Self Control

PROV 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

A rider on a horse must decide who is in charge, he or the horse. A person driving the car must control the car & make all decisions. A person wearing a suit must be totally in control. The horse, the car, the suit cannot be allowed to have control.

We are Spirit, Soul, & Body, in that order of authority.

1. CONTROL OF THE MIND. 2COR 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2. CONTROL OF THE EYES. PSA 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

3. CONTROL OF THE EARS. MK 4:23-24 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

4. CONTROL OF THE BODY. ROM 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 1COR 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

5. CONTROL OF TE TONGUE. JAMES 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! PRO 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

6. CONTROL OF THE MOUTH. PRO 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

7. CONTROL OF THE FEET. PSA 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. PSA 119:101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

8. CONTROL OF THE HEART. PRO 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

9. CONTROL OF THE HANDS. ECC 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

The Widow of Nain

Luke 7:11–16 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

A crowd accompanied Jesus and His disciples as He entered Nain. He met a funeral possession. Seeing the desperate situation of the widow Jesus intervened. He touched the casket and spoke, telling the young man to arise and live again. The boy began to talk, to walk, and was taken to his mother. Great fear and respect resulted. Many believed Him to be the messiah.

THE CROWD. “His disciples and much people “ V. 11
Jesus lived through three stages. The obscure, the popular, and the rejection period. Crowds followed Him everywhere during the popular period of miracles. Some followed out of curiosity but many out of need for help and healing.

THE CRISIS. “dead man carried out” v 12
We are all dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) until we are raised and given the gift of eternal life. (Rom 6:23)

THE CONCERN. “ weep not “ V 13
The weeping mother attracted Jesus to the need. Concern for lost sinners will bring the help of the Lord to get our loved ones and friends saved.

THE COMPASSION. “ He had compassion “ V 13
Ten times in the gospels the compassion of Christ is mentioned. He cares about all who are lost and victims of sin.

THE COMMAND. “ I say unto thee Arise “ V 14
To the impotent man He said “ Rise, take up thy bed and walk; To the man with a withered hand, “stretch forth thy hand”, and to all, “come follow me"

THE CARE. “ deliver to his mother”
What a beautiful picture of a new convert being placed in the care of a good church family. Converts need a motherly care.

THE CONFESSION. “ a great prophet”
Jesus worked miracles so that people would believe ( Jn. 2:11; Jn. 20:30,31) Deut. 18:15 promised that a prophet (the Messiah) would be raised from among them. They believed it to be Him. They were right.

BUILDING A LIFE

Matt 7:24, 26 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (V.26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

TEXT:
1 Cor 3:10-11 I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

BUILDERS IN THE BIBLE:
1. Cain built the first city.
2. Noah built an Ark. (Heb 11:7)
3. Moses built the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.(Exo. 40)
4. Solomon built the Temple.
5. Nehemiah built a Wall.

BUILDING A LIFE:

THERE MUST BE A FOUNDATION.
A. Jesus spoke of the wise man building on a rock.
B. Paul speaks of Christ as the Foundation of life. (I Cor. 3:10)
C. David said, “ If the foundation is destroyed what shall the Righteous do.” (Psa.11)
D. Paul say the Foundation of God standeth sure. (II Tim. 2:19)
E. Hebrews speaks of the “foundation of repentence” (6:1)

FOUNDATION DOCTRINES:
A. Inspiration of the Scriptures.
B. Virgin Birth.
C. Deity of Christ.
D. Salvation.
E. Second Coming.

THE MUST BE A PLAN OR BLUEPRINT.
A. God gave Noah a plan for the ark.
B. God gave Bezeel a plan for the Tabernacle.
C. God had a plan for the life and ministry of Jesus.
D. God has a will for our lives.

THERE WILL BE WORK INVOLVED IN BUILDING.
A. Jesus said, “ I must work the work of Him that sent me”
B. He said, “ It is finished”

LET’S BE REASONABLE

Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Men do not come to the light because their deeds are evil and they know that the light will reprove their deeds. (John 3:20)


1. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A SOUL SHOULD BE DOOMED.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: If people go to hell it will be because they have refused the sacrifice of the cross, the pleading of the Holy Spirit, the clear warning of the Bible, and the prayers of the saints.

2. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A LIFE SHOULD BE DEFEATED.
I Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? “

3. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A MIND SHOULD BE DISTURBED.
Isa 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever:for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

4. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A HOUSE SHOULD BE DIVIDED.
1 Cor 1:10 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

5. THERE IS NO REASON WHY A CHURCH SHOULD BE DISTITUTE.

Eph 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Consider the early church and the effect of the filling of the Spirit

WHO IS JESUS?

