Sermons

Mark 4:35  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Check the Forecast

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

There are some warning signs

So you are in the Storm, getting wet.

• Waves are crashing around
• It’s Dark
• The winds are howling
• Panic is all around
• You can see it in the eyes of all on board
• You are focus on one thing… surviving the storm.

But next to you a greater tragedy is going on.

Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

Collateral Damage

Sometimes you are in the storm… but struggling in the little ship.

Jonah 1:4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.
6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

WOW the similarities!

Psalm 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God…

Maybe for just a few minutes tonight we just need to be still.. And know that He is God

Listen for God to say “Peace be still” to the storms in our lives.

Accounts combined from Mark 6 and Matthew 14

Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

1.Set the Scene

a. Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000.

b. The Apostles worked with Jesus the whole day in the desert.

c. When Jesus gets finished he tells his disciples to get into the ship and head out… He would send away the multitudes.

d. About half way across the wind started to blow hard… the waves began to toss the ship.

2. Jesus Responded to their distress

Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

3. They kept rowing (gotta give ‘em a little credit)

a. What do your do when the wind blows against you?… Keep Rowing! Jesus directed the disciples to go to the other side… that’s where they were gonna go!

NOTE: The Disciples were in the perfect will of God… Sometimes a storm… is just a storm

b. I’m sure some of the disciples were thinking about what happened to them in the last storm… Matthew 8 and Mark 4… (Expound)

4.  It does not say they feared the storm, as last time, …

a. Ever feared what you did not understand?

b. Jesus mission for his disciples was to teach them about faith.

c. The Jews require a sign, they do not believe that which they cannot touch, see, feel… Jesus needed them to see past their fear.. and have faith..

5.  Jesus was there.

In both instances Jesus was there.. Whether He was sleeping on the ship or watching from the mountainside… Jesus was available for those who would need Him and Cry out for Him.

6. Peter steps out on Faith

Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

7. When THEY entered the ship

Matthew 14:32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

8. Never forget what God has done for you.. It will keep you from seeing what God is doing for you.

Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

WRAP IT UP:

Faith is looking past the storm… knowing the shore is soon coming. Later that morning they came to the shore, the sun was shining and no storm in sight..

How do deal the storm.

• Know a storm sometimes is just a storm.
• Keep rowing and stop sitting there getting wet.
• Take Jesus with you want to have peace from the storm.

Mark 4:35  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Additude)
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  

Oft times we are in the storm and wondering why God is not taking us out of the storm. Perhaps sometimes we have not, because we ask not. James 4:2

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?  (oft times God asks a question, not to get an answer, but to get you to think)
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

In order to understand why this passage is so powerful you must see it in the context it was written.

1.  The disciples had been listening to Jesus teach the multitude the parable of the Sower.      

Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

2.  They had learned that there are things that are only told to those who follow and trust him..

Mark 4:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Note:  The world hears the Bible accounts and they do not understand them.. Christians  not only hear them but through the Ho,ly Spirit.. Understands them!

3.  They learned that when God teaches you something and you then put it to practice, God will share more with you.

Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Note:   Many in Churches are listening… but do not hear. They grow cold and bitter over the years because they do not grow spiritually nor do the see God work in their lives.

4.  Jesus finds himself with an opportunity to see if the disciples have learned to walk by faith.

Mark 4:35  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

5.  They would need that faith for when they got off the ship…

Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
14 The sower soweth the word.
15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Dealing with a difficult question:

One that is ask many different times for many different reasons…

Sometime we ask a question to tempt:

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Sometimes we ask the question as gossip with no true answers:

Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Oft times we will answer a question… with a question

Mark 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Sometimes you ask a question; and get no answer

Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

And simply in my ministry the one question I have had to deal with more than any other.
The question is: WHY?

Job asks 188 questions/ Chapter 3 ask the question of why 5 times … even asking why was I ever born.

Job 3:11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
[12] Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

3:23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?

