tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88670971273872056132024-03-12T19:01:17.653-04:00First Century ChristianityThis blog is devoted to the promotion of First Century Christianity. I am going to be putting my sermon outlines up in order to achieve this. Feel free to use them if you wish. While the vast majority of the outlines are mine, there will be a few that I have borrowed from others and made minor changes. I'm glad to answer any questions that you may have or discuss (not argue) any disagreements. All of my material is non-denominational and comes solely from the Word of God.Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-6643973176324711452009-07-11T19:52:00.003-04:002009-07-11T19:55:37.342-04:00RETURN TO ME<div class="Section1"><p style=" margin-left:0pt; margin-right:0pt; text-align:center"><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></b></span></p><p style=" margin-left:0pt; margin-right:0pt"><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Text: Jeremiah 3.</span></span></span></p><p style=" margin-left:0pt; margin-right:0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="I"><li><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ISRAEL HAD COMMITTED SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. (3:1-9).</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife,</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And she goes from him And becomes another man’s, May he return to her again?’ Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; Yet return to Me,” says the LORD. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> “ Lift up your eyes to the desolate heights and see: Where have you not lain with men? By the road you have sat for them</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Like an Arabian in the wilderness; And you have polluted the land With your harlotries and your wickedness. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot’s forehead; You refuse to be ashamed. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘ My Father, You are the guide of my youth? </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Will He remain angry forever? Will He keep it to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken and done evil things, As you were able.”</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And I said, after she had done all these things, ‘Return to Me.’ But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li><ol type="A"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God likens Israel and Judah to unfaithful wives.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 1. They had played the harlot with many lovers.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 2. They were acting like an animal in heat. Unable to refrain from committing adultery.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 3. They refuse to be ashamed.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verses 6-8. Judah saw what happened to Israel and still committed harlotry.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 9. Judah committed harlotry with stones and trees!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is interesting that God allows one cause for a Scriptural divorce.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 5:32. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God understands the pain that is caused by an unfaithful spouse.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God had put away Israel and was about to put away Judah.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We too can, and unfortunately often do, commit spiritual adultery against God.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The church is the bride of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">James 4:4. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Adulterers and</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We commit spiritual adultery when we love the world more than God.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are adulterers when we put more faith in man’s wisdom than God’s wisdom.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We are adulterers when we put our wants above God’s wants.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol></ol><li><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GOD’S PLEA. “RETURN TO ME!”</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b></span></li><ol type="A"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In spite of their harlotry, God wanted to take Israel and Judah back.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 2. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yet return to Me,” says the LORD.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 7. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And I said, after she had done all these things, ‘Return to Me.’ But she did not return.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 12. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say: ‘ Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the LORD; ‘ I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the LORD; ‘ I will not remain angry forever.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 14. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 22. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“ Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God placed one condition on their return. Verse 13. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God, And have scattered your charms To alien deities under every green tree, And you have not obeyed My voice,’ says the LORD.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It wasn’t enough to just want out of Assyria.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It wasn’t enough to want to dwell in Palestine.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They had to acknowledge that they had sinned.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Before any sinner can be in a right relationship with God, he must acknowledge his sin. Psalm 51:3. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is always before me.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Acknowledging sin is part of repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The problem is that too often people are too proud to admit their sin!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol></ol><li><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">AN INADEQUATE REPSONSE (3:10).</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the LORD.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li><ol type="A"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Judah had made an outward show of returning to God but had not done so wholeheartedly.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps they tore down a few altars to false gods.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps they gave lip service to the one true God.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But their heart was far from Him. Isaiah 29:13-15. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore the Lord said: “ Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder;</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fo</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">r the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">15</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the LORD,</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And their works are in the dark;</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?”</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They thought they could hide their true intentions and desires from God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We have a lot of people like this in the church today.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sing, </span></span></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, and then proceed to put the jobs, their families, their own wants and desires ahead of the kingdom.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sing, </span></span></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">None of self and all of thee</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, and then proceed to be selfish with their time and money.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sing, </span></span></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Angry words O let them never from the tongue unbridled slip…</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and then proceed to “tell off” people who make them upset.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They sing, </span></span></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I want to be a worker for the Lord</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, and then say “No” when asked to do something to help the church.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God demands obedience FROM THE HEART. Romans 6:17. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">THE ONLY SOURCE OF SALVATION IS THE LORD (3:23).</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, And from the multitude of mountains; Truly, in the LORD our God Is the salvation of Israel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li><ol type="A"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Israel and Judah had sought safety by going to their false gods during times of trouble.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">These false gods would not deliver them.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nor would alliances with other nations do them any good. Jeremiah 2:18,36. </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">18</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And now why take the road to Egypt, To drink the waters of Sihor? Or why take the road to Assyria, </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To drink the waters of the River?</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style=" vertical-align:super;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#5f497a;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">36</span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> …</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They forgot that true salvation comes only from the Lord.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We must remember that ONLY IN THE LORD is salvation today.</span></span></span></li><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It lies not in our good works.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It lies not in the wisdom of men.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It lies not in our feelings or emotions.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It lies not in man-made churches.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></li></ol><li><span style="font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Are you in the Lord? Galatians 3:27. </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-family:'American Typewriter Condensed';color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.</span></span></span></li></ol></ol></div>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-1912811903699759052009-03-16T11:46:00.004-04:002009-03-16T12:00:57.760-04:00WHAT IS REPENTANCE ???<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Text: 2 Corinthians 7:10; Matthew 21:28-32.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in">Delivered on: March 15, 2009. Streetsboro.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p><br /><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p><br /><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Its necessity was taught by John. Matthew 3:1-2. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus said that if we do not do it, we will perish. Luke 13:3. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles said that without it we would not have our sins remitted. Acts 2:38. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are talking about repentance.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As seen above, repentance plays an integral part in our salvation.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Without it, we will be lost.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But, what is repentance?</span></span></span></p><br /></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BODY.</span><br /></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">WHAT IT IS NOT.<br /></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not “turning to God.” </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 26:20</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not conversion. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 3:19</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not crying. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 12:16-17</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">17 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance,<br />though he sought it diligently with tears.</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not godly sorrow. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 7:10</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not leading a reformed life.</span></span></span><br /></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">WHAT IT IS.<br /></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a change of action (or behavior) brought about by a change of heart.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">The process.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">The change of heart begins with a change of thought in regard to Jesus. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:36-37</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">37 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This leads to a change of attitude in regard to sin. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 6:1-2</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This change of attitude in regard to sin leads to godly sorrow. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 7:10</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Godly sorrow leads to repentance.</span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">The one who repents decides that he is no longer living to please self but to please God.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">And in accordance with that, he is going to change his behavior and bring it into line with what Christ wants from him.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">A great example of repentance is found in </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 21:28-32</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">29 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">30 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">31 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Which of the two did the will of his father?” </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">32 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Also notice </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Jonah 3:5-9</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">6 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">7 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">8 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, </span><b><span style="font-size:100%;">let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.</span></b> </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">9 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?</span></span></span><br /></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a command. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 17:30-31</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">31 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is for sinners as well as saints. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:22</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.</span></span></span><br /></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">DO YOU NEED TO REPENT?<br /></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, then you need to repent of your past sins and obey the gospel.<br /></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you are a child of God, you still need to repent of your sins too.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">You still have sin in your life. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">1 John 1:8</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet God will forgive us if we repent and confess. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">1 John 1:9</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you do not repent, you will not be forgiven.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do you have problems with:</span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lying.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Laziness.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Substance abuse.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pornography.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Procrastination.</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is time to repent!</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-10005446051187674902009-02-23T09:33:00.005-05:002009-02-23T09:41:42.949-05:00THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD<p align="CENTER" class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Text: Romans 2:1-11.<br /></span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Delivered on: February 22, 2009. Streetsboro.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the latter half of Romans 1, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives an account of the wickedness of the Gentile world in general.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The chapter concludes with these words… </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Notice that Paul mentions the </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">righteous</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> judgment of God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All too often, the judgment of men is not righteous.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="i"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes we are judged according to appearances which are often wrong.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes we are judged unfairly.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes we have people who are good at seeing the faults in others, condemning them, and then practicing the same things themselves.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In Romans 2, we have a discourse from Paul on the righteous judgment of God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 2:1-11</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For there is no partiality with God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">BODY.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">HYPOCRITICAL JUDGMENT. Verses 1-2.</span></span></b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul points out how wrong it is to condemn someone for something when we are doing the same thing.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There were undoubtedly many self righteous Jews who felt that those heathen Gentiles were going to get exactly what they deserved. (And that is true.)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But Paul is point out that in being guilty of the very same things, they too were guilty.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In judging others, they were condemning themselves.<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus had something to say about this. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 7:1-5</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Judge not, that you be not judged. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Does this mean, as some suggest, that since none of us are perfect, then none of us are permitted to point out sin in another’s life?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">No!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus taught that we will know whether a person is righteous or wicked by their fruit. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 7:15-16</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What would be wrong is to try to correct another person who is doing something while we are doing the same thing and not correcting it.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That is what Jesus meant when He said, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 6:1</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">you who are spiritual</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. Verses 3,6,11.</span></span></b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For there is no partiality with God.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God’s judgment is universal. (v.3)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul rhetorically asks, Do you think that you will escape the judgment of God?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Will anyone escape the judgment of God?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">No!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Good and Bad. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 Corinthians 5:10</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Living or dead. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 Timothy 4:1</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All people! </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hebrews 9:27</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God’s judgment is uniform. (v.6)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is a uniform standard by which we will be judged.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">According to our deeds (v.6).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Those deeds will be judged according to the word of God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 12:48</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Revelation 20:12</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God’s judgment is unimpeachable. (v.11) </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unimpeachable – irreproachable, free from stain, guilt, or fault.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unlike man, God judges without partiality.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rich or poor. Slave or free. Jew or Greek. All are judged as equals.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 3:28</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE WICKED. Verses 5,8,9.</span></span></b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What makes a person wicked?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unbelief. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 1:18-22</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">20</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">21</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Professing to be wise, they became fools.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Having a hard and impenitent heart (v.5).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Being self-seeking (v.8).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not obeying the truth (v.8).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Obeying unrighteousness or doing evil (vv.8,9).<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The wicked will suffer.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They are treasuring up wrath (v.5). Storing it up. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hebrews 10:29-31</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">30</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">31</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They will suffer God’s indignation (v.8). Anger provoked by man’s disobedience.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anguish. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 25:30</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How can a loving God cause anyone to suffer?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let us answer that with another question.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How could a holy and righteous God not punish wickedness?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE RIGHTEOUS. Verses 7,10.</span></span></b></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What makes a person righteous?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">V.7. Patient continuance in doing good. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 6:9</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 John 3:7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Little children, let no one deceive you. </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He who practices righteousness is righteous</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, just as He is righteous.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of course, good works are just the end-product of one who is seeking to do good. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ephesians 2:8-10</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> not of works, lest anyone should boast. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is the grace of God that saves us through faithful obedience. </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is our continual striving to do good (walk in the light) that keeps us in fellowship with God.<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The righteous will be rewarded.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Eternal life (v.7).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Glory. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 8:16-17</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Honor. The honor that comes from God. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 5:44</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Peace. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Revelation 14:13</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">CONCLUSION.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What do we learn from this passage?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unlike man, God is a righteous judge.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His judgment will be universal, uniform, and unimpeachable.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Those who are obedient to His will will be rewarded with eternal life.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Those who are disobedient will suffer the vengeance of an Almighty God.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Are you ready to face the Judgment?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li><br /></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-6182181904546358232009-02-09T20:02:00.004-05:002009-02-09T20:09:20.821-05:00PAUL'S CONFESSION TO FELIX<p align="CENTER" class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; ">Text: Acts 24:1-16.</span><br /></div><p></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; ">Delivered on: January 11, 2008. Streetsboro.</span><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In Acts 24, Paul is being accused by the Jews before Felix.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After Tertullus finishes his little speech, Paul gives his defense.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He starts out by pointing out that their accusations are false and improvable. (vv.12-13).</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then, in verses 14-16, he makes his confession to Felix. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul confesses to:</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Worshiping the God of his fathers according to the Way which they call a sect.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He does this believing all the things written in the Law and the Prophets.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He believes and hopes in the resurrection of the just and unjust.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He always strives to have a conscience without offense toward God.</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">BODY.</span></span></b><br /></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">PAUL WORSHIPED THE GOD OF HIS FATHERS ACCORDING TO THE WAY.<br /></span></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The “Way” to which Paul is referring is the “Faith.”</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jude 3</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:7</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to </span></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">the</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> faith.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 14:21-22</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in </span></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">the</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 16:5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So the churches were strengthened in </span></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">the</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> faith, and increased in number daily.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 1:5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 13:5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is only one way.</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 14:6</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus said to him,</span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 4:12</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a straight way. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:13-14</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul worshiped according to this Way.</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Worship is a necessity to the true follower of God.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 4:23-24</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">24</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not to be directed by the dictates of our own conscience. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 2:20-23</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><br /><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">PAUL SERVED GOD IN THE WAY BELIEVING ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.<br /></span></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As Christians, we live under the New Covenant or Testament. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 2:14</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, that does not mean that we don’t believe the things written in the Old Testament.</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul was accused of not believing the Law and the Prophets.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus was accused of this. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 5:17-18</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Old Testament is valuable in so many ways. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 15:4</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.</span></span></span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It led the world to Christ. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galatians 3:24</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It teaches moral and ethical lessons.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It teaches us about the character of God.</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus and Paul understood the real purpose of the Law and Prophets. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Peter 1:10-12</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice that he believed ALL things.</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He believed in the 6 days of creation.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He believed in the global flood.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He believed in the crossing of the Red Sea.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He believed that Jonah was swallowed by a great fish.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Etc.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Either all of the Bible is true or none of it is.<br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><br /></li><br /><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">PAUL BELIEVED AND HOPED IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND UNJUST.<br /></span></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul saw the resurrected Christ.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Pharisees believed in a resurrection but not that Christ had risen.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul hoped to attain to the resurrection himself. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 3:7-11</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both the Just and Unjust will be resurrected.</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 5:28-29</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">29</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.</span></span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Just will be resurrected to Life.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Unjust will be resurrected to condemnation.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">To answer for what we have done in this life. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 5:10</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 15:50-58</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">51</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">52</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">53</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">54</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">55</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “ O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">56</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">57</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">58</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><br /><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">PAUL ALWAYS STRIVED TO LIVE WITHOUT OFFENSE TOWARD GOD.<br /></span></span></b></span></p></li></ol><ol type="I"><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This was true even before he became a Christian. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 23:1</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Because he wanted to attain to the resurrection, he strived to live without offense toward God.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Peter 3:14</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What about you?</span></span></p></li></ol></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-40329987164412474272009-02-09T10:28:00.009-05:002009-02-09T12:00:08.544-05:00WHO GAVE US THE BIBLE?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-vnegCzfyDxPJ-On4OI4CTbRFwoofR_oIsoGVoNaAfDZoYwslCCljLNag_IaJvejjn52Q9cvnfhLuaWxDKnBtcCEGeeMSZ8OF5N-dvtCpH_bKL4X4mF_XZtGrAz3FtEDpvi6J3VG7tIv/s1600-h/01-18-09++CANONICITY+CHART+Sheet1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-vnegCzfyDxPJ-On4OI4CTbRFwoofR_oIsoGVoNaAfDZoYwslCCljLNag_IaJvejjn52Q9cvnfhLuaWxDKnBtcCEGeeMSZ8OF5N-dvtCpH_bKL4X4mF_XZtGrAz3FtEDpvi6J3VG7tIv/s200/01-18-09++CANONICITY+CHART+Sheet1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300826784234217282" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is an interesting chart I got from Geisler & Nix' book, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">A</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">General Introduction to the Bible</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It helps to show that the Canon was recognized very early.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Click on the image to enlarge it.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p align="CENTER" class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Text: Various.<br /></div><p></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in">Delivered on: January 18 & 25, 2009. Streetsboro.<br /></p><br /><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">INTRODUCTION.</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It is almost a true conspiracy theory.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Many people have this image in their mind. A group of men in a dark room gathering together to decide which books they want to put into the Bible.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Books such as </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The DaVinci Code</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> portray it in just that way.<br /><br />“The Bible is a product of </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">man</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">, my dear. Not of God. The bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive version of the book.”<br /><br />“His life was recorded by thousands of followers across the land… More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them.”<br /><br />“Who chose which gospels to include?” Sophie asked.<br /><br />“Aha!” Teabing burst in with enthusiasm. “The fundamental irony of Christianity! The Bible as we know it today, was collated by the pagan Roman emperor Constantine the Great.” (p.231)<br /><br />“To rewrite the history books, Constantine knew he would need a bold stroke. From this sprang the most profound moment in Christian history… Constantine commissioned and financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christ’s human traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned.” (p. 234)<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">We also hear people tell us that the Catholic church gave us the Bible.</span><br /></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">"Because it never was a Bible, till the infallible Church pronounced it to be so. The separate treatises, each of them inspired, were lying, as it were dispersedly; easy to confound with others, that were uninspired. The Church gathered them up, selected them, pronounced judgment on them; rejecting some, which she defined and declared not to be canonical, because not inspired; adopting others as being inspired, and therefore canonical." (</span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">What Is the Bible?</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> p. 6).</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">"And since the books of the Bible constituting both the Old and the New Testament were determined solely by the authority of the Catholic Church, without the Church there would have been no Bible, and hence no Protestantism." (</span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Faith of Millions</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">, p. 10).</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">"It was not until the Council of Hippo in 390 that the Church gathered these gospels and epistles, scattered about in different churches, and placed them within the covers of a single book, giving the Bible to the world." (</span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Faith of Millions</span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">, p. 152).</span><br /></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Just who gave us the Bible?</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Is it a product of a corrupt Catholic Church?</span><br /></p></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BODY.</span><br /></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">WHO GAVE US THE BIBLE?<br /></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">God is the Author of all scripture. </span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Timothy 3:16.</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Peter 1:20-21</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">21</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">This lesson is not meant to PROVE that the scriptures are inspired.</span></span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">We have studied that extensively lately.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">If you have questions or concerns about the inspiration of the Scriptures, we have plenty of material that you can look at.<br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The fact that Scripture is inspired by God makes it part of the </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Canon</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">.</span></span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Kanon</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> – literally a rod, ruler, staff, or measuring rod.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It came to mean a standard or norm.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It came to mean rule of faith, or authoritative Scripture.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">So when we talk about the “Canon” we are talking about inspired, authoritative writings.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">An important distinction. It was inspiration that made a writing canonical not canonicity which made a writing inspired.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">In other words, God has already decided the “Canon.” Man simply has the task of recognizing what it is that God has inspired.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">HOW HAS MAN RECOGNIZED WHAT GOD HAS INSPIRED?<br /></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">There were basically 4 criteria for ascertaining whether or not a book was to be considered authoritative.</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was the book written by a prophet of God?</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was the writer confirmed by acts of God?</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Did the message tell the truth about God? (As revealed in other inspired books.)</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was it accepted by the people of God?<br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was the book written by a prophet of God?</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Prophets were God’s spokesmen.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Amos 3:8</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Numbers 22:18</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Deuteronomy 18:18</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">In New Testament times, apostles were prophets but not the only prophets.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Corinthians 5:20</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Ephesians 4:11</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">.</span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was the writer confirmed by acts of God?</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">This was how one determined if a person was an apostle or prophet.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Exodus 4:1-5</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’”</span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">3</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">4</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">5</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Deuteronomy 18:22</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Mark 16:17-20</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">18</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">19</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">20</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Did the message tell the truth about God? (As revealed in other inspired books.)</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">If there was doubt concerning the authorship of a book, then the content was considered.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">If it was written by a prophet, it would not contradict the writings of other prophets.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Was it accepted by the people of God?</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">During Old Testament times, the people of God were the Jewish people.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">During New Testament times, the people of God are Christians.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Those who lived during those early times would know which books were written by prophets and were thus authoritative.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><br /><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">WHEN WAS THE CANON COMPLETED?<br /></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Old Testament.</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">There is ample evidence that the Old Testament Canon was in place by the time of the writing of the New Testament.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Jesus mentions the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. </span><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Luke 24:44</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Then He said to them,</span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”</span></span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The statement in </span><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Luke 11:51</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> is also significant. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">50</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">51</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.</span></span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Abel was the first martyr mention in the Old Testament.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Zachariah was the last. </span><b><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Chronicles 24:20-21</span></i></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He also has forsaken you.’” </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">21</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. </span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><br /> </p><ol type="i"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in; page-break-inside:avoid; page-break-after:avoid"><span style="color:#404040;"><i><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Lightfoot says that the way that the Jews order the Old Testament books is different from ours.</span></span></i></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in; page-break-inside:avoid; page-break-after:avoid"><span style="color:#404040;"><i><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Chronicles is last.</span></span></i></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Thus, from Abel (Genesis) to Zechariah (Chronicles), the Jews had rejected God’s prophets.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Josephus (A.D. 37-100)</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“We have not 10,000 books among us, disagreeing with and contradicting one another, but only twenty-two books which contain the records of all time, and are justly believed to be divine. Five of these are by Moses, and contain his laws and traditions of the origin of mankind until his death… From the death of Moses till the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, who reigned after Xerxes, the prophets who succeeded Moses wrote down what happened in their times in thirteen books; and the remaining four books contain hymns to God and precepts for the conduct of human life.”</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Josephus’ 22 books correspond to our 39.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">5 books of Moses – Genesis to Deuteronomy.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">13 books of the prophets: Joshua, Judges-Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah-Lamentations, Daniel, Ezekiel, Job, Esther, the Book of the Twelve (minor prophets).</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">4 books of hymns: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">What about the Old Testament Apocrypha. From two Greek words which means “authorship and origin is obscure.”</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">These are 15 additional books that you will find in the Catholic Bible.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">These books are not canonical because they break the rules listed above.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">They do not agree with known and accepted canonical books.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Maccabees 12:45-46 teaches the doctrine of praying for the dead.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Tobit 12:9 teaches salvation by works.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“Bel” is referred to as a “living god” in Bel and the Dragon (v.6)</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">God assisted Judith in a deed of falsehood in Judith 9:10,13.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">There is no claim in the Apocryphal books that they are the word of God.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">They were not accepted by the people of that time.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Joseph. “It is true our history hath been written since Artaxerxes very particularly but hath not been esteemed of the like authority with the former by our forefathers, because there hath not been an exact succession of the prophets since that time.” </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Against Apion 1.8</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Talmud says: “After the latter prophets Haggai, Zechariah…and Malachi, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel.”</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Philo (20 B.C. – A.D. 40) quoted from every book of the OT but never quoted from the Apocrypha.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Neither Jesus nor the New Testament writers ever quoted from the Apocrypha.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">They were not even officially recognized by the Catholic church until the Council of Trent in 1546.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">New Testament.</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The primary test for New Testament canonicity was inspiration. Was the book written by an apostle or prophet?</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">There is evidence that a Canon was being developed VERY early in the New Testament church.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Inspired writings were circulated and collected by the early church.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">1 Thessalonians 5:27. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Revelation 1:11. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Saying, </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”</span></span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Colossians 4:16. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">They were so well circulated, so early on that Peter refers to the writings of Paul and expects his audience to be familiar with them. 2 Peter 3:15-16. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">16</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">There was not one specific point where the canon of the New Testament was decided.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It happened over a period of time but was completed very early. (Before the Catholic church came into existence and before those councils which are usually given credit for establishing the canon.)</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Notice some of these proofs:</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Irenaeus (A.D. 170). Quoted or considered authentic 23 of the 27 New Testament books. Omitted Philemon, James, 2 Peter, and 3 John.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 200). Has almost identical list with Irenaeus. He also leaves out 2 Timothy and 2 John.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Old Syriac translation. Made in about A.D. 400 but was copied from a text dating to the second century. Included all of NT except 2 Peter, 2&3 John, Jude, Revelation.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Old Latin translation. Translated prior to A.D. 200. Contained everything except Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Muratorian Canon. A.D. 170. Lists all NT books except Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter. Many believe the other books were present but lost due to a break in the MS.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The main thing to remember is this: The New Testament Canon was not decided by some council or the Catholic church.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why were some books disputed? Which books were they?</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Hebrews.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The main reason for this was that the author does not identify himself.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Those who believed that Paul wrote the book accepted it immediately.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">James.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Many believed that James’ teaching on faith and works contradicted the teachings of Paul.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Eventually, people came to realize that there was no contradiction.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 Peter.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The main concern here was that the style of writing was so different from 1 Peter.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">However, there were also similarities.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Realizing that a person’s vocabulary and style can change over time convinced people to accept it as Petrine.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">2 & 3 John.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Some questioned if John was really the author.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Also, they are private letters and were not circulated as widely as other writings at first.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">However, they were circulated widely enough that they were recognized in the Muratorian Canon.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Jude.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Questioned because many believed that it referenced the pseudepigraphal writings; </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Book of Enoch </span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">and </span><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Assumption of Moses.</span></i><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">However, the fact that these writings may have been quoted does not mean that the whole book was approved but only the part that was quoted.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Much like Paul quoted pagan poets. Acts 17:28. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’</span></span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Revelation.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Questioned because many believed that it taught the doctrine of millennialism.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">This however, was a misuse of the text.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">What about the pseudepigrapha? Over 280 of these. None of them were ever considered to be canonic.</span><br /> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Infancy Gospel of Thomas</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">. An account of the infancy of Christ. Full of fanciful stories.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Has one account of Jesus making sparrows out of clay and bringing them to life (2:1-4).</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">One boy takes a willow branch and disperses the water which angers Jesus and he curses the boy and he withers up wholly (3:2-3).</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">In another instance, a child dashed against Jesus’ shoulder and Jesus curses him to die.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of the Ebionites.</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> An account of Jesus’ life which denies His deity.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">They stressed the Law of Moses.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Believe that Jesus was a mere man whom God adopted at His baptism.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of Peter.</span></i><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Taught that Pilate was guiltless for the death of Christ and that only the Jews were responsible.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">That Jesus felt no pain when crucified.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">That Jesus’ brothers and sisters were from Joseph’s first marriage.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Protevangelium of James.</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> Characterized by its devotion to Mary.</span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">A very early form of devotion to Mary, which included belief in her miraculous birth and her perpetual virginity.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">That Mary was born after only 6 months in the womb and walked seven steps only six months after birth.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of the Hebrews.</span></i><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Places James at the last supper. When he wasn’t.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as His mother.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of the Egyptians.</span></i><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Only a few fragments exist today.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Has Jesus teaching that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the same person.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Teaches that the body (all flesh) is evil.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of the Nazaraeans.</span></i><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Teaches that Jesus did not spend three days and nights in the grave.</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Instead of saying that the veil of the temple rent, it says “the lintel of the temple of wondrous size collapsed.”</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It typically is very close to the synoptic gospels but just adds embellishments to the story.</span><br /> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><i><span style="font-family:Georgia;">The Gospel of Philip.</span></i><br /> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It narrates the manner of the ascent of a soul through seven successive spheres of hostile “powers.”</span><br /> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It was known by only one citation until a 4</span><sup><span style="font-family:Georgia;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family:Georgia;">-5</span><sup><span style="font-family:Georgia;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> century MS was found in Egypt in 1945.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><br /><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">IS THE BIBLE A CATHOLIC BOOK? IF IT IS A CATHOLIC BOOK THEN…<br /></span></b></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it condemn clerical dress? (Matt. 23:5-6). </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">6</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">7</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">’<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> does it teach against the adoration of Mary? (Luke 11:27-28). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">28</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> But He said, </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it show that all Christians are priests? (1 Pet. 2:5,9). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> 9 </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it teach that all Christians are saints? (1 Cor. 1:2). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it condemn the making and adoration of images? (Ex. 20:4-5). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">5</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it teach that baptism is immersion instead of pouring? (Col. 2:12). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it forbid us to address religious leaders as "father"? (Matt. 23:9). </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it teach that there is one mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it teach that a bishop must be a married man? (1 Tim. 3:2, 4-5). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">4</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">5</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why is it opposed to the primacy of Peter? (Luke 22:24-27). </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">25</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> And He said to them,</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">“The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">26</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. </span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">27</span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why does it oppose the idea of purgatory? (Luke 16:26). </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, instrumental music in worship, indulgences, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other things in the Catholic Church?</span><br /></p></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span style="font-family:Georgia;">CONCLUSION.</span></b><br /></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">God is the author of all Scripture.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">All man has had to do is recognize what God inspired.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">That was not done by the Catholic church.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It was not done by any one specific group of men or women.</span><br /></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">It was done by the followers of Christ in ancient times.</span></p><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-7696439638162871402009-02-09T09:37:00.004-05:002009-02-09T09:50:35.102-05:00PAUL'S GREETING TO THE ROMANS (PARTS 2 & 3)<p align="CENTER" class="western" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Text: Romans 1:1-7.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Delivered on: February 8, 2009. Streetsboro.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In our last lesson on this passage, we learned about…</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul’s attitude. He was humble.</span></span></span></p></li><li> <p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul’s servitude. He was a bondservant and apostle.</span></span></span></p></li> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul’s solitude. He was separated to the gospel.</span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So much is said in the first seven verses of this epistle.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let’s look at the remainder of this passage and glean from it as much as we can.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 1:1-7. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">BODY.</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">VERSE 2.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That which was promised was the gospel (v.1).</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The gospel is…</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The account of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The New Testament. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">8</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Notice that the gospel is something which must be obeyed.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore, it is not just the story of the death, burial, and resurrection.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Acts 16:10-15. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">preach the gospel</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> to them. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">the things spoken by Paul</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">15</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And when </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">she and her household were baptized</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">…</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is through the gospel that we are born again. 1 Corinthians 4:15. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It was promised before by the prophets. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jeremiah 31:31-34. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">32</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">33</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">34</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 Peter 1:10-12. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">who prophesied of the grace that would come to you</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Why is it important to realize that the Gospel was prophesied beforehand?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because there are some who believe that Jesus’ rejection by the Jews caught God off guard.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They believe that Jesus came to set up a material kingdom and since He was rejected by the Jews, He postponed it and established the church instead.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Besides being a hideous insult to the omnipotence and omniscience of God; this doctrine is just plain FALSE!</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus’ rejection was foretold in the Old Testament.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Isaiah 53.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 22.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Luke 24:44-46. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then He said to them,</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">45</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">46</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Then He said to them,</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world (not material). John 18:36. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus answered, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If He had desired to set up an earthly kingdom, He could have. John 6:15. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 3.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The gospel which was spoken of by the prophets, concerns Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Isaiah 9:6-7. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Isaiah 11:1-5. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You can not separate Jesus from His gospel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Many of us have probably heard people say, “Just give me Jesus.”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Most people in our country believe in God but not the church.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They don’t view the church as a necessity.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let’s show why that claim is false.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch. Acts 8:35-36. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">36</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He preached Jesus… but this obviously included baptism as we see from the Eunuch’s response.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is baptism that puts us into the body. 1 Corinthians 12:13. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, in Acts 8, preaching Christ was not only preaching about Christ but it meant preaching about baptism and the church as well.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If a person wants Jesus, then he must want what was important to Jesus. Like the church. Ephesians 5:25-27. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">26</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">27</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Born of the seed of David according to the flesh.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ever wonder why God gave us the genealogies?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Messiah as to be a descendent of David. 2 Samuel 7:12-14. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to Matthew and Luke’s genealogies, we know that Jesus was a descendent of David on both Mary and Joseph’s side.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Joseph’s side. Matthew 1:6. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mary’s side. Luke 3:31. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol> </li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 4.