In:
Genesis - He is the Creator. The True Beginning. The Infallible Word. The Promised Seed. Abel’s Lamb, Noah’s Ark, Abraham’s offering, Isaac’s well, Jacob’s ladder, Joseph’s dream.
Exodus - He is the Passover Lamb
Leviticus - The Atoning Blood
Numbers - The Smitten Rock
Deuteronomy - The Author of the Covenant
Joshua - The Scarlet Thread that binds our hearts in Christian love
Judges - The Great Deliverer
Ruth - Our Kinsman Redeemer
I & II Samuel - The Sweet Singer of Israel
I & II Kings - The Temple in the Holy of Holies
I & II Chronicles - Jesus the Promised King
Ezra - The Restorer of the Backslider
Nehemiah - The Restorer of the Nation
Esther - The Protector of His People
Job - Our Daysman, who is Patient and Kind
Psalms - The Poet and the Shepherd
Proverbs - Wisdom
Ecclesiastes - The Teacher
Song of Solomon - Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley
Isaiah - The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace, and yet the Suffering Savior
Jeremiah - The Balm of Gilead
Lamentations - The Weeping Prophet
Ezekial - the Wheel in the middle of the wheel
Daniel - The Fourth Man in the Furnace
Hosea - The Faithful Husband
Joel - The Judge of the Nations
Amos - The Champion of Social Justice
Obediah - The Deliverer
Jonah - The God of the Second Chance
Micah - The Messiah of the Millennium
Nahum - The God of Vengeance
Habakkuk - The God of Justice
Zephaniah - The Day of the Lord
Haggai - The Restorer of Order
Zechariah - The Branch of David
Malachi - The Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in His wings
Matthew - King
Mark - Servant
Luke - Son of Man
John - Son of God
Acts - God the Holy Spirit
Romans - Grace
I & II Corinthians - The Giver of the Gifts
Galatians - The Fulfiller of the Law
Ephesians - The head of the Body
Philippians - The Exalted One
Colossians - The Image of the Invisible God
I & II Thessalonians - Our Blessed Hope
I & II Timothy - The Bishop of Our Souls
Titus - The True Elder
Philemon - The Settler of our Account
Hebrews - The Eternal Sacrifice
James - Our Great Healer
I, II, III John - Our Strength and Our Supply
Jude - The One who is able to keep you from falling
Revelation - The Lamb to take away the sins of the world. He walks among the churches. He opens the 7-sealed Book. He leads His people in to the New Jerusalem. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Fairest of 10,000, Jehovah, Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. God the Three Persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Jesus Was, Jesus Is, and Jesus Forever shall be.The Messiah, the Redeemer, the King of Glory!

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost A Cent

1. The Gift of Listening: But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. The Gift of Laughter: Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

3. The Gift of Solitude: There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

4. The Gift of a Written Note: It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. The Gift of a Favor: Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

6. The Gift of Affection: Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and hand holds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

7. The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition: The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

8. The Gift of a Compliment: A simple and sincere "You look great in red," or "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

A LIFE OF FAITH

ROMANS 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Faith is essential to all life. Without faith it is impossible to please God. The answer to the Christian’s problem in life is “FAITH.” When a person receives Christ as their personal Savior, God takes that person’s faith and counts it for righteousness.
The whole life of the Christian is to be a life of faith, from beginning faith to ending faith, from faith to faith.

This text shows that faith is the source, the support and the success of life.

FAITH IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE “By faith”

A. Only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can one attain eternal life.
1. It is to believe and live. (Romans 6:23)
2. Eternal life is possible only by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 2:8-9)
3. The gospel, “Good News” is summed up in believing in Christ. (1 Cor. 15:1-4)

B. Real life begins with faith in Christ. (John 3:36; John 4; 5:24)

FAITH IS THE SUPPORT OF LIFE “Shall live by faith”

A. Faith in Christ allows His power to support our life. (1 John 5:1-5)

B. Faith is the force that supports life and sustains life unto the end.
1. Faith enriches our life.
a. Gives us hope (Rom. 5:2)
b. Gives us joy (Acts 16:34; 1 Peter 1:8)
c. Gives us peace (Rom. 15:13)
d. Gives us confidence (Isa. 28:16 cf 1 Pet. 2:6)
2. Faith enlarges our life. (Gal. 2:20)
3. Faith enables our life. (Rom. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:7)
4. Faith increases our life. (Heb. 11:1-2)

FAITH IS THE SUCCESS OF LIFE “The Just shall live by faith”

A. Faith leads to the power that will appropriate the righteousness of Christ for the life
of the believer.

B. Faith is the force that leads to the righteousness of Christ. It allows the Christian to live a
righteous life.

C. Living a life of faith is the only way to succeed in the Christian life.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. The Christian life should be summed up in “PLEASING GOD.” (Hebrews 11:6)

3 Institutions of Education

De 6:1-9 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

1. The Home
The Bible makes parents responsible for what their children learn.
There are a number of passages to support this claim. The most comprehensive is the in Deut 6:1-9.
A study of this text reveals that it was God’s aim to preserve a godly heritage from generation to generation (Verse 2).
This was to be accomplished ONE FAMILY AT A TIME as parents were charged to teach their children that there is but one God and the primary purpose of life is to put Him first.
These verses require that parents in every home not rest until they know that their children have understood these truths and are prepared to apply them.
The most important institution for learning is not the church or school, but the home.
See Genesis 18:19
See Proverbs 1:7-9
See Ephesians 6:4
The first institution God established is the home, and He expects parents to give their children a Biblical perspective of life and prepare them to know and do His will.

