The Word of God to Equip

They Equip Us For The Fight - Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

When Paul described the armor of the believer, he only mentioned one offensive weapon: The sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God. The word sword comes from the Greek word “rhema”. It refers to what was called the “Roman short sword”. It was much like a dagger. This short sword was on the belt of every Roman Legionnaire. They carried wherever they went and used it in many tasks from preparing their food to hand to hand combat.

It is interesting that Paul should use this word for the Bible. In some other places, the word “logos” is used. The word “logos” refers to “the whole Word of God”. It is the same word used in John 1:1, where Jesus is called the Word of God. The word “rhema” refers to a “specific word”.

Think of it like this, the “logos” or the whole Bible brings to mind the idea of a complete armory. In that armory, there are weapons of every description. When a battle arises, we should be able to walk into that armory and select the perfect “rhema” or specific sword we need to fight that particular battle.

This is just what Jesus did on the Mount of Temptation, Matt. 4:1-11. Three times Jesus was tempted and three times Jesus walked into the great armory of the Word of God, entered the Deuteronomy room and walked out with the perfect sword with which He could stick the devil! (Ill. “It is written”, Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.)

Of course, before you can do this, you must be familiar with where the right swords are located within the armory! This means that you need to study the armory and familiarize yourself with placement of all the swords. Then when temptations and trials come, you can walk into the armory and find the perfect weapon for the day of your battle!

By the way, when you try to fight the battles of life and the enemy of life in your own strength, you will fail, 1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.. But, when you fight the battles of life with the Sword of the Spirit, you are assured of victory, Matt. 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him!

Learn the layout of the armory; it will enable you to fight far more efficiently!

Help! I Need An Attorney

Ps. 119:153-160 (Doctrinally, Jews in the tribulation)
Four things about the Psalmist:
1. His Affliction (v. 153). He prays for God to consider his problem
2. His Advocate (v. 154). He wants God to be his Attorney.
3. His Assailants (vs. 157-158). He has many enemies.
4. His Affirmation (vs. 159-160).

Situations arise that are beyond our control. We may need a lawyer.

You have been accused in the court of heaven (Rev. 12:10 cf. Job 1-2).
Christians have an Advocate! “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus is my “Counsellor” (Isa. 9:6)!
James says, “Is there any afflicted? Let him pray…” (cf. v. 153).

I. A Case to Ponder—“Consider…” — Weigh the evidence. Do I have a case? "If you will consider my case, I believe you will come to my aid."

A. Consider my AFFLICTION (v. 153).
1. Appeal to God’s pity. God was sympathetic to Israel when He considered their affliction in Egypt—“I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and I know their sorrows” (Ex. 3:7). “In all his people’s afflictions he is afflicted” (Isa. 63:9).
2. Appeal to God’s power—“Deliver me…”
3. Appeal to God’s promise— “according to thy word”
B. Consider my AFFECTION for Your Word (vs. 153b, 159a). He affirms of the truth and tenure of God’s Word (v. 159)!
v. 153,“I do not forget thy law” — I consider God’s Word
v. 157, “…yet do I not decline from thy testimonies” — I continue in God’s Word
v. 159, “I love thy precepts” — I cherish God’s Word.
1. Cooperation with an attorney is essential to winning a case.
2. “If I did not love Your Word, my plea for deliverance would be meaningless.”
3. Our prayer is in¬separably linked to our attitude towards the Bible— “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (Prov. 28:9).
4. Can I honestly, with confidence, ask God to consider how much I love the Bible? He loved God’s Word so much it grieved him when others did not keep it (v. 158). Grief is an outgrowth of love.

II. A Cry of Petition—

A. Cry for Rescue— “deliver me” (vs. 153, 154).
1. Persecutors (v. 157). 80 times he mentions persecution in this Psalm.
2. Enemies (v. 157).
3. Transgressors (v. 158). Difference between a friend and foe:
a. Friends do not decline from God’s Word (v. 157).
b. Foes reject God’s Word (v. 158).
c. The measure of one's distance from God is determined by one's relationship to God's Word. To be near one is to be near the other.
B. Cry for Revival— “quicken me” (vs. 154, 156, 159)—He is numb from being hurt. Needs a new infusion of abundant life. Occurs 11 times in Psalm 119. Cannot be asked too many times.
1. According to God’s Word (v. 154). God’s Word is alive.
2. According to God’s judgments (v. 156). A matter of God’s conditions. What does it mean to be infused with life? It means to be able to live life to it’s fullest extent. This requires the removal of things that God judges to hinder this kind of living.
3. According to God’s lovingkindness (v. 159). A matter of grace. We don’t deserve revival.

III. A Cause to Plead— “Plead my cause…” (v. 154 cf. Ps. 35:1; 43:1). Isaiah prayed, “O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me” (Isa. 38:14).“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted…” (Ps. 140:12).

