Sermons

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

The Pattern

On the mount God gave Moses a set of instructions, laws and commandments to help establish a people unto himself. This information would help mold and guide this people to a level of understanding and insight never seen before in human history.

As part of these instructions God gave Moses some patterns to follow. These patterns carry through even today as a guide to better our understanding in the areas of salvation, fellowship, the Church and even marriage.

Exodus 25:9  According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Pattern of the Tabernacle

The tabernacle was to be built in exacting measurements and materials. This basic level of obedience, as a foundation, was needed to be followed in order to have confidence in weightier matters…

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

There is no mistake, when the instructions for the Tabernacle were established in Exodus 25.. it started with the Ark, then the sanctuary, then the border… building around God as the center.

 Let’s look at the basic parts:

  • The walls (boundary) Exodus 25 – 27
  • The Altar – Exodus 27-1
  • The Laver – Exodus 30:18
  • The Courtyard – Exodus 25 – 32
  • The Sanctuary – Exodus 25 – 26
  • Furniture (table of Shewbread, candlestick, altar of incense) Exodus 25
  • The Vail, Veil Exodus 26:31
  • Holy of Holies (containing the Ark of the Covenant) Exodus 25

Details, Details, Details

The pattern as the tabernacle is laid out with a specific order to follow. We see this pattern in many different areas; but first in the area of it detail. Every element of the tabernacle, down to the clothes that the priests wore, shows God’s desire for things to be done decently and in order: (1 Corinthians 14:40) This detail oriented pattern teaches us that everything has a reason, place and purpose. This should be the pattern we follow in our lives as well. Every detail can make the difference. In the work we do and the life we lead we should do all with this pattern and goal in mind.

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.

The Pattern seen in Salvation and the Christian life

The pattern of the temple is a fantastic guide for us to see how we can have true fellowship and worship with God. In order for us to reach the Holy of Holies ,whereby we can have that perfect worship; we must go through the path that God laid out. This path is seen in the pattern of the tabernacle.

The Door

The boundary of the tabernacle only allows one way to get in:

John 10:1  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Throughout all of human history God has always made a path to get to Him but, it was always just one way.

Matthew 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

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.

The Altar

The first thing you come to after you enter in at the door, is the Altar. The sacrifice of Jesus is the very first and necessary step to true worship and fellowship with God.

Ephesians 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Laver

Right after the Altar is some cleansing. The laver is used to wash off the dirt of the world. In order to get to the point that you can have fellowship is to get the dirt of the world, the sins of the flesh washed off.

Ephesians 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Note: The Laver was polished brass to a mirror finish… always reflecting the Altar

Area of Fellowship (Church)

Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This is the area where we can fellowship with others, share stories of God’s goodness and mercy. In this area of fellowship we see some parts:

Hebrews 9:2  For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

  • Candlestick – Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
  • Table – 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
  • Shewbread – Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Additionally there were other items in the Sanctuary

  • Altar of incense – Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

The Veil

Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Exodus 26:31  And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

When Christ died the veil of the temple was rent from top to the bottom opening the access to the Father through Jesus Christ.

Holy of Holies

This is where God would come down to receive the offering. It contained the Ark which held the commandments of God and a golden censer.

Ephesians 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The Holy place, where God met at the mercy seat, was a set apart place where only those who were clean and sanctified could enter. However, when Christ made His sacrifice that ripped the veil and gave entry.. THAT fact did not change. The world feels like it has access because the veil is not there but, looking closely at the order that God set of the tabernacle; this pattern is what we are to follow in our Christian life. To have true fellowship, to be right with God… we must go through the order HE set. To try to come any other way is the same as a thief and a robber.

 

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

There is a struggle that the scripture identifies, and has identified throughout history; where we must choose who we will serve. Good vs. evil… God vs. the things of the world.

In our everyday lives we are fraught with choices. Some of them are simpler like: What to eat, what to where and where to go. However, if we consider this to a Godly perspective even these simpler decisions are made with the mindset of spiritual things. In fact in many things we should have the framed mindset that:

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.

Halt between two opinions

In 1st Kings we see an account where the man of God this shows the result of God’s people who chose to serve the world, to follow what was flashy and shiny and “feels good”.

Now I might make the first comparison that God’s people then aren’t too different than God’s people today. So many today choose the easier paths, the shiny things or seek out worldly entertainment in the name of worship.

