sermons

05/13/12 You Have Enough for God!

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:28:29 +0100

Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NKJV)

1 A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." 2 So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." 3 Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

“Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Isaiah 55:1 (HCSB)

Intro: Mothers and their Many Responsibilities.

It’s funny how you look at a mother from a grandfather’s perspective. A mother and all her many responsibilities, who can number them all? Yet mothers are equipped by God for this task. Motherhood was the first command of God to Eve. I am sure Sarah would have loved to have tried raising a child at a younger age. How would you like to send your son down the river in a basket? Or watch your son hang on a cross? The mother in our text today is the kind of mother that is a large percentage of our society; she is a widow, a single mother. Now you have the added responsibility of widowhood.

Application: whatever you have is enough for God!

1. This Mother Knew where to go in the Time of Need: (v. 1)

“A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves."

This widow turned to Elisha for help in her hour of need. She appealed to him on the basis that her husband had been faithful to the Lord (the servant feared the Lord). Try to imagine living in a time in history when parents could lose their boys to slavery. Slaves can be substitutes for payment of debt and this was not uncommon in the Ancient Near East.

Elisha was eager to help the widow. Elisha was the apprentice and successor of Elijah. A man of God wanting to help, personally I don’t think things have changed there; there are still men of God, pastors who love their congregation and want to help.

This woman was a preacher’s widow, Wife of one of the sons of the prophets. This man of God must have been a man of faith he had served under Elisha, must have been fearless, but as the story is often told he was broke this couple didn’t have much money. He didn’t have any money. To his benefit he was a hard worker but died young. Sounds like a familiar story doesn’t it? The problem: Death and debts, the two great burdens of life. Try to picture a creditor coming to your door to foreclose on the boys to be bondmen!

Here is the best part of this woman and her current dilemma: The widow went quickly to seek the wisdom and help of God. Blessed is the mother who knows where to go when her family is in need. THE MOTHER KNEW WHERE TO GO!

The stories of Elisha give us insight into this critical period of Old Testament history, and help us to see God as One who remains involved in the lives of ordinary people even when the nation has strayed far from His ways.

2. This Mother found the Answer to her Need was Right at Home: (vv. 2–4)

“So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." 3 Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors--empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones."

This woman’s little bit of oil was olive oil used for food and fuel and for anointing. Elisha told her to collect empty jars; they would be filled with oil God would provide. The widow’s faith can be “measured” by the number of jars she collected in response to the prophet’s instructions. Shutting the door provided privacy for the task of pouring the oil. Not everyone was to see the miracle take place; only the widow and her sons, the direct beneficiaries of God’s grace, should see it. But later she probably told all her friends about God’s miraculous provision.

God provided oil enough to fill all the jars the woman had collected, all she felt she needed. She returned to Elisha with a report of the miracle and he told her to sell the oil and pay her debts. There was enough money left over for her to live on after all her financial obligations had been met.

This story demonstrates God’s care for His faithful ones who lived in apostate Israel at this time. Widows were always vulnerable and the widow of a prophet would have been even needier. Yet God miraculously cared for this faithful, dependent believer.

Elisha considering her problem: “What shall I tell thee?” Now imagine a preacher asking you what do you have in the house? A good question for all mothers today.

- A husband who loves you
- Food enough for today?
- Money for this week’s groceries?

This mother had none of these things. This woman’s response was a little negative: “Your maidservant has nothing” Let’s apply this to a lot of our mothers in our world today; Mothers and others with this attitude are miserable, “Others get new things, I am deprived. Poor me!”

Interestingly enough there was a Startling Discovery: There was a “jar of oil” A Positive Move this was anointing oil. This was the turning point for this woman. How long has it been since you counted your blessings? Rediscovering the house, the family, the furniture, love the answer for lifting your burden may be right at home.

3. This Mother Found that the Possibilities are Unlimited When you Allow God to Use what you have: (vv. 4–7)

“And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones." 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. 6 Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, "Bring me another vessel." And he said to her, "There is not another vessel." So the oil ceased. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest."

Now the rest of the story! Heeding the message of Elisha in faith, mom gets her sons involved in an act of faith. She sends them out borrowing, thinking big! “do not gather just a few” and expect an answer.

The story gets good now. The closed doors, the thrilling moment God took what she had and multiplied it. God filled all the borrowed vessels. Isn’t it amazing what God will do with what you have?

Since the widow’s need was private, the provision was to be private also. Further, the absence of Elisha demonstrated that the miracle happened only by God’s power. God’s power multiplied “little” into “much,” filling all the vessels to meet the widow’s need!

- A boy’s lunch
- Moses’ rod
- David’s sling

Conclusion

Whatever you have is Enough for God to Use, Tell me, what do you have in the house?

05/06/12 Things Happen!

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:55:01 +0100

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NKJV)

1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 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.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)

Intro: For many people in the world today, tension, conflict, weariness, and suffering have become commonplace. Nevertheless, some offer the vain hope that life’s troubles can be done away with, that we can somehow get to the point where things will always be great. They suggest that faith in Christ will deliver us into a state of serenity and ease and bring prosperity, health, and constant pleasure. However and this is a big however, that was neither the experience nor the teaching of early Christians such as Paul, James, or Peter, and certainly not of their Lord Jesus. Paul described the life of a servant of God in terms of tribulation, distress, tumult, and sleeplessness. But he also linked these stress producers with rich treasures that money cannot buy: purity, kindness, sincere love, honor, good report, joy, and the possession of all things.

So as long as we live as God’s people on this earth, we can expect a connection between trouble and hope. That connection is never pleasant, but our troubles can bring about lasting benefit:

Application: God is in control!

1. Things Happen for our Benefit! Vs 1-2

“Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” Is salvation real in your life? Have you lost anything and has Christ gain?

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 (NKJV)

Things do happen, but in reality we do not want to hear that. We don’t want to have someone tell us these things happen. We don’t want bad things to happen, why me I want my life to be perfect!

