The Pastor's Forum

2012-02-21T05:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday, February 19, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem COGOP

What To Do When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

This past Tuesday I was on the way to Pinnacle to look at a Bass Tracker boat for my brother-in-law. While en route I received a phone call and the boat was already sold. Things didn’t go according to plan. Now that was a little thing, no big deal.

Not all things are that inconsequential. This morning I want to share with you some principles on how we can recover from disappointments, sometimes deep disappointments, sometimes deep pain and hurt when things don’t go according to plan. How often do we have something carefully planned and then life happens and those plans go into disarray. What do you do when that happens?

The Bible teaches that this is not a perfect world. Sin was introduced into the human race with Adam and Eve, the parents of us all. Because there is sin in the world even when you do the right thing and play by the rules you are not exempt from tragedy. The Bible is brutally honest about this.

(Ecclesiastes 8:14) There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. (NIV)

What he’s saying is that we don’t always get what we deserve. There are two mistakes that you can make regarding what happens to you in life. One is to think all the good things that happen to me prove I’m good, and two that all the bad things that happen to me prove I’m bad.

In Luke 13, Jesus is talking about two tragedies that happened in His day. He said you know there were a group of innocent people worshiping at the temple and some folks came in and brutally slaughtered the worshipers. And he said there was a tower that fell on eighteen people and killed them. And He posed the question, “Who sinned, that caused this tragedy?” Was it a result of their sin? And then He answered His own question. He said, absolutely not!

Now, that doesn’t negate cause and effect. I would say the majority of the problems we face in life are our fault. Would you not agree with that? The vast majority of them are. We do reap what we sow…however there at times we suffer innocently. You see, not everything that happens is God’s will. There are those who say regardless of what happens, “Well, it must have been God’s will.” Again everything that happens is not God’s will.

Now God does have the power to stop all the wrongs and sin of men in this world—real simple; just take away our free will, our freedom to choose. One of our greatest blessings in life that God’s given us is the freedom to choose. But this freedom is also our greatest curse because we often choose the wrong thing. And when I choose the wrong thing I may suffer and innocent people may suffer. God’s will is not always done in this world.

(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV)

Question, do all repent? No. Do some perish? Yes. Why? God will never force you to do His will. That’s why Jesus teaches us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Why? God’s will isn’t always done on earth. How’s it done in heaven? It’s done perfectly. And so we’re to pray, “God, just like your will is done perfectly in heaven, we want that to be done on earth.” If His will was being done, we wouldn’t have to pray for it.

Now my purpose this morning is not to explain life’s curves or why things don’t always go according to plan. That would be a very difficult task to answer that question completely. But since life’s curves do come let me share with you how to handle them. I want to give you five principles on how to respond when things don’t go according to plan.

1. RELEASE MY GRIEF

When things don’t according to plan the first thing you need to do is release your grief. Disappointment and tragedy always creates strong emotions. When faced with a major disappointment or tragedy you may experience fear, anger, worry, maybe some depression, maybe a little resentment, uncertainty about what’s going to happen next. And these feelings are scary and often difficult to deal with. If you don’t deal with them properly, your recovery from a crisis always takes far longer than it should. Some people are stuffers and push down their emotions and try to ignore them. Some think God wants everybody to go around all the time with a happy face—life isn’t always happy. God doesn’t expect you to be smiling all the time.

Notice what Jesus said (Matthew 5:4) Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. (NKJV)

Write on the side of it, “It’s ok to grieve.” You have to face your feelings. You don’t repress them and you don’t rehearse them—torturing yourself by repeating it over in your mind. You release them. You tell what you feel to God.

(Psalms 34:18) The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. (NKJV)

(Psalms 62:8) Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (NKJV)

David’s a great model for this in Psalms. God wants to comfort you in a crisis. I’ve actually met some people that think it is wrong for Christians to cry at funerals. Well if they’re a believer and they’re going to heaven, you don’t have to cry for the dear departed loved-one, but you can cry for yourself because you miss them.

Blessed are those who mourn. Grief is a part of life. And so the first thing you got to do is release your grief because if you don’t feelings pile up and they will eventually explode in some form or another. If you don’t talk it out, you’ll take it out on yourself or somebody else. The first and best ways to talk it out is to pour your heart out to God in prayer. Sometimes it helpful to write your thoughts on paper or write a pray to God.

Now once you begin to let those feelings out, you release your grief, next,

2. RECEIVE FROM OTHERS

(Galatians 6:2) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (NKJV)

It is a big mistake to isolate yourselves from others when you’re going through a crisis. Now that’s the way some folks wish to handle life’s curves. They want to get all by themselves; They think, “Nobody understands my problem.” But you need other people in a tragedy. You need their perspective, you need their support, you need their encouragement, and you just need their presence.

God says we need each other, notice this verse: (1 John 4:21) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (NKJV)

When we’re going through a crisis you need the support and love of those around you. It’s hard for them to show you that support if you isolate yourself.

Now this is why it is so important that to be a part of a church family. [New Membership Class Saturday, March 10^th 9:00am] I’m not just talking about being an occasional attender, I’m talking about being a member of a family. When a crisis comes, if you don’t have those relationships in place, whose going to hold you up? God says, we need to receive from each other when we go through tragedy. We need to encourage each other.

3. REFUSE TO BE BITTER

(Job 21:25) Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, Never having eaten with pleasure. (NKJV)

When things don’t go according to plan you’re going to have to decide “Am I going to allow this to make me a bitter person, or better person?” You have a choice, “you can either choose joy in life or you can choose bitterness.” It’s your choice, but you can’t have both. And if you choose bitterness in your life, realize the person you are hurting the most is yourself. You are guaranteeing yourself unhappiness. You cannot be happy and bitter at the same time.

(Illustration) A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary class given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture. Sally’s girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother.

Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. She was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of the time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words…”In as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me.” No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

One of the things I’ve learned, in being in the ministry for many years, is that there’s very little correlation in life between your experiences and your happiness. Barbara and I saw a 20/20 T.V. program on happiness and the result of scientific studies concluded there was a 10% correlation between your circumstances and your happiness. I’ve preached for years “It’s not the circumstances you face but how you face the circumstances that make the difference.”

I’ve seen people who had absolutely the worst experiences in life; things that would shock every one of us, and yet they maintain this happy, cheerful, positive attitude, because happiness is a choice. You’re about as happy as you choose to be. I’ve seen people who had every right in the world to whine and didn’t. I mean, they had every reason in the world, the disasters, and the crisis that they’ve seen in their life and they still maintained a positive attitude. And then I’ve seen other people who almost nothing has gone wrong in their life; almost nothing, and they still complain, and cry and whine about everything.

Happiness is a choice. You must refuse to be bitter, because bitterness always hurts you most. Notice this verse: (Hebrews 12:15) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; (NKJV)

David Ring is a preacher with cerebral palsy, you may have seen this guy on TV. Here was a guy who lost his mom, and lost his dad when he was a little kid and of course he has cerebral palsy. He can’t even speak very well, and he said the 11^th commandment is this: Thou shalt not bellyache. We must refuse to be bitter, because it causes problems in our own life. It never changes anything. Blaming others or circumstances never changes anything. It only makes you feel worse.

How do you keep from being bitter when things don’t go according to plan? I will give you two suggestions:

1. Accept what cannot be changed. Quit trying to fight it. Accept what cannot be changed. Remember the definition of a problem: A problem is something you can do something about. If you cannot do anything about the situation then it’s not a problem; it’s a fact of life.

(1 John 5:4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (NKJV)

Faith is not pretending everything is great in your life; faith is not Pollyanna saying, “Oh, it’s all wonderful”. Faith is facing the facts and not getting discouraged. That would be a good statement to write on your notes. Faith is facing the facts of life, and not being discouraged by them. It’s not pretending everything’s great. Everything’s not great in life. There are bad things in the world. And bad things do happen to good people, but faith is facing the facts without getting discouraged. You see there’s very little in life that you can control. In fact, I’ve discovered that the most important things in life you can’t control.

For example, I want Bethany and Joe to continue to serve the Lord and love the Lord with all their heart. I want them to be a great Christian example to Micah and teach him about Jesus. But you know what, I can’t control them. Only they can decide to continue following the Lord and live for His glory and the good of others. What I’m saying is this: The only way to overcome some problems in life is to accept them, and to get on. Your past is past. It’s over. It can’t continue to hurt you unless you allow it to. Accept what’s been done. It’s not going to change. We have to make the decision to move forward in life.

2. And that’s the second thing you focus on what’s left—not what’s lost.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

What’s God’s will for me when things don’t go according to plan? It’s that I am thankful, no matter what. Be thankful for what’s left, not what’s lost. The spirit of gratitude is stronger than the spirit of depression. If you choose to be thankful you will more easily gain victory over depression. If you find yourself being depressed, make a list of your blessings and genuinely give thanks to God for your blessings and you will come out of your depression.

You cannot be grateful and remain depressed. Like that old expression I complained I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. Accept what cannot be changed. Focus on what’s left, not what’s lost.

4. REMEMBER WHAT’S IMPORTANT.

When things don’t go according to plan they help to clarify our values. They have a way of pointing out what matters and what really doesn’t matter. They define your values, notice this verse:

(Luke 12:15) And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (NKJV)

What is Jesus saying here? Don’t confuse your net worth with your-self worth. Don’t confuse your possessions with your purpose in life. Don’t confuse what you’re living on with what you’re living for. A man’s life does not consist of what he possesses.

What we learn in difficult times is that the greatest things in the world aren’t things. What matters is our relationship with God, family and others.

(1 Timothy 6:7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (NKJV)

As Billy Graham has said, “You’re never going to see a hearse with a U-Haul behind it.” Here is the point, if you want real security, you must build your life on something that can never be taken from you.

Can you lose a home? Yes. Can you lose a career? Yes. Can you lose a marriage? Yes. Can you lose your health? Yes. Can you lose your life? Yes. Can anyone take away your relationship with God? No. If you want real security, then you build your life on something that can’t be taken from you. God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Paul says it like this, “I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” I may not be able to keep my commitments; But God keeps His commitments. Once I place my life in His hands, the Bible says, “They are in His hand and no man can take them out.”

5. RELY ON CHRIST

(Philippians 4:12-13) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)

How? Lean On Christ For Stability!

(Psalms 125:1) Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (NKJV)

(Isaiah 26:3) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (NKJV)

(Psalms 112:6-7) Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (NKJV)

Ps. 112:6-7 (LB) “Such a person will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him.”

Listen To Christ For Direction!

(Hebrews 12:1-2) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)

Look To Christ For Salvation!

(Psalms 46:1-3) God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (NKJV)

Sunday, February 12, 2012 Sunday Message to the Winston-Salem COGOP

2012-02-21T05:32:00.001-05:00

WHO DO YOU LOVE? (Mark 12:38-44)

Introduction: I'm sure you have all heard the expression, "Who Do You Love?" I was wondering if that phrase had a unique origin. So to Google I go and the most hits come from an Irvin Berlin song. Some of the lyrics are:

I've got the question

I've had it for days

You've got the answer, dear

I'll put the question

In one little phrase

Say what I want to hear

Who do you love I hope

Who would you kiss I hope

Who is it going to be

I hope, I hope, I hope it's me

I want to talk to you today about the issue of love, after all Tuesday is Valentine's Day. I know that each of you who attended the Valentine's Banquet last evening enjoyed it as I did. I thank Tim & Alisha, Brenda and all who assisted.

We are all familiar, to some degree, with love. Everyone in this room has loved and has been loved. Everyone here loves people and everyone here loves certain things. And everyone loves God although in various degrees of love.

I believe that we can and genuinely do love God, others and certain things, but I think we miss a fundamental truth about our love. All of our love, as humans is fundamentally flawed. That is, because we are born in sin and live in a sin dominated world our love is far less than it could and should be. Our only hope is to have God's grace enabling us to love as we should. When you get right down to it, we choose to love God more than ourselves or we choose to love ourselves more that we love God.

Think about it. Too many people's love for others is always based on some personal benefit. They love others because they receive love in return. They love others because of some benefit that they receive from them. While their love for others may be strong and enduring, in the end, all to many love because there is something in it for them. That hurts, but it is true.

Even love for God is less than it could or should be. Our love for Him only exists because He first loved us, 1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV) Our love for Him is a direct response to His love for us. Sadly, even our love for Him is tainted by sin.

I am not trying to cast love in a bad light today. I am trying to get you to see that our love is imperfect at best. But, while our love is imperfect, it is still a powerful motivator. I will serve the one I love. If I am in love self-more than anyone, everything I do will be designed to benefit self. If I am in love with God, then that love will motivate me to serve Him.

As Jesus ministers in the Temple, He gives us a tremendous lesson on love. I want to preach on this thought: Who Do You Love? I want you to see two truths today. I want you to see that Some People Love A Fool; while Some People Love The Father. Let's examine our hearts today and find out who we really love.

I. SOME PEOPLE LOVE A FOOL

The word "fool" is a strong word. A "fool" is defined as, "a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment and sense; a person who has been tricked or deceived into appearing or acting silly or stupid."

That is not a word that should be thrown about casually. Jesus said this, (Matthew 5:22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (KJV)

The word "Raca" refers to "an empty headed person". It could literally be translated, "You empty head." The word "fool" translates the word "moros", which gives us the word "moron."

Some people say such things in jest and I don't like to use those kinds of terms even in jest. Howeer, Jesus is referring to people who speak about others from a heart of hatred. It is from a heart filled with hate that murder arises. Hatred for others in the heart is the same as murder in God's eyes, 1 John 3:15.