1 Kings 18:18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

How many people today that go to church EVEN KNOW the commandments of the things of God. These days we don’t even bring the Bible to church, let alone reading it throughout the week. The seeds of rebellion today align with the ways of the world to the point that even when they learn the things of God… they CHOOSE NOT to obey them.

19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.

20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under:

24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

Keep in mind that these are God’s people… the “church” if you will. They answered not a word because they knew there was gonna be a show, something exciting was going to happen… Were they convicted that this is even something that would need to be considered?

The Challenge Accepted

25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.

26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.

I might interject this thought. As Christians we are told of false prophets, false teachers, false religion; and while there might be those who know what they are doing is designed to deceive… they genuinely believe in what they are saying. These prophets of Baal weren’t “caught red handed in deceit” they actually expected their god to respond.

27 And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

Yes, the man of God mocked them. Yes, the man of God called them out by name. Yes, the man of God identified their false teachings when presenting the truth… just sayin’.

28 And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.

Anytime the cutting of the flesh is present there is a satanic presence but, let’s look at this further. There are many religious systems that incorporate fleshly mutilation as part of their practices. Prove to god you are serious, they say. It amazes me the level of commitment that society today has to the cutting of their flesh, marking of the flesh, piercing of the flesh even branding of the flesh… They sometimes even try to justify this practice by marking their body with a bible verse, like this somehow justifies their actions. God’s word doesn’t change because of the beliefs of the day… 

The Silence of Despair

29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

Nor any that regarded is the people, Israel. They stood there and watched the spectacle, expecting their gods to speak, expecting their gods to act. In my minds eye I see during this even of several hours of screaming and leaping and cutting… that the people who followed participated and cried out along with the prophets. I can even see those who were perhaps were desperate for the false god to speak, after all who wants to be proven wrong?

I can then imagine the silence there as the prophets were gasping for breath, looking at the destruction around them and looking at the faces of the people that followed them faithfully; shocked and disappointed in the silence of despair. Questions start: where was he, why didn’t he come, were we not faithful enough, did we not suffer enough to please these gods? 

As a Chaplain and Pastor, I have been with so many that placed their hopes in the things of the world, the government, their family, their friends. Yet when trouble came, they were left wanting and hopeless.

30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

He Repaired the Altar

Remember this passage is speaking to those inside the “Church (Israel)” God’s chosen people. Not to the worldly, but to those, if you will; of the Church who are following the things and people of the world.

For those who come to the point where they see their status (2 Corinthians 13:5a  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; …) and turn from the world and back to God… It simply is not enough to replace the world with God. There will be some things in your life that will need repaired. Your prayer life, will need repair. Your Church membership, may need repair. Your fellowship, may need repair. Your Godly fellowship, will need repair. The Altar will need to be repaired in your life otherwise you are trying to build a life for God on the ruble of a broken life!

31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

33 And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.

In order: If we are to have true worship… in needs to be “in order”. Look at the confusion of the prophets of baal, the mess they made in the name of worship. God desires things to be: (1 Corinthians 14:40  Let all things be done decently and in order.)

34 And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.

God shines the most when what needs to be accomplished… is impossible. (Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.)

35 And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.

36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

Time of offering: Things in our life often need to be in God’s timing. Israel had listened to the prophets of baal, like today; “you can worship God anytime… or anywhere.” God set aside a time when His people were to come together and worship corporately.

Let it be known: Why are we so content today to not share the joy of worship to others? Part of our testimony is to share, not only the Gospel” but how our life is changed from it.

37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

God’s people need to see God work in lives today. This is why, it is so easy to get pulled away from Church, pulled away from fellowship and the things of God. It is a shame that this even needed to take place. But often times it takes God working in a mighty way to show His people WHO HE IS.

38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

 

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

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.

Do you love God?

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1 Corinthians 8:3  But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

1 John 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

  • Actions don’t just speak louder than words… they become the words spoken about you (testimony)

Can love be expressed without action? In John 3:16 we see God’s love to us… placed into action. For God so loved — that He gave. If we want to show God that we love Him… we must take His example and show Him our love… by putting it in action.

Are we serving God’s purpose?

2 Timothy 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

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.

God can do something special when you do it together

  • We are his hands, feet and voice

Acts 19:11  And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

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!

John 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

… that every one which seeth the Son (Testimony)

One of the reasons that society is the way it is today with all the violence and corruption, lying and deception is that not many people see the Son of God.

How does someone see the Son of God today?

