Words like, -I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself--3 Or -To the pure all things are pure,-4- We'll completely void them of context in order to create some sense of justification or rationalization as to why it is we can partake in some kind of sinful situation. We want to associate liberty w-sin, - holiness w-legalism.
The church today seems to have so many problems, we can easily become disillusioned. We wonder where things went wrong. - I mean, you read the book of Acts - you think, -Man, they really had their 'act' together. J Things were happening, miracles were taking place, God's power was on the loose, what a glorious time- If we could only be like they were.- - - It's certainly true that we read of glorious things taking place in those early years, the foundational years of the church- But I'd like to remind you that what we have in the book of Acts, though the record is accurate, in - of itself it's incomplete. If you want a more accurate picture of the early church, then you really need to read the entirety of the N.T. epistles -- you might ought to throw in Ch's 2-3 of the book of Rev. as well-.
-Divided where I should be united, united where I should be divided. Who am I-- Sounds like a riddle, doesn't it- But such was the state of the Corinthian Christians. Division - indifference was disgracing them. Divided over teachers-preachers, ministers - ministries. Yet altogether indifferent, even somewhat endearing toward willful, unrepentant sin w-in their congregation-
It was just over 1,000 yrs B.C. God says to Samuel, -Go to the house of Jesse, the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.- So Samuel fills his horn of oil to anoint the new king, - heads to Bethlehem. He gets there - Jesse brings out his eldest son - Samuel says, -Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him-- He just looked -kingly-, strong, stately, good looking, - all.
They should be united, but instead they're divided. That's the current situation in the-Corinthian congregation. Dividing over various teachers who've been ministering to them,-rather than simply recognize that it's Jesus who's been ministering through them -to-them-. They've drifted back into placing a premium on the wisdom of this world rather-than recognizing the true wisdom of God in Christ. So they banter back and forth about-who had the best delivery, who waxed most eloquently - they're missing the point entirely-
The resurrection of J.C. There are many ways to look at it, think through it or perhaps approach it as it pertains to a service like this. A day in which we set aside time to intentionally - specifically consider its truth, its impact, its affect upon our lives personally-as well as its ramifications upon all of mankind throughout human history.
The message of the cross offends the wisdom of this world. It's foolishness to those-who are perishing. The idea of a man being taken, tortured, nailed to a cross - left to die-somehow being a means through which I can be saved simply makes no sense. You can do-the math, it won't add up, the dots don't connect along the lines of worldly reasoning.
Divided, defiled, disgraced- That was the condition of the congregation of Corinthian church when Paul wrote this letter. It seems as though one sin situation after another was plaguing the people - Paul was writing to put out the forest fires blazing in-their midst.
Anybody here ever found a perfect church- If you did, you knew right then - there that you could never join it because you'd ruin it- J Truth be told, there is no -perfect church-. Because the church is comprised of people, - people have problems- Perhaps-the most notoriously problematic church in biblical history was the Corinthian church...
To get God's people up and going is certainly a commendable task. To keep God's people up - going is on another level altogether. - It's been said that there's only one ability that God is truly looking for in us - that's availability- Beyond that, perhaps we should recognize that the greatest ability one could possess is dependability.
Last week I referenced 1st Pet Ch 4. That judgment begins in the house of God. - If it begins w-us 1st, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God- It's certainly a sobering thing to consider... Conversely, we should also consider this- if God holds the heathen accountable for sin, how much more His own people-
We only thought Habakkuk was a neglected book of the bible. When was the last-time you spent time in, or heard a message delivered from the book of Zephaniah- We-almost feel sorry for Zephaniah in that his written warning is rarely even looked at, much-less paid attention to.
Habakkuk had a problem. His nation was sinking into the quagmire of sin --rebellion against the ways - word of God. The wicked seemed to prosper while the-righteous seemed to suffer. He was surrounded by plundering - violence, strife --contention - he wondered if God was going to do anything about it- -How long-- was his question.
We actually know very little about the person of Habakkuk. We can deduct from his-book that he prophesied to the southern kingdom of Judah. We also know -from his-writing- that it was in a period of national spiritual decline.-It would seem -based upon the fact that God tells him that He will use the brutality-of the Babylonians to bring correction- that he prophesied some time after King Josiah--who was the last good king of Judah-, probably during the reign of his son, Jehoiakim. His-reign was one of disintegration, deterioration - degradation. The people were turning-away from the law.
Growing in the knowledge of God's word is a great goal to have. But as we grow in-the knowledge of the Lord- the reality of His return, the world conditions that surround it,-what life on planet earth will be like prior to it- It's not only our learning that should be-impacted, but our living as well. Learning - living go together. Knowing something doesn't-really benefit us unless it moves us to do something.