2. Things Happen for our Discipline! Vs 4

“But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 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? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 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.” Hebrews 12:8-11 (NKJV)

The writer to the Hebrews encouraged us that our troubles are often a sign that we are legitimate children of God, and He lovingly disciplines us to train us in righteousness.

These things that happen! Happen to give us the honor to strive towards perfection to be Holy! “that we may be partakers of His holiness.”

3. Things Happen for our Maturity! Vs. 6

James encouraged us to rejoice in our various trials, because as they test our faith, they produce patience, which ultimately makes us mature in Christ.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

“by sincere love” Simple fact, growing up isn’t easy and everyone must whether we like it or not! Things happen!

4. Things Happen for His Glory! Vs. 10

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 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.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)

Peter knew by personal experience the kind of pressure that can cause one’s allegiance to Christ to waiver. He warned us that “fiery trials” are nothing strange, but that they actually allow us to experience something of Christ’s suffering so that we can ultimately experience something of His glory, too.

Conclusion:

Things happen for our benefit, for our discipline, for our maturity and yes even for his glory! God is in control.

04/29/12 Can We Go Fishing?

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:09:46 +0100

Text: John 21:1-14 (NKJV)

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"--knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.”

“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.” James 1:25

Intro: The baby bird leaves the nest, the cub is on its own, and the teenager goes off to college…. Something similar happened in all these situations. The disciples are no longer in the presence of Jesus, He is not there to protect or provide for them anymore, or is He! A relationship with Christ does give you 24 hour a day, 7 days a week protection. He hasn’t left!

Here we have 7 men of destiny. Three years earlier they left everything to follow Jesus. Three years later what do we do now? The agony of the crucifixion and doubt in the upper room; the joy of the resurrection and their obedience in going to Galilee. In time, These Men Will Change the World! What potential in this small dedicated group. What memories they shared on the shore! But there was a problem; Jesus was no longer with them and Peter the ring leader says lets go fishing.

Application: Jesus is still with you!

1. Darkness & Defeat: vs. 3

“They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.” Interestingly enough these were experienced fisherman and the best time to go fishing in the Sea of Galilee was night time. So what is the problem?

Peter says “I go fishing” the other disciples said: “We also go with thee” Finally Peter could resist no more he was going fishing. Interestingly enough the other guys followed. Peter was the leader and others were following. We often forget there are others in our life that are watching and following. Our attitude will affect others, our influence brings great responsibility. Romans 14:7 (NLT) “For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.”

So they go fishing and catch nothing. These seasoned, experienced fishermen caught nothing. A night of catching nothing, darkness throughout scripture refers to the absence of light, Christ was the light, and in Him there is no darkness no sin. Like the farmer who sows but does not reap, Like the doctor who administers medicine but heals no one, Like the salesman who calls but sells nothing what a frustrating night! All their labor was in vain. Have you ever been frustrated when you went fishing and caught nothing?

Peter acted without orders in returning to his fishing. He had forsaken all to follow Christ, and now he was turning back to the old life. Everything about this scene speaks of defeat, it is dark, indicating that they are not walking in the light; they had no direct word from the Lord; their efforts met with failure; they did not recognize Christ when He did appear, showing that their spiritual vision was dim. Peter led the other six men astray when he made his hasty decision. How tragic is a bad influence! We need to keep in mind that God blesses us only when we abide in Christ and obey the Word. “Without Me you can do nothing”. Too many Christians enter into well-meaning but unscriptural activities, only to waste time, money, and energy for nothing. Let us beware of impatience. It is better to wait on the Lord for directions, and then let Him bless, than to involve ourselves in useless activities.

2. Daylight & Deliverance: vs. 4-6

“But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.”

Just as their disobedience had resulted in failure, the disciples’ obedience brought overwhelming success. The miraculous catch of fish and the meal He provided for them demonstrated to the disciples that Jesus could and would still meet their needs. This story also reminds all believers that obedience always brings blessing. The point at the historical moment this event happened and the primary sense of the event was to overcome the disciples’ fear of failure and weakness that was causing them to drift back into their old ways. What our Lord did here settled forever in the minds of the apostles that they were called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ for the rest of their lives.

The Lord, as always, uses weak and sinful people to advance His kingdom because there are no other kinds of people: “And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV)

Christ came when it was morning “when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore.”

Luke 1:78 (NKJV) “Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.” He brings morning to our lives!

The light of Christ will deliver!

3. Divine Direction: vs. 6-7

“And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.”

When Christ appears on the scene, then the light begins to shine. He instructs them from the shore, and they catch a great host of fish! A few minutes’ labor with Christ in control will accomplish more than a whole night of carnal efforts! There are actually several miracles in this chapter, besides the catch of fish. Peter is given miraculous strength to draw up a net that seven men were not able to draw together.

The Lord began the second lesson by calling out to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” The disciples were no doubt exhausted and frustrated after their failed fishing expedition, and did not know at first who was speaking. They must have been tempted to tell this bold stranger to mind his own business. After all, they were experienced fishermen; who was he to tell them what to do? And did he think the fish knew the difference between one side of the boat and the other? But there was something authoritative in the voice that allowed for no argument or hesitance, so they obeyed His command. To their astonishment, they cast their net, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13–14

Today we are casting out the Gospel net, but often the nets break, there is seeming failure, and we do not know how many souls are really won. But when Christ returns the exact number will be known, and none will be lost. Today there are many boats and fishermen at work, but when Christ returns, we will see the one church and all the redeemed in the one Gospel net.

The fact that the net did not break is amazing. The fire of coals and the cooked breakfast were certainly supplied miraculously. The entire scene was designed to awaken Peter’s conscience and open his eyes. The catch of fish reminded him of his past decision to forsake all and follow Christ. The fire of coals would take him back to his denial.

Because Peter had denied Christ three times publicly, he had to make it right publicly. Christ fed Peter before He dealt with his sins. How like the Lord to bless us first, and then deal with us! The issue was Peter’s love for Christ. If a man or woman really loves Christ, their life will be devoted and dedicated.

