SEVEN ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

2 Timothy 2

1. A Son - In Affection
2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.(

2. A Steward - In Faithfulness
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3. A Soldier - In Endurance
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4. A Wrestler (Vs. 5) - In Skill
2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

5. A Workman - In Diligence
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

6. A Vessel - In Fitness
2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

7. A Servant - In Obedience
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor

Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor
1 Timothy 4

1. Warns of error (1-5) vs.6 “Put in remembrance. . .”
draw line btwn truth & error
warn wicked
NOT embrace error

2. Expert student of Scriptures (6) “Nourished up. . .”
Too many with minimal understanding
A continuing process
1 P 2.2 // 2 Ti. 2.15 // Eph 6.17 // Col. 3.16 // 2 Ti 3.16-17

3. Avoid unholy teaching (7) “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables” (myths)
Guard your mind
1 Ti 1.4 Be careful about reading material
A man went to a liberal seminary to be a minister & came out a bartender

4. Disciplined in personal godliness (7) Exercise thyself rather. . .”
Exercise = Gumnazo = Gymnasium
Takes rigorous self-sacrificing work
Don’t neglect body - don’t be preoccupied with it either

5. Committed to hard work (10) “We both labor and suffer reproach”
The earthy tasks
2 Cor. 5.9 = 2 reasons to labor

6. Teaches with authority (11) “These things command and teach”
Not to entertain
Implies boldness to challenge sin headon

7. Model of spiritual virtue (12) “Be thou an example. . .”
You can pattern your life after a godly man
He 13.7 “Whose faith follow”

8. Thoroughly biblical ministry (13) “Give attendance to . . .”
Scripture + Application + Teaching

9. Fulfill his calling (14) “Neglect not the gift. . .”
A divine enabling

10. Absorbed in his work (15) “Give thyself wholly to them”
Not double-minded

11. Progressing in spiritual growth (16) “That thy profiting may appear to all”
An advancing force

Summary = Verse 16
2 Things -- TAKE HEED
1 - Your Self - Conduct
2 - The Doctrine - Teaching

Thanksgiving at Three Taverns

Acts 28:1-15 (text v. 15)
Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Paul, as prisoner, is on his journey toward Rome. It was a rough trip:
He was shipwrecked (27:41-44)
He was cold and wet (28:2)
He was bitten by a poisonous snake (28:3)
He was accused of being a murderer and then a god (28:4-6)
He had no Christian fellowship for at least three months (28:11-14)
On Paul's approach to Rome, a "welcoming committee" of Roman Christians came out to greet and encourage him. They met up with Paul at Appii forum (about 43 miles south of Rome). An¬other group of brethren from Rome met Paul at a place called "Three Taverns" (about ten miles closer to Rome). Some Christians will travel longer distances than others to be a blessing to another saint
When Paul saw these brethren, he THANKED GOD. There’s nothing like the sight of a Christian friend when you are facing a trial.
There have been times when I’ve come to church a bit discouraged. But when I see a certain believer come through those back doors, gives me cause to THANK GOD! And when I thank God, I’m no longer discouraged!

I. The VISION of thanksgiving (“…whom when Paul SAW…”). Paul saw something to be thankful for.

A. We need to open our eyes to the blessings of the Lord.
1. Sight of these brethren reminded Paul of God Paul recognized God in his circumstances (2 Tim. 3:11).
2. Paul was thankful for brethren who cared about him.
3. Paul was thankful he was accepted by the Roman saints. Even in chains, the brethren were not ashamed to be asso¬ciated with Paul (cf. v. 20).
4. Paul was thankful he wouldn't have to enter Rome by himself. He was thankful for someone to stand by him.
B. Two responses to trials
1. You can look at what you've lost and be hateful, or
2. You can look at what you have left and be grateful. “People who are not grateful for what they have, would not enjoy the things they wish they had.”
3. Joseph was a great example of choos¬ing to be grateful instead of hateful in the face of betrayal. See: Gen 50:15-21; Job 1:20-21; 2 Cor 4:8-9.