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Declared to be the Son of God with power.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He was the Son of David according to the flesh but He was also the Son of God according to the Spirit. Matthew 1:20. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">of the Holy Spirit</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“With power...”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He came into the world in lowliness and weakness. Philippians 2:7. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">After the resurrection, He as the Son of God with POWER.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By the resurrection from the dead.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Literally, the phrase is “by the resurrection of the dead ones.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He was declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection of the dead ones.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This would have reference to His own resurrection but not only His.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It could also have in mind the spiritual resurrection that takes place when one believes and obeys Him. John 5:24-25. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">25</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He was declared to be the Son of God before His resurrection as well.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 3:17. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The resurrection, however, was the final and ultimate proof of His deity.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 2:18-22. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">19</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Jesus answered and said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">20</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">21</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> But He was speaking of the temple of His body. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">22</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, in verses 3 &4, we see the dual nature of Christ. He was both man and God.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 1:1. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 1:14. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verse 5.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In this verse, Paul is talking about the apostles.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul had received his office as an apostle as a special act of grace.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 Timothy 1:12-15. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">14</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">15</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 1:11-12. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For obedience to the faith.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Even though Paul had received his office as an apostle was an act of grace, he still had to be obedient to the faith just like everyone else.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God is no respecter of persons when it comes to salvation.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 2:11. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For there is no partiality with God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 3:28. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is the first time in this letter that Paul uses the word faith… and it is connected with obedience.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The letter ends in the same fashion. Romans 16:25-26. </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">26</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The doctrine of “faith only” is not taught by the apostle Paul.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Among all nations.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The gospel is for all nations.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The disciples were told to go into all the world. Mark 16:15. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And He said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 1:16. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Verses 6-7.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">7</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The called of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Christ’s call is to all.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 11:28-30. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">29</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">30</span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He calls us through the gospel.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He calls us to be saints.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Saint = Holy one.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Holy = That which has been set apart for a divine purpose. That which has been purified.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do we behave like saints?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do we strive to keep ourselves clean. James 1:27. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do we walk in the light? 1 John 1:7. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#660066;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </ol></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </ol></li><br /></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-12489721872400836552009-02-08T19:08:00.006-05:002009-02-08T19:23:59.306-05:00PAUL'S GREETING TO THE ROMANS (PART 1)<p align="CENTER" class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Text: Romans 1:1-7.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Delivered on: January 25, 2009. Streetsboro.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"> <b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Most believe it was written during his third missionary journey probably while he as at Corinth around A.D. 57.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">No apostle had been to Rome. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We know this is the case because they had not received any spiritual gifts.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 1:11. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The theme of the this wonderful letter is salvation by faith. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 1:16</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul is going to spend a great deal of time emphasizing the fact that all have sinned and all need salvation.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The only path to salvation is through Christ and the gospel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let us start out this letter by looking at Paul’s greeting.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 1:1-7.</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BODY.</span></span></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Verse 1. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul’s Attitude. “Paul.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice that it wasn’t </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dr. Paul.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It wasn’t </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Reverend Paul.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It wasn’t </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Right Reverend Paul.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It wasn’t </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rabbi Paul.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It wasn’t </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Father Paul</span></span></i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By human reckoning, if ever any man had a right to wear a title, it would be the apostle Paul.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yet he just describes himself as Paul, a bondservant.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul never violated the teaching of </span></span><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 23:8-12</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is in contrast to the practice of many religious leaders in the world today who are fond of their titles.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Like the Pharisees of old, they enjoy being venerated. Matthew 23:5-7. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul’s Servitude. A bondservant.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Doulos</span></span></i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> – means a slave or bondservant.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But it is a willing, voluntary slavery. Not unwillingly.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul had willingly turned his life over to Christ. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 2:20</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice Paul’s motivation for giving his life over.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Because Christ loved him and died for him.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We owe a debt to Christ that we can never repay.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 17:7-10</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, </span></span><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">’”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He placed Christ’s desires and goals before his own. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 8:21-22</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> But Jesus said to him, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do we?<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Called an apostle.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The words “to be” are in italics. They were added by the translators.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul was not telling us what he was called to be but rather what he was. An apostle.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As an apostle, he had authority.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 16:19</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John 16:13</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 1:11-12</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Apostles had the ability to pass on miraculous gifts.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Acts 8:14-19</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In fact, one of the reasons he wanted to go to Rome so badly was his desire to impart spiritual gifts to them. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 1:11</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul’s Solitude. Separated to the gospel of God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice that he doesn’t say separated “by” the gospel but separated “to” the gospel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It is true that we are separated from the world by the gospel.</span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But we are also separated “to” the gospel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“</span></span><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Separated” = </span></span><i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Aphorizo</span></span></i><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> = to mark off from others by boundaries; to appoint, set apart for some purpose.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must be separated from the world, sin, the Law of Moses.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The boundaries that have been set are the New Testament.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must leave the world in order to live the gospel.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 John 2:15-17</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 6:17-18</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li><li><p style="MARGIN-BOTTOM:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are too many who claim to be Christians who have never separated themselves from the world.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li><br /></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-7950738419326648662008-12-21T20:57:00.006-05:002008-12-21T21:18:47.635-05:00WHAT DID THE BIRTH OF JESUS MEAN???<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Text: Luke 1:26-33.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Delivered on: December 21, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John 1:1.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He was in the beginning with God. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John 1:14.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Philippians 2:5-7.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">6 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We have arrived at that time of year where everyone is thinking about the birth of Jesus.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While it should be noted that Christmas is not a Biblical holiday (we don’t read about it in the Bible), I am grateful that at least once a year, so many stop to think about Jesus.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Unfortunately though, I am convinced that most don’t fully appreciate the enormous importance of the birth of Jesus.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Even more tragic, most don’t respond to life and death of Jesus in the way that they should.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The birth of Jesus was a herald of many profoundly important changes that were about to take place.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This morning, let us answer the question, “What did the Birth of Jesus Mean?”</span></p></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BODY.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">IT MEANT THAT THE FULNESS OF TIME HAD COME.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 4:4.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Fullness of time” is making reference to the fact that Jesus came into the world when the time was just right.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God knew before He created the world that there would be a day when He would end His Son into it. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 1:20.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Old Testament is a record of the preparations that God made for the day when the fullness of time had come.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From the very first days in the Garden of Eden, we see preparation being made.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Genesis 4:3-4.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Abel’s offering was made by faith. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 11:4</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why were Cain and Abel even offering sacrifices?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God was already teaching them the consequences of sin.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He was already showing the need for a sacrifice for sin.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Perhaps this is why God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice. God demanded a blood sacrifice for sin.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We see this preparation being made in the Law of Moses.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 10:1-4</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">4 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 3:24</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We see this preparation in the 4 great world empires.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Babylon – Contributed synagogue worship which was important in the spread of the early church.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Medes & Persians – Contributed a profound respect for law. Even the king could not alter the law once it was given. See the books of Daniel and Esther.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Grecian – Contributed a universal language.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Roman – Contributed a near global peace and system of roads for easier travel.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">IT MEANT THAT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WAS AT HAND.<br /></span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Kingdom was to be established by the Son of God.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Daniel 7:13-14</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“ I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Samuel 7:12-13</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus, John, the 12, and the 70 all taught that the kingdom was at hand.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 4:17</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 3:1-2</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The 12. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 10:7</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The 70. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 10:8-9</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus’ kingdom is His church. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John 18:36</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus answered, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">His kingdom was established on the first Pentecost after His resurrection.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mark 9:1</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And He said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After Pentecost, the kingdom is here. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Colossians 1:13</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">IT MEANT THAT THE OLD LAW WAS ABOUT TO PASS AWAY.<br /></span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some mistakenly believed that Jesus had come to destroy the Law of Moses.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not so.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He came to fulfill the law.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 5:17-18</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">18 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All of the law pointed to Christ.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 7:18-22</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">19 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is thebringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">20 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">21 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The LORD has sworn And will not relent, ‘ You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek’”), </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">22 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He is the mediator of a better covenant. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 9:11-15</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">15 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 8:13.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In that He says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">IT MEANT THAT THE SACRIFICE FOR SINS WOULD SOON BE OFFERED.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 1:21</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We have already noticed that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 10:4</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It took Christ’s blood to take away our sins.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 9:22-28</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">23 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">24 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">25 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another— </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">26 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">27 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">28</span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 1:18-19</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">19 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CONCLUSION.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What does Jesus birth mean to you?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is it just an excuse to have a celebration once a year?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Or do you celebrate His birth every day of the year?</span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-44311892174330584032008-12-07T20:37:00.009-05:002008-12-08T10:33:51.210-05:00THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; ">Text: Acts 21:1-14.<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in">Delivered on: December 7, 2008. Streetsboro.</p><br /><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">INTRODUCTION.</span><br /></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul had taken up a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 16:1-3</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">2 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">3 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">4 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When his third missionary journey was over, he was on his way to Jerusalem to deliver the money to the saints there.</span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 19:21</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When these things were accomplished, </span><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul purposed in the Spirit</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 15:25-26</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">26 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This task was very important to him. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 15:30-31</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">31 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, at every turn, he was being warned about troubles that would be waiting for him once he got there.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:22-23</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">23 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 21:10-11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">11 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I take these statements to mean that the Holy Spirit was preparing Paul for the troubles he was about to face. Not as the Spirit trying to prohibit him from going to Jerusalem.</span></span></span></p><ol type="i"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What about </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 21:4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">? </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">The question is: What is “Spirit” referring to?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is it referring to the Holy Spirit?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Or is it referring to the spirits of those who were telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have to believe it is the latter. Otherwise, Paul would be disobeying the Holy Spirit.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">And we know that he had always been obedient on other occasions when the Spirit told him where to go and not to go.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Regardless… Paul felt that he must go to Jerusalem and he knew that there were trials there waiting on him.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">What a test this must have been for him!</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was also a test for his companions. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 21:12-13</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">13 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I want to focus in on the next statement that is made. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 21:14</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “</span><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The will of the Lord be done.</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">All of us need to be able to say, “The will of the Lord be done.”</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, in order to be able to say that and really mean it, we need to possess three qualities.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must have a submissive heart.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must have a trusting heart.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must have a determined heart.</span></p><br /></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BODY.</span><br /></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">WE MUST HAVE A SUBMISSIVE HEART.<br /></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order to be able to say, “The will of the Lord be done” we must be willing to submit our will to His.<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Submit = to accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another.<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">His will might not always be the same as ours.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our Lord did not look forward to going to the cross.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet He had submitted to the will of the Father in that matter. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 26:39</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some specific areas where men have had trouble submitting to the will of God:</span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Worship.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Men want to do it their way.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 15:9</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The plan of salvation.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The organization of the church.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Moral issues.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Homosexuality.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Abortion.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Premarital sex.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Consuming alcohol.<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is pride that keeps people from submitting to God.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">James 4:6-7</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">7 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One part of the definition of “submit” is to yield to a </span><b><span style="font-size:100%;">superior force</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p><br /></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many people have a hard time admitting that they are inferior to anyone or anything.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Proverbs 16:17-19</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">18 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">19 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Better to be of humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Truly, it is hard to kick against the goads. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 9:5</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”</span></span></span><br /></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">WE MUST HAVE A TRUSTING HEART.<br /></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order to be able to say, “The will of the Lord be done” we must trust in God. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 11:6</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.</span></span></span><br /></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">As we have already discussed, His will is often not the same as ours.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes, God allows us to be tried.</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 10:13</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 12:5-6</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">6 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">How will we respond when things don’t go the way that we think they should?</span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will we get angry?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will we be disappointed?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will we feel betrayed?<br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Or will we trust that the Lord knows what He is doing. Like Paul.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 1:12-14</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">13 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">14 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 1:19</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 1:12</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.</span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Isaiah 55:9</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We may not always understand why things happen the way that they do,<br />but we must always trust that God is in control and believe what is said in </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 8:28</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.</span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">WE MUST HAVE A DETERMINED HEART.</span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order to be able to say, “The will of the Lord be done” we must have a determined heart.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why do we need to be so determined?</span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">As we have already noted, things will not always happen the way we desire. His will is often different from ours.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">We will suffer persecution. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 3:12</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yes and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Because the work will not be easy.</span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Because of these things, many fall away. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 13:20-21</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; </span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">21 </span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are we determined and devoted enough to see God’s will be done even if it brings hardship on us?</span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus was. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 26:42</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul was. </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 21:13</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are you? </span><b><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:33</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.</span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">CONCLUSION.</span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">We often say it in our prayers.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">But do we really mean it?</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do we have what it takes to really mean it?</span></p><ol type="a"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are we willing to submit to the will of the Lord?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are we willing to trust the Lord?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are we determined to stay faithful no matter what the will of the Lord may be?</span></p><br /></li></ol><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-16704072104762124782008-11-21T09:05:00.009-05:002008-11-21T09:56:42.770-05:00DAILY RELIGION<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Text: Various.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Delivered on: November 23, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How often do you practice your religion?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is your religion a “once a week” religion?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is your religion a “twice a week” religion?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Once a month? A year?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How important is your religion to you?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Is it right there with school, work, sports, etc?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I would suggest to you that if you want a religion that is pleasing to God (and surely that is what all of us want), then you need to have a daily religion.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When we are truly devoted to something, and love that thing, we do not consider it a chore.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 9:23</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then He said to them all, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, and follow Me.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let’s look at some of the things that the early church did on a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> basis.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">BODY.</span><br /></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DAILY DEATH.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 15:31.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In what sense did Paul die on a daily basis?</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He gave himself completely over to service to Christ.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 12:1</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 6:6-7</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For he who has died has been freed from sin.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 2:20</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We too must die on a daily basis.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Have you given your life over to Christ as a living sacrifice?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If we get this right, then everything else will fall into place.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 8:5</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 9:24</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DAILY FELLOWSHIP. Acts 2:44-46.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">45 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">46 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So continuing </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes I worry that we don’t really appreciate the idea of Christian fellowship.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The first church had fellowship.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They had all things common.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They were together on a daily basis.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They took meals together on a daily basis.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We need this type of fellowship in the church today.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I realize that work and school schedules don’t allow us to do as much as we would like.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But we can do better than we are.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How can we pray for one another if we don’t know each other well enough to know each other’s needs.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There have been times when we have had members going through serious problems and they never let anyone know about it. That is not fellowship!</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fellowship is sharing our joys and trials with our brethren. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 12:26. </span></i></b><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We are told to exhort one another daily. In order to do this, we must be together. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 3:13</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But exhort one another </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DAILY BIBLE STUDY. Acts 17:11.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> to find out whether these things were so.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We need to search the Scriptures on a daily basis.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 5:6</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 2:2</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 3:15</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Psalm 1:1-3</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We need to search the Scriptures so that we can become teachers.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 5:12-14</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We can’t be a good soldier of Jesus Christ if we don’t know how to use the sword of the Spirit. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The sword of the Spirit is part of our armor.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It is our only offensive weapon.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We need to study with our children daily.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One might say, that is Old Testament.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">That’s right!</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 2:1-3</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DAILY EVANGELISM. Acts 5:42.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All of us either ought to be teachers or working toward the time when we can be teachers.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Acts 8:4</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice from verse 1 that the apostles stayed in Jerusalem.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was the congregation that was scattered.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And they were the ones who did the teaching.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not only that but they were teaching at the risk of their own lives.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are you ready to teach others? </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 1:15</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Timothy 2:2</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DAILY BENEVOLENCE. Acts 6:1.</span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">daily </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">distribution.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Benevolence – </span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">helping those who can not help themselves.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">James 1:27</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 6:9-10</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our benevolence need not be limited to the first and third Saturdays over here at the food pantry.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We can visit the sick and shut-in.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We can help shovel the neighbor’s driveway.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We can go to the local nursing home and sit and talk with the residents.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Don’t fall into the habit of thinking that since the church is helping feed the poor that it releases all of us as individuals from seeking to do good for others.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CONCLUSION.</span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How would you describe your religion?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Daily?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If not, make a correction.</span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-47569930478820723462008-11-15T17:47:00.005-05:002008-11-15T18:11:27.477-05:00BUT GOD WANTS ME TO BE HAPPY<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Text: Various.<br /></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Delivered on: November 16, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Introduction.</span></span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Happy – feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">What does it take to make you happy?</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">How would you define happiness?</span></span></p><ol type="a"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A life of wealth and pleasure?</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A life of constant fun?</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A life free of anxiety and worry.</span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Have you ever heard someone say, “But God wants me to be happy, doesn’t He?”</span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">People usually make this statement when they are trying to justify some sin.</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Here is a man who is drunk more than he is sober. He has lost several jobs, destroyed his family, has no credibility with anybody but the bartender. And as he sinks lower and lower, we hear him say, “But God wants me to be happy.”</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Here is a man who shuns his responsibility as a father and a husband and runs off with another woman. When he is approached by someone who cares, he responds, “But God wants me to be happy.”</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Here is a young person who was brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Yet as he gets older he gives into temptation and falls prey to sexual immorality. When his parents or Christian friends try to correct him, he says, “But God wants me to be happy.”</span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Here is a person who wants to feel good during worship. So he adds to the simple, New Testament plan for worship. When confronted, he says, “But God wants me to be happy.”</span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Let us consider a few things.</span></span></p></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">BODY.</span></span></b></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">DOES GOD REALLY WANT ME TO BE HAPPY?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Simply put – Yes, God wants us to be happy.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God wants us to enjoy the labor of our hands.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ecclesiastes 2:24</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">enjoy good in his labor</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ecclesiastes 3:12-13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I know that nothing is better for them than </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">to rejoice</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, and to do good in their lives, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">13 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">and also that every man should eat and drink and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">enjoy the good of all his labor</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">—</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">it is the gift of God</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ecclesiastes 3:22</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">So I perceived that nothing is better than that a </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">man should rejoice in his own works</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?</span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ecclesiastes 5:18-19</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">enjoy the good of all his labor</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">which God gives him</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">; for it is his heritage. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">19 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">As for every man to whom </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God has given riches and wealth</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">He wants us to rejoice and be at peace. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Philippians 4:4-7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Rejoice in the Lord always</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. Again I will say, rejoice! </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">5 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">6</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Be anxious for nothing</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, but in everything by prayer and supplication, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">with thanksgiving</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, let your requests be made known to God; </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">7 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">and </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">the peace of God</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Galatians 5:22. </span></span></i></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God wants us to be happy.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God wants us to enjoy the labor of our hands which we are to recognize as a gift from Him.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">He wants us to rejoice and be anxious for nothing.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">He wants us to lead lives of joy.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Not only are these things available to us; God </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">expects</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> us to have them.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">However, it is important for us to understand that our happiness is only a by-product of living a holy life.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">GOD’S PRIMARY CONCERN IS THAT YOU BE HOLY.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Holy – To be set apart for a divine purpose. Something that has been purified and cleansed for service to God.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God wants us to be holy people.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 Corinthians 7:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">perfecting holiness</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> in the fear of God.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ephesians 1:3-4</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">4 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">that we should be holy</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> and without blame before Him in love.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Hebrews 12:9-10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">10 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">that we may be partakers of His holiness</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1 Peter 1:15-16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">16 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1 Peter 2:9</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">a holy nation</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 Peter 3:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">in holy conduct</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> and godliness.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">In order to be holy, we must…</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Avoid sin. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Romans 6:1-2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Avoid false doctrine. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Romans 16:17-18</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">18 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Never cause another person to stumble. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1 Corinthians 8:12-13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">13 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Ephesians 5:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">And<br /> have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Deny ourselves. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Luke 9:23</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Then He said to them all, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span> </span></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">REAL HAPPINESS IS A PRODUCT OF HOLINESS.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Living in a right relationship with God is what brings real happiness.<br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1 Peter 3:8-12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">9 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">10</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For “ He who would love life And see good days</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">11 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">12 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Obviously, this does not mean that the Christian is going to lead a life of never-ending bliss.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God chastens us. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Hebrews 12:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">He allows us to be tried. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">James 1:2-3</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">3 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 Timothy 3:12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">What it means is that Christians can have happiness in spite of the bad things that happen to us.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">This world is not my home!!!</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">17 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">18 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2 </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">As Christians, our hope is heaven. </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Revelation 21:4</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">CONCLUSION.</span></span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God wants us to be happy people.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But He takes a longer view than we often do.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">We often look for the temporary pleasures that this world has to offer.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">God has, not only our happiness in this life, but also that eternal bliss in mind for us.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The only way to have access to that true and lasting happiness is through holiness.</span></span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-22328590886298083562008-11-03T11:18:00.006-05:002008-11-03T12:30:49.798-05:00A LAND FLOWING WITH MILK AND HONEY<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Arial Narrow';">Text: Numbers 13:27-33.</span><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Delivered on: October</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">26 & November 2, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 10 establishes the fact that there is a very real parallel between the children of Israel and us today.</span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 10:11</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We have talked about the similarities before.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="i"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They were in physical bondage – we are in spiritual bondage to sin.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They were delivered by Moses – we are delivered by Jesus.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They were baptized unto Moses in the sea – we are baptized into Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They wandered in the wilderness – we sojourn here in the church.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They entered into the promised land – we seek to enter in heaven.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They knew that God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Exodus 3:8</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We know that God has promised us heaven.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, like the children of Israel, we often allow ourselves to be side-tracked.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Notice what happened when they spied out the land. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 13:27-33</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">28</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">29</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">30</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">31</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">32</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">33</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we<br />were in their sight.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How do we respond when challenges are placed before us?</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We see in this passage two different </span></span><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Recipes</span></span></i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Recipe for Failure.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Recipe for Success.</span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BODY.</span></span></b></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">THE RECIPE FOR FAILURE.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The spirit of pessimism. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 13:31</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A spirit of pessimism causes discouragement. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Deuteronomy 1:28</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Where can we go up? </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our brethren have discouraged our hearts</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”’</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A spirit of pessimism is often caused by fear. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joshua 14:8</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are we pessimistic?</span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Self Pity. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:1</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cain fell prey to self-pity. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Genesis 4:5-7</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There is a time to weep, but feeling sorry for oneself is a waste of time.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All self-pity does is lead one away from the solution to whatever trouble he is facing.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do we wallow in self pity?</span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Complaining. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:2</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness!</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 10:10</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Philippians 2:14-15</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do all things without complaining and disputing, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">15</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When we complain, God takes it personally. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Samuel 8:5-7</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">6 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">7 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:27</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me.”</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are we complainers?</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Looking Back. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:3</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?”</span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They had forgotten what it was like in Egypt. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Exodus 1:13-14</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">14</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some come upon difficulties in their Christian walk and decide to go back into the world.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 6:21</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 9:61-62</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">62</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do we ever look back?</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They had a Rebellious Spirit. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:4</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Because things weren’t working out the way they wanted, they were ready to reject God’s leadership completely.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Many reject God’s authority today. For a variety of reasons.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If we would enter the promise land, we must develop a spirit of obedience. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lacking Faith. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:11</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then the LORD said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And how long will they not believe Me</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, with all the signs which I have performed among them?</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was the root cause of their pessimism.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 3:17-19</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who<br />sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">18</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are we ever lacking in faith?</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">An Optimistic Attitude. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 13:30</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God said that Caleb had a different spirit. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Numbers 14:24</span></span>. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joshua and Caleb saw </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">opportunities</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, the 10 spies saw </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">obstacles</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Which do we see?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“</span></span><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Churchill.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul was optimistic about his brethren and his work.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Philippians 1:6</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Philippians 1:12-19</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">14 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">15</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">16</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">17</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">18</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">David was an optimist. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Samuel</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">17:32</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, optimism alone will accomplish nothing. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John 15:4-5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">5</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wholly follow the Lord.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Joshua 14:6-8</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: “You know the word which the LORD said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">7</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">8</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wholly followed the LORD my God</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are many who follow the Lord only as far as they want to go.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To wholly follow the Lord, we must follow Him wherever it leads us.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Revelation<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14:1-4</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">2 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus may lead us in a way that is not pleasing to our friends. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 4:4</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus may lead us in a way that is not pleasing to our family. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 10:34-38</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">35</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">36</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">37</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">38</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.</span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Will we wholly follow the Lord?</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If not… </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 7:21-23</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">22</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">23</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Passion for the Cause. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:5-6</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">tore their clothes</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul was misguided but he had a cause. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Acts 26:9-11</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">10</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">put to death</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, I cast my vote against them . </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I punished them often</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">exceedingly enraged</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> against them, I persecuted them </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">even to foreign cities</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paul went into his Christian ministry with the same zeal. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Acts 14:19-23</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">supposing him to be dead</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">20</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, when the disciples gathered around him, </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">he rose up and went into the city</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">21</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">22</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Titus 2:13-14</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and<br />Savior Jesus Christ, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">zealous for good works</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 John 4:19</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We love Him because He first loved us.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Timothy 1:12-16</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He<br />counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">14 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">15</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">16</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dependence on and Trust in God. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:7-9</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">8<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">9</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; </span></span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Do not fear them.”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our success depends upon God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It is He who gives the increase.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 3:6</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Colossians 2:19</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 3:4-5</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And we have such trust through Christ toward God. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">5 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must trust God to fulfill His promises. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hebrews 11:6</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What are some of these promises?</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Salvation.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Answer to prayer.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hope of heaven.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spiritual blessings.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ability to overcome trials and temptations.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sticktoitiveness. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Numbers 14:36-38</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">37</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">38</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive</span></span></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, of the men who went to spy out the land.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must stick to it in our good works. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Galatians 6:9</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must stick to it in prayer. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Luke 18:1</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must stick to it in our Christian walk. </span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Revelation 2:10</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span><span style="font-family:'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.</span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol></li></ol><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-85360214243270837592008-10-16T13:55:00.011-04:002008-10-20T11:00:32.893-04:00THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD'S<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; ">To listen to this sermon, <a href="http://www.mypodcast.com/fsaudio/firstcenturychristianity_20081020_0943-316406.mp3">right-click here</a> and choose to "Save Target as." For Mac users, choose "Download Linked File."</p><p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Text: Matthew 22:15-22.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Delivered on: October 19, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On one occasion, some Pharisees were seeking a way to entangle Jesus.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They posed a question to Him. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 22:15-22.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">17 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">18 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">19</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Show Me the tax money.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So they brought Him a denarius. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">20 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And He said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Whose image and inscription is this?”</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">21 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">22 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As Jesus held that coin, He asked whose image and inscription was on it.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Obviously,it was Caesar’s image and inscription.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As a result, Jesus said that they were to render unto Caesar what was Caesar’s.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In our study of this passage we often stop there.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But that wasn’t all that Jesus said.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He also said that we are to render unto God the things that are God’s.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What “things” is He talking about?</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In answer to that question, let us ask another question. What “thing” has God’s image on it?</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Genesis 1:26</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We are made in the image of God.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must render God our whole being.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let us notice several aspects of this.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must give God our bodies.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must give God our time.