In sorrow Job was asking the question why… but there was no answer that could be given that could have brought comfort.

To help in trying to answer the question of why we are going to look at a few things tonight that might help when looking for the answer of:

Why.

1.  Who are you trusting in?

Pastor, friend, counselor, teacher …

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
[6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2.  What is your final authority?

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3.  How are you reading the word of God?

Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
[26] He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

4.  When are you spending time with God?

Prayer is the most powerful resource we have…

And the least used.

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:

5.  Where do you go to church

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

I have never seen God bless consistently outside of a local church.

Conclusion:

I often has folks ask Why… and really there is not true answer… God did not necessarily do or not do something… sometimes it’s just life.

But before you ask the question of why.. You might want to check to see if your heart is right with God… because THAT might be your answer.

Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Some of the reasons that you may have heard for the use of the NIV or other modern versions  might be:

• It just takes out the thee’s and thou’s…
• It uses updated English…
• It is easier to read…
• It is easier to access…
• It is simply more modern…

Here’s some things to consider:

1. The NIV eliminates 64,576 words from the Bible when compared or referenced to the King James..
2. The King James thee’s and thou’s are there to help establish context. In singularity, plurality and in the base nature of a verse in the areas of masculinity vs. feminine as well within the context.
3. The NIV Translators feminized the Bible

Jesus in the Beginning

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Jesus – Pre incarnate

Genesis 18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Prophesied of: Isaiah 53                         Born of a virgin: Matthew 1:18

His Purpose was to come first to Israel

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

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.

Jesus Died and went to Paradise

Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Acts 2:22 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Paradise and Abrahams Bosom are not the same thing:

Genesis 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

God turns from the Jew to the Gentile, but rather than breaking His promise; He postpones it..

Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

The Church will Meet Jesus in the Air

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

2nd Coming of Christ

Jude 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.

Millennial Kingdom

Gog & Magog

Great White Throne

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

1.   Ps 23:1      The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

a. The Lord is my… The writer here is David. David is one of God’s people. My is to have possession or ownership. That makes this psalm for a Christian. David makes this psalm personal. I shall not want.

b. Shepherd. Jesus is described many times a shepherd to His people:

Is 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. 

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.

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.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 

9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

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.

11  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 

15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 

17  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 

18 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.

c. I shall not want.

Phi 4:19   But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ    Jesus.

Mt 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

2.   Ps 23:2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

a. Why are we here?  In Gen 1:26 God said “let us make man in our image.”  We are made to fellowship with the Lord. Sin breaks that fellowship. God desires that fellowship.

Eze 34:11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.
14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.
16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

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

b. We must let God lead in our lives. With Him there is peace in the waters, without them are the waves.

Mark 4:37  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? 

3.   Ps 23:3      He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

a.  Restore is to bring back that that was taken away. Paul said in Romans 7:9 that when sin revived, I died. Sin took away the relationship that we have with God, that’s why John 3:7 says: Ye must be born again! We must be restored to god’s family with a new birth.

Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

b.  If you let Him, God will then lead and guide you through life, helping you to be better for Him and yourself.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

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

Romans 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

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

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

4.   Ps 23:4      Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

a.  Trials are going to come in life. We call them valley’s. This is where God’s deals with us mostly.  God takes these situations in our life and shows us how we can have victory if we do it His way. Job was in this valley which seemed hopeless and endless.  It came a point where Job’s wife told him to just curse God and die. But Job weathered the valley because he knew that God was powerful. God wanted to show Job that his trusting in his own righteousness was wrong.  So Job stayed faithful in the valley until he understood. It is important to say again that he stayed faithful in the valley, inspite of his trial.

Job 10:21  Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;

22 A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.

b. fear no evil…

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalm 118:6  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

c. Rod if for judgement and correction. The rod was used be a shepherd to chastise and reprove, it was coarse and hard.