(1 John 3:15 KJV) Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

So, while there are fools, morons and empty-headed people in this world, we need to be careful to whom we attach that label. I have no right to call anyone a fool, but God does.

Here is what He said, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…", Psa. 14:1.

You will notice that the two words "there is" are in italics. That means they were supplied by the translators to make the text more readable. In this case, they cause us to read the text one way, when the true intent of the Holy Spirit may be something else altogether.

Most people see this text as referring to the atheist. "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." Certainly the person who denies the existence of God is a foolish person. They lack judgment and good sense.

If you read the text without the italicized words it says, "The fool hath said in his heart, no God."

According to this reading, the fool is someone who refuses to acknowledge God as his Sovereign and as His Savior.

The text before us presents two classes of people who are in love with fools. Why do I say that? First, the people mentioned here are fools, because they have refused to bow to the authority of Jesus Christ. Second, they are in love with a fool, because this text teaches us that they are in love with themselves. Let's examine that thought for a moment.)

2. The Religious Fool –

(Mark 12:38-40) And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. (KJV)

In vv 38-40, Jesus gives a scathing attack against the scribes. The scribes were the "doctors of the Law". They read, copied and interpreted the Law for the Jewish people. They were considered the authorities in what the Law taught. In a sense, they were religious celebrities, receiving near worship from the common man.

They may have been religious, but they were religious fools. They were foolish because they refused to follow the spirit of the Word of God, and they refused to acknowledge God's Messiah when He came. They were also foolish in that they loved themselves more than God.

Consider the Lord's description of the scribes.

They love to go in long clothing – The scribes were known by the long, white robes they wore. These robes had long fringe around the hem. Their attire made them stand out from the common man, because common people dressed in brightly colored clothing. The scribes in their long, flowing, white robes certainly stood out. The fringe gave them the illusion that they were gliding about instead of walking.

They love salutations in the marketplace – When the scribes passed by, everyone stood up out of respect. The only people who were not required to stand were the tradesmen who were involved in their work. As the scribes passed various verbal greetings were spoken to them. People said things like "Rabbi", "Master", "Father", or even "my great one", as they walked past.

They love the chief seats in the synagogue – The chief seat in the synagogue was a bench that sat in front of the chest containing the scrolls of the Torah. The scribes were seated here so that they would be seen as being near the Law to guard it. From this bench, the scribes could be seen by everyone in the synagogue.

They love the uppermost rooms at feasts – When wealthy Jews gave a feast, scribes were often invited to serve as adornment. The scribes were the "A"-List celebrities of the day and having them there would draw a crowd to your party. When the scribes arrived, they were given seats next to the host. They occupied the place of honor. It was a place of high honor.

They devour widows houses – Scribes often served as "estate planners". They would write out legal documents for illiterate widows. Some were guilty of convincing poor widows that they would be serving God by supporting the Temple, or by supporting the scribe himself. When this happened, the scribe profited and whatever the husband left for his wife was taken away through extortion.

They make a show of their religious activities – The scribes loved to stand in public and pray long, loud, elaborate, wordy prayers that they hoped would impress the uneducated common people. Jesus spoke of this behavior in Matt. 6:5-6.

They are headed for great and terrible judgment – These men were nothing but religious hypocrites and they will face God Almighty in judgment someday. These are the kinds of people Jesus referred to in Matt. 7:21-23.

As I think about the Lord's warning to these religious men, I think of a few lessons that we can glean right here.

There are some today, who possess the same attitude that controlled these men to whom Jesus referred to in our text. To them, religion was a game. They did not have a personal relationship with God, but they believed that their good works and their devotion to the Law would be enough to save their souls. The fact is, they were dead wrong, and if you believe that, you are too!

Religion and religious activities cannot and do not and will not save the soul, Eph. 2:8-9.

(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV) 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.

Doing good things and keeping good rules will never save you. You must be in a faith relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

(John 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

It seems that most everything these scribes did was geared toward satisfying their pride and making them look good in the eyes of others. They were literally in love with themselves and had no room in their hearts for God.

If you love yourself more than you love God, you are in love with a fool, and you will spend eternity with that fool in Hell. Are you a religious fool? Are you in love with yourself? If you are, you will be disappointed when Jesus comes.

3. The Rich Fool

(Mark 12:41 KJV) And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

When Jesus finished teaching the people, He took a seat near the "treasury". This area was in the "Court of the Women" and was an area set aside for giving. The treasury consisted of thirteen receptacles where people could make their contributions. These receptacles were shaped like inverted trumpets, with a large end at the top and a small end at the bottom. Each of these trumpets was labeled as to what the offerings placed in it were to be used for. Nine of the trumpets were for various dues related the Law. The other four were for voluntary offerings of various natures. People gave by approaching the trumpets and dropping in their offerings.

As Jesus sat there, He watched the people bringing their gifts, and He watched how they gave those gifts. The word "beheld" means "to view attentively; to perceive". Jesus saw what they were doing with His eyes and He saw the motive of their hearts as they gave.

Some came in with great fanfare, standing back and tossing in their gift for the greatest effect. Others gave with a frown on their face, holding onto their coins as tightly as they could to the very last second. Others probably stopped to make sure that everyone was watching them as they gave their offerings.

(Matthew 6:1-2 KJV)Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

(Matthew 6:3-4) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matt. 6:1-4 describes some of the excesses that marked the Jews and their giving in Jesus' day. Some would hire trumpeters to go before them so that attention would be drawn to them and their giving. They would come to the treasury and make a great show of casting in their money. As their money fell into the trumpet, it would make a great noise. Heads would turn and people would stare in admiration at these people who gave great sums of money to the Temple. Imagine the scene as the trumpets blared, the applause rose and fell and the sound of coins echoed throughout the Temple.

Too many of these people were not giving for the glory of God; they were giving for the praise of men. According to Jesus, when they received the praise of others, they got all they were going to get, Matt. 6:2. They were fools, because they also loved themselves.

If you love your religious works, your possessions or you simply love yourself more than you love God, your love is misplaced! You can never give enough or be good enough to impress God or to gain His salvation. There is only one "work" God will accept, John 6:27-29.

(John 6:27-29 KJV) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The only way you will ever get to God is to come to the end of yourself, fall down before Him and admit your absolute weakness and inability. You will never be saved until you come to that place! So, do you love God, or are you in love with a fool?

Just remember that you cannot impress God. You cannot please God. Your riches and your religion will only lead to Hell. Jesus is the only path that leads to glory.

4. SOME PEOPLE LOVE THE FATHER

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (Mark 12:42-44 KJV)

As Jesus watched the rich people coming and going, giving their money with fanfare and excitement, He saw a poor widow enter the treasury. As Jesus watched, this poor, humble woman gave her gift. The people shouted and applauded for the rich people and their large gifts. No one noticed this widow. No one, that is, but the only One that matters! Surely Jesus was standing and applauding in His heart. In this widow's giving, we can see a portrait of genuine love for the Father.

A. The Evidence Of The Widow's Love
– The evidence of her love is seen in the fact that she even gave at all. She was a poor widow. Widows were the poorest of the poor in that society. There was no Social Security. There was no welfare. Widows lived hand to mouth.

Here is a widow who comes into the presence of God to give to Him. She doesn't have much. "Two mites" translates the word "lepton", which means "the thin one". Scholars are divided over how much these coins were worth, but it was a mere fraction of an average day's pay.

It was a gift that amounted to nothing of any value, as far as money was concerned. When she dropped her two little coins in that trumpet, they made no noise at all among the clamor of the people and clanging of the gifts of the rich. She didn't have much, but she gave anyway! What a testimony!

Why would she bother to give such an insignificant gift? Her two cents among the large donations given by the wealthy seems so small. Why bother? This little lady is everything the religious scribes and the rich hypocrites were not. She was a living, breathing illustration of Mark 12:29-31 (Loving the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.) She gave because she loved God. She gave her little because He had given her everything. She loved Him more than her own life and she proved it by the way she gave.

B. The Extravagance Of This Love
– Jesus saw her giving and He said, "Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Jesus commended her giving because she gave everything she had! She could have kept one of those coins for herself, but she willingly gave everything she had to Jesus. Everything that poor woman had earned for her needs was given willingly to the Lord. She is an example of extravagant giving!

The Bible is filled with such extravagant giving.

Consider Abraham who offered his son Isaac, Gen. 22:1-14.
Consider Hannah who gave her son Samuel to God, 1 Sam. 1:28.
Consider the widow who gave the last of her food to Elijah, 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Consider Mary who gave up a very expensive box of ointment and her own glory, 1 Cor. 11:15, to honor the Lord Jesus, John 12:1-8.
Consider people like Stephen, James and others who literally gave up their lives for the glory of God.
Why did these people pay such a price? They did it because they loved God more than they loved themselves or their stuff. They didn't give until it hurt; they gave until it felt good! That is a lesson we could all learn! After all, everything we have is from Him and should be dedicated to Him!

C. The Extent Of This Love
– That widow could have never known what her gift would accomplish. She walked into that Temple, ignored by the rich, the religious and those caught up in the celebrity worship of the day. She walked in there with her little gift and she gave it without fanfare.

The rich gave, they received their applause and they walked away. This poor widow gave and walked away, but her gift is still giving today. How many people have been challenged to go ahead and give their offering because of this woman's example? No doubt, many of us have thought of her giving on many occasions!

The rich people gave that day to be acknowledged by men. They were, and they received their reward. That widow gave because she loved God. When she gave, there were no trumpet blasts. There were no ooh's and aah's from the crowd. There was no applause. But, I am almost sure that Jesus was standing up on the inside applauding her. I am almost sure that God in Heaven was nodding His Divine approval over her give of love. One day, she will stand in His presence and she will be rewarded for her faith.

There are some observations I want to make before I close the message today. We need to allow God to use these matters to speak to our hearts and to help us grow in the Lord.

The attitude of our hearts in giving makes all the difference – How we give is far more important than what we give!

(1 Corinthians 13:3 KJV) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

(2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

The motivation for our giving reveals the depth of our faith in God – When this widow gave, she gave everything she had to give. When she gave, she was preaching a powerful sermon. She was saying:

I give because I love Him – She loved Him for His grace, His mercy and His salvation.

I give because I trust Him – She did not need two coins to meet her needs, she had the God, Who feed the sparrows, to watch over her.

I give because He has given to me – She knew that everything she had was given to her by the Lord. She could do not less than give back what she had been give out of gratitude and love. (Ill. 2 Cor. 8:9)

(2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

God will do great things with our offerings regardless of the size – Tell me the amount of any other offering made during that Passover week. We do not know what any other giver gave that week, but after 2,000 years the tiny gift of that widow has been multiplied into untold billions as people have been motivated to give out of their own poverty. (Ill. Mary and her gift of an alabaster box of ointment – Mark 14:9.)

The Lord will settle His accounts one day – The scribes and the wealthy men there that day had their reward then. This widow will receive her reward later!

Do what you do for Him and leave the results with Him. Do not trumpet your giving. If you do, you will receive your reward here. Keep it simple and silent and God will bless in His way and in His time, Matt. 6:3.

It is the attitude of our hearts, not the size of our gift that makes what we give usable to the Lord – In other words, no one has an advantage over others in the work of the Lord. It does not matter about your education, your wealth, your abilities, or about any other thing. What matters is the attitude of your heart. If you use what you have as He tells you, He will use what you give Him for His glory!

GOD WANTS US –
He wants our love and our devotion and when He has that, He has everything else that we possess. When God has a person, He has that person's pocketbook.

Conclusion: The real point of this story is not simply about giving. The real point of this story has everything to do with the attitude of the heart. The real point of this story is the contrast between the hypocritical scribe and this humble widow.

The religious and the rich folks in these verses loved themselves. They did what they did to be seen of men. They were motivated in all they did by the twin evils of pride and self-love.

The widow, on the other hand, was motivated by her love for God. Because of her devotion, her gift lives on.

The question that you face today is this: Who do you really love? Do you do what you do because you are in love with Jesus? Or, do you do what you do because you are in love with yourself?

Has God spoken to your heart about who you love? If you have seen that you are in love with self, and you feel a pull to fall in love with the Savior, I invite you to come. If He has spoken to you about your giving, come to Him and talk to Him about it. If you want to give Him the greatest gift of all, come and give Him yourself in renewed love and devotion today.

Sunday, February 5, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-02-08T08:56:00.001-05:00

Our God is For Us!!!

A favorite literary device of authors, playwrights, and screen writers is that of the hero who shows up just in the nick of time. You've read books or seen movies like this. Just when everything seems lost and all hope is gone and disaster is imminent, the hero arrives to save the day.

As thrilling as this is in fiction, it's even more thrilling when it happens for real. Just ask Mike Robinson. He is a maintenance worker for United Airlines at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. He had just left work and was on his way home, very early in the morning of January 13, 2009 when a tire on his car blew out. He lost control of the car, jumped a median and slammed into a ditch, where the car immediately burst into flames. Robinson remembers trying to get his door open, but it was jammed. Then, as flames began to rise around him, he lost consciousness.

Del Wolfgramm is another airport worker who was working in a hangar near where the accident occurred. He just happened to be stepping outside at the very moment the car jumped the median. Seeing the accident, he ran to the car. As the flames engulfed it, Wolfgramm pried the jammed door open and pulled Mike Robinson from certain death.