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must give God our talents.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must give God our money.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BODY.</span></b></p><ol type="I"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WE MUST GIVE GOD OUR BODIES.</span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our bodies belong to God. </span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He is our Creator. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Acts 17:26</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">He has purchased us. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">20 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 12:1</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But what does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice?</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our bodies are merely the dwelling places of our souls. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 5:1</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our body is the outward man. Our soul is the inward man. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 4:16</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If we are to be pleasing to God, we have to give him our whole being.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must love Him with every fiber of our being. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 22:37</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jesus said to him,</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br />“ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must turn ourselves completely over to his service.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 6:12-13</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">13 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Philippians 3:7-11</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">9 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">10 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">11 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WE MUST GIVE GOD OUR TIME.</span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God should have priority in our time.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We don’t know how much time God will give us. </span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Psalm 90:10</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength<br />they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">it is soon cut off</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, and we fly away.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">James 4:13-14</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">14 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a vapor</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Psalm 90:12.</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ephesians 5:15-16</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">16</span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">redeeming the time</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, because the days are evil.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 1:17</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">;</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are 168 hours in a week. How many do we give to God?</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WE MUST GIVE GOD OUR TALENTS.</span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the parable of the talents, the master is the owner of the talents. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Matthew 25:14-15</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">15 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The “talents” in this parable were a measure of money.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In application to us today, the talents represent our own differing abilities.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Whatever abilities God has given us (and all of us have some ability), we must use them in service to God. </span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Romans 12:6-8</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">8 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Peter 4:10</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good<br />stewards of the manifold grace of God.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WE MUST GIVE GOD OUR MONEY.</span></b></span></span></span></p><ol type="A"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everything that we possess belongs to God. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Psalm 50:10-12</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">11 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">12 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“If I were hungry, I would not tell you; </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For the world is Mine</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, and all its fullness.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Therefore, we are simply stewards.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">God wants us to give back.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.</span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2 Corinthians 9:6-7</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Optima;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">CONCLUSION.</span></b></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must render unto God the things that are God’s.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We must render unto Him…</span></p><ol type="a"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our bodies.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our time.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our talents.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Our money.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Have you rendered unto God the things that are His?</span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-33405698351401887402008-09-30T15:20:00.004-04:002008-09-30T15:36:23.497-04:00THE PHILIPPIAN JAILER<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Text: Acts 16:16-34.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Delivered on: October</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul and Silas are teaching the gospel in Philippi.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They had just converted Lydia and her household.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now through a series of events, Paul is going to come into contact with his next convert.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The PhiIippian Jailer.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">From this passage of Scripture, we learn that there are many things involved in the conversion of a sinner.</span></span></span></p></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">BODY.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD. Acts 16:16-24.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">17 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">18 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">19 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">20 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">21 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">22 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">23 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">24 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Definition of providence. God working out his will on earth and providing for His people through non-miraculous means.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is important that we understand the difference between miracles and providence.</span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Miracles are works of God that go against the laws of nature.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Miracles have ceased today.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 Corinthians 13:8-11</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">9 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For we know in part and we prophesy in part. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">10 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><ol type="I" start="2"><ol start="2" type="A"><ol start="2"><ol start="2" type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Providence is God working </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">through</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> His natural laws. </span></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Daniel 4:31-32</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">32 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.”</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Even though God chooses not to do miracles today, He is still active through His providential care.</span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Esther 4:14</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and<br /> deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Philemon 15-16</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">16 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because of it’s nature, providence can be difficult to see in the present.</span></span></span></span></p><ol type="a"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As human beings we see only the past and present.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We can’t see how things are going to work out in the future.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Notice that in Esther 4:14 Mordecai said “who knows…”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In Philemon 15, Paul said, “perhaps…”<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We see God’s providence (I believe) at work here in Acts 16.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul and Silas are being hounded by this poor girl who had a spirit of divination.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She follows Paul and Silas around saying that they are servants of the Most High and that they teach the way of salvation. True!</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul puts up with it for several days and then finally becomes so annoyed that he casts the demon out.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever stopped to consider that this may have been the providence of God at work?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As a result of casting out this spirit, Paul ends up in prison.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Where he happens to come into contact with a man who is good soil.<br /></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">THE POWER OF GODLINESS. Acts 16:25-30.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">26 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">27 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">28 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">29 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">30 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul and Silas could have become bitter and angry.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They had done nothing wrong.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yet they had been beaten and thrown into prison.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yet we find them, according to verse 25, singing and praying to God.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We need to learn, like Paul, to live independently of our circumstances. </span></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Philippians 4:10-13</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">11 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">12 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">13 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What we see in Paul and Silas is a godly attitude.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This godly demeanor had an affect on their Jailer.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Jailer knew that Paul and Silas taught the way of salvation.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever stopped to wonder how he knew this?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because of their godly demeanor!<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Do we live our lives in such a way that those around us know that they can come to us and ask that most important question, “What must I do to be saved?”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe we haven’t had an opportunity to teach them.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe we have tried to teach them and they weren’t interested at that time.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We must remember, that things may change in their lives, as they changed for the Jailer.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He went for the doorstep of death (he was going to kill himself) and hell to salvation.</span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 Peter 3:1-2</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct<br /> of their wives, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I fear that all too often, our friends and acquaintances end up going somewhere else for answers to their question.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Further, do we know how to answer that question with book, chapter, verse?</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">THE POWER OF THE GOSEPL. Acts 16:31-34.</span></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">32 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">33 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">34 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><ol type="A"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is only through belief in Christ what we can be saved.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 3:16</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 8:23-24</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And He said to them, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">24 </span></span></span></b></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 14:6</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jesus said to him, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yet we understand that our faith must be accompanied by obedience or it is dead.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">John 14:15</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you love Me keep My commandments.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">James 2:20</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is<br /> dead?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 John 5:3</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God’s grace saves us through faith. </span></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ephesians 2:8</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When God’s grace is coupled with our obedient faith…</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We see the power of the Gospel. </span></span></span><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Romans 1:16</span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">CONCLUSION.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Are you a Christian?</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maybe the providence of God has brought you to hear this sermon today.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Will you then obey?</span></span></span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-77969754297477420312008-09-23T18:38:00.007-04:002008-09-30T15:07:12.497-04:00BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; ">To listen to this sermon, <a href="http://www.mypodcast.com/fsaudio/firstcenturychristianity_20080930_1331-304417.mp3">right-click here</a> and choose to "Save Target as." For Mac users, choose "Download Linked File."</p><p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><br /></p><p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Text: James 1.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Delivered on: September 28, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James has been called the most practical book in the Bible.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you want to know something about Christian living, this book is for you.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This book is not just important for Christians.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perhaps there is someone here who is thinking about becoming a Christian but you want to know more about the Christian life before you make a decision. This book is for you too.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To sum up Christian living we could say, Christianity is learning to love the things that God loves and learning to hate the things that God hates.</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the first chapter of James we have a list of basic equipment for Christian living.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-size:13px;">BODY.</span></p><ol type="I"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS LEARNING TO LOVE THE OBSTACLES OF LIFE. James 1:1-4. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.<br /></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When is our faith tested?</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With the common maladies of human beings.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why didn’t God make the Christian immune to this kind of suffering?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why do we have to face these maladies that peck at our faith all the time?</span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two reasons.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If God took away these trials for the Christian, you would have a lot of artificial Christians.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">God knows that we need the struggles to become strong.</span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Matthew 7:24-27</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Storms came on the wise man and the foolish man. Must have right foundation to withstand the storms.</span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I am tempted to sin.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I have wealth or poverty. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Proverbs 30:8-9</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I am disappointed in other Christians.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><ol type="I"><ol><ol><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It happens all the time.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We put faith in people and they let us down.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We can disappoint ourselves as well.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">People are not perfect. They are going to fail.</span></p></li></ol></ol></ol></ol><ol type="I"><ol><ol><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our faith is not based upon man but upon Christ.</span></p></li></ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When a loved one dies an untimely death.</span></p></li></ol></ol></ol><ol type="I"><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If we are going to have a strong faith to lean on in these times of trouble we need to strengthen that faith when we are NOT going through trials.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why is it so important that we be faithful to the worship assemblies?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why is it so important that I study the Word of God?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Romans 10:17</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.<br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How can we count it all joy when we face trials?</span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Matthew 5:11-12</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">12 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jesus said to rejoice.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How can we do that?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Illustration: watching recorded football games when I already know who won.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Watching a game live, I have a lot of nervousness and distress.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At times it is not even enjoyable.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the opposing team does well, I get frustrated.</span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But when I am watching a recording and I know that my team won…</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It’s a whole different story.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I don’t mind when the other team does well.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I don’t get too upset when my team is having troubles.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because I know the outcome in advance.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is that way for Christians. We know the outcome. “For great is your reward in heaven.”</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James says that the trying of our faith works patience.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As Christians we must keep our eyes on the goal.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Titus 1:2</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We’re going to heaven.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You’re going to face hard times. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 Timothy 3:12</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 Peter 4:15-16</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">16 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS LEARNING TO LOVE WISDOM. James 1:5-8. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What is wisdom? The ability to see how a particular course of action will ultimately turn out.<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James says that we are to ask God for wisdom.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How does God give wisdom?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Good question.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I think we are talking about more than just the wisdom that comes from the word.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Regardless of how we get it, we need to keep asking for it.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The greatest source of wisdom is the word of God.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We need to be hungry for wisdom.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Real wisdom starts with a fear of God.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Real wisdom understands what true success is:</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">True success is living your life and going to heaven.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">True failure, no matter what else may be true, is living your life and going to hell.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT LEARNING TO LOVE A SOCIETY OF EQUALITY. James 1:9-11. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">11 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the world we are judged by a lot of different standards.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">An those standards are not always fair.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But when we step into a worship assembly of the church of Christ and we are treated according to a different standard.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The lowly brother.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The lowly brother may not have much money.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He may not dress well.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But in the church, he is treated with the same honor as a rich man.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The lowly brother can rejoice in this. He has been exalted or lifted up.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The rich brother.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The rich brother is humiliated.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He is to rejoice in this. This is a challenge for this brother.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He is brought down to the same level as everyone else.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He does not receive preferential treatment.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James 2:1-4</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4</span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When we become a part of the church…</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The amount of money in our checking accounts doesn’t matter.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The color of our skin doesn’t matter.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The kind of clothes we wear doesn’t matter.</span></p></li></ol> </li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT LEARNING TO LOVE GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY. James 1:13-16. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">14 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">15 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">16 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Have we grown up spiritually?<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why would a man say he is tempted by God?</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We like to try justify or rationalize ourselves in our sin.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Any sin that we can think of, you can bet someone has rationalized a way to make it alright.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Homosexuality falls into this category.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some try to blame God for their homosexuality.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">God is never at fault when we sin.</span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just because a man is tempted to sin, it does not mean he has a license to sin.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We are drawn away by our OWN lusts.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Different things tempt different people.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What tempts me may not tempt you and vice versa.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Temptation must be resisted.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Don’t make excuses.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Giving into lust leads to sin which leads to spiritual death.<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We must grow up and stop making excuses.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Example: Attending faithfully.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hebrews 10:25</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT LEARNING TO LOVE GOD’S DEPENDABILITY. James 1:17. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everyone enjoys the physical blessings of God. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Matthew 5:44-45</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">45 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spiritual blessings are in Christ. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ephesians 1:3</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Answer to prayer.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Salvation.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hope of heaven.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What if God was not dependable?</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What if He wasn’t dependable in regard to physical blessings?</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What if He wasn’t dependable in regard to spiritual blessings?</span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CHRISTIANITY IS ABOUT LEARNING TO LOVE APPLIED TEACHING. James 1:21-25.</span></b></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">22 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">23 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">24 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">25 </span></b></span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is one thing to hear the will of God for my life but it is an entirely different thing for me to implement the will of God in my life.<br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The man in the mirror.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The man who looks into the mirror sees all of his imperfections.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But then he goes his way and forgets about them.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Same in a spiritual sense.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One comes to a worship assembly and sees that he is living in contradiction to the will of God and learns what he must do to correct it…</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And then he leaves and does nothing.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is a part of growing up spiritually.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We must start taking Christianity seriously.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How many people do we know in our lives who have some connection to Christ?</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maybe the use to be Christians but are no longer faithful.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Maybe they believe in Christ but that is as far as their faith goes.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is not that they don’t know the truth it is that they do not implement that truth in their lives.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The truth is able to save our souls.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We can know the truth.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But we have to put it into our lives. Two examples are given.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James 1:26</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Control your tongue.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">James 1:27</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Care for the helpless.</span></p></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What about you? </span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are you applying the things you’re learning here to your life?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are you seeking to serve the Lord in your life?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christianity is not just a part of my life.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Like some club or social activity or sport.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christianity is our life. It is a lifestyle.</span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Don’t just look into the mirror and go your own way.</span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are there things in your life that need corrected?</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Correct them.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Baptism? “I know I need to be baptized but I’m not going to do it.”</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Repentance? “I know I need to repent but I’m not going to do it.”</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Attendance? “I know I need to be faithful in my attendance but I’m not going to do<br />it.”</span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CONCLUSION.</span></b></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Basic Equipment for Christian Living.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Learn to love the things that God loves.</span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let us grow up spiritually.</span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-47099266497856495052008-09-18T13:17:00.011-04:002008-09-30T12:59:28.189-04:00THE MACEDONIAN CALL<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">To listen to this sermon, right-click <a href="http://www.mypodcast.com/fsaudio/firstcenturychristianity_20080930_1126-304361.mp3">here</a> and choose to "Save Target File". For Mac, choose to "Download Linked file."</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Text: Acts 16:1-15.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Delivered on: September 21, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 15 concludes with Paul and Silas setting out on what would be Paul’s second missionary journey.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We are told that he went through the region of Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 15:40-41</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">41 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While this is not the focus of this lesson there is a valuable lesson learned here.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once we convert people there is a need to strengthen and encourage them.</span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We are told that when he came to Derbe and Lystra, he met up with a young man named Timothy.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Remember that Lystra is the place where Paul had been stoned and left for dead. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 14:19</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Timothy joins Paul and Silas on their journey.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As Paul is passing through this region, we read that twice, he was forbidden by the Spirit to go and preach in certain places.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">First, they were forbidden to preach in Asia. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:6</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then they were forbidden to go into Bithyina. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">BODY.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A DETERMINED SAINT. ACTS 16:6-10.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We can just imagine how determined Paul was at this point.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He must have been chomping at the bit ready to go preach.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Romans 1:15</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He was probably also fairly frustrated.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He may have been thinking, “God, I’m ready and willing to go preach but you keep telling me no.”</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But even though he may have been frustrated, he was not disobedient.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We, like Paul, must realize that God knows best. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Isaiah 55:7-9</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9 </span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We may not always understand why things happen the way that they do.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But God knows best.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Romans 8:28</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finally, Paul gets the go signal.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We call it the Macedonian call. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:9</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “</span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Come over to Macedonia and help us.</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">”</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Come.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In order to fulfill the Great Commission we must be willing to go.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 Corinthians 4:7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">we have this treasure in earthen vessels</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Help.</span></span></span></span></p><ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are a lot of ways that people need help.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Physically, financially, mentally, socially.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But the greatest help that we can give them is spiritual help.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2 Corinthians 5:10-11</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">11</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Notice Paul’s reaction. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:10</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now after he had seen the vision, I</span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">mmediately</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Paul didn’t waste any time to get going.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are we as excited as Paul about the message we have for the world?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are we grudging teachers. We teach because we know we are obligated to but we don’t like or enjoy it.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are we determined saints?</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A DEVOTED SEEKER. ACTS 16:11-14.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What do we know about Lydia?</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She was from the city of Thyatira.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This was a city located on the Aegean Sea in the Roman province of Asia.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is ironic that Paul was not allowed to go into Asia to preach but his first convert in Macedonia was from Asia!</span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She was a business woman.</span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She is described as a seller of purple.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There was a purple shellfish from which purple dye was extracted to make purple cloth.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thyatira was well know for producing purple cloth.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple cloth was outrageously expensive.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Only kings and the very rich could afford purple garments. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Luke 16:19</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Therefore, Lydia was probably very wealthy. As is witnessed by the fact that she apparently had a large household and was able to house Paul and his companions.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most importantly we read that Lydia was a worshiper of God. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:14</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">who worshiped God</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She was a seeker.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She was worshiping God albeit at this time she did not possess all the knowledge that she needed.<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Paul takes the opportunity to teach her.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Again we see that the Gospel is spread by teachers.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was through hearing the gospel that she learned what she must do to be saved. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Romans 10:17</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.</span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But what does it mean when it says that the Lord opened her heart?</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Some believe that this is teaching that for a sinner to be able to be obedient to the gospel, the Holy Spirit must open up their hearts.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">However it is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit is not mentioned here. The Lord is mentioned.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If it takes some special operation by God to make the sinner ready to hear, why is this not mentioned in any of the other conversions?</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Would this not also make God a respecter of persons. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Romans 2:11</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For there is no partiality with God.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was common for Luke to ascribe an action to God when God did that action through an agent.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Notice. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 14:27</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 15:4</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.</span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Notice that Lydia was listening to Paul before it is said that the Lord opened her heart.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was through the things spoken by Paul that the Lord opened her heart.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was through the Word. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hebrews 4:12</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the determined saint met up with the devoted seeker, great things happened.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She and her household were baptized.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 16:15</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And when she and her household were baptized…</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Of course, it is at that point of baptism that one is saved.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mark 16:16</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 2:38</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Acts 22:16</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A DELIGHTED SAVIOR.<br /></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We are told that there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Luke 15:7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christ came to this earth to save the lost. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Luke 19:10</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.</span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What joy it must bring Him when there is another precious soul saved from the second death!</span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What joy it must bring Him to record a new name in the book of life!<br /></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">CONCLUSION.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Are you a devoted seeker?</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why not delight the Savior by obeying the gospel like Lydia?</span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Have your sins washed away by the blood of Christ.</span></span></p><br /></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-13898998383747280822008-09-16T10:33:00.013-04:002008-09-18T13:41:10.446-04:00A LOOK AT WORSHIP<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Text: Genesis 22:1-19.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Delivered on: September 21, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sometimes when we are going to study a specific topic it is good to go all the way back to the beginning.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jesus did it. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matthew 19:8</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He said to them,</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">from the beginning</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> it was not so.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The first time that the word “worship” is used is in Genesis 22.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 22:1-19</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 2 </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 3 </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and </span></span><b><u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">worship</span></span></u></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and we will come back to you.” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">13</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">14</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">15</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time out of heaven,</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">16</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">17</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">19</span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.</span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom:0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BODY.</span></span></b></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><ol type="I"> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP MUST BE BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD.<br /></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <ol> <li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Everything that Abraham did in this text, he did by the authority of God.</span></span></span></p> <ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It would have been wrong for him to sacrifice his son the day before this.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It would have been wrong for him to offer his son on any other day besides this one.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 22:2</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, God tells Abraham to go and offer his son as a burnt sacrifice.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 11:17</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That faith came from the word of God. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Romans 10:17</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">James 2:26</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was the same way with Cain and Abel.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abel worshiped according to faith. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 11:4</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If Abel offered sacrifice by faith, then we know that God had spoken.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Therefore, Cain knew how to worship!</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 4:6-7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7 </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you do well, will you not be accepted?</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cain worshiped God.</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But notice how his works are described.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 John 3:12</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Because his works were evil</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and his brother’s righteous.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Therefore, we conclude that Cain’s sacrifice was not accepted because it was not what God wanted.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His worship was not based on God’s word!<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom:0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also notice that Abraham didn’t question God.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He didn’t quarrel with him.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He didn’t try to improve upon what God had told him to do.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He didn’t look for loop holes in God’s commands.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">However, this is exactly what many people do today in regard to their worship.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When God told Abraham to go and worship, he didn’t have to list all the wrong ways to worship!</span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God told Abraham what He wanted done and expected him to obey.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God is not OBLIGATED to accept our worship.</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is such a thing as vain worship. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matthew 15:9</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in vain they worship</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP INVOLVES AND ACT OR ACTS. </span></span></span></b></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 22:5</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will go yonder and worship</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and we will come back to you.”</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The particular act expected of Abraham was the offering of his son. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 11:17</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abraham’s worship had a definite beginning and ending.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He was not yet worshiping when he told the young men to stay put.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He would not be worshiping when he returned from the mountain.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Worship was not something that he could just do in his mind while he was sitting at home on the couch.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many think that they are fulfilling their obligation to worship by sitting at home and watching a sermon on T.V.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Worship involves specific acts at a specific time in a specific location.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The acts are according to truth. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">John 4:24</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The time and location are the first day of the week with the saints.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Acts 20:7</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 10:25</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP INVOLVES A COSTLY PRESENTATION.<br /></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abraham had to offer up his only son! Can you even begin to imagine what that must have felt like?<br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">David would not offer anything to God which had cost him nothing. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 Samuel 24:24</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; </span></span><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing</span></span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our worship is described as a sacrifice. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hebrews 13:15</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Good worship is hard work!</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We must do it in spirit. Or with the right attitude and reverence.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We must do it in truth. According to the word of God.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And yet we still here people say, “I didn’t get anything out of worship today.”</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you got nothing out of it, it is because you put nothing into it.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It evidently cost you nothing.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When Abraham went yonder to worship, he most definitely got something out of it!<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP INVOLVES A SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD.<br /></span></span></span></b></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abraham went “yonder.”<br /></span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We must leave the world behind when we come to worship.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is part of what it is to worship in truth.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We need to leave a worldly cares at the door.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How can we sing “Count Your Blessings” when we are sitting there worrying about our trials?</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How can we give with a joyful heart when all we are thinking about is all the other things I could use that money on?</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How can we pay attention the Bible lesson when all we are thinking about is the football game yesterday?<br /></span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One area in which the world is creeping into the church is with the infatuation of entertainment.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Worship is not about me.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Worship is for the purpose of bringing glory to God.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Any joy that I have is a by-product.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WORSHIP RESULTS IN BLESSINGS FOR THE WORSHIPPER.<br /></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Abraham was blessed.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Can you imagine what Abraham felt like going up that hill?</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God was testing Abraham.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Notice how God worded His command to Abraham. </span></span><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 22:2</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then He said, “Take now </span></span><u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">your son</span></span></u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">your only son</span></span></u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Isaac, </span></span><u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">whom you love</span></span></u><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Can you imagine what he felt like coming back down? I imagine that he felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 22:17-18</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color:#5f497a;"><sup><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 18 </span></span></span></b></span></sup></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Isaac was blessed.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He had a father who truly trusted in God.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Genesis 18:19</span></span></i></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></p></li></ol></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We too are blessed when we worship God the way He wants to be worshiped.</span></span></span></span></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are edified.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are admonished.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are recharged.</span></span></span></span></span></p></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CONCLUSION.</span></span></b></span></p><ol><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do you think it is possible that God is testing us today with our worship?</span></span></span></p></li><li><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Are you part of a church that worships according to the simple New Testament pattern?</span></span></span></p></li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-61899677893437120692008-09-04T18:14:00.001-04:002008-09-04T18:16:10.816-04:00THE ANATOMY OF A FALSE TEACHER<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0in; " id="t-vo">Text: Acts 13:1-12.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo4"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: September 7, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo5"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo7"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo9"><b id="t-vo10"><span style="font-size:100%;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo11"> </p> <ol id="t-vo13"> <li id="t-vo14"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo15"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are warned by nearly every New Testament writer about false teachers.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo16"> <li id="t-vo17"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo18"><span style="font-size:100%;">John. </span><b id="t-vo19"><i id="t-vo20"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 John 4:1.</span></i></b> <span id="t-vo21" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo22" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo24"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo25"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul. </span><b id="t-vo26"><i id="t-vo27"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galatians 1:6-7</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo28" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo29" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo31" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo32"><span id="t-vo33" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo35"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo36" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo37" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo39"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo40"><span id="t-vo41" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo42" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jude. </span><b id="t-vo44"><i id="t-vo45"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jude 3-4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo46" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo47" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo49" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo50"><span id="t-vo51" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo53"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo54" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo55" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo57"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo58"><span id="t-vo59" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo60" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our Lord. </span><b id="t-vo62"><i id="t-vo63"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:15</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo64" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="t-vo65" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo67"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo68"><span id="t-vo69" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo70" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul had an encounter with a false teacher in </span><b id="t-vo72"><i id="t-vo73"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 13:6-12</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo74" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo75" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo77" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo78"><span id="t-vo79" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo81"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo82" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo83" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo85" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo86"><span id="t-vo87" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo89"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo90" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo91" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo93" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo94"><span id="t-vo95" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo97"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo98" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo99" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him </span></span></span><span id="t-vo101" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo102"><span id="t-vo103" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo105"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo106" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo107" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? </span></span></span><span id="t-vo109" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo110"><span id="t-vo111" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo113"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo114" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo115" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo117" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo118"><span id="t-vo119" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo121"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo122" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo123" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo125"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo126"><span id="t-vo127" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo128" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From this passage and others, we learn a great deal about the anatomy of a false teacher.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo130"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo132"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo134"><b id="t-vo135"><span style="font-size:100%;">BODY.</span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo136"> </p> <ol type="I" id="t-vo138"> <li id="t-vo139"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo140"><span id="t-vo141" style="color:#008000;"><span id="t-vo142" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo144"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE FALSE TEACHER’S MOTIVATION. </span></b></span></span> </p> <ol id="t-vo147"> <li id="t-vo148"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo149"><span style="font-size:100%;">Position - Status.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo150"> <li id="t-vo151"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo152"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice that in our passage, Elymas was with the proconsul.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo153"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo154"><span style="font-size:100%;">He was a sorcerer.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo155"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo156"><span style="font-size:100%;">This suggests to us that he had bewitched the proconsul and enjoyed a privileged position.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo157"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo158"><span style="font-size:100%;">Much like Simon. </span><b id="t-vo159"><i id="t-vo160"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:9-11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo161" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo162" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo164" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo165"><span id="t-vo166" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo168"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo169" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo170" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” </span></span></span><span id="t-vo172" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo173"><span id="t-vo174" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo176"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo177" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo178" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo180"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo181"><span id="t-vo182" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo183" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both of these men were worried about losing their privileged position.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo185"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo186"><span id="t-vo187" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo188" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Think of all of those today who are intelligent enough to see the truth but because of their current lofty position in some religious organization, they will not obey.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo190"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo191"><span id="t-vo192" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo193" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo195"><i id="t-vo196"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 12:42-43</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo197" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo198" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; </span></span></span><span id="t-vo200" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo201"><span id="t-vo202" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo204"><span style="font-size:100%;">43</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo205" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo206" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo210"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo211"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pride - Number of followers.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo212"> <li id="t-vo213"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo214"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some teach what they teach simply to gather followers.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo215"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo216"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a “pride” thing.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo217"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo218"><span style="font-size:100%;">As long as there are people who are looking for watered-down, spineless, weak preaching; someone will be willing to step into that role. </span><b id="t-vo219"><i id="t-vo220"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 4:3-4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo221" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo222" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; </span></span></span><span id="t-vo224" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo225"><span id="t-vo226" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo228"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo229" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo230" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo232"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo233"><span id="t-vo234" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo235" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have heard from a source that I trust that when confronted by members of the church for his stance on baptism, Billy Graham admitted that the only reason he taught what he did was because it was what the people wanted to hear.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo239"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo240"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pay – Money.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo241"> <li id="t-vo242"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo243"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul warned that some preach just for the money. </span><b id="t-vo244"><i id="t-vo245"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 16:17-18</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo246" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo247" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo249" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo250"><span id="t-vo251" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo253"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo254" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo255" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo257"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo258"><span id="t-vo259" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo260" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo262"><i id="t-vo263"><span style="font-size:100%;">Titus 1:10-11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo264" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo265" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo267" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo268"><span id="t-vo269" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo271"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo272" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo273" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo275"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo276"><span id="t-vo277" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo278" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This goes hand in hand with the number of followers. More followers = more money.