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

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

d. Staff is for guidance and direction.  A staff is used by a shepherd to gently nudge and direct the flock.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

e.  There is comfort in the rod and staff because as a child of God I know that the rod will be there to let me know when I am wrong and the staff will guide me so that I won’t do those things again.

f. The Bible is our Rod and Staff. Through reading God’s word we can have comfort.

5.   Ps 23:5      Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Why is it so important for the world to see Jesus in us?  David is speaking of prophecy, but just think; how powerful of a testimony is it for the world ( the enemy ) to see God in us?

2 Kings 1:8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.

10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly.

12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

15 And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king.

1 Kings 18:22 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Psalm 92:10  But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

b. thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  God is not just the God of supply, but resupply. God will always bless when times seem the most desparate. Usually you’ll not only get what you need, but a little extra.

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. 

2Th 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

6.   Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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. 
4   And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5   Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6   Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

My secret place

Last week we looked at how we must begin to know Jesus more personally.  We looked at many different emotions that Jesus felt so we can understand that we have a Saviour that we can go and talk to and believe that He’s been there. 

As we seek to know Him better we have compared a relationship between a Husband and a wife, now let’s look at this personal relationship in the light of friendship.

Pr 18:24      A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

You know we often reveal things to a close friend before you’d ever tell a brother or sister.  There is a bond of trust that is built over time.

Think back.  In your life was there ever a secret place that only you and your best friend new about.  This became a place where you would share secrets and build your friendship.

At times it also became a place of refuge when things didn’t seem to go to well.

1. Where is this secret place.

            a.  For a Christian, it’s in the closet.

Mt 6:6       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.

            b. This secret place is where you get to talk to Jesus and He to you.

            c.  It may be in a real closet, the foot of your bed, in a meadow, walking down the street, in your car or wherever.

            d. By talking to Jesus in your secret place you will find that through His word He will teach, comfort, give advise, at times even chastise you when you need it.

            e. Just like a good friend will.

1Jo 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.

1Jo 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:

f. Where is your secret place, ssssshhhhh ….only you and your best friend know that.

2. In your secret place…  Jesus will begin to reveal His secrets to you.

De 29:29     The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

a. There are things that this world will never figure out about God.  But in your secret place He will reveal them to you.

Ps 25:14    The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Pr 3:32        For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.

b. The more time we spend in our secret place learning about Jesus through His word, the more precious He becomes to us.  The stronger the friendship becomes.

Ps 33:4      For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Ps 56:4            In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Ps 119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Job 23:10     But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

11  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

3.  In your secret place… There is protection and comfort.

Ps 91:1  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Ps 17:8  Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Ps 27:5  For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Prov 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth   into it, and is safe.

2Sa 22:2   And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3 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, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Ps 61:1  Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

2 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.

3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Ps 31:1  In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

4.  In my secret place… I learn to know that Jesus loves me.

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

Where is your secret place.

Jesus desires to build a relationship so that we can be more like Him, more Christ like, a better Christian.

You know that you can tell when someone has been with Jesus in their secret place.

It’s time we put all that we have learned to practice.

We come to Church faithfully.

We can go back and forth through a dispensational chart.

Name the covenants with both eyes tied behind our back.

Prove the Bible is perfect.

Itemize the Book of Revelation.

Sing all the great Hymns of faith from memory.

Even give out a gospel track or two.

But all this means nothing if we can’t realize that this whole Churchy thing is all to help us to get to know our Saviour. 

To have a personal relationship with Him. 

For His will to be seen in our lives.

I encourage you to go to your secret place,

your strong tower,

your place of refuge. 

Get in the comforting shadow of the Saviour. 

Get to know your friend personally. 

Begin to enjoy being a CHIRSTian.

Am 3:3   Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

5.  Salvation.

How about it tonight, can you say that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or do you just know of Him.

The truth of the Bible says…

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

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

Mt 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:

Mt 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.

2Pe 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.

Eph 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.

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

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

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

1Co 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:

2Co 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.)

Jo 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.