When he was later interviewed, Robinson called Wolfgramm his hero and said, "He saved my life." And, indeed he did.

When Mike Robinson was in that car, trying desperately to escape the flames that were encircling him, everything must have seemed lost. All hope must have been gone and death must have seemed imminent. And then, out of nowhere, a hero arrived to save the day.

Scott Gordon, Rescued Man: "I Thank Him With My Life," NBCDFW News (January 14, 2009), available at http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Rescued-ManI-Thank-Him-With-My-Life.html

Romans 8:31-39 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. It tells us about the ultimate Hero, The Lord Jesus Christ who saves us from eternal separation from God. It begins with "no condemnation" and ends with "no separation." In between, there is "no defeat."
The chapter shows us that we need not fear the past, present, or future because we are safe, secure, and satisfied in the grace and the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I want you to notice with me verses 31-39 which pose some very powerful questions.

The answers to these questions hold tremendous promises for the child of God. I want us to look at three of these questions this morning.

(Romans 8:31-33) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. (NKJV)

(Romans 8:34-36) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." (NKJV)

(Romans 8:37-39) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)

I. "IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?"

These very same words were scribbled on the walls of the men's room at a Kansas truck stop. Some creative soul had scrawled beneath them: "The Highway Patrol!"

The overall message of the Bible can be summed up in many ways. However, I don't know of a better formula than the one Paul spells out for us here. In fact, if there's one message which reverberates through Scripture from start to finish, from Genesis to Revelation, it is this, GOD IS FOR US; GOD IS ON OUR SIDE!

In fact:

• GOD THE FATHER proved that He was for us when He sent Jesus His Son to die in our stead.

• JESUS THE SON proved that He was for us in that while we were yet sinners He gave Himself up for us on the cross.

• THE HOLY SPIRIT proved that He was for us by taking up residence within us, equipping us, and then making us His temple, and being the guarantee of future blessings that await us.

The stories of…

• Adam and Eve,

• Noah and the Great Flood,

• Sodom and Gomorrah,

• David and Bathsheba,

• The fall of Judas,

• Revelation and the end times…

All detail that God is fighting for us, not against us. At any point along the line He could have quit on us, thrown in the towel, and wiped every single human being from off of the face of the earth -- and with just cause! He is God. The choice was and is His. But He didn't. He doesn't.

I want you to now look at three powerful interwoven verses:

(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NKJV)

(Romans 8:32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (NKJV)

(Genesis 22:12) And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (NKJV)

This passage in Genesis speaks of Abraham being willing to offer Isaac as an offering to God. God concluded from that act that if Abraham would not withhold his own son, then he would not withhold anything from God. Isaac was the best gift Abraham had.

In strikingly similar words Paul says that God too offered up His son for us in death. If He would do that for us, then He would certainly give us all good things, for logic itself would tell us that every other gift or sacrifice would truly pale in comparison.

(Romans 8:32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (NKJV)

I believe that God is far more involved in our affairs, in caring for us and protecting us than we can ever imagine. Only in Heaven will we fully come to understand the real extent of His care and His provision on our behalf. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, noted that if God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field; surely He will care for you and me!

One rendering of Psalms 23:1 is: "The Lord is my shepherd; that's all I need."

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)

Someone has observed, "If God is AGAINST us, it really does not make very much difference who is for us. And if God is FOR us, it does not make any difference who is against us." Amen.

II. "WHO SHALL BRING A CHARGE AGAINST GOD'S ELECT?"

Please allow me to share this passage again from another translation: "Who shall bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God...?" The verse raises certain questions:

• Who has the legal standing necessary to bring a charge against a saint of God?

• Who has jurisdiction?

• Who can indict or arraign before the Father one whom the Lord has purchased by His own death on the tree; one whom the Lord Jesus Christ has declared to be innocent?

WHAT ABOUT THE DEVIL? Yes, Satan points his bonny finger at the redeemed and shouts accusations.

(Zechariah 3:1-2) Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" (NKJV)

Here we see a righteous man – Joshua the high priest -- being accused by the devil before God.

(Revelation 12:10) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (NKJV)

Question: What were the saints here in Revelation doing during the time the accusations were taking place? What was Joshua the high priest doing while Satan was leveling charges against him? We don't know. The Bible doesn't really say. Evidently though, the brothers didn't try to defend themselves. They seem to be quiet while the Lord takes up the battle in the heavens for them.

But pastor, what were the accusations?

1. The Bible doesn't say what they were.

2. They didn't matter.

3. God didn't dignify them by giving them place in the Word of God.

Rather than respond to the devil by saying, "You don't say", He sent him away. Rather than rebuke the accused, He rebuked the accuser! Think about it!

OUR CASE, DEAR FRIENDS, RESTS IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD!

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ACCUSE US?

A pastor and his wife were visiting some blessed saints of the Lord. The conversation was interesting; the company was most enjoyable. In the midst of this, a question was raised about a situation that touched the other family quite deeply. For a moment the room was silent and then the husband said, "I'm sorry; but if we can't say something good about someone, then we choose not to say anything at all."

The subject was dropped. He had the chance to cut somebody down. He could have presented his side of the issue. He could have made his case to the pastor; but he didn't. Throughout the whole evening, the man and his wife followed through on this and never played the part of the accuser of the brethren.

When we engage in the sin of gossip we are taking up allegiance with satan as the accuser of the brethren. It is wrong for a saint to go against another saint whom the Lord is interceding for before the Father!

A pastor was praying about a certain situation. It involved a saint who had committed an obvious sin. As he prayed about the person, he told the Lord about what the individual had done, about how wrong the person had been and of the trouble the brother had caused in the body of Christ. At that point the Lord rebuked the pastor. The Lord let the pastor know that He was well aware of that person's shortcomings and of the pastor's too. Instead of accusing the person before the Lord, The pastor was supposed to be interceding on his behalf. We do not -- have the liberty to play the role of the "Accuser of the brethren" even in prayer.

Aren't many of us guilty of what I call "selective indignation?" The degree to which we hate certain failures and shortcomings is directly related to whether or not that sin is in our life or in the life of someone else!

(Hebrews 4:13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (NKJV)

God the Father knows all about everything – including who is and isn't guilty -- without our reminding Him. God knows the truth about you and me. He does not have to depend on some simple human being to update Him on what we are up to. He knows our ways, our thoughts, our affections, our failures, our sins, our hopes and our dreams. We are not going to tell the Lord anything about anyone that He hasn't known all along.

The Scripture is clear: (Matthew 5:44) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV)

We pray FOR – not AGAINST! We are to bless those who curse us. We are to follow our Lord's blessed example.

WHAT ABOUT GOD?

Will He not accuse us? After all, again, He knows all that there is to know about us! Let's be honest. If anyone has reason to charge us with wrong, would it not be the Lord? And yet, the Father does not bring a charge against us either, for He is the very one who has acquitted us.

For Him to accuse us would mean that the blood of His Son was not sufficient.
His salvation was a failure.
We are still in our sins.

Yes, His Spirit notifies & convicts us when we do wrong. The Father can even discipline us as an earthly father corrects his child. However, the Lord does not "charge" us. The words "charge" or "accuse" as used here means: "to criminate, to call in question, to come forward as an accuser." Again, that is the role of the enemy of our souls, not the Savior of our souls.

(Romans 3:23-24) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (NKJV)

God is painfully aware of our failures and yet in the same breath in which He alludes to our sins. He declares us to be justified. That means that God "accounts us as righteous", that He sees us "just as if we had never sinned."

This is a true story. A young man and his father were deer hunting in the wilds of Oregon. It was early evening, and they were thinking about returning to camp when a noise exploded in the brush nearby. Before he even had a chance to lift his rifle, a small blur of brown and white came shooting up the road straight for the dad. It all happened so fast, the older man hardly had time to think. He looked down and there was a little brown cottontail -- utterly spent -- crowded up against his legs between his boots. The little thing was trembling all over, but it just sat there and didn't budge.

Now this was really strange. Wild rabbits are frightened of people. It is almost impossible to believe that one would come running right up to your feet and sit down, but that is exactly what happened here.

As the father was puzzling over this, another player entered the scene. Down the road -- maybe twenty yards away -- a weasel burst out of the brush. When it saw the man with the rifle – and its intended prey sitting at his feet -- the predator froze in its tracks, its month panting, its eyes glowing red.

It was then that the older man understood he had stepped into a little life-and-death drama in the middle of the forest. The cottontail, exhausted by the chase, was only moments from death. This tall strange man was its last hope of refuge. Forgetting its natural fear and caution, the little animal instinctively crowded up against him for protection from the sharp teeth of its relentless enemy.

The hunter did not disappoint his new found friend. He raised his powerful rifle and deliberately shot into the ground just underneath the weasel. The animal seemed to leap almost straight into the air a couple of feet and then rocketed back into the forest as fast as its legs could move.

For a while the little rabbit didn't stir. It just sat there, huddled at the man's feet in the gathering twilight while he spoke gently to it:

"Where did it go, little one?
I don't think he'll he bothering you for a while.
Looks like you're off the hook tonight."

Soon the rabbit hopped away from its protector into the forest.

Where, beloved, do you run in time of need?
Where do you hide when the accuser pursues you like a relentless weasel, seeking your destruction?
Where do you turn when your energy is spent... when weakness saps you and you feel you cannot run away any longer? You run to Jesus, our Advocate with the Father. You are safe in Him. The accuser can find any place there.

III. "WHO IS HE THAT COMDEMNS?

In verse 33 Paul asked in effect, "Who is it that can press charges against me?" Here he asks, "Who would go to the witness stand against me?"

One of the great stories in the Bible is the familiar account of the adulterous woman. John 8:1-11 tells of this woman who had been caught in the act. The law mandated that she be stoned to death. The religious leaders already had ammunition in hand when they brought her to Jesus.

They then inquired: "What do You say?" What's the verdict, Jesus? What should we do? Jesus, as you remember, then knelt down and starting writing something in the sand. What do you think He wrote? While I can't be sure, I do have some thoughts:

Names of girlfriends,
Lies that had been told
Items that had been stolen,
Laws that had been violated….

On and on He wrote listing one sin after another--sins which these same religious leaders were guilty of committing themselves. In the midst of His writing He challenged, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." As He stooped again to write -- more sins, very secret sins --they all, beginning with the oldest, walked away, leaving their rocks behind.

(John 8:10-11) When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (NKJV)

Jesus does not stand in the seat of condemnation. We should not sit there either!

(John 3:17) "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (NKJV)

(Romans 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (NKJV)

Saints, we can rest on the truth of these verses! God is not about to condemn the very ones that He has forgiven!

When Paul asked, "Who is he that condemns?" he noted in the very same verse: "Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God, and is also interceding, for us."

Let me set the stage for you here:

1. Our Father God sits as our Judge.

2. Our Savior and best Friend, Jesus, is our attorney, our intercessor and advocate. We do not have to represent ourselves. In prayer we present our case to Jesus, and He in turn, carries the case before the Father.

3. The Holy Spirit, then too, is inside of us praying to the Father that everything regarding us turn out to our good.

Wow! That sounds like a good deal to me; how about you? Let me take this one step farther, when the Judge looks at His Son, He sees "a Lamb looking as if it had been slain, standing in the middle of the throne..." according to Revelation 5:6. This seems to indicate that the scars of the cross are still visible. Thus, the evidence of His atoning work at Calvary is ever before the throne. Jesus therefore says,

"Father, the charges have no basis; Billy's sins are under the blood. See the scars? I died for him. His sins are no more! He is mine and I am his. There will be no condemnation."

Do you remember? (Colossians 3:3)
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (NKJV)

(Galatians 2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

(1 Peter 2:9) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJV)

We are God's chosen ones.
We are God's royal ones.
We are God's holy ones.
We are God's special ones.

Therefore:

"If God is for us, who is against us?"

"Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?"

"Who is he that condemns?"

Sunday, January 29, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-01-31T12:18:00.002-05:00

Focusing On Our Priorities and Purposes

As I mentioned the first Sunday of the year, the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit, (Matthew 6:33) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)

Not only was this to be the theme for our 21Days Season of Seeking through Prayer and Fasting but a recurring theme throughout 2012. Many New Year's Resolutions have already fallen by the wayside but our Lord tells us that this purpose of seeking God is to be above all others. So today let's gain some insights from the example of Nehemiah that will aid us to "Keep Focused on Our Priorities and Purposes."

(Nehemiah 6:1-3) Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono." But they thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?" (NKJV)

(Nehemiah 6:4-6) But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. (NKJV)

(Nehemiah 6:7-9) And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah!' Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together. Then I sent to him, saying, "No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart." For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, "Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done." Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. (NKJV)

(Nehemiah 6:10-11) Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was a secret informer; and he said, "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you; indeed, at night they will come to kill you." And I said, "Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!" (NKJV)

(Nehemiah 6:12-13) Then I perceived that God had not sent him at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. For this reason he was hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have cause for an evil report, that they might reproach me. (NKJV)

Now, Holy Spirit, I ask You that You would come and be our Teacher. Open up our eyes that we may see the eternal Word of God. Open up our ears that we may hear. Open up our hearts that we may receive truth today. Lord, let this truth be transforming for us I pray. I ask this in Jesus name. AMEN

I. THE ENEMY=S STRATEGY TO STOP GOD=S WORK

A. The Distraction Strategy

When Nehemiah was in the process of seeing God do some great things, the enemy came and tried to distract him from his work and get him to go over to the valley of Ono. I have discovered that when God is doing something great in our lives, the enemy likes to come along and get us off our focus and distracted on side events.

