Sermons
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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.

This has been my life’s verse for many years.

It is a realization that only what you do here on earth, both in work and in attitude will count when you get to heaven.

This is not to be confused with works in salvation: But rather your work ethic or motivation to work AFTER salvation.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

One of the biggest issues we have in the world today is the presence of an entitlement society. People who believe that they deserve something that they did not earn. Whether it is grades, jobs, clothing, food, computers, cars.. I’ve heard quite a few who say they deserve something they didn’t earn. This mentality is in the government, schools, the workplace, in homes and now in the church.

 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

  • My Daddy used to always say… if you not part of the problem or part of the solution… it’s Gossip…
  • One of the lessons in attitude can be found in the scriptures:

Matthew 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Again a matter of attitude: Did you agree to work for a certain wage? Did you promise to complete a task? Did you give it 100%

Deuteronomy 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

So if Christians were to think more like God in the areas of work ethic and attitude… we would be less like the world. Right?

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

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.

End By Singing “Work For The Night Is Coming”

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Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Context:

Revelation 2:1-5 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Interesting to compare this first church and it’s accomplishments to what we have today.

Is the church of today known for it’s:

  • Works?
  • Labour?
  • Patience?
  • Separation?

The Church of today is a “come as you are, never call out sin, love everyone and accept them in their sinful state”. To get as close to the world as possible and slap a Christian sticker on the box and sell it for $19.95

We’ve all heard the phrase Hate the sin and love the sinner.. But that just isn’t scripture. God loved us so much that he Gave His only son.. So that people can get saved and be transformed into a new creature.. Not just pick and choose the sins you don’t want to offend! Jude 23, 1 Peter 3:12

Note: vs. 2 .. and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

  The church that pleased the Lord called these false religions and churches out for what they were! Liars!

But we’ve rather left our first Love

2 Peter 1 starts off identifying a Christian that seeks to build his life on the things of Christ and lists the “ladder of faith” But look at vs 8

2 Peter 1:8-9 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

He Left our First Love

In Matthew Chapter 6 we get an overview of how God tends to the needs of the simple things: the sparrow, the flower, what we eat, drink and wear…

We find a 2013 statistic that 121 Million people are diagnosed with clinical depression… Countries and areas that have a greater access to technology show to have more than 36% higher rate of a Manic depressive episodes.

They’ve left their First Love

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Society has created a burden of reliance on things other than God…

We have left our first Love

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

In the areas of the raising children we have left our first love

Society has moved to a mindset that it takes a village to raise a child when nothing could be further from God’s truth. It is the parents responsibility to raise a child in the way they out to go.. The other half of the trouble is the direction parents are raising their kids to go!

 Society says that you let a child choose their own path as whether they want to go to church; so churches have become havens of entertainment rather than a place to worship God.

Yesterday at the preachers fellowship there were less than 5 men under the age of 35. At bible colleges across the country women out number men 2 to 1 as we see the spiritual decline of men and preachers in this country.

We are living today in a society that prevails that single parenthood is superior to God’s plan for the home. It is encouraged by TV and pop culture as a better way of self reliance. But it is NOT how God intended it to be.

  • Out of 12.2 million single parent families in 2012, more than 80% were headed by single mothers.
  • Today, 1 in 3 children – a total of 15 million – are being raised without a father.
  • 4 out of 10 children are born into unmarried homes.
  • So how do we deal with it. Recognize that there is a difference between single parents by circumstance verses single parents by choice.  The issue of single parents by choice is what has created a divide in the home and corrupted the balance that God has with a husband and a wife raising the children together.
  • Single Parents by circumstances that desire to raise their children for God need the help that the church can provide. But that needs to be their desire. Too many families look to the church today as a free baby sitting service and not as a place where God meets and blesses His people

It’s Time to come Home

Luke 15:20-24 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

2 Corinthians 13:5a 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…

Have you left you first Love tonight? It’s time to come home.

End By Singing: Lord I’m Coming Home

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Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

In society today the concept of FREE had been changed and even de-valued the term.

I recall when the Obama phones came out.. People lined up to get their FREE phone.. When interviewed as to where the money came to pay for the phone.. People argued that the phone was free, it had no cost.. They couldn’t realize that while the phone may have been free to them.. The phone had a price that was paid for by others. (taxes)

Salvation today has been lost in this mix of FREE. Salvation has lost its value to many because there is no Perceived value.

