And There Came Down A Storm

Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

As Christians, we will experience storms. When we say storms, we are talking about any situation or problem in our life that is:
A. Unexpected – no warning; it caught you off guard, out in the "middle of the deep"
B. Unpleasant – cause fear, worry, anxiety, lack of sleep (Jesus slept; they didn't!)
C. Unpredictable – no idea where it's going, what will happen, how long it will stay...
D. Uncontrollable – no matter what, there's nothing you can do to stop it or change it

During a storm, we need to remember some things. We need to remember:

I. God's Presence - that he went into a ship with his disciples: He was on the boat with them!!
A. He was present in the Flood - Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark;
B. He was present in the Fire - Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

II. God's Promise - Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.
A. His promise was simple – he didn't elaborate on the details; just said we're going over
B. His promise was sure – they did reach the other side; not because of their deeds, but his!

III. God's Protection - And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish..
A. Their Approach – they went to Jesus when the storm came down
B. Their Acknowledgment – they realized he was the Master
C. Their Appeal – they asked him to do something on their behalf, or they would perish

IV. God's Power - Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:
A. God's Timing – then he arose; he always acts before it is too late
Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
B. God's Test – he rebuked the wind, but he caused it! He was testing their faith
Psalms 107:25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
You can't get anything done for God worrying about the storm. If it gets too bad, he'll make it stop!!

V. God's Peace - and there was a calm
A. God's Peace is Immediate – He is in full control
B. God's Peace is Instructive - What manner of man is this!

Lessons they learned from the storm
A. Nothing can hurt you when Jesus is with you
B. A child of God can never perish! John 3:16 (Master, master, we perish..)
C. Even when you think God is 'asleep', He is in full control.

OUR CALLINGS

1Co 1:26-27 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

There may be many reasons why God shouldn't have called us. But don't worry, we're in good company:
Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich. ... Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old. ... David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death. ... Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer. ... So was Moses. ... So was David.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worrywart.
Mary was lazy.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk.
Moses had a short fuse? ... So did Peter, ... So did Paul.

But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Father than our Boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God's gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be wonderful.

Satan says "You're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what? I AM."
Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn't calculate what you did "back then". It's not even on the record anymore. Sure. There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't have called us. But if we are in love with him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like.

I pray that as Christians, we will step out of our limitations into the illimitable nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to tell others about Him will overcome our limitations.

The A - Z of Friendship

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

This is another piece on friendship I found in my files (I did not write it). As I review them I think of only a very few friends who meet these standards but I try to meet them with those I call my friends.
A Friend....
(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust wants to be with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality

Friendship

I have met a lot of people at my new job at Wal-Mart and it has caused me to think about friends. I know that "you are now or you will become who your friends are". So I found this outline and have made a study out of it and thought I would share it with you.

As social creatures living on an inhabited planet, it is impossible to avoid associations with fellow human beings. As Christians, it is important that our dealings with other people be conducted in wisdom. As Paul wrote to the Colossians (though speaking specifically of our conduct with those not Christians, it would apply to Christian friends as well): Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. In His all-sufficient Word, God has provided the wisdom necessary whereby we can develop good relations with those around us, and avoid the pitfalls that too often destroy good friendships. Again, a good portion of this "wisdom" is found in "The Book Of Proverbs"

I. THE VALUE OF A GOOD FRIEND
A. A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO CAN BE A SOURCE OF COMFORT...
1. In good times and in bad times - Pr 17:17
2. In some cases, even better than that provided by a brother - Pr 18:24b
B. A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO CAN BE A SOURCE OF GOOD COUNSEL...
1. Counsel can that "delight the heart" - Pr 27:9
2. The value of counsel in general is seen in Pr 11:14 A friend who can be trusted to be a source of good counsel is certainlya blessing. But having friends who are dependable is not always easy.

II. ADVICE ON THE SELECTION OF FRIENDS
A. PEOPLE YOU DO NOT WANT AS FRIENDS...
1. Gossips - Pr 20:19
2. Short-tempered - Pr 22:24-25
3. Those given to drinking and gluttony - Pr 23:20-21
4. Those given to change - Pr 24:21-22
5. Liars, those untrustworthy, and those inconsiderate - Pr 25:18-20
6. Those given to violence - Pr 1:10-19
B. THE SORT OF FRIENDS YOU WANT...
1. Those who display wisdom themselves - Pr 13:20
2. For their teaching (counsel) will help lead you in the right way - cf. Pr 13:14 As Paul said, the wrong kind of friends can be a corrupting influence (cf. 1 Co 15:33); but a friend who is good and wise is one you want to hold on to!