A. Do we have a cause worth pleading?
B. Lord, I’m trying to win souls…
C. Lord, I’m trying to raise a Godly family…
D. Lord, I’m trying to practice good stewardship…
E. Lord, I’m trying to get a building built for Your work…
F. Lord, I’m trying to train Christian workers…
G. Lord, I’m trying to maintain a good Christian testimony where I work (go to school)…

Doctrines

Someone ask if I would post this list. I hope it helps. Let me know if you can think of another doctrine I have left out

DEFINITIONS OF DOCTRINES

1. ANGELOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT ANGELS

2. ANTHROPOLOGY -- STUDIES ABOUT MAN

3. BIBLIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT THE BIBLE

4. CHRISTOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT CHRIST

5. COSMOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF THE UNIVERSE

6. DEMONOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

7. DEONTOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF MORALS

8. ECCLESIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT THE CHURCH

9. EPISTEMOLOGY -- THEORIES OF KNOWLEDGE

10. ESCHATOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF THE END TIMES

11. ETIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF ORIGINS

12. ETYMOLOGY -- STUDIES OF WORD MEANINGS

13. HAMARTIALOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT SIN

14. LEXICOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF WORD USAGE

15. ONTOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT REALITY

16. PHILOSOPHY -- STUDIES OF THOUGHT AND BEHAVIOR

17. PNEUMATOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

18. PSYCHIATRY -- STUDIES OF MENTAL DISORDERS

19. PSYCHOLOGY -- STUDIES OF MENTAL PROCESSES

20. SATANOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT SATAN

21. SOCIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF HUMAN ASSOCIATIONS

22. SOTERIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES CONCERNING SALVATION

23. TELEOLOGY -- THEORIES OF FINAL RESULTS

24. THEOLOGY -- DOCTRINES CONCERNING GOD

25. TYPOLOGY -- STUDIES OF TYPES, THEMES, SYMBOLS, AND METAPHORS

Dealing with Defeat

Joshua 7

I. The Consequences of Defeat – vs. 4,5

A. They Fled – running is the opposite of standing or fighting
B. They Feared – if you're afraid, you're defeated
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
C. They Fell – falling is a picture of being overcome with evil

II. The Concern of Defeat – vs. 6

A. A Time of Remorse – rent clothes; dust on their head
B. A Time of Reflection – and fell upon his face until eventide
C. A Time of Reproach – vs. 8
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.


III. The Cause of Defeat

A. The Lacking – vs. 1-3
1. They lacked communication – God was angry but they didn't know it!
2. They lacked cooperation – let not all the people go up (vs. 3) No unity
3. They lacked caution – for they are but few; depended on their own strength
B. The Looking – vs. 21 when I saw
Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: C. The Lusting – then I coveted them
D. The Looting – and took them
E. The Lying – and they are hid

IV. The Cure of Defeat

A. A Sanctifying – vs. 13 ...Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow
B. A Separating – vs. 13 ...until ye take away the accursed thing from among you
C. A Severity - do not make excuses or be soft when it comes do dealing with sin
Note: They destroyed everything that was even remotely affiliated with Achan (all that he had)
D. A Sign – a great heap of stones unto this day (remember what happened!)


Conclusion: God doesn't want us to be defeated. When we are defeated, it's ALWAYS our fault. God is faithful and He is an ever present help in time of trouble. But you reap what you sow

Jesus Changes Towns

JESUS CHANGED A TOWN WITH INDIVIDUALS -

John 4:39-42 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
This truth remains, when people are changed . . . towns, cities and society is changed!

A. Jesus Changed the Town through the Testimony of this Woman

1. The woman, who had been changed, brought to this town of Sychar an incredible change. She "testified" of the good news to her friends and family.
2. This five-time loser at the marriage altar, who was living with another man, was running up and down the streets urging people to come and hear the prophet who knew everything" (Vs. 28-30).
3. They observed the change conduct in her.
a. Arguing and nagging won't effect them, but changed behaviour will.
b. Has your family, you neighbour, your town experience change because of the change that has been made in you by Jesus?
c. If you are Christian have you shared your good news about Jesus with anyone?

B. Jesus Changed the Town with His Caring Words - Vs.40-41

1. When the people of Sychar heard Jesus they asked Him to stay. He was willing to alter His schedule to stay with them for two days.
2. Our agenda is not as important as God's agenda! We must stop and take the time to introduce people to the caring words of Jesus.

C. Jesus Changed the Town by the People Believing in Him - Vs.42

1. They experienced Jesus firsthand, and now their testimony and witness was from personal experience.
2. A town can be changed when people are so excited about Jesus that they tell others what a difference He made in their lives. Ireland is changing whether or not we like it. What kind of country do you want?

CONCLUSION:
Either we are "agents of change" or are we people who need to be changed? Which are you?
The scriptures speak so much to us today.
… We can change people through our witness of Jesus.
… We can be changed to view people differently.
… We can change our neighbourhood, our town and our country because of the difference Jesus makes.
Has Jesus Changed Us?

Paul Deals With Issues

1 Cor 1-5

1. The first issue was that of deception in the church

a. Paul warned them against substituting the so-called “wisdom of this world” for the “wisdom of God.”
1)Minimizing the need for the preaching of the cross – substituting a more “agreeable” message, a less offensive message, than that of a crucified Savior who shed his blood for the payment of our sins.
2)Minimizing the need for the power of God - relying instead on “enticing words” – something that has a more popular appeal than the plain preaching of the Bible.
b. Any time we substitute the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God, the result will be deception in the church.

2. The second issue was that of division in the church.

a. The Corinthian church was divided over personalities.
b. They acted as if the church was built on men rather than on God.
c. Paul had to remind them that there is just one foun-dation on which the church is built – Jesus Christ.
1)There is just one Savior of all men – the Lord Jesus
2)There is just one Judge of all men – the Lord Jesus
3)Christians are not going to be judged based upon their popularity or their talents or their influence in the church, but on their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
4)We are not to be followers of men, but followers of Christ.

3.The third issue is that of defilement in the church.

I want to remind you that Corinthians is a call to live like Je-sus in a non-Christian culture. That is one of the dominant themes of epistle. We are called to be saints – a distinctly Christian people in a defiantly un-Christian culture. While we must live in this world – and Paul makes that point in 5:9-10 – we must not live like the world. My friends, the call to follow Jesus Christ is a call to break ranks with this world and walk in step with the plans and purposes of God. It is a call to live by His grace and for His glory – and the Corinthian believers had erred in both of these.
1. One member was living in open, shocking sin – trampling the grace of God under his feet, acting as if grace means that sin doesn’t matter.
2. The other members, by their tolerance and acceptance of this man’s sin, were dishonoring and disgracing the glory of our holy Heavenly Father.
In a nutshell, that is why we must strive to live holy lives. De-filement in the church gives the world a distorted view of both God’s grace and God’s glory.