Peter’s eyes are opened! He sees and quickly goes to Christ. Christ gives Peter a new commission: he is now a shepherd (pastor) besides being a fisher of men. He is now to shepherd the lambs and sheep and feed them the Word of God. All Christians are expected to be fishers of men (soul-winners), but some have been called into the special ministry of shepherding the flock. What good is it to win the lost if there is no church where they might be fed and cared for?

Could this be divine direction for the church? Cast it out again, but in the faith of Christ!

Conclusion: Jesus will and does take care of His own; He is still here with us!

For the first time in more than three years, they faced having to fend for themselves, since Jesus had provided for all their needs while He was with them. The Lord made it clear that He would continue to do so. This time He demonstrated His commitment to meet their needs through a living illustration. But before the disciples learned the lesson that Christ would continue to provide for them, they first had to be brought face-to-face with their own inadequacy. As a result, the passage illustrates two contrasting dependencies from which they could choose. The disciples could depend on their former trades and pick up on life as they had left it before Jesus called them, or they could continue in gospel ministry dependant on His power and provision. These two options face those who belong to Christ: are we on our own, or do we follow Christ? The answer is given here.

“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.” James 1:25

Blessed in what he does: can we go fishing? Can we spend hundreds of dollars to go to a football game, or basketball game? Can we go to the Daytona 500? Yes! God isn’t telling us that we can’t enjoy recreational stuff. He is telling us not to forget what He has done for us and how we should live our future in Christ who strengthens us. Jesus is our great shepherd and He does provide and protect those who Love Him. Do you Love Him?

04/22/12 The Promise of His Coming!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:10:56 +0100

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (NKJV)

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3 (NKJV)

Application: His coming gives us urgency for Holiness

Intro: Promises

You promised, have you heard that a time or two? Have you promised someone something? Did the promise come through or were you disappointed? Have you been on the receiving end? Have you been on the sending end of the promise?

In are text today He is sending a promise and He delivers. Jesus Christ delivers; He has parted the Seas, He has freed the captive, He has fed the hungry, He has clothed the naked, He has brought sight to the blind, he has healed the lepers, He has raised the dead, and if He has said He is coming back He is coming back and coming back soon!

1. A Comforting Promise: 4:18 “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

What is a thief? One who steals something that does not belong to them. One guilty of theft! Is it possible that there are some thief’s in the church today. Are some of you robbing yourself of eternal peace and security because in your pride and stubbornness you don’t what to do the work that goes into a relationship with Christ? But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. The light of Christ comforts and darkness convicts or it needs too. Are you convicted?

John 14:1-3 (NKJV) "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

We are assured a reunion with loved ones. The promise relieves fears of destruction by nuclear holocaust. This comforting promise reaffirms that God is sovereignly in control of universe. It declares that Christ’s kingdom will yet triumph. It affirms that Satan will ultimately be defeated. It announces that some will not have to experience death. The believer will never experience a second death. The promise of His coming should be comforting.

2. A Cautioning Promise: 5:1-3

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

I don’t believe we are to “play games with prophecy”: The Bible makes it very clear we can’t and aren’t to know when Christ is coming. The scriptures make it very clear; “the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” There are no signs of His coming of any kind. The next event in the prophetic timetable is the rapture. The rapture may occur at any moment. We who are alive and remain shall be caught up (raptured).

We are not to know when it will take place. Thus there can’t be any signs of it. No one knows exactly how the historic details fit the overall picture. There may be time after rapture before tribulation. Things can happen very fast and without much warning. All attempts to identify signs to this point have proved wrong—which doesn’t stop the speculation. Such teaching/preaching tends to make Word of God an object of curiosity which it is not. Such teaching causes us to waste time which might better be spent on other things (“why stand ye gazing up?”).

Acts 1:11 (NKJV) “Who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

3. A Challenging Promise: 5:4-8

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

The hope of second coming (if it is more than speculation) should produce a response in the believer. I need to make sure you hear my opinion “He is coming back!” It produces personal holiness: 1 John 3:3 (NKJV) “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

- We will be concerned for the state in which we will meet Him.
- We will deal with issues of Biblical holiness, not just outward appearances. Holiness is a matter of the heart.
- Any concern with prophecy that doesn’t result in an increase in Biblical holiness is merely curiosity. There is a children’s program on television whose main character’s name is Curious George, this George is a monkey, a very curious monkey. It is through his curiosity that this character is used to teach young children a variety of things about life. In the Christian realm we can’t monkey around with knowing the truth, because the truth will set you free!

It produces concern for the lost: Acts 1:8-11 (NKJV) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

- There is power instead of knowledge in this place.
- There are witnesses instead of investigators here.
- Any concern with prophecy that doesn’t cause us to seek the salvation of the lost is merely curiosity.

Conclusion:

Jesus is coming again! That knowledge should affect our lives significantly. It should cause us to perfect holiness. It should give us a burden for souls getting people to Jesus. If you are not working on personal holiness and bringing people to Jesus, your belief in the second coming is questionable. His coming gives us urgency for Holiness. The promise of His coming is real! “And Thus we will always be with the Lord.”

04/08/12 Whom are YOU Seeking?

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:06:55 +0100

Text: John 20:11-18 (NKJV)

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.”

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NKJV)

Illustration: Easter & Laughter

Let's celebrate Easter with the rite of laughter.
Christ died and rose and lives.
Laugh like a woman who holds her first baby.
Our enemy death will soon be destroyed.
Laugh like a man who finds he doesn't have cancer, or he does, but now there's a cure.
Christ opened wide the door of heaven.
Laugh like children at Disneyland's gates.
This world is owned by God, and he'll return to rule.
Laugh like a man who walks away uninjured from a wreck in which his car was totaled.
Laugh as if all the people in the whole world were invited to a picnic and then invite them.
Joseph Bayly, Psalms of My Life

Intro: Every work that God has done, is doing now, or ever will do, can be correctly arranged (classified) under one of two main categories, namely, His work in creation and His work in redemption! Furthermore, God has chosen two special days of the week to serve as a reminder concerning these all important accomplishments.