Perceived Value is the understanding of the cost of something regardless of the price.

Consider a Christmas present..

People are not told, nor do they realize that the Gift that Christ gave, to those who would receive it… Cost Him His very life.

Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death…

The wage is a price, a cost, a debt to be paid.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Ezekiel 18:20a The soul that sinneth, it shall die…

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Jesus Chose to pay for our sins.

John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

And then give it to us as a gift

Romans 6:23b …but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

But it must be received.

1 John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

How much is salvation worth to you… did you receive the gift and perceive it as no value?

I think why so many Christians in this world today are just spectators and not participants of the faith is that the don’t realize just how much their freedom cost.

We throw out the word FREE so much…

Do you realize the price that Christ paid for the gift He freely gives tonight?

End With Singing “Jesus Paid It All”

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Addiction: being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming .

  • I have an Addiction
  • One that I have dealt with for a several years now.
  • I have even noticed that there are many of you that are battling with this same addiction.
  • In order to try and encourage this evening I would like to address this thing of Addiction.

(at this point the listener does not know, other than the world’s definition, what kind of “addiction” you are talking about)

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.

  • If you are going to have this Addiction, do it right! Roll up your sleeves and get it done!

(Ham it up… you are basically having fun at this point because they are STILL thinking you are addicted to drugs or something and using the bible to tell them to go big or go home!)

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

  • Who are you trying to please anyway? God or Man?

(Now you can let them off the hook)

Remember:

Addiction: being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming .

1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

  • Interesting that the only time in the Bible the word Addiction is used is when it speaks of a Christians desire to serve other Christians?

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  • When addressing the worlds view of Addiction it is interesting to note that God does not use the word “Addiction” when describing Sin and ones problems.
  • That’s because God is greater than any habit forming physical or physiological drug or action.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

  • I encourage you not to be just a casual user.
  • To become Addicted to the ministry of the saints.
  • Don’t be conformed to this worlds definitions of sin.
  • But find the victory in and through Christ Jesus.

Then you too can be a Christian Junkie…

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John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

The Pool of Bethesda.

– referenced “the Holy Land in Colour” by Sami Awwad.

  1. According to description this pool was located just outside the northern wall of the city of Jerusalem.
  2. It was at the sheep gate that led into the temple.
  3. It was used for the washing of the sheep to be used for sacrifice.
  4. It is in size about 350 feet long by 200 feet wide and up to 25 feet  deep.
  5. It is surrounded on all four sides by porches and divided laterally by a fifth porch.

SET THE SCENE

Hot – Sick littered about – Dropped daily – smells – sounds

Sheep Gate – Vendors – Religious crowd – Hopelessness – Despair

The pool was known for more than washing sheep.

John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

Mis-placed Hope.

  1. Remember these were people who either walked, crawled or were carried to this pool and left there.
  2. Their Hope was to this pool, that it would save them from their pain.
  3. They hoped that they would be the one that when the water was stirred would be healed.
  4. Now remember the water was up to 25 feet deep, when the water was stirred many dove it, others were pushed in, others rolled in. How many couldn’t swim because of their infirmity, how many cried for help, how many drown.
  5. In the absence of truth people will do almost anything. They would crawl toward a desert mirage and when they get there they would drink the sand because they had hope that it would quench the thirst. These crippled folks came from miles around any way they could.
  6. They had hope, but in a chance. The chance that they would be the first in when the water was stirred.
  7. Religion is much the same… it gives you hope, it makes you feel better… but it will always be that false hope… never a real change from the inside out…

Jesus came with a better way.

John 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

  • Good Question!
  • Salvation is a gift that must be accepted!
  • Jesus doesn’t force anyone.
  • Mark 6:48 (He would have passed by)

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 

  1. Once he had arrived to the pool he was faced with the dilemma that he did not have the strength to save himself.
  2. He looked to those at the market for help, those religious few there to give their sacrifices… He knew he could not save himself!
  3. When you come to the point that you realize you can’t do it yourself, Jesus comes and ask, Wilt thou be made whole?