2. The Church
The Bible makes the church responsible for the education of believers.
Matthew 28:18-19 – teaching mandated by the Great Commission.
Romans 12:7 – informs us that certain believers are gifted for teaching.
2 Timothy 2:2 – Timothy was commanded to be a teacher, equipping faithful men to be teachers of others.
This responsibility includes more than just instruction in doctrine and "spiritual" truths.
The Bible provides a framework for understanding history, science, government and economics.
It provides information on marriage, parenting, friendships, and communication.
Declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) mandates the Christian taught how the Bible applies to every area of life and learning.

3. The School
We are presented with three choices:
Home School – Parents as educators fulfilling a responsibility.
Church School – Believers as educators performing a ministry.
Government School – "Professional" educators performing a service.
The choice we make should not be based upon convenience or cost, but our Biblical convictions.
Who is best equipped to prepare our children to know and do the will of God?
Which will best support parental values and communicate a biblical point of view?

Fathers Day

Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Tomorrow is "Father’s Day". It is a day that we recognize the fathers of our church. It is also the day that Dad gets a bunch of new neckties and shaving lotion. If he is really fortunate, he might even get invited out to dinner after church, such as is my case.

Tradition has never made as much of Father's Day as is done on Mother's Day, and I believe that is justifiably so. The mother and wife should be recognized more so because of her nature and position in the home.

The father or husband is to be the source by which the home functions. If the father fails, then the home will fail. It will be impossible for a home to operate in a Bible manner if the father is not a proper kind of father. I don't mean to be hard, cruel, or out of place, but the Bible makes no provision for a home without a father. If the home has no father then there is no Bible instructions for that home. I realize that many mothers must go on and make the home the best she can when the husband or father leaves.

The Father must:

A. Protect his children and family from the ways of the world. The world system will swallow your child up before he/she is 5 years old. TV will see to that. You should NOT let your child watch TV unguarded. Maybe you have some videos that you know are OK. That’s different, but to allow them to choose their own viewing channels is a grave mistake, and you will lose your child.

B. Not allow them to play with just anyone. Every time they play with another child, be sure you have chosen who that person is. Your children are now or will become who they hang around.

C. Surround them with truth, character, faithfulness, and the word of god. Then you will see your child become a Godly person.

Dad, have you been saved?
Dad, do you have a Christian home?
Dad, are you a godly example for your wife and your children?
Dad, are you surrendered to the will of God?

If you have answered "no" to any of these questions, then you need to get some things straightened out.

Why don’t you do business with God?

Lift HIM Up

Ps 113:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away!

He is light, love,longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous,mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the over comers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!When I fail, He forgives!When I am weak, He is strong!When I am lost, He is the way!When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me! When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me! When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me! When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me! When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me! When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way. He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine! My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this He said it and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul. Everyday is a blessing for:

GOD Is!

Tossed Him A Baseball

Former Boston Red Soxs third baseman Wade Boggs used to hate going to Yankee Stadium. Not because of the Yankees--they never gave him that much trouble--but because of a fan. That's right: one fan.

The guy had a box seat close to the field and when the Red Soxs were in town he would torment Boggs by shouting obscenities and insults. It's hard to imagine one fan getting under a player's skin, but apparently this guy had the recipe.

One day before the game, as Boggs was warming up, the "fan" began his typical routine, yelling "Boggs, you stink" and variations on that theme. Boggs decided he'd had enough. He walked directly over to the man, who was sitting in the stands with his friends, and said, "Hey fella, are you the guy who's always yelling at me?" The man said, "Yeah, it's me. What are you going to do about it?"

Wade took a new baseball out of his pocket, autographed it, tossed it to the man, and went back to the field to continue his pregame routine.

The man never yelled at Boggs again; in fact, he became one of Wades' biggest fans at Yankee Stadium.

Other players have been known to deal with antagonistic fans by returning obscenities, or spitting on them, or even, on occasion, punching them in the nose. Boggs dealt with his tormentor by befriending him.

You may find yourself in Wade's shoes someday. For no discernable reason, someone may decide not to like you. Maybe it's something you did, maybe it's something you didn't do, maybe it's something you can't help--but suddenly you find yourself in hostile territory. Our natural inclination is to fight back, but there is a better way to eliminate enemies once and for all.

Abraham Lincoln made this observation: "I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend."

Also on this subject, the apostle Paul said... Ro 12:17-18 Recompense to no man evil for evil. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Tossing an autographed baseball to the loud mouths you have to deal with may or may not repair the rift, but it will accomplish two things:
One, it will knock holes in the case they have built against you.
Two, you will have done your part toward to establishing terms of peace.

Dealing With Doubt

Romans 14:13 “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Doubt has been defined as “to waiver in opinion”, to hesitate in unbelief,” “to question or distrust,” “to be apprehensive,” “to fear,” “to suspect,” suspicion,” or “dread.” When Peter walked on the water and began to sink, the Lord said to him, “Oh thou of little faith, wherefore dids’t thou doubt.”(Mt. 28:17) It was said of the disciples when they went into Galilee in the Mountain, after the Resurrection, that “ some worshipped and some doubted.”

THE SOURCES OF DOUBT.
A. Primary Source. Satan “we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11)
1. He seeks to confuse and get us to question God as He did to Eve. “through the subtlety of Satan” (II Cor. 11:3)
2. He attempts to make suggestions as He did to Jesus. (Luke 4)
B. Secondary Causes of Doubt.
1. Some times disease, disposition, or disobedience causes doubt.
2. Sometimes it comes from loss of health, happiness, or hope.