- Saturday, celebrating His first great work, that of Creation.
- Sunday, celebrating His second great work, that of redemption. This is why the resurrection occurred on Sunday, and why the early Christians observed the first day of the week as their official day of worship.

Application: Get off the Cross and out of the Tomb!

He’s not there! Following His resurrection, Jesus would appear on ten separate occasions. Five of these appearances transpired on the first Easter Sunday, and final five during the remaining 39 days before His ascension, To whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 (NKJV)

I thought as I was preparing this I would present 10 points with these appearances but then I got to thinking I might scare all of you! Because I love you and want you to continue to love me I will narrow these appearances down to three with a personality for each:

Personality Appearance #1: Couldn’t recognize vs. 11-14

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

If you keep your eyes on the cross and the empty tomb you might just miss Him! This was undoubtedly one of the two most dramatic recognition meetings in the entire bible. The first involved Joseph revealing himself to his brothers in Egypt. It was a Samaritan woman to whom Christ first revealed his messiahship. It is now to another woman, Mary Magdalene that Christ first appears in His resurrection body. Both were formerly women of questionable moral background.

Mary wasn’t the only woman at the tomb, as a matter of fact the second appearance was “certain others” bringing spices. But it is Mary’s personality I want to focus on.

Why did Mary fail to recognize Jesus? Probably for several reasons:

- Her eyes were blinded with tears.
- The early morning light was still too dim.
- She was not expecting to see Him.
- Maybe she wasn’t a morning person.

I must note that there were two others (disciples) enroute to Emmaus. “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.” Luke 24:13-16 (NKJV)

I am sure we could go on and on, but there were probably several good reasons, what’s yours? Mary’s see’s have you or is there still a personality issue with you?

Get off the Cross and out of the Tomb! He’s not there!

Personality Appearance #2: Go to my brethren vs. 17

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”

Got to love Mary! There were surely defining moments in her life but her response her personality was that of love and boldness to run and tell. Things haven’t changed too much have they? Women still have to hear or no what’s going on and then go and tell the men!

My personality of interest hear is Peter, we all know someone who acts just like Peter. Think of all the things he was willing to do for his Lord. “But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.” Luke 24:12 (NKJV)

What a meeting this must have been. The last time these two saw each other; the one was bitterly cursing and denying the other. As modern wordage would put it: Peter was a mess! And after the day of Pentecost Peter cleaned his acted up and became one of the greatest evangelist ever documented in Scripture. Peter came to Christ and went and told. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

I think it is important to mention that Jesus did mention or show Himself to a few more and they too told: After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once’ 1 Corinthians 15:6 (NKJV)

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 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!” Matthew 28:16-20 (NKJV)

These disciples: Got off the Cross and out of the Tomb! He’s not there!

Personality Appearance #3: You have believed John 20:24-28

24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:24-28 (NKJV)

Before the eleven apostles in the Upper Room we see Thomas, do we have any Thomas’s in the world today?

- The reluctance of Thomas.
- The revelation to Thomas.

Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!” Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Who are you seeking?

Get off the Cross and out of the Tomb! He’s not there!

He is off the Cross, out of the tomb, He is Alive! Do you see, have you told and is the revelation real for you? “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Illustration: The Experiment

Science says if there is any such thing as infallible proof, it is the repetition of the same experiment. Jesus rose from the dead and Mary Magdalene encountered him—experiment one. The women encountered him—experiment two. The disciples encountered him—experiment three. The apostles encountered him—experiment four. Five hundred people saw him after the Resurrection—experiment five. Each one of these is the repetition of the same experiment. They all encountered the same phenomenon. What was it? He was alive! That's what changed the history of the world.

Let's celebrate Easter with the rite of laughter. Christ died and rose and lives. Laugh as if all the people in the whole world were invited to a picnic and then invite them!

04/01/12 He Died to SIN once for ALL!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:46:43 +0100

The Cross has a Message Series

Text: John 19:30 (NKJV)

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

“For in light of the fact that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in light of the fact that He lives, He lives to God.” Romans 6:10 (HCSB)

Illustration: With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old friend of mine was able to give birth. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, I went to visit. 'May I see the new baby?' I asked 'Not yet,' She said 'I'll make coffee and we can chat for a while first.' Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, 'May I see the new baby now?' 'No, not yet,' She said. After another few minutes had elapsed, I asked again, 'May I see the baby now?' 'No, not yet,' replied my friend. Growing very impatient, I asked, 'Well, when can I see the baby?' 'WHEN HE CRIES!' she told me. 'WHEN HE CRIES?' I demanded. 'Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?" "BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, OK".

I want to take this illustration a little further! Have you forgotten where you put Him?

Intro: Who is the Fool?

April 1st, fool’s day says the calendar. This is a date that seems to intrigue so many with ideas to fool family and friends, co-workers and the likes. But there is no fooling around with the message of the cross and the crucifixion and the Christ on the Cross! He Died to SIN once for ALL, and that’s no fooling!

It is Only a Few Days from Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion, how fickle the world’s praise! One day you are crowned, the next, crucified. The sound of hosannas had hardly died when they were crying, “Away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Let’s not forget the Seven Statements of Christ from the Cross:

1. “Father, forgive them …”
2. “Today, thou shalt be with me …”
3. “Woman, Behold thy son…”
4. “My God, My God …”
5. “I thirst …”
6. “It is finished …”
7. “Into Thy hands …”

He did this once.

Application: The debt has been paid!

The words He uttered on the cross were Historical, eternal!

1. The Word of Completion:

Many leave this world with their tasks uncompleted, the pen drops from the writer’s hand, the painter’s brush falls before the painting is done. The chisel tumbles from the grip of the sculptor. But Christ is the great finisher: Genesis 2:1 (HCSB) “So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed.”

When God says it is finished it is finished! “And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water as a gift to the thirsty from the spring of life.” Revelation 21:6 (HCSB)

“It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit! Redemption finished. What Christ completed on the cross completed all the requirements of the law.