III. ADVICE ON MAINTAINING GOOD FRIENDSHIPS
A. THINGS TO AVOID, WHICH CAN DISRUPT A GOOD FRIENDSHIP...
1. Don't repeat everything you hear - Pr 17:9
2. Avoid senseless arguments - Pr 17:14
3. Don't overstay your welcome - Pr 25:17
4. Don't meddle in affairs not your own - Pr 26:17
5. Don't play bad jokes - Pr 26:18-19
6. Don't be a "talebearer" - Pr 26:20
7. Don't be contentious - Pr 26:21
8. Don't engage in insincere flattery - Pr 27:14 Following such advice, one is less likely to offend his or her friends. But sometimes we do, and re-gaining their confidence is not easy (cf. Pr 18:19).
B. SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR FRIENDS...
1. Make sure that you are at peace with the Lord - cf. Pr 16:7
2. Be slow to anger - Pr 15:18; cf. Ja 1:19-20
3. Be slow to respond - Pr 18:13
4. Avoid quarreling - Pr 20:3
5. Speak gently - Pr 15:1
6. Speak briefly - Pr 10:19
7. Be quick to show love - Pr 10:12
8. But if necessary, rebuke rather than flatter - Pr 28:23

Properly applying the wisdom of God found in His Word can assure that we enjoy the blessings of good friends in this life, and can look forward to enjoying these dear friends in life eternal! Rather than depend upon "trial and error" to learn "how to win friends and influence people", let God's Word be your guide! But of all the friendships we could possible develop, none can excel the one we can have with HIM who truly "sticks closer than a brother"- our Lord Jesus Christ! Have you become His friend? Consider what He has done for us... "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (Jn 15:13) Consider what He asks of us... "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you." (Jn 15:14) Have you done what He commands? - cf. Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16

Maniac To A Missionary

This is the outline for the message I preached on the Lord's Day. The lord used it and I thought some of you might want to have it. I know how much I like to get good outlines. May God bless His Word as we preach it.

"How Great Things The Lord Hath Done For Thee”
Mark 5:1-20
Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

Here we find one of the most wonderful portions of Scripture in the New Testament. How the Lord saved a wretched, devil possessed social outcast. What a beautiful picture of what our Lord did for us when we were saved. Many people have been saved as a child and do not have a drastic change in a sin filled life. They need to remember that the Lord did the same thing for them as He did for the devil possessed man in this chapter. Many people have lived a perverted, sinful lifestyle and these portions of Scripture gives to them hope. No matter how bad you are, His grace is sufficient for salvation. Our great salvation is so taken for granted in these days by most. We get caught up in our daily “ruts” and seldom reflect upon where God has brought us from and what He still is doing for us. Many today have not experienced a true, life changing salvation experience with God. Their mouth confessed, but their lives still reflect the darkness of sin. Salvation works! This portion of Scripture tells of just such a life changing salvation of a man who lived in Gadara.

A. A Pitiful Condition
1. His Place Of Residence – “tombs” He dwelt in the land of the dead –
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
2. His Spiritual Condition – “with an unclean spirit”
3. His Social Standing – “no man could bind him, no, not with chains” He was an outcast; a social misfit.
4. His Fierce Countenance – “neither could any man tame him”
5. His Restlessness – “always, night and day…crying”
6. His Self-destruction – “cutting himself”
7. His Desire For Change – “when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him”

B. A Providential Confrontation
1. Jesus Came To Where He Was – The Tombs
2. Jesus Came To Him In Spite Of What He Was – Helpless, Hopeless,
3. Jesus Availed Himself To Him As He Was – He Changed Him After Salvation
4. Jesus Came For Him And Then Left Without Doing Anything Else – vs. 18

C. A Personal Conversion
1. He Saw Jesus – He Knew Who He Was
2. He Came To Jesus – Ran, He Greatly Desired Him
3. He Worshipped Jesus – He Knew What Was To Be Required Of Him

D. A Prolific Change – vs. 7-18
1. The Change Was Immediate – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2. The Change Was Drastic -
3. The Change Was Evident To Others -
a. He Caused The Unclean Spirit To Depart
b. He Caused Him To Sit At The Master’s Feet
c. He Caused Him To Put On His Clothes
d. He Caused Him To Be In His Right Mind
e. He Caused Him To Have A Desire To Follow