The Thessalonians were starting to sway. Being shaken in mind - troubled- They-had received -it would seem- false prophecy, some false teaching, even a forged letter-alerting them to the false fact that they were in the throes of what Jesus referred to as the--great tribulation- that would come upon the whole world prior to His 2nd coming. -This-outpouring of God's wrath upon a rebellious - Christ rejecting world.-
The church in Thessalonica was certainly an amazing church. As we read through the brief letters that Paul penned to them, we see that they simply seemed to excel in every essential way. Their faith was growing, their love was abounding- but in some ways they were struggling.
Who here today is rapture ready-- Paul has been speaking to the Thessalonian-believers in a manner that is so fantastic, so dramatic that if it weren't so painstakingly,-inescapably, unavoidably clear it would be hard to believe- That the day will come when-the Lord Himself will descend from heaven w-a shout, w-the voice of an archangel, --w-the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise 1st. Then we who are alive - remain will-be -caught up-, -snatched away violently, taken forcibly, suddenly we will literally fly-upward into the heavens- together w-them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And-thus we shall always, from that time forward, even forevermore, be w-the Lord-
A prominent theme throughout 1st Thessalonians is the coming again of J.C. It's-amazing, the amount of doctrine that Paul was able to communicate to them only being-w-them for a few weeks- - It would seem that one the main things Paul sought to anchor-new believers in was the reality that Jesus will come again - that He will establish His-kingdom upon the earth to rule reign for a thousand years.
Paul's experience in the city of Thessalonica was fruitful, yet frightful. Fruitful in the-sense that his evangelistic efforts seemed to be extremely successful. Acts 17 informs us-that some of Jews were persuaded, - -a great multitude- of the devout Greeks, -- not a few-of the leading women- joined Paul - Silas- There was quite simply a tremendous spiritual-awakening among the inhabitants of the city- People were responding to the gospel-
Today we are going to look at one of the most Famous Sermons EVER-delivered by Jesus himself. It is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is-the longest and fullest teaching of Jesus that has been recorded to us in-all the Gospels. Its found in the book of Mathew so you can be making-your way there, to chapter 5.
Paul planted the Thessalonian church on his 2nd missionary journey. After returning to his home church in Antioch from his 1st trip, teaching - preaching the word of God there for some time, he began to be burdened w-the well-being of the churches he'd planted in other parts of the Roman Empire
The best of times, the worst of times. It's how the book of Malachi comes to a close --it all depends on which side of the line you make your stand. In the end, we're either for-J.C. or against Him. We're either hot or we're cold. There is no neutrality, no -lukewarm--mentality that's going to fly. We're either on or we're off, we either believe or we don't. --That's what's going to make all the difference -one way or the other- for you.-As we fall back into the flow, God has rebuked Israel for their lack of generosity. The-fact that they've neglected to obey His word - fully support the ministry. Yet He's-promised to extend blessing to them if they will cease robbing Him - return to Him. That-is, obey His word to them - bring all the tithes into the storehouse. But even though He-promises blessing to them, they still speak harsh against Him. Notice.
God's word pulls no punches but gets right to the heart of the-matter -which is always a matter of the heart-. - It has this way of laying us open so that-there's nowhere to run, no place to hide, no just excuses to be made, we're just left w-the-choice to receive His message - repent or reject His message - rebel. The word of God is-the epitome of the exhortation of Eph 4, --speaking the truth in love.-
Peter wrote, -For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God- and if-it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God--1In-other words, if God deals so -matter of factly- w-those who belong to Him, what will be-the end of those who have disdained --or rejected Him--The point being that -Yes- God is gracious, God is loving, God is full of mercy --compassion. However, that does not in any way annul the fact that God is holy, He is-righteous - He is just. Therefore, He won't sit idly by and simply tolerate sin or-compromise - transgression in the lives of His children.
The book of James holds nothing back when it comes to putting some real world-application into our faith. James makes it really easy for us to understand, if we are-going to be like Christ, then lets not beat around the bush, we need to be adjusted.-Adjusted in our attitude, our words, the way we perceive others and our walk with Christ-itself. James reminds us of the importance of joy in the midst of our trials and finally as-he closes out chapter one with a reassessment if you will of our priorities. Simply put,-love God then love others. Faith and works combining perfectly to glorify God and-share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Outside of the 1st Vs, there's very little known about this particular prophet. In Vs 1-he answers -from whom- -the Lord-, -to whom- -Israel- - -through whom-, -Malachi--.-We really don't know anything else about him. Truth be told -however-, of greater-importance than the man, is the message that he brings. - It seems to me that Malachi was-much more concerned w-being faithful than he was being famous. It doesn't really matter-where he lived, which family or tribe he came from, if he had previously been serving as a-priest- Those things we may find interesting, but they're not at all essential. What's-important is, -What does God have to say-- Amen- The name -Malachi- actually means,--my Messenger- - it's quite a message he brings indeed.