Colossians 2:14 (HCSB) “He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.”

What Christ completed on the cross completed all the Old Testament sacrifices. This lamb became the final “Finished” sacrifice for the sins of mankind! What Christ completed on the cross completed all the suffering required to pay for our sins 1 John 1:7 (HCSB) “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Jesus paid it all! He died to sin once and for all this is a word of Completion.

The words He uttered on the cross were Historical, eternal!

2. The Word of Conquest:

With the words that He said on the Cross you would think He was defeated. With a loud cry! “But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last.” This wasn’t a sigh of defeat, but a cry of victory! Victory in Jesus! I heard and old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, how He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me. Let it be loud enough for the devil to hear!

Satan and all demons were defeated at Calvary, the bible tells us “ He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; He triumphed over them by Him.” Colossians 2:15 (HCSB)

He was triumpful! Don’t forget the call of the crowd: “Come down from the cross!” Ten thousand angels stood ready for His call, but Jesus stayed on the cross, defeating Satan.

Enough of this defeated Christianity. WE ARE EQUIPPED TO WIN! WE HAVE A VICTORIOUS CHRIST!

He died to sin once and for all this is a word of Victory.

The words He uttered on the cross were Historical, eternal!

3. The Word of Comfort:

I think one of the greatest words of comfort anyone can hear; the debt of sin is really paid! This is only one word in the Greek language: “Tetelestai”

Let’s look at the word Finished for just a minute, finished as a verb means to bring to an end. Finished as a noun means an end or final stage. I like the Greek word “teleo” it doesn’t sound like what you think it would. It actually sounds like the word: HELLO!

So my next thought would be Hello! The lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, has! He did! It is finished. That is a wrap, final scene, the rest of the story. Final answer…

A lot of you this time of year want to hear your CPA say, you’re getting a return, you don’t owe anything. PAID IN FULL! How good it feels to have a bill paid! This is the word that assures peace. What this must have meant to the dying thief, what peace this must have brought to his heart!

Conclusion

Christ Paid your Debt Too, trust in Christ and be Saved, rest in his Finished Work on the Cross for you!

Every requirement of God’s righteous law had been satisfied; God’s holy wrath against sin had been appeased; every prophecy had been fulfilled. Christ’s completion of the work of redemption means that nothing needs to be nor can be added to it. Salvation is not a joint effort of God and man, but is entirely a work of God’s grace, appropriated solely by faith: “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

No human words, no matter how eloquent, can adequately express the meaning of Christ’s death. But the words of the familiar hymn “At Calvary” express the gratitude every believer feels: Years I spent in vanity and pride, Caring not my Lord was crucified, Knowing not it was for me He died On Calvary. Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary. By God’s Word at last my sin I learned, Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned, Till my guilty soul imploring turned To Calvary. Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus ev’rything; Now I gladly own Him as my King; Now my raptured soul can only sing Of Calvary. O, the love that drew salvation’s plan! O, the grace that brought it down to man! O, the mighty gulf that God did span At Calvary!

03/25/12 Identified with Sinners!

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:07:10 +0100

The Cross has a Message Series

Text: Matthew 27:45-49

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, and offered Him a drink. 49 But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him!”

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV)

Intro: This is my forth message from my series on “The Cross has a Message” and what a message this has in relationship to Christ and the sinner. “O” by the way! That is us, we are the sinner, and we are the separated one from the perfection of a Holy, just God.

I have already shared words from Christ on the Cross:

“Father, forgive them.” Shows His pity for men.

“Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Shows His power to save.

“Woman, behold thy son.” Shows His provision for those He loved.

Today my message takes us to a conversation the Son has with His Heavenly father and the fate of mankind. A fate that still shows many have chosen Hell as a permanent dwelling place. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

- This is the word that identifies Jesus with sinners.

While Christ hung on the cross, some miraculous events happened - events which demonstrated perfectly that: The cross was a triumph, not a tragedy. The cross was the Messiah's great triumph.

1. Jesus Identifies with the Sinner’s Darkness: v. 45

"From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land."

Darkness descends over the entire earth for three hours. Many explanations for this, but this is supernatural. Say what you want, read what you want, but in reality, in God’s Divine providence He miraculously darken the Hill of Calvary to remind mankind of the ugliness of sin! It wasn’t a dark cloud or an Eclipse, wasn’t the absence of a moon, it was God! This Pictures for us the supernatural darkness brought by sin. The mind of man is darkened because of sin, by nature we are deprived.

Romans 1:21 (HCSB) “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.”

The deeds of men apart from God are called the works of darkness: Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Man yields himself to Satan who is called the prince of darkness, the bible reminds us: For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Sin in its end brings eternal darkness. Jesus, the light of the world, dies in darkness to deliver us from darkness. “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

- The darkness symbolized the darkest day of human history.
- The darkness symbolized the withdrawal of the light of God's presence from the sinner. Christ hung upon the cross as the sinner - all for us - the sinner who was becoming sin for us.
- The darkness symbolized the anger of God at sin. Sin and the sinner deserve nothing but the judgment of darkness. Sin deserves no light from God's presence, none whatsoever.

2. Jesus Identifies with the Sinner’s Uncertainty: v. 46

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

My God! My God! Why???? Jesus who was always so certain about everything, the experience with the doctors at age 12, at the wedding in Cana and at feeding of 5,000, when the storm was raging on the Sea of Galilee His certainty was there. Could the God of the universe who became man who never sinned soon to carry the sins of mankind on His shoulder be experiencing uncertainty? We must understand God was and is in control!

But what about us? Is there any uncertainty? The lost man lives in a world of uncertainty - Why am I here? What is life all about? This uncertainty leads to agony of soul. The spiritual agony of sin: the drunkard, the thief, the liar, the adulteress, the gossip. Do you feel the agony of soul today that comes from sin? Jesus feels it with you, He endured your uncertainty.