One of the great legends of golf, Arnold Palmer, a few years ago was being interviewed about how he was able over some 30 plus years to remain one of the greats of golf. They were asking him about lessons he had learned. His mind immediately went back and he began to relate the story of the 1961 Masters, the final round, in which he had one of his greatest days of golf. He was going into the eighteenth hole with a one-stroke lead. A young golfer early in his career, it was going to be a phenomenal success story. He teed off on the eighteenth hole and hit a very outstanding tee shot.

Walking up the fairway to make his second shot, he is feeling rather proud of the fact that he is about to win his very first tournament and it's the Masters, the biggie! He heard someone in the crowd yell out his name and he recognizes the voice. It is an old friend. He walked out of the fairway over to the side and greeted his friend and shook his hand. Arnold Palmer said, AThe moment I shook his hand, I knew I had just lost my focus. The next shot went into the sand trap. The next shot went over the green.@ When he finally made it to the green, he missed the putt and lost the Masters. He said, AFor over 30 years I've remembered that I can't let anything distract me from my target.@

How many of us are just like that. We are in the process of seeing God work in our lives. We are in the process of seeing God bring victories into our lives and the enemy will quickly come and say, AHow about checking this out.@

Sometimes we get so involved in so many good things that we miss the best things.
Don=t be distracted.

B. The Deceit Strategy

In our text we read about the letter Nehemiah had received from Sanballat. It was a letter that was completely fabricated to plant seeds of possible conspiracy and division. Nehemiah recognized that the letter was a lie. He responded to that lie by declaring, AI'm not even going to defend myself. It's something you made up in your head.@

Have you noticed in the GOP race for the Presidential nomination how this candidate will say this about the other candidate….then a rebuttal by the criticized candidate and more accusations…a lot of back and forth so much so you wonder who is correct? The devil will use deceit to try and hinder us in our walk with God any way he can.

A great minister a number of years ago had a man come to him after one of his services and ask him to forgive him. He called him by name and said, ASir, I have been lying about you. Something that you had done had greatly offended me so I had told some lies to some people. I want to know if you will forgive me.@ The great minister said, AOf course, I will forgive you. But first I want you to take that feather pillow over there and cut it with a knife and throw it up into the air.@ The feathers flew everywhere as you can imagine. The elder minister said, ANow, gather up all those feathers and put them back into the pillow.@ By that time because they were standing outside the breeze had caught the feathers and they had flown everywhere. The man looked around and said, AThat=s impossible.@ The elder minister said, AIt is also impossible for you to take back all the lies you have started.@

I read a report not long ago of a USA Today poll that was of parents in the United States of America. This poll revealed that only 56% of the American parents said that they teach honesty to their children. Lou Harris did a poll of high school students. In this poll 65% of them said they would cheat on an exam if they thought it would help them get a better grade. A few years back there was a very noted physician in our country who was appearing on a talk show. He happened to make a statement that he felt like the way our culture was that if a parent didn't teach their child to learn how to lie well….their child would not be able to make it in our world.

The Bible tells me that the source of all lies is still Satan. In fact, Jesus one day looked at a bunch of religious people and He said, AYou are of your father, the devil.@ They got rather mad. They said, AHow can You say we are of the devil?! Abraham is our father.@ Jesus said, ANo. If Abraham were your father you would believe me, but your real father is the devil because you=re speaking lies.@

Every time you participate in a lie, and every time you speak a lie, in God=s eyes, you become a partner with Satan. Satan is the father of all lies. He loves to trick the children of God with lies.

C. The Deception Strategy

When Nehemiah would not allow himself to be distracted from the work, when he would not believe the lies, then they tried a third ploy. It was a ploy that looked very religious.
It had a facade of religiosity to it.ACome on into the temple and be protected by the temple.@ Nehemiah quickly understood that was not God that had sent that person even though they sounded very spiritual.

A very sad story of deception is that of Reverend Jim Jones and members of the People's Temple. Reverend James Warren "Jim" Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple, which is best known for the November 18, 1978 mass suicide of 909 Temple members in Jonestown, Guyana along with the killings of five other people at a nearby airstrip. Over 300 children were murdered at Jonestown, almost all of whom were forcefully made to ingest cyanide by the elite Temple members.

Jones was born in Indiana and started the Temple in that state in the 1950s. Jones and the Temple later moved to California, and both gained notoriety with the move of the Temple's headquarters to San Francisco in the mid-1970s.

The incident in Guyana ranks among the largest mass suicides in history, and was the single greatest loss of American civilian life in a non-natural disaster until the events of September 11, 2001

Think about the sadness of that story. I wonder how many times today in our culture and our society do we find young men, young ladies, and adults who are being deceived to follow somebody=s Satanic inspired vision or dream, or even deceived into following some pleasure of life, only to wind up a slave in a place they never meant to be. They would tell you, AI don=t know how I ever got here. This isn't where I was going.@

When we allow deception to move into our life, we wind up a slave in a place we never meant to be. In order to not be deceived we must know the truth. Jesus is the Way, The Truth and the Life. He left us His Word, the Holy Bible as our source of truth and gave us the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us into all truth!

II. Counteracting the Enemy's Strategy

By knowing the truth we are able to COUNTERACT THE ENEMY=S STRATEGY. Let's look at some of these specific truths.

A. Know Your Purpose

Nehemiah was not distracted because he knew what his purpose was.

AMy purpose,@ he said,Ais to build the wall. I'm doing a great work. I'm going to build this wall, I'm going to protect the city. I'm going to restore the honor of my city. I'm going to restore the rightful place of God. I'm not going to be distracted because I know my purpose.@

Knowing your purpose in life is important. I believe God has a purpose for every one of us.

I believe that God has a purpose for our Church. If we know our purpose, it keeps us on track. A sign was posted on the door of the University Christian Church some years ago in New York. It says, AGone out of business. Didn't know what our business was.@
What a sad indictment!

There are a lot of people who don=t have a clue what their business is. Some people think their job is to work to make enough money so they can have food to eat and a place to sleep so they can get up tomorrow and do the same thing. I have news for you B I believe God has a much greater purpose in your life than just occupying space. He has a much brighter purpose in your life than just accumulating assets. God has an incredible design for us that will affect eternity for mankind. You need to know what your purpose is.

If our Church is going to be successful with what God is building within us, we need to know what our Biblical purposes are. God has given us a general design as to our reason for being. Corporately and individually we are to glorify our Lord. But how do we accomplish that purpose? The Bible gives us a number of ways.

We Glorify God Through Focused Worship & Prayer.

As we gather on Sunday morning our desire should be to praise, magnify, and adore the great God and Creator of the universe. We must always remember worship is giving, giving, giving. When we sing, clap our hands, pray, give in our tithes and offerings, actively listen to the Word, pray with one another in the altar, serve in ministry, etc. we are giving worship to God!

Of course, our focused worship and prayer does not end with the Sunday morning service or our other corporate meetings times. Any day that you fail to spend some time in worship, prayer and the Word you missed an opportunity to fulfill what Jesus instructed us to do—Seek First!!

We Glorify God Through Faithful Obedience To God's Word. Jesus told us to make disciples. What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who is moving to Christ-like maturity. The Bible tells me that we're supposed to grow up. You don=t stay where you start B you're progressively becoming more like Christ. What we are doing as a church is helping you get from where you are to where God wants you to be. We want to teach you the Word of God. We want you to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We want you to understand what it means to have the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.

[Click Twice] We Glorify God Through Life-Giving Relationships. We desire to move people into meaningful relationships in the body of Christ. We call that assimilation or perhaps a more familiar term would be fellowship. We live in a world full of people who are lonely. Some folks have very few relationships—they tend to isolationists. I believe the greatest tool for relationship in our modern culture is the church. The church is the place that should be able to meet people=s social needs and help people to relate to one another. The Word of God lets us know that the Kingdom of God is all about relationships—our relationship with God and our relationships with one another.

We glorify God through Sacrificial and Spirit-Empowered Service. I believe that if you have committed your life to Jesus Christ then God has a ministry for you. Pew sitting is not a ministry. Screws are used to hold the pews down B we don=t need you to hold them down. When you leave, the pews aren't going anywhere. They will still be here when you get back. God has a plan for you.

It may be working with our children.
It may be working with our youth or you may decide you would like to take them on a trip or sponsor a picnic or outing for them.
It may be working in the nursery.
It may be working in Young@Heart Ministry
It may be picking up boys and girls for Sunday School and church.
It may be distributing food to a needy family.
It may be working in Nursing Home ministry.
It may be singing in the Praise Team
It may be playing a musical instrument.
It may be working in our audio/visual department.
It may be working as an usher and giving someone a warm handshake.
It may be working in our security detail
It may be making chocolate chip cookies and delivering them to our guests.
It may be cleaning the church, doing maintenance or beautifying the grounds.
It may be helping out in fund raisers such as the chicken dinner we had Friday.
It may be working in Vacation Bible School
It may teaching Sunday School or Bible Study.
It may be directing special programs.
It may be a card ministry
It may be a phone visitation ministry
The possibilities are endless—and that's opportunities within the local church

Whatever we do we want to do a very good job. We want to give it our best effort not just get by effort. Remember our purpose is to glorify God. Is He glorified by us doing what we do poorly? We want to release people to find their fulfillment in life by their ministry in the church and the kingdom of God.

We Glorify God Through Powerful Witness. We believe that we exist to influence our world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to evangelize our world. Jesus said we are to go into the entire world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. That doesn't just mean Africa. It doesn't just mean Europe. It doesn't just mean India. It means in your neighborhood, down your street we are to be evangelists. I would like for you to think of one or two families that you are willing to work with on a regular basis to win them to you; then win them to the church; then win them to Christ.

III. We Must Also Understand That God's Work Is A Process.

I love it when God instantly works miracles and I've seen Him do it. However, I have discovered that most of the time God works through processes. When Nehemiah felt the calling to rebuild the wall, he didn't immediately run outside and saddle up his donkey and head off and start stacking rocks. Nehemiah understood that the calling of God involved a process of events that had to be done in order to accomplish what God called him to do.

Whatever God wants you to do, there is a process involved. Don=t give up when you're in the middle of the process. We grow up day by day…We learn day by day……

IV. We Must Commit To Proceed

Nehemiah refused to quit; he refused to become distracted; he refused to give up.ABe careful of paralysis by analysis!@I think a lot of people spend so much time analyzing everything they never get anything done.

"Seeking the King, His Kingdom and His Righteousness" has to be a daily priority—not hit and miss—not start and stop if we are going to continue growing as a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ! Fulfilling these purposes as a church and as individuals must be ongoing!

Illustration: The Young Prophet From Bethel:

In I Kings 13 there is a young man, a prophet in training, who had received a message from the LORD for the new king of Israel of Jeroboam. So he leaves his home in Judah and travels to Bethel obeying the LORD's instruction. He finds King Jeroboam next to an altar burning incense. The prophet speaks the message God gives him to speak. He speaks it with authority. He speaks it with clarity.

King Jeroboam does not like the message because it is not a favorable message. King Jeroboam stretches out his hand and says, AGet that guy.@ As he stretches out his hand, the Bible says his hand withered and the altar split in two as a fulfillment of the word that the man had just spoken. Jeroboam immediately realized that this man was a prophet of God. He asked the prophet to pray for his hand. The young prophet prayed to God and God healed the king=s hand.

Now the king had a repentant heart. He asked the young prophet to come home with him and eat a meal and receive a gift of thanks for his obedience to God. The young prophet said, ANo sir, I cannot come with you.@ The king asked, AWhy not?@ The young prophet said, Abecause the Lord told me that I was to come and deliver His Word and I was not to eat or drink anything in here. Jeroboam honors the word of God and releases the young man to go.

As the young man is making his journey back home there is an older prophet living outside of town. His sons bring him a report of what just took place in town. The older prophet asked, "Where did he go?@ His sons told him where he went and he told his sons to saddle up the donkey. The old prophet proceeded to find the young prophet.

When he got to the prophet he said, AGreetings. I, too, am a prophet. I'd like to invite you to come over to my house. I'd like to feed you.@ The young prophet told him the same thing he told the king. The older prophet said to the young prophet, AOh, but I got a visit from God, too. The angel told me to come and get you and invite you to my house to eat and drink.@ In verse 18 there is a parenthetical statement that said, "But the man was lying.

The young prophet followed the older prophet back to his house and sat down to eat in disobedience to God. While he ate, God sent another message through the old prophet for the young prophet. "Because you did not fully obey me, you are going to die.@ He got up from the table and started back on his journey. A lion attacked him and killed him.

Conclusion

Don=t let anything or anyone move you away from the word God has given to you. Don=t become distracted. Don=t become deceived. Keep your focus. Make sure you=re based in His Word. If someone comes along who may even sound religious, and maybe has a good reputation, but they tell you something that contradicts God's Word and what He has told you B hold to God=s Word. Continue to daily seek the King, His Kingdom and His Righteousness."

God wants to minister to you and through you to others. There may be those of you who through circumstances, distractions, deception, or lies have gotten off track. Your walk with God is not what it once was. God says "It is time to get back on track, get back to the purpose that God created you for."

There may those who have been deceived. Good people - in the eyes of the world - have lied to you. Maybe because of your own immaturity or maybe because of a lack of discernment you did not recognize the lies. You may be hurting today but rest assured God can heal the broken heart and make you able to trust again. God still has a purpose for your life. If you'll listen to Him, He will show you the plan and get you back in step.