"Count your blessings!" However, we must to recognize them first!
A man who owned a small estate wished to sell it. Sending for a real estate agent, he asked him to write an advertisement describ¬ing the house and land. When the ad was ready, the agent took it to the owner and read it to him. "Read that again," said the owner. The agent read the description of the estate once more. "I don't think I will sell after all," said the owner. "I have been looking for an estate like that all my life, and I did not know that I owned it!"
Count your blessings. Start by asking God to open your eyes to all the little things your enjoy almost everyday. Write them down. That will change your entire perspective and enable you to praise God for what you have.

II. The VOICE of thanksgiving (“…he THANKED God…”).

Every blessing that we receive is from the Lord's hand (James 1:17). Whether it be some brethren who encourage us or God's provision and protection for us,

A. VERBALIZE your gratitude. Put your thanksgiving into words (Ps. 26:7; Jonah 2:9).
B. Not enough to thank God for someone. We should thank them personally and tell them why we’re thankful.

III. The VICTORY of thanksgiving (“…and took courage”).

A. Choice of thanksgiving.
1. Instead of complaining about his stresses, pressures and persecutions, Paul gives thanks.
2. Instead of bemoaning his imprisonment, he thanks God for friends who come to support him.
B. Courage of thanksgiving. Being thankful, renewed Paul's strength and helped him to be courageous as he faced his imprison¬ment in Rome.
1. Gratitude produces fortitude! There is something invigorating about thanks¬giving that instills within us a confidence to face the trials of life.
2. Depression and thanksgiving cannot co-exist.
3. Unthankful people are discouraged people. As a person looks at God’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage.

Let’s THANK GOD & TAKE COURAGE!

Thanksgiving

"Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.
Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

William Bradford, Governor of Massachusetts

THANK THE LORD

I Thess. 5:12 - 24 (v.18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Intro: A man decided to write a note of gratitude to his high school literature teacher. She wrote back, “ Dear William, in 50 years of teaching, your note of thanks is the only one I ever received.”

THANK GOD FOR:

1. HIS PRESENCE AND PEACE. (V.13)

- “Lo, I am with you alway.” (Matt. 28:20)
- Three Hebrew Children “
- Rom. 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith..”
- Jn. 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you”

2. THE PLEAS AND PROMISES OF THE BIBLE.

“We beseech you..” v.12 “ We exhort you..” v.14
Matt. 11:28 “Come.......Rest”
Jer. 33:3 “Call.. I will answer thee.”
Mal. 3:10 “Bring.... I will open the windows”
Luke 6:37 “Give... and it shall be given”
Isa. 1:18 “ Come....Shall be white as snow”

3. THE PRIVELEDGE OF PRAYER. (V.17)
“Pray without ceasing” (v. 17)

4. THE POTENTIAL AND POWER. (V.19)
“ Quench not the Spirit”

5. THE PLAIN PREACHING. (V. 20)
“Despise not prophesying”

6. THE PROVISION AND PLENTY. (V.21)
“Prove all things”

7. THE PROBLEMS AND PRESSURES. (V. 18)
“ In everything give thanks “

BALANCED

EXODUS 39:22 - 26

INTRO: A.A(golden)Bell & A (Blue,Pur.,Scarlet twined lin.)Pomegrante.
B.One is to hear & one to see.
C.Tradition says - High Priest with rope went into holiest.
(Jospehus)

1. BALANCE BETWEEN FAITH & WORKS. (Belief & Behaviour)(heart & Head)
A. One is profession - One is practice.
B. Ja. 2:14 - 18 " If a man say he hath faith..no works !

2. BALANCE BETWEEN HEARING & DOING.
A. Ja.1:22 " Be ye doers of the word & not hearers only"
B. Mt.7:24 " Who-so-ever heareth ...doeth them.

3. BALANCE BETWEEN SECRET LIFE AND PUBLIC LIFE.
A.Duties vs Devotion - Mary vs. Martha.
B.Tip of the Ice Berg 10% - rest 90%.
C."When thou prayest, enter into thy closet." (Mt.6:6)

4. BALANCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE & ZEAL.
A.Rom.10:2 "I bear them record..zeal of God - no knowledge"
B.Fire in fireplace(friend) - fire in field(enemy)
C.Story of runner - no message - slower runner with message.