Church Growth Principles

1. Prayer or Spiritual Warfare

Prayer is indispensable to church growth. The principle of unified prayer, or prayer with one mind and purpose, is a thread that runs throughout Acts. Luke's initial description of the 120 shows that they followed Christ's command to wait for the Holy Spirit by obediently praying as a group Ac 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. See also Acts 4:18 (Sanhedrin); Acts 12:5 (Herod); Acts 11:11 (Peter's rescue).

2. A clear and unique vision

Pro 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish". Vision is God's plan of what he wants to accomplish in and through our lives and the lives of our churches. Several churches have vision statements they never use. What God blesses with success in one place is not necessarily His plan for any other. Every growing church has a sense of unique vision and purpose - a clear sense of direction. The church’s pastor and the members share a common vision for what God wants that church to accomplish. In most cases, the church’s pastor and the people can clearly describe and articulate their vision. This gives the people a sense of direction. They are moving toward an objective. They are not merely existing.

3. Leadership

A vigorous growing church is catalyzed by dynamic leadership that draws the entire church into action. For the church’s pastor to function as a good leader, he must have certain specific character qualities and carry out certain specific leadership responsibilities. The pastor must truly desire growth for the church and must be willing to pay the price in hard work. The leadership must lead the work to organize the mission, set goals, develop plans, and mobilize the people to accomplishment. He must be creative, innovative, and assertive with regard to the vision and mission God has for His work.

4. The recognition and importance of the members

The people of the work must be equipped to discover and use their gifts. They must be ready to assume new responsibilities and willingly hand over various leadership positions to other new people as the church continues to grow or expand.

5. Strategic Planning

The idea is to develop ongoing strategies that will help achieve the mission of the church. These should move the church toward realizing the accomplishment of its vision. With specific instructions from the Saviour, the apostles established a strategy to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Nehemiah positioned his people in areas of interests. Paul went to the synagogue and then the agora which was both a market place and centre of public life (Acts 7:17). A good church website can help your church to grow. Unfortunately there is an on-going war in this technological age: Technophilia vs. Technophobia. Several church leaders are yet to realize potential of a website for church growth. Yet a church website, specifically designed to reach outsiders, integrated with other appropriate outreach strategies, could be a major key to drawing non-Christians to your church.

6. Sunday School Classes

This could be stated as the principle of assimilation. Perhaps the most important aspect of this principle is that the church must be structured in a way that develops an organizational base for growth. The larger the base, the greater the possibilities for growth. Sunday school classes provide a critical function that facilitates a church's growth along with, Youth Groups, Ministries (Men, Women, Youth, Children) etc.

7. Indigenization

Paul and Barnabas left the indigenous churches with leadership that would provide the direction after the apostles departed. Though the forms of church government vary in the New Testament, they appointed elders to continue their leadership roles. The elders were within the church ("in every church" Acts 14:23) completing the indigenization process.

8. Open Gospel

In the early church, some regarded Christians as Jews who have received Jesus as the promised Saviour. Consequently, any Gentile desiring to become a Christian must first become a Jew. This 'closed' gospel was a major concern for Christians like Paul. The Jerusalem Council became a pivotal point in the history of the early church. Neither circumcision nor adaptation to the Jewish community would be a requisite. Christians today should discover the same attitude to the unbelieving world. Is the gospel open today, or does it carry the baggage of cultural expectations, idolatry of tradition etc? One should not necessarily become a member of your tribe before he is a Christian.

9. Follow-Up

The mission of the church is to win souls. Therefore, evangelism is not treated as a single principle since that is the primary mission of the church. The related concept of 'follow" is crucial for young Christians. According to Acts 15:36, And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. Follow-up could be regarded as a motherly instinct. It is a deliberate focus on young and new believers for the purpose of spiritual guidance and counseling.

10. Discipleship

According to John Wesley, leading souls to Christ without a discipleship program is to beget sons for the devil. Church growth is enhanced when each member becomes a part of the body (Eph. 4:16; Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor.12:12-22) and is endangered when they do not identify with the body. What we have learned must be committed to the faithful to teach others also 2 Tim 2:2. The importance of Bible Study, Sunday School Classes etc. cannot be overemphasized.

11. Sovereignty (Supreme Authority of God)

Despite the abundance of conflicts and setbacks in the early church, Luke communicates clearly that God is the final authority. Acts, in one perspective, is a narrative of the sovereign work of God in the midst of external and internal forces that would thwart any 'normal' movement. Though we are the vehicles to communicate the Gospel, our strength and power come from God. He gives the increase after the 'planting' and 'watering', He makes everything beautiful, not in our, but in His time. One sows, another waters but God gives the increase. The clay does not question the Potter's intent.