E. A Purposed Commission – vs. 19-20
1. He Was Told To Go To Those He Knew
2. He Was Told To Tell Of His Conversion
3. He Was Obedient To The Command

CHARITY

The word "Agape" is rendered "love," "dear," "charity"

1. Love is of God - Its Source
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

2. Was Seen in Christ - Its Manifestation
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

3. To Characterize His People - Its Fruits
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love Col 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

4. It is to Govern their Actions -Its Power
Col 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

5. Is to Abound among them - Its Growth
2 Thess 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

A collection of sayings for Pastors

· The most interesting point some preachers make is the stopping point.
· Preachers who used to preach on women's clothes have been compelled to turn to other topics. There just wasn't enough material.
· The preacher who cannot broaden or deepen his sermons usually lengthens them.
· If you need some kind of excuse, see your preacher; he has heard more than anyone else.
· Far too many men in the pulpit deal in dry goods and notions.
· The preacher's business is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
· Second wind is what some preachers get when they say, "And now in conclusion..."
· The preacher's prayer ought to be, "O Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff and nudge me when I've said enough."
· A preacher was fired for two reasons: he had a poor delivery, and he never had much to deliver.
· Sermons, like biscuits, are improved by shortening.
· The eternal Gospel does not require an everlasting sermon.
· The great preachers are not the men who master their messages but the men who are mastered by their messages.
· It takes more religion to preach to one person than to a multitude.
· The best theology is the fruit of "kneeology."
· There is no pulpit so vacant as the one without the message of the love of God.
· There is a vast difference between having something to say and having to say something.
· If people sleep during the sermon, the minister needs to be awakened.
· The best education possible is essential, but there are ministers who are dying by "degrees."
· Some ministers with doctoral degrees do not seem to have learned the alphabet in the school of Christ.
· There are two fools in the pulpit: one -who will take nothing from anybody, the other who will take everything from everybody.
· There are ministers who will not heed the snap of a man's finger but will give complete attention to the snap of his pocketbook.
· Some ministers lambaste their people because they do not pay more, when the people feel they are paying more than they are getting.
· Some ministers have a wealth of thought; others have a thought for wealth.
· When a person enters Christian work for money, there is the Devil to pay.
· Sermons are like bread - delicious when fresh, but when a month old, hard to cut, harder to eat, and hardest to digest.
· Ministers should not only have a smooth train of thought but also a terminal.

Modern Tongues

1Cor 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Cor 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

As Bible believing Christians, we do not deny that the gift of tongues was given. However, we do deny the genuineness of tongues as practiced today. The Word of God must be used to test all Christian experience. Any experience - regardless of the feeling it may impart or the good effect others claim to receive - is false if it disagrees with the teaching of the Bible.

This is exactly the point made by Paul to the Corinthians. In the opening verses of chapter 12, Paul reminds the believers of their spiritual roots. They had come to Christ from a Gentile background of idolatry in which they had easily been "led" astray by carnal experiences. They were still spiritually immature (see 1 Corinthians 3:1-3), unqualified to judge the proper use of the spiritual gifts. In fact, Paul calls attention to their ignorance in verse one.

The Corinthians were not ignorant of the EXISTENCE of the spiritual gifts (See 1 Corinthians 1:7), but of the proper EXERCISE of the gifts. They knew what the gifts were, but the Word of God did not govern their use. Again, in 14:20 Paul implies that they were childish in their understanding, after which he gives them the Scriptural purpose of tongues. First, he quotes Scripture (14:21). Then, he explained it (14:21-22)

The Proper Exercise of Tongues (1 Corinthians 14)

A. It must be an actual language. Verse 10, Acts 2:8

B. Since it is for this people, a Jewish skeptic must always be present. Verses 21-22

C. No more than three people should speak in tongues at any gathering. Verse 27

D. Someone must interpret, otherwise the person should keep quiet. Verse 28

E. It is never to be exercised by women in the assembled church. Verse 34

Tongues as experienced today consistently violate these restrictions. That means that the modern-day experience of tongues is unscriptural, not of the Spirit (for He would not violate His Word), and therefore worthless as a sign of any kind.

Mistakes concerning tongues

A. It is a mistake to assume that speaking in tongues is an evidence of salvation.

B. It is a mistake to assume that speaking in tongues is an evidence of spirituality.

C. It is a mistake to assume that speaking in tongues is a gift which must be sought after.

In 1 Corinthians 14, we have the one stated purpose of tongues. It is a sign for unbelieving Jews (Jews who would not believe that the Gospel was for all people). There was no other purpose. The Bible does not suggest that there are two kinds of tongues, two manifestations of this gift – one, the speaking of known languages; the other, unintelligible gibberish identified as a "heavenly language."

