Sermons

In today’s world, instability seems to be the norm. We often find ourselves clinging to anything that might provide a sense of security. From our jobs to our families, from the reliability of our cars to the predictability of our daily meals, everything seems subject to change. However, there is one source of unwavering stability that surpasses all: the Lord. Proverbs 18:10 reminds us, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” This verse not only serves as a profound truth but also a comforting reminder that amidst life’s uncertainties, God remains our ultimate refuge.

The Illusion of Earthly Stability

We live in a time where much of our energy is spent trying to secure a stable life. We seek job security, financial stability, reliable relationships, and even the comfort of a consistent routine. However, these are often fleeting. A job that seemed stable today can be gone tomorrow. A car that worked fine yesterday might not start today. Relationships, no matter how strong, can face trials and challenges. Even something as simple as planning a meal can be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

The reality is that the things of this world are inherently unstable. The more we strive to find security in them, the more we realize how elusive it can be. Yet, as Christians, we have a source of security that goes beyond the temporal—the eternal and unchanging nature of God.

Salvation: The Foundation of True Security

For those who have experienced the salvation of Christ, stability means much more than just a place in heaven; it means finding true security in the present. Before coming to Christ, many of us were lost—adrift in a world that offered no real direction or hope. Being lost isn’t just about not knowing where you are; it also means not knowing where you’re going. This lack of direction leaves us vulnerable and insecure, subject to the whims of a world that is constantly changing.

But God, in His infinite mercy, offers us security and stability through salvation. When I was lost, my life was in turmoil, but God intervened, offering me a refuge in Him. In a world where nothing seems certain, the assurance of salvation provides a foundation upon which we can build our lives. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace with God is the anchor of our souls, grounding us in the midst of life’s storms.

The Path to Stability Through Christ

Jesus Christ made it clear that He is the way to this security. In John 14:5-6, Thomas asked Jesus how they could know the way to the Father, and Jesus responded, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This path to God, to true stability, is found in Christ alone.

In my own life, I discovered that what the world and even institutions like the military couldn’t provide, Jesus could. He offered me hope when I was hopeless, security when I was insecure, and someone I could trust completely when trust was hard to find. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in 2 Samuel 22:2-3, saying, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge.”

The Peace of God in the Midst of Turmoil

One of the most profound aspects of my faith journey has been the discovery that I can call on God for peace, even in the most tumultuous times. Psalm 61:1-3 says, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” These verses capture the essence of what it means to find refuge in God. When everything else seems overwhelming, He is the higher rock we can stand on, the strong tower that offers protection from all that seeks to harm us.

Guided by God’s Steadfast Hand

Moreover, I found that I could not only trust God for peace but also for guidance. In Psalm 31:1-3, the psalmist declares, “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” God’s guidance is a result of His unwavering commitment to us. He leads us along paths that bring glory to His name and ultimately lead us to safety and stability.

A Call to Praise

As I reflect on all that God has done in my life, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. 2 Samuel 22:50 says, “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.” God’s faithfulness is worthy of our praise. He is our strong tower, our refuge, and our strength. When we call upon Him, we can be assured of His protection and guidance. Psalm 18:1-3 beautifully summarizes this sentiment: “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

In conclusion, the stability we seek in this world is ultimately found in God alone. While everything around us may be unstable, He remains a strong tower, a refuge for those who run to Him. When we place our trust in Him, we find the security and peace that this world can never offer. It is a deeply personal experience, one that transforms our lives and leads us to a place of safety and stability in the arms of our Savior.

As Christians learn more about Jesus you learn what He likes and dis-likes; what makes Him happy and Sad. To have a better understanding about Jesus we need to look at His life personally. To see what emotions that Jesus felt. Only then can we really believe and trust that our Saviour really does understand what we are going through.

Phi 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Jesus wept – John 11:35 – over Lazarus death.

He had compassion – Matt 14:14, Matt 15:32, Matt 20:34, Mk 1:41 – When He fed and taught the multitudes and when He healed the blind.

He was angered – Matt 21:13 – When He came to Jerusalem to see the temple being used as a market place instead of a house of prayer.

He was angered and grieved – Mark 3:5 – From the hardness of the Jews heart when He chose to heal on the Sabbath.

He had displeasure – Mark 10:14 – When the disciples tried to keep the children from coming to Him.

He was glad – John 11:15 – When He received an opportunity to show His power over death.

He Rejoiced – Luke 10:21 – That the Father had hid His knowledge from the wise and revealed it unto babes.

He felt disappointment – Mark 11:13 – When He gladly came to the fig tree and then found it with no fruit.

He loved – John 13:34, John 14:23, John 14:31 – His disciples and told them that they will be known to the world if they love one another as He has loved them.

He has peace – John 14:27 – Which He extends to the believer

He has joy – John 15:11 – Which He extends to the believer.

Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 

Each of the emotions listed can be seen from both the perspective of the Saviour to the people, and the people to the Saviour. But the emotion we are going to focus on in this text is…”They Marveled”

• To marvel means – To wonder, to admire, have in admiration, to look closely at.