How many of you realize that the bible refers to Satan as, -the god of this age- -2 Cor-4-4-- How many of you realize that the sole agenda of the god of this age -Jn 10-10- is, -to-steal, - to kill, - to destroy-- But how many of you are aware of the fact that God is able to-take what your enemy means for evil -Gen 50-20- - use it for good-
I'm not sure that movie could be made that would capture the epic saga that-comprised the life of the apostle Paul. This guy had one wild ride this side of heaven. The-kind of stories that if it were anyone else telling you, you wouldn't be sure if you could-even believe them--He was a murderous terrorist to the Christian community, he saw Jesus risen in-glory which changed him instantly - he began preaching passionately. He himself was-stoned-left for dead - raised up -seemingly miraculously-. He preached all over the-known world, God healed people through him, raised the dead through him, divinely-protected - preserved him- He penned 2-3s of the N.T. - impacted more people -outside-of Christ Himself- probably than any other single human being in world history-
Paul has been sharing his story- the reason behind his imprisonment, w-King Agrippa. - What a testimony Paul has- From murderous madman to passionate preacher of salvation by grace through faith in J.C. essentially in a single moment in time- He literally -saw the light- when Jesus Himself appeared to him as he was on his way to-punish, imprison - put Christians to death in Damascus.
There's nothing that resonates from one heart to another like a personal testimony.-When someone is testifying to the fact of something that took place w-in them, something-that happened to them, it has this way of getting a grip on the human heart.
Questions and Answers about the Bible, Christianity, etc-1. Can women serve as Pastors--2.What does the Bible say about homosexuality--- Is it sin- Can I be gay - still be a Christian-
Paul the apostle wrote to the Romans saying, -If it is possible, as much as depends on-you, live peaceably with all men.-Don't be one who makes waves, just go w-the flow so-long as it's not a sin situation. We know that when it comes to the decision between-obeying the word of God or the ways of man, we have to obey God rather than man. That's-not even in question. But so long as I'm not being asked to sin or somehow condone sin,-I'm not to make waves. I'm not to cause trouble. Some people like being troublemakers.-But Jesus said, -Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.-2So you-can be a troublemaker if you want, I prefer to be a peacemaker.
It was his final farewell. Paul was addressing the pastors-elders-overseers of the-Christian community of Ephesus. He'd spent more time w-these people -planting the seed-of God's word, watering the seed of God's word, cultivating growth, discipleship --leadership- than he had anyone else throughout the entirety of his missionary journeys-over all the years.
It was his final farewell. Paul was addressing the pastors-elders-overseers of the-Christian community of Ephesus. He'd spent more time w-these people -planting the seed-of God's word, watering the seed of God's word, cultivating growth, discipleship --leadership- than he had anyone else throughout the entirety of his missionary journeys-over all the years.-He was headed for Jerusalem, trying to get there on time to be present at the Day of-Pentecost. But he stopped off at the seaport in Miletus - called for the elders of the church-in Ephesus to walk some 30 miles to come - see him that he might impart some final-words to them.
Recalling the context- the work of God's word has been spreading like wildfire -throughout all of Ephesus - the surrounding region of Asia Minor. As Paul made mention-when he wrote of it to the Corinthians saying, -For a great and effective door has opened to -me, and there are many adversaries.-1-One of which we'll see today-.-But Paul the apostle had been pouring the word of God into the disciples at Ephesus-4-5 hrs a day, some 6 days a week - he maintained that pace -to the best of our -knowledge- for 2 yrs. He poured thousands of hours of teaching into them - not only was -he eager - willing to teach, the believers were willing - eager to receive it - respond -appropriately to it
It's certainly not a comprehensive, all-inclusive course on discipleship. But we can-surely pick up a few essential details of discipleship in this section of scripture that's-before us today.
Paul - his team have been pioneering the gospel throughout Europe. - Though-they've enjoyed a certain amount of success, it hasn't exactly been the -welcome wagon--one might hope for. They've really only been in one major city since crossing the Aegean-Sea -Philippi- - already Paul - Silas have been falsely accused, brutally beaten - placed in-prison.
How many of you realize - spiritual warfare isn't some ideology, or myth of the-psyche- That it's not something fabricated to help us cope with tough times or otherwise-explainable things that seek to set us back, but that it's very real-