Holy Spirit, we pause right now before the altar of God. We are amazed at Your mercy and Your grace. Lord, I want You to know You have our permission to do what You want to do. Holy Spirit, I ask You to come into this place, come into our hearts. Let Your call today be clear. Let Your invitation be without question.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-01-23T07:29:00.001-05:00

Finance 101 For 2012

January has been promoted from the International Office of the COGOP and promoted in our recent Thrive Tour in November as stewardship month. Pastors are encouraged to preach on stewardship which is a very important topic. You may think, "What does finances have to do with seeking God and His Kingdom?" As we will see in this message they are much related.

A newspaper in a metropolitan county published a poll of how the residents of their county feel. The results were that the residents are very satisfied. 70% are satisfied with their job. Over 70% of the residents are satisfied with their families. Over 70% of the residents are satisfied with the weather. But there is one area where the residents are intensely dissatisfied.

That is their finances. Only 26% are satisfied with their finances. Seventy-four percent of the people who live in that county are not satisfied with their finances. It seems that no matter how much some people make it's never enough. Gallup released a poll that said 64% of all couples argue over money. It is a major issue of concern in marriages – finances. In fact, they've discovered that it's the number one cause of divorce – 54% of couples who divorce do so over money. It's almost as if the vows have been changed – "Till debt do us part." So this Sunday and perhaps next I would like to share some thoughts about how to handle our money.

The Bible says that God uses money to test your spiritual maturity. He uses the issue of money management, how you handle money, as the acid test of whether He can trust you with genuine spiritual blessings. It's all through the Bible but Jesus said this:

(Luke 16:11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV)

Notice "unrighteous mammon". The NIV uses "worldly wealth." Jesus is talking about money management. He's saying if you are not wise in managing your money, why should God trust you with genuine riches – spiritual wealth? In other words, the amount God is able to bless your life is, to a large degree, dependent and determined by the way you handle the material blessings of life. If you're not a very good money manager, God is saying you're not very responsible. That's a pretty important thing.

FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY

There are some common sense precautions that you can take to avoid financial collapse in 2012. These are common sense, Biblical, financial principles that you should be following to make sure that your finances are on stable ground.

The wisest man who ever lived was King Solomon with the exception of course of Jesus Christ. He wrote a book called Proverbs and wrote down the wisdom of God. Solomon was not only the wisest man; the Bible tells us he was the wealthiest man. He'd put Bill Gates to shame! Solomon gave us important truths in the Book of Proverbs. Today I want us to look at God's five financial principles for financial stability.

1. KEEP GOOD RECORDS

This is the first principle, the Principle of Accounting.

(Proverbs 27:23-24) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? (KJV)

Obviously in those days many folks raised livestock. Their assets were tied up in sheep or cattle. God says "Know the condition of your flocks." Today, God would say, "Know the condition of your finances, your savings account, your retirement account—know your assets." The idea is know where your money is going, know where it's coming from, be conscious, and be aware. This is the starting point.

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I just don't know where all my money goes!" That is a giant warning light that you are in trouble if you don't know where all your money goes. You are not keeping good records. People say money talks. It doesn't talk, it just sneaks away quietly. It doesn't tell you it's leaving either!

(Proverbs 23:23) Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (KJV)

The Living Bible says it this way, "Get the facts regardless of the cost." In other words, be realistic. "How are we really doing financially?" If you don't know where you're going, if you don't keep good records, you're in trouble.

Formula: Ignorance + Easy Credit = Disaster.

You're going to end up spending more than you make, getting further and further in dept and one day you'll wake up and it's a major problem in your life.

There are four facts that we need to know.

1. We need to know what we own. Keep an inventory of our possessions.

2. We need to know what we owe; our debts, our liabilities.

3. We need to keep records on what we earn.

4. We need to know where it goes.

We need to know what we own, what we owe, what we earn, and where it's going. To not know is a recipe for financial disaster. You need to keep good records. Write it down.

There are a lot of good financial programs out there – Quicken is what I use—or you can get a notebook and write it down. It doesn't matter but keep good records. You say you don't have time. Do you have time to worry? If you have time to worry about your finances, you have time to write it down. In fact, if you wrote it down, if you kept better records, you'd have a lot less to worry about. The Bible says riches disappear fast. Know the condition of your flocks. Know the state of your financial well being. So the first principle is the principle of accounting.

2. PLAN YOUR SPENDING

This is the Principle of Budgeting. You have to set some financial goals and stick with them. I would encourage you to not just drift along, paying this bill, buying that expense, doing this/that… not really knowing, just guessing, not having any clear goals, not having any clear record, not having any parameters….You just kind of muddle through the year. It's time to get your financial house in order! Don't go drifting and spending and guessing.

(Proverbs 21:5) The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. (NKJV)

If you don't get anything else I say, get this. Financial freedom is not based on how much you earn—it is based on how you spend it. Even if you make three times what you make today, if you're spending more than you make you're still going to go in the hole. If you don't know how to live on less than you're making now, what makes you think you're going to live on less when your income goes up. You won't. You're developing a habit that you always spend more than you make.

(Example of my mother-in-law).

A couple went to a financial planner at NC State University. Both were doctors but their financial house was in shambles. They didn't know what to do. The financial planner instructed them to bring all their records to him. After reviewing their records he told them: "You make $625,000 a year but your spending more than that each year."

I read a book a few months back by Gary Keesee, "Fixing the Money Thing." He has helped thousands of people to get out of debt. He states in the book that most folks can resolve their debt problem, including their mortgage, with their current income, in five to seven years. Of course accomplishing that goal does require lifestyle changes.

Freedom is not, "If I just make this amount of money then I'll be financially free." Freedom comes not by making more. It comes from spending less. This is the Principle of Budgeting—planning your spending.

I read that the average American spends six hours a week in shopping related activities. I also discovered that the more educated you are, the more you tend to shop…Like you go to the mall to get an education.

If you're spending, you'd better be planning your spending. Notice the verse again, (Proverbs 21:5) The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. (NKJV) The phrase "who is hasty" is talking about impulse buying. Impulse buying is unplanned buying. It's based on emotions. You see it, you smell it, you hear it, you taste it, and you feel it. You see something in a store window and you've got to have it! And you impulsively buy it. Have you ever bought anything without thinking and then later regretted it? Have you ever gotten home and thought, "Why did I buy that? Where am I going to get the money to pay for this? Where am I going to store it? How am I going to insure it? How am I going to maintain it?" You bought impulsively. The Bible says "If you act too quickly, you will never have enough."

You need to understand that capitalism is geared around advertising. And advertising is geared around getting you to buy impulsively. They don't want you to think about it, they want you to buy based on emotion, not based on your budget. So they create the sizzle in the steak and they create the ice cream that's dripping down and it looks so great. Cars never look as good as they do in the ads.

There is one thing they do to get you to buy impulsively. They use a word. This word for some of you is almost irresistible. When you hear this word, you immediately get in your car, back out of the driveway, and head for that store. You're almost addicted to this word – "sale". Some of you cannot resist a sale, especially a "clearance" sale. You say, "But look how much I saved!" You don't need it. You can't afford it. You don't have the money to buy it. But "Look how much I saved!" It is almost impossible for you to resist a sale. You act too quickly. And as a result you never have enough.

But we always use this excuse, "If I don't buy it now, it will always cost more later." So what? If you can't afford it now, you still shouldn't buy it.

(Proverbs 21:20) There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. (KJV)

We could just close the Bible and go home. We've had our lesson for today. This is God's IQ test. If you are spending everything you receive, the Bible has a word for that – foolish. Dumb. Not smart! One version says it this way, "Stupid people spend their money as soon as they get it."

Spending can be just like any other addiction. You say you can handle it. That's what an alcoholic says. But soon you get deeper and deeper into debt and then you're hooked. In a magazine article "Are you a shopaholic?" It said, "Compulsive spending is a full fledged addiction just like gambling, alcoholism and taking drugs." In fact it's become such a prevalent addiction in our society that there are a couple of national organizations called Debtor's Anonymous and Shopper Stopper. They create all kinds of creative ways to help you break the impulse of the buying habit.

One lady keeps her credit cards in a bowl of water in the freezer. If she gets the urge to spend, she has to wait for them to thaw first and then the urge may pass and her sanity returns! One husband buried his wife's credit cards in the cement of the new room addition because ice cubes melt."

How do you break the habit of impulsive buying? Of spending more than you've got? How do you spell relief? You spell relief, BUDGET. What is a budget? A budget is simply planned spending. A budget is telling your money where you want it to go, rather than wondering where it went. Everybody needs a budget. If you want to break this habit of spending more than you've got, if you want to build resistance to sales and resistance to impulsive buying, you've got to nip it in the budget.

The principle of accounting: keep good records. The principle of budgeting: plan your spending.

3. SAVE FOR THE FUTURE: This is obviously the Principle of Saving.

(Proverbs 21:20) In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. (NIV)

I read recently that the average Japanese family saves 25% of their income. The average European family saves 18% of their income. But the average American family saves 5% of their income. Why? Because we're spending it all keeping up with the Jones'. They just refinanced but we're still going to try to keep up with them. As a result we're not saving anything. But the Bible says, "The wise man saves for the future."

(Proverbs 13:11 NIV) Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Look at this verse. First, "Dishonest money dwindles away." Did you know the Bible says many times in Proverbs, Do not get involved in get rich quick schemes. Easy come, easy go. They are a sure sign for disaster. Instead it says, gather it little by little. That is consistent regular savings. You need to set three goals. You need to have some giving goals. You need to have some spending goals. You need to have some saving goals. What am I going to save?

Read Proverbs 6 where it talks about the ant. "Watch the ant. They go out in the summer and store up little by little so that when the harsh winter comes, they're well fed." It's the principle of setting a little aside so you're prepared no matter what kind of storm, no matter what kind of crisis comes. That's legitimate, intelligent financial planning. Save for the future.

American Demographics magazine stated most baby boomers are going to be flat broke in retirement. They're going to be in far worse condition in retirement than their parents are right now because they are not saving anything. Why don't we save for the future? Why do we spend all that we get? One of the reasons is envy. We look around and see what other people have and we want to live at the same standard that they're living. But they're over extended too. They're not saving anything either. So to keep up with their level of standard of living – the clothes, the cars, the homes – of other people around you, you end up being on the same dumb track everybody else is on. God says that's not wise. It's all because of envy.

There's a fourth principle of Finances 101.

4. RETURN TEN PERCENT TO GOD.

The Bible calls this the Principle of Tithing. Ten percent of what we make goes back to God. Most of you are familiar with this truth but review is certainly not out of order.

(Malachi 3:10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (KJV)

Notice that's a promise. God says the first ten-percent of all I make goes back to Him. Why did God say to give ten- percent back to Him?

Beats me! I haven't the slightest idea of why He said to give ten percent back. He could have said to give fifty percent. He could have said give ninety percent and you live on ten percent.

But God instituted the principle of tithing for three reasons. It takes care of your past. It takes care of your present. It takes care of your future. Whenever I tithe, if I make ten bucks, the first dollar goes back to God. If I make a hundred bucks, the first ten bucks goes back to God. Why? Three reasons.

First, tithing speaks to my past—it's a statement of gratitude. Whenever I tithe I'm saying, "God, I realize all this came from You and if it wasn't for You I wouldn't have any money anyway. I wouldn't have my life. I wouldn't have my intelligence, my health to work. So in gratitude realizing it all really comes from You the first ten percent goes back to You in gratitude. I'm very grateful for what You've done in my life. So here it is." I can say I'm grateful but if I don't tithe I'm not grateful. I'm kidding myself.

Second tithing speaks to my present—it's a statement of priority. It says, "God, I want You to be number one in my life so the first part of my money goes back to You as a statement of priority that You're number one in my life." I could say God's number one but if I'm not tithing He's really not number one. What I do with my money and what I do with my time really show what's important to me.

Third tithing is a statement of faith in God for the future. "God, You've said, (Matthew 6:33) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)

You said that You'll take care of me if I put You first in my money. So, I'm going to tithe. Even though I don't have it, I'm going to give the first ten percent back to You in a statement of faith that I believe that You will take care of me in the future."

Tithing is Gratitude for the past…Priority in the present….Faith for the future. Notice that God says "prove me in this, says the Lord." Notice "test me. There's only one place in the Bible where God says you can prove He exists. He says, "Prove Me, test Me. See if I won't keep My promise. Tithe."

So I dare you. I dare you to tithe. I dare you to say, "Ok, God the first ten percent goes back to you. See if God won't keep His promise.

(1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV) On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

It's to be a weekly reminder. God, You're first. Obviously God doesn't need my money. He doesn't need your money either. So why does He say to do this? It's what it represents. The Bible says "Wherever your treasure is, your heart is also." We spend a lot of our lives talking about money, thinking about money, earning money, spending money, saving money, investing money, getting anxious about money. God says He wants this area of our life to be in His control too. He doesn't need my money but He wants what it represents – my heart. If I can't do that, my heart really isn't with Him.

Biblical Principle: Wherever you want God to bless you—put Him first!
If you want God to bless your family, put Him first in your family.
If you want God to bless your career, put Him first in your career.
If you want God to bless your relationships, put Him first in your relationships.
If you want God to bless your schedule, your time, put Him first in your schedule.
If you want God to bless your finances, put Him first in your finances.