Many Marveled for different reasons at Jesus, whether because of His doctrine or miracles, or even simply because of His presence.

The men on the ship tossed from the sea marveled when Jesus calmed the storm – Matt 8:27.

The multitudes marveled when Jesus healed the man sick with palsy – Matt 9:8, and when he cast out devils Matt 9:33,

The disciples marveled to see Him wither away the barren fig tree – Matt 21:20,

The disciples marveled to see Jesus talking with the woman at the well – John 4:27

The Pharisees marveled when Jesus told the herodians to render tribute unto Caesar – Matt 22:22, Mk 12:17, Luke 20:26

The Pharisees marveled when Jesus did not first wash before dinner – Luke 11:38

Pilate marveled when Jesus would not answer the accusation – Matt 27:14 and Mark 15:5.

Joseph and Mary marveled when they were told of the great things that Jesus would do – Luke 2:33  

The Jews marveled at Jesus teaching because they perceived that He was uneducated – John 7:15

Jesus Himself marveled.  We are going to look at two instances where it states that Jesus Marveled.  As we look at these passages we begin to see into the heart of Jesus when dealing with faith. 

• Remember to marvel means – To wonder, to admire, have in admiration, to look closely at.

1.  Jesus Marveled at the Faith of the Gentile Centurion

Lu 7:2      And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

 

Lu 7:9      When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Jesus marveled when confronted by a man who was not a Jew, would by faith ask for healing of his servant.

2.  Jesus marvel at the lack of Faith of His own people.

Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

Mk 6:2     And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

5  And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

6  And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Jesus marveled because here was a people that He came to seek and to save.  Their hearts so cold with unbelief that Jesus could do no mighty work there.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

• Jesus still seeks to do a great work; only with us, either in us or through us. 
• A great work that has been done for us is Salvation…

1John 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.

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

• This great work comes at no cost to us, no strings attached…

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

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

• Those that have trusted Jesus with their Salvation know how wonderful it is to be forgiven. 

In these Bible passages we have seen the emotions felt by Jesus; it is so important to see Jesus personally because we need to know that we have a Saviour that we can pray to and trust that He understands what we are going through, because He’s been there.    

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.

• Christians often marvel because understanding and receiving Jesus Christ is so simple, yet people still reject the truth.
• Jesus marveled because of their unbelief. 
• They were offended at Him.
• So shallow to see Him as just a man and not their Saviour.
• If you do not know Jesus you still have time, to accept Him by faith as the Centurian did.

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. By Paul’s introduction he wanted to establish that he was in the Will Of God. How else would the people follow him?

Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

1 Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

2 Co 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

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

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

2 Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Ti 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2. Will of God

Ro 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.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Ro 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

2Co 8:5  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

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

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

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

1Th 4:2  For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

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

He 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

1Pe 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

1Pe 3:17  For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1Pe 4:19  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

3. What do you think God’s will for you?

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Ge 5:18    And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:

19    And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

20    And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

21    And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

22    And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

23    And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:

24   And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

1. It was a terrible time in the world:

14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

16  These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

a. Enoch was a preacher of righteousness.

b. He Walked with God in spite of the world around him.

2. What does it mean, Walk with God?

a. Jesus said:

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

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

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

b. Walking with God is simply obeying God and loving Him.

c. How can we walk with God.

1. coming to church.

2. telling someone about Jesus.

3. keeping the commandents like: honor your mother and father.

4. praying to Jesus because he is a great friend.

3. God took Enoch. 

a. God had a plan.

He 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

b. There is another who walked with God.

Ge 6:8    But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9    These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

When discussing the need and requirements for a local church Deacon it is a serious matter, one that should be made with humility and sobriety. The decan is a help meet to the ministry and the Pastor, in many ways a Deacon should be held to the same standards as the Pastor. Although the qualifications are very similar the jobs are quite different.

The Role of a Deacon in a local Church.

a. Why is there a need for a Deacon.

Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

b. The people are involved.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

These are not to be appointees of the Pastor. They are to be men of good report that are nominated by the people to the Pastor. The Pastor will then choose from those men.

c. The result was the furtherance of the ministry

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith

Requirements of a Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a Deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Protection

In many was a Deacon is the first face that the congregation will see, as it should be. Not to say that a Pastor should be unreachable… just that there are some things that shouldn’t reach the Pastor. I liken a Deacon to a Non-Commissioned Officer in the military (NCO), he was the eyes, ears and voice of the officer, making sure things were taken care of so that his officer could concentrate on his job; rather than the daily needs of the soldiers.

2 Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

This role is not one to be handled lightly, the requirements make that very clear. Having a face to your ministry to deal with the daily administration will free up the Pastor to do those things needed to keep the church moving forward, rather than having to spend the time dealing with the little things that take up time and keep him away from God’s work.

Submission.

A Deacon MUST be submissive to the needs of the Pastor. If he cannot square this spiritually, then he should respectfully decline the position.