3. Jesus Identifies with the Sinner’s Separation from God: v. 46

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

It is Impossible for the Father to look on Him as He took the sinner’s place. He was forsaken that you might never be forsaken. The mysterious, loud cry: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me." This was the great separation, the moment when God forsook Christ, His only Son. What is the meaning of this shocking statement? The very idea that God could and would "forsake" His only Son staggers the human mind. Yet Christ shouted out: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" The meaning cannot be ventured into lightly. The meaning requires reverence and much prayerful thought. But even then, even after an eternity of prayerful thought, the depth of the meaning remains fathomless and unreachable to man.

Jesus Sensed: "Why hast thou forsaken me?" Jesus sensed that God had withdrawn His presence from Him. He sensed that God was no longer with Him. Jesus sensed that God had withdrawn His deliverance. Always in the past when Jesus was troubled, God had met His need. In times past God had sent a voice from heaven to assure Him and when He was facing the cup in the garden of Gethsemane, God had even sent an angel to strengthen Him. But now, hanging upon the cross, God had forsaken Him. There was no deliverance from God. He was left all alone.

Jesus sensed that He was bearing the curse of God, the curse of separation from God, the curse of the judgment and condemnation of God against sin: Galatians 3:13 (HCSB) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written: Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.”

Jesus sensed that God's life and holiness had left Him, that He had been delivered into the hands of the enemies of life and holiness, that is, into the hands of sin and death. He was being made sin and having to die. And both sin and death were foreign to God, alien to God's nature which is life and holiness. Both sin and death stood as enemies of God and enemies to all that belonged to God. In becoming sin and in dying, Christ experienced all that was contrary to the nature of God - all that was involved in God separating Himself from sin and death.

Conclusion: A supernatural darkness hung over the land from the sixth to the ninth hour, or according to our time from noon to 3 p.m. Think for a moment. Just imagine, who it was hanging on the cross. God's only Son, the Sovereign Lord of all beings, both visible and invisible “ For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

What He was doing there on the cross...

• Bearing the sins of all men.
• Bearing the judgment and wrath of God against sin for all men.
• Dying the death of man for all men.
• Doing all that was necessary to free men from sin, death, and judgment so that they might live forever. John 3:16

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Philippians 2:8-11 (KJV)

It is not Necessary for you to Continue in Darkness and Uncertainty, will you Identify with Him?

Turn from Sin to Christ and Trust him as your Savior! Today!

03/18/2012 This Word Reminds Us!

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:19:56 +0100

The Cross has a Message Series

Text: John 19:25-27 (NKJV)

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” John 15:13

Intro: This is my third message from my series on “The Cross has a Message” and what a message this is on a real example of Love. A love that shows the epitome of our Lord! The first three words from the cross: “Father, forgive them.” This is an expression of forgiveness by the perfect Son, and then we heard “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” This is an expression of assurance by the perfect Savior, in today’s message we hear “Woman, behold thy son.” This is an expression of affection by the perfect man.

What powerful words from a powerful God: The first - His pity for man. The second - His power towards those who believe in Him. The third - His provision for those upon whom His love is set. That is the setting for today, His provision for those upon whom His love is set.

Application: He provides for those for whom He loves.

1. This Word Reminds us of Jesus and the Family: In His dying hour, Jesus speaks of family!

Jesus’ mother, Mary was there. This was the time that Simeon had warned her long ago would come, when the sword would pierce her soul as she watched her Son suffer. Jesus’ mother’s sister Salome was there, Mary the wife of Clopas the “other Mary” was there and Mary Magdalene was the forth. There we have it, four women who set precedence for devotion for their Lord! The only man among the group that gathered at the foot of the cross was John himself, the disciple whom Jesus loved.

THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF SELFLESS LOVE: When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” Even as He was dying, bearing man’s sin and God’s wrath, Jesus selflessly cared for those whom He loved. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”

Jesus entrusted Mary to John; he became as a son to her in Jesus’ place, and from that hour he took her into his own household. This may seem a very mundane thing to be concerned about in the hour of His greatest sacrifice, but the beauty of the Savior’s love and compassion for His widowed mother, in the midst of His own excruciating pain, reflects His love for His own: “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” The family is instituted of God, Christ longs to be the center of every home. The words on the cross remind us of the care Christ has for family.

2. This Word Reminds us of Jesus and the Faithful Few:

I must ponder for a moment on the stories in the gospels that tell us of the multitudes of people who were following Christ everywhere He went. Don’t forget the free meals, the miracles He showed, the list goes on and on. So this leads me to my next thought, how many were there at the cross when our Lord was dying? Only a few!

Matthew 26:56 (NKJV) “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.’

Things haven’t changed we are still forsaking Him and fleeing every chance we get. But John returns! love draws him. How few were the faithful, but how faithful were the few! They stood at the cross. Can you say that in your life today, are you one of those few who stand at the cross with a love that has drawn you to a sacrificial love?

This cross was not an easy place to stand; people are willing to rally to so many banners and causes. Few are willing to stand at the cross. Most of the work of Christ has been done by the minority.

“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few” Matthew 9:37 (NKJV) Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Where are the Laborers? Is it more comfortable on the recliner at home then to get out of your comfort zone and fellowship with the Son? Thank God for the Faithful Few are you one?

Any supporter of Jesus who stood at the cross ran the risk of ridicule and arrest. Nevertheless, the women stood there. Why? They loved Him. There is no other explanation: they simply loved Him. He had done so much for them that they were willing to stand by Him no matter the cost. Hebrews 13:13 (NKJV) “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

The words on the cross should convict us all but only a few respond are you one of the faithful?

3. This Word Reminds us of Jesus and His Faithfulness to us:

"Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!"

Look at Jesus' care of His mother. His thoughts were on others, not on Himself. Every fiber of His being existed for others, not for Himself. Even in death, His mind and being were set on taking care of others. He was touched with the feelings of Mary's hurt and pain. In the last moments of His life upon earth, He made arrangements for her care. He is touched with the feeling of our hurt and pain, so he takes care of us.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Christians are to carry on this task of caring for others: “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.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NKJV) The words on the cross show Christ faithfulness to us, are you faithful to Him?