THE CAUSES OF DOUBT.
A. Retrospection – looking on past failures.
B. Introspection – looking within at weaknesses, limitations, motives, etc.
C. Circumspection – looking around.

THE RESULTS OF DOUBT.
A. Brings on depression.
B. Causes distortion. (Make giants out of grasshoppers, and Mts. from molehills)
C. Leads to suppression. Hinders initiative and progress.

THE CURE FOR DOUBT.
A. Perspective – We must see things as they are.
B. Prospective – Look beyond self, circumstances,
Look to God’s promises, and power.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. (Prov. 3:5)

The Sole Condition of Salvation

Act 16:30-31 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

"What must I do to be saved?" is a question of no small importance.
First, it indicates that men are lost. It implies that there is something about a man that would cause God to bar him from heaven.
Second, it indicates that this condition of being lost is something that needs to be changed.
It implies that there is a consequence for not being saved – and that this consequence is something to be feared and avoided. This Jailer, who only a few hours before had scorned the message Paul and Silas preached, now invites them to speak to him about the way of salvation. Their songs of praise had tendered his heart and the earthquake had put a fear of their God into his soul. Trembling, Luke records, he fell down before those men of God, brought them out of the prison, and asked, "What must I do to be saved?"

How that question is answered can mean the difference between heaven and hell.
It would be hard to find a statement in the Bible that more clearly presents the way of salvation than Paul and Silas’ response. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." It shows how anxious Paul was to make the way of salvation clear. Although he taught some things that are hard to understand, the way to heaven was not one of them. "Believe" was the sole condition Paul put forth as the means of being saved.

Unfortunately, the simple requirement of believing in Christ has fallen upon hard times. We have substituted a number of ambiguous terms that leave a lot of room for diversity in meaning. And note, ALL ARE UNSCRIPTURAL AND NONE CAN SAVE. I challenge you to find a Scripture in which a man is told to "Invite Christ into his life" or "Ask Jesus in your heart" for salvation. It sounds like the man is being asked to include Christ in his daily activities, to treat Him as another person in his life as he would his wife or a business partner.
While listening to the radio a couple of Sundays ago, I tuned into a baptismal service. The first candidate, the preacher announced, had "Given his life to God." That sounds so spiritual, but God only asked for one life for salvation – that of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The issue in salvation is not what we give to God, but what He has given to us. He doesn’t want your heart, your life, your money, or anything else. Salvation is His gift to you.

To be saved, a man is not asked to commit his life to Christ, to make Christ Lord of his life, turn from sin, or any other act of dedication. These are conditions of discipleship and blessing. To make them conditions of salvation is to preach a message that is confusing, cannot save and that Scripture condemns. In Galatians 1:8, Paul wrote, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you … let him be accursed."

DO Then Teach

Acts 1:1 Luke wrote about all that “Jesus began both to do and teach.”
Some teach but wont DO.
Some DO but want teach.
Jesus Did and Taught.

Someone has said "We have a lot of great preachers -- We need some great doers. We have a lot of great singers - We need some great doers. We have a lot of great livers - We need some great doers"

We have enough people whose favorite scripture is Psa. 23. “lie down in green..”
We need more folks whose favorite scripture is Ecc. 9:10 "whatsover thy hand..”

Moses took off his shoes to WORSHIP -- Put them back on to WORK.

We spend a lot of time discussing the SABBATH,
We need to concentrate on the other 6 DAYS of the week.
“Six days shall thou LABOUR”

We’ve been singing “Resting in the arms on Jesus”
We need to be singing "We’ll work till Jesus Comes.”

We’ve sung “Heavenly Sunshine flooding my soul with glory divine”
We need to be singing, “Work for the night is coming.”

We’ve been singing “Sweet Peach the gift of God’s Love.”
We need to sing “ Sound the Battle Cry”

We are emphasizing the “GIFTS of the Spirit and the FRUIT of the Spirit.”
We ought to be working at getting the POWER of the Spirit.”

We’ve talked long enough about the Woman at the well.
We need to go with her into town to win people to Christ.

Maybe we’ve talked enough about David’s harp
Maybe we need to put the emphasis on David’s Sling.

We’ve been holding the FORT. We Need to Storm the FORT.

The GOSPEL:
Not a TREASURE To be buried -- something to be carried out to others.
Not a LIGHT to be hid under a bushel - but to shine
Not a FOOD to be stored in a cellar - but to be Spread to the 5,000
Not a GARMENT to be hung in a closet - Robe of righteousness for the Naked.
Not a WEAPON for the wall of a Museum – But to be used in Battle.
Not a LAGOON for feeding Ducks -- River flowing for thirsty World.
Not a RELIC to be examined -- REDEMPTION to be shared.
Not a REQUEST to come and worship - COMMAND to go and Witness.

David Said in Psa. 143:10 “ Teach me to DO thy will OH, GOD. Not know thy will, find thy will, understand thy will, discuss thy will, etc.

Paul. “ I can DO all thing through Christ ….” Not.. bear all things, Know all things, be all things, feel all things.