1 Corinthians 2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

  • Testimony: Something you was part of.
  • Witness: Telling what you saw.

Philemon 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Hearing of thy Love

Philemon 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

In verse 5 Paul mentions that he has heard the testimony of this church that is meeting in Philemon’s home. As a church you should have a good testimony or reputation within the community abroad.

Furthermore, this carries over into verse 6.

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

This communication was more than just hearing of their good testimony, but it was a point of communication. This communication was having an effect, and Paul saw that.

Effectual

The term effectual is both a noun and a verb. It means that something not only had an effect but also the act of having an effect.

Paul could see that when people spoke to each other about the testimony of the people that were meeting at Philemon’s house that it was having an effect on their lives. That their testimony was challenging them to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

If you examine the passage carefully you will note that Paul was not addressing what the this group at Philemon’s house was saying to the world (the witness)… but rather what the world was saying about the church at Philemon’s house. (their testimony!)

  • People today need to see our testimony, the need to see Jesus Christ in us

An Effectual testimony, lifts up Christ

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Note again: what was causing this effect was the testimony of this church that was causing a communication. People saw all their good works and it got them talking.

It is difficult to have an effect behind closed doors.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

If we want to change the world we must first change ourselves. What does your testimony say to others?

  • Do they see Christ in you?
  • Do they see someone who says they go to church, but your words deny the faith?

In order to see others saved we must show Jesus to others by our testimony.

Have you accepted Christ?

 

 

 

1 John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

There are some things that, as Christians; we are supposed to love. Likewise there are things we are not to love.

2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Demas was a man of God that served alongside of the Apostle Paul. He journeyed with Paul to so many different places seeing all sorts of cool things. In Thessalonica Demas came across wonders that he fell in love with, enough so to leave the man of God and their ministry behind.

  • Note: I have known several Demas’s in my lifetime. The pull of the things of the world can be great.

Hebrews 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

  • But this is the hook, the draw. Commercials, sports figures, movie stars, music videos all show you how fun the sin can be… but they never show you what happens after. The shattered lives, drunkards, drug addicts, gamblers, ending in divorce or even suicide.

The first few bottles.

While in Lexington Kentucky the Pastor was ask to visit a man at the Veterans Hospital that was there drying out, the Pastor ask me to go with him. When we talking with this man and learning of his struggles, he told us of great loss and how he turned to drinking. He drank so much that he lost his home, then he lost his family. He started going to the bars and got to the point he’d be kicked out of every bar in Lexington. He eventually turned to Listerine. Amazed the Pastor and I ask him how could you drink a bottle of Listerine?? He said I won’t lie, the first few bottles were rough… but then the need outweighed the gag reflex. We left there with amazement but to this dismay… he was ok with it. When he got out, he had no plans to change… sad state of affairs.

The Bible goes on to tell us some things we shouldn’t love

1 Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

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

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;

What are things we should love?

1 Corinthians 8:3  But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

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.

Galatians 5:14  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Ephesians 1:15  Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Ephesians 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

1 Thessalonians 1:3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Titus 2:4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

1 John 3:11  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Conclusion

John 21:15  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

We are given in the Bible examples of those things we are to love… and are not to love.

1 John 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

You can’t serve two masters, a tree can’t produce good fruit and bad…

What do you love?

Video games, candy, superhereos, tv, phone…

… lovest thou me more than these?…

As this is Veterans Day, I thought I would bring some insight of someone who has been a soldier as to better understand how to be a soldier of Christ.

I served in the USAF during Desert Storm and the Bosnian Conflict. It was during this time that I worked with weapons that led to the nerve condition that deal with today.

However, for nearly 6 years I was someone who wore the uniform in the defense of this country. I also had the privilege to be in the Air Force Honor Guard and Rifle team under the 23rd TAW. It was this detail where I would play a role of honoring those who had died in the service of their country. I would employ the funeral services and pay last respects to the fallen and their family.

What is a soldier?

A soldier is person who: has set aside themselves, their comfort, their gain and their will to be a servant to a cause.

With the desire to “be all you can be” let’s look at some facts that make a good soldier

A good soldier must be a good servant

The meaning of G.I. = Government Issue

Colossians 3:22  Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

In basic training you had to learn to not be concerned with yourself but rather to obey those appointed over you.

A soldier knows how to endure hardness

2 Timothy 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

When you are a servant you are a tool. This tool is used by the master to accomplish a purpose. This may require doing things that are unpleasant, uncomfortable but never unreasonable.