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo280"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo281"><span id="t-vo282" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo283" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The fear of losing his “job” will cause this type of preacher to preach whatever the people want to hear.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo285"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo286"><span style="font-size:100%;">His allegiance is not to Christ and His doctrine but to his own belly. </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo289"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo290"><span id="t-vo291" style="color:#008000;"><span id="t-vo292" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo294"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE FALSE TEACHER’S TRUE NATURE. </span></b></span></span> </p> <ol id="t-vo297"> <li id="t-vo298"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo299"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice how Paul described Elymas. </span><b id="t-vo300"><i id="t-vo301"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 13:10</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo302" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo303" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo305"> <li id="t-vo306"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo307"><span id="t-vo308" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo309" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He was full of deceit and fraud.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo311"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo312"><span id="t-vo313" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo314" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Son of the devil.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo316"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo317"><span id="t-vo318" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo319" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Enemy of all righteousness.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo321"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo322"><span id="t-vo323" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo324" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A perverter of the truth. </span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo328"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo329"><span id="t-vo330" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo331" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">People such as Billy Graham and Joel Osteen who do not teach the whole truth…</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo333"> <li id="t-vo334"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo335"><span id="t-vo336" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo337" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Put on a good show for the masses.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo339"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo340"><span id="t-vo341" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo342" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But because of their lack of faithfulness to the word of God, they are enemies of righteousness and sons of the devil.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo344"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo345"><span id="t-vo346" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo347" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus warned us of people like this. </span><b id="t-vo349"><i id="t-vo350"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:15</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo351" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="t-vo352" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, </span><b id="t-vo354"><span style="font-size:100%;">but inwardly they are ravenous wolves</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo357"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo358"><span id="t-vo359" style="color:#008000;"><span id="t-vo360" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo362"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE FALSE TEACHER’S TACTICS. </span></b></span></span> </p> <ol id="t-vo365"> <li id="t-vo366"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo367"><span style="font-size:100%;">As Jesus said, they come in sheep’s clothing.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo368"> <li id="t-vo369"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo370"><span style="font-size:100%;">They don’t announce that they are false teachers.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo371"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo372"><span style="font-size:100%;">They uses smooth words and appear harmless. </span><b id="t-vo373"><i id="t-vo374"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 16:18</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo375" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo376" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo378"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo379"><span style="font-size:100%;">In many cases, they probably don’t even know that they are false teachers.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo380"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo381"><span style="font-size:100%;">But that does not make them any less dangerous, should we follow their error. </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo384"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo385"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul said that Elymas perverted the straight ways of the Lord.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo386"> <li id="t-vo387"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo388"><span style="font-size:100%;">This implies then that Elymas was teaching a perverted truth.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo389"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo390"><span style="font-size:100%;">False teachers twist the scriptures.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo391"> <li id="t-vo392"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo393"><b id="t-vo394"><i id="t-vo395"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Peter 3:14-16</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo396" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo397" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; </span></span></span><span id="t-vo399" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo400"><span id="t-vo401" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo403"><span style="font-size:100%;">15 </span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo404" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo405" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo407" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo408"><span id="t-vo409" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo411"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo412" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo413" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable </span><b id="t-vo415"><span style="font-size:100%;">people twist to their own destruction</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo416"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo417"><span id="t-vo418" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo419" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo421"><i id="t-vo422"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 4:2</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo423" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo424" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor </span><b id="t-vo426"><span style="font-size:100%;">handling the word of God deceitfully</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo427"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo428"><span id="t-vo429" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo430" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is just enough truth in their lessons to make them dangerous.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo432"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo433"><span id="t-vo434" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo435" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember that even the Devil quotes scripture. </span><b id="t-vo437"><i id="t-vo438"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo439"> <li id="t-vo440"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo441"><span id="t-vo442" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo443" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Just because a person uses Scripture in a sermon, it does not mean that he is teaching the truth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo445"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo446"><span id="t-vo447" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo448" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">He could be misapplying it like the devil.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo450"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo451"><span id="t-vo452" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo453" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Or like the Pharisees. </span><b id="t-vo455"><i id="t-vo456"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 22:29</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo457" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo458" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus answered and said to them, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo460" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="t-vo461" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo465"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo466"><span id="t-vo467" style="color:#008000;"><span id="t-vo468" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo470"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE FALSE TEACHER’S FRUITS. </span></b></span></span> </p> <ol id="t-vo473"> <li id="t-vo474"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo475"><span style="font-size:100%;">In </span><b id="t-vo476"><i id="t-vo477"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:15</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">, Jesus said that we would know false teachers by their fruits. </span> </p> </li><li id="t-vo480"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo481"><span style="font-size:100%;">What are these fruits?</span></p> <ol id="t-vo482"> <li id="t-vo483"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo484"><b id="t-vo485"><i id="t-vo486"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 16:17</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo487" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo488" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo490"> <li id="t-vo491"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo492"><span style="font-size:100%;">Divisions.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo493"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo494"><span style="font-size:100%;">Offenses contrary to the doctrine of Christ.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo495"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo496"><span style="font-size:100%;">As with Elymas, hindering others from obeying the truth.</span></p> <ol id="t-vo497"> <li id="t-vo498"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo499"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice that once Elymas was dethroned, Sergius Paulus believed.</span></p> </li><li id="t-vo500"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo501"><span style="font-size:100%;">When someone today preaches that all you have to do to be saved is pray a little prayer, they are deceiving people (whether knowingly or not) and hindering them from obeying the truth. Just like Elymas.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo502"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo503"><span style="font-size:100%;">Destruction. </span><span id="t-vo504" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo505" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo507"><i id="t-vo508"><span style="font-size:100%;">Titus 1:10-11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo509" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo510" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, </span></span></span><span id="t-vo512" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo513"><span id="t-vo514" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo516"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo517" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo518" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo520"> <li id="t-vo521"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo522"><span id="t-vo523" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo524" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Subvert = destroy, overthrow.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo526"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo527"><span id="t-vo528" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo529" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">False teachers destroy people’s faith.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo533"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo534"><span id="t-vo535" style="color:#008000;"><span id="t-vo536" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo538"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE. </span></b></span></span> </p> <ol id="t-vo541"> <li id="t-vo542"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo543"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice Paul’s response. </span><b id="t-vo544"><i id="t-vo545"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 13:11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span><span id="t-vo546" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo547" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.</span></span></span> </p> </li><li id="t-vo551"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo552"><span id="t-vo553" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo554" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We may not be able to strike people blind but we can stop their mouths. </span><b id="t-vo556"><i id="t-vo557"><span style="font-size:100%;">Titus 1:11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="t-vo558"> <li id="t-vo559"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo560"><span id="t-vo561" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo562" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We don’t do this by physical or violent means.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo564"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo565"><span id="t-vo566" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo567" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do this by reasoning with them from the Scriptures.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo569"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo570"><span id="t-vo571" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo572" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo574"><i id="t-vo575"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:8-10</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo576" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo577" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo579" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo580"><span id="t-vo581" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo583"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo584" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo585" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo587" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo588"><span id="t-vo589" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo591"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo592" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo593" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And </span><b id="t-vo595"><span style="font-size:100%;">they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo596"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo597"><span id="t-vo598" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo599" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo601"><i id="t-vo602"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:6</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo603" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo604" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And they could not answer Him regarding these things.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="t-vo606"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo607"><span id="t-vo608" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo609" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo611"><i id="t-vo612"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 18:27-28</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo613" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo614" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; </span></span></span><span id="t-vo616" style="color:#5f497a;"><sup id="t-vo617"><span id="t-vo618" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo620"><span style="font-size:100%;">28</span></b></span></sup></span><span id="t-vo621" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo622" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.</span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="t-vo626"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="t-vo627"><span id="t-vo628" style="color:#000000;"><span id="t-vo629" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b id="t-vo631"><i id="t-vo632"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 5:11</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="t-vo633" style="color:#0000ff;"><span id="t-vo634" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, </span><b id="t-vo636"><span style="font-size:100%;">but rather expose them</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-58978122788232125312008-08-23T16:13:00.003-04:002008-08-23T21:13:41.023-04:00THERE AROSE A COMPLAINT...<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="z2ej">Text: Acts 6:1-7.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej5"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: August 31, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej6"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej9"><b id="z2ej10"><span style="font-size:100%;">INTRODUCTION.</span></b></p> <ol id="z2ej11"> <li id="z2ej12"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej13"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is as inevitable as death and taxes.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej14"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej15"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is as inevitable as the sun coming up in the morning.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej16"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej17"><span style="font-size:100%;">What am I talking about? “</span><b id="z2ej18"><span style="font-size:100%;">There arose a complaint…</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">” Acts 6:1.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej19"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej20"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice that in Acts 6:1, we read that the number of the disciples was multiplying.</span></p> <ol id="z2ej21"> <li id="z2ej22"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej23"><span style="font-size:100%;">Their numbers weren’t just growing, they were multiplying.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej24"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej25"><span style="font-size:100%;">The church was flourishing under the leadership of the apostles.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej26"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej27"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even under these circumstances, brethren will find something to complain about.</span></p> <ol id="z2ej28"> <li id="z2ej29"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej30"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes (as in this case) the complaint deals with a valid concern.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej31"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej32"><span style="font-size:100%;">Other times (as is often the case today) the complaint is over something trivial and unimportant.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej33"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej34"><span style="font-size:100%;">Regardless of the nature of the complaint, it needs to be handled.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej35"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej36"><span style="font-size:100%;">The leadership qualities that are exhibited by the Apostles here in Acts 6 are truly amazing.</span></p> <ol id="z2ej37"> <li id="z2ej38"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej39"><span style="font-size:100%;">What is the best way to resolve complaints?</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej40"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej41"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let us notice how they handled it.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej42"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej43"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are times in all of our lives when these lessons will come in handy.</span></p> <ol id="z2ej44"> <li id="z2ej45"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej46"><span style="font-size:100%;">Whether you’re an elder.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej47"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej48"><span style="font-size:100%;">A parent.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej49"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej50"><span style="font-size:100%;">An employer.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej51"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej52"><span style="font-size:100%;">Or a member of just about any group where there are more than two people working together.</span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej53"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej54"><span style="font-size:100%;">You can use these lessons.</span></p> </li><li id="z2ej55"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="z2ej56"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice the text. </span><b id="z2ej57"><i id="z2ej58"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:1-7.</span></i></b> <span id="z2ej59" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. </span></span><span id="z2ej61" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej62"><b id="z2ej63"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej64" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. </span></span><span id="z2ej66" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej67"><b id="z2ej68"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej69" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; </span></span><span id="z2ej71" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej72"><b id="z2ej73"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej74" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” </span></span><span id="z2ej76" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej77"><b id="z2ej78"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej79" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, </span></span><span id="z2ej81" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej82"><b id="z2ej83"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej84" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. </span></span><span id="z2ej86" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej87"><b id="z2ej88"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej89" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.</span></span></p> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej91"> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej93"><span id="z2ej94" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej96"><span style="font-size:100%;">BODY.</span></b></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej97"> </p> <ol type="I" id="z2ej99"> <li id="z2ej100"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej101"><span id="z2ej102" style="color:#008000;"><b id="z2ej104"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE COMPLAINT.</span></b></span> <span id="z2ej105" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej107"><i id="z2ej108"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:1.</span></i></b> </span><span id="z2ej109" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.</span></span> </p> <ol id="z2ej113"> <li id="z2ej114"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej115"><span id="z2ej116" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews and Hellenists. Who are they?</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej118"> <li id="z2ej119"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej120"><span id="z2ej121" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">At this point in the history of the church, the gospel had not yet gone to the gentiles.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej123"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej124"><span id="z2ej125" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Hebrews were the Jewish people from the area of Palestine.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej127"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej128"><span id="z2ej129" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Hellenists would have been Greek speaking Jews from other parts of the world.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej131"> <li id="z2ej132"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej133"><span id="z2ej134" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember that when the church was established, there were Jews from all parts of the world present. </span><b id="z2ej136"><i id="z2ej137"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:5</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej138" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej140"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej141"><span id="z2ej142" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, in a sense, this group of people may have been viewed as outsiders. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej146"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej147"><span id="z2ej148" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Hellenists had a legitimate complaint.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej150"> <li id="z2ej151"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej152"><span id="z2ej153" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Their widows were being neglected (or overlooked) in the daily distribution.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej155"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej156"><span id="z2ej157" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is very likely that many of these Hellenists were homeless and the widows especially would be with the means to provide for themselves.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej159"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej160"><span id="z2ej161" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">God has always shown great concern for widows and other people who are unable to take care of themselves.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej163"> <li id="z2ej164"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej165"><span id="z2ej166" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej168"><i id="z2ej169"><span style="font-size:100%;">Exodus 22:21-24</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej170" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. </span></span><span id="z2ej172" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej173"><b id="z2ej174"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej175" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. </span></span><span id="z2ej177" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej178"><b id="z2ej179"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej180" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; </span></span><span id="z2ej182" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej183"><b id="z2ej184"><span style="font-size:100%;">24</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej185" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej187"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej188"><span id="z2ej189" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej191"><i id="z2ej192"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 5:3</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej193" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Honor widows who are really widows.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej195"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej196"><span id="z2ej197" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej199"><i id="z2ej200"><span style="font-size:100%;">James 1:27</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej201" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej205"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej206"><span id="z2ej207" style="color:#008000;"><b id="z2ej209"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE APOSTLES ACCEPTED CRITICISM. </span></b></span> </p> <ol id="z2ej212"> <li id="z2ej213"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej214"><span id="z2ej215" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles were the leaders of the church in Jerusalem.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej217"> <li id="z2ej218"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej219"><span id="z2ej220" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They were the ambassadors of Christ. </span><b id="z2ej222"><i id="z2ej223"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 5:20</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej224" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej226"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej227"><span id="z2ej228" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They were ultimately the ones responsible for making sure that no widows were overlooked.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej230"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej231"><span id="z2ej232" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As a result, this complaint could have been viewed as a criticism of their leadership. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej236"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej237"><span id="z2ej238" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice what we are not told about their reaction…</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej240"> <li id="z2ej241"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej242"><span id="z2ej243" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are not told that they got angry.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej245"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej246"><span id="z2ej247" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They did not rebuke the ones who brought the complaint to them. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej251"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej252"><span id="z2ej253" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How do we respond when people come to us with a complaint?</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej255"> <li id="z2ej256"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej257"><span id="z2ej258" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do we get angry?</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej260"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej261"><span id="z2ej262" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej264"><i id="z2ej265"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 12:17-18</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej266" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej268"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej269"><span id="z2ej270" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej272"><i id="z2ej273"><span style="font-size:100%;">Proverbs 15:1</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej274" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej278"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej279"><span id="z2ej280" style="color:#008000;"><b id="z2ej282"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE APOSTLES DID NOT IGNORE THE PROBLEM. </span></b></span> </p> <ol id="z2ej285"> <li id="z2ej286"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej287"><span id="z2ej288" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There was a real problem in the church.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej290"> <li id="z2ej291"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej292"><span id="z2ej293" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Either by intent or by accident, some widows were not being given the help that they needed and that the church was required to give.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej295"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej296"><span id="z2ej297" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What if the apostles had taken no action?</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej299"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej300"><span id="z2ej301" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What if they had the mentality that many have today and thought, “Let’s leave it alone and the problem will go away by itself eventually.”</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej303"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej304"><span id="z2ej305" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When people do this, the problem will sometimes go away but other problems remain.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej307"> <li id="z2ej308"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej309"><span id="z2ej310" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Like hurt feelings by the ones who were wronged.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej312"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej313"><span id="z2ej314" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Like the negative image the church may have gotten in the eyes of the world.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej316"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej317"><span id="z2ej318" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In some instances, a problem left unchecked can spread through the church and poison it. </span><b id="z2ej320"><i id="z2ej321"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 5:6-7</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej322" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? </span></span><span id="z2ej324" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej325"><b id="z2ej326"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej327" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej331"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej332"><span id="z2ej333" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do we sometimes ignore problems in the hope that they will just go away by themselves?</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej335"> <li id="z2ej336"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej337"><span id="z2ej338" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we do, the problem may eventually go away.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej340"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej341"><span id="z2ej342" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But all involved will remember that when the problem was there, nothing was done to correct it.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej344"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej345"><span id="z2ej346" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej348"><i id="z2ej349"><span style="font-size:100%;">James 4:17</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej350" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej352"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej353"><span id="z2ej354" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej356"><i id="z2ej357"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:12</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej358" style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej362"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej363"><span id="z2ej364" style="color:#008000;"><b id="z2ej366"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE APOSTLES HAD A PLAN OF ACTION. </span></b></span> </p> <ol id="z2ej369"> <li id="z2ej370"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej371"><span id="z2ej372" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They called an assembly.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej374"> <li id="z2ej375"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej376"><span id="z2ej377" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The problem involved basically the whole church.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej379"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej380"><span id="z2ej381" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, they got the whole church involved in the solution.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej383"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej384"><span id="z2ej385" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They allowed the members to have some control over the solution.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej387"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej388"><span id="z2ej389" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They didn’t stand back and dictate, “This is how it is going to be.” </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej393"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej394"><span id="z2ej395" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They delegated authority.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej397"> <li id="z2ej398"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej399"><span id="z2ej400" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good leaders delegate authority.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej402"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej403"><span id="z2ej404" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good leaders don’t micro-manage.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej406"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej407"><span id="z2ej408" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles knew that the most important task they had was prayer and the ministry of the word. </span><b id="z2ej410"><i id="z2ej411"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej412"> <li id="z2ej413"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej414"><span id="z2ej415" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is not to say that they thought the problem before them was insignificant.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej417"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej418"><span id="z2ej419" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If there were no other way to solve this problem than for them to handle it themselves, surely they would have done so.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej421"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej422"><span id="z2ej423" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, there was a better solution that allowed them to continue their critical work.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej425"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej426"><span id="z2ej427" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They allowed the church to choose seven men who would serve to facilitate the daily distribution fairly.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej429"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej430"><span id="z2ej431" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They realized that every member has a role to play. </span><b id="z2ej433"><i id="z2ej434"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 12:12-26</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej435" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. </span></span><span id="z2ej437" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej438"><b id="z2ej439"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej440" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. </span></span><span id="z2ej442" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej443"><b id="z2ej444"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej445" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For in fact the body is not one member but many. </span></span><span id="z2ej447" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej448"><b id="z2ej449"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej450" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? </span></span><span id="z2ej452" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej453"><b id="z2ej454"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej455" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? </span></span><span id="z2ej457" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej458"><b id="z2ej459"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej460" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? </span></span><span id="z2ej462" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej463"><b id="z2ej464"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej465" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. </span></span><span id="z2ej467" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej468"><b id="z2ej469"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej470" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And if they were all one member, where would the body be? </span></span><span id="z2ej472" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej473"><b id="z2ej474"><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej475" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. </span></span><span id="z2ej477" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej478"><b id="z2ej479"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej480" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” </span></span><span id="z2ej482" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej483"><b id="z2ej484"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej485" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. </span></span><span id="z2ej487" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej488"><b id="z2ej489"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej490" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, </span></span><span id="z2ej492" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej493"><b id="z2ej494"><span style="font-size:100%;">24</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej495" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, </span></span><span id="z2ej497" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej498"><b id="z2ej499"><span style="font-size:100%;">25</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej500" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. </span></span><span id="z2ej502" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="z2ej503"><b id="z2ej504"><span style="font-size:100%;">26</span></b></sup></span><span id="z2ej505" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej507"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej508"><span id="z2ej509" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles were using time management.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej511"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej512"><span id="z2ej513" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must realize that every time we say “yes” to something, we must say “no” to something else. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej517"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej518"><span id="z2ej519" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They retained the ultimate authority for themselves.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej521"> <li id="z2ej522"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej523"><span id="z2ej524" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej526"><i id="z2ej527"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:3</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej528" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, </span><b id="z2ej530"><span style="font-size:100%;">whom we may appoint over this business</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">;</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej531"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej532"><span id="z2ej533" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A good leader does not micro-manage, but a good leader also maintains oversight.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej535"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej536"><span id="z2ej537" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The reason that they are leaders is theoretically because they have more wisdom and experience than those under them.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej539"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej540"><span id="z2ej541" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, they need to keep an eye on things without smothering the process. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej545"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej546"><span id="z2ej547" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Prayer played a definite part.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej549"> <li id="z2ej550"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej551"><span id="z2ej552" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice how important prayer was to the apostles.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej554"> <li id="z2ej555"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej556"><span id="z2ej557" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej559"><i id="z2ej560"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:4</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej561" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But </span><b id="z2ej563"><span style="font-size:100%;">we will give ourselves continually to prayer</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;"> and to the ministry of the word.”</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej564"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej565"><span id="z2ej566" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej568"><i id="z2ej569"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:6</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej570" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Whom they set before the apostles; and </span><b id="z2ej572"><span style="font-size:100%;">when they had prayed</span></b><span style="font-size:100%;">, they laid hands on them. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej573"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej574"><span id="z2ej575" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A good leader leans on God and seeks His wisdom. </span><b id="z2ej577"><i id="z2ej578"><span style="font-size:100%;">James 1:5</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej579" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej583"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej584"><span id="z2ej585" style="color:#008000;"><b id="z2ej587"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE RESULTS. </span></b></span> </p> <ol id="z2ej590"> <li id="z2ej591"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej592"><span id="z2ej593" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice the wonderful results. </span><b id="z2ej595"><i id="z2ej596"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 6:7</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej597" style="color:#000090;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.</span></span></p> <ol id="z2ej599"> <li id="z2ej600"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej601"><span id="z2ej602" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">God was glorified.</span></span></p> </li><li id="z2ej604"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej605"><span id="z2ej606" style="color:#000000;"><b id="z2ej608"><i id="z2ej609"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 5:16</span></i></b><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="z2ej610" style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.</span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="z2ej614"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="z2ej615"><span id="z2ej616" style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One has to wonder how things would have turned out if the problem had just been ignored.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-1950909710593918832008-08-19T18:15:00.002-04:002008-08-19T18:19:10.332-04:00IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DENOMINATION???<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="jv1s">Text: Various.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt82"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: August 31, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt83"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s9"><b id="jv1s10"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt84"><span style="font-size:100%;">INTRODUCTION.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="jv1s11"> <li id="jv1s12"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s13"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt85"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is a question that we have all been asked.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s14"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s15"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt86"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Are you a Christian?” to which we answer, “Yes.” Then, “What denomination?”</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s16"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s17"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt87"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is another way of asking, “What type of Christian are you?”</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s18"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s19"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt88"><span style="font-size:100%;">Denominations are different groups of people who claim to be Christians but who hold different beliefs and therefore, denominate (or name) themselves.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s20"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s21"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt89"><span style="font-size:100%;">This world is full of literally thousands of different denominations.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s22"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s23"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt810"><span style="font-size:100%;">Is the church of Christ just another denomination?</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s24"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s25"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt811"><span style="font-size:100%;">Or is it different?</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s26"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s27"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt812"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are at least four things that make the church of Christ different from a denomination:</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s28"> <li id="jv1s29"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s30"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt813"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s origin.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s31"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s32"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt814"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s doctrine.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s33"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s34"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt815"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s unity.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s35"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s36"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt816"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s destiny.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s37"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt817"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s40"><b id="jv1s41"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt818"><span style="font-size:100%;">BODY.</span></span></b></p> <ol type="I" id="jv1s42"> <li id="jv1s43"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s44"><span id="jv1s45" style="color:#008000;"><b id="jv1s47"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt819"><span style="font-size:100%;">ORIGIN. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt820"> </span> </p> <ol id="jv1s51"> <li id="jv1s52"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s53"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt821"><span style="font-size:100%;">Time of founding.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s54"> <li id="jv1s55"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s56"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt822"><span style="font-size:100%;">During the times of the Roman kings. </span></span><b id="jv1s57"><i id="jv1s58"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt823"><span style="font-size:100%;">Daniel 2:44</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt824"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s59" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt825"><span style="font-size:100%;">And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s61"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s62"><span id="jv1s63" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt826"><span style="font-size:100%;">During the lifetimes of those present during the ministry of Jesus. </span></span><b id="jv1s65"><i id="jv1s66"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt827"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mark 9:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt828"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s67" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt829"><span style="font-size:100%;">And He said to them,</span></span></span><span id="jv1s69" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt830"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s71"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s72"><span id="jv1s73" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt831"><span style="font-size:100%;">The church started on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. </span></span><b id="jv1s75"><i id="jv1s76"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt832"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:47</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt833"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s77" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt834"><span style="font-size:100%;">Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the </span></span><b id="jv1s79"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt835"><span style="font-size:100%;">church</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt836"><span style="font-size:100%;"> daily those who were being saved.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s80"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s81"><span id="jv1s82" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt837"><span style="font-size:100%;">Try as hard as you like and you will not find a denomination around during the times of the apostles.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s84"> <li id="jv1s85"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s86"><span id="jv1s87" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt838"><span style="font-size:100%;">Denominations came 1500 years later.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s89"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s90"><span id="jv1s91" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt839"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul had never heard of a Baptist or Methodist.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s93"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s94"><span id="jv1s95" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt840"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some, in order to attempt to justify themselves, say that the church of Christ was started by Alexander Campbell in the 1800’s.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s97"> <li id="jv1s98"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s99"><span id="jv1s100" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt841"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is simply not true.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s102"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s103"><span id="jv1s104" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt842"><span style="font-size:100%;">We read about the church of Christ in the Bible! How could Alexander Campbell have started it.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s106"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s107"><span id="jv1s108" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt843"><span style="font-size:100%;">The truth is that he was one of the many men who helped to </span></span><b id="jv1s110"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt844"><span style="font-size:100%;">restore</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt845"><span style="font-size:100%;"> the church.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s111"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s112"><span id="jv1s113" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt846"><span style="font-size:100%;">Most of us knew nothing (or at least very little) of Alexander Campbell when we became members of Christ’s church.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s115"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s116"><span id="jv1s117" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt847"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the church of Christ is not a denomination based upon the fact that it was around long before denominations.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt848"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s122"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s123"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt849"><span style="font-size:100%;">Founder.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s124"> <li id="jv1s125"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s126"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt850"><span style="font-size:100%;">The founder and foundation of the church of Christ is Jesus.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s127"> <li id="jv1s128"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s129"><b id="jv1s130"><i id="jv1s131"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt851"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 16:18</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt852"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s132" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt853"><span style="font-size:100%;">And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s134"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s135"><span id="jv1s136" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s138"><i id="jv1s139"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt854"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 3:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt855"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s140" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt856"><span style="font-size:100%;">For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s142"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s143"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt857"><span style="font-size:100%;">The church of Christ has </span></span><b id="jv1s144"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt858"><span style="font-size:100%;">no other</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt859"><span style="font-size:100%;"> founder.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s145"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s146"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt860"><span style="font-size:100%;">All denominations can trace their roots back to men other than Christ.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s147"> <li id="jv1s148"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s149"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt861"><span style="font-size:100%;">Methodists – John Wesley.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s150"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s151"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt862"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lutherans – Martin Luther.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s152"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s153"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt863"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mennonites – Meno Simons.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s154"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s155"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt864"><span style="font-size:100%;">Presbyterian – Thomas Cartwright.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s156"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s157"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt865"><span style="font-size:100%;">Baptist – John Smyth & Thomas Helwys.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s158"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s159"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt866"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the church of Christ is not a denomination because it was not founded by any ordinary man but by Christ. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s163"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s164"><span id="jv1s165" style="color:#008000;"><b id="jv1s167"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt867"><span style="font-size:100%;">DOCTRINE. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt868"> </span> </p> <ol id="jv1s171"> <li id="jv1s172"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s173"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt869"><span style="font-size:100%;">A warning concerning false teachers and false doctrine.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s174"> <li id="jv1s175"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s176"><b id="jv1s177"><i id="jv1s178"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt870"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:29-31</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt871"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s179" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt872"><span style="font-size:100%;">For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s181" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s182"><b id="jv1s183"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt873"><span style="font-size:100%;">30</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s184" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt874"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Also from among yourselves men will rise up, </span></span><b id="jv1s186"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt875"><span style="font-size:100%;">speaking perverse things</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt876"><span style="font-size:100%;">, to draw away the disciples after themselves. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s187" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s188"><b id="jv1s189"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt877"><span style="font-size:100%;">31</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s190" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt878"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s192"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s193"><b id="jv1s194"><i id="jv1s195"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt879"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 4:1-3</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt880"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s196" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt881"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times </span></span><b id="jv1s198"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt882"><span style="font-size:100%;">some will depart from the faith</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt883"><span style="font-size:100%;">, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, </span></span></span><span id="jv1s199" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s200"><b id="jv1s201"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt884"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s202" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt885"><span style="font-size:100%;"> speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, </span></span></span><span id="jv1s204" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s205"><b id="jv1s206"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt886"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s207" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt887"><span style="font-size:100%;"> forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s209"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s210"><b id="jv1s211"><i id="jv1s212"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt888"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 4:2-4</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt889"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s213" style="color:#000090;"><b id="jv1s215"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt890"><span style="font-size:100%;">Preach the word!</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt891"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s216" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s217"><b id="jv1s218"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt892"><span style="font-size:100%;">3 </span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s219" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt893"><span style="font-size:100%;">For the time will come when </span></span><b id="jv1s221"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt894"><span style="font-size:100%;">they will not endure sound doctrine</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt895"><span style="font-size:100%;">, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; </span></span></span><span id="jv1s222" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s223"><b id="jv1s224"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt896"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s225" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt897"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt898"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s230"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s231"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt899"><span style="font-size:100%;">Three areas in which doctrinal error is prevalent.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s232"> <li id="jv1s233"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s234"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8100"><span style="font-size:100%;">Plan of Salvation.