Reasoning: In my ministry I have worked with over 80 churches as to the needs of the congregation in the field as a Chaplain, I have seen a few things. The “good ‘ol boy network in churches was alive and well I assure you; so much to the detriment of the church. It appeared like Deacons had a lifetime appointment that, in several cases, seemed like the Pastor worked for them, rather than the other way around; especially a new or younger Pastor. If a Deacon has been in that position for many years and a new Pastor is hired, it is my opinion that the selection process should be redone.

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Ephesians 4:11     And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, Pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

 

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

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

1Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

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,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

Many times we bring up prayer requests that our friends and co-workers bring to us.  This is based off of a Christian testimony.  They see our walk with God, and they hope that we might have some favor with the man upstairs.

We should have a testimony that every one knows that we are a Christian.  Not just some one who goes to Church.

Man is incurably religious.

Is there a difference between being a faithful Christian and someone who goes to Church?

–The difference is whether or not you are Walking with God.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Enoch walked with God.  Enoch was at the same time as Noah.

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Walking with God was as difficult then as it is today.

Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

It got so bad that God had to do something. Then and Now!

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Jd 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

It is getting bad out there!

So why is it important to realize the difference between just going to Church and being a Christian?

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

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

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different churches?

If the difference between Churchanity and Christianity is whether or not we are walking with God then…

How can we walk with God?

Going to Church

Note: If you are going to please your Lord and savior you must learn to do and appreciate the things He likes to do!

example —  Marriage.

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.

There is nowhere in the Bible that commands the sinner to go to the Church.

But rather the Church to go to the Sinner!!!

Learning His ways and following His Guidance

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

Blow the dust off of your Bible and learn about Jesus.

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

Jo 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 

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

When you are walking with God it is not so that you might spend your life in bondage… Enjoy life!!

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Fellowship and strengthen one another so to be prepared to go into the field.

John 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Mk 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Fellowship with God while you walk with Him.

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.

Mt 6:8   Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Have you ever tried to walk with someone without talking with them?

Churchanity takes the believer and puts him in a building.  He hears all the horrible things that are going on in the world.

• Religious liberty restricted
• Decline of moral values
• Hate crimes
• Murder
• Rape
• Robbery
• Covetousness
• Adultery
• Teen pregnancy
• Abortions.
• Churchanity creates a social position and leads a man down a path of false security.  I am very much for going to Church, but if that is all that you do is sit and put your tithe in, YOU ARE NOT WALKING WITH GOD.

Once Christians walked with God, and boldly spake out against immorality and sin.  But know satan’s devices.  He has cunningly created a class war. 

He has scared Christians into a building, told them here you are safe from the world.  He has even taken saved people and created so many programs within church to “keep them busy” that they don’t have time to share the GOOD NEWS with someone.

Now we won’t even go outside for fear of the world. And we have locked the door so not even Christ Himself can come in.

That fear keeps us from walking with God, because the mission of God is the salvation of the lost and the discipling of the saint.  You can not do that without going into the world. 

We are even afraid to invite someone to Church in fear that someone new will devour the fold.

Once the Church doors were open.

John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

But now the doors are closed.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Enoch had a testimony of walking with God and pleasing Him in Spite of how bad it was in the world.

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 

 

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.

While the book of Philemon isn’t one of the greater books of the New Testament, when looking for doctrine, it does contain some great insights to the life & ministry of the Apostle Paul. It also offers a look at the early church, its challenges and successes.

It is important, and thankfully so, that the Lord sought to include in the Scriptures much of the administration of Paul’s life and ministry. It helps when we can see the “work” of the ministry. The careful Bible student will note that sometimes ministry is not as glamorous as some like to perceive it to be.

• Ministry means a sacrifice of time
• Ministry means a sacrifice to your family
• Ministry means a sacrifice of income
• Ministry means that you lift the burden, speak the victories and shake the hand of the fateful.
• But it also means you hold the hair back of those throwing up, hear the heartache and wipe the tears away.

This church was a result of Paul’s ministry. This group of people, that met in Philemon’s home, admonished of Paul because of their testimony.

In our text I would like to focus on something Paul identified in vs. 5-6 while admonishing those that had remained faithful:

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 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 that 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!)

A church is a group of individuals desiring to make a difference

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

This famous verse speaks of life, a desire to make a difference; that when we lay this body down that there is someone, somewhere that you had an effect on.

• Maybe a wife that needed a Godly leader in the home
• Maybe a child that needed a mother not afraid to pray for her children
• Maybe a worker that was a light to co-workers
• Maybe a neighbor that notices that the driveway is always empty on Sunday’s and Wednesdays…

The lives and testimonies of the people that met at Philemon’s house was causing a stir, having an effect. The more that people spoke of this effect the more that it convicted them to do better.

An Effectual life, 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.

But 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.

What is your church known for? What is the communication in the community being said about you?

-Oh, we’re King James! …praise God.. but will that have an effect?
-Oh, we have a great youth ministry… praise God.. but will that have an effect?
-Oh, we have a great choir… praise God.. but will that have an effect?
-Oh, we have a great Pastor… praise God.. but will that have an effect?

What will have an effect? What will get the communication started?

Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

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

Paul continues:

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