James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2   Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3   Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4   Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Today we live in a “Christian nation.”

Founded on Christian values and the understanding of faith.

People have come to America because of the promise of peace that this understanding gives.

But today we begin to see the result of an America that is spoiled and fooled.

We have a society today that looks at Christianity as a money supply.

When things are going good in the world, they don’t need us.

But when disaster strikes, the cry goes out.

When financial hardship hits America the call goes to the “faith based organizations” to help. Set up soup kitchens, give us programs to make us feel better about ourselves.

But know this. America is missing the point.

Eph 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.

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

But lest you think that the world behaving this way is anything new…

Mt 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. 

Ge 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.

Jd 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.

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.

Another world disaster, another empty cry out for God.

Tonight, on your way here, has God spoke to you about something in your life?

• Salvation.
• Getting something straightened out.
• God does not promise tomorrow.

For years Christians have fought for the salvation of friends, family or co-workers.

We sing songs like “wait a little longer, please Jesus.”

Father Abraham in the Old Testament fought for the souls of Sodom and Gomorra.

Ge 18:22     And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

23  And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

24  Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

He bargained down to 10 righteous, but not even 10 could be found.

We as Christians today are confounded as to why; the simple Gospel has been rejected in America.

We are frustrated that God doesn’t save souls like He used too. But, when is the last time we shed tears over the lost? Have we bargained for the life of a friend? A stranger?

Have we placed ourselves on a christian higharchy?

Have we forgotten that we are just sinners saved by grace?

2 Pet 1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

That same Abraham later in the New Testament looks at things differently now.

Lu 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Lu 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

They have Moses and the Prophets.

YOU HAVE A BIBLE! IT CONTAINS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET SAVED.

Philippians 2: 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

We that are members here have all been shown how to take this wonderful Bible and show someone how to get saved..

But through all of this.

• The Perfect Bible
• Our willingness to get someone saved
• Our Prayer and tears
• This World Still Expects that we will still be there tomorrow doing the same, so that when they are ready… they’ll get saved on their time…

God says:

Jas 4:2  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

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

Salvation is so simple!

Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Salvation is not a country club membership, or a way to get out of your troubles.

And we should not present it this way…

Many have thought to get saved only to find themselves empty as before.

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss

• In Acts Philip takes the Eunuch to a pool of water.

Ac 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37   And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

• You must believe.

• Not an empty promise.

• There is no more excuse today.

• You have Moses and the Prophets!

• The rich man lived thinking tomorrow will be as good as it was today.

• He knew the truth. 

• He knew where he was and why he was there!

• He knew enough to not want others to come to his torment.

• But he did not ask for that simple Gift.

Ps 14:1    The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

2  The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

3  They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

4  Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord.

5  There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.

yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 

Mistakes in the King James Bible.

1. Eve made the mistake of listening to the devil.

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.                  

4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

– Now before you give Eve too much grief, look who she was up against.

Isaiah 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

16  They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

17  That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

– The biggest mistake Eve made was not having God fight this one for Her!

2. Abraham made the mistake of taking Lot with him.

Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:   

2  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

– Notice it said “get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, “

– There are some places you’ve been, people you’ve known, and things you’ve seen that after you meet God you should leave behind.

– Take this text spiritually, determine those things and go forward with God.

3. Moses made the mistake of smiting the rock twice.

Numbers 20:7 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

8  Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

9 And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

•  Moses disobeyed God’s command
•  Looking at this spiritually, Jesus died on the cross once for our sins.
•  After that we only need to speak to Him for forgivness. 
•  If we Sin after that we need not to be saved again, we only need to speak to Him for forgiveness.

4. The Jews made the mistake of not recognizing their messiah.

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.         

28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.               

29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

5. Satan was mistaken when he thought that the grave could hold Jesus.

Luke 24:1   Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

1Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

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:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

6. Scoffers made the mistake of saying He isn’t coming.

2Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Why are these mistakes written in the Bible?

– So we can learn from them.