Sermons

The King James Bible is a book that God provided, that was written over a 1500 year span where God used 40 men of God to write down God’s words from Shepherds to Kings across three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe) in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and translated for the English speaking people to a point of perfection in circa 1611 with no errors and no contradictions.

There is no book in history that has ever came close to meeting any criteria that the King James Bible can stand upon.

It is important to recognize that God Himself pinned the scriptures so we can learn about Him, and about ourselves.

We Teach What We Have Learned

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

It is important to recognize here the importance of the local church and the importance of Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists. God uses these individuals to help teach and administer the scriptures to our benefit. As such we see Paul telling Timothy to remember whom he has learned the scriptures from. It is also important to identify how important it is to make sure that those you choose to gain knowledge from, preach and teach it straight.

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

It is important to teach children to love the book. To understand how to rightly divide the word and how to discern truth when it is provided. As such we can help parents help their children to grown in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

How the Bible is Written: (Inspiration)

The Method

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

Practical exercise:

Find someone to write down a verse or statement exactly as its said:

(Example) Write Down – Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

  • Now who wrote it?
  • Who Authored it?

Now have another student copy the words from one paper to another exactly.

  • That is a Scribe – and how God spread the written word abroad.

Now hold up both… Which one is the Word of God?

Now if someone wrote this from English to Spanish – it is Translated.

This is the method that God used to write and spread the word of God.

The Purpose

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

Profitable: For our benefit.

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Doctrine: Principle, a position or truth.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Reproof: Is Blame – To take responsibility for your actions

This has so much truth as reproof in today’s society has been removed. We need to know and grow from our mistakes. We often deny them, ignore them or blame others rather than acknowledging them.

Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

NOTE: We can not seek correction without reproof.

Correction: To right those things that are wrong; the physical change after reproof (false doctrine, world’s information)

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Instruction in Righteousness

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

That we may be perfect

Throughly: Complete to the end. This is a correct spelling. Some modern publishers change this to thoroughly, so let me show you the difference. If you wash the dishes thoroughly, they are clean (or should be). However, they will get dirty again. Throughly means that they will be clean again and again until Jesus comes.

Furnished: Have every thing you need provided

Good Works: What we do to show what God has done for us.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Let’s break that down:

God will furnish everything that we need through the word of God until He comes for His Church so that we may be perfect before him.

I recall sitting with my Father and listening to him tell a story and ask him how I might be a good storyteller, he replied; all you need to do is place yourself in the story, then tell others what you see. As a youth I used this storyteller mindset in my school papers writing in such a way that allowed my teachers to participate with me in the story. I found that when I added the three S’s that it added substance to my stories. Those three S’s are Sight, Sound and Smell.

This inside out viewpoint was the method I used as I began in areas of ministry. I tried to stand on the boat next to the sailors looking at Jonah, I was sitting on a bale of hay when David was in the lion’s den, I was the standing in the corner of the pool when the Jesus made the lame to walk; then I wrote what I saw, heard and smelled. My goal was to have people experience the scriptures with me.

Character Study

Part of having someone experience the scriptures, either in written or speech format, you will benefit from studying the people that make up the story or account. The more you know about them, the more you can better relate to them.

Character method of Bible study is simply: putting yourself in their shoes. By looking at the different people in the Bible, their reactions, successes, and failures; you can truly get into the heart of the passage. There is 2 main ways to use the character study:

  • The Personage: looking at the character specifically by name, their history, position, responsibility, ect.
  • The Nature: looking at the nature, attitude, personality, character attributes.

It might not even be the major characters as you might need to see it from a different perspective to truly experience it. My favorite example is the sailors on the ship in the account of Jonah. Looking at what is going on from their perspective allows you to see that decisions have consequences… all decisions. These sailors lost nearly everything, all because of the transgress of one.

Set the Scene

Before jumping into the moral of the story, set the scene, and let people look around with you. Was it hot or cold? Rain or sunny? Day or night? Was it loud with the crowd shouting or whispers of murmuring? Did it smell like flowers on a spring day or the smell of pigs in the trough. How were they dressed? You see the more info you can provide to set the scene, the better your audience will be able to relate to it.