The modern tongues movement does not pass the test of Scripture. It doesn’t even come close. It fails 100% the five tests of 1 Corinthians 14 for the proper use of tongues. It is fraudulent. It is counterfeit. It is not of the Spirit; therefore, it is not of God. And since it is not of God, then it can only be of the Enemy – a carefully crafted experience meant to deceive, cause division, and impede the progress of the Gospel.

Character of a Man of God.

Malachi 2:5-7. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

1. His State Of Mind. “He feared me.”
2. His Message. “Truth was in his mouth.”
3. His Purpose. “Iniquity was not found in his lips.
4. His Habit. “Walked with me.”
5. His Work. “Turn many away from iniquity.”
6. His Duty. “Seek the law at his mouth.” (Teaching the law.)
7. His Commission. “He is the messenger of God.”

Believer's Relation to Life

1. He has received the Gift of Life Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2. He has drunk the Water of Life Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

3. He eats the Bread of Life John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

4. His name is in the Book of Life Phil. 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

5. He walks in the Light of Life John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

6. He expects to wear the Crown of Life James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

A LITTLE INSIGHT

I found this in my files and thought it would be an encouragement to some of you. I am not sure where it came from but it is pretty good.

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them: work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered.

They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.

How?

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what God wants for you and from you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as they were your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give.

Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together. Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find time. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery and Today is a gift: that's why we call it "The Present."

BIBLE WALKING

1. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD.
GEN 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2. THE BLESSED MAN WALKING.
PSA 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

3. WALKING IN TRUTH.
PSA 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

4. WALKING IN HIS PATH.
ISA 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

5. WALKING IN HIS NAME.
MI 4:5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

6. WALKING IN HIS COMMANDMENTS.
LU 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7. WALKING NO MORE WITH HIM.
JN 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

8. WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD.
ACT 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

9. WALKING ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THE WORLD.
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:

10. WALK AS HE WALKED.
1JN 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

11. WALKING IN HIM.
COL 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

RICH IN MERCY

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Lets throw ourselves on the mercy of God!
Recently in reading Ephesians I got stuck on this verse, wondering how rich is God's mercy. We tend to measure riches by some standard - how does God measure it.
Unsearchable Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Many a man has set himself on the mission of determining the end of God's mercy.

A) Some would say murder, but Moses the murderer would say Psalm 90:14; 103:7-17.
B) Some would say adultery, but all David the adulterer had to say was:
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions" Psalm 51:5
"For great is thy mercy toward me: And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell." Psalm 86:13
C) Some would say, when you begin to backslide, but Psalms 94:18 says: "When I said, my foot slipeth: thy mercy, O Lord, held me up."
D) Some would say denial, but Peter said: I Peter 1:3-5.
E) Some would say failure to repent: I Corinthians 3:5
F) But still a voice of a protester suggest that there must be somewhere an eternally vile sinner whose wretchedness cannot be touched by God's mercy.

Consider John Newton, Slave trader: "I am not what I ought to be! How imperfect and deficient I am! I am not what I wish to be, although I abhor that which is evil and would cleave to what is good! I am not what I hope to be, but soon I shall be out of mortality, and with it all sin and imperfection. Though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor yet what I hope to be, I can truly say, I am not what I once was: A slave to sin and Satan. I can heartily join with the apostle and acknowledge that by the grace of God I am what I am!"

Drunkenness

Even most liberals agree that it is a sin to be drunk. For example, consider these plain Scriptures that denounce drunkenness:
Romans 13:13 “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
1 Cor 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
Gal 5:21 “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Eph 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

Consider these questions: What is the definition of drunk? Is there such a thing as “responsible drinking?”

Alcohol - “intoxicating drinks containing alcohol” “a colourless, volatile, intoxicating, inflammable liquid” (New Webster’s Dictionary)
Drunk - “intoxicated by alcohol” (New Webster’s Dictionary) - Greek - methuo - “intoxicated, tipsy, drunk”
Intoxicated - “to cause to lose mental or physical control” (New Webster’s Dictionary)

The definition of drunkenness would then be “to lose mental or physical control due to the effects of alcohol.” How does the drinker know when they are “under the influence?” Can science tell us when a person is influenced or not? Is there a certain blood-alcohol level under which a person is not intoxicated? Let us consider the dilemma of authorities trying to determine the safe blood-alcohol level for someone driving a motor vehicle. Is there a standard limit around the world, or at least around the country? NO! Blood-alcohol limits range from 0% to 0.1% depending upon the state and national laws. In some places license holders are not allowed to have any trace of alcohol in their blood stream when driving. Why? Because no one can determine the “safe” level of alcohol use.