From Thinking To Knowing

II Kings 5:11,15
2Ki 5:11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
2Ki 5:15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

I. A GREAT MAN - NAAMAN WAS A Prestigious PERSON

Here we have as the star of our story- the big dipper himself, Naaman by name.
A. virtuous citizen. (v.1)
He was a WELL KNOWN Syrian citizen. He was the Norman Schwarzkopf of his day. He had the prestige and prominence that went with such a powerful position.
Power personified, a prime candidate to be featured on "Lifestyles Of the Rich And Famous."
He was the king's right hand man. Vs 1b
B. victorious captain. For "by him the LORD had given deliverance" (v.1C)
Josephus and the Jews think that Naaman was the man who, in a recent war between Syria and Egypt, had loosed off his bow at a venture and killed Ahab, bringing deliverance to Syria and victory to his countrymen. Many medals were on his mantle.
C. valiant commander. "He was a mighty man in valor." (v.1d)
He was known for his courage and his bravery under fire. He had not earned his spur sitting in some desk pushing pencils, but out in front with his men fighting on the frontlines. He had all of the awards, the accolades, the applause, the approval that his king and his country could give to him. He was a man that every mother would want their daughter

II. A GRIEVOUS MALADY - NAAMAN HAD A Painful Problem

The world today loves FAME ! Naaman had it. The world today loves A FORTUNE ! Naaman had it. BUT-that’s not all he had…..!
His royal position- His ruined condition
A. A Captain - He was a Leader among the people of Syria.
B. A Conqueror - He was a Lifter of the people of Syria.
C. A Castaway - He was a Leper, separated from the people.
" the saddest slave in Syria would not change skins with him."
Leprosy was A pitiful sight & A picture of sin!
Naaman's problem was not just his leprous skin. It was his lost soul.
Naaman was not just sick, he was sinful.
Sin is not just a series of CRIMES; sin is a serious CONDITION. We are not sinners because we sin- we sin because we are sinners!
The Bible never speaks of leprosy being cured or healed. It is always cleansed. Because leprosy is the biblical picture of sin. We are never cured of sin, or healed of sin, we are cleansed of sin.
If you LEAVE LEPROSY alone…………you will die. Same for sin- Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Any garment that was found defiled with leprosy was burned. Leprosy destines things for the fire. There is only one place for sin, and that is in the fires of God’s judgment.
He had tried every ointment, every salve, every medicine, every doctor, every hospital, every cure, every remedy, but to no avail.
Then a little slave girl, a foreigner, suggests to his wife that he go to a foreign land to a prophet he had never seen, to receive a cure he was not even sure was there. (vv.2-3) What a picture of all Christians. We have with us the message of life and liberty and cleansing and forgiveness but do the powers that be pay any mind?
No. They are too busy exploring space and building faster airplanes and pumping more and more money into education.

III. A GRAVE MISCONCEPTIONS - NAAMAN MADE A Perilous Presumption

Naaman had come to the end of his rope. He had tried everything else. So he goes in to his master, the king of Syria, and tells him of his problem. (v.4)
In return he receives two things: the king's ransom, and the king's recommendation (vv. 5-6)
(A) THE WRONG PRICE
It was an impressive trove of treasure which Naaman loaded into his caravan. ( 5:5) You see Naaman though that he could PAY for salvation !
Salvation was purchased with the most precious substance in the universe .... the blood of God's Son and it is" without money and without price." ( Isa 55:1) Do you think that you can buy your way into Heaven ? (a)
He thought salvation was for sale, so he took the king's ransom to buy his cure.
God is not for sale. Listen, you not only cannot buy God, God has already bought you. The Bible says, "You have been bought with a price." (I Cor. 6:20)
The richest person in all of the world does not have enough money to buy one square foot of heaven. You cannot buy what is not for sale.
(b) THE WRONG PERSON
He went to Jehoram the King of Israel ! Naaman is knocking on the Wrong Door ! Governments cannot solve the problems of the world, only God can. Many today are knocking at the wrong door for salvation! Education and legislation are not the answer for the problems of men; the answer is in a transformation by the Gospel of Christ!

Some knock at the door of a Priest ! Somehow they feel that if go regularly to a man and confess their sin they'll receive absolution. But the Bible says, " There is one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus." ( 1 Tim 2:5).... there is ONE DOOR where you can find cleansing from the leprosy of sin and that door is the Lord Jesus for He Himself said, " I am the door by me .... saved." ( Jn 10:9)
Salvation, the Bible way is not in:
o Pope, preacher, or people (It's the Person of Christ.)
o Water, wafer or works (It's the Word)
o Church, catechism, or Charisma (It's Christ)
o Holy water, holy cow, or holy laughter.-It's the Holy Ghost!
You say preacher but I’ve been baptized. Did that not save me?
You can be Baptized, Catechized, Civilized, Homogenized, Pasteurized, Sanitized, Americanized, Deodorized, Eulogized, Canonized Glamorized, Hypnotized, Customized, Naturalized, & Modernized
But you will never be saved until you are Evangelized -SAVED BY THE GRACE OF God!!!
(v.7-8) All the king's horses and all the king's men could not put poor Naaman back together again. You cannot buy God with money, and you cannot bribe God with morality. Neither your gold nor your goodness is going to get you anywhere with God.

IV. A GODLY MAN - NAAMAN MET A Powerful Prophet

VS.8 The real hero of the story now comes I, a prophet by the name of Elisha. He was exactly what Naaman needed.
A. He Was A Man Of God
Naaman did not just need a man to do God's work. He needed a man to preach God's word. He didn't just need a man to call on God. He needed a man who was called by God.
1.) He was a faithful man.
Most preachers in Elisha's situation would have said, "Let the king handle that problem, that's what we are paying him for." But not Elisha. He sends word to the king and says, "What Naaman needs is not a politician. What he needs is a prophet and a preacher. Tell him to come to me."
2.) He was fearless.
Naaman rides up to this little prophet's single wide on his beautiful white stallion, surrounded by his soldiers, his medals are gleaming in the sun. -Elisha won't even come out and talk to him. Elisha feared no one but God.
Naaman wanted to be heard. He wanted to be honored, but he needed to be healed. This man of God paid no attention to his position, his power, his prestige, his possessions. Naaman came as a general who happened to be a leper, but he was treated like a leper who happened to be a general. It takes a man of God to confront a man without God about his need for God.
3.) He was also forthright.
He did not tell Naaman what he wanted to hear, but he told him what he needed to hear. He said, "Naaman, I don't care about your reputation. I don't care about your recommendation. You are sick, you are sinful, you need to be healed, and you need to be saved."
B. He Had A Message From God (v.10)
Elisha's message is simple and straight forward. We have a message today that is simple and straight forward--"Jesus Saves!" Now you would think such a simple, sweet, straight forward message would be well received. But notice Naaman's reaction. (v.11)
Naaman had a choice. He could either die in his pride, or he could die to his pride.
The only thing that keeps a person from walking down the aisle of a church is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from getting into a baptistry is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from getting involved in Bible Study is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from selling out to the church is pride.