Paul, “ LORD, what wilt thou have me to DO” Not BE, Hear, Learn, Know, quit, feel,

James 1:23 – 25 "Be ye Doers of the word and not hearers only.”

James 4:17 “To Him that knoweth to DO good and DOETH it not”

John 14:12 “The work that I DO shall he DO also and greater works shall he DO"

God Knows Everything

A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial -- a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a rising big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Williams, do you know the defense attorney?" She again replied, "Why, yes I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him."

At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counselors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you'll be in jail for contempt within 5 minutes!"

It's rather frightening, isn't it, to think of someone knowing (and sharing) everything there is to know about us! In the book of Revelation, seven letters are sent from Jesus Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. Each of the letters begins with the same words:
"I know your works...."(Rev. 2:2)

It is a sobering thought to know that as we stand before the great Judge, there is one who knows all about us. May that knowledge serve to motivate us to live righteous lives,
"For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Eccl. 12:14)

REPENTENCE

“THE TRUTH ABOUT REPENTENCE”

John the Baptist, “Repent ye and believe the Gospel” (Mark 1:15) Paul, “Repentance toward God and Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)

INTRO. “Repentance means to change ones mind about what you believe”

1. About God
2. About the Bible
3. About Heaven
4. About Hell
5. About Christ

I. Three False Ideas About Repentance
1. Turning from sin (stop sinning)
A. Original Sin (How can one turn from this)
B. Omission - Leaving undone what I should do.
C. Commission - Doing what I ought not to do.
2. Sorrow for Sin. (Based on II Cor. 7:10) “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.”
3. Reformation - Must do something or be something.

II. Facts to Consider About Bible Repentance
1. The words “Repent, Repentance, Repented, Repenteth & Repenting are found 111 times in both the Old Testament & New Testament.
2. These are found 46 times in the New Testament and 65 in the Old Testament.
3. God does the repenting 28 times and 9 times “does not repent.”
4. Thirty seven times God repents or does not repent.
5. If “Repentance” means “turning from sin”, we have a problem.

III. The Meaning of the Word “Repentance”
1. Metamelomai - “To regret” or “Feel sorry” (Mt. 7:3-5) Judas
2. Metanoco - “To change the mind” “To look at it differently.”
3. From Two Words:
A. Meta - To change
B. Nous - Mind - Thinking - opinion - reasoning (Acts 5:31) (II Timothy 2:25)

IV. Repentance is not:
1. Repentance is not Remorse - (Judas had remorse but did not believe.)
2. Repentance is not Reformation (Changing ones way of living)
3. Repentance is not penitence - (Self effort toward man not God)
4. Repentance is not penance - (Hail Mary - give money - say rosary’s)
5. Repentance is not promise to do better.

V. What Makes a Man Lost?
1. Not lying, stealing, killing but Unbelief. (John 3:18)
2. Not lost because of what we have done or what we are doing but who we are.
3. Our creed determines our conduct; our belief determines our conduct, and our doctrine determines our deportment.

ILL: Jesus did not mention Repentance or changing his lifestyle to Nicodemus. That means 3 possibilities.

1. Repentance is not necessary to be saved.
2. Repentance is necessary but Jesus did not tell Nicodemus.
3. Repentance is included in the word “Believe”. (This is what I believe)

Master Teacher

John 3:2 “ We know thou art a teacher come from God.”

1. He knew more about Science than earth’s greatest minds.
2. He knew more about Astrology than earth’s greatest astrologers.
3. He knew more about Math than earth’s greatest mathematicians.
4. He knew more about Medicine than earth’s greatest doctors.
5. He knew more about Art that earth’s greatest artists.
6. He knew more about Music than earth’s greatest musicians.
7. He knew more about Agriculture than earth’s greatest farmers.
8. He knew more about teaching that earth’s greatest teachers.

Consider the simplicity, beauty, and direct appeal of the stories of “The Prodical,” “The Good Samatrian,” “The Lost Sheep,” “The Wedding Feast,” “The 10 Virgins,” and “The Parable of The Sower.”


I. HE TAUGHT THEM AS ONE HAVING AUTHORITY. (Mt. 7:29)
We never hear Him say, “I think, We suppose, Possibly, Probably, Maybe.” His authority was voiced in the words, ”It is written.”

II. HE SPOKE WITH GRACE. (Luke 4:22)
His love could always be felt in His words. Kindness was exemplified in His methods.

III. HE TOLD HIS HEARERS TRUTH. (John 8:40)
Heaven’s Gate crowd were oozing with love but no truth.

IV. HE SPOKE WITH SIMPLICITY & THE COMMON PEOPLE HEARD HIM GLADLY. (Mk. 12:37)

V. HE SPOKE AS ONE WHO HAD A MESSAGE FROM GOD. (John 12:49)

WALKING WITH THE LORD

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
2 Sam 22:37 & Ps 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip
Job 31:4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1. WALK OF DISOBEDIENCE. EPH 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

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

3. WALK WORTHY OF CALLING. EPH 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

4. WALK NOT AS GENTILES. EPH 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

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

6. WALK IN LIGHT. EPH 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

7. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY. EPH 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