5. BALANCE BETWEEN WAITING ON LORD & STEPPING BY FAITH.
A.What is faith & what is presumption.
B.How do we know when we are in the flesh - in Spirit ?
C.Isa. 40:31 - I Ki.18:21 "How long halt ye between 2 opinions.

6. BALANCE BETWEEN SOCIAL & SPIRITUAL.
A.Pray all the time.
B.Read all the time.
C.Work all the time.

7. BALANCE BETWEEN SOVERIGNTY OF GOD & RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN.
A.Hypercalvinism vs. Armenianism.

The Touch of Faith

Mark 5:25 – 34

The power of the Lord is seen in three areas in this chapter.
1. Power over Demons. A man is delivered from demons. (1-20)
2. Power over Death. A Child is raised from death. (21-24;34-43)
3. Power over Disease. A Woman is healed of disease. (24-33)

A woman had a long standing disease (v.25); She grew worse under the care of her doctors. (v.26); She touched Jesus from behind. (v.27) She reasoned within herself. (v.28); She was immediately healed. (v.29) Power went out to her from Jesus. (v.30); Jesus inquired, “Who touched me ? (v.30); The disciples excused it and played it down. (v. 31); He looked around. (v.31); The woman confesses. (v.33); He gives a word of assurance to her. (v. 34)

I. A LONG STANDING PROBLEM.

A. This pictures our original sin problem.
B. This suggests also a habit or weakness that is in control.

II. THE MANY DOCTORS.

A. Social programs and secular psychology will not meet the need
B. We need a miracle from the Lord to deliver us.

III. TREMBLING FAITH.

A. Her faith was weak and small but the Lord honored it.
B. As one said, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.

IV. VIRTUE FROM CHRIST.

A. “Virtue” means power. It is from the word “dunimus”
B. The initiative was on her part, the miracle on his.

V. THE TOUCH.

A. Her faith did not work without contact. We must act on faith
B. Faith like Priests putting their feet in the Jordan.
C. Like the man stretching forth his hand.
D. Like the man who took up his bed and walked.

VI. AN OPEN CONFESSION.
Jesus insisted on her coming out into the open to identify with her act of faith. (Rom. 10:9; Matt. 10:32)

VII. HE CALLED HER DAUGHTER.

This speaks of relationship. We become children of God and are called sons. (John 1:12; I Jn. 2:3)

VIII. WONDERFUL PEACE.
A. The Concern for life after death is settled.
B. The days ahead in this life are settled.

Holy Ghost Conviction

OF WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICT THE SINNER?

Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

1 He convicts the sinner of SIN.  

Not simply "of sins", the fruit, but "of sin", the root, and of the paramount sin of unbelief the sin of rejecting Christ, John 16:9. Our consciences, if they are not too seared, 1 Tim. 4:2, will convict us of sins, such as theft, untruthfulness or jealousy, but it is only when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes that we see the enormity of the sin of rejecting the Saviour whom God has provided. The greatest sin anyone can commit, and the one sin by which we are condemned, is the sin of rejecting Christ.
 
2  He convicts the sinner of RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

He convicts of a righteousness which is required, Isa. 64:6 of a righteousness which is provided by God and offered to man in the Person of His Son, 2 Cor. 5:21, and which is receivable by faith, Apart from the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, man has no true conception of his own unrighteousness or of God's righteousness, John 16:10.
 
3  He convicts the sinner of JUDGMENT. 

The Holy Spirit convinces man that Satan, and all who belong to him, are already doomed,  vs 11. What great need there is today for this threefold convicting work of the Holy Spirit! There is no substitute for it. Organization, the personality of the preacher, etc., all fail. Only the Holy Spirit can convince men of their desperate need of the Saviour.

Christ's Work Today

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only tru God, and Jesus Christ, whom thu hast sent.” (John 17:3)

The letters WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) became popular a few years ago. (It may be grounded in the best seller by Charles Shelton, “In His Steps.”) I believe we need to concentrate on what He has done and what He has said in His word instead of trying to use reason and logic as to what He might do.