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s235"> <li id="jv1s236"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s237"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8101"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hear. </span></span><b id="jv1s238"><i id="jv1s239"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8102"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 10:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8103"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s240"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s241"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8104"><span style="font-size:100%;">Believe. </span></span><b id="jv1s242"><i id="jv1s243"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8105"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 8:24</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8106"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s244"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s245"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8107"><span style="font-size:100%;">Repent. </span></span><b id="jv1s246"><i id="jv1s247"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8108"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 13:3</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8109"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s248"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s249"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8110"><span style="font-size:100%;">Confess. </span></span><b id="jv1s250"><i id="jv1s251"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8111"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 10:9-10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8112"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s252"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s253"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8113"><span style="font-size:100%;">Be baptized. </span></span><b id="jv1s254"><i id="jv1s255"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8114"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:38</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8115"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s256"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s257"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8116"><span style="font-size:100%;">Organization.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s258"> <li id="jv1s259"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s260"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8117"><span style="font-size:100%;">Elders. </span></span><b id="jv1s261"><i id="jv1s262"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8118"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 20:28</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8119"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s263"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s264"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8120"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deacons. 1 Timothy 3:8-13. </span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s265"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s266"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8121"><span style="font-size:100%;">No councils or conventions or central rule.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s267"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s268"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8122"><span style="font-size:100%;">Each congregation was autonomous.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s269"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s270"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8123"><span style="font-size:100%;">Worship.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s271"> <li id="jv1s272"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s273"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8124"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pray. </span></span><b id="jv1s274"><i id="jv1s275"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8125"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Thessalonians 5:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8126"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s276"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s277"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8127"><span style="font-size:100%;">Give. </span></span><b id="jv1s278"><i id="jv1s279"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8128"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8129"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s280"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s281"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8130"><span style="font-size:100%;">Communion. </span></span><b id="jv1s282"><i id="jv1s283"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8131"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8132"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s284"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s285"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8133"><span style="font-size:100%;">Bible Study. </span></span><b id="jv1s286"><i id="jv1s287"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8134"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8135"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s288"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s289"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8136"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sing. </span></span><b id="jv1s290"><i id="jv1s291"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8137"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 5:19</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8138"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s295"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s296"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8139"><span style="font-size:100%;">You may find some denominations who observe most of these doctrines but you will not find one that observes all. </span></span> </p> </li><li id="jv1s300"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s301"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8140"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the church of Christ is not a denomination because of its doctrine. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s305"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s306"><span id="jv1s307" style="color:#008000;"><b id="jv1s309"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8141"><span style="font-size:100%;">UNITY. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8142"> </span> </p> <ol id="jv1s313"> <li id="jv1s314"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s315"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8143"><span style="font-size:100%;">God’s desire for unity.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s316"> <li id="jv1s317"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s318"><b id="jv1s319"><i id="jv1s320"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8144"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 17:20-21</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8145"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s321" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8146"><span style="font-size:100%;">“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; </span></span></span><span id="jv1s323" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s324"><b id="jv1s325"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8147"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s326" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8148"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s328"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s329"><span id="jv1s330" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s332"><i id="jv1s333"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8149"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 1:10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8150"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s334" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8151"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s336"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s337"><span id="jv1s338" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s340"><i id="jv1s341"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8152"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 15:5-6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8153"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s342" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8154"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, </span></span></span><span id="jv1s344" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s345"><b id="jv1s346"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8155"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s347" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8156"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s349"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s350"><span id="jv1s351" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8157"><span style="font-size:100%;">He wants true unity. True unity comes through obedience to the word. </span></span><b id="jv1s353"><i id="jv1s354"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8158"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 17:20</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8159"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s355"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s356"><span id="jv1s357" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8160"><span style="font-size:100%;">He wants true believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. </span></span><b id="jv1s359"><i id="jv1s360"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8161"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 5:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8162"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s361" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8163"><span style="font-size:100%;">And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s363"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s364"><span id="jv1s365" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8164"><span style="font-size:100%;">This includes even the works of those who claim to be followers of God but who do not teach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8165"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s370"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s371"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8166"><span style="font-size:100%;">What denominationalism teaches.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s372"> <li id="jv1s373"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s374"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8167"><span style="font-size:100%;">Denominationalism teaches that division is unavoidable.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s375"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s376"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8168"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, God’s followers “denominate” (meaning to name) themselves, as a form of identification.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s377"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s378"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8169"><span style="font-size:100%;">The logical conclusion of this belief is that God has asked us to do something that is impossible… and we know that He would never do that.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s379"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s380"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8170"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the church of Christ is not a denomination because it teaches Biblical unity based upon the Bible alone and not the teachings of man. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s384"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s385"><span id="jv1s386" style="color:#008000;"><b id="jv1s388"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8171"><span style="font-size:100%;">DESTINY. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8172"> </span> </p> <ol id="jv1s392"> <li id="jv1s393"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s394"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8173"><span style="font-size:100%;">The destiny of the church of Christ is heaven.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s395"> <li id="jv1s396"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s397"><b id="jv1s398"><i id="jv1s399"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8174"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:47</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8175"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s400"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s401"><b id="jv1s402"><i id="jv1s403"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8176"><span style="font-size:100%;">Revelation 2:10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8177"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s404" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8178"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s406"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s407"><span id="jv1s408" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s410"><i id="jv1s411"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8179"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 15:24</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8180"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s412" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8181"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8182"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s417"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s418"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8183"><span style="font-size:100%;">The destiny of man-made churches is Hell.</span></span></p> <ol id="jv1s419"> <li id="jv1s420"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s421"><b id="jv1s422"><i id="jv1s423"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8184"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 15:8-13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8185"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="jv1s424" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8186"><span style="font-size:100%;">‘ These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s426" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s427"><b id="jv1s428"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8187"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s429" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8188"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” </span></span></span><span id="jv1s431" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s432"><b id="jv1s433"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8189"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="jv1s434" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8191"><span style="font-size:100%;">When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them,</span></span></span><span id="jv1s436" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8192"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Hear and understand: </span></span></span><span id="jv1s438" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s439"><b id="jv1s440"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8193"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s441" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8194"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” </span></span></span><span id="jv1s443" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s444"><b id="jv1s445"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8195"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="jv1s446" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8197"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” </span></span></span><span id="jv1s448" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s449"><b id="jv1s450"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8198"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s451" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8199"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But He answered and said,</span></span></span><span id="jv1s453" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8200"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s455"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s456"><span id="jv1s457" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s459"><i id="jv1s460"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8201"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 7:21-23</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8202"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s461" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8203"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. </span></span></span><span id="jv1s463" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s464"><b id="jv1s465"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8204"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s466" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8205"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ </span></span></span><span id="jv1s468" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="jv1s469"><b id="jv1s470"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8206"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="jv1s471" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8207"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="jv1s473"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s474"><span id="jv1s475" style="color:#000000;"><b id="jv1s477"><i id="jv1s478"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8208"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 3:5.</span></span></i></b> </span><span id="jv1s479" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8210"><span style="font-size:100%;">Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!</span></span></span><span id="jv1s481" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8211"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8212"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="jv1s486"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s487"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8213"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let it be said that we take no pleasure in the knowledge that anyone will go to Hell. It is especially sad that many who believe in God are going to be lost. Nevertheless, Jesus said it is so. </span></span> </p> </li><li id="jv1s491"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="jv1s492"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="bvt8214"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, in regard to destiny, we see that the church of Christ is not a denomination.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-31455275665137216212008-08-05T20:15:00.001-04:002008-08-05T20:16:47.737-04:00CONDITIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="ipdb">Text: Luke 14:25-33.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b2"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: August 10, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b3"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb9"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b4"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb12"><b id="ipdb13"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b5"><span style="font-size:100%;">Introduction.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="ipdb14"> <li id="ipdb15"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb16"><i id="ipdb17"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b6"><span style="font-size:100%;">Disciple </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b7"><span style="font-size:100%;">= One who follows the teachings of another.</span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb18"> <li id="ipdb19"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb20"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b8"><span style="font-size:100%;">Not simply one who knows the teachings of another.</span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb21"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb22"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b9"><span style="font-size:100%;">But one who is an active follower of a particular teacher.</span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb23"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb24"><b id="ipdb25"><i id="ipdb26"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b10"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 8:31</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b11"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="ipdb27" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b12"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him,</span></span></span><span id="ipdb29" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b13"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb31"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb32"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b14"><span style="font-size:100%;">Only disciples of Christ can be free from sin and its consequences. </span></span><b id="ipdb33"><i id="ipdb34"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b15"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 8:32</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b16"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="ipdb35" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b17"><span style="font-size:100%;">And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb37"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb38"><span id="ipdb39" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b18"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told to go and make disciples of all nations. </span></span><b id="ipdb41"><i id="ipdb42"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b19"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 28:19-20</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b20"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb43" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b21"><span style="font-size:100%;">Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb45" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb46"><b id="ipdb47"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b22"><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb48" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b23"><span style="font-size:100%;"> teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb50"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb51"><span id="ipdb52" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b24"><span style="font-size:100%;">While it is the desire of God for all people to be disciples of Jesus Christ, in order for one to be a disciple of Jesus, he or she must meet certain conditions that Jesus set forth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb54"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb55"><span id="ipdb56" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b25"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, today let us consider the </span></span><b id="ipdb58"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b26"><span style="font-size:100%;">CONDITIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP.</span></span></b></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb59"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb60"><span id="ipdb61" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb63"><i id="ipdb64"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b27"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:25-33</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b28"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb65" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b29"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them,</span></span></span> <span id="ipdb67" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb68"><b id="ipdb69"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b31"><span style="font-size:100%;">26</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb70" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b32"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb72" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb73"><b id="ipdb74"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b33"><span style="font-size:100%;">27</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb75" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b34"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb77" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb78"><b id="ipdb79"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b35"><span style="font-size:100%;">28</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb80" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b36"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— </span></span></span><span id="ipdb82" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb83"><b id="ipdb84"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b37"><span style="font-size:100%;">29</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb85" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b38"><span style="font-size:100%;"> lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb87" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb88"><b id="ipdb89"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b39"><span style="font-size:100%;">30</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb90" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b40"><span style="font-size:100%;"> saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? </span></span></span><span id="ipdb92" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb93"><b id="ipdb94"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b41"><span style="font-size:100%;">31</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb95" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b42"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? </span></span></span><span id="ipdb97" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb98"><b id="ipdb99"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b43"><span style="font-size:100%;">32</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb100" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b44"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb102" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb103"><b id="ipdb104"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b45"><span style="font-size:100%;">33</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb105" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b46"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb107"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b47"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb110"><b id="ipdb111"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b48"><span style="font-size:100%;">Body.</span></span></b></p> <ol type="I" id="ipdb112"> <li id="ipdb113"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb114"><span id="ipdb115" style="color:#008000;"><b id="ipdb117"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b49"><span style="font-size:100%;">IN ORDER TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST… ONE MUST HAVE A CORRECT VIEW OF OTHER PEOPLE.</span></span></b></span> <span id="ipdb118" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb120"><i id="ipdb121"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b51"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b52"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb122" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b53"><span style="font-size:100%;">“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.</span></span></span><span id="ipdb124" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b54"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b55"> </span> </p> <ol id="ipdb129"> <li id="ipdb130"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb131"><span id="ipdb132" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b56"><span style="font-size:100%;">First let us make sure that we understand what Jesus is saying here.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb134"> <li id="ipdb135"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb136"><span id="ipdb137" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b57"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus is not saying that we should hate our parents in the way that we use the word “hate” today.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb139"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb140"><span id="ipdb141" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b58"><span style="font-size:100%;">The main meaning of the word “hate” is to detest and have malicious thoughts toward another.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb143"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb144"><span id="ipdb145" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b59"><span style="font-size:100%;">That is not the meaning here.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb147"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb148"><span id="ipdb149" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b60"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is simply means to have a preference for one thing over another.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb151"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb152"><span id="ipdb153" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b61"><span style="font-size:100%;">We can know this because we are also told to hate our own lives.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb155"> <li id="ipdb156"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb157"><span id="ipdb158" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b62"><span style="font-size:100%;">Obviously, Jesus does not expect us to hate our lives in the sense of detesting our lives.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb160"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb161"><span id="ipdb162" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb164"><i id="ipdb165"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b63"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 22:39</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b64"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb166" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b65"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor </span></span><b id="ipdb168"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b66"><span style="font-size:100%;">as yourself.’</span></span></b></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb169"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb170"><span id="ipdb171" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b67"><span style="font-size:100%;">He means that we love God more than we love our life.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb173"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb174"><span id="ipdb175" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b68"><span style="font-size:100%;">So in our passage, Jesus is saying that our supreme love and loyalty must be toward God and not man. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b69"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb180"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb181"><span id="ipdb182" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b70"><span style="font-size:100%;">We often neglect to realize how much influence others have on us.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb184"> <li id="ipdb185"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb186"><span id="ipdb187" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b71"><span style="font-size:100%;">Solomon allowed his wives to pull him away from God. </span></span><b id="ipdb189"><i id="ipdb190"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b72"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Kings 11:1-8</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b73"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb191" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b74"><span style="font-size:100%;">But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites— </span></span></span><span id="ipdb193" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb194"><b id="ipdb195"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b75"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb196" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b76"><span style="font-size:100%;"> from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb198" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb199"><b id="ipdb200"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b77"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb201" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b78"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb203" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb204"><b id="ipdb205"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b79"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb206" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b80"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb208" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb209"><b id="ipdb210"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b81"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb211" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b82"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb213" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb214"><b id="ipdb215"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b83"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb216" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b84"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb218" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb219"><b id="ipdb220"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b85"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb221" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b86"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb223" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb224"><b id="ipdb225"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b87"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb226" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b88"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb228"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb229"><span id="ipdb230" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b89"><span style="font-size:100%;">Rehoboam was led to disaster by listening to the wrong advice. </span></span><b id="ipdb232"><i id="ipdb233"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b90"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Kings 12:3-14</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b91"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb234" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b92"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb236" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb237"><b id="ipdb238"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b93"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb239" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b94"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb241" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb242"><b id="ipdb243"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b95"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb244" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b96"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So he said to them, “Depart for three days, then come back to me.” And the people departed. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb246" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb247"><b id="ipdb248"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b97"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb249" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b98"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, “How do you advise me to answer these people?” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb251" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb252"><b id="ipdb253"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b99"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb254" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b100"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb256" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb257"><b id="ipdb258"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b101"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb259" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b102"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb261" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb262"><b id="ipdb263"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b103"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb264" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b104"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he said to them, “What advice do you give? How should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb266" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb267"><b id="ipdb268"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b105"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb269" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b106"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you should speak to this people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist! </span></span></span><span id="ipdb271" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb272"><b id="ipdb273"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b107"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb274" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b108"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!’” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb276" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb277"><b id="ipdb278"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b109"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb279" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b110"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had directed, saying, “Come back to me the third day.” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb281" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb282"><b id="ipdb283"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b111"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb284" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b112"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; </span></span></span><span id="ipdb286" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb287"><b id="ipdb288"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b113"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb289" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b114"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb291"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb292"><span id="ipdb293" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b115"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are warned many times about the influence of others.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb295"> <li id="ipdb296"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb297"><span id="ipdb298" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb300"><i id="ipdb301"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b116"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 15:33</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b117"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb302" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b118"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb304"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb305"><span id="ipdb306" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb308"><i id="ipdb309"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b119"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 6:14-15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b120"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb310" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b121"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? </span></span></span><span id="ipdb312" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb313"><b id="ipdb314"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b122"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb315" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b123"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb317"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb318"><span id="ipdb319" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b124"><span style="font-size:100%;">How many times have we seen Christians pulled away from the Lord because they allowed the influence of family or friends to cause them to fall?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb321"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb322"><span id="ipdb323" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b125"><span style="font-size:100%;">When we love others more than we love God, there is always a danger of being pulled away from God.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb325"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb326"><span id="ipdb327" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b126"><span style="font-size:100%;">God must be our first love! Even more than our brothers and sisters in Christ. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b127"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb332"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb333"><span id="ipdb334" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b128"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the correct view of other people is to love them but to realize that our supreme loyalty and love belongs to God. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b129"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb339"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb340"><span id="ipdb341" style="color:#008000;"><b id="ipdb343"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b130"><span style="font-size:100%;">IN ORDER TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST… ONE MUST HAVE A CORRECT VIEW OF HIS OWN PERSON.</span></span></b></span> <span id="ipdb344" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb346"><i id="ipdb347"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b132"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:26b-27</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b133"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb348" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b134"><span style="font-size:100%;">…yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb350" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb351"><b id="ipdb352"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b135"><span style="font-size:100%;">27</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb353" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b136"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.</span></span></span><span id="ipdb355" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b137"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b138"> </span> </p> <ol id="ipdb360"> <li id="ipdb361"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb362"><span id="ipdb363" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b139"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus says several things here about how we are to view our own lives.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb365"> <li id="ipdb366"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb367"><span id="ipdb368" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b140"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are to hate (love less) our life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb370"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb371"><span id="ipdb372" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b141"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are to bear our cross.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb374"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb375"><span id="ipdb376" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b142"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice also </span></span><b id="ipdb378"><i id="ipdb379"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b143"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 9:23-26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b144"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb380" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b145"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then He said to them all,</span></span></span><span id="ipdb382" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b146"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb384" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb385"><b id="ipdb386"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b147"><span style="font-size:100%;">24</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb387" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b148"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb389" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb390"><b id="ipdb391"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b149"><span style="font-size:100%;">25</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb392" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b150"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? </span></span></span><span id="ipdb394" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb395"><b id="ipdb396"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b151"><span style="font-size:100%;">26</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb397" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b152"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb399"> <li id="ipdb400"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb401"><span id="ipdb402" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b153"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are to deny ourselves.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb404"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb405"><span id="ipdb406" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b154"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our cross bearing is to be daily.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb408"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb409"><span id="ipdb410" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b155"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are to lose our life for Christ’s sake. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b156"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb415"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb416"><span id="ipdb417" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b157"><span style="font-size:100%;">To summarize, we are to give our lives up to Christ.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb419"> <li id="ipdb420"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb421"><span id="ipdb422" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b158"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many believe that “bearing our cross” simply refers to bearing our burdens for Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb424"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb425"><span id="ipdb426" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b159"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am convinced that it means more than that.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb428"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb429"><span id="ipdb430" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b160"><span style="font-size:100%;">When Jesus bore His cross, He was bearing the instrument of His death.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb432"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb433"><span id="ipdb434" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b161"><span style="font-size:100%;">By bearing our cross daily, we are giving our lives over to Christ for His use. Up to and including even giving up our lives physically if necessary.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb436"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb437"><span id="ipdb438" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b162"><span style="font-size:100%;">We dare not be ashamed of Him. If we are, He will be ashamed of us.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb440"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb441"><span id="ipdb442" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b163"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice the following passages:</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb444"> <li id="ipdb445"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb446"><span id="ipdb447" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb449"><i id="ipdb450"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b164"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galatians 2:20</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b165"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb451" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b166"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb453"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb454"><span id="ipdb455" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb457"><i id="ipdb458"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b167"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 12:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b168"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb459" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b169"><span style="font-size:100%;">I</span></span></span> <span id="ipdb461" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b171"><span style="font-size:100%;">beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb463"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb464"><span id="ipdb465" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb467"><i id="ipdb468"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b172"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 15:31</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b173"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb469" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b174"><span style="font-size:100%;">I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, </span></span><b id="ipdb471"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b175"><span style="font-size:100%;">I die daily</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b176"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb472"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb473"><span id="ipdb474" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb476"><i id="ipdb477"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b177"><span style="font-size:100%;">Revelation 2:10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b178"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb478" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b179"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.</span></span></span><span id="ipdb480" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b180"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b181"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb485"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb486"><span id="ipdb487" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b182"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b183"><span style="font-size:100%;">Whoever loses his life will save it.”</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb489"> <li id="ipdb490"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb491"><span id="ipdb492" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b184"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we desire to save our life (Keep it for ourselves. Not willing to give it up.) we will lose it ultimately in the fires of Hell.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb494"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb495"><span id="ipdb496" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b185"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we are willing to give up our life here on earth, we will find eternal life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb498"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb499"><span id="ipdb500" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b186"><span style="font-size:100%;">A short time of serving God here on earth will gain a person eternal life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb502"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb503"><span id="ipdb504" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b187"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nothing that this world has to offer can compare to that promise! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b188"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb509"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb510"><span id="ipdb511" style="color:#008000;"><b id="ipdb513"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b189"><span style="font-size:100%;">IN ORDER TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST… ONE MUST HAVE A CORRECT VIEW OF HIS POSSESSIONS.</span></span></b></span> <span id="ipdb514" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb516"><i id="ipdb517"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b191"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 14:33</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b192"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb518" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b193"><span style="font-size:100%;">So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.</span></span></span><span id="ipdb520" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b194"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b195"> </span> </p> <ol id="ipdb525"> <li id="ipdb526"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb527"><span id="ipdb528" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b196"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must be willing to forsake not only family, and self, but all that we have. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b197"> </span> </p> </li><li id="ipdb533"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb534"><span id="ipdb535" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b198"><span style="font-size:100%;">This includes our possessions. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b199"> </span> </p> </li><li id="ipdb540"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb541"><span id="ipdb542" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b200"><span style="font-size:100%;">We cannot allow our possessions to be more precious to us than God. That is idolatry. </span></span><b id="ipdb544"><i id="ipdb545"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b201"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 3:5</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b202"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb546" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b203"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb548"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb549"><span id="ipdb550" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b204"><span style="font-size:100%;">When you are wealthy (as most of us are) it can be very difficult not to love your possessions. </span></span><b id="ipdb552"><i id="ipdb553"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b205"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 19:</span></span></i></b></span><b id="ipdb554"><i id="ipdb555"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b206"><span style="font-size:100%;">16-22</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b207"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="ipdb556" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b208"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb558" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb559"><b id="ipdb560"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b209"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb561" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b210"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So He said to him, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb563" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b211"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”</span></span></span> <span id="ipdb565" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb566"><b id="ipdb567"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b213"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb568" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b214"><span style="font-size:100%;"> He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb570" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b215"><span style="font-size:100%;">“ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ </span></span></span><span id="ipdb572" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb573"><b id="ipdb574"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b216"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb575" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b217"><span style="font-size:100%;"> ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”</span></span></span> <span id="ipdb577" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb578"><b id="ipdb579"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b219"><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb580" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b220"><span style="font-size:100%;"> The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” </span></span></span><span id="ipdb582" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb583"><b id="ipdb584"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b221"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb585" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b222"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Jesus said to him, </span></span></span><span id="ipdb587" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b223"><span style="font-size:100%;">“If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”</span></span></span> <span id="ipdb589" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb590"><b id="ipdb591"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b225"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb592" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b226"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="ipdb594"> <li id="ipdb595"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb596"><span id="ipdb597" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b227"><span style="font-size:100%;">Only one thing stood between this young man and eternal life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb599"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb600"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b228"><span style="font-size:100%;">His riches.</span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb601"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb602"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b229"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus knew that his riches were his true love. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="ipdb606"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb607"><b id="ipdb608"><i id="ipdb609"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b230"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 John 2:15-17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b231"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="ipdb610" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b232"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb612" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb613"><b id="ipdb614"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b233"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb615" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b234"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. </span></span></span><span id="ipdb617" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="ipdb618"><b id="ipdb619"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b235"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="ipdb620" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b236"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b237"> </span> </p> </li><li id="ipdb625"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb626"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b238"><span style="font-size:100%;">Which do we love more??? Our riches or the Lord???</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb627"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b239"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb630"><span id="ipdb631" style="color:#000000;"><b id="ipdb633"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b240"><span style="font-size:100%;">Conclusion.</span></span></b></span></p> <ol id="ipdb634"> <li id="ipdb635"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb636"><span id="ipdb637" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b241"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus wants you to be His disciple.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb639"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb640"><span id="ipdb641" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b242"><span style="font-size:100%;">But there are conditions to be met.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb643"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb644"><span id="ipdb645" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b243"><span style="font-size:100%;">You must love Him more than people, self, and possessions.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb647"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb648"><span id="ipdb649" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b244"><span style="font-size:100%;">Count the cost!</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="ipdb651"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="ipdb652"><span id="ipdb653" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="kw6b245"><span style="font-size:100%;">If you are willing to do that, then why not become a disciple today through obedience to the Gospel of Christ.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-568759988472240682008-08-02T22:54:00.001-04:002008-08-02T22:56:13.546-04:00LED BY THE SPIRIT<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="vzwc">Text: Romans 8:14.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks2"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: August 3, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks3"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc9"><b id="vzwc10"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks4"><span style="font-size:100%;">Introduction.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="vzwc11"> <li id="vzwc12"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc13"><b id="vzwc14"><i id="vzwc15"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks5"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 8:14.</span></span></i></b> <span id="vzwc16" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks7"><span style="font-size:100%;">For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc18"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc19"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks8"><span style="font-size:100%;">This morning I want us to take some time to consider what it means to be led by the Spirit.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc20"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc21"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks9"><span style="font-size:100%;">In the religious world today, the topic of the Holy Spirit is one of the most controversial.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc22"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc23"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks10"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is some agreement.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc24"> <li id="vzwc25"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc26"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks11"><span style="font-size:100%;">No one would deny that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc27"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc28"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks12"><span style="font-size:100%;">No one would deny that the Holy Spirit leads the Christian today.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc29"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc30"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks13"><span style="font-size:100%;">The controversy comes in with this:</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc31"> <li id="vzwc32"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc33"><b id="vzwc34"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks14"><span style="font-size:100%;">How</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks15"><span style="font-size:100%;"> does the Holy Spirit lead the Christian today?</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc35"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc36"><b id="vzwc37"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks16"><span style="font-size:100%;">How</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks17"><span style="font-size:100%;"> does the Holy Spirit dwell in the Christian? (What is the gift of the Holy Spirit?)</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc38"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks18"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc41"><b id="vzwc42"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks19"><span style="font-size:100%;">Body.</span></span></b></p> <ol type="I" id="vzwc43"> <li id="vzwc44"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc45"><span id="vzwc46" style="color:#008000;"><b id="vzwc48"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks20"><span style="font-size:100%;">HOW DOES THE SPIRIT LEAD THE CHRISTIAN TODAY? </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks21"> </span> </p> <ol id="vzwc52"> <li id="vzwc53"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc54"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks22"><span style="font-size:100%;">There have only ever been three ways in which the Holy Spirit has led man.