A Good soldier does not entangle himself with the affairs of this world

2 Timothy 2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

When I was deployed, the Federal Government would retain my paycheck, pay my bills and send the rest to my wife.

A good soldier knows the tools of his mission

Weapons, armament, communications, tactics & policies may be the very thing that keeps you alive.

I have seen to many part time soldiers get hurt because they didn’t have the understanding of the tools of the mission!

A Soldier of The Cross’s tools:

Bible – our sword

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Our Armour

2 Corinthians 6:7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Our Faith

Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Fight the good fight – the cause

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Know that you don’t fight alone

Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

 

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Is it any wonder that the last several lessons we have provided are dealing with what is to come??

Everyone has 24 hours a day. It does not matter if you are the Prince, the Pauper, the President or pheasant… we ALL have the same amount of time.

One of the things that is under attack today is Time. The scripture said to redeeming the time… Redeeming – Take it back… take it back under our control…

Time has value:

  • Time can be bought and sold
  • Time can be shared
  • Time can be stolen
  • Time can be wasted
  • Time can be budgeted
  • Time can be managed
  • Time can be redeemed
  • Time can be lost
  • Time can be found
  • Time can be appreciated
  • Time can be respected

Time can be a moment, a minute or a mindset.

With all these things you still only have 24 hours a day to use as best as we can.

Out of your 168 hours a week you will spend:

  • 56-70 hours sleeping
  • 18-21 hours eating
  • 30-49 hours watching tv, social media, ect.
  • 7-15 hours commuting
  • 30-45 hours in working
  • 10-18 hours shopping
  • 17-21 hours grooming

If you take all the min. of each of these and add them up, it comes to 168. This means to have time to do anything else, something has to be moved or removed to make time. 

But for all these averages… what is missing?

…God

Ecclesiastes 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

There are many things of God that require time.

  • Coming to Church, takes time
  • Prayer, takes time
  • Reading your Bible, takes time
  • Bible study, takes time
  • Inviting others to church, takes time
  • Teaching a class, takes time
  • Preaching a Sermon, takes time

The list goes on and on.

What we do with our time today will determine our time for tomorrow and beyond.

Matthew 6:33a  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; …

As a Christian we must look to eliminate those things of the world that take our time and replace them with the things of the Lord.

There is a balance to be sure… but as time goes by the world presents more and more that takes our time… leaving less time for the things of God.

Giving time to God rather that finding time.

Isaiah 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

The tithe is giving 10% of our financial increase back to God… what about 10% of our time?

Part of understanding time is to understand that there isn’t much of it left…

Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Isn’t interesting that there is never enough time to do the things of the Lord, but there seems to be enough time to watch a 2 hour movie, a 3 hour sporting event…

James 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • Let me ask you: Is your time more important than the one who gave you the time to start with?

There are things out there that steal your time…

2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

TV, Media players, phones, tablets, computers and using programs like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, twitter and snapchat can all be devices used by satan to get an advantage.

Idleness – social media

1 Timothy 5:13  And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 20:3  It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Before we look for time tomorrow we must make sure today is secure

2 Corinthians 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

 

1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

We are all sinners

One must be lost to be saved and there are so many in this day and time that have been so taught that they are not at fault, they are not to blame; and it carries to their thoughts about salvation. One must see themselves as God sees them as a sinner before they will seek a saviour.

Note these verses:

1 John 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

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

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Galatians 3:22  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Proverbs 24:9  The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

Sin has a wage

The payment for sin is death. Furthermore, God calls it a wage; simply meaning we earn it. The death that it speaks of is a spiritual death in a place called hell. It’s amazing how many preach people into heaven and not out of hell, simply trying to make salvation so enticing that people will choose to go. But is that salvation if you not getting saved from something???

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

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;

Hell is not meant for us

God’s desire is that all should come to repentance. When hell was created it wasn’t created as some mean spirited place to unjustly punish us, it was an abode created to store those angels that fell in sin to the earth. While it was not created for us it IS the destination for those who would reject the gift that God has provided.

Matthew 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 13:41  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

42  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

God’s Desire is that no one should perish

Throughout history God has ALWAYS created a way to get to Himself through obedience. Most of the time that obedience was a single task or restriction; such as:

  • Don’t eat the fruit of the tree (Adam)
  • Get on the boat (Noah)
  • Arise and go to a land I will show you (Abraham)
  • Accept the Gift of Christ (anyone today)

As a result of God always making a path we know what His desire is and what we need to do. He never hides this direction and makes the path clear.