Conclusion:

What does this Statement of the Cross say to you? How will you Respond? Will you Allow Christ to be Lord of your Home? Will you be Faithful to Him even if it Means Being in the Minority?

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.”

I, Not You!: The scholarly Scotsman William Barclay shared the story of a missionary who went to an Indian village to tell the story of Jesus. Following his talk, the Christian showed slide presentations of Jesus, using a whitewashed wall for the screen. When the picture of Christ on the cross appeared, a man sprang to his feet exclaiming, “Come down from that cross, Son of God. I, not You, should be hanging there!”

Do you understand the meaning of the Cross, do you see the message?

03/11/12 Is Paradise for You?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:36:25 +0100

The Cross has a Message Series

Text: Luke 23:39-44 (HCSB)

30 Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41 We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.” 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three,

Mark 15:27 (KJV) “And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.”

Intro: Don’t you even fear God?

Last week with the first message that was preached on the message of the Cross series, the words Jesus shared from the Cross were: “Father Forgive Them” This message should make us forgiving, forbearing and faithful. It is a shame more don’t adhere to this. Todays message the word that withheld the wrath of God and the Second Word from the Cross: “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise” This is truly a personal WORD of assurance.

What word comes too thought in your mind when you seek the message of the cross?

1. It is a Word of Pardon:

Wow! How many people in this world really understand what Jesus is offering in Paradise? I am sure there are those who quickly say; what is the catch! What do I have to give up, what do you expect from me. I can’t do that…

The prophecy that Jesus would be “numbered with the transgressors” finds its fulfillment here as Jesus is crucified between two criminals. Jesus’ words of forgiveness offers a pardon. Even though Jesus is treated as a criminal and is subjected to the humiliation of being stripped, he responds with forgiveness.

The misunderstanding of Jesus’ messiahship is revealed by the religious leaders, Roman soldiers, and one of the criminals ridicule Jesus, asserting that if he were really the Messiah and the king of the Jews he would extricate himself from death. They fail to see that Jesus is accomplishing salvation by his death. The other criminal, however, recognizes that Jesus is innocent, begging him to remember him when he begins his reign. Jesus’ answer goes beyond the man’s request, for “today” the man will be with Jesus in the enjoyment of paradise. This word spoken to a man fully aware of his sin. Many things we do not know about this thief (criminal) his name, age and what was his crime. Was this really important? What was important is that this man recognized his fate! And evidence of God’s working in his heart he saw a guilty person before a Holly God. Jesus’ word of pardon assured or can assure that sins are forgiven, prayer answered and promise of life from the Lord. This is a picture of true repentance; this repentant thief demonstrated the steps to salvation and true repentance. He feared God. He declared that Jesus was righteous. He asked for Jesus to remember him. This is a word of Pardon! ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

2. It is a Word that is Personal:

It is often said that the thief on the cross does not evidence his faith, for he has the equivalent of a deathbed conversion. But the testimony he gives for Jesus in his last moments is one of the most eloquent evidences of faith in the Bible. The faith in his heart is expressed by his lips. He addresses his colleague first and then Jesus. He expresses his rejection of the taunt by exclaiming, “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” It could be said that the injustice of the entire crucifixion is summed up in this short commentary. Other men die justly, but Jesus hangs on the cross as a matter of injustice. To mock Jesus is to support injustice at its worst. Those who fear God had better realize what it means to taunt him.

Then in words full of faith, the thief turns to Jesus: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The criminal anticipates the restoration and resurrection. He asks to be included. His depth of perception stands in contrast to the blindness of those who taunt. This man, despite a life full of sin, comes to Jesus and seeks forgiveness in his last mortal moments. He confesses his guilt and casts himself on Jesus’ mercy and saving power. Luke could not have painted a clearer portrait of God’s grace.

Jesus says today you will be “with me” He makes it personal. The thief cries out for personal salvation, Lord! Remember me! The prayer of faith: “Lord!” This criminal never saw a miracle or heard a sermon but he looked at the crucified and called Him Lord. Remember me.” John 3:16-17 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” It is a personal word!

3. A Word about Paradise:

“Today you will be with me in paradise” the very moment a believer dies, his soul is in happiness and in safekeeping. His full redemption is not yet come. His perfect bliss will not begin before the resurrection morning. But there is no mysterious delay, no season of suspense, no purgatory between his death and a state of reward. In the day that he breathes his last he goes to paradise. In the hour that he departs, he is with Christ.

Let us remember these things when our believing friends fall asleep in Christ. We must not sorrow for them as those who have no hope. While we are sorrowing, they are rejoicing. While we are mourning and weeping at their funerals, they are safe and happy with their Lord. Let us remember these things, if we are true Christians, in looking forward to our own deaths. To die is a solemn thing. But if we die in the Lord, we need not doubt that our death will be gain.

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” The moment they die, they are “with” Christ. Their condition, of course, is one we cannot pretend to explain. We cannot comprehend that state of a soul separate from the body. It is enough for us to know that a dead believer is immediately with Christ. This is clear proof of the separate existence of the soul when the body is dead. We shall live and have a being even when our earthly tabernacle is moldering in the grave. The thief’s body was that day to be broken and mangled by the Roman soldiers. But the thief himself was to be with Christ. “In paradise.”

Conclusion

Jesus Wins one more Soul to take to Glory as he Dies on the Cross. In all the discomfort and agony of the cross, Christ wins one more! Do you have the Sure Hope of the Dying Thief?

Which Thief are you? Is Paradise for you?

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” That’s it Jesus in the center and a criminal on either side, two thieves or malefactors: Are we criminals? What is a criminal? Well a criminal is a sinner correct? Are we all sinners? The Bible says so! What is the response of the two criminals? Basically one rejects and one accepts.

03/04/2012 Forgive Them!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:18 +0100

The Cross Has a Message Series

Text: Luke 23:33-35

33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided His clothes and cast lots. 35 The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!”