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc55"> <li id="vzwc56"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc57"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks23"><span style="font-size:100%;">Baptism of the Holy Spirit. </span></span><b id="vzwc58"><i id="vzwc59"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks24"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 1:1-8</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks25"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc60" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks26"><span style="font-size:100%;">The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc62" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc63"><b id="vzwc64"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks27"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc65" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks28"><span style="font-size:100%;"> until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the </span></span><b id="vzwc67"><u id="vzwc68"><span id="vzwc69" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks29"><span style="font-size:100%;">apostles</span></span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks30"><span style="font-size:100%;"> whom He had chosen, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc70" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc71"><b id="vzwc72"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks31"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc73" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks32"><span style="font-size:100%;"> to </span></span><b id="vzwc75"><span id="vzwc76" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks33"><span style="font-size:100%;">whom</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks34"><span style="font-size:100%;"> He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by </span></span><b id="vzwc77"><span id="vzwc78" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks35"><span style="font-size:100%;">them</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks36"><span style="font-size:100%;"> during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc79" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc80"><b id="vzwc81"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks37"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc82" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks38"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And being assembled together with </span></span><b id="vzwc84"><span id="vzwc85" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks39"><span style="font-size:100%;">them</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks40"><span style="font-size:100%;">, He commanded </span></span><b id="vzwc86"><span id="vzwc87" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks41"><span style="font-size:100%;">them</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks42"><span style="font-size:100%;"> not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; </span></span></span><span id="vzwc88" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc89"><b id="vzwc90"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks43"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc91" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks44"><span style="font-size:100%;"> for John truly baptized with water, but </span></span><b id="vzwc93"><span id="vzwc94" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks45"><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks46"><span style="font-size:100%;"> shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc95" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc96"><b id="vzwc97"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks47"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc98" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks48"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore, when </span></span><b id="vzwc100"><span id="vzwc101" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks49"><span style="font-size:100%;">they</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks50"><span style="font-size:100%;"> had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc102" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc103"><b id="vzwc104"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks51"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc105" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks52"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And He said to </span></span><b id="vzwc107"><span id="vzwc108" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks53"><span style="font-size:100%;">them</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks54"><span style="font-size:100%;">, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc109" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc110"><b id="vzwc111"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks55"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc112" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks56"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But </span></span><b id="vzwc114"><span id="vzwc115" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks57"><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks58"><span style="font-size:100%;"> shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon </span></span><b id="vzwc116"><span id="vzwc117" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks59"><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks60"><span style="font-size:100%;">; and </span></span><b id="vzwc118"><span id="vzwc119" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks61"><span style="font-size:100%;">you</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks62"><span style="font-size:100%;"> shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc120"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc121"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks63"><span style="font-size:100%;">Through the laying on of the apostles’ hands. </span></span><b id="vzwc122"><i id="vzwc123"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks64"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:17-19</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks65"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc124" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks66"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc126" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc127"><b id="vzwc128"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks67"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc129" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks68"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc131" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc132"><b id="vzwc133"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks69"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc134" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks70"><span style="font-size:100%;"> saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc136"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc137"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks71"><span style="font-size:100%;">Through the Word which the Spirit gave.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc138"> <li id="vzwc139"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc140"><b id="vzwc141"><i id="vzwc142"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks72"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 14:26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks73"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc143" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks74"><span style="font-size:100%;">But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc145"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc146"><b id="vzwc147"><i id="vzwc148"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks75"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 15:26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks76"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc149" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks77"><span style="font-size:100%;">“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc151"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc152"><b id="vzwc153"><i id="vzwc154"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks78"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 16:13-14</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks79"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc155" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks80"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc157" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc158"><b id="vzwc159"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks81"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc160" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks82"><span style="font-size:100%;"> He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc162"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc163"><b id="vzwc164"><i id="vzwc165"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks83"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:4</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks84"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc166" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks85"><span style="font-size:100%;">And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc168"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc169"><b id="vzwc170"><i id="vzwc171"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks86"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 2:11-13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks87"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc172" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks88"><span style="font-size:100%;">For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc174" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc175"><b id="vzwc176"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks89"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc177" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks90"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc179" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc180"><b id="vzwc181"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks91"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc182" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks92"><span style="font-size:100%;"> These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc184"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc185"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks93"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, He does not lead through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc186"> <li id="vzwc187"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc188"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks94"><span style="font-size:100%;">That was promised only to the disciples.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc189"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc190"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks95"><span style="font-size:100%;">Look at the pronouns in </span></span><b id="vzwc191"><i id="vzwc192"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks96"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 1:1-9</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks97"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc193"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc194"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks98"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, He does not lead us by the laying on of the apostles’ hands. We have no apostles today.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc195"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc196"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks99"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, today, He leads us, directs us, influences us by means of the WORD.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc197"> <li id="vzwc198"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc199"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks100"><span style="font-size:100%;">This does not mean that God is not active in the world today!</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc200"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc201"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks101"><span style="font-size:100%;">We believe in the providence of God. He is active.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc202"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc203"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks102"><span style="font-size:100%;">He answers prayer.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc204"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc205"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks103"><span style="font-size:100%;">Perhaps the Spirit is involved in these things. Perhaps not. We don’t know how these things work.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc206"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc207"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks104"><span style="font-size:100%;">But without a doubt, in the conviction and conversion of a sinner, the Holy Spirit only works through the word. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc211"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc212"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks105"><span style="font-size:100%;">The word of God is the sword of the Spirit. </span></span><b id="vzwc213"><i id="vzwc214"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks106"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 6:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks107"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span><span id="vzwc215" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks108"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc217"> <li id="vzwc218"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc219"><span id="vzwc220" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc222"><i id="vzwc223"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks109"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 4:12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks110"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc224" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks111"><span style="font-size:100%;">For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc226"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc227"><span id="vzwc228" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks112"><span style="font-size:100%;">Illustration.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc230"> <li id="vzwc231"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc232"><span id="vzwc233" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks113"><span style="font-size:100%;">A man uses an axe to chop wood.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc235"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc236"><span id="vzwc237" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks114"><span style="font-size:100%;">The energy is inherent in the man, but that energy is transmitted through the axe to the wood.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc239"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc240"><span id="vzwc241" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks115"><span style="font-size:100%;">The axe is the means by which the energy from the man is transmitted and applied to the wood.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc243"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc244"><span id="vzwc245" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks116"><span style="font-size:100%;">Similarly, the Holy Spirit operates on human hearts through the means of His sword, the word of God.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc247"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc248"><span id="vzwc249" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks117"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is no direct impact between the man and the wood. There is no direct impact between the Holy Spirit and the human heart.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc251"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc252"><span id="vzwc253" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks118"><span style="font-size:100%;">The influence is by means of the Word. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks119"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc258"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc259"><span id="vzwc260" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks120"><span style="font-size:100%;">What does the Holy Spirit do for us?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc262"> <li id="vzwc263"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc264"><span id="vzwc265" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks121"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit strengthens the Christian. </span></span><b id="vzwc267"><i id="vzwc268"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks122"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 3:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks123"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc269" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks124"><span style="font-size:100%;">That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc271"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc272"><span id="vzwc273" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks125"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit sanctifies. </span></span><b id="vzwc275"><i id="vzwc276"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks126"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Thessalonians 2:13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks127"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc277" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks128"><span style="font-size:100%;">But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc279"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc280"><span id="vzwc281" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks129"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit saves. </span></span><b id="vzwc283"><i id="vzwc284"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks130"><span style="font-size:100%;">Titus 3:5</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks131"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span><span id="vzwc285" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks132"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc287"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc288"><span id="vzwc289" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks133"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit justifies. </span></span><b id="vzwc291"><i id="vzwc292"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks134"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 3:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks135"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc293" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks136"><span style="font-size:100%;">And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc295"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc296"><span id="vzwc297" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks137"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit witnesses to us. </span></span><b id="vzwc299"><i id="vzwc300"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks138"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 10:15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks139"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc301" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks140"><span style="font-size:100%;">But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us…</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc303"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc304"><span id="vzwc305" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks141"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit prompts us to love God. </span></span><b id="vzwc307"><i id="vzwc308"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks142"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 5:5</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks143"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc309" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks144"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc311"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc312"><span id="vzwc313" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks145"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Holy Spirit leads us as God’s sons. </span></span><b id="vzwc315"><i id="vzwc316"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks146"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 8:14-16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks147"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc317" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks148"><span style="font-size:100%;">For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc319" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc320"><b id="vzwc321"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks149"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc322" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks150"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc324" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc325"><b id="vzwc326"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks151"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc327" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks152"><span style="font-size:100%;"> The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.</span></span></span><span id="vzwc329" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks153"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks154"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc334"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc335"><span id="vzwc336" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks155"><span style="font-size:100%;">How does the Holy Spirit do these things?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc338"> <li id="vzwc339"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc340"><span id="vzwc341" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks156"><span style="font-size:100%;">He strengthens us through the Word.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc343"> <li id="vzwc344"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc345"><span id="vzwc346" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks157"><span style="font-size:100%;">By providing the armor of God which includes the Sword of the Spirit. </span></span><b id="vzwc348"><i id="vzwc349"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks158"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 6:10-11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks159"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc350" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks160"><span style="font-size:100%;">Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc352" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc353"><b id="vzwc354"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks161"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc355" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks162"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc357"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc358"><span id="vzwc359" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc361"><i id="vzwc362"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks163"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:32</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks164"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc363" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks165"><span style="font-size:100%;">So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc365"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc366"><span id="vzwc367" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks166"><span style="font-size:100%;">He sanctifies us by the Truth. </span></span><b id="vzwc369"><i id="vzwc370"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks167"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 17:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks168"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc371" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks169"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc373"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc374"><span id="vzwc375" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks170"><span style="font-size:100%;">He saves with the implanted word. </span></span><b id="vzwc377"><i id="vzwc378"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks171"><span style="font-size:100%;">James 1:21</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks172"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc379" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks173"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc381"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc382"><span id="vzwc383" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks174"><span style="font-size:100%;">He justifies by faith which comes from hearing the word of God.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc385"> <li id="vzwc386"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc387"><span id="vzwc388" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc390"><i id="vzwc391"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks175"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 5:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks176"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc392" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks177"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[</span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%205;&version=50;#fen-NKJV-28043a" id="vzwc394"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks178"><span style="font-size:100%;">a</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks179"><span style="font-size:100%;">] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc395"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc396"><span id="vzwc397" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc399"><i id="vzwc400"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks180"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 10:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks181"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc401" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks182"><span style="font-size:100%;">So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc403"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc404"><span id="vzwc405" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks183"><span style="font-size:100%;">He witnesses to us through the Scriptures which testify of Christ. </span></span><b id="vzwc407"><i id="vzwc408"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks184"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 5:39</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks185"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc409" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks186"><span style="font-size:100%;">You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc411"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc412"><span id="vzwc413" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks187"><span style="font-size:100%;">He causes us to love God by presenting God to us as a lovable being. </span></span><b id="vzwc415"><i id="vzwc416"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks188"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 3:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks189"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc417" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks190"><span style="font-size:100%;">For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc419"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc420"><span id="vzwc421" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks191"><span style="font-size:100%;">He leads us by providing a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. </span></span><b id="vzwc423"><i id="vzwc424"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks192"><span style="font-size:100%;">Psalm 119:105</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks193"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc425" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks194"><span style="font-size:100%;">Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.</span></span></span><span id="vzwc427" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks195"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks196"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc432"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc433"><span id="vzwc434" style="color:#008000;"><b id="vzwc436"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks197"><span style="font-size:100%;">THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks198"> </span> </p> <ol id="vzwc440"> <li id="vzwc441"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc442"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks199"><span style="font-size:100%;">The question is not; “Does the Holy Spirit dwell in us?” but, “How does the Holy Spirit dwell in us?”</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc443"> <li id="vzwc444"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc445"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks200"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let me say before I go on that I do not consider this to be a fellowship issue.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc446"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc447"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks201"><span style="font-size:100%;">How the Spirit </span></span><b id="vzwc448"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks202"><span style="font-size:100%;">leads</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks203"><span style="font-size:100%;"> us is a fellowship issue. How the Spirit </span></span><b id="vzwc449"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks204"><span style="font-size:100%;">dwells</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks205"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in us is not.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc450"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc451"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks206"><span style="font-size:100%;">Though, as with any Biblical topic, it is worthy of our thought and discussion if for no other reason than because so many false doctrines can spring from misunderstanding about the Holy Spirit. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc455"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc456"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks207"><span style="font-size:100%;">I take the position that the Holy Spirit dwells in us only through the verbally inspired Word. Here is why.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc457"> <li id="vzwc458"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="vzwc459"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks208"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Godhead dwells in us and we dwell in the Godhead.</span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc460"> <li id="vzwc461"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc462"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks209"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Father dwells in us. </span></span><b id="vzwc463"><i id="vzwc464"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks210"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 6:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks211"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc465" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks212"><span style="font-size:100%;">And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “ I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc467"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc468"><span id="vzwc469" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks213"><span style="font-size:100%;">We dwell in the Father. </span></span><b id="vzwc471"><i id="vzwc472"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks214"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 John 4:15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks215"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc473" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks216"><span style="font-size:100%;">Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc475"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc476"><span id="vzwc477" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks217"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Son dwells in us. </span></span><b id="vzwc479"><i id="vzwc480"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks218"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 1:27</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks219"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc481" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks220"><span style="font-size:100%;">To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc483"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc484"><span id="vzwc485" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks221"><span style="font-size:100%;">We dwell in the Son. </span></span><b id="vzwc487"><i id="vzwc488"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks222"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks223"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc489" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks224"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc491"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc492"><span id="vzwc493" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks225"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit dwells in us. </span></span><b id="vzwc495"><i id="vzwc496"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks226"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 8:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks227"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc497" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks228"><span style="font-size:100%;">But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc499"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc500"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks229"><span style="font-size:100%;">We walk in the Spirit. </span></span><b id="vzwc501"><i id="vzwc502"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks230"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galatians 5:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks231"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc503" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks232"><span style="font-size:100%;">I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc505"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc506"><span id="vzwc507" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks233"><span style="font-size:100%;">If we take the passages that say the Spirit dwells in us to mean it is a literal, bodily indwelling then we logically have to believe that we literally, bodily indwell the Godhead.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc509"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc510"><span id="vzwc511" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks234"><span style="font-size:100%;">Consider this:</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc513"> <li id="vzwc514"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc515"><span id="vzwc516" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks235"><span style="font-size:100%;">Six times the Spirit is said to be in us.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc518"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc519"><span id="vzwc520" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks236"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sixteen times Christ is said to be in us.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc522"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc523"><span id="vzwc524" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks237"><span style="font-size:100%;">Eight times the Father is said to be in us.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc526"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc527"><span id="vzwc528" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks238"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet all the emphasis is placed on the Holy Spirit.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc530"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc531"><span id="vzwc532" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks239"><span style="font-size:100%;">A Divine commentary.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc534"> <li id="vzwc535"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc536"><span id="vzwc537" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc539"><i id="vzwc540"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks240"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 5:18-19</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks241"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc541" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks242"><span style="font-size:100%;">And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc543" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc544"><b id="vzwc545"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks243"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc546" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks244"><span style="font-size:100%;"> speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc548"> <li id="vzwc549"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc550"><span id="vzwc551" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks245"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit. “Fill” = to pervade with an influence, to influence fully, to possess fully.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc553"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc554"><span id="vzwc555" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks246"><span style="font-size:100%;">This verb is in the present imperative. It means to keep on being filled.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc557"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc558"><span id="vzwc559" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks247"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not a one time experience after baptism.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc561"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc562"><span id="vzwc563" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks248"><span style="font-size:100%;">How does this happen?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc565"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc566"><span id="vzwc567" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks249"><span style="font-size:100%;">Look at the Divine commentary.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc569"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc570"><span id="vzwc571" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc573"><i id="vzwc574"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks250"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 3:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks251"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc575" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks252"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc577"> <li id="vzwc578"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc579"><span id="vzwc580" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks253"><span style="font-size:100%;">This tells us how we are filled with the Spirit.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc582"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc583"><span id="vzwc584" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks254"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are filled with the Spirit when we let the word of Christ dwell in us!</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc586"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc587"><span id="vzwc588" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks255"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice then that the Word dwells in us too.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc590"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc591"><span id="vzwc592" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks256"><span style="font-size:100%;">And we dwell in it. </span></span><b id="vzwc594"><i id="vzwc595"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks257"><span style="font-size:100%;">John 8:31</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks258"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc596" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks259"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc598"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc599"><span id="vzwc600" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks260"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Father and Son come into our hearts by faith. </span></span><b id="vzwc602"><i id="vzwc603"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks261"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 3:17-19</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks262"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc604" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks263"><span style="font-size:100%;">that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc606" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc607"><b id="vzwc608"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks264"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc609" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks265"><span style="font-size:100%;"> may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— </span></span></span><span id="vzwc611" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc612"><b id="vzwc613"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks266"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc614" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks267"><span style="font-size:100%;"> to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc616"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc617"><span id="vzwc618" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks268"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit comes into our heart by faith. </span></span><b id="vzwc620"><i id="vzwc621"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks269"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galatians 3:2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks270"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc622" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks271"><span style="font-size:100%;">This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc624"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc625"><span id="vzwc626" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks272"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith comes by the word of God. </span></span><b id="vzwc628"><i id="vzwc629"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks273"><span style="font-size:100%;">Romans 10:17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks274"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc630" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks275"><span style="font-size:100%;">So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.</span></span></span><span id="vzwc632" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks276"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks277"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc636"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc637"><span id="vzwc638" style="color:#008000;"><b id="vzwc640"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks278"><span style="font-size:100%;">WHAT IS THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?</span></span></b></span> <span id="vzwc641" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc643"><i id="vzwc644"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks280"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:38</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks281"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc645" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks282"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks283"> </span> </p> <ol id="vzwc649"> <li id="vzwc650"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc651"><span id="vzwc652" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks284"><span style="font-size:100%;">There are three popular views as to what this gift is:</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc654"> <li id="vzwc655"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc656"><span id="vzwc657" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks285"><span style="font-size:100%;">Choice # 1. That it is the gift of salvation given by the Spirit.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc659"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc660"><span id="vzwc661" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks286"><span style="font-size:100%;">Choice # 2. That it is the Holy Spirit Himself.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc663"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc664"><span id="vzwc665" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks287"><span style="font-size:100%;">Choice # 3. That it is those miraculous abilities which the Holy Spirit imparted. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks288"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc669"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc670"><span id="vzwc671" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks289"><span style="font-size:100%;">Two passages in the New Testament identify what this gift is.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc673"> <li id="vzwc674"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc675"><span id="vzwc676" style="color:#000000;"><b id="vzwc678"><i id="vzwc679"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks290"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 10:44-48</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks291"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc680" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks292"><span style="font-size:100%;">While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc682" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc683"><b id="vzwc684"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks293"><span style="font-size:100%;">45</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc685" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks294"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc687" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc688"><b id="vzwc689"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks295"><span style="font-size:100%;">46</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc690" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks296"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc692" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc693"><b id="vzwc694"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks297"><span style="font-size:100%;">47</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc695" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks298"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc697" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc698"><b id="vzwc699"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks299"><span style="font-size:100%;">48</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc700" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks300"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc702"> <li id="vzwc703"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc704"><span id="vzwc705" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks301"><span style="font-size:100%;">They received the gift of the Holy Spirit before they were saved (v.47).</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc707"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc708"><span id="vzwc709" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks302"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, the gift of the Holy Spirit is not salvation.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc711"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc712"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks303"><span style="font-size:100%;">Verse 46 points out that they knew they had received this gift because they had miraculous abilities. Notice the word “For.”</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc713"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc714"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks304"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some might insist that the miraculous gifts were just a result of the real gift which was the Holy Spirit Himself.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc715"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc716"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks305"><span style="font-size:100%;">To answer that, let us notice the second passage.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc717"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc718"><b id="vzwc719"><i id="vzwc720"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks306"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:12-17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks307"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="vzwc721" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks308"><span style="font-size:100%;">But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc723" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc724"><b id="vzwc725"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks309"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc726" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks310"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc728" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc729"><b id="vzwc730"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks311"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc731" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks312"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, </span></span></span><span id="vzwc733" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc734"><b id="vzwc735"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks313"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc736" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks314"><span style="font-size:100%;"> who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc738" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc739"><b id="vzwc740"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks315"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc741" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks316"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc743" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc744"><b id="vzwc745"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks317"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc746" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks318"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc748"> <li id="vzwc749"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc750"><span id="vzwc751" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks319"><span style="font-size:100%;">These Samaritans were saved people. (v.12).</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc753"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc754"><span id="vzwc755" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks320"><span style="font-size:100%;">But these saved people had not yet received the Holy Spirit (v.16).</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc757"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc758"><span id="vzwc759" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks321"><span style="font-size:100%;">They received the Holy Spirit when the Apostles laid their hands on them (v.17).</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc761"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc762"><span id="vzwc763" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks322"><span style="font-size:100%;">The context shows us that their receiving the Holy Spirit was synonymous with them receiving miraculous abilities imparted by the Spirit.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc765"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc766"><span id="vzwc767" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks323"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some might say that they had received a non-miraculous or ordinary measure of the Holy Spirit and then received the miraculous measure with the laying on of the apostles’ hands.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc769"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc770"><span id="vzwc771" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks324"><span style="font-size:100%;">If they had received a ‘non-miraculous’ measure of the Spirit then they had received the Holy Spirit! Verse 16 says He had not fallen on them!</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc773"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc774"><span id="vzwc775" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks325"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, Acts 10 eliminates Choice # 1 and Acts 8 eliminates Choice # 2. Therefore, the gift of the Holy Spirit is the miraculous abilities imparted by the Holy Spirit. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks326"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="vzwc779"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc780"><span id="vzwc781" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks327"><span style="font-size:100%;">Another important passage. </span></span><b id="vzwc783"><i id="vzwc784"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks328"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 19:1-6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks329"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc785" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks330"><span style="font-size:100%;">And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples </span></span></span><span id="vzwc787" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc788"><b id="vzwc789"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks331"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc790" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks332"><span style="font-size:100%;"> he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc792" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc793"><b id="vzwc794"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks333"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc795" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks334"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc797" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc798"><b id="vzwc799"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks335"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc800" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks336"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” </span></span></span><span id="vzwc802" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc803"><b id="vzwc804"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks337"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc805" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks338"><span style="font-size:100%;"> When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span></span><span id="vzwc807" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="vzwc808"><b id="vzwc809"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks339"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="vzwc810" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks340"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="vzwc812"> <li id="vzwc813"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc814"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks341"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul’s question in verse 2 is basically, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you were saved.”</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc815"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc816"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks342"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul was assuming that they were saved individuals. He finds out later that they are not.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc817"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc818"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks343"><span style="font-size:100%;">If the Holy Spirit comes upon an individual as a result of baptism, why did Paul ask this question?</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc819"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc820"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks344"><span style="font-size:100%;">He could of just asked, “Are you saved?”</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc821"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc822"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks345"><span style="font-size:100%;">But the fact that they were saved (supposedly) did not indicate to Paul that they had the Holy Spirit.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc823"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc824"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks346"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice again that they received the Holy Spirit after Paul laid his hands on them, not when they were baptized. (v.6).</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc825"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks347"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc827"><b id="vzwc828"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks348"><span style="font-size:100%;">Conclusion.</span></span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc829"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks349"> </span> </p> <ol id="vzwc831"> <li id="vzwc832"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc833"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks350"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit leads us today.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc834"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc835"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks351"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit communicates with us.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc836"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc837"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks352"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit dwells within us.</span></span></p> </li><li id="vzwc838"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc839"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks353"><span style="font-size:100%;">He does all of these things through the inspired Word.</span></span></p> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc840"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks354"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="vzwc842"><i id="vzwc843"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="l.ks355"><span style="font-size:100%;">Much of this material came from an outline created by Jim Farley.</span></span></i></p>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-9246622259818721382008-07-25T19:14:00.001-04:002008-07-25T19:15:52.168-04:00FORTIFY YOUR FAITH<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="hsu3">Text: 2 Chronicles 14.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu35"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n92"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: July 27, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu36"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n93"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu39"><b id="hsu310"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n94"><span style="font-size:100%;">Introduction.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="hsu311"> <li id="hsu312"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu313"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n95"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus warned us that, in times of trial, some will fall away.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu314"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu315"><b id="hsu316"><i id="hsu317"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n96"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 13:20-21</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n97"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu318" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n98"><span style="font-size:100%;">But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; </span></span></span><span id="hsu320" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu321"><b id="hsu322"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n99"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu323" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n910"><span style="font-size:100%;"> yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu325"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu326"><span id="hsu327" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n911"><span style="font-size:100%;">We see this happen quite often.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu329"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu330"><span id="hsu331" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n912"><span style="font-size:100%;">What can we do to stop this from happening to us?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu333"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu334"><span id="hsu335" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n913"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let’s look at an Old Testament example for an answer.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu337"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n914"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu340"><b id="hsu341"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n915"><span style="font-size:100%;">Body.</span></span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu342"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n916"> </span> </p> <ol type="I" id="hsu345"> <li id="hsu346"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu347"><span id="hsu348" style="color:#008000;"><b id="hsu350"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n917"><span style="font-size:100%;">DURING TIMES OF PEACE – FORTIFY. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n918"> </span> </p> <ol id="hsu354"> <li id="hsu355"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu356"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n919"><span style="font-size:100%;">During times of prosperity, man has a bad habit of forgetting God.</span></span></p> <ol id="hsu357"> <li id="hsu358"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu359"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n920"><span style="font-size:100%;">God knew that this would be a problem for the children of Israel.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu360"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu361"><b id="hsu362"><i id="hsu363"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n921"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deuteronomy 6:10-12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n922"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu364" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n923"><span style="font-size:100%;">“So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, </span></span></span><span id="hsu366" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu367"><b id="hsu368"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n924"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu369" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n925"><span style="font-size:100%;"> houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— </span></span></span><span id="hsu371" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu372"><b id="hsu373"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n926"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu374" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n927"><span style="font-size:100%;"> then beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu376"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu377"><span id="hsu378" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n928"><span style="font-size:100%;">It seems to be unavoidable. When people are doing well, they forget God.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu380"> <li id="hsu381"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu382"><span id="hsu383" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n929"><span style="font-size:100%;">The wealthy and powerful… </span></span><b id="hsu385"><i id="hsu386"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n930"><span style="font-size:100%;">Exodus 5:2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n931"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu387" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n932"><span style="font-size:100%;">And Pharaoh said, “</span></span><b id="hsu389"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n933"><span style="font-size:100%;">Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n934"><span style="font-size:100%;"> to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu390"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu391"><span id="hsu392" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu394"><i id="hsu395"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n935"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 1:26</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n936"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu396" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n937"><span style="font-size:100%;">For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu398"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu399"><span id="hsu3100" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3102"><i id="hsu3103"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n938"><span style="font-size:100%;">Proverbs 30:8-9</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n939"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3104" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n940"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me </span></span></span><span id="hsu3106" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3107"><b id="hsu3108"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n941"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="hsu3109" style="color:#000090;"><b id="hsu3111"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n943"><span style="font-size:100%;">Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the LORD?”</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n944"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n945"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3115"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3116"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n946"><span style="font-size:100%;">During times of prosperity, man has a bad habit of getting too comfortable.</span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3117"> <li id="hsu3118"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3119"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n947"><span style="font-size:100%;">We saw that in this country’s history leading into WWII.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3120"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3121"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n948"><span style="font-size:100%;">We tend to rest upon our past successes and get complacent. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3125"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3126"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n949"><span style="font-size:100%;">Asa was not a complacent person.</span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3127"> <li id="hsu3128"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3129"><b id="hsu3130"><i id="hsu3131"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n950"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Chronicles 14:2-8</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n951"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu3132" style="color:#000090;"><b id="hsu3134"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n952"><span style="font-size:100%;">Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n953"><span style="font-size:100%;">, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3135" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3136"><b id="hsu3137"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n954"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3138" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n955"><span style="font-size:100%;"> for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3140" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3141"><b id="hsu3142"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n956"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="hsu3143" style="color:#000090;"><b id="hsu3145"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n958"><span style="font-size:100%;">He commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n959"><span style="font-size:100%;">, and to observe the law and the commandment. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3146" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3147"><b id="hsu3148"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n960"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3149" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n961"><span style="font-size:100%;"> He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and </span></span><b id="hsu3151"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n962"><span style="font-size:100%;">the kingdom was quiet under him</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n963"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3152" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3153"><b id="hsu3154"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n964"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3155" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n965"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And </span></span><b id="hsu3157"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n966"><span style="font-size:100%;">he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the LORD had given him rest</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n967"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3158" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3159"><b id="hsu3160"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n968"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3161" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n969"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore he said to Judah, </span></span><b id="hsu3163"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n970"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.</span></span></b> </span><span id="hsu3164" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3165"><b id="hsu3166"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n972"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3167" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n973"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3169"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3170"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n974"><span style="font-size:100%;">Asa understood that peaceful times were not an excuse for complacency.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3171"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3172"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n975"><span style="font-size:100%;">He used his time wisely and fortified the nation of Israel during a time of peace. </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3176"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3177"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n976"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must fortify our faith in times of peace.</span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3178"> <li id="hsu3179"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3180"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n977"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do that with Bible study.</span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3181"> <li id="hsu3182"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3183"><b id="hsu3184"><i id="hsu3185"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n978"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 4:4</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n979"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu3186" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n980"><span style="font-size:100%;">But He answered and said, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3188" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n981"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span><b id="hsu3190"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n982"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is written</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n983"><span style="font-size:100%;">, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3191"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3192"><span id="hsu3193" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3195"><i id="hsu3196"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n984"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 4:7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n985"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3197" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n986"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus said to him,</span></span></span><span id="hsu3199" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n987"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “It is </span></span><b id="hsu3201"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n988"><span style="font-size:100%;">written again</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n989"><span style="font-size:100%;">, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3202"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3203"><span id="hsu3204" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3206"><i id="hsu3207"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n990"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 4:10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n991"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3208" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n992"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Jesus said to him,</span></span></span><span id="hsu3210" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n993"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Away with you, Satan! For </span></span><b id="hsu3212"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n994"><span style="font-size:100%;">it is written</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n995"><span style="font-size:100%;">, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3213"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3214"><span id="hsu3215" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3217"><i id="hsu3218"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n996"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n997"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3219" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n998"><span style="font-size:100%;">Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3221"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3222"><span id="hsu3223" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3225"><i id="hsu3226"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n999"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 3:16-17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9100"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3227" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9101"><span style="font-size:100%;">All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3229" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3230"><b id="hsu3231"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9102"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3232" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9103"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that the man of God may be complete, </span></span><b id="hsu3234"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9104"><span style="font-size:100%;">thoroughly equipped</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9105"><span style="font-size:100%;"> for every good work.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3235"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3236"><span id="hsu3237" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3239"><i id="hsu3240"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9106"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 20:32</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9107"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span><span id="hsu3241" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9108"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3243"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3244"><span id="hsu3245" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9109"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do that by fellowship with brethren. </span></span><b id="hsu3247"><i id="hsu3248"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9110"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 10:24-25</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9111"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3249" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9112"><span style="font-size:100%;">And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3251" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3252"><b id="hsu3253"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9113"><span style="font-size:100%;">25</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3254" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9114"><span style="font-size:100%;"> not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3256"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3257"><span id="hsu3258" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9115"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do that by prayer. </span></span><b id="hsu3260"><i id="hsu3261"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9116"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 3:14-17</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9117"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3262" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9118"><span style="font-size:100%;">For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3264" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3265"><b id="hsu3266"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9119"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3267" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9120"><span style="font-size:100%;"> from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3269" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3270"><b id="hsu3271"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9121"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3272" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9122"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3274" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3275"><b id="hsu3276"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9123"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3277" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9124"><span style="font-size:100%;"> that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9125"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3282"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3283"><span id="hsu3284" style="color:#008000;"><b id="hsu3286"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9126"><span style="font-size:100%;">TRIALS WILL COME. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9127"> </span> </p> <ol id="hsu3290"> <li id="hsu3291"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3292"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9128"><span style="font-size:100%;">It was a good thing that Asa had prepared. </span></span><b id="hsu3293"><i id="hsu3294"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9129"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Chronicles 14:9-10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9130"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu3295" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9131"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a </span></span><b id="hsu3297"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9132"><span style="font-size:100%;">million men</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9133"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3298" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3299"><b id="hsu3300"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9134"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3301" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9135"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.</span></span></span><span id="hsu3303" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9136"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9137"> </span> </p> </li><li id="hsu3308"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3309"><span id="hsu3310" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9138"><span style="font-size:100%;">It has been correctly said that Everyone is either going through a trial, coming out of a trial, or about to enter a trial.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3312"> <li id="hsu3313"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3314"><span id="hsu3315" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3317"><i id="hsu3318"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9139"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 3:12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9140"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3319" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9141"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3321"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3322"><span id="hsu3323" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3325"><i id="hsu3326"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9142"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 5:11-12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9143"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3327" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9144"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3329" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3330"><b id="hsu3331"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9145"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3332" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9146"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></span></span><span id="hsu3334" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9147"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9148"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3339"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3340"><span id="hsu3341" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9149"><span style="font-size:100%;">These trials will come in many forms.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3343"> <li id="hsu3344"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3345"><span id="hsu3346" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9150"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some will be persecution because of your faith.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3348"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3349"><span id="hsu3350" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9151"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some will be random.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3352"> <li id="hsu3353"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3354"><span id="hsu3355" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9152"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sickness.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3357"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3358"><span id="hsu3359" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9153"><span style="font-size:100%;">Death.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3361"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3362"><span id="hsu3363" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9154"><span style="font-size:100%;">Loss of job.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3365"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3366"><span id="hsu3367" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9155"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some will be problems we bring on ourselves.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3369"> <li id="hsu3370"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3371"><span id="hsu3372" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9156"><span style="font-size:100%;">Financial. (sometimes)</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3374"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3375"><span id="hsu3376" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9157"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sickness. (sometimes) </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9158"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3381"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3382"><span id="hsu3383" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9159"><span style="font-size:100%;">How we deal with these trials depends on how we have prepared ourselves.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9160"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="hsu3388"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3389"><span id="hsu3390" style="color:#008000;"><b id="hsu3392"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9161"><span style="font-size:100%;">DURING TIMES OF TRIAL – TRUST IN GOD. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9162"> </span> </p> <ol id="hsu3396"> <li id="hsu3397"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3398"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9163"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even though Asa had prepared, he was still greatly outnumbered. He couldn’t do it alone. </span></span> </p> </li><li id="hsu3402"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3403"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9164"><span style="font-size:100%;">He put his trust in God. </span></span><b id="hsu3404"><i id="hsu3405"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9165"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Chronicles 14:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9166"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="hsu3406" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9167"><span style="font-size:100%;">And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”</span></span></span><span id="hsu3408" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9168"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9169"> </span> </p> </li><li id="hsu3413"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3414"><span id="hsu3415" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9170"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to learn to lean on God when we face our trials.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="hsu3417"> <li id="hsu3418"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3419"><span id="hsu3420" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3422"><i id="hsu3423"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9171"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hebrews 11:6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9172"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3424" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9173"><span style="font-size:100%;">But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3426"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3427"><span id="hsu3428" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3430"><i id="hsu3431"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9174"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 10:13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9175"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3432" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9176"><span style="font-size:100%;">No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3434"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3435"><span id="hsu3436" style="color:#000000;"><b id="hsu3438"><i id="hsu3439"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9177"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Peter 5:6-7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9178"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3440" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9179"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, </span></span></span><span id="hsu3442" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="hsu3443"><b id="hsu3444"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9180"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="hsu3445" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9181"><span style="font-size:100%;"> casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3447"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3448"><span id="hsu3449" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9182"><span style="font-size:100%;">Too often, we try to rely on our own strength and wisdom. </span></span><b id="hsu3451"><i id="hsu3452"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9183"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 10:12</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9184"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="hsu3453" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9185"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3455"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9186"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3458"><b id="hsu3459"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9187"><span style="font-size:100%;">Conclusion.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="hsu3460"> <li id="hsu3461"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3462"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9188"><span style="font-size:100%;">Trials will come in our lives.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3463"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3464"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9189"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let us strive to fortify our faith in times of rest.</span></span></p> </li><li id="hsu3465"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="hsu3466"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="v6n9190"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then when those times of trial come, we will trust in God and make it through.</span></span></p> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-16439649625791669452008-07-17T15:28:00.002-04:002008-07-21T09:38:25.347-04:00SAUL<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.06in; " id="p42b">Text: Acts 9:1-9.<br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe92"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: July 20, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe93"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in" id="p42b9"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe94"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 9:1-9. </span></span><span id="p42b10" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe95"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest </span></span></span><span id="p42b12" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b13"><b id="p42b14"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe96"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b15" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe97"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. </span></span></span><span id="p42b17" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b18"><b id="p42b19"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe98"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b20" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe99"><span style="font-size:100%;"> As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. </span></span></span><span id="p42b22" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b23"><b id="p42b24"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe910"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b25" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe911"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, </span></span></span><span id="p42b27" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe912"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”</span></span></span> <span id="p42b29" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b30"><b id="p42b31"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe914"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b32" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe915"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, </span></span></span><span id="p42b34" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe916"><span style="font-size:100%;">“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”</span></span></span> <span id="p42b36" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b37"><b id="p42b38"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe918"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b39" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe919"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, </span></span></span><span id="p42b41" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe920"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”</span></span></span> <span id="p42b43" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b44"><b id="p42b45"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe922"><span style="font-size:100%;">7</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b46" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe923"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. </span></span></span><span id="p42b48" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b49"><b id="p42b50"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe924"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b51" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe925"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. </span></span></span><span id="p42b53" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b54"><b id="p42b55"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe926"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b56" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe927"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.</span></span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b58"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe928"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b61"><b id="p42b62"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe929"><span style="font-size:100%;">Body.</span></span></b></p> <ol type="I" id="p42b63"> <li id="p42b64"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b65"><span id="p42b66" style="color:#008000;"><b id="p42b68"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe930"><span style="font-size:100%;">SAUL THE DESTROYER. Acts 9:1-2.</span></span></b></span> <span id="p42b69" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe932"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest </span></span></span><span id="p42b71" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b72"><b id="p42b73"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe933"><span style="font-size:100%;">2</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b74" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe934"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe935"> </span> </p> <ol id="p42b79"> <li id="p42b80"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b81"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe936"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are first introduced to Saul back in Acts 7.</span></span></p> <ol id="p42b82"> <li id="p42b83"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b84"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe937"><span style="font-size:100%;">When Stephen was stoned, Saul was there. </span></span><b id="p42b85"><i id="p42b86"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe938"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 7:58</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe939"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b87" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe940"><span style="font-size:100%;">And they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b89"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b90"><span id="p42b91" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe941"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul consented to his death. </span></span><b id="p42b93"><i id="p42b94"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe942"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe943"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b95" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe944"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b97"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b98"><span id="p42b99" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe945"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many believe that Saul was possibly the leader of this mob.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b101"> <li id="p42b102"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b103"><span id="p42b104" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe946"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe947"><span style="font-size:100%;">At the feet of” often meant “to be in submission to.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b106"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b107"><span id="p42b108" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe948"><span style="font-size:100%;">The fact that he was called “young” simply means that he was under 40 years old.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b110"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b111"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe949"><span style="font-size:100%;">The persecution of the church in Acts 8 seems to have been led by Saul.</span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b112"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b113"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe950"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul was a champion of the Jews. </span></span><b id="p42b114"><i id="p42b115"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe951"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 3:3-6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe952"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b116" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe953"><span style="font-size:100%;">For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, </span></span></span><span id="p42b118" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b119"><b id="p42b120"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe954"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b121" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe955"><span style="font-size:100%;"> though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: </span></span></span><span id="p42b123" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b124"><b id="p42b125"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe956"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b126" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe957"><span style="font-size:100%;"> circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; </span></span></span><span id="p42b128" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b129"><b id="p42b130"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe958"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b131" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe959"><span style="font-size:100%;"> concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe960"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b136"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b137"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe961"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul’s hatred for the church almost seemed to be on a personal level.</span></span></p> <ol id="p42b138"> <li id="p42b139"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b140"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe962"><span style="font-size:100%;">In our passage, he has received authority to actively go to Damascus and hunt Christians.</span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b141"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b142"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe963"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nor was this the first time he had done such a thing. </span></span><b id="p42b143"><i id="p42b144"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe964"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 26:9-11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe965"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b145" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe966"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. </span></span></span><span id="p42b147" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b148"><b id="p42b149"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe967"><span style="font-size:100%;">10</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b150" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe968"><span style="font-size:100%;"> This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them . </span></span></span><span id="p42b152" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b153"><b id="p42b154"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe969"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b155" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe970"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And </span></span><b id="p42b157"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe971"><span style="font-size:100%;">I punished them often</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe972"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in every synagogue and </span></span><b id="p42b158"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe973"><span style="font-size:100%;">compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe974"><span style="font-size:100%;">, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b159"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b160"><span id="p42b161" style="color:#000000;"><b id="p42b163"><i id="p42b164"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe975"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 1:12-13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe976"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b165" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe977"><span style="font-size:100%;">And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, </span></span></span><span id="p42b167" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b168"><b id="p42b169"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe978"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b170" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe979"><span style="font-size:100%;"> although I was </span></span><b id="p42b172"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe980"><span style="font-size:100%;">formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe981"><span style="font-size:100%;">; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.</span></span></span><span id="p42b173" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe982"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe983"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b178"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b179"><span id="p42b180" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe984"><span style="font-size:100%;">Amazingly, Saul did all these things with a clear conscience.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b182"> <li id="p42b183"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b184"><span id="p42b185" style="color:#000000;"><b id="p42b187"><i id="p42b188"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe985"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 23:1</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe986"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b189" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe987"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b191"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b192"><span id="p42b193" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe988"><span style="font-size:100%;">In trying to destroy the church, Saul was doing what he thought was right.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b195"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b196"><span id="p42b197" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe989"><span style="font-size:100%;">His disobedience was a result of ignorance. </span></span><b id="p42b199"><i id="p42b200"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe990"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 1:13</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe991"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b201" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe992"><span style="font-size:100%;">Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because </span></span><b id="p42b203"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe993"><span style="font-size:100%;">I did it ignorantly</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe994"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in unbelief.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b204"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b205"><span id="p42b206" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe995"><span style="font-size:100%;">This ought to serve as a warning for us in using our conscience as a guide.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b208"> <li id="p42b209"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b210"><span id="p42b211" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe996"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our conscience can be wrong.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b213"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b214"><span id="p42b215" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe997"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our conscience can be ignorant.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b217"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b218"><span id="p42b219" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe998"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our conscience can become callus. </span></span><b id="p42b221"><i id="p42b222"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe999"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 4:2</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9100"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b223" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9101"><span style="font-size:100%;">Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b225"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b226"><span id="p42b227" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9102"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even though Saul was ignorant of the truth at this point, he was still lost.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9103"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b232"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b233"><span id="p42b234" style="color:#008000;"><b id="p42b236"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9104"><span style="font-size:100%;">SAUL THE DISTURBED. Acts 9:3-6.</span></span></b></span> <span id="p42b237" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9106"><span style="font-size:100%;">As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. </span></span></span><span id="p42b239" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b240"><b id="p42b241"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9107"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b242" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9108"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, </span></span></span><span id="p42b244" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9109"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”</span></span></span> <span id="p42b246" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b247"><b id="p42b248"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9111"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b249" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9112"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, </span></span></span><span id="p42b251" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9113"><span style="font-size:100%;">“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”</span></span></span> <span id="p42b253" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b254"><b id="p42b255"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9115"><span style="font-size:100%;">6</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b256" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9116"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, </span></span></span><span id="p42b258" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9117"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”</span></span></span><span id="p42b260" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9118"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9119"> </span> </p> <ol id="p42b265"> <li id="p42b266"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b267"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9120"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order to get all of the facts regarding Saul’s encounter with Jesus, we need to look at the different accounts found in Acts 22 and 26.</span></span></p> <ol id="p42b268"> <li id="p42b269"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b270"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9121"><span style="font-size:100%;">This happened at about noon. </span></span><b id="p42b271"><i id="p42b272"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9122"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 22:6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9123"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b273" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9124"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b275"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b276"><span id="p42b277" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9125"><span style="font-size:100%;">What about those with Saul?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b279"> <li id="p42b280"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b281"><span id="p42b282" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9126"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told that they saw the light but did not hear the voice. </span></span><b id="p42b284"><i id="p42b285"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9127"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 22:9</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9128"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b286" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9129"><span style="font-size:100%;">“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b288"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b289"><span id="p42b290" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9130"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet, in chapter 9 we are told that they heard the voice but saw no one. </span></span><b id="p42b292"><i id="p42b293"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9131"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 9:7</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9132"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b294" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9133"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b296"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b297"><span id="p42b298" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9134"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is not a contradiction.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b300"> <li id="p42b301"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b302"><span id="p42b303" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9135"><span style="font-size:100%;">They heard a voice but did not understand it.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b305"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b306"><span id="p42b307" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9136"><span style="font-size:100%;">They saw a light but didn’t see Jesus.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b309"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b310"><span id="p42b311" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9137"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul has a conversation with Jesus. (We’ll talk about this in a moment.)</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b313"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b314"><span id="p42b315" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9138"><span style="font-size:100%;">He is left blind. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9139"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b320"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b321"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9140"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul’s conversation with Jesus.</span></span></p> <ol id="p42b322"> <li id="p42b323"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b324"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9141"><span style="font-size:100%;">The first thing Jesus asks Saul is “Why are you persecuting me?”</span></span></p> <ol id="p42b325"> <li id="p42b326"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b327"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9142"><span style="font-size:100%;">One who persecutes the body of Christ, persecutes Christ. </span></span><b id="p42b328"><i id="p42b329"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9143"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 1:22-23</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9144"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b330" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9145"><span style="font-size:100%;">And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, </span></span></span><span id="p42b332" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b333"><b id="p42b334"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9146"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b335" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9147"><span style="font-size:100%;"> which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b337"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b338"><span id="p42b339" style="color:#000000;"><b id="p42b341"><i id="p42b342"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9148"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 25:40</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9149"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b343" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9150"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b345"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b346"><span id="p42b347" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9151"><span style="font-size:100%;">Those who would defame the body of Christ should think about this.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b349"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b350"><span id="p42b351" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9152"><span style="font-size:100%;">Those who would downgrade the body’s importance should think about this.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b353"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b354"><span id="p42b355" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9153"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus is constantly with His people. </span></span><b id="p42b357"><i id="p42b358"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9154"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 28:20</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9155"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b359" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9156"><span style="font-size:100%;">Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b361"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b362"><span id="p42b363" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9157"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul then wants to know who is speaking. Jesus identifies Himself.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b365"> <li id="p42b366"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b367"><span id="p42b368" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9158"><span style="font-size:100%;">Can you imagine what must have went through Saul’s mind at this point?</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b370"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b371"><span id="p42b372" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9159"><span style="font-size:100%;">Surely, he must have thought his life was about to end.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b374"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b375"><span id="p42b376" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9160"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Jesus makes an interesting statement. “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b378"> <li id="p42b379"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b380"><span id="p42b381" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9161"><span style="font-size:100%;">A goad was a long pointed stick, sometimes tipped with iron, that was used to prod animals.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b383"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b384"><span id="p42b385" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9162"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stubborn animals would kick backward when goaded. Usually to their own hurt.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b387"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b388"><span id="p42b389" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9163"><span style="font-size:100%;">This statement by Jesus suggests that He had been using events in Saul’s life to “goad” him into becoming a Christian.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b391"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b392"><span id="p42b393" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9164"><span style="font-size:100%;">And evidently, Saul was resisting.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b395"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b396"><span id="p42b397" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9165"><span style="font-size:100%;">What could these events have been?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b399"> <li id="p42b400"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b401"><span id="p42b402" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9166"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul made a living at condemning and killing Christians.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b404"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b405"><span id="p42b406" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9167"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is hard to imagine that none of those Christians ever talked to Saul.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b408"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b409"><span id="p42b410" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9168"><span style="font-size:100%;">It had to have made an impression on Saul to see these people continually laying down their lives for Jesus.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b412"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b413"><span id="p42b414" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9169"><span style="font-size:100%;">We know that the death of Stephen made an impression. </span></span><b id="p42b416"><i id="p42b417"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9170"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 22:20</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9171"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b418" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9172"><span style="font-size:100%;">And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b420"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b421"><span id="p42b422" style="color:#000000;"><b id="p42b424"><i id="p42b425"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9173"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 26:16-18</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9174"><span style="font-size:100%;"> reveals that Jesus told Saul of his purpose. </span></span></span><span id="p42b426" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9175"><span style="font-size:100%;">But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. </span></span></span><span id="p42b428" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b429"><b id="p42b430"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9176"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b431" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9177"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, </span></span></span><span id="p42b433" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b434"><b id="p42b435"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9178"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b436" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9179"><span style="font-size:100%;"> to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b438"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b439"><span id="p42b440" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9180"><span style="font-size:100%;">Saul is very disturbed. Verse 6 says that he was trembling and astonished. He asks what Jesus wants Him to do.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b442"> <li id="p42b443"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b444"><span id="p42b445" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9181"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus tells him to go into Damascus and wait for instruction.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b447"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b448"><span id="p42b449" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9182"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus could have told him right there but He didn’t.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b451"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b452"><span id="p42b453" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9183"><span style="font-size:100%;">Again we see the pattern being established. The gospel was to be taught by man.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b455"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b456"><span id="p42b457" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9184"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ananias would eventually be sent.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9185"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b462"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b463"><span id="p42b464" style="color:#008000;"><b id="p42b466"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9186"><span style="font-size:100%;">SAUL THE DISTRAUGHT. Acts 9:7-9.</span></span></b></span> <span id="p42b467" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9188"><span style="font-size:100%;">And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. </span></span></span><span id="p42b469" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b470"><b id="p42b471"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9189"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b472" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9190"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. </span></span></span><span id="p42b474" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="p42b475"><b id="p42b476"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9191"><span style="font-size:100%;">9</span></span></b></sup></span><span id="p42b477" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9192"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.</span></span></span><span id="p42b479" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9193"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9194"> </span> </p> <ol id="p42b484"> <li id="p42b485"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b486"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9195"><span style="font-size:100%;">He neither ate nor drank for three days. A sign of great sorrow and worry. </span></span> </p> </li><li id="p42b490"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b491"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9196"><span style="font-size:100%;">He spent that time praying. </span></span><b id="p42b492"><i id="p42b493"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9197"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 9:11</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9198"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b494" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9199"><span style="font-size:100%;">So the Lord said to him, </span></span></span><span id="p42b496" style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9200"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.</span></span></span><span id="p42b498" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9201"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9202"> </span> </p> </li><li id="p42b503"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b504"><span id="p42b505" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9203"><span style="font-size:100%;">What must Paul have been thinking during this time?</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b507"> <li id="p42b508"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b509"><span id="p42b510" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9204"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thinking of all the innocent people he had killed???</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b512"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b513"><span id="p42b514" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9205"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wondering how he could possibly ever be forgiven???</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b516"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b517"><span id="p42b518" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9206"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remembering poor Stephen???</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b520"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b521"><span id="p42b522" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9207"><span style="font-size:100%;">Will I ever see again??? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9208"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b527"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b528"><span id="p42b529" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9209"><span style="font-size:100%;">During this time, he came to a realization.</span></span></span></p> <ol id="p42b531"> <li id="p42b532"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b533"><span id="p42b534" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9210"><span style="font-size:100%;">He had gone from being blameless. </span></span><b id="p42b536"><i id="p42b537"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9211"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 3:6</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9212"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b538" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9213"><span style="font-size:100%;">Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, </span></span><b id="p42b540"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9214"><span style="font-size:100%;">blameless</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9215"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b541"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b542"><span id="p42b543" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9216"><span style="font-size:100%;">To being the chief of sinners. </span></span><b id="p42b545"><i id="p42b546"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9217"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Timothy 1:15</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9218"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b547" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9219"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom </span></span><b id="p42b549"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9220"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am chief</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9221"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span><span id="p42b550" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9222"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9223"> </span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="p42b555"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b556"><span id="p42b557" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9224"><span style="font-size:100%;">In Saul at this point in his life, we see godly sorrow. </span></span><b id="p42b559"><i id="p42b560"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9225"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 7:10</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9226"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span><span id="p42b561" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9227"><span style="font-size:100%;">For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.</span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b563"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9228"> </span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b566"><b id="p42b567"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9229"><span style="font-size:100%;">Conclusion.</span></span></b></p> <ol id="p42b568"> <li id="p42b569"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b570"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9230"><span style="font-size:100%;">What a pattern for us!</span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b571"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b572"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9231"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul started off in sin.</span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b573"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b574"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9232"><span style="font-size:100%;">Was told the truth and was greatly disturbed to learn that he was not blameless.</span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b575"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b576"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9233"><span style="font-size:100%;">Experienced the godly sorrow that leads to repentance.</span></span></p> </li><li id="p42b577"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="p42b578"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9234"><span style="font-size:100%;">I imagine that when Ananias arrived and told Saul to get up and be baptized, that Saul couldn’t get to that water quickly enough. </span></span><b id="p42b579"><i id="p42b580"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9235"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 22:16</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9236"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span><span id="p42b581" style="color:#000090;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="gpe9237"><span style="font-size:100%;">And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’</span></span></span></p> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867097127387205613.post-18697921685110505012008-07-14T10:21:00.001-04:002008-07-14T10:22:25.144-04:00GO - STAND - SPEAK<p class="western" align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:1"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc0"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi0"> </span></span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:4"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc1"><span id="i5sg0"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi2"><span style="font-size:100%;">Text: Acts 5:17-42.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc2"><span id="i5sg1"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi3"><span style="font-size:100%;">Delivered on: July 13, 2008. Streetsboro.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc3"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi4"> </span></span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:9"><b id="dkh:10"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc4"><span id="i5sg2"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi6"><span style="font-size:100%;">Introduction.</span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:11"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi7"> </span></span> </p> <ol id="dkh:14"> <li id="dkh:15"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:16"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc6"><span id="i5sg3"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi9"><span style="font-size:100%;">The first form of persecution to come upon the early church came from the Jews.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:17"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:18"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc7"><span id="i5sg4"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi10"><span style="font-size:100%;">The first instance is in Acts 4. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:19"><i id="dkh:20"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc8"><span id="i5sg5"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi11"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 4:13-22</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc9"><span id="i5sg6"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi12"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:21" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:22"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc10"><span id="i5sg7"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi13"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:23" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:24"><b id="dkh:25"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc11"><span id="i5sg8"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi14"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="dkh:26" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:27"><b id="dkh:28"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc13"><span id="i5sg9"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi16"><span style="font-size:100%;">And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.</span></span></span></span></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:29" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:30"><b id="dkh:31"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc15"><span id="i5sg10"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi18"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:32" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:33"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc16"><span id="i5sg11"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi19"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:34" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:35"><b id="dkh:36"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc17"><span id="i5sg12"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi20"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:37" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:38"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc18"><span id="i5sg13"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi21"><span style="font-size:100%;"> saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:39"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc19"><span id="i5sg14"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi22"><span style="font-size:100%;">we cannot deny it.</span></span></span></span></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:40" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:41"><b id="dkh:42"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc21"><span id="i5sg15"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi24"><span style="font-size:100%;">17</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:43" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:44"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc22"><span id="i5sg16"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi25"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:45"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc23"><span id="i5sg17"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi26"><span style="font-size:100%;">severely threaten them</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc24"><span id="i5sg18"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi27"><span style="font-size:100%;">, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:46" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:47"><b id="dkh:48"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc25"><span id="i5sg19"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi28"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="dkh:49" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:50"><b id="dkh:51"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc27"><span id="i5sg20"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi30"><span style="font-size:100%;">So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.