There are more promises in the Bible about issues related to money than any other subject. Why? Because God wants you to learn to be like Him. God is a giver. He wants you to be faithful tithers and givers. It's a character building thing. If you want God's blessing, just do what He says.

The Bill Gates of the previous generation was John D. Rockefeller. He was fabulously, incredibly wealthy. Someone asked him one time, "How did you amass such wealth?" He said, "Simple. Save ten percent. Give ten percent. Live on the rest." That's called living on a margin. Save ten percent, give ten percent, live on the rest. If you can't save ten percent and you can't give ten percent, you're spending too much money. You need to reduce your lifestyle. You're living above your means, because you can't do what God tells you to do.

(Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV) Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

He doesn't say honor the Lord with the leftovers but with the firstfruits. Then the promise "He will fill your barns with plenty."

Keep good records, plan your spending, save for the future, and return ten-percent back to God. One more principle if you want to be financially stable.

5. ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE--This is the Principle of Contentment.

(Hebrews 13:5-6) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)

This verse of Scripture tells us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to be content with what you have. You need to understand that the more you have and the more you buy and the more that you acquire, the more it costs to maintain it. The more it costs to insure it. The more it costs to keep it updated. The more time it takes to use it—and on and on. So maybe you just need to get off that track of always wanting and getting more and say, "I don't care what other people are doing. I want to be able to have a comfortable retirement. I want to be able to care for the needs of my family in case of another "Great Recession." So enjoy what you have.

The Bible tells us that you will never ultimately be satisfied by things.

(Isaiah 55:2) Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (NKJV)

Why do things not ultimately satisfy? They do for a while. You get a new gizmo and it's cool! But six months later it's not cool any more. You get a new car and it's great but in six months, a year, it's not new anymore. Things don't change so human beings get bored with them. We like to see some change. Human beings are constantly changing. But things don't change. That's why you have to redecorate, because the things you use to think were so cool, isn't cool any more. It isn't appealing any more. Things don't change. No-thing is ever going to satisfy you ultimately.

In the majority of cases the root of all your financial difficulties, the root of your financial stress and problems is an issue of values and trust. What's going to be more important? People or things? Things or relationships? And what am I going to trust in to make me happy? God or material blessings?

Whatever I trust for my happiness, whatever I trust for my security is my god.

(Job 31:24-25) "If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, 'You are my confidence'; If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much; (NKJV)

(Job 31:28) This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above. (NKJV)

Here's the fact: If you are feeling the pressure of finances in your life today, and if you are spending it all and saving nothing and if you find yourself, as a couple, constantly arguing about this issue, that is a warning light of a deeper problem. It's not your real problem. There's a deeper problem. All the financial pressure is a symptom.

What's the real problem? Out of control finances are a symptom of an out of control life. Mismanaged money is a symptom of a mismanaged life. Yes, you do need God's principles of money management but you need more than that. You need a life manager. His name is Jesus Christ. He can do the job that you can't do.

You may be a Christian. You say Jesus is your Savior. You need more than a Savior. You need a manager. You need a Lord, a CEO and a CFO, a chief financial officer and it is not you. It's Jesus Christ. So you have to settle the issue of trust. Are you going to trust that God knows more about money or are you going to continue to falsely believe that you more?

Am I going to do what God says – these five principles?

Keep good records,
Plan my spending,
Save for the future,
Return ten percent to God,
Enjoy what I have – or do I think I know better and I'm going to ignore these principles and do my own thing. Do you really think you're wiser than God? You're not. Do it God's way and get God's blessing. If you don't do it God's way, you're on your own.

Do these principles really work? Yes they absolutely do. But there's the catch. You have to do all five. You can't pick and choose. You can't say, "I'm going to save for the future, but I'm not going to budget my money and I'm not going to tithe." Or you can't say, "I'm going to tithe and enjoy what I have but I'm not going to plan my spending." It won't work. You've got to do all five principles.

Some of you may be really sliding into the pit of debt. God wants to help you get out of debt. But you have to do your part first. Take the outline and use it as a self-evaluation tool. Looking at these five principles; put a checkmark by the ones you're already doing. Put a star by the ones you're going to start this week. You've got to do them all if you want God's blessing on your finances and you want to be financially stable.

[Title Slide]

Prayer:

Father, no doubt there are those today who are experiencing financial stress and difficulty today. As they follow Your principles, I pray that You would miraculously turn around their finances. Replace their debt with the light. Replace their pressure with Your peace. Help them to get out of the hold and onto Your pathway to financial freedom. I pray for a miracle of finances in their lives.

Now you pray. Pray this in your heart.

"Father, I want to follow Your financial principles.
Forgive me for spending more than I make. Forgive me for unwise purchases that I made. Help me to get on track with Your plan.
Today, I commit myself to Your financial principles.
With your help I'm going to start keeping better records.
I'm going to learn to plan my spending.
With Your help, I'm going to save some for the future.
I'm going to put You first in my finances by returning the tithe back to You.
Help me to enjoy what I have.
Jesus Christ, I invite You to be the manager of my life. I want to trust You with my finances and my future.
In the Name of our Lord Jesus I pray. Amen."

Sunday, January 15, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-01-23T07:23:00.002-05:00

HOPE FOR 2012

As I mentioned to you in my first sermon of this year, I was praying and meditating the Monday morning after Christmas what the Lord would have me share the first Sunday and the first day of the first year. The Scripture came to mind, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…" So I introduced this theme and spoke of doing this through prayer and fasting. Last Sunday I developed the theme more fully and said "that if we beginning today, would consciously, continuously, constantly, and consistently put first things first, it will absolutely transform our lives." This is day 15 of our "21 Days Season of Seeking." So I ask you what's you're hope for 2012?

December 27, 2011 a report was released that showed the Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in November, increased further in December. The Index now stands at 64.5 (1985=100), up from 55.2 in November. The Present Situation Index increased to 46.7 from 38.3. The Expectations Index rose to 76.4 from 66.4.

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday of this past week that all but one of its 12 banking districts experienced some growth from late November through the end of the year. The survey, known as the Beige Book, showed that the final weeks of 2011 were among the economy's strongest.

So it appears things may be getting a bit better. For all those who are unemployed and those who are really struggling I pray that is the case. I was listening to one minister this week who felt the Lord had spoken to him of a "couple more hiccups in the economy and then things would really turn around." But remember even if there is a hiccup, if we will put first things first and be good stewards of what God brings into our care all those things we need will be added to us.

So today I talk about Hope for 2012. Can you remember a recent difficult and discouraging period of time in your life? Of course you can. So can I. Perhaps you are in the middle of such a time right now. The laws of fairness and justice were displaced by a couple of Murphy's Laws. Your dream dissolved into a nightmare. High hopes took a hike. Good intentions got lost in a comedy of errors, only this time nobody was laughing. You were not on the mountaintop but in the midst of the valley. Instead of "pressing on the upward way," you felt like telling Bunyan to move over as you slid down into his Slough of Despond near Doubting Castle, whose owner was Giant Despair. Without hope it is virtually impossible to face the uncertainty of the future with confidence, joy and peace.

(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)

How many of you would say this is one of your favorite verses? It promises us God's future. It promises to us God's hope. And they always go together – a future and a hope.

Let me give you a four-word definition of hope: hope is when I realize that God is in control. In the midst of uncertainty God is still in control.

According to numerous surveys the majority of Americans believe our nation is headed in the wrong direction. And as long as America continues on our current path away from God we will continue in the wrong direction. But I have hope. I believe that there will be a large enough group of us that fulfill (2 Chronicles 7:14) "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV).

Let's talk about what happens when we have hope and how God brings that hope into our lives, the benefits that God's hope brings, and how He uses the process to develop hope in and through our lives.

What happens if I have hope? How does it change me?

I. IF I HAVE HOPE…

1. I can get started. I can get started again if I have hope. What is it that gets you started in the morning when you get up? Your car can be as shiny as you want on the outside. It can have the greatest engine. But if the starter doesn't work or if the battery is dead or there is no gas it's not going anywhere.

Do you know some people like that? They look good on the outside but something is missing on the inside. But they wake up in the morning and just can't get started.

(Isaiah 40:31 KJV) But they that wait [hope] upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint

2. I can live with…. You fill in the rest of that. You can live with… whatever burden is in your life right now. You can make it through. It is hope that enables us to handle tremendous pressure. I've noticed that people who have hope can handle incredible amounts of burden in their lives. They're like the apostle Paul talking about the ministry burdens that he had because of the persecution that he faced in his life.

(2 Corinthians 1:8-9 KJV)

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: [gave up hope of living] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Even at that point where he wondered, "Am I going to make it?" he was able to find hope. He could live with anything because of the hope that God gave him.

3. I can go on. You have the strength to go on. Hope is what gives us the strength to go on after a loss or a disappointment or an unfilled dream or expectation. I like the story of Florence Chadwick who was the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways. On July 4, 1951 she was going to swim from Catalina to the California coastline. She didn't quite make it. It wasn't the cold waters. It wasn't the sharks. It wasn't the 15-16 hour swim. It was the fact that the fog rolled in and she couldn't see the coastline. She quit half a mile from the goal. When she got out of the water she said, "I'm not trying to make an excuse but I feel like if the fog hadn't been there and I could have seen the land, I would have made it." Later she tried again. The fog rolled in again but this time she knew that the coastline was there. And she completed it. In fact, she did it in two hours less time than anybody else had ever done it.

A lot of us are like that. The fog has rolled in our lives but God's promises are immovable. They're going to be there. You may not be able to see them like you'd want but its hope that gives you the knowledge that the fulfillment of those promises is there if you just go on.

I like this verse about hope in the book of 1 Peter. (1 Peter 1:6 KJV)
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: Peter is saying there is joy and hope ahead even though it may be tough for a while. When I have hope, I can get started and live with whatever and go on.

4. Hope gives me the power to say no.
I can get started, I can live with whatever.., I can go on, and I can say no to the temptations of life. Hope is the foundation of integrity. If I have no hope for the future, if I think there's nothing out there for me, then truthfully there is no logical reason to have integrity. I may be moral anyway but there's no logical reason to be moral….because it doesn't really matter. Just eat drink and be merry because tomorrow we die. It doesn't matter. There's nothing out there. Hope is the foundation for genuine integrity in our lives.

(1 John 3:3 KJV) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. That's the power of hope in our lives. If we are expecting the return of our Lord and Savior that hope gives us the strength to live righteous and holy lives.

How does it happen? How can I have hope for 2012 and beyond? I'd like to get started. I'd like to be able to go on when things are tough. I'd like to learn to say no. How does it get into my life? How do I have hope? You mostly likely will not like the process but here's God process.

(Romans 5:3-5 KJV) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 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.

This is God's assembly line for hope in our lives. There's going to be some things about this that you're not going to like. God's process is not the process I would have. If I were going to develop a process for developing hope I would like to go on a 3 week fishing trip in the spring and a three week hunting trip in the fall and inject massive amounts of hope and I'd be ready to continue on. But that not God's process. So here's the first step in God's process of producing hope in our lives.

1. GET A PROBLEM

Hope starts with a problem. God says it starts with suffering or a problem. Remember the definition of a problem: a problem is something you can do something about. If you can't do something about it it's not a problem it's a fact of life.

Are you going to have problems? Yes. And if you and I are going to have hope for 2012 we have to learn to deal with those problems. The incredible thing is that God takes the very problems that I think and you think are sent to steal our hope and He uses them. I don't know how He does it but He uses them to actually give us hope.

In order to have a good sound philosophy of problems I have to realize:

One, the problems are inevitable. We're all going to have problems. Sometimes when people have a problem, they say, "Why me?" A better question is, "Why not me?" Everyone has problems. They're inevitable.

Second, problems are unexpected. You can't plan for them. There's a word in the New Testament for problems. From that word we get our English word "pirate". That's a pretty good picture of how problems happen. They ambush us. They're unexpected. They come at unexpected times and in unexpected ways.

Third, problems are used by God to develop us and grow us. I say that not to minimize your problems but I am encouraging you to recognize God's power. To say that God uses problems to develop us and grow us is not the same thing as saying that problems are good. Problems are not good. God is good but problems are not. But He uses them.

One of the most common questions asked and I think it's a good question is, "Why does God allow problems?" Why does God allow suffering in this world? If God is really all-powerful, He could stop all the problems at any moment. Why doesn't He? Why does He wait?

I don't know all the answers to that. People have been talking about this for thousands of years but I do know one answer. I do know that we live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. God wants some more of those imperfect people in this imperfect world to get to know Him. He could stop it all right now, but that would not give those people the opportunity to get to know Him. So we wait to give more and more the opportunity. And while He waits, He takes the problems that we have in our lives and somehow He uses them for our good. Instead of us just suffering them, He takes them and He uses them for good things in our lives. I don't know how God does that but because He's God He does.

2. PRACTICE PATIENCE WITH THAT PROBLEM

Romans 5:3 again (KJV) "…tribulation worketh patience;" Growth requires both problems and patience.
If problems alone by themselves were enough to grow us, we'd all be very mature by now. We've got lots of problems. Maturity requires both – problems and patience. It just takes time for some problems to be solved. Some problems in our lives we can solve pretty quickly. But there are many others you just can't solve them right away. As you patiently wait, God develops you.

This is the crucial step. This is where it's important to take another look at this. There are a lot of the ways we try to escape this patience step. Three popular ways:

One, we try to run from our problems. We try to get as far away as we can. When you try to run from your problems, you keep running into the same problems. They may have different names and the circumstances are somewhat different…but it's the same problem. You can't run from your problems.