V. A GLORIOUS MIRACLE - NAAMAN WENT THROUGH A Purifying Process

A. His humiliation
Proud Naaman humbled himself.
1. He submitted to the servants
2. He submitted to the stream
3. He submitted to the saying "according to the saying of the man of God." Before Namman could be cleansed, he must submit to the Word of God.
Hope For Healing Begins With Hearing
Faith is to believe the Word of the Lord , to do it God’s way and not our own.
B. His transformation
Naaman obeyed, and as he result, he was healed. " a little child." He was BORN AGAIN.

VI. A GREAT metamorphosis - NAAMAN WAS A PUBLIC PROFESSION

Naaman was a different man inside as well as the outside.
A. He returned…He didn’t return to the bartender or the drug pusher!
Acts 4:23 – "And being let go, they went to THEIR OWN company…"
B. He recruited. He got all his men involved. There before all of his soldiers, before all of the world, he professes his faith in God.
C. He remunerated (vs. 15-17).
D. He renounced (v. 17).
" I thought," has given way to " I know." Naaman made a great discovery, the supreme discovery for any soul. What a contrast there is between Naamans first appearance at Elisha's door and his second !

Conclusion: I want you to notice a verse in the NT.
Luke 4:27 — And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
There were MANY lepers in the days of Elisha. Why was Naaman the only one healed?
Will you come to Calvary, to the place of cleansing? Isa 1:18

ALMOST GONE…..UNTIL

Psa 73:1-28

We have in this chapter a man by the name of Asaph writing this psalm. The Bible gives us a little information concerning this man in 1Ch 15:16-19 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters. 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
So we understand a little about the person who penned this psalm. Asaph was someone who was more than likely very acquainted with things in and out of the house of God, however sometimes in spite of his being in church and seeing the Lord’s hand on a daily basis he got to a point just where he said “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” And so like Asaph we can get to a point if we are not careful where we as well are almost gone. I believe Asaph got in the condition and state of mind he was in the same way we get in that condition and state of mind and that is by dwelling upon the same things that Asaph dwelt on in this Psalm of his. He dwelt on…….
1. Their Prosperity vs3, 12
73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
2. Their Pride 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
3. Their Possessions 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 4. Their Philosophy vs8-9, 11
73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Asaph spent way to much time thinking about all the bad and not enough of the good. And it got him to where he was almost gone……UNTIL verse 17

I. HE ENTERED HIMSELF IN THE SANCTUARY

He went to the House of God….many times when church folk have problems they lay out of Church. And you will never get strength to overcome the personal struggles and thoughts that attack you by staying out of Church. I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW HOW SOME FOLKS MAKE IT WITH THE DIET OF CHURCH THEY HAVE. But Asaph sucked it up and knew he could find help at the House of God!

II. HE EDUCATED HIMSELF IN THE SPIRIT

When Asaph went into the House of God he heard the Word of God and realized “how should a young man cleanse his way, but by taking heed thereto according to thy word”
Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

III. HE ENJOYED HIMSELF IN THE SAFETY

A. OF GOD’S PRESENCE VS23
B. OF GOD’S PROTECTION VS24
C. OF GOD’S PERSON VS25
D. OF GOD’S PROVISION VS26
E. OF GOD’S PUNISHMENT VS27
F. OF GOD’S PROMISES VS28

WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

Acts 8:26-39

This is another account of the Bible Principle of one won by one. We find five essentials for leading a soul to Christ. The five essentials are:

1. You will always find a sinner.

vs. 27“And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship”
Rom. 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”
Ecc. 7:20 “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
Part of the reason why we are not seeing people saved is that they do not believe they are sinners. It is absolutely essential that they understand they are sinners. Our sinner in this passage was a rich and important man in the Ethiopian kingdom but before the day was over, he saw himself lost and on his way to hell.

2. You will find a soul winner.

vs. 30 “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”
Philip was man who was convinced that men were lost. Too many times, we pray “Lord, make me a soul winner.” but we are unwilling to give the Gospel to those who God places in our path. These last few weeks the Lord has opened many opportunities for folks to witness for the Lord. A soul winner is a lover of men’s souls. a soul winner is wise.
Pro. 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Dan. 12:3 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

3. You will always find the scriptures.

vs. 30 “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”
Rom. 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
There is no salvation apart from the scriptures.
2 Tim. 3:15 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
It is not just any ordinary scripture passage that this man was reading. He was reading Isa. 53:7-8. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”
What a passage this is. It tells the Gospel story and the mission of our Saviour so plain. In fact, many Jewish Bibles do not have this in them because the Jewish rabbis are afraid of the truth that is found there. When you reflect of what it cost for our salvation, it should be bring joy to our hearts and a praise to our lips.

4. You will always find the Spirit of God.

vs. 29 “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
John 3:5-8 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
When a man, woman, boy or girl is under conviction, it is the Holy Spirit that is dealing with them. If you are saved today, then it will be the Holy Spirit that will draw you.