</span></span></span></span></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:52" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:53"><b id="dkh:54"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc29"><span id="i5sg21"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi32"><span style="font-size:100%;">19</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:55" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:56"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc30"><span id="i5sg22"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi33"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:57" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:58"><b id="dkh:59"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc31"><span id="i5sg23"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi34"><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:60" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:61"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc32"><span id="i5sg24"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi35"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:62" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:63"><b id="dkh:64"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc33"><span id="i5sg25"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi36"><span style="font-size:100%;">21</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:65" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:66"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc34"><span id="i5sg26"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi37"><span style="font-size:100%;"> So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:67" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:68"><b id="dkh:69"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc35"><span id="i5sg27"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi38"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:70" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:71"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc36"><span id="i5sg28"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi39"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:72"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:73"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc37"><span id="i5sg29"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi40"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles disregarded these threats and continued to teach the word of God.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:74"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:75"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc38"><span id="i5sg30"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi41"><span style="font-size:100%;">They were having great success. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:76"><i id="dkh:77"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc39"><span id="i5sg31"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi42"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 5:12-16</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc40"><span id="i5sg32"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi43"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:78" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:79"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc41"><span id="i5sg33"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi44"><span style="font-size:100%;">And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:80" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:81"><b id="dkh:82"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc42"><span id="i5sg34"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi45"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:83" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:84"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc43"><span id="i5sg35"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi46"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:85" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:86"><b id="dkh:87"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc44"><span id="i5sg36"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi47"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="dkh:88" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:89"><b id="dkh:90"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc46"><span id="i5sg37"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi49"><span style="font-size:100%;">And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,</span></span></span></span></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:91" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:92"><b id="dkh:93"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc48"><span id="i5sg38"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi51"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:94" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:95"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc49"><span id="i5sg39"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi52"><span style="font-size:100%;"> so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:96" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:97"><b id="dkh:98"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc50"><span id="i5sg40"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi53"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:99" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:100"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc51"><span id="i5sg41"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi54"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:101"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:102"><span id="dkh:103" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:104"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc52"><span id="i5sg42"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi55"><span style="font-size:100%;">They were having too much success for the religious leaders of the day to sit aside and do nothing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:105"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:106"><span id="dkh:107" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:108"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc53"><span id="i5sg43"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi56"><span style="font-size:100%;">So they were arrested again. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:109"><i id="dkh:110"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc54"><span id="i5sg44"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi57"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 5:17-18</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc55"><span id="i5sg45"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi58"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:111" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:112"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc56"><span id="i5sg46"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi59"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:113" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:114"><b id="dkh:115"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc57"><span id="i5sg47"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi60"><span style="font-size:100%;">18</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:116" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:117"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc58"><span id="i5sg48"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi61"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:118"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:119"><span id="dkh:120" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:121"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc59"><span id="i5sg49"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi62"><span style="font-size:100%;">But before the Jewish leaders could question them, an angel of the Lord delivered them from the prison and gave them a message.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:122"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:123"><span id="dkh:124" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:125"><b id="dkh:126"><i id="dkh:127"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc60"><span id="i5sg50"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi63"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 5:19-20</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc61"><span id="i5sg51"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi64"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:128" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:129"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc62"><span id="i5sg52"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi65"><span style="font-size:100%;">But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:130" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:131"><b id="dkh:132"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc63"><span id="i5sg53"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi66"><span style="font-size:100%;">20</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:133" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:134"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc64"><span id="i5sg54"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi67"><span style="font-size:100%;"> “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:135"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:136"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc65"><span id="i5sg55"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi68"><span style="font-size:100%;">They were told to…</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:137"> <li id="dkh:138"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:139"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc66"><span id="i5sg56"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi69"><span style="font-size:100%;">Go.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:140"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:141"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc67"><span id="i5sg57"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi70"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stand.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:142"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:143"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc68"><span id="i5sg58"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi71"><span style="font-size:100%;">Speak.</span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:144"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc69"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi72"> </span></span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:147"><b id="dkh:148"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc70"><span id="i5sg59"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi74"><span style="font-size:100%;">Body.</span></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:149"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc71"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi75"> </span></span> </p> <ol type="I" id="dkh:152"> <li id="dkh:153"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:154"><span id="dkh:155" style="color:#008000;"><span id="dkh:156"><b id="dkh:157"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc72"><span id="i5sg60"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi77"><span style="font-size:100%;">GO. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc73"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi78"> </span></span> </p> <ol id="dkh:161"> <li id="dkh:162"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:163"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc74"><span id="i5sg61"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi80"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order for the Gospel to spread, it was necessary for the apostles to GO.</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:164"> <li id="dkh:165"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:166"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc75"><span id="i5sg62"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi81"><span style="font-size:100%;">Think about this.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:167"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:168"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc76"><span id="i5sg63"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi82"><span style="font-size:100%;">They had been severely threatened by the powers that be.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:169"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:170"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc77"><span id="i5sg64"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi83"><span style="font-size:100%;">Earlier, after they had been threatened we have a portion of the prayer recorded for us. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:171"><i id="dkh:172"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc78"><span id="i5sg65"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi84"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 4:29-30</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc79"><span id="i5sg66"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi85"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:173" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:174"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc80"><span id="i5sg67"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi86"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:175" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:176"><b id="dkh:177"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc81"><span id="i5sg68"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi87"><span style="font-size:100%;">30</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:178" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:179"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc82"><span id="i5sg69"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi88"><span style="font-size:100%;"> by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:180"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:181"><span id="dkh:182" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:183"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc83"><span id="i5sg70"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi89"><span style="font-size:100%;">They prayed for boldness to be able to preach and teach despite these threats.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:184"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:185"><span id="dkh:186" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:187"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc84"><span id="i5sg71"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi90"><span style="font-size:100%;">Indeed it would take great boldness to continue to preach the gospel.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:188"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:189"><span id="dkh:190" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:191"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc85"><span id="i5sg72"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi91"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet, they never faltered.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:192"> <li id="dkh:193"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:194"><span id="dkh:195" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:196"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc86"><span id="i5sg73"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi92"><span style="font-size:100%;">Later, they were arrested again. Eventually, they were released. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:197"><i id="dkh:198"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc87"><span id="i5sg74"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi93"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 5:40</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc88"><span id="i5sg75"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi94"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:199" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:200"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc89"><span id="i5sg76"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi95"><span style="font-size:100%;">And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:201"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc90"><span id="i5sg77"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi96"><span style="font-size:100%;">beaten them</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc91"><span id="i5sg78"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi97"><span style="font-size:100%;">, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:202"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:203"><span id="dkh:204" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:205"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc92"><span id="i5sg79"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi98"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet, what did they do next? </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:206"><i id="dkh:207"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc93"><span id="i5sg80"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi99"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 5:41-42</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc94"><span id="i5sg81"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi100"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:208" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:209"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc95"><span id="i5sg82"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi101"><span style="font-size:100%;">So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:210" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:211"><b id="dkh:212"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc96"><span id="i5sg83"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi102"><span style="font-size:100%;">42</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:213" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:214"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc97"><span id="i5sg84"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi103"><span style="font-size:100%;"> And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:215"> <li id="dkh:216"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:217"><span id="dkh:218" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:219"><b id="dkh:220"><i id="dkh:221"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc98"><span id="i5sg85"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi104"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matthew 5:11-12.</span></span></span></span></i></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:222" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="dkh:223"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc100"><span id="i5sg86"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi106"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:224" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:225"><b id="dkh:226"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc101"><span id="i5sg87"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi107"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:227" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="dkh:228"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc102"><span id="i5sg88"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi108"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:229"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:230"><span id="dkh:231" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:232"><b id="dkh:233"><i id="dkh:234"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc103"><span id="i5sg89"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi109"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Peter 4:12-16.</span></span></span></span></i></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:235" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:236"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc105"><span id="i5sg90"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi111"><span style="font-size:100%;">Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:237" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:238"><b id="dkh:239"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc106"><span id="i5sg91"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi112"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:240" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:241"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc107"><span id="i5sg92"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi113"><span style="font-size:100%;"> but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:242" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:243"><b id="dkh:244"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc108"><span id="i5sg93"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi114"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:245" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:246"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc109"><span id="i5sg94"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi115"><span style="font-size:100%;"> If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:247" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:248"><b id="dkh:249"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc110"><span id="i5sg95"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi116"><span style="font-size:100%;">15</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:250" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:251"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc111"><span id="i5sg96"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi117"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:252" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:253"><b id="dkh:254"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc112"><span id="i5sg97"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi118"><span style="font-size:100%;">16</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:255" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:256"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc113"><span id="i5sg98"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi119"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:257"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:258"><span id="dkh:259" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:260"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc114"><span id="i5sg99"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi120"><span style="font-size:100%;">The rest of the church followed their example. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:261"><i id="dkh:262"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc115"><span id="i5sg100"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi121"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:4</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc116"><span id="i5sg101"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi122"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:263" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:264"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc117"><span id="i5sg102"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi123"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:265" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:266"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc118"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi124"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc119"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi125"> </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:270"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:271"><span id="dkh:272" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:273"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc120"><span id="i5sg103"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi127"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order for the Gospel to spread today, we must GO!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:274"> <li id="dkh:275"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:276"><b id="dkh:277"><i id="dkh:278"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc121"><span id="i5sg104"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi128"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mark 16:15</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc122"><span id="i5sg105"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi129"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:279" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:280"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc123"><span id="i5sg106"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi130"><span style="font-size:100%;">And He said to them, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:281" style="color:#ff0000;"><span id="dkh:282"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc124"><span id="i5sg107"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi131"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:283"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:284"><span id="dkh:285" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:286"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc125"><span id="i5sg108"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi132"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to make a conscious and concerted effort to GO.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:287"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:288"><span id="dkh:289" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:290"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc126"><span id="i5sg109"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi133"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to GO ourselves.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:291"> <li id="dkh:292"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:293"><span id="dkh:294" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:295"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc127"><span id="i5sg110"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi134"><span style="font-size:100%;">We tend to fall into the habit of thinking that people are going to come to us.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:296"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:297"><span id="dkh:298" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:299"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc128"><span id="i5sg111"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi135"><span style="font-size:100%;">We wait for them to come through our doors.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:300"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:301"><span id="dkh:302" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:303"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc129"><span id="i5sg112"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi136"><span style="font-size:100%;">When we are told to go into all the world… that starts with right outside our door.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:304"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:305"><span id="dkh:306" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:307"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc130"><span id="i5sg113"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi137"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to support others who are willing to GO where we can’t or won’t.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:308"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:309"><span id="dkh:310" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:311"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc131"><span id="i5sg114"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi138"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to support good evangelistic works like GBN.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc132"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi139"> </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:315"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:316"><span id="dkh:317" style="color:#008000;"><span id="dkh:318"><b id="dkh:319"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc133"><span id="i5sg115"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi141"><span style="font-size:100%;">STAND. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc134"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi142"> </span></span> </p> <ol id="dkh:323"> <li id="dkh:324"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:325"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc135"><span id="i5sg116"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi144"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles were told to go STAND in the temple.</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:326"> <li id="dkh:327"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:328"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc136"><span id="i5sg117"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi145"><span style="font-size:100%;">The word for “stand” means more than to just physically stand in the temple as we would think it.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:329"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:330"><i id="dkh:331"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc137"><span id="i5sg118"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi146"><span style="font-size:100%;">Histemi</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc138"><span id="i5sg119"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi147"><span style="font-size:100%;"> – to make firm, fix, establish, to establish a thing, to cause it to stand, to stand immovable, to stand firm.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:332"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:333"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc139"><span id="i5sg120"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi148"><span style="font-size:100%;">The apostles were being told to go and stand firm in the temple. </span></span></span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:337"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:338"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc140"><span id="i5sg121"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi150"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told to stand as well.</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:339"> <li id="dkh:340"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:341"><b id="dkh:342"><i id="dkh:343"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc141"><span id="i5sg122"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi151"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 6:10-14</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc142"><span id="i5sg123"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi152"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:344" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:345"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc143"><span id="i5sg124"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi153"><span style="font-size:100%;">Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:346" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:347"><b id="dkh:348"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc144"><span id="i5sg125"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi154"><span style="font-size:100%;">11</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:349" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:350"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc145"><span id="i5sg126"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi155"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:351"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc146"><span id="i5sg127"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi156"><span style="font-size:100%;">stand</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc147"><span id="i5sg128"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi157"><span style="font-size:100%;"> against the wiles of the devil. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:352" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:353"><b id="dkh:354"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc148"><span id="i5sg129"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi158"><span style="font-size:100%;">12</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:355" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:356"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc149"><span id="i5sg130"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi159"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:357" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:358"><b id="dkh:359"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc150"><span id="i5sg131"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi160"><span style="font-size:100%;">13</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:360" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:361"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc151"><span id="i5sg132"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi161"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:362"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc152"><span id="i5sg133"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi162"><span style="font-size:100%;">withstand</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc153"><span id="i5sg134"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi163"><span style="font-size:100%;"> in the evil day, and having done all, to </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:363"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc154"><span id="i5sg135"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi164"><span style="font-size:100%;">stand</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc155"><span id="i5sg136"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi165"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:364" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:365"><b id="dkh:366"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc156"><span id="i5sg137"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi166"><span style="font-size:100%;">14</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span> <span id="dkh:367" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:368"><b id="dkh:369"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc158"><span id="i5sg138"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi168"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stand</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc159"><span id="i5sg139"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi169"><span style="font-size:100%;"> therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:370"> <li id="dkh:371"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:372"><span id="dkh:373" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc160"><span id="i5sg140"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi170"><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:374"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc161"><span id="i5sg141"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi171"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stand” = </span></span></span></span><i id="dkh:375"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc162"><span id="i5sg142"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi172"><span style="font-size:100%;">histemi</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc163"><span id="i5sg143"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi173"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:376"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:377"><span id="dkh:378" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:379"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc164"><span id="i5sg144"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi174"><span style="font-size:100%;">God wants us to stand firm in His service.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:380"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:381"><span id="dkh:382" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:383"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc165"><span id="i5sg145"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi175"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are also told to </span></span></span></span><i id="dkh:384"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc166"><span id="i5sg146"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi176"><span style="font-size:100%;">withstand</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc167"><span id="i5sg147"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi177"><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:385"> <li id="dkh:386"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:387"><span id="dkh:388" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:389"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc168"><span id="i5sg148"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi178"><span style="font-size:100%;">From two words in the Greek. </span></span></span></span><i id="dkh:390"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc169"><span id="i5sg149"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi179"><span style="font-size:100%;">Anti</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc170"><span id="i5sg150"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi180"><span style="font-size:100%;"> –against & </span></span></span></span><i id="dkh:391"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc171"><span id="i5sg151"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi181"><span style="font-size:100%;">histemi</span></span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc172"><span id="i5sg152"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi182"><span style="font-size:100%;"> – to stand.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:392"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:393"><span id="dkh:394" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:395"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc173"><span id="i5sg153"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi183"><span style="font-size:100%;">Means to stand against or resist, to refuse to yield, to oppose.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:396"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:397"><span id="dkh:398" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:399"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc174"><span id="i5sg154"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi184"><span style="font-size:100%;">We can not compromise the truth!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:400"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:401"><span id="dkh:402" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:403"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc175"><span id="i5sg155"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi185"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes, in order to stand for something, it means we must stand against other things.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:404"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:405"><span id="dkh:406" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:407"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc176"><span id="i5sg156"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi186"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes (not always) this saying is true. “Tolerance is a virtue of a person who has no convictions.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:408"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:409"><span id="dkh:410" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:411"><b id="dkh:412"><i id="dkh:413"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc177"><span id="i5sg157"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi187"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 5:11</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc178"><span id="i5sg158"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi188"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:414" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:415"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc179"><span id="i5sg159"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi189"><span style="font-size:100%;">And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:416"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:417"><span id="dkh:418" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:419"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc180"><span id="i5sg160"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi190"><span style="font-size:100%;">He has given us the tools to do this. His armor.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:420"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:421"><span id="dkh:422" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:423"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc181"><span id="i5sg161"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi191"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told to stand together. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:424"><i id="dkh:425"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc182"><span id="i5sg162"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi192"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 1:27</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc183"><span id="i5sg163"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi193"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:426" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:427"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc184"><span id="i5sg164"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi194"><span style="font-size:100%;">Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:428"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc185"><span id="i5sg165"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi195"><span style="font-size:100%;">stand fast in one spirit</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc186"><span id="i5sg166"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi196"><span style="font-size:100%;">, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:429"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:430"><span id="dkh:431" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:432"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc187"><span id="i5sg167"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi197"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told to stand in the Lord. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:433"><i id="dkh:434"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc188"><span id="i5sg168"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi198"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philippians 4:1</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc189"><span id="i5sg169"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi199"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:435" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:436"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc190"><span id="i5sg170"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi200"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:437"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc191"><span id="i5sg171"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi201"><span style="font-size:100%;">stand fast in the Lord</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc192"><span id="i5sg172"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi202"><span style="font-size:100%;">, beloved.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:438"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:439"><span id="dkh:440" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:441"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc193"><span id="i5sg173"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi203"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are told to stand fast and hold to the apostolic traditions. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:442"><i id="dkh:443"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc194"><span id="i5sg174"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi204"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Thessalonians 2:15</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc195"><span id="i5sg175"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi205"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:444" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:445"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc196"><span id="i5sg176"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi206"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc197"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi207"> </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:449"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:450"><span id="dkh:451" style="color:#008000;"><span id="dkh:452"><b id="dkh:453"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc198"><span id="i5sg177"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi209"><span style="font-size:100%;">SPEAK. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc199"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi210"> </span></span> </p> <ol id="dkh:457"> <li id="dkh:458"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:459"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc200"><span id="i5sg178"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi212"><span style="font-size:100%;">The disciples were told to speak all the words of this life.</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:460"> <li id="dkh:461"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:462"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc201"><span id="i5sg179"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi213"><span style="font-size:100%;">God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to spread His word by the mouths of men.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:463"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:464"><b id="dkh:465"><i id="dkh:466"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc202"><span id="i5sg180"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi214"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 2:40</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc203"><span id="i5sg181"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi215"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:467" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:468"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc204"><span id="i5sg182"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi216"><span style="font-size:100%;">And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:469"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:470"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc205"><span id="i5sg183"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi217"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philip and the Eunuch are a good example of this.</span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:471"> <li id="dkh:472"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:473"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc206"><span id="i5sg184"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi218"><span style="font-size:100%;">Philip was told by an angel to go south. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:474"><i id="dkh:475"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc207"><span id="i5sg185"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi219"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:26</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc208"><span id="i5sg186"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi220"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:476" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:477"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc209"><span id="i5sg187"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi221"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:478"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:479"><span id="dkh:480" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:481"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc210"><span id="i5sg188"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi222"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Spirit tells him to go to the Eunuch. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:482"><i id="dkh:483"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc211"><span id="i5sg189"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi223"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:29</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc212"><span id="i5sg190"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi224"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:484" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:485"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc213"><span id="i5sg191"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi225"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:486"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:487"><span id="dkh:488" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:489"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc214"><span id="i5sg192"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi226"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:490"><i id="dkh:491"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc215"><span id="i5sg193"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi227"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 8:35</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc216"><span id="i5sg194"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi228"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:492" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:493"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc217"><span id="i5sg195"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi229"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:494"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:495"><span id="dkh:496" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:497"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc218"><span id="i5sg196"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi230"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why didn’t the angel teach the eunuch?</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:498"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:499"><span id="dkh:500" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:501"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc219"><span id="i5sg197"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi231"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why didn’t the Spirit teach him?</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:502"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:503"><span id="dkh:504" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:505"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc220"><span id="i5sg198"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi232"><span style="font-size:100%;">Because God chose to save men through the means of preaching.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:506"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:507"><b id="dkh:508"><i id="dkh:509"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc221"><span id="i5sg199"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi233"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 1:21-25</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc222"><span id="i5sg200"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi234"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:510" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:511"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc223"><span id="i5sg201"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi235"><span style="font-size:100%;">For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:512" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:513"><b id="dkh:514"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc224"><span id="i5sg202"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi236"><span style="font-size:100%;">22</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:515" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:516"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc225"><span id="i5sg203"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi237"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:517" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:518"><b id="dkh:519"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc226"><span id="i5sg204"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi238"><span style="font-size:100%;">23</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:520" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:521"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc227"><span id="i5sg205"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi239"><span style="font-size:100%;"> but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:522" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:523"><b id="dkh:524"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc228"><span id="i5sg206"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi240"><span style="font-size:100%;">24</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:525" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:526"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc229"><span id="i5sg207"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi241"><span style="font-size:100%;"> but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:527" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:528"><b id="dkh:529"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc230"><span id="i5sg208"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi242"><span style="font-size:100%;">25</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:530" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:531"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc231"><span id="i5sg209"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi243"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:532"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:533"><span id="dkh:534" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:535"><b id="dkh:536"><i id="dkh:537"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc232"><span id="i5sg210"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi244"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Corinthians 2:7-8</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc233"><span id="i5sg211"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi245"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:538" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:539"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc234"><span id="i5sg212"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi246"><span style="font-size:100%;">But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:540" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:541"><b id="dkh:542"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc235"><span id="i5sg213"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi247"><span style="font-size:100%;">8</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:543" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:544"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc236"><span id="i5sg214"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi248"><span style="font-size:100%;"> which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:545" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:546"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc237"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi249"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc238"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi250"> </span></span> </p> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:550"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:551"><span id="dkh:552" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:553"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc239"><span id="i5sg215"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi252"><span style="font-size:100%;">We, too are told to speak all the words of this life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:554"> <li id="dkh:555"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:556"><span id="dkh:557" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:558"><b id="dkh:559"><i id="dkh:560"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc240"><span id="i5sg216"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi253"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Timothy 4:2-5</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc241"><span id="i5sg217"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi254"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:561" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:562"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc242"><span id="i5sg218"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi255"><span style="font-size:100%;">Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:563" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:564"><b id="dkh:565"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc243"><span id="i5sg219"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi256"><span style="font-size:100%;">3</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:566" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:567"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc244"><span id="i5sg220"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi257"><span style="font-size:100%;"> For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:568" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:569"><b id="dkh:570"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc245"><span id="i5sg221"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi258"><span style="font-size:100%;">4</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:571" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:572"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc246"><span id="i5sg222"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi259"><span style="font-size:100%;"> and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:573" style="color:#660066;"><sup id="dkh:574"><b id="dkh:575"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc247"><span id="i5sg223"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi260"><span style="font-size:100%;">5</span></span></span></span></b></sup></span><span id="dkh:576" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:577"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc248"><span id="i5sg224"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi261"><span style="font-size:100%;"> But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:578"> <li id="dkh:579"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:580"><span id="dkh:581" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:582"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc249"><span id="i5sg225"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi262"><span style="font-size:100%;">Notice that the apostles were told to speak ALL the words of this life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:583"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:584"><span id="dkh:585" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:586"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc250"><span id="i5sg226"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi263"><span style="font-size:100%;">We too must speak ALL the words of this life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:587"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:588"><span id="dkh:589" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:590"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc251"><span id="i5sg227"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi264"><span style="font-size:100%;">We dare not omit any part of God’s word. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:591"><i id="dkh:592"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc252"><span id="i5sg228"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi265"><span style="font-size:100%;">Revelation 22:19</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc253"><span id="i5sg229"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi266"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:593" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:594"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc254"><span id="i5sg230"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi267"><span style="font-size:100%;">And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ol id="dkh:595"> <li id="dkh:596"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:597"><span id="dkh:598" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:599"><b id="dkh:600"><i id="dkh:601"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc255"><span id="i5sg231"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi268"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deuteronomy 4:2.</span></span></span></span></i></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:602" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:603"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc257"><span id="i5sg232"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi270"><span style="font-size:100%;">You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:604"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:605"><span id="dkh:606" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:607"><b id="dkh:608"><i id="dkh:609"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc258"><span id="i5sg233"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi271"><span style="font-size:100%;">Proverbs 30:6.</span></span></span></span></i></b> </span></span><span id="dkh:610"><span id="dkh:611" style="font-family:Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc260"><span id="i5sg234"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi273"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:612" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:613"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc261"><span id="i5sg235"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi274"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not add to His words,Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li><li id="dkh:614"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:615"><span id="dkh:616" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:617"><b id="dkh:618"><i id="dkh:619"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc262"><span id="i5sg236"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi275"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Peter 4:11</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc263"><span id="i5sg237"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi276"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:620" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:621"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc264"><span id="i5sg238"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi277"><span style="font-size:100%;">If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:622"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:623"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc265"><span id="i5sg239"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi278"><span style="font-size:100%;">But we must speak the truth in love. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:624"><i id="dkh:625"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc266"><span id="i5sg240"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi279"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ephesians 4:15</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc267"><span id="i5sg241"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi280"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:626" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:627"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc268"><span id="i5sg242"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi281"><span style="font-size:100%;">But, </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:628"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc269"><span id="i5sg243"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi282"><span style="font-size:100%;">speaking the truth in love</span></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc270"><span id="i5sg244"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi283"><span style="font-size:100%;">, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:629"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:630"><span id="dkh:631" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:632"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc271"><span id="i5sg245"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi284"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must pray for opportunities to speak. </span></span></span></span><b id="dkh:633"><i id="dkh:634"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc272"><span id="i5sg246"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi285"><span style="font-size:100%;">Colossians 4:3</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc273"><span id="i5sg247"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi286"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:635" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:636"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc274"><span id="i5sg248"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi287"><span style="font-size:100%;">Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:637"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:638"><span id="dkh:639" style="color:#000000;"><span id="dkh:640"><b id="dkh:641"><i id="dkh:642"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc275"><span id="i5sg249"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi288"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 Corinthians 4:7</span></span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc276"><span id="i5sg250"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi289"><span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="dkh:643" style="color:#000090;"><span id="dkh:644"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc277"><span id="i5sg251"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi290"><span style="font-size:100%;">But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol> </li></ol> </li></ol> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:645"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc278"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi291"> </span></span> </p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:648"><b id="dkh:649"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc279"><span id="i5sg252"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi293"><span style="font-size:100%;">Conclusion.</span></span></span></span></b></p> <ol id="dkh:650"> <li id="dkh:651"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:652"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc280"><span id="i5sg253"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi294"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must GO.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:653"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:654"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc281"><span id="i5sg254"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi295"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must STAND.</span></span></span></span></p> </li><li id="dkh:655"><p style="margin-bottom: 0.06in" id="dkh:656"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="vksc282"><span id="i5sg255"><span class="Apple-style-span" id="mgzi296"><span style="font-size:100%;">We must SPEAK.</span></span></span></span></p> </li></ol>Ralph Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186062620167559487noreply@blogger.com0