4D Experience

When you can bring in a physical element or demonstration you can tap into the other senses to establish a lasting memory or impression. Some of my more powerful sermons and presentations was where I was able to take a verbal description and add physical elements to it. I once preached the account of Jonah with the light off and the Sanctuary lit by lanterns. I had the sound system playing storm sounds and creaking of the ship, a strobe for lightening, rotten fish smell blown from a fan… then I walked up and down the isles with a spray bottle of water. Eleven people were saved that night in that little church. By placing them in the sermon through a physical setting it takes the message to a whole new level where they can set aside misconceptions to see and feel the experience of the scriptures.

An additional sermon example was to have children’s church separated into groups with each group having a responsibility. The sermon was the disciples in the storm, a row of kids lined up as the disciples rowing, another group with metal chairs was the thunder and another was the sounds of the waves and water.

Other examples might include images, measuring tape to show scale, science experiments and other visual props to provide an audio/visual experience that will allow the mind to recall the sermon more clearly because they feel like they were “involved” in it.

Not Causing a Distraction.

It is important to note that a physical demonstration, activity, or description can cause more of a distraction than adding charcter to the sermon. I must insist this mindset through experience that it must be Lord led, and well thought out and even rehearsed before you present it to God’s people. Sometimes I had what “I” thought was a great idea, but in practice or application; it created more of a distraction where people were more interested in the experience, they did not hear the message. It should also be done occasionally, so that it is something special, not normal. By having a balance that God can use for His glory, this method can see greater fruit in your ministry.

Experiencing the Scriptures in your Own Life

The Bible is written in such a way that it helps set the scene so that you can better understand and experience it. However, you must read it as such. To read the Bible just to read it you lose the message that the Lord wants you to understand. Slowing down and looking at the scriptures with empathy will help you understand how the man that fell among the thieves felt laying in the ditch, stripped of his clothes and left half dead. How you might feel with your outstretched hand as those who could help walked by; and the last person you’d ever want to help picked you up and took care of you.

Even the Book of Revelation is written from the point of view of a man placed in heaven, and simply described what he saw and wrote it down.

Like my Father said… place yourself in the story, then look around and tell others what you see. The mind’s eye can be used by the Holy Spirit to allow you to see, hear and smell details that will help you understand the scriptures better.  

Numbers 27:15 And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,

16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

17 Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

This passage is speaking about when Joshua was called and anointed to be the leadership of the children of Israel and lead them into the promised land. In our illustration we will use it as a launching pad for the needs of a Pastor, to be allowed to be the leader and voice of God for the management of the congregation, and gathering people into it. 

As a leader, a called Pastor was to be the voice of God, whom God would use to see His will done through His people.

Today, in the modern church, we have a Pastor; anointed by God to lead a local congregation. This leadership goes with a charge go into the highways and hedges to bring them in (the lost) into the fold (church) so they are no longer without guidance and leadership.

I would note that this is becoming more of a challenge each day and year as the sheep are finding other spirits to lead them. Now we are not the only voice speaking, or even at times the loudest one. Competition with the souls of this world is fierce, if we do not recognize this challenge the we are doomed to fall short in our local churches and ministries.

The Spirit of this world

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

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

This worldly spirit produces works of the flesh:

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

These works of the flesh draw people to them, sometimes because God’s people are more concerned with what happens inside the church building, that the fields we were called to harvest.

The world is lost like sheep without a Shepherd

The world is often identified as sheep, and God makes this comparison wisely, and accurately.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The rebellious nature in society today is such a powerful force. It has made it fashionable to be rebellious. In fact all anyone needs to do lately is make a stand for something, and the world will rally in rebellion against it. This passage says “we have turned everyone to his own way”, simply not God’s way. From a child we see untamed rebellion being nurtured by society with this: you can be whatever you want to be or identify as, mentality. It screams Romans chapter 1:

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

In the absence of the truth the world will LISTEN TO WHOEVER IS SPEAKING, and take it as the truth.