Second, we try to hide from our problems. We try to pretend that they don't exist. We try to hide behind our anger or we try to hide behind our optimism – just pretend that everything's going to be ok. Practice patience. Don't run. Don't hide.

A third thing we try to do is we point. We become convinced that we're the only one with real problems. So we point at other people. We say, "Look at that person! They don't have the problems I do. They don't have the kind of kids I have! They're not sick like I am! They never had the struggles that I had!" It's unhealthy when we begin to think that we're the only ones that have the kinds of problems we have in our lives, as if everyone else in the world doesn't have problems. Especially for those of us who live in the United States to think that we have problems that are greater than anyone else in the world.

So you must stop pointing and you stop hiding and you stop running. How do you develop patience?

(Romans 8:25 KJV) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

If we must trust God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently. It grows out of trust. That's where patience comes from. Trusting in the fact that God is in control.

The truth is, trust doesn't always come easily. Forty years ago the majority of Americans believed that most people could be trusted. Just to show you how far we've come, 40 years ago, three out of four people believed that the federal government could be trusted all or most of the time. The Washington Post and Harvard University did a survey of Americans and they discovered that two out of three Americans believe that most people can't be trusted. Half say that most people would cheat others if they could. And most people are just looking out for themselves. Only one in four thinks that the government can be trusted.

Life has kicked the hope out of far too many people. They wonder who they can trust. How do you rebuild trust in your life?

(Romans 15:4 KJV)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Trust is always built on the truth. You can't build trust on a lie. This verse reminds us that this book is the truth. The more time we spend with God's Word, the more we get to know it, the more we rebuild trust in our lives. If we were really convinced of how truthful this book is, we'd spend more time reading it. If we were truly convinced of how much hope this book could give hope, we'd spend more time letting it get into our lives. God's Word is the fuel that builds trust.
When you feel hungry what do you do? You eat. When you feel tired, what do you do? You rest or sleep. When you feel hopeless, what should you do? You should feed on God's Truth.

Why is truth so important? Because our lives are controlled by whatever we think to be true. That's what controls our lives. Some people have their lives attached to a lie. That lie will serve as a bungee cord to prevent you from making progress.

The lie might be, "I'm no good. I'm not going to make it." People have told you that all your life.
The lie might be, "I need this sin to be happy." I don't know what the lie is. There's lots of kinds of lies that we attach our lives to.
The lie might be, "If I don't have bitterness in my heart toward that person, then they're going to get away with it." I don't know what the lie is but we've got our lives attached to this lie.

And every once in a while we hear a sermon, read a book and we think, "I'm going to be better," so we try to stretch, get out as far as we can. And we really try to be better and grow. Then we get tired, we relax for just a few moments and Bam! The bungee cord snaps us back. You wonder, "How am I going to grow? How am I going to change?"

The secret is not trying to stretch it further and further one more time to feel a little better about yourself. The secret is to un-attach your life from the lie and attach your life to the truth of God's word.

God does have a purpose for my life. Then you're always drawn back to that truth.
God has a joy for my life that's above the petty sins and temptations that I tempted to go after.
God has a hope for my life that's greater than anything I can imagine.
The more I can attach my life to that truth, the more real joy begins to happen. That's why truth is so important. When I begin more and more to attach my life to the truth then you and I start to….

3. DEVELOP CHARACTER

He starts to change us. He starts to develop us. He starts to do what James 1:4 talks about:

(James 1:4 KJV)
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Another version says it like this "Don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete." (TLB)

When I was a brand new Christian and problems came into my life I thought, "I'm a Christian now. I'm not supposed to have any problems." I thought, "God, what are You doing to me? This isn't fair."

Then I got a little bit older as a Christian and read in the Bible of someone named Satan as an evil force in the world and began to think when problems came into my life, "Satan, what are you doing to me."

Now that I've grown older as a Christian, when problems come in, I don't call the problems good but I know God is good. So I say instead (or at least what I'm trying to say) "God, what are You doing in me? How do You want to take this problem and use it to develop me and grow me?"

Character emerges out of the fire. If you find someone with great character, I'll guarantee you they've been patient; they've endured through some great trials in their life.

This is a good moment to be honest about a false kind of hope that we often try to build into our lives. Some of us instead of trying to build character in order to build hope, try to build our bank account in order to build hope. There is a temptation to think, "If I can get enough things in my life, then I can build a foundation of hope on those things."

(1 Timothy 6:17) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (NKJV)

Most of us will say, "That scripture doesn't apply to me because I'm not rich." Well we may not be part of the one per centers we hear about on the news but most of us in this room—if not all of us are in the top 8% if we use world standards. We are blessed indeed. The point is hope is not realized by accumulating more money and assets.

A while back on PBS they did a special with some babies in a crib. They put some different toys over the crib. First they brought a mobile in that had a couple of figures on it and hung it over the baby's crib. The baby laid there and was happy and enjoying it. Then they took it away and brought another mobile in that had twelve figures on it and the baby was really happy with this and enjoying it. Then they took that away and brought back the one that had only two. What do you think happened? The baby wasn't happy. "I want my 12-figure mobile back. I deserved it. I earned it. I worked for it."

There's a huge problem in our lives when we build our hope upon things, which can so easily be lost. When they get pulled out of our lives we think hope has been lost. The truth is, we've built our hope on the wrong thing. When you build hope on the character that God alone can develop in your life, no one can take that away from you. Always build your hope on something that no one can take away. Hope doesn't come by developing a bank account or a portfolio. It comes by developing our character.

That's what God does as we're patient through the problems of life. Then as He does that, I encourage you to do the fourth thing….

4. ENJOY HOPE

Enjoy it! You don't have to wait to get to heaven to enjoy the hope God wants to give you. (1 Peter 1:3 KJV)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Circle "resurrection". In the New Testament, the word "hope" occurs one time before the resurrection of Jesus – in the book of Matthew. But it occurs 70 times after the resurrection of Christ. It doesn't take a genius to figure out where hope comes from! It comes from the resurrection. The resurrection started with a cross. Hope begins at the darkest places of our lives.

If you want an illustration of how God allows problems into the world to bring good into the world, don't look any farther than the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He took that evil that was done on the cross and turned it into a resurrection that brings us light – there's the illustration, the fact that He can bring hope. The cross tells us that He not only understands our pain but He can transform our pain.

There is a hope out there in the future that's indescribable. It's a place called heaven. It's a perfect hope. It's a perfect place, with a perfect God who makes things perfect for eternity. However, even in this life, when the fog rolls in, we still can have hope—hope for today and hope for the future.

(Lamentations 3:21-22 KJV) This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

You don't have to wait for hope to begin.

Its hope that enables someone whose job seems in jeopardy because you're old or because you've been ill and someone younger is coming in to take your place to continue on.
It is hope that enables someone who has been victimized in a terrible way to not only find healing in their life but have the ability to go help someone else who's been victimized.
Its hope that enables someone who is just not sure about the future…you're not sure where life is headed…to put one foot in front of the other and keep going on, knowing that God has a future even though you don't know what it is.
It is hope that enables someone to take a dream that has been shattered and watch God begin to put it together piece by piece one more time.
It's hope that enables you to look forward to the future even when you've sat down across the desk from that doctor and he has looked you in the eye and said, "It's not going to get any better." You know that one day there's a better day coming.

We can have hope in 2012. I said earlier that hope is always built on trust and the truth. I want to encourage you to trust the God of truth in your life. Some of you need to trust the truth that Jesus Christ loves you and died on the cross for you. He gave His life so that you can enjoy forgiveness of your sins in this life. He was resurrected so that you can enjoy new purpose for life. You need to trust that.

You can do that right now. How? Just talk to God. If you want to trust Him, say, "Jesus Christ, I trust that You're there, that You can hear this prayer. I trust You to forgive me of my sins. I trust You with my life as best as I know how. Would You show me how to live?"

You might be thinking, Is that all? That's a lot, to say that I'm going to let go of my life and trust it into somebody else's hands is a lot.

Some of you need to trust the fact that God is working in a problem that you're facing right now even though you can't see it. The fog has rolled in and you have no idea what God is doing. But today you need to say in your mind, "God, I trust the fact that You are working through and in this problem in ways I don't know."

Some of you need to trust in the truth of heaven today, the hope for the future. Trust the fact that even though what's being done to you right now is entirely unjust and may never be made right in this world there is a time when it is going to be made right. Trust the fact that even though you're suffering now, and you don't see when it's going to end, there is a day when there will be no more suffering or pain. To trust the fact that even though you feel alone now there is a day when you will have perfect relationship with Him in heaven forever and ever.

When we trust Him, God does something amazing. Isaiah 49:23b (NIV) "Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed."

Sunday, January 8, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-01-10T15:51:00.002-05:00

Making the Rest the Best

Introduction: There is an old saying, "You are never too old to learn." Here is one lesson that that I want to remind you of: (Psalms 90:12) So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NKJV)

In other words: "Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should."

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." ~ Carl Sandburg

When you spend money there are two ways you can spend it. You can waste it, or you can spend it wisely. The same thing is true with life.

Whether you are young or old, healthy and wealthy, or puny and poor, you can make the rest of your life the best of your life.

If you could ask the Lord Jesus Christ how to make the rest of your life the best of your life, what do you think He would say? I don't think we have to wonder, I think I know.

(Matthew 6:33) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)

I think you can summarize what Jesus said here in three words: "first things first." Now I know that sounds simple, but I want to tell you that if you, beginning today, would consciously, continuously, constantly, and consistently put first things first, it will absolutely transform your life. The formula for how to do just that is found in this tremendous statement from the lips of our Lord.

I. SET PROPER PRIORITIES

1. "Seek first the Kingdom of God…"Now everything rises and falls right here. If your priorities are not in order, your life will not be in order. If your priorities are not right, your life will be in disarray. You don't have to pray about what your number one priority in life ought to be. You don't have to think about it. You don't have to discuss it. You don't have to look for it. You just have to do it. Jesus has already told us what our first priority ought to be, "seek first the kingdom of God."

The word—seek—means to "actively pursue" or "to go after." It's in the present tense. It means continuously. Every day of your life you ought to seek first the kingdom of God.

2. Seek the King of the Kingdom—Now in order to seek the kingdom, you must first seek the King. You cannot have a kingdom without a king. The first priority of your life ought to be to seek the King of the kingdom.

Did you know that the Christian life is more than just accepting the Lord but it is also continually seeking the Lord? The Lord is not just someone you passively accept. He is someone you actively seek. I can tell you something about your relationship with God at this very moment—if you want more of God you will consistently and actively be pursuing Him with all your heart. You will be doing those things that promote your relationship with God.

3. Seek to be one of God's Intimates: God does not have any favorites, but He does have intimates.

(James 4:8a) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (NKJV)

(Jeremiah 29:13) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (NKJV)

4. But it is not enough to seek the Lord. You must seek Him first.
Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God." First things first mean putting God first. The Bible says in Heb. 11:6, "Without faith it is impossible to please him."

An added dimension of faith is putting God first. Jesus does not want some place in your life. Jesus does not even want prominence in your life. Jesus wants preeminence in your life.

My desire is to give our Lord the first part of each day; the first day of each week; the first part of each pay check; First things First!!

The Lord Jesus Christ is not interested in being the first runner-up in your beauty contest. He is not interested in being vice-president in your corporation. He is not interested in being second in command in your army. He wants to be the King on the throne of your heart, not a co-partner in a duplex.

5. But not only are we to seek the King, we ought to seek the kingdom. The kingdom of God ought to be the fixation of your life. The word kingdom there literally means rule or reign. A kingdom is a place where a king rules. To seek the kingdom of God is to seek the rule and the reign of God over your entire life.

II. This Seeking Also Includes……….

A. The King's Glory: This means God is not segregated in your life to a particular day or to a particular portion of the day but throughout your day you are following this Biblical principle: (1 Corinthians 10:31) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (NKJV)

B. The King's Guidance:
A loyal subject always wants to do whatever the king would have him to do. There is no higher calling in life than to find out what your King wants done and then to do it. Every morning of your life a good question to ask is what Paul asked Him on the Damascus road, "Lord, what would you have me to do?"

C. The King's Government: A loyal subject desires to be controlled by the king, to be governed by the king, to be ruled by the king. Someone might say, "Well that sounds like slavery." May I tell you, that the greatest liberty in the world is found in being controlled by the right master.

Has it ever occurred to you that if your will was that God's will would always be done in your life, then your will would always be done.

I heard about a woman who was deathly sick. A neighbor came to visit her and he asked her whether she wanted to live or to die. She said, "I just want whatever pleases God."

The neighbor said, "Well, what if God were to refer the matter to you, which would you choose?"

She said, "If God were to refer the matter to me, I would just refer the matter back to Him." That lady had her priorities in the right order.

You can believe this or not, but it would be better to die in the will of God than to live outside of the will of God.

III. SEEK PERSONAL PURITY

1. Not only are we to seek His kingdom, we are to seek "His righteousness."
That is, not only are we to be seeking God's control over us, but we are also to be seeking God's character within us.
The kingdom of God is not only to be inwardly experienced. It is to be outwardly expressed.

2. If God is ruling over you, then His righteousness will be within you. A man's character is simply the outward expression of whatever is controlling him inwardly. Faith is always seen by its fruit. Character is always seen by its conduct. As we seek the kingdom of God, people ought to be able to see the kingdom in us.