FAMILY RULES

BE KIND AND FORGIVE EACH OTHER
(Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.) hurting, name calling, fighting, arguing

TREAT YOUR BODY AS A TEMPLE OF GOD
(1 Cor 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.) smoking, drinking, drugs, tatoos, piercing

BEHAVE PROPERLY IN THE LORD'S HOUSE
(1Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.) running, talking during the service, note passing, horse play, playing on the platform
CHILDREN HONOR (RESPECT) AND OBEY YOUR PARENTS
(Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.) obey on the 1st command, playing one parent against another

DON'T BE BOUND TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS
(1 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?) have only approved friendships

RESPECT THOSE IN AUTHORITY
(Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.) teacher, principal, pastor, police, any elder

DO NOT LIE TO ONE ANOTHER
(Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;) to stay out of trouble, to acuse someone, to make the story more exciting, none at all

DO NOT USE COARSE, FILTHY LANGUAGE
(Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.) name calling, cursing, obscene jesters

DO YOUR WORK THE BEST YOU CAN
(Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;) do it right the first time

DO NOT STEAL
(Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.) take or borrow without permission

CONDUCT YOURSELF PROPERLY IN PUBLIC
( Ps 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.) Wal-Mart fits, whinning, interupting, inappropriate behavior

Let's Talk

How to communicate God's way!
Ephesians 4:25-32 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

I. BE HONEST. (vs. 25)

A. Stop speaking lies - speak the truth. Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Speaking the truth in love is a part of spiritual growth in Christ.

B. Stop claming up - speak the truth. Ephesians 4:15 Claming up is a refusal to speak the truth in love. This stops communication all together. Problems are not solved but rather are added to.

C. What you don't say can speak just as loud as what you do say! Don't lie by masking your real words.

II. KEEP CURRENT. (vs. 26, 27)

A. Solve each day's problems that day or you are:

1. guilty of sin - v. 26
2. opening the way to resentment, hatred, and bitterness - v. 27
3. distorting the real problem
4. endangering every relationship - sex and others
5. opening the door for the devil - v. 27

III. ATTACK PROBLEMS; NOT PEOPLE. (vs. 29, 30)

A. Bad communication always by-passes the problem and zero's in on the person.

B. Bad communication always grieves the person (v. 29) and the Holy Spirit. v. 30, I Peter 3:7

C. Good communication always zeros in on the problem and calls for the help of people to solve it.

D. *Watch getting weak solutions to problems - some solutions are problems all over again. Solve, don't hide, cover, or create new problems.

IV. ACT GODLY; DON'T REACT IN AN UNGODLY WAY. (vs. 31, 32)

A. Reactions = bitterness; claming up; wrath; anger; slander, and cutting words.

B. Actions = kindness; edifying words; tenderheartedness; forgiveness; remembering that God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

C. Arguments are only possible if two parties react: If one reacts and the other acts godly, it will not leave the door open for the sin to grow.

NO MATTER HOW IRRESPONSIBLE THE OTHER PERSON ACTS,

YOU MUST ACT RESPONSIBLY!

Doubtful Things

2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

How do we determine weather a thing is right or wrong. What I see as wrong others don't have any problem with. And my question is, Can we both be right? I believe the answer to all our questions can be found in God's word. So how do I determine what I should do. I can not tell you how many times the question has come up from members of my church or another pastor about how they are to decide what is ok or right and what is not ok or wrong.

We had a Christian school in Kentucky and a girl as me during Q&A time "Does the Bible say a girl can't wear pants"? And so I ask her " If I can show you, in the Bible, that it says "women can't wear pants" will you stop wearing them?" and she said "no". I said it dosen't matter if it does say it or not if you are not going to change what difference does it make?

If we are not already surrendered to what ever God's will is for us in a given situation then finding what God says about that particular thing is irrelevant.

So if we do have a submissive spirit about a matter how do we determine if it is right or not?

In Romans 14 Paul deals with this issue :
1. Receive weaker brethren, not letting weakness cause division Ro 14:1-4
2. Recognize not everyone sees things the same way Ro 14:5-9
3. Realize that a brother is answerable to God not man Ro 14:10-12
4. Refuse to become a stumbling block to your brother Ro 14:13
5. Require a clear conscience before God for yourself Ro 14:14-23

The Foundation of Worship

Matthew 4:10, ...Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

God is to be worshipped and all others rejected. This worship is two fold in the believer's life, the inward worship and the external worship. You can not have one without the other, although it is often tried in many hearts. True worship has its flow from the inner man through the outward man. So internal worship calls for our uttermost attention, it being the heart of worship as the external worship would have no meaning.

If the heart is not engaged in worship, bodily exercise is of little advantage.

Since godliness is the foundation of true worship, what is godliness?

Godliness denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him. (Vine's Dict.)

We can learn a very valuable lesson from Peter concerning this matter. II Pet. 1:3, "According as his divine power hath given to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"

Life is listed before godliness and rightly so, as godliness comes from life, a life doesn't come from godliness, the life we have, we have in Christ Jesus. Gal. 2:20.

One cannot have any form of godliness unless that one has been born again of the Spirit of God. One can have the shape of a person, but if he is dead, then that cold body is not a person. We can have the shape or form of godliness, but if he is dead in trespasses and sins, that person is not godly even though that which he is doing may be right.