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

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How we get saved

Salvation isn’t a process or even a relationship; it’s a choice. The choice is simple: to accept God’s gift of His Son Jesus Christ. Religion takes the simplicity of salvation and adds to it baptism, church membership, speaking in tongues, ceremonies, etc.; but God didn’t place those things on the modern church. We don’t require signs or wonders, just a choice. Often people are led to say… I’m too far gona a sinner to be saved… or that there is a need to improve yourself then “present yourself to God”… again that is the religious mindset talking. Jesus died for us at our lowest state:

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The Gift that God gives is like any other. If someone buys you a birthday present and you never open it, did you “receive it?”

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.

This gift comes without price to us, but it is very expensive; the life of Jesus. He gave His life for ours so when we receive this gift, we fulfill God’s purpose of salvation.

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.

Jesus is the only way, like mentioned above; religious works won’t do it… it’s Jesus and Jesus alone.

Romans 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Whosoever means anyone, in any state, at any age, in any circumstances.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Once the sin debt has been paid… it’s paid in full.

The Gospel

The Gospel is something that has been so thrown about by the modern church that people often loose sight of what it really means. The Gospel has different uses in the New Testament but is considered the “Good News” of what Jesus did in the area of salvation. The power that it has is what you are accepting when you get saved. The acknowledgement of the truth of the Gospel and following this truth.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Now is the day of Salvation

We are not promised tomorrow. If the Lord is dealing with your heart… get saved today!

2 Corinthians 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Assurance

Once someone received the gift of God, Jesus Christ; the devil immediately attacks you with doubt. This is why it is SO important to read your Bible and get in church to learn more about what God has in store you you.

John 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

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.

Addl.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When you are doing something you are not familiar with you will do one of 3 things:

  1. Read an instruction manual (Bible)
  2. Try to figure it out
  3. Watch or ask others

So many people try to do the same thing about spiritual things. They simply try to figure it out or just follow the crowd RATHER than reading the instruction manual.

Prayer is just talking to God

Practical exercise: Have a student come up and ask his name. Then talk to him like people try to talk to God

So the question is: “How do I pray?” and God answers this question by FIRST telling you “How NOT to pray”

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Instructions for prayer:

Reverence (vs. 9)
9:  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Submission, anticipation of the Blessed Hope (2nd coming of Christ) (vs. 10)
10:  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Thanksgiving and Supplication (entreat in favor of) (vs. 11)

11:  Give us this day our daily bread.

Ephesians 5:20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Confession of the sins of the flesh for the restoration of fellowship. Then to have the heart to forgive others. (vs.12)
12:  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Protection. From both what the world may do unto us and what we are liable to do to ourselves (vs. 13a)

13:  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

Psalm 7:1 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Reverence (vs. 13b)
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

  • Remember Prayer is just talking to God,
  • We Should pray to God through of His Son Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

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.

 

 

Deuteronomy 26:2  That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

Let me start with this mindset: Fruit left on the vine, withers, rots and can no longer be useful. Fruit that has fallen to the ground, the result is the same.

So for fruit to be useful and fresh, its needs to be harvested, in its due time… at the right time.

  • When looking at the fruits of the Spirit we apply this same mindset. They are all useless without being put into action (Harvested)

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Part of being a Christian that can be use of God is to take the fruits of the spirit and put them to action, to harvest (if you will) our fruits of the Spirit is putting them in a basket where they can be enjoyed and useful; not rotting on the vine, not falling to the wayside not noticed.

A principle of the harvest is how much you sow, is how much you will reap…

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • You want love? Sow (give) love
  • You want Joy? Sow (give) joy
  • You peace? Sow (give) peace

What you plant is what you reap. Does an apple tree produce apples? Do you plant beans and reap potatoes? Follow that further, the fruit needs to be tended to, weeded, keeping the bugs out… you have to tend the garden to have a bountiful harvest.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

For many there comes a point when we plant bountifully, tend it and watch it grow to reap the bounty… The present the basket full to God you use as HE sees fit. This is spiritual maturity where you are not working to reap the bounty for yourself… but for God’s glory.

Deuteronomy 26:2  That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

When we present our harvest to God, He will multiply our fruits of the Spirit for His glory, rather than ours.

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.