A local Pastor is the Shepherd that God set to help bring them in

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

The voice of the church in the community MUST be the voice of truth, available and ready. With as many churches we have in this country, if we were to stand behind a singular voice and a singular message, delivered by faithful men of God; more concerned about souls rather than the size of the building they preach in… we would begin to see the world’s spirits to be nothing more than a tempting whisper to those who are rebellious or weak.

However, we hid the gospel behind closed doors.

2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

It is time to come out from withing the walls of the church and go into the highyays and hedges and compel them to come in.

Stop undermining the authority of the Pastor

Part of this rebellious mindset is to look at the Pastor of the local church as more of a moral position rather that a spiritual leader. Placing ourselves under the leadership of the local Pastor is part of God’s organization of the church.

1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

We need to find those lost sheep and bring them in

Everyone has a friend, neighbor or family member that is lost without Jesus. God’s desire is that we bring them in to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become saved. We are the outreach of the Pastor, his extension from the pulpit to the community.

Essentially, God speaks through the Pastor, the Pastor speaks through us.  

When we are faithful to God’s method we can receive God’s message. We then take this message to the community to be the voice that is more powerful than the voice of the world. We can then bring them in, see them saved, disciples and sent out to bring MORE in…

Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

In Genesis 39-41, we see Joseph who was sold into bondage by his brothers. And in worldly terms that would have been the end of the story however, this becomes a lesson where God takes something bad… and uses it for HIS glory.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The Work Ethic of Joseph

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

When we look at having the right work attitude and the proper work ethic.. it needs to be more than words. You will find as you get older that much of who you are is defined by the way you work.

In fact if anyone had a reason to be bitter, to be resistant, to be rebellious; it would have been Joseph. Seeing how he came into captivity he easily could have complained, but instead he chose to make the most of a poor situation.

Joseph became known by his good attitude toward the work he was assigned. So much to the point that he earned favor by those over him.

They began to trust him to the point that they put him in charge of the affairs of the house.

God took a bad set of circumstances and used it for His glory. This outcome became part of the testimony of Joseph.

Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

The Right Attitude is at times more important that the task getting complete

Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

— Things Weren’t Easy for Joseph

Joseph’s story didn’t end there.

Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

–  – –

21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Despite this false accusation, despite this changing everything that was going so well turning so bad… the work ethic and testimony of Joseph took a bad situation and used it for God’s glory.

Chapter 40 deals with the time that Joseph was in prison and how he interpreted through the power of God, dreams that the Pharaoh’s Baker and Butler had while THEY were in prison.

Chapter 41 we find Pharaoh also having a dream that all his spiritual leaders and prophets, could not interpret. It was at this time the butler remembered that Joseph interpreted his dream, and told Pharaoh.

This sets up for the next opportunity that God can use to show His glory and take a bad situation, and make something good out of it:

Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

In the interpretation and account Joseph basically tells Pharaoh that there will be seven years of plenty and then seven of famine; and God was trying to prepare Pharaoh to this famine as God was to use this to supply the needs of His people. At the end of the interpretation Joseph tells him to choose someone that can be appointed over this business.

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Conclusion:

God was able to take Joseph’s bad situation and show HIS glory however, it took the right attitude, the right work ethic and the right heart toward God.

God can use these tools to make a bad situation, good.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

 

 

 

The consumption of alcohol, the lifestyle that surrounds it and the draw that it has on Christians is certainly nothing new. Christians often puff out the “Jesus drank wine” claim as justification of drinking, or even the “all things done in moderation” to even a practical excuse of social drinking. However, if we are serious about our testimony as Christians; we might want to see this from God’s position rather than the justification of our flesh.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Deception is the way of satan, not God. If God so plainly identifies the facts that a fermented alcoholic beverage that is called wine and/or strong drink, are not something that God’s people should drink; why is it that those who seek to be called Christians work so hard to justify drinking it?

Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Leviticus 10:9 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:

10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Allow me to pause here on verse 10. There is or SHOULD BE a clear difference between holy and unholy, clean and unclean. There should never be a question from the lost world about the fact that God is clean and Holy and His children are also clean and holy! When we were lost we knew drinking, smoking, tattoos, piercings, cuttings and branding were wrong; yet when we get saved we want to bring those things into our life and body?

Jesus Drank Wine

Lets tackle this with Bible.

Luke 1:15  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

John Chapter 2 gives an account where Jesus turned water into wine.. however:

John 2:9  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

It does NOT say that Jesus drank wine, nor is it identified as fermented.

Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Note: “but wisdom is justified of her children”, the context of this statement is a contrast to the statement of rather the false accusation that was made; simply… God’s people should know better.

I can elaborate more to deal with “new wine vs fermented wine” but I will say it like this: God’s people should know better. There should be things of the world we stay away from, that we avoid for testimony’s sake if nothing else. But because there are those that like to run to verses to justify their action and their own sin, lets deal with this one too:

As a Medical treatment

1 Timothy 5:23  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

It is no secret that alcohol, taken properly, can be used in the production of; and use as a medicinal remedy. However, as a medicine is not the gateway or excuse to have a glass of wine with dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Is your testimony something that is important to you? Is your “liberty” more precious to you that a soul saved?

Galatians 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Something to consider

When someone meets God there is a change that takes place in their life. The things of the world should not compel a Christian, yet we allow them to. Then we work hard to try and justify them with the highest level of authority we can find. They will point at a Pastor, a public figure, a celebrity and even the Word of God and say see… they say it’s ok; even perverting or changing the words to fit their sin.

Drinking alcohol is no different. The witness of your testimony is as important as the subject matter at hand. One final thing on this topic, I often have said that if you want to know what sin is, you don’t ask a Christian; you ask a sinner. Ask someone who has lost their job, their children their marriage, their home… if a Christian should drink. Remember wine is a mocker…

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

We are living in a time that, like times past; sees God’s people easily swayed from the faith. This is to be concluded in a manner of ways: laziness of people, the weak methods of the church and possibly denotes of the end times. As we look to this as a short study we find the Holy Scriptures has much to say about this. I can speak to this fact, as someone spending much of my life in a position of ministry; that there is a spirit in this world that creates a form of Godliness with a true absence of the truth.

The Bible will keep you from being deceived

One of the main reasons why we have so many that are tossed to and fro, is they have no foundation in the scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Paul encouraged Timothy to hold fast to the truth of the scriptures AND to the person who taught them.

1 John 2:26  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

This world is so quick to use the scriptures to manipulate those who are not grounded in the truth. A spiritual movement that has water down the doctrines of the truth and made it more about a feeling than doctrine.

Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Two Sides to Every Story

It is important to recognize that in this fact of deception there are two main players, the one who seeks to deceive; and the one who allows themselves to be deceived. (note: allows)

Ephesians 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Let no man deceive you… we are to educate, study and train ourselves in a way that makes it hard to be deceived.

— In my history I have a background in the automotive industry. So much to the point to be classified as an “expert” in automotive matters. My knowledge is as such that it would be very difficult to deceive me. When I go to purchase a car it is humorous (if not frustrating) how someone who barely understands the terms he is using as a car salesman, is able to pass himself off as the authority… This is because people have not taken the time to become educated in the simplest car related things, and therefore can be deceived or manipulated based on assumption vs facts.

How much more in spiritual things is it for good people to listen to someone who claims to be a Christian, and be deceived; simply because they have not equipped themselves in the simplest of basic doctrines.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Make Merchandise of You

2 Peter 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

This verse has so much meaning today… “make merchandise of you”. If you look closely at this deception, money is involved. Christian book stores stand on no principles other that how much they can make. Every Bible version under the sun, pictures and bookmarks with cute little sayings on them, bible covers, cups, hats, t-shirts. Even those “Christian” concerts to politicians who seek the Christian vote all take worldly things and slay a Christian label on it and deceive people DAILY.