Note the following article:
“In recent years the offence of driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs has been taken increasingly seriously, as the number of accidents caused by drunken driving have emerged. The difficulty of proving that a driver was appreciably affected by drink led in the 1960s and 1970s to the introduction of tests using breath-testing machines to determine the level of alcohol in the blood. An offence arises if the level exceeds a certain limit. In certain countries, it is an offence to drive with any amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. …”

It is not possible for someone to know if they are affected by alcohol or not, or for them to decide a “moderate” level of drinking. They cannot really know if they are intoxicated, or drunken, by the true definition of the word. Therefore, the only safe and spiritual position for a Christian to take is one of complete abstinence from the use of alcohol. If drunkenness is such a serious sin, and the Bible says it is, then the only way to be sure of staying free of the sin of intoxication is to remain free of alcohol.

Fear

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

The problem of fear is as old as the existence of man. From the moment that Adam and Eve separated themselves from God through an act of disobedience, man has been haunted by fear.
The Bible speaks of two kinds of fear.
I. There is a fear of which is God-given.
It enables man to reverence God’s authority, obey His commands, and hate and shun evil. (Jer.32:14; Heb. 5:7) This fear is……….
1. Is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10)
2. The secret of happiness (Prov. 8:13)
3. God delights in it (Ps.147:11)
4. It is the whole duty of man (Ecc.12:13)
II. The Bible also speaks of a slavish fear.
It is a natural consequence of sin and the expectation of judgment. (Prov.28:1)

THE TYRANNY OF FEAR ( 1 John 4:18)

An Ultimate Cause of Fear ( 1 John 4:17-18; Heb. 9:27; Gen. 18:25)
An Immediate Cause of Fear
1. A Sense of Guilt (Gen. 3:10; Rom.3:19; 1 Cor. 11:27)
2. A Lack of Peace (Phil. 4:6-7; Isa. 2:4)
3. The Need of Christ (Eph. 2:13-14; Matt. 10:28; Luke 5:10;8:50)

THE MASTERY OF FEAR (1 John 4:18)

There Must be the Confession of the Son of God (1 John 4:14-15)
There Must be the Possession of the Holy Spirit of God (1 John 4:13; Gal.5:22-23)
There Must be the Expression of the Service of God (1 John 4:12,18)

There is no need to fear…….. 2 Tim. 1:72 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1. No need to fear people..( 2 Tim. 4:16-18)
2. No need to fear judgment (Rom. 8:34-35)
3. No need to fear the enemy (Ps.3:3-5; 91:5; Prov 3:24)
4. No need to fear provision (Mt. 6:31-33)

Your Obligation to Forgive

ROMANS 12:17-21

Forgiveness is at the very foundation of our Christian faith. Without forgiveness we would not have salvation by faith. Even though forgiveness is at the very center of our faith, it is the one thing we seem to have the most difficulty doing. Sometimes it seems as if Christians are the most unforgiving people...

When studying forgiveness, we first must see that:

I. GOD HAS FORGIVEN US.

1. When God forgave us of our sins, the Bible says that He remembered them no more. This means that they no longer exist.

2. Only God has the ability to take away sins. When He forgives us, they are actually removed. This is why the Jews said that Jesus blasphemed when He said, "your sins are forgiven."

Since God has forgiven us:

II. WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS.

1. When we forgive others, we don't actually remove the sin like God does, but we imitate God by refusing to remember the sin.

2. This sounds like a fairly easy thing to do, but why do we have such a hard time doing it?

a. Because we want to punish those who hurt us. (vs.17) Man's heart is sinful, and the first thing that he desires to do is to strike back when he is hurt or violated. (Example: someone hits us, cheats us, lies, etc..)

b. Because we think so highly of ourselves, that we think we need to re-establish our position. ("who do you think you are talking to?") This is caused by pride that is still left in our hearts.

c. We don't have enough faith to let God handle the situation, so we try to handle it ourselves.

How many times must we forgive someone for sinning against us? Peter asked Jesus the same question, implying that a person only deserved so many chances. What was the reply of Jesus? An infinite number of times! (70x7) Another good answer could be "you forgive the other person as many times as God has forgiven you."