5. You will always find the Saviour.

vs. 35 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”
Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus went to Calvary just for the express purpose to save men, women, boys and girls. Remember what Luke 19:10 said “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The Bible Way to Heaven

1. We Must Recognize Our Condition

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) No one is good enough to go to Heaven on his own merit. No matter how good or moral we are, we still fall short. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5)

2. We Must Realize the Penalty for Our Sin

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) A wage is our “earnings” or “hire.” The wage (or penalty) of our sin is eternal death. According to the Bible, there is a punishment for our sin. This is a complete and permanent separation from God in a place He calls Hell.

3. We Must Understand that Christ Died in Our Place

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus Christ’s great love for us was shown when He died on the cross of Calvary to pay our sin debt. “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.” (I John 4:9) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit:” (I Peter 3:18)

4. We Must, by Faith, Trust Jesus Christ Alone as Our Savior

“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b) Everlasting life, an eternal home in Heaven, is a gift that was purchased by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and is offered freely to anyone who will, by faith, receive Him. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

This can all be summed up in one of the most recognizable verses from the Bible. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you understand what the Bible says and want to go to Heaven, you can! Simply put your trust in Jesus Christ and ask Him to save you. If you would like to be saved, tell Jesus through prayer that you are trusting Him alone to save you.

“Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. By faith, I believe that Jesus paid for my sins, and now the best I know how I am trusting you and you alone to take me to Heaven when I die. Amen!”

“ IN THE LORD “

1. BELIEVE IN THE LORD. (Acts 9:42)
“ And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”

2. STAND FAST IN THE LORD. ( Phil. 4:1)
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. “

3. REJOICE IN THE LORD. (Phil. 4:4)
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. “

4. LABOR IN THE LORD. (1 Cor. 15:58)
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. “

5. OBEY PARENTS IN THE LORD. (Eph. 6:1)
“ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. “

6. MARRY IN THE LORD. ( 1 Cor. 7:39)
“ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. “

7. DIE IN THE LORD. ( Rev. 14:13)
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. “

STYLE OF LIGHT

Matt. 5:13-16 (v. 14)

Jesus said: "I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12)
Then He said: "Ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14)
Since We are the "Light of the world" what "Style" of "Light" are We???

MANY STYLES OF LIGHTS...................................

The CHRISTMAS "Lights" Christians...........
1. Used only one time a year.
2. Used only on a special occasion.
3. These are More For Show than anything else.
4. Some Christians come once a year or on Special Occasions.
The FLASHING "Lights" Christians............
1. These are On & Off - On & Off - On & Off.
2. These have No Consistency.
3. These Christians can't be counted on to get the job done.
The FLASHLIGHT "Lights" Christians...........
1. Very useful in Times of Trouble but not all the time.
2. Very Short Life of usefulness.
3. Begin to fade out slowly.
4. These usually must be Hand-Held.
5. These can be Made Brighter if you Shake them but not for long.
The CANDLE "Lights" Christians..............
1. These are Affected by the Wind and may even go out.
2. These are Good Inside in times of storm on the outside.
3. The brighter they burn, the shorter their life of usefulness.
The DIRTY "Lights" Christians...............
1. These have lost their effectiveness.
2. The More the Dirt, the Less the Light.
3. Dirt build-up just because of time.
4. These need to be cleaned from time to time.
The SPOT "Lights" Christians................
1. These Concentrate Only on One Area.
2. These Reach Out Farthest but do not affect a large area.
3. These make the program Look Good.
The FLOOD "Lights" Christians...............
1. These Cover a Wide Area, with usually softer light.
2. These Add Usefulness to the area and program.
The CAUTION "Lights" Christians..............
1. These Warn of Danger and Guide the Traveler on his way.
The REFLECTIVE "Lights" Christians..........
1. These Must Receive their Light from Another Source.
2. Jesus: Sun / We: Moon / Eclipse: World between Sun & Moon.

THE MESSAGE

I JOHN 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1. SCRIPTURES ARE STILL PROFITABLE (2 TIM.3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2. SALVATION IS STILL BY GRACE. (EPH.2:8,9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

3. SURRENDER IS STILL THE PREREQUISITE FOR SERVICE. (ROM.12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

4. SERVICE IS STILL THE PATHWAY TO JOY. (JN.15:10,11) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

5. STUDY IS STILL THE SOURCE OF GOD’S APPROVEL. (2 TIM.2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

6. SUPPLICATION IS STILL THE SOURCE OF POWER. (Jer 33:3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

7. SOULWINNING IS STILL THE MAIN BUSINESS OF THE CHURCH. (Pr 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Exceeding Things

Eph. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

1. Man's exceeding Sin (Gen. 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.)

2. Christ's exceeding Sorrow (Matt. 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.)

3. God's exceeding Grace (Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.)

4. The Believer's exceeding Joy (1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ; 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.)

Known in its extent and guilt by God alone

Endured by Him on behalf of guilty man

Cause of man's salvation apart from his own merit

Already enjoyed in part; to be perfected in heaven

Christ's Divine Glories

Hebrews 1:1-3. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1. The Son - In whom God speaks to all. Vs. 1.