2 John 1:7  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1 John 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

2 Thessalonians 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Deception often comes in a familiar way

The most destructive means whereby a deception comes is when the deceiver uses your own story against to lead you in a different way.

2 Peter 1:16  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

1 Timothy 1:4  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

This is so much a matter that people would be willing to walk away from the Church of the Living God. They are seduced by those who would use their vulnerability to show a seaming contradiction or shown something pulled out of context or wrongfully divided to sow division in their lives.

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;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

You Knew… Better

Those who lie in wait to deceive are looking to sow contention and division to God’s people. Paul conveys his disappointment that people where so soon removed from the truth… (note:  not the absence of truth)

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

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

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Deceiving themselves

The internet can be a useful and productive way to learn many things however, it’s not God’s favored way to learn. The word of God through the Holy Spirit and stirred through the preaching of God’s Word in a local Church; is God’s preferred way. In fact we live in a time where knowledge no longer requires study. As such we have people who are not exercising the muscle that God created to have critical thinking skills, the brain. As such we have knowledge WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING. Having an answer to a question does not mean you have understanding of the matter. Resulting with so many that have a form of Godliness… but deny the power… why; there was no effort needed to have an answer and no discernment that the supplied answer is right or wrong.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Fundamentally we are dealing with modern day Christians who are NOT founded in the word of God, just familiar with it. As a result we have Christians who can be easily swayed from the truth. Churches have moved to one Sunday at a time mindset of teaching and preaching knowing that they may only get one shot, because the parishioner may or may not come to the next service; or may come weeks later.

2 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

 

 

We hear it all the time from the pulpit, and you’ve probably repeated it in some context; but what does it mean? If you ask a group of people, you’ll get quite a few different answers; so I thought I might give you my perspective and some thoughts about being “Sold Out For God.”

I Think of a Store

I have worked at K-Mart (teens ask your parents what that is) One Stop Auto Parts, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and a few other retail merchandise businesses where you have product on the shelf. It is this mindset I am using when I define being Sold Out. Now please understand, I’m not trying to say that we should treat the Gospel of Christ like a sales product, not at all. With that said:

Sold out means there is nothing left, the shelves are empty.

What kind of Store do you have? What is on the shelf?

Stores are defined by the merchandise on the shelf. Grocery store, appliance store, variety store… so one might ponder, what have you stocked your shelves with? I mean if a store (Church) is going to be successful, you need to have available that which people need. So often modern Churches have a full stock of music on the shelf, and a light show with drama teams are in no short supply. Other Churches are stocked full of empathy, emotional support centers and even scream rooms. Many Churches with youth programs have turned their Church into activity centers with rock climbing walls and dance teams. However, are these what people need? Is this providing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, doctrine and discipleship? Or are those valuable items found down isle 3, stuck in the back. By the way, compassion is in the discount basket seeming to have no value in Churches anymore.

1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Some might even call the modern Church as a convenience store. Older Churches an antique store and some even still a variety store, when what we need is a specialty store.

Do you Know What’s in Inventory?

If you’ve ever worked retail there is a floorplan for merchandise, and everything in that store has a place to go. Additionally, it was important to inventory what you had in stock so you wouldn’t run out…

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

If we take inventory (Examine yourselves) we will know what we have available to give. Whether a Church or an individual, a good inventory will help assess our effectiveness to our community. So many Churches stretch themselves so thin trying to help in so many different areas; they miss the most important part about ministry… God’s relationship to the Church and its membership.

Additionally, is the viewpoint to that of management:

Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

A good Pastor will not compare his Church to another Church to that of growth, but rather work with the resources (inventory) that you have. So many Pastors look at the Churches around them and want bigger facilities, more ministries, more buses, greater outreach; eventually increasing the scope without increasing the resources. The result is a ministry greater than the resources. The facilities go without upkeep with the workers exhausted from the expansion. Often a Pastor will quote Proverbs 29:18a Where there is no vision, the people perish:.. but that vision should be to use the resources that God provided, rather than a vision that causes the people to perish.

If a Pastor is in continuous evaluation of his inventory, the shelves will never be empty.

Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Lesson here: He didn’t pray for a BIGGER harvest… he prayed for more labourers. Maybe you should wait till you get labourers before you get bigger than you can handle.

Sold Out For God

Let me just be clear to this process, being Sold Out for God is NOT a good thing! It may preach good but if the shelves are empty, it creates discouragement to those who would come to fill a need. How often have you visited a small Church where the membership is exhausted in the ministry. Sold out every week and never getting replenished. Large Churches will have the same issues in a larger effect because you stretch a small team to do a larger work.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In one of the colleges I attended the Church had a huge ministry. This Church seated 5,000, a college with an average of 800 on campus, it even had a full day school, from kindergarten through high school. Yet, when going to workers meetings it was the same small group that seem to do everything. The Pastor would get up and say we gotta do more, we need more on the bus, more visitations, more decisions for Christ; more, more, more… These people in some cases gave all they had to give and often had nothing left. When I looked at the faces when he would he would say that, their countenance was so low.

In retail, when the inventory was low you would line it up on the front of the shelf so it looked like the shelves were full, but in reality they were just barely keeping the doors open. It’s called front and face. So many are weary in well doing, putting on a front and a smile on their face… but inside their shelf is empty in need of replenishment.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. A good Pastor, managing inventory will keep his team replenished, so when people show up needing Jesus… they will find the shelves fully stocked and a team not weary in well doing; but rather renewed and ready to help.

Is what’s on the shelf, worth the price?

It’s been my experience that if a product needs to be hyped, it’s probably not worth the price. When you need a hype man to get the crowd pumped up, or to “set the mood of worship”… you might not have your shelves stocked with the right stuff. I’ve often made the analogy that people no longer come to Church hungry for the things of God because they are full on the junk food of the world. Problem is, too many Churches are serving the same candy in a different wrapper. So I ask the question “Is what you have stocked on your shelves worth the price that Jesus paid?” Are you offering faith or fake? Because when the hype music stops, so will the faith apart from the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Not Music, not relevant messages, not plans and programs. God’s word preached, sinners converted and discipled with and through the Word of God.

Here’s a thought

A store places valued or eye catching stock in the store window display, to get your attention. Often even having items in the display, that are not even in stock! Churches have started doing the same. Flashy, dramatic showmanship rather that solid preaching and teaching from the Word of God. When you get inside you get a relevant life message, a watered down bible and rehearsed prayer rather than life changing salvation.

Quality over Quantity

So many Churches today have been stocked with cheap, temporary, flashy inventory that simply doesn’t last. It’s like the Dollar Store quality merchandise designed to look like the expensive version but made with cheap parts. The people truly looking to have the need fulfilled should be able to come and see a Church filled with people excited, refreshed and ready to fulfill that need. Where a Pastor works just as hard to keep the shelves full as he does getting people in the store. (Church) But too often people walk out entertained and empty. Still hungry, still searching for that which will satisfy. 

So my question is if your Church and people are “sold out for God” with nothing left to give?

Has the Church’s Vision exceeded the Value?

Is the quantity of people in the building more important that the quality of the message?

Or is your Church stocked up with the very best that Christ had to give. Shelves full of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, staff and members replenished and ready to fill the needs of a lost and dying world. Where the quality of the work mattered more than the quantity in the seats. Because it’s been my experience that when a store (Church) has the best product and the best service, word gets around.

A memorial is a object, place or event that bring you to remembrance of something.

Every year, we celebrate Memorial Day. This is 1 of 3 military holidays that most look at as a 3 day weekend or something on sale, but Memorial Day is when we remember those who died in the service of this country.

  • Armed Forces Day = Those Still in Service – Active Duty
  • Veterans Day = Those who have served
  • Memorial Day = Those who never came home

For many of our fallen military heroes their actions became the memorial for others. Their sacrifice is remembered by those who lived. So many soldiers died protecting the innocent, others dove on a hand grenade to save his comrades. We can look back on those men and women and see their lives as a memorial to what we have today.