Do you remember the day Jesus ask you that. Do you remember the day you were tired of crawling toward your pool crippled with sin. So tired, so without hope.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Immediately.

John 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.    

  • How quickly does one get saved? IMMEDIATELY!
  • There was no religious ceremony, no special robe that needed to be worn…
  • The thief on the cross “Today thou shalt be with me…”

Conclusion.

Are you standing at the sheep gate waiting to give a sacrifice, blind to the need around you? Ignoring the cries of the lost, those in pain those who are suffering?
Are you the one sitting next to the pool, hopeless, waiting & wanting?
Question: Are we prepared to ask the question of ourselves & to those who would come through the church doors…

WILT THOU BE MADE WHOLE!

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Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

What is “in Christ?”

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

  1. “In” is a position, placement, or establishment. Either you are in or out.
  2. Salvation is how you get in Christ.
  3. The Gift that you receive is IN Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

What is the advantage of being In Christ.

Other than going to heaven ?!?!

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

What do those In Christ receive?

  1. You mean other than Eternity in Heaven?!?!
  2. Love.

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1Corinthians 16:24   My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

What is the responsibility of those IN Christ?

Get others IN!

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:

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

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Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

How do I learn the answer?

First, we must find out what is the question?

Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

  • Where can I learn the answer? “Am I qualified”
  • First look to yourself, if you are saved, you are qualified.
  • As Christians it is very important to stay in church and under the direction of the Pastor and read your Bible so that you can get better at answering the question.
  • How am I to give the answer?

Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Remember the first part of our verse:

Let your speech be alway with grace.

Never argue doctrine. When answering the question, stay on track. We are here to point the lost to Christ, not haggle about how much Bible we know.

What can I do to get ready to answer the question?

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

  • Stay in your Bibles.
  • Pay attention in church

What is this Hope.

Our hope is the second coming of Christ. It Is the reason we are to be prepared to have and anster to the question.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

What is the answer to the question?

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

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The disciples had a unique benefit as the got to witness the miracles Jesus performed and literally walk in His footsteps. They watched as Jesus:

  • Changing water to wine
  • Witnessing to Nicodemus
  • The Woman at the well
  • Christ’s witness to the Samaritans
  • Healing of the nobleman’s son
  • Feeding of the 5000
  • Christ walking on water

All through this he is teaching and preaching to His many disciples.

There is an event however that seemed to shake the faith of many of His followers:

John 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Doth this offend you? Walked with Him no more. This is a hard saying.

These are men that have seen Jesus do all these miracles, yet when they are confronted with Bible truth, they fold up their tents and go home.

Judas was there in the beginning.

  • Judas was taught and shown many great wonders by Christ.
  • He was able to walk with Christ, ask questions, Fellowship.
  • He was given the power needed to preach to the Jews by Christ.

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.  

Judas had a testimony of being with Christ. 

How we desire to be associated with the name of Christ.

But even through all this:

He sought to harm Jesus. 

The plot.

Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Why? What was it that made him do this?

  • Was it discouragement when all his friends left Jesus?
  • Was it the hard words that Jesus had spoken?
  • Was it the money?  Thirty pieces of silver in bible days is around $3800.00

What in our lives represents our 30 pieces of silver?

What in our lives would it take to betray the faith?

  • a new car?
  • a new job?
  • a new home?

Or does it represent simple discouragement, Judas was rebuked by Jesus the night before after the woman had anointed Jesus with the ointment.

Judas was upset because those ointments were expensive, he thought that they could have been sold and used for the poor.

Sometimes we are discouraged with our pastor, we may not agree with him on some things. Like what color the wall border should be.

But we are placed in a Bible believing Church, under the leadership of the pastor. If we have a disagreement with something that happens we need to get it right with God. The problem that Judas faced, the problem that we face is that it is a problem of the heart. He wore his feelings and pride on his sleeve. He forgot that he was called and ordained by Jesus for His service. We are much the same. If the pastor has not done anything that is against the direct teaching of the King James Bible that we claim to believe, then the problem is within us. The problem is our heart. And that may cause us to become bitter and seek other forms of satisfaction, like running down the man of God, or worse Christ. It may get us out of Church or we may stick around like Judas did and smile big and lie through his teeth at the Lord’s supper.

The result of Judas rebellion.