God is a Spirit (John 5:24) and He must be worshipped by the most noble part of man, that is, the spirit. Thus, our worship is to be of the heart, flowing outwardly through the external man. When we sing, it is to be done from the heart, the inner man, and they are to be spiritual songs.

When we pray, it is to be done from the heart, thus our hearts are to cry out to Him based on spiritual understanding

When we serve, it is to be done from the heart; having our minds set on spiritual truths.

Our obedience is to be done from the heart, flowing from the principle of love - without love we have no meaning for service.

HINDRANCE TO WORSHIP

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Always remember that worship is the Christian’s highest occupation, and is therefore contested by Satan. He will put whatever it may take in your way of worship.

Some of the greatest hindrances are:

A. Self-will. You can only worship when your will is surrendered to His will. To keep your will under your control is to hinder and prevent worship by any person. When you give yourself to worship you are stating your non-confidence in self.

B. Worldliness. John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
A Christian has been saved from the world. The world no longer has any claim to the believer. Thus, to cling on to the world or the things of the world is to reject worship of Christ. Worship is the person, mind and body concentrating on the Lord Himself, and letting Him have all preeminence.

C. A Critical Spirit. If after church you have a mouthful full of criticism for the service that morning, you did not worship. Do not look for something to criticize, rather look for that which you can commend.

D. Slothfulness. Prov 24:30-34 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
You will not see a lazy Christian doing much worship. Laziness is an enemy to worship.

E. Impatience. Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
You won’t get much worship done when you attempt to hurry God.
We live in a hurry, hurry, speeded up generation that can not wait for anything.
To worship requires a waiting quietly in His presence while in meditation and praise.

F. Pride. James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Pride and worship cannot occupy the same person simultaneously.

Rattle the BAPTIST Cage

John 4:23-24. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

I am going to say something that will rattle most Baptist’s cages. Many Baptists worship heritage and doctrine rather than God. We seem to have adopted the philosophy that God is obligated to bless and honor Baptists only. If so, why was Finney, Spurgeon, Wesley, Moody, Sunday so successful in reaching souls when they didn’t follow Baptist doctrine? These men weren’t doctrinally straight in many areas, yet God blessed their preaching with many souls.

Why are present Baptists so anemic? We have the truth. We are doctrinally correct. We have the Preserved Word of God in the KJV, yet we don’t have enough of the power of God to knock the fuzz off a peach. Why?

Why are the contemporary congregations, who are so wrong, growing by leaps and bounds? Why are many Independent, KJV, Baptist churches closing down? Is it because we Baptists have laid down the sword and gone into a resting mode. Satan is still active, and alert.

I don’t know that I know all the answers. I do know that we have lost something. Something has changed in the last 30 years and we no longer are on the offensive pursuit that we once were.

I know that there are some true Baptist churches that are doing everything right for the Lord, and souls are being saved weekly. The kingdom of God is healthy in some churches, but many Baptists have gone into retirement, and laid aside the commission to teach all nations, and instead have started sleeping with the doctrine they once held so dear.

You will recall the church at Ephesus in Rev 2:1-5 – they were doing everything according to the book. The Lord Jesus commended them on their attention to the doctrinal issues – but He reprimanded them because they had left their first love.

We do know this – We are to worship God:

WE ARE TO WORSHIP GOD

We are not to worship the things of God. Many worship the blessings of God.
Let me list some things that many Baptists worship that we should not worship.

A. We Are Not To Worship His Creation.
(Rom 1:25) "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." Many worship the creation of God – Nature followers. Nature is their thing. They place more emphasis on nature than on the Person of God. There is nothing more beautiful and intriguing than God’s creation, but it must never become the object of our worship.

There are a lot of fundamental Christians who will take vacations and miss two, three, maybe even four weeks away from their own church camping on God’s creation, admiring the scenery taking pictures of the sunset, etc. They say, “What a wonderful God we have.” No, no. They are saying, “What a wonderful creation we have.”

When it takes a person or family away from His place of service, it is an idol. When we choose it above Him it is an idol.

B. We Are Not To Worship His Word.
We Baptists are strange creatures. We stand proud in that we uphold the truth of God’s Word as preserved in the KJV. We are correct in holding on to that truth. Those who accept another version are misinformed. They have been taught a lie. Just because we hold on to the truth it is not to be the object of our worship. We are to worship the God of the Word, and not the Word of God.

God said, “Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.” That would include the Bible

C. We Are Not To Worship His Doctrine.
We have the true doctrine as taught by Christ Himself while He was upon the earth, and for the most part independent, fundamental Baptist believe and accept that doctrine as given by the Lord. We are to hold that doctrine sacred, and worthy of our faith and practice, but it is not to be the object of our worship.

We are not responsible for any other Baptist church. Each church will account to God for their position whether it be right or wrong.

D. We Are Not To Worship His Churches.
1. Jesus Christ Himself organized the N.T. Church during His earthly ministry, It is most important to have the proper organization of the N.T. Church. (Mat 16:18) "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
2. Jesus died for the church. (Eph 5:25) "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ Also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
3. Salvation is not in the church. There are some denominations that preach a person must be a member of their church to be saved. That is contrary to the Bible. “He that hath the Son hath life” (eternal life.)