If it was not for the sacrifices of these heroes we would have seen the brutality of Hitler, the oppression of Stalin, the corruption of communism, or the terror of those who hate all we stand for as Christians; would have never come to pass. There sacrifice allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans. The ability to come to church, drive from state to state with no soldiers demanding papers.

The K-bar, the Compass and the Flag

When I was going into the military, I was given a few things by my Father. These were a K-Bar Knife, a Compass and an American Flag. He then told me the meaning of these gifts.

  • The K-Bar – This knife can take a life of save one… It all depends on the hand it is in.
  • The Compass – This compass will help to show you the way home, if you know where home is.
  • The American Flag – The Flag is flown where home is.

God sets Himself as a Memorial

Psalms 135:13  Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

The Word of God becomes the memorial, the object that brings us into remembrance of His love, His Wrath and His forgiveness. Many things we have seen God do in our lives shat must be shared. So many today people today have not seen God work, no memorials have been placed. In the Bible objects like pillars and signs are there so that when someone comes and ask what that is there for… someone can tell what God did there. We must be the ones to tell the stories.

God seen though Moses

Exodus 3:15  And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Moses is remembered in the scriptures for what he did, more than who he was. So much that he declares to the children of Israel the he himself, his actions and what God was going to do through him was going to be that memorial to them.

Good seen through the Sacrifice of the Woman

Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

There are accounts in the scriptures that will be told through all eternity as a memorial. Not just for who they were, but for what did through them.

Moses set himself as the Memorial… when you see me (Moses) you should see God…

That should be the desire of every Christian today… to say when you see me you should see God, you should see His wisdom, His handiwork, His mercy and His Son.

Let our life be the marker, the memorial, the reminder to the world of what God has done for us.

To understand where this comparison comes from:

  • I started working at a Mercedes dealership on weekends when I was 13 with my Dad. They also had Volkswagen , Alfa Romeo and Sterling.
  • When I was 17, I took my electronics experience and started a small stereo and custom electronics business.
  • When I graduated high school I started working full time in the parts department.
  • From there I went to work for a small auto parts company until I went into the military.
  • When I came out of the Air Force I worked at One Stop Auto Parts while I went to Trinity Baptist College.
  • After that I moved over to AutoZone as a Store Manager while I attended Bright Light Baptist College.
  • Moving to Kentucky I worked on the Management team for BMW, Volkswagen, Oldsmobile and Honda earning the nations highest dealer level every year I worked there, achieved the top 2% customer satisfaction rating in the country and the highest auto certification available in the nation. I also attended Bible Believers Baptist Academy during this time.
  • When I started my own Advertising company I was also working as a Chaplain for both the Sheriff and Coroner’s offices, attending Chaplains school in Indiana
  • Moving to Florida to serve as Pastor I worked at Advanced Auto as a manager as well.

As you can see… my experience in the automotive industry and the ministry have literally gone hand in hand overlapping over 20 years.

Over the years working in the automotive industry I have seen so many mechanical failures due to a lack of maintenance.

It’s interesting that in my ministry, I noted the same. Having a well maintained car will extend the life of the car, as well as, increase it’s value and usefulness; having a well maintain spiritual life, is the same.

Today we are going to look at having a well maintained Christian life.

In order to know how to best maintain your car you must first read the owners manual.

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

  • The Owners Manual is where you find the specifics for your car, written by those who designed and built the car. Too often people rely on the word of someone who sounds smart, but does not really know what the book actually says. Oil change? Depends who you ask: 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k? Tune up? Fluids like transmission, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, etc… everyone has an opinion; but opinions don’t matter if it’s contrary to the owners manual.

Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalms 68:11  The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Psalms 119:89  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Just like with cars, there are many opinions on how you might have a victorious Christian life. Some might say that church membership, praise and worship or spiritual ceremonies will make things better; however, would it not be better to read the Bible? The owners manual for the Christian? Written by the God that created us? People’s opinions change based on the day, but God’s world is never changing.