III. WHAT DOES UNFORGIVENESS DO TO US?

1. It keeps us in bitterness. We keep turning over and over this hurt in our mind, always keeping it fresh, always ready to strike out again. It is a vicious cycle. A bitter person is always angry about something.

2. It keeps us in bondage to past mistakes. If we don't forgive, we are always living in some past hurt. We constantly re-live it in our minds. We never seem to get free from the anger. (even when we want to.)

3. It keeps us in guilt. A Christian who lives in the bondage of unforgiveness is also living in guilt. He knows that he must forgive, but he also knows that he can't. He carries this weight around with him, not being able to get rid of it.

4. It is a cause of physical (such as ulcers), mental (sustained anger will cause you to become mentally sick), and spiritual sickness. (Unforgiveness will cause you to drift away from God)

IV. HOW DO WE FORGIVE SOMEONE THAT HURT US SO BAD?

1. (vs.20) We stop thinking of those who hurt us as enemies, and we start to honestly seek God for their good. We need to earnestly pray for blessings in their lives. It is very difficult to be angry or unforgiving towards someone whom you are earnestly praying for!

2. We look to God as our example. Could you forgive someone who killed your only son? God did. He does not allow the sin to be remembered anymore.

3. We look to Jesus as our example. What did Jesus say while he was hanging on the Cross? While He was experiencing the worst pain a person could experience? While the blood was dripping from His hands, and His flesh was tearing at the nails? He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." If Jesus could forgive those who were killing Him, we must forgive those who have hurt us. It was our sins that nailed Him to that tree: your sins and mine.


We serve a forgiving God. And the root of His love is forgiveness. How we view forgiveness will effect our relationship with Him and with those around us. If we wish to be spiritually healthy, if we wish to be free of condemnation, then we must forgive those who hurt us.

Before There Was A World

Matt. 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

I. Before There was a Sinner there was a Saviour. (I Pet. 1:18-20)
1. A Lamb Slain. (Rev. 13:8)
2. A Lamb Sent. (John 1:29)
3. A Lamb Spoken Of. (Gen.3:15)

II. Before There Was Guilt There Was Grace. I Tim 1:9)
1. Before Man Strayed.
2. Before Man Sinned.
3. Before Mans Separation.

III. Before There Was A Punishment, There Was A Promise Of Life. (Titus 1:2)
1. To Those Who Would Come To Christ.
2. To Those Who Would Confess Christ.
3. To Those Who Would Claim Christ.

IV. Before There Was A Hell There Was A Heaven. (Eph. 1:4) Matt. 25:34)
1. For Redeemed People.
2. For Purified People.
3. For Forgiven People.

Seek Peace.

1Pet 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Peace is a by-product of our relationship with God. When our lives lack peace, it is a spiritual problem. We are not filled with the Spirit. We are not walking by faith, an expression of our dependence upon God. We are not walking in obedience to God’s Word. Something is being neglected, overlooked, or deliberately ignored.

God never commands us to seek happiness or success, but He does command us to "seek peace". (1 Peter 3:11) Apart from His Word, we would not know how to obtain real peace – the kind that sustains us through trials and displays the power of God. How important it must be, then, to study what God has told us about peace. Through His word, we learn what real peace looks like, what it will do for us, and how to have it. May we make it a priority to "seek peace", beginning by searching God’s Word for instructions.

Peace is a product of a Spirit-filled life.
Romans 8:6 – A spiritually minded person has peace
Romans 15:13 – We are filled with peace through the power of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22 – Peace is displayed as part of the fruit of the Spirit

Peace is a product of a life of faith.
Psalm 37:11 – The meek (a display of trust in God’s control) will rejoice in an abundance of peace.
Isaiah 26:3 – We are kept in perfect peace when we trust in the Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7 – We are kept by a peace that passes understanding when, as an act of faith, we refuse to worry and take our requests to the Lord.

Peace is a product of a life of obedience.
Psalm 37:37 – The end result of an upright life is peace.
Psalm 119:165 – Those who love God’s law are blessed with great peace.
Isaiah 32:7 – When righteousness is at work in our life, the result is peace.
Isaiah 48:18 – God laments that if Israel had only obeyed His commandments, peace would have flowed into their lives like a great river.

The Origin of Peace.