Lets understand what Jesus is doing today on our behalf and be challenged to accept our responsibilities in light of that work. We Have:

I. A Present Position.

He is our Chief Cornerstone. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”(Eph.2:20)


II. A present Protector.

He is Our Shepherd. “ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (Jn.10:14)


III. A Present Priest.

He Is Our High Priest, making intercession for us. (Heb.9:24) “ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.” (Rom 8:34)


IV. A Present Provider.

He Is The Vine. (Jn.15:1) He wants to live His life through us. We are the branches and he channels His energy through us to bear fruit. “Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He may give it you.” (Jn. 15:16)

NOTICE Three things that are vital to the Christian in this verse.
A. Go - Missions
B. Bring Forth Fruit - Soulwinning
C. Fruit Should Remain - Discipleship

The Lord gave these same instructions to Adam, Noah, & Abraham. Gen. 1:28; 17:6; 35:11; Matt.28:19,20

Let's Go Get Them

I think Bro Tom Wallace wrote this, it was in my "Topic File" and I know he gave me a lot of the things in that file. But when I read it I got convicted and thought I would put it here. Maybe it will help some of you like it has me.


Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples saying,

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'' Matt. 28:19,20.

He also said,

"Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.'' Luke 14:21.

Then He said again,

"Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.'' --Luke 14:23.

Getting people ready for Heaven was His main business; it ought to be ours, also. Many are going out into eternity to meet God every day, most being unprepared. It certainly behooves all Christians to put forth an all-out effort to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We must remember that over 160,000 people die every day, over 68 million every year. Surely the main business is soul winning and aggressive, evangelistic outreach. So "Let's Go Get Them!''

Churches are usually born in time of revival and evangelism when a few who get right with God band together for prayer, Bible preaching and soul-winning efforts. This red-hot evangelism approach usually draws a crowd. Too often when the buildings get full, instead of launching into building programs and solving the space problems, we settle into complacency.

One preacher being urged to participate in an outreach campaign made the statement, "I have more sheep now than I can say grace over.'' It is sad when so many do not care about the burden of carrying the Gospel to needy souls.

I heard about a football game being played on the home field. The home team was being smeared by the visiting squad. Someone on the sidelines kept yelling, "Give the ball to Calhoun! Give the ball to Calhoun!'' They tried another play, and again the home team was smashed to the ground, losing valuable yardage. Again came the cry, "Give the ball to Calhoun!'' After this happened two or three times more, the familiar cry rang out again, "Give the ball to Calhoun!'' A tall man raised up from the pile of human bodies on the field after the next play and responded, "Calhoun don't want the ball!''

I am afraid this is true of many preachers and Christian leaders. They do not want to carry the ball of evangelism. When the church settles down after a work of revival and evangelism, the members slip into a dead, orthodox teaching position and begin to work with the saints, excusing themselves from the Great Commission. They soon drift into liberalism, compromise and softening up on issues.

Modernism is the next step down on the cycle. Logic and reasoning then begin to replace scriptural teaching and doctrinal exhortation. That usually results in the uprise of radical theology. Everyone seems to feel God must have died.

That is followed by riot and revolution. The burning of cities, shooting policemen, smashing store windows, and marching in mobs down the streets usually shakes up the remaining remnant of Christians who go back to the prayer closet and seek God's face for help. That in turn brings back evangelism and revival. We have completed
a cycle and are ready to go again.

The big question now is: shall we work with the saints or continue to carry out the Great Commission and gather up sinners? Dr. Walter Hughes said, "God did not call us to cuddle the saints but to collar sinners.'' Ray Sadler used to say, "Are we to be fishers of men or keepers of the aquarium?''

Dr. Jack Hyles gives a famous illustration about a fire company being organized. He asked the question, "Is the purpose of the fire company to put out fires, or to keep the fire truck shiny and the fireman's uniform neat?'' There is surely a need for both. There must be a balance between reaching souls and caring for the saints, but to forsake one for the other must be displeasing to the Lord.

The question now before us is: Shall we build large, aggressive, soul-winning churches, using buses, Christian day schools, Bible colleges, Internet, radio outreach, TV, printing presses, camps, book stores, newspapers, etc., etc.? Some are saying we should not neglect the members and the saints.

It seems the early church in Jerusalem had that same problem. It cried out that the widows were being neglected in the daily ministration. This problem was solved by the appointing of deacons who cared for those needs, while the men of God continued to carry on a program of aggressive outreach and the Great Commission.