Intro: In the 15th chapter of Mark were given a setting for the Crucifixion: “Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” Our Lord was crucified about 9 a.m. and remained on the cross until 3 p.m.; and from noon to 3 p.m., there was darkness over all the land. Jesus spoke seven times during those six terrible hours:

1. “Father, forgive them” Luke 23:34.
2. “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” Luke 23:43.
3. “Woman, behold thy son” John 19:25–27. [Three hours of darkness; Jesus is silent]
4. “Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46.
5. “I thirst” John 19:28.
6. “It is finished!” John 19:30.
7. “Father, into Thy hands” Luke 23:46.

I have recently started to learn and use Facebook; I guess the main reason was because probably over half the church is already using it. I learned rather quickly when someone reads something on your wall (wall being a place where people can basically text you or send you a picture and just chat) others can respond with what they read with a thumbs up if they like what they read. Of course me being me my son responded rather quickly when I started to thank everyone who sent me a thumbs up and he told me dad you don’t have to respond to everyone who gives you a thumbs up about a comment on your Facebook!

I sit here in my office on a Wednesday afternoon and wonder what if everyone took the time to read the message in the Bible about a man who loved us so much that He died on the Cross for our sins and on the third day He rose from the grave? Would there be more thumbs up If they took the time to see the comments!

During the next several weeks with the Passover, Good Friday and Easter coming up I want to cover a series of messages on the Cross having a message. I guess there are a lot of topics that can be brought up which focus on the message of the Cross. As I already mentioned Jesus spoke 7 times on the cross, seven utterances’ The first statement that came from His mouth was “Father, forgive them”. I think a good place to start is Forgiveness.

Application: The Cross has a message.

1. A Prayer: “Father”

It was no accident; in fact it was God’s Divine Will that the first thing Jesus did was to pray! At that desperate time, Jesus prayed. Throughout Jesus’ ministry the hour was a concern. We have become complacent about the seriousness of the hour. The sky is filled with storm clouds, the prophetic program of the ages is unfolding, the nuclear threat twenty-four hours a day. Time is running out. It’s time to pray! Prayer is always the foundation of revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Moody once said: “Every great work of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”

We must not assume from His prayer that ignorance is a basis for forgiveness, or that those who sinned against Jesus were automatically forgiven because He prayed. It is a simple fact that many in this world don’t give the time of day for their sins.

Acts 3:17-19 (NKJV) “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 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.”

2. A Prayer for Forgiveness: “Forgive”

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”

There was the prayer for His enemies—a picture of love and forgiveness to the end. The picture is of Jesus the Mediator. He had come for this very purpose, to stand as the Mediator between God and sinful man. Therefore upon the cross, He prayed for those who stood below crucifying Him. It had been predicted that Christ would pray for transgressors. While they were nailing Him to the cross, He repeatedly prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”. Not only was He practicing what He taught, but He was fulfilling prophecy and making “intercession for the transgressors”

Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV) “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.”

He prayed for God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. The very purpose for His coming was to make provision for forgiveness of sins. Because of His death, God would be able to forgive the sins of men, even those who were now crucifying Him. The men crucifying Him did not know what they were doing. They did not know who He was. “But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.” 1 Corinthians 2:8 (NLT)

The most wonderful truth in all the world is this: God will hold no sin against any man, if that man will personally trust His Son. If God forgives the men who killed His only Son, God will forgive any man for any sin - if that man will just ask.

Are you guilty? Here’s good news! Jesus forgives

3. A Prayer for the forgiveness of those who had wronged him: “Forgive them” The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One!”

We read this verse and hear what it says and quickly assume it speaks of others, yet every time we sin, every time we gossip, every time we do ungodly things are we not wronging Jesus? We cannot afford to hold old grudges continue to nurse old hurts and malice if we understand what Jesus did on the cross. The prayer was for forgiveness for the way mankind thought and the relationships they lived. There are churches; yes I said churches crippled by petty grievances. There are barriers between believers, but not one has been wronged as Jesus was wronged. You can forgive! Will you?

It was destined that Jesus was crucified between the two thieves, for this gave both of them equal access to the Savior. Both could read Pilate’s superscription, “This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews,” and both could watch Him as He graciously gave His life for the sins of the world. The one thief imitated the mockery of the religious leaders and asked Jesus to rescue him from the cross, but the other thief had different ideas. He may have reasoned, “If this Man is indeed the Christ, and if He has a kingdom, and if He has saved others, then He can meet my greatest need which is salvation from sin. I am not ready to die!” It took courage for this thief to defy the influence of his friend and the mockery of the crowd, and it took faith for him to trust a dying King! When you consider all that he had to overcome, the faith of this thief is astounding.

The man was saved wholly by grace; it was the gift of God. He did not deserve it and he could not earn it. His salvation was personal and secure, guaranteed by the word of Jesus Christ. The man hoped for some kind of help in the future, but Jesus gave him forgiveness that very day, and he died and went with Jesus to paradise.

Romans 3:23 (KJV) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

The Bible tells us that we are all sinners and need forgiveness, has Jesus prayer worked for you?

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

Come to the Cross! Since He forgave, we must forgive; we can forgive because we have been forgiven.

William Barclay: "For most of us the threat of life is not so much that we should plunge into disaster, but that we should drift into sin. There are few people who deliberately and in a moment turn their backs on God; there are many who day by day drift farther and farther away from Him. There are not many who in one moment of time commit some disastrous sin; there are many who, bit by bit and almost imperceptibly, involve themselves in some situation, and suddenly awake to find that they have ruined life for themselves and broken someone else's heart. We would do well to be continually on the alert against the peril of the drifting life."

Do you believe in prayer? A tavern was being built in a town that until recently had been dry. A group of Christians in a certain church opposed this and began an all-night prayer meeting, asking God to intervene. Lightning struck the tavern building, and it burned to the ground. The owner brought a lawsuit against the church, claiming they were responsible. The Christians hired a lawyer, claiming they were not responsible. The judge said, “No matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear. The tavern owner believes in prayer and the Christians do not.”

The only footprints on the sands of time, that will really last, are the ones made after knee-prints!
- C. W. Renwick