2. The Universal Heir - Possessing all. Vs. 2.

3. The Creator of Worlds - Forming all. Vs. 2.

4. The Effulgence of God's Glory - Declaring all. Vs. 3.

5. The Image of His Person - Manifesting all. Vs. 3.

6. The Upholding of Worlds - Sustaining all. Vs. 3.

7. The Purger of Sins - Putting away all. Vs. 3.

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (KJV)
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (KJV)



1. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONVICTION.
Matt 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person:see ye to it. (KJV)



2. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONVERSION.
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,


3. THE BLOOD BRINGS CLEANSING.
1JN 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


4 THE BLOOD BRINGS CONFIDENCE.
REV 12:10-11 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.


5. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONDEMNATION
EZEK 3:18-21 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Hell Is

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

We are not only living in a time when political correctness is threatening our basic rights and freedom, but we are in a time when pulpit correctness is causing us to avoid things that people may find offensive to our “Modern Civilized Thinking”

There are 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. And over 70 of these references were uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ!

Let’s look at this place called Hell, together for a few moments this morning.

1. HELL IS A REAL PLACE CALLED HELL!

Since the days of Jesus, people have refused to believe in a place called Hell.
Some religious organizations teach the Bible does not promote an eternal hell.
The Word of God must be our reference point if we are to prove hell is a real place.

2 Peter 2:4; For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment

2. Hell is An Eternal PLACE!

Matthew 25:46; And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

It is worth noting the same word is used to describe God (Romans 16:26) and The Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:4). If one were to cease to exist, that same day, all would cease to exist.
This place called Hell is eternal. A place we do not want to spend eternity, nor a place we would want anyone to spend eternity.
Yet, what are we doing to see that not one person goes to this dreadful place?

3. Hell is a Dark Place!

Matthew 25:30; And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The significance of the darkness is that the merciful God is not there!
Where God is, there is light! [Revelation 22:5] Hell is dark, BECAUSE there is no presence of God there.
Where God is not, that is Hell!
By you and I spreading the light of Christ we are keeping them from hell!

4. Hell is a place of Fire!

The Scripture is repetitive on the subject.

Matthew 3:12; Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

5. Hell is a place of Intense Pain!

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Webster’s dictionary defines torment as:. Extreme pain; anguish; torture; the utmost degree of misery, either of body or mind.

6. Hell is a place of no hope!

If hell were to last 1000 years, we could say at the end of the first day, we only have 999 years, 364 days left, and I'm gone.
If hell were to last 1,000,000 years, then after the first day we could say I have only 99,999 years, 364 days left, and buddy, I'm gone!
If there were even a small light at the end of the tunnel, those who would enter hell could withstand the pain, the flames, the darkness, and the horror of it all. With hope, we can survive.
Without it we cannot. In hell we have no hope, and we cannot die!

7. Hell is An avoidable Place

There is no hope in hell!
There is no hope in religion!
There is no hope in good works!
There is no hope in baptism or church membership!

Christian friend HELL IS where your parent, your child, your relatives, and your friends will go without Christ!
Can they see evidence of Christ’s salvation in you? Will they hear about Christ’s salvation from you?
Bring them to church with you and I will tell them about Jesus Salvation for you!
What ever you do don’t let the go to hell without hearing about its reality and torment from you!

Lost friend come to Christ who is your only hope as we sing the invitation hymn and avoid hell!

APPROVED OF GOD

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.;

Mt. 25:14-25; Mt 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

People seek approval. (Teens want the approval of their friends. Employees seek the approval of their boss.)
We should all seek GOD’S APPROVAL!
Does God approve of what I’m doing?

GOD’S STANDARDS OF APPROVAL (see Mt. 25:21). 5 essentials…

I. “WELL” —Approval of the CALIBER of our work (Excellence)
A. Anything worth doing, is worth doing “well.”
1. The Bible says Jesus “hath done all things well…” (Mk. 7:37). HE IS OUR EXAMPLE.
2. Jehu (2 Kings 9:20-24, 27, 30-33 cf.10:18-30)
3. Philippians support of Paul (Phil. 4:14).
B. Too many do things halfheartedly. Mediocre ministries.
Colossians 3:23-24— “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Who are you doing it for?
Ecclesiastes 9:10— “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”
C. Jesus deserves our BEST.

II. “DONE”— Approval of the COMPLETION of our work (Achievement).
A. Our job is not done yet! It is no time to quit now. Finish what you start.
B. God’s never commends quitters.
C. What have you ever accomplished for the Lord’s sake? The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul (Prov. 13:18).

III. “THOU GOOD” — Approval of the CHARACTER of the worker (Integrity).
A. Notice, this is an individual commendation (“THOU…”). We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
B. Jesus went about “doing good.” God does not commend just any kind of doing, but doing the GOOD THING.
C. Goodness is part of the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). ILLUS. Barnabas (Acts 11:23-24).

IV. “FAITHFUL” — Approval of the CONSISTENCY of the worker (Determination)
A. Be not be weary in “WELL DOING” (Gal. 6:9).
B. The one thing God requires of us is FAITHFULNESS (1 Cor. 4:2).
C. Are you faithful? Are you consistent?

V. “SERVANT” — Approval of the COMPLIANCE of the worker (Self-denial).
A. A servant has no plan of his own.
B. A servant has no property of his own.
C. A servant has no problems of his own.

These are characteristics of one who is approved of God - All five are ESSENTIAL for God’s approval.
1. Your CALIBER of your work
2. Your COMPLETION of your task.
3. Your CHARACTER in your work
4. Your CONSISTENCY at your work
5. Your COMPLIANCE to God’s direction.

Will you bear God’s stamp of approval?

Lord Save Me

Matt. 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Intro: Short Prayers:

1. David Prayed, “ Lord hear me.”
2. Canaanite Woman prayed, "Lord help me”
3. Peter prayed, “ Lord save me.”
4. Jacob, Lord save me from Esau.
5. David, Lord save me from Saul

This is a good prayer for:

1. SINNERS, Lord save me from Eternal Damnation.
A. Thief on the cross, Lord remember me.
B. Disciples, Lord save us, we perish.
C. Some try to bargain with God.