His Presence

1. Above us:

Deut 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

2. Beneath us:

Deut 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

3. Before us:

John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

4. Behind us:

Exo. 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

5. Around us:

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.


6. With us:

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

7. Within us:

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Spiritual Veterans

2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Intro: Today we want to honor and esteem all veterans and especially those veterans who are with us in the worship service today. In doing so, we want to take a look at what is required to become a true veteran of the cross of Christ.

You see before you, this morning, two flags. The American Flag, and the Christian Flag. One represents our country, and the other represents our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. To serve either of these flags (and the kingdoms they represent) faithfully and effectively, one must meet certain requirements. Before one can become a veteran, they must first be a good soldier.

Let us now take a look at what is required to be a good soldier and thus become a true veteran of the Lord.

I. Volunteer.

First of all, to serve either flag one must do so voluntarily.

1. America no longer forces men and women to serve in the military service of their country. They are asked to volunteer to serve.
Recruitment officers are sent out to encourage people to volunteer to serve in the military.

2. God does not force anyone to serve in the service of His Kingdom, but He does plead with us to volunteer and come to salvation through Christ our Lord. He also sends out recruitment officers to urge people to serve in His Army.

2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Christ is pleading today for the sinner to come and serve Him willingly.
The benefits are tremendously great!! They are “Out of this world”.

II. Complete Faith.

A. When you serve this (point to American) flag, you must have faith in the American government that it will supply your every need. Your food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, and even your companions are supplied by your government.

B. When you serve this (point to Christian) flag, you must also have faith in the one who has called you into His service that He will supply your every need. You will not have to worry about your physical needs when you serve Christ.

Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1. Christ will even provide Godly company for you to keep!!

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

C. When it comes to faith, the Lord wants us to be true veterans; “experienced through long service (and) practice.”

III. Complete Commitment.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are expected to be completely committed to your country and to allow nothing to prevent you from performing your duties and serving faithfully.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, you are also expected to be completely committed to Christ and His Kingdom. You are expected to serve Him faithfully, not allowing anything to keep you from doing His will.

Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

C. Commitment requires discipline.

IV. Complete Obedience.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are required to follow orders and are expected to be obedient to the letter.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, Christ expects and requires no less.

Matthew 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

V. Complete Devotion.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are expected to be completely devoted to the country it represents.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, Christ expects you to be completely devoted (consecrated) to Him and His Kingdom.

C. To be a true spiritual veteran, one must be completely devoted to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Con: To become true veterans of the cross, we must first be good soldiers of the cross. May the Lord, this Veteran’s Day, make us all true Spiritual Veterans.

The Balanced Church

Job 31:6 “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.”

Let me begin by saying that I do not believe that there is such a thing as a 'perfect church'. Whenever you have human beings assembled together, you are not going to have perfection. I do believe that some churches are more Scriptural than others. I do believe that some churches are more Biblical and some churches are more balanced than others. It is my desire and my prayer that our church be a balanced church. I would like to look through the word of God and see just how important it is to be balanced and what we need to do to be balanced.

In our text, Job is praying “Let me be weighed in an even balance.” He is admitting the possibility of being unbalanced without God's help. He wants to be balanced and he even goes on to say that an even balance is a sign of integrity. The Lord knows that we need more integrity in this day and age, not only as individuals, but in our churches as well. Biblical balance should be our prayer.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1

From this verse we see that it is possible to be balanced. We can be balanced. God is displeased with anything less. We ought to pray about it and we ought to pursue it, because it is possible for us to be balanced.

I have been in many churches down through the years. I have seen churches of every size and description. I have seen every different kind of personality that a church can have. What saddened me is that of all the churches I visited, I would not have considered joining a large majority of them if I were looking for a church. These churches had neglected some important issues and in some areas they were not as balanced as they should have been.