Car repairing

A well maintained car is inspected regularly

2 Corinthians 13:5a  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 

  • There are parts that wear faster and can lead to failure, but because they are not easily seen we often neglect them until it is too late. (Brakes, Coolant, Tires…)
  • That is why an inspection needs to be done on a regular basis to help reveal those problems before they lead to a break-down.
  • These inspections are done against a perfect comparison so that there is a point of measurement. (example: brake pads are measured against the thickness of a new pad.)

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • When is the last time you inspected your heart? Have you grown to be closer to God today than yesterday? Are you running with optimal performance, or are you always riding the brake?

2 Corinthians 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Psalms 26:2  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Like a car, a good inspection or examination can reveal problems. Just like a mechanic has a perfect example to compare against, we as Christians have a perfect Saviour to measure ourselves by, to see where improvements must be made. You don’t see a mechanic making a comparison against car that is as old as yours… they measure it against a new one. Why would we compare ourselves to another sinner to determine our condition?

2 Corinthians 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Car repairing

Changing the Oil

One of the things that can cause failure is when someone does not get the oil changed, without changing the oil components will get dry, create friction and cause failure.

Psalms 92:10b…I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

  • This lack of oil will cause a premature breakdown of the components causing them to fail quickly and… at times… catastrophically.
  • Oil in the Bible is a picture of the Holy Spirit. Often times in our Christian lives we have a lot of friction in our lives, because we didn’t get fresh oil. We must renew the oil to keep everything running smoothly…

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Psalms 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

2 Corinthians 4:16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

  • Without the renewing of the spirit, changing the oil… we will become weary, tired… worn out, components begin to fail.

2 Thessalonians 3:13  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Psalms 143:7  Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Luke 22:32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Conclusion:

To have a well maintained Christian life we must first:

  • Read the Owners Manual
  • Examine ourselves
  • Change the oil.

Sometimes these things are difficult because you are not IN the Car… or IN Christ:

Colossians 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

One of the exercises that a good Bible student can do, is to take the different accounts in the 4 gospels and combine them into a single reading. This practice will allow a better understanding of the account rather than flipping back and forth. Below is an example:

Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

John 6:7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

John 6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,

John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

John 6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Matthew 14:18 He said, Bring them hither to me.

Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 14:20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Matthew 14:21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

Lessons from these passages:

We should have compassion

Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Can I say that having love, having compassion is noble but matter not at all without action. Not that the compassion “moved” Jesus to action. By comparison is Jude where we have compassion… but the action is the “making a difference”. Even in John 3:16 … For God so loved the world that he “gave”… again love in action.

Jesus noted an opportunity to teach the disciples something

  1. Ministry takes money and resources
  2. Part of this is the faith needed that the money and/or resources will be provided

John 6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

The disciples had with them funds to support themselves on their long journeys. However, they didn’t have enough to fulfill the need before them. Even if they had enough money, they didn’t have the time to go to town, get the resources and come back… In all that was taking place, Jesus worked the circumstances to place the disciples in a position where they couldn’t do it on their own.

(Just because you get taught a lesson, doesn’t mean you learned from it: After the next major event Jesus noted after the storm: Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.)

Little is much

In John’s account we find Andrew noticed a Lad that had a lunch. Now whether he got what Jesus was doing… or was making fun of the situation, Jesus shocked them all by taking the child’s lunch and multiplied it for 5000 people, plus women and children to eat; and not just a snack but full bellies with leftovers!. Now I suspect that the first couple of baskets that they were passing out they were like: “Jesus, I’m out… nevermind…” Then again: “Jesus, I’m out… nevermind…” In my minds eye they were got to a point where they would come up to a group of people… “see my basket is empty… watch this: Jesus, I’m out… nevermind!”

It reminds me of the oil and cruse

1 Kings 17:12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.

15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.

Conclusion:

This account has so many underlying things to find in these verses.

1. Are you willing to take time to serve? The disciples were tired from ministering with Jesus:

Mark 6:31  And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

2. Ministry takes effort, money and resources

3. Are you willing to serve by faith? True faith where you really don’t know the outcome? Where the basket is empty and you expect it to be full?