With others.
Proverbs 16:7 – When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Think of Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon)

With myself.
Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God … shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace…

With God.
Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:20 – And, having made peace through the blood of his cross…
Isaiah 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions … the chastisement of our peace was upon Him… (The "chastisement of our peace" refers to the penalty required to establish peace between men and God. Jesus took that penalty upon Himself to make our peace with God.)
Isaiah 48:22 – There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

These verses make clear that peace in every form originates with God. He is "The God of Peace." (Romans 15:33, 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20.) He "blesses His people with peace" (Psalm 29:11) and "speaks peace unto His people" (Psalm 85:8). Apart from Him, there is no true experience of peace.

Wine or Grape Juice

I know I may be starting a fight with this post but that is not my intent. I have been confronted with this issue time and again during the 22 years I have been in the ministry and maybe some of you can give me some explanation that would help.

1Co 11:23-34 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

I personally would like to read a Biblical explanation of why you use alcohol for the Lord's Supper. Also, where do you buy your wine at? At the local brewery? Is it the same wine that the local drunks drink? When you go in a grocery store to buy this alcohol do you lower your head in shame, or are you even concerned about being seen with a bottle of booze? I know a preacher that buys alcohol for his Lord's Supper but he goes 2 county's over to get his wine so he won't be seen by the locals with booze.

My questions are in all sincerity and I would appreciate someone answering them. Wine is not a firstfruit of the grape. It is a byproduct. Wine is produced when yeast, a leavening agent, acts on the sugar molecule of fruit juice to produce ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. Wine, then, is juice that has been chemically changed into something different. It is not the original, pure fruit of the vine, but a secondary byproduct. As a symbol for the pure, uncorrupted, sinless blood of Jesus, a modified substance like wine would be inadequate. 1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

More importantly, wine has been leavened in the same way bread is leavened by yeast. The Passover was to be eaten only with unleavened bread, Exodus 12:8. Nothing leavened was to be used at the Passover Memorial.Unleavened bread represents Jesus’s body unchanged by the corruption of sin, Mark 14:22. Similarly, the cup represents His pure blood, untainted by outside influences of the sinful world. Would a chemically altered drink like wine best represent His pure, unadulterated blood, or would the virgin juice from the grape?

Behave Wisely

Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

If there is any place where we have trouble walking with a perfect heart, it is at home!

At home, we want to take off the mask. At home, we want to let down our hair. At home we want to cut loose a little, and, more often that not, it gets us in trouble! We will say things at home that we would never dream of saying in public. We will do things at home, we hope no one outside of the house ever learns about! It is true isn't it?

We come to church and put on our spiritual face. But as soon as we climb back in the car, if we are not careful, we will take that dude off like we do our Sunday suit coat, and let all the flesh hang out!

David determines to do, in this verse, something we all need to determine to do. We need to determine that even within our house, we are going to walk with a perfect heart!

We get ourselves in a lot of trouble at home because we don't behave wisely there!

It is amazing to me, that we will often treat strangers on the street with more courtesy than we do the people we love the most and love us the most! It is an unwise person who ignores those who are most likely to support him through thick and thin, while giving in to the whims and whimseys of those who would drop him in a heartbeat if he messed up on them!

We have, in our homes, the most important relationships we will know in this life.

A. Behave wisely with your mate 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

While this verse tells the husband to dwell with his wife according to knowledge, it is obvious that the best relationships will be built when both the husband and the wife knows how to please the other! There is a reason why it specifically says husband though. Because men are the worst offenders in this regard. God made men to be conquerors and women to be helpmeets. Because of that, women naturally look for ways to help their husbands. Men, on the other hand, tend to come home from a days work and expect that, because he brought home a pay check, his wife is happy!

It is true of both the husband and the wife, but it is especially true of the husband, that he needs to learn to dwell with his wife according to knowledge. You need to learn what the other likes and doesn't like. What the other dreams about and would like to do some day. What the other is
good at and what they are weak at. You need to become experts on each other!

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

It is possible to mess up raising kids! So we need to behave wisely raising them! We need to learn how not to provoke them to wrath. We need to learn how to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! We need to behave wisely in raising our kids, and we need to behave wisely when we are around our kids! It is unfortunate that we drop our guards at home and around the kids.

***We say things around them that will forever impact them.
***We cuss around the kids, and we have taught them to cuss.
***We complain about the pastor, or some other church member, and we have taught them to disrespect the church, the preacher and to gossip about people.

There is no one who clings to our words and actions more than our kids. No one who wants to more like us. No one who wants to please us more. And when we behave unwisely around them, we make a mistake that they may never out live!

C. Behave Wisely With Your Things.

Because everything you have really belongs to God. They all need to be used in ways that please the Lord! Here is a guy that gets a boat. WONDERFUL! It is a blessing when God allows you to have something that the family can enjoy together, provide a little rest and family relaxation. But then, you go out and use it when you should have been in church SHAME ON YOU!