John 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

Although there is forgiveness, you cannot remove the scars of sin.

Matthew 27:3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

What do you say to the man that has betrayed the savior.

I ask again. What in your life is your 30 pieces of silver?

Before we as faithful Bible believers puff up

Remember that Judas walked with Jesus,

We have Gods truth in words from our King James Bible, we have our pastor who is led and called by God to serve.

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Introduction

  •  Many of us listened and watched the fireworks display last night. For many Americans, they fire off these explosives with little or no thought of why they are doing this.
  • This country was founded on the principles of religious freedom.
  • The Declaration of Independence was the written words of a people that wished to be free to live as God had intended.
  • But this truth has been covered up by the politics of the last several hundred years.
  • It is important to understand this because the founding documents of this country are based on Godly truths.

We hold these truths to be self evident.

  • Simply put is that the lives of these men reflected the principles that they were getting ready to write.
  • What is truth?

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We hold a copy of the truth.

John 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

Jesus Christ is the word of truth.

John 1:1   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2   The same was in the beginning with God.

3   All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

We must be sanctified through this truth

John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

It is unfortunate that so many people want to be told the truth when:

  • buying a car
  • buying a house
  • in business dealings and with life.
  • going to a doctor

BUT WHEN THEY COME TO CHURCH THEY DON’T WANT TO HEAR THE TRUTH!  IF YOU READ FROM SCRIPTURE THAT A MAN IS LOST AND ON HIS WAY TO A DEVILS HELL BECAUSE OF SIN THEY GET ALL KINDS OF MAD!

BLESS GOD WHEN I COME TO CHURCH I WANT A MAN OF GOD TO RIP ME UP, CONVICT ME OF MY SIN TO HELP ME GET RIGHT WITH MY GOD.

They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The wording acknowledged that God was the one who gave these rights.

Jesus Christ is the life.

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

 Ye must be Born Again!

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Believe on Jesus Christ!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

Acts 4:12    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

You can have blessed assurance of the Grace of Jesus.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

John 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

There is liberty in Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

The liberty that the founders sought was from the bonds of the English rulers, many of them knew of this true liberty from knowing Christ as their personal savior.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The pursuit of happiness.

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Conclusion:

The authors of the Declaration of Independence, many of them had come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The text of their document was to reflect the joys that the freedom and liberty through Christ had given them. As we look at America today there are those who still do not know Jesus Christ. The scripture is clear that the only way to enjoy eternal life is through Jesus. Come to know Him today.

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Sermon preached by Chaplain Rick Brewer 07-28-13

Matthew 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
[4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
[5] Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
[6] And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
[8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
[9] Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Matthew 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
[19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

•Those that have faltered – Allowed the programs of the Church to hide the view of the cross.
•The Awesome responsibility – Preach the truth

If we are not to see those who would fall to the wayside our vision must not be to create “Christians” but rather to see souls saved in a mighty way.. A way the transforms their lives into  being a New Creature

Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
[21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

•We cannot be the “1, 2, 3 repeat after me” church
•We are loosing Christians to the world everyday because we see those who are looking for a spiritual handout. “Yet hath he not root in himself”
•You can’t build the deep roots of spirituality without Reading, praying and attending church.•

Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

The pull of this world is great.

•The internet, Video games, TV, Radio, Nascar, NFL, Fashion, Science, Cars, cell phones,
•Note that those riches of the world..choke the word… you can still hear someone when their choking… you just can’t understand them.

But my God is greater.

But choosing to hear God in that still small voice, choosing to clear the thorns away and till the ground is not a choice for the Church to make. It is the choice of the individual.

[23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Without vision, the people perish.. So here’s the vision.

We are not like other churches, nor do we have the desire to be.

We want to be clear on:

•How to be Saved
•How to grow as a Christian
•How to present Christ to others

We desire to be that good ground where people can hear the Word of God and understand it… Giving every opportunity to see folks saved. Then to see them bear fruit, bringing others to Christ.

May we never get to the point that when someone thinks about God they think of this church… May we never block the view of the cross..

We are merely a tool, forged and formed to work as an extension of Christ’s hand and His feet.. Doing His good will for His Glory.

[9] Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
[10] And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
[11] He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
[12] For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
[13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
[14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
[15] For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
[16] But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
[17] For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

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