(2 Cor 5:17) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, (NOT IN THE CHURCH) he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

E. We Are Not To Worship Any Organization.
There are people who worship the SBC, ABC, BBF, GARBC. There are those who worship the Promise Keepers, Associations, Programs, Schools. I know pastors that seem to hold their alma mater more dear than the Lord God. Institutions. Mission Boards.

Elements of a "Big Day":

Elements of a "Big Day":
1) This can be approached in one of two ways:
a. Plan to have a bigger than average day but set no goals, or
b. Plan and shoot for a pre-set goal
2) "You should have a "theme name" for the day.
3) Organize so that you are ready to handle a crowd or you will, indirectly, teach them NOT to return!
4) It is good to have a special "hand-out" or small gift for all who attend. Do not run out of these!
5) Have another special gift ready for everyone who brings a visitor. Have enough available!
6) In order to make a pre-set goal, it is a good idea to break the big goal down to each level; i.e., each class, each bus route, etc. Allowing the teachers and workers to set personal goals also works.
7) Work, work, WORK Pass out attractive, exciting flyers. Use the newspaper. Use television. Use the radio. Blitz. Canvas. Do whatever it takes!
8) Remember, incentive gifts should be given:
a. To everyone who attends (a special, attrac­tive bulletin).
b. To everyone who brings at least one visitor.
c. To every teacher/class that meets its goal.
d. To the three individuals who bring the most visitors.

What Makes a Great Chruch

ACTS 4:32 -33 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

1. THIS CHURCH HAD A GREAT PURPOSE.
A. Their purpose was to obey the Saviour. "tarry"
B. Their purpose was to obtain the promise. "endured"
C. Their purpose was to offer the gospel. "witnesses"

2. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT PRAYING.
A. Praying Unifies. (4:31) "one accord"
B. Praying Unctioizes.
C. Praying Undergirds.

3. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT PREACHING.
A. Preaching that Exalts Christ.
B. Preaching that Edifies Christians.
C. Preaching that Exposes sin.

4. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT POWER.
A. Power depends on a clean life.
B. Power depends on a Consistent walk.
C. Power depends on Continual asking.

5. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT PERSECUTION.
A. Persecution that involved criticism.
B. Persecution that included prison. (4:1)
C. Persecution that increased to death. (Stephen)

6. THIS CHURCH HAD A GREAT PEOPLE.
A. People that were willing to give up their work.
B. People that were willing to give up their wealth.
C. People that were willing to give their lives.

7. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT PRAISE.
A. Praise for the gospel.
B. Praise for God's goodness.
C. Praise for God's grace.

8. THIS CHURCH HAD GREAT PROMISES.
A. Promise of Heaven.
B. Promise of the Holy Spirit.
C. Promise of Happiness.

Add Virtue

Text: 2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

1. ADDITIVE ~ VIRTUE
What is the meaning: Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, abstaining from vice; as a virtuous man or virtuous woman. It means always choosing the right way. It means when you and I are faced with a choice between right and wrong, that we will choose the right. It means when you are home alone or a thousands miles from home, when no one knows you that you will still do right. It means to courageously do right.

I. Virtue as Responsibility
God has Called His children to Virtue. Not every Christian will answer the call to courageously do right. Not every Saint will earnestly contend for the faith or fight a good fight. But there are many who have and they can be found throughout the Bible. David, Daniel, Ruth, John the Baptist, Paul and Stephen just to name a few, but the greatest of all these is my Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Ill: mother calling her child to super. An obedient child will come; a disobedient child will miss something that will help him or her to grow. Without a proper diet children will not develop properly. The same with the child of God, without a proper diet you will not develop properly. You will be weak and anemic.
God has Commanded His children to Virtue. God's plan is very simple; it can be summed up with two words.
1. Come ~ and get saved
2. Go ~ and serve
Know where in the Bible are we commanded to come and get religion and know where in the Bible do we see God giving permission to serve self. But many do. If you are a child of God you have a responsibility to add to your faith virtue!

II. Virtue's Reputation
After Salvation, a person's behaviour should change in such a way that it is noticeable. Many times unbelievers will criticize new believers for being so different but that should not stop us from courageously doing right. It didn't stop first century Christian nor should it stop you.
John 4:27-29 had five husbands ~ had a reputation ~ yet she had meet Jesus.
Mark 5:13-15 this man was possessed ~ this man had a great problem ~ yet he meet Jesus.
Acts 19:18-20 What happened? They meet Jesus and it made a difference.
Courageously doing right will do two things.
1) It will bring Persecution. 2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. If you live godly, you will be picked on!!!!
2) It will bring a noticeable difference. Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
It will be noticeable by, Attitude & Action. The good thing concerning your attitude and action is that it will determine your altitude. How high can you fly? You will either sore with the eagles or set with the buzzards.

III. Virtue's Reward
Pro 31:10 Asks us a simple question, Who can find a virtuous woman?
Then continues to reveal a reward, "for her price is far above rubies."
The Bible says that, People with virtue are valued people.

We are all adding things to our lives on a daily basis, the question is, are you adding virtue?
Are you Courageously making right decisions?
If you wish to grow as a Christian you need to add to your faith VIRTUE