Let me explain what I am talking about. When you think of a particular church, there are probably one or two things that stand out about that church more than anything else. Some churches are strong in the Word. They have good preaching but maybe they have poor singing. Then you have churches that have good, strong, spiritual singing that lifts up and edifies the believer, but the preaching is pitiful. The preacher just does not know how to deliver the Word with power and authority. Then you have some churches that are focused only on the youth. The elderly people are forgotten and neglected. Then you have churches that have all these ministries for the old people but they tend to forget about the youth. The scenarios are endless. Some churches are very missions minded, but do nothing locally to reach their city for God, and visa versa. I think that you get my point. I believe that there is a balance and it is my desire for this church to be balanced.

There are at least four areas in which we ought to be balanced and I honestly believe that if we can achieve balance in these areas, we will be pleasing to the Lord.

1. A Balanced Message

In Acts 20:26, we will see what Paul said about his ministry. I would like to be able to say the same thing in the future looking back on the ministry here and the time that the Lord has allowed me to serve here:

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.”

2. Balanced Music

Without a doubt, music is a very vital part of the service. I love music. I have loved music ever since I was a boy. I still love it. But guess what? You cannot build a church on music. You can build a big crowd with music, but not a true balanced church. You can get a big following with music, but not a Christ-centered church. The Beetles had a following. Elvis drew a crowd! We are talking about a balanced church here. Being balanced and being popular are two entirely different things. I'd rather be balanced!
It should be scriptural music
It should be spiritual music
It should not be sensual music

3. Balanced Ministry

I want to mention the four-fold ministry of the balanced church. There are many ministries that a church can have, but these four should be a top priority.
Salvation
Sanctification
Separation
Service

4. Balanced Missions

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

I have visited a lot of churches that do a good job (for there size) on the uttermost part of the earth but do very little to reach their Jerusalem. And even less to reach Judaea and in Samaria

The Church

THE GREATEST THING ON EARTH
Eph 3:14-21

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

There has been a serious decline in church attendance in the past few decades and this decline is simply a fulfillment of Scripture. It has been prophesied that in the last days, there would be a falling away and we are in the middle of it.
The form of godliness has permeated the ranks of the professing believers with little or no conviction or holiness of life.

As the manner of some is has become the rule instead of the exception.

a) It Is A Place Of RALLYING. (When you are DOWN.)
b) It Is A Place Of RELYING. (When you are DEVASTATED.)
c) It Is A Place Of RENEWING. (When you are DEFILED.)
d) It Is A Place Of REVIVAL. (When you are DEFEATED.)

The Church in PURPOSE--in eternity --Mystery Hidden Eph. 3:5 ages past
The Church in PREVIEW--the Gospels
The Church in PRACTICE--The Acts
The Church in PATTERN--1 Cor.-1 Tim
The Church in PROPHECY--Rev 2:--3:

OT saints were saved but not members of THE Church.

1-In the GARDEN He dwelled NEAR man!
*(Adam & Eve) They didn't know where He was, just that He was near

2-In the TABERNACLE He dwelled ABOVE man!
*Shekinah Glory =Cloud by Day & Fire by Night

3-In the MANGER He dwelled WITH man!
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

4-In the CHURCH AGE the dwells IN man! I Corinthians 3:16-17 & 6:19-20

Nothing can replace the Local New Testament Church; but the church is not the building, it is the believers that make it up!

EBENEZER

1 Sam. 7:1-13

When you hear the name Ebenezer, what do you think of? Ebenezer Scrooge, of course, the greedy, mean, miserly villain of Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol.
The name Ebenezar is also part of a lyric in the second stanza of the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount”
Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I’ve come;
And I trust by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.

Some modern hymnbooks omit that verse from the song because too many Christians are clueless to what “Ebenezer” is a reference to.

In the Bible, Ebenezer is not a person but a place; not a miser but a marker; not a verse but a victory; not a song but a stone—a stone that marked victory and revival. 1 Sam. 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

It was a traumatic time in Hebrew history. In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was beaten—beaten badly by the Philistines. Thousands of Israelites lay dead on the battlefield at “Ebenezer” (4:1-2). The Philistines stole the most sacred object that the Israelites possessed, the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark finally wound up in Kiriath-Jearim where it remained for 20 years (7:2).

During that 20 years the people began to examine themselves. Defeat should lead to self-examination. This marked the first step in revival. God stands ready to help when we meet His conditions.