2. SAINTS, Lord save me from a wasted life.

3. SENIORS, Lord save me from Regrets in old age.
“ I wish I had gotten involved in the church and the ministries earlier in my life.”

4. SERVANT, Lord save me from embarrassment at the judgement seat of Christ.
“ Song, “I’ll wish I had given Him more.”

5. SERIOUS CHRISTIAN, Lord save me from a cabin in the corner of glory land.

SAVED BY HIS LIFE

ROMANS 5:1-10

2COR 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Have been Saved - past - Justification - Rel. to Calvary.
Are being Saved - present - Sanctification - Rel to Companionship.
Will be Saved - future - Glorification - Rel to Coming.

Anchient mythology, there is a story of a man who was continually persued by an enemy - The enemy was allergic to the aroma & scent of a certain herb - The man in the story carried some of the herb in his possession all the time and everywhere he went and was safe from the enemy.

Mosquito repellent keeps these pesky little creatures at a distance. A person vaccinated with measle germ does not catch measles. A person can take a pill to relax, get high, or to control mood. When Jesus comes into our life He vaccinates us against World, flesh,& devil. Christ in us gives us certain characteristics. He builds a fence around us and the devil cannot get to us.

1. HIS MEEKNESS WILL KEEP OUR APPEARANCE CORRECT. (1Pet 3:3-5)" Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: "

2. HIS LOVE WILL CONTROL OUR HABIT PATTERNS. (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." (Luke 7:47) "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."

3. HIS POWER WILL KEEP US FROM FALLING INTO SIN. (Jude 1:24) "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."

4. HIS SPIRIT WILL ENABLE US TO WITNESS WITH EFFECT. (Acts 4:33) "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."

5. HIS HOLINESS WILL ASSURE US OF ANSWERED PRAYER. (John 15:5-7) "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. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather th em, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

6. HIS ZEAL WILL PRESS US TO ABOUND IN THE WORK. (1Cor 15:58) "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

7. HIS COMING WILL DELIVER US FROM DISCOURAGEMENT. (James 5:7-8) "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

Missplaced Love

Six Areas Where Love Is Misplaced

1. LOVE OF SELF. 2Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2. LOVE OF MONEY. 1Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

3. LOVE OF PRAISE. Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

4. LOVE OF WORLD. 1Joh 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

5. LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

6. LOVE OF DARKNESS. Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

In The Gravedigger File, Os Guinness lists four steps for introducing liberal ideas into the church.

1. Assumption: Some aspect of modern thought (such as evolution) or behavior is assumed to be superior to traditional Christian beliefs.

2. Abandonment: That which is considered old-fashioned or inconsistent with modern thought is abandoned.

3. Adaptation: Truth is redefined and traditional beliefs are altered to accommodate the new teaching.

4. Assimilation: As the new teaching takes root, it develops into full-blown compromise or worldliness and Christianity surrenders to some aspect of the culture of its day.

I have seen this downward progression in so many churches. It serves as a warning to me.

Religious Experiences

Types of Religious Experiences Common in Our Day


1. WORD - SPIRIT = LEGALISM “Moses Said”

2. SPIRIT - WORD = FANATISM “ Whoope “

3. WORD + SPIRIT = CONVICTION “Agrippa “

4. WORD + SPIRIT - FAITH = “ Hard Heart “

5. WORD + FAITH - SPIRIT = “ Dead Orthodoxy “

6. SPIRIT + FAITH - WORD = Cults

7. WORD + SPIRIT + FAITH = God Working in us

Getting It Right in 2010

2 Kings 18 & 2 Chronicles 29-32

Traditional New Years’ greetings: what are they? What do they tell us about people’s expectations for the coming year? What can we do to realize these expectations? From the life of King Hezekiah, we discover a three-stage process that can help us “get it right” in the New Year

Stage One: Starting Right

1. A popular New Year’s tradition—with a catch!
2. Hezekiah’s resolution was to do right (2 Kings 18:3)
3. A fact of life: most people are unable to keep their resolutions; why do you think this is so? (Hint: see Romans 7:15-25)
4. Hezekiah’s resolve to do right is all the more amazing in light of some of the obstacles he faced including: His age/youthfulness (but remember 1 Tim 4:12), His power and position, His family background (see 2 Kings 17:1-2)
5. What are some of the obstacles we might face that would hinder our resolve? What can we do about them?
6. Hezekiah did not only resolve to do right: “He trusted in (or relied on) the Lord God of Israel . . .” (2 Kings 18:7)

Stage Two: Stepping Right

1. Resolving to start the New Year right is only just that: a good start.
2. Hezekiah’s right start was followed by his taking some right steps including:
3. The “push/pull” principle
a. Stepping away/stepping towards (here)
b. Cast off/put on (Romans 13:12-14)
c. Flee/follow (2 Timothy 2:22)
d. Lay aside/be doers (James 1:21-22)
e. Resist/draw near (James 4:8)

Stage Three: Staying Right

1. Starting and stepping right are only half the battle; the real challenge comes with staying right long term.
2. Hezekiah’s epitaph: “he did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (18:3) and “[before or] after him was none like him” (18:5; 2 Chron. 32:32-33).
3. How is it possible that Hezekiah could “stay right” his entire life? Our texts give us some indication as to how he accomplished this:
a. He held fast (or clung to) the Lord (2 Kings 18:6a)
b. He was committed to knowing and obeying God’s commands (2 Kings 18:6b)
c. He knew that the Lord was with him (2 Kings 18:7)
d. He knew that doing right was ultimately the path to blessing (2 Kings 18:7)
e. He was committed to worship ( see 2 Chron. 29:3,29-30)