Don't you know that God can take those things away from you as easily as He gives them to you? Or worse, he might let you keep up them and keep up the sin you are committing with them! That means you are sowing more and more wicked oats that either you, or your children will have to harvest someday!

D. Behave wisely at home with the Lord. Deut 6:6-9

The home is no place to ignore Christ! Your home ought to be a haven for the Lord! It ought to be a place where only Godly conversations are spoken. Your home ought to be a place where prayers are offered and the Bible is read. Behave yourselves wisely at home

The Attitude of Jealousy

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame

People are jealous of three things…
Possessions
Position
Personality

The Bible has a lot to say about Jealousy & Envy
Romans 1:29-30
Galatians 5:19-21

Where is Jealousy Found?
In Families – Gen. 37:3, 4, 11
In Politics 1 Sam. 18:5-9
In Churches – 1 Cor: 1.10-17

What Does Jealousy Do?
Separates People from People – 1 Cor. 3:3
Separates People from God – Mark 15:10
Becomes Master of your Life – Esther 7:10

How can One be Delivered from Jealousy?
Admit you have a problem
Confess your need to God
Obey the Bible – 1 Cor 13

Jealousy is SIN.
Deal with it before it destroys you emotionally, spiritually, & physically

Personal Integrity

In Pursuit of Personal Integrity

Proverbs 11.3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Psalm 25.21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Psalm 26:1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
Psalm 26.11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
Psalm 41.12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
Proverbs 19.1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Proverbs 20.7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Psalm 15:1-5 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

A Question: Who may abide in Thy tabernacle? v.1

The Answer: He who walks with integrity. v. 2-5
1- He that walks uprightly: Who we are
2- Worketh righteousness: What we do
3- Speaks truth in his heart: How we think
4- Does not slander with his tongue: What we say
5- Does not evil to neighbor: Loyal
6- Takes not up a reproach: Kind & Gentle
7- Despises the reprobate: Good Associates
8- Honors those who fear God: Respectful
9- Performs what he promises: Faithful
10- Not greedy: Content

A Promise: He will never be shaken. v. 5

Psalm 14.19 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.

5 BIBLE JUDGEMENTS

1. JUDGEMENT OF SIN. (CALVARY)
2CO 5:21 For he hath made him {to be} sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
GAL 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed {is} every one that hangeth on a tree:

2. JUDGEMENT OF SELF. (DAILY)
1CO 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

3. JUDGEMENT OF SAINTS. (JUDGEMENT SEAT)
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.
ROM 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

4. JUDGEMENT OF SINNERS. (GREAT WHITE THRONE)
REV 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and here was found no place for them.And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is {the book} of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

5. JUDGEMENT OF NATIONS. (SHEEP & GOATS)
MAT 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth {his} sheep from the goats:

WHY JESUS CAME

1. TO FULFILL THE LAW. MATT 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

2. TO SHOW WHAT GOD IS LIKE. JOHN 14:7-10 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

3. TO LIGHT THE WAY TO GOD. JOHN 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

4. TO SEEK & TO SAVE THE LOST. LUKE 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. MT 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

5. TO GIVE NEW LIFE. JOHN 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. EPH 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

6. TO GIVE HIS OWN LIFE. JOHN 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. JOHN 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. HEB 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

7. TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF SATAN. JOHN 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 1 JOHN 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Partakers

COL 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

HEB 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Partake - "To have in common; companionship; to share with; to partake with; to be partners with; to be part of; fellowship; togetherness."

O.T. THE PREISTS WERE PARTAKERS OF THE ALTAR. 1CO 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

BELIEVERS ARE PARTAKERS OF:

1. THE PROMISES OF GOD. EPH 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

2. THE GRACE OF GOD. PHIL 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

3. THE DIVINE NATURE. 2PE 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

4. THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST. 1PE 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

5. THE HEAVENLY CALLING. HEB 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

6. THE HOLINESS OF GOD. HEB 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

7. THE GLORY OF GOD. 1PE 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

ONE

1. ONE GOD.

Deut 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Zech 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
1 Cor 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Eph 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
I Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

2. ONE SIN.

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

3. ONE SAVIOUR.

Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

4. ONE SACRIFICE.

Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 14 for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

5. ONE SPIRIT.

1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.


6. ONE MIND.

Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 4:32 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.
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
I Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

7. ONE SCRIPTURE.

Matt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.