1. Contrition—“…Israel lamented after the LORD” (v. 2).

2. Confession—“We have sinned against the LORD” (v. 6).

3. Conversion—“Return unto the LORD...put away the strange gods…” (v. 3) Samuel insisted they needed to do more than have good intentions.

4. Consecration—“Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only…” (v. 3)

5. Compliance—“Then the children of Israel DID put away Baalim…”

Samuel called them all together at Mizpah (v. 6): They drew water and poured it out. It was an expression of pouring out their hearts to God in prayer (v. 6; Job 3:24; Ps. 42:4; 62:8; Isa. 26:16; Lam. 2:19).

THE THREE B's.

I. Bag.

Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.

When reading this verse there came into mind a practice at sea-side towns of putting dogs and cats that have been condemned, into a bag, with weights, tied, and then cast into the river or sea. This the Lord does, in figure, with sins.

II. Book.

Psalms 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Philippians 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.

What a great privilege to have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.


III. Bottle.

Psalms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

It was an Egyptian custom at funerals, for mourners to have handed to them a sponge or cloth to wipe their tears, which were wrung out into a tear bottle, and this was placed in the tomb. God takes notice of all our tears.

How to Have a Quiet Time

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

First of all, there is no "right way" to have a "quiet time." Personally, I am not even partial to the name "quite time" as it suggests something that isn't really necessary. Here's the thing, though - you are in a relationship with Christ and unless you spend time with Him, that relationship will suffer. As you can see in the above Scripture, apart from Him (Jesus), you can do NOTHING. It is imperative that you spend time with God through Jesus, daily.

A great way to have a simple and fruitful time with the Lord is this simple acronymn, S.O.A.P. Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. These 4 elements will insure that you're in God's Word, that you're talking and listening to Him, and that you're also applying what you learn to your life. Let's break it down;

S - Scripture. It all starts here...read God's word. Read a passage multiple times. Read it in it's fuller context...and always, let Scripture interpret Scripture.

O - Observation. What did you just read? Who was it written to? Why? What is going on in the story or passage? Is there a principle in this passage that you can learn from?

A - Application. Now it gets personal; what is God saying to YOU through this passage of Scripture? Is there something in your life that you need to change after reading this?

P - Prayer. Put simply, prayer is talking to God. A simple "form" of praying is A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).

Is that it? Maybe - a great tool for having effective "quiet time" is to journal. Not all of us are "journalers," but all of us can at least write down one or two sentences on what God is speaking to you at that moment.

Remember that the key to any relationship is commiting to spend time with that person and investing in the relationship. Have you had your quiet time today?

Persecution Caused:

Act 4:24-35

1. The persecution caused prayerfulness – vs. 24 “lifted up their voice to God”

2. The persecution caused unity – vs. 24, 32 “one accord”

3. The persecution caused worship – vs. 24 “Lord, thou art God”

4. The persecution caused a shaking – vs. 31 “the place was shaken”

5. The persecution caused an assembling – vs. 31 “where they were assembled together”

6. The persecution caused a filling of the Spirit – vs. 31 “all filled with the Holy Ghost"

7. The persecution caused a bold witness – vs. 31 “they spake the word of God with boldness.”

8. The persecution caused powerful preaching – vs. 33 “with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus”

9. The persecution caused great grace to be manifested – vs. 33 “great grace” (not just grace)

10. The persecution produced love – vs. 34-35 “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER.

Romans 8.


1. Liberates The Soul. Vs. 2.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

2. Indwells The Body. Vs. 9.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

3. Quickens The Believer. Vs. 11.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

4. Leads The Believer. Vs. 14.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

5. Witnesses With Our Spirit. Vs. 16.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

6. Helps Us In Prayer. Vs. 26.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.


7. Intercedes With The Father. Vs. 27.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Love Is...

1. Love Is Commanded

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (This means that it is not left up to our wants or desires.)

2. Love Is A Debt To Be Paid

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (We owe one another love.)

3. Love Is Scriptural Evidence Of Salvation

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.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

4. Love Is A Sign Of Spiritual Maturity

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (Mature people who are married love in spite of fault and failure.)

5. We Are Taught To Love

a) Through Scripture - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
b) Through The Indwelling Holy Ghost - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.