We are never going to make a difference in our families and in our world until they sees a difference in us. Nietzsche, the German philosopher, was the philosophical founder of the Nazi Movement in Germany. He was the first man in history to come to the conclusion that "God is dead." He came to that conclusion by looking at Christianity. Do you know what he said about Christians? He said, "If you want me to believe in your Redeemer, you are going to have to look a little more redeemed."

The real mark of a Christian is that he makes it easier for others to believe in God.

What Does It Mean To Seek The Righteousness Of God?

A. We Must Desire It

- We do what we really want to do or we are in the process of figuring out a way to do what we really want to do; and we are what we really want to be or again we are in the process of becoming what we really want to be. Jesus said in Matt. 5:6, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

You ought to desire to be right, to do right, to live right, just as much as a hungry man desires food, and a thirsty man desires water.

B. We Must Derive It
- We are to seek "His righteousness." God desires that His righteousness is lived out in our life. We know that we can never be good enough on our own. Paul, after he was saved, made this one of the goals of his life. He said in (Philippians 3:9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (NKJV)

Let me remind you of this important truth: Righteousness must be imputed before it can be imparted. Let me make this concept simpler. Before you can live in righteousness, God must grant you righteousness. God must give it. That is one of the results of why Jesus came and Jesus died, that we might have the righteousness of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NKJV)

C. We Must Depict It
- We ought to live like kingdom subjects. Will Rogers said, "We ought to live in such a way that we would not be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip."

God has made you holy and in right standing with Him—Our part to live in holiness and righteousness.

IV. SEE PROMISED PROSPERITY

Now the Lord says that if you will seek His kingdom and His righteousness, "all these things shall be added unto you." Now what "things" was the Lord referring to? He was talking about all the things that people worry about.

1. In v.19 we are told that people worry about finances.
(Matthew 6:19) "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; (NKJV)

2. In v.25 we are told that people worry about food.
(Matthew 6:25a) "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; (NKJV)

3. In v.27 we are told that people worry about their lifespan.

(Matthew 6:27) "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (NKJV)

4. In v.28 we are told that people worry about fashion. (Matthew 6:28) "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; (NKJV)

5. Now all of these are things that we need. That's why the Lord said in v.32, (Matthew 6:32) "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (NKJV)

The Lord has promised that if you will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, you will have all the things you need. Now I did not say you would have everything that you want.

Four Truths to Remember……….

A. First of all, you don't need everything you want. I wish I had all the money back that I had spent in my life on things that I wanted that I didn't really need.

B. The second lesson is, you don't want everything you need. I never wanted one whipping that I ever got, but I needed every one of them (but one anyway).

C. The third lesson is, God doesn't give us everything we want. I, for one, am so glad that He doesn't. You know, one of the greatest blessings of God is found in those things that He doesn't give us. Listen to this confession of an unknown confederate soldier:

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for - But everything I had hoped for....

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered

I am among all men most richly blessed.

D. The last lesson is, God always desires to give us what we need.

I heard about two stores that were across the street from each other, highly competitive, always trying to get ahead. The manager of one store came out one day and nailed a great big sign over the front of his store that said, "If you want it, we have it." Well the manager from the other store walked out and saw that sign, thought about it for a few moments, went back into his store, and awhile later came out with a sign he nailed up on his store that said, "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

Our Lord Jesus is teaching us this truth—It is our responsibility to serve God and it is His responsibility to supply us with what we need.
I read about a missionary who was getting ready to embark and go away to a foreign country. As he was getting on the ship, just going up the gangway, a friend of his, who was a very wealthy person, came to him and slipped an envelope into his hand that was sealed.

His friend said, "You take this envelope, and if at any time while you are overseas you come to the place where you have exhausted every other possibility, and you don't where else to turn, and you have a need that you cannot meet anywhere else, open the envelope."

Well, the missionary took the envelope, thanked him, put it in his pocket, boarded the ship and he stayed on that mission field for twenty years. At the end of twenty years he came back home, walked down the gangplank, was met by that same wealthy friend, and he returned the envelope back to the man, still sealed, still unopened, and he said, "Never did I come to a place where I did not know where to turn, nor what to do."

Conclusion:
Do You Want To Make The Rest Of Your Life The Best Of Your Life?
Seek the King, His Kingdom & His Righteousness. Allow Jesus Christ to be your Lord. Put Him first. Live every moment for Him, and He will take care of the rest.

Sunday, January 1, 2012 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2012-01-03T10:35:00.002-05:00

Seeking God & His Righteouness Through Prayer & Fasting

This past Monday morning I was praying to God and meditating on what to share with you today this first Sunday of 2012. The Spirit brought this phrase from Matthew 6:33 to mind: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…"

The object of our seeking:
(1) The Kingdom of God and (2) His Righteousness.
The level of importance of this seeking: First; that means before and above anything else.

As I thought and meditated more on this verse I felt in my spirit that this should not only be the theme for today and these 21 days Season of Seeking but for all of 2012. So today I introduce this theme and Lord willing I will devote more time to it next Sunday. Today I spend the majority of our time talking about prayer and fasting.

Once again I am calling our church to 21 days of fasting and prayer beginning today, January 1 and continuing through January 21. I join with our General Overseer, Bishop Howard and our State Overseer, Bishop Davis who are also calling this movement to 21 days of Prayer & Fasting.

Psalms 42:1-3) As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" (NKJV)

I. One Holy Passion to Seek to Know God

A passion is a strong feeling, an emotion that is packed with intensity. At times it carries a sense of urgency.

Not all passions are holy. As fallen human beings we are often trapped in unholy passions. Our feelings are mixed. Then the Holy Spirit quickens us to a new life with new passions. But at times our affection for the things of God is locked in mortal conflict with earthly concerns.

One of the best ways we can conquer the passions that will lead us away from God is through Prayer and Fasting.

If we are to progress in godliness we need to fan the flames of a holy passion. We need a single-minded desire to seek God. This is what the 21 days of fasting and prayer helps us do. During these 21 days we must focus and be more attentive to our Lord and His Voice. It does make a difference when you accompany fasting with intensive prayer and seeking God.

We must follow Jesus who went before us. He was moved by a single passion--to do the will of His Father. His meat and drink were to do His Father's will. Zeal for His Father's house consumed Him. He was a man of holy destiny with a face set as a flint.

Jesus knew the Father. His knowledge of God was so deep, so profound that His entire earthly life reflected a single holy passion. As we know the Father in more depth we find that His will and desires become ours and we are passionate about doing His will. Jesus revealed the Father to us and called us to imitate His own pursuit. His priority is set before us - to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

We are to press into the Kingdom of God, to storm it if we must, to seize the opportunity to seek and know God. This quest is not casual. The pursuit is not careless. We are to be driven by a holy passion, "Oh that I might know Him." Prayer & Fasting helps us to realize this purpose.

II. What is Fasting?

Since there are so many misconceptions about it, I first want to clarify what fasting—biblical fasting—is not. Fasting is not merely going without food for a period of time—that is dieting. Fasting is not something done only by fanatics or religious monks. The practice of fasting is not limited to ministers or to special occasions.

Stated simply, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Fasting has always been a normal part of a relationship with God. As expressed by the impassioned plea of the Psalmist, fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord.

When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, and accompany fasting with intensive prayer, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As the Psalmist stated, "Deep calls unto deep" (Ps. 42:7).

The Psalmist was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. As a result, he reached a place where he could cry out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God, even in the midst of his trial. Once you've experienced this kind of intimacy with our God and the countless rewards and blessings that follow, your whole perspective will change. You will soon realize that fasting is a secret source of power that is overlooked by many Christians.

Notice this scripture found in Ecclesiastes 4:12: A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to live as a child of God.

That pattern addressed specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting.

Jesus said:

When you give…..
When you pray….
When you fast….

He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of the Christian life. Attention should be given to fasting as it given to giving and to praying.

Solomon, when writing the books of wisdom for Israel, made the point that a cord, or rope, braided with three strands is not easily broken. Likewise, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken. In fact, as I'll show you in a moment, Jesus took it even further by saying, "Nothing will be impossible" (Matt. 17:20)

Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs if we fail to fast? Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold return Jesus spoke of in Mark 4:8, 20? Jentezen Franklin suggested in his book on fasting the following: Look at it this way: when you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return, but when both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believe that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three—giving, praying, and fasting—are part of your life, that hundredfold return can be released!

If that is true, you have to wonder what blessings are not being released. What answers to prayer are not getting through? What bondages are not being broken if we fail to fast?

Matthew tells the story of a father who had a demon-possessed son. For years he watched helplessly as his son suffered with severe convulsions. As he grew older, the attacks became so severe that the boy would often throw himself into an open fire or trench of water. A suicidal spirit tormented him constantly; the situation became life-threatening.

Having exhausted every attempt to cure the boy—even taking him to the disciples with no avail—the father's plight seemed impossible. Then he heard that Jesus was near. Going to the Master, he cried,

(Matthew 17:15-16) "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. "So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." (NKJV)

When the boy was brought to Jesus, the Bible says in (Matthew 17:18) And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. (NKJV)

But what made the difference? After all, Matthew 10:1 records that Jesus had already given the disciples power to cast out evil spirits and to heal every disease. So why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon and cure the boy?

That's what the disciples wanted to know, too, so later that night, when they were alone with Jesus, they asked Him. (Matthew 17:20-21) So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (NKJV)

Jesus let His disciples know that because of their unbelief they failed and told them that faith as a mustard seed will cause the impossible to become possible. But notice that little word, "However."
Prayer and Fasting are the key that unlocks our faith.
Long before this incident, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where He spent forty days and forty nights, taking no food. For Jesus, casting out that stubborn demon wasn't impossible.

If Jesus could have accomplished all that He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?

III. Fasting is for Every Christian

Perhaps you're thinking, "I still don't see the need for me to fast." According to the words of Jesus, it should be the practice of every believer to fast. When addressing the Pharisees as to why His disciples did not fast, Jesus replied….

(Luke 5:34-35) And He said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? "But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days." (NKJV)

Then they will fast. Jesus didn't expect His disciples to do something He hadn't done as well. Jesus fasted, and according to the words of Peter, Jesus is our example in all things (1 Peter 2:21)

(Luke 6:40) "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. (NKJV)

There's another vital point that I want you to see in Matthew 6: God delights in giving rewards. Jesus says that when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced in your life with the right motives, He will "reward you openly."

A good example of such open reward can be found in Daniel. While in Babylonian captivity, his fasting—even partial fasting, eliminating certain foods—brought about the open reward of God, who blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in that empire.

Later, in chapter 10, Daniel was grieved and burdened with the revelation he had received for Israel. He ate no choice breads or meats for three weeks. Then he describes the angel that was sent to him—which had been delayed by the prince of Persia for twenty-one days—with the answers Daniel sought. His fast broke the power of the evil prince of Persia and released the angels of God so that God's purposes could be revealed and served.

(Job 23:12) I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. (NKJV)

God's Word is full of marvelous testimonies of those who had answers to prayer and supernatural inventions in conjunction with their fasting.

It was during a forty-day fast that Moses received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:27-28).
When Haman ordered the annihilation and plunder of all Jews, Esther called for all the Jews of her city to join her on a three-day fast from all food and water. As a result, the Jews were spared, Haman's vile plan was exposed, and he was hanged on the very gallows he built to hang Mordecai and the Jews(See Ester 4-7).
Hannah, greatly distressed over not being able to bear a child, wept and did not eat," as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:7. God heard her plea, and the prophet Samuel was soon born.
Judah, Ezra, the people of Nineveh, Nehemiah, David, and Anna are also among those whose fasts are noted in the Word along with many others.

IV. Types of Fasts

The Bible records many different circumstances, types, and lengths of fasts. In addition to those I just mentioned, Joshua fasted forty days, and Daniel partially fasted twenty-one days. It is recorded that the apostle Paul was in "fastings often." Peter fasted and of course we know that Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness.

There are four types of fasts: the absolute fast, the normal fast, the liquid fast and the partial fast.

The Absolute Fast: In this fast you eat or drink nothing—no food or water. Depending on your health, this fast should only be attempted when explicitly directed by God and for no more than 3 days.
The Normal Fast:
On a normal fast, you typically go without food of any kind for a certain number of days. You do drink water, and plenty of it! This was the type of fast Jesus was on during the 40 days in the wilderness.
The Liquid Fast: On this type of fast you eat no solid foods but you drink broth, juices, smoothies, etc., in order to maintain your strength. Basically you eat no solid foods.
The Partial Fast: A partial fast can be interpreted many ways. The way it cannot be interpreted is to count the time between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.—when you're sleeping! A partial fast usually involves giving up particular foods and drink for an extended period of time.

The most commonly used example of a partial fast is found in the Book of Daniel. I mentioned this fast earlier. In the beginning of his captivity in Babylon, Daniel and his three companions refused to eat the choice meats and sweets from the king's table, asking instead to have only vegetables and water. They did this for ten days to prove that they would be just as healthy as the king's men.

Later, in chapter 10, grieved over the plight of Israel, Daniel began another partial fast, taking no pleasant food. Most likely this meant he ate no sweets or bread. The Bible says that along with that he ate no meat and he was focused in prayer. At the end, his prayer was answered by an angel.

The duration of fasts can vary. There are significant numbers we find in the Bible, which include three days, seven days, twenty-one days, and forty days. But there are also references to half-day fasts and twenty-four hour fasts.

As I mentioned earlier I'm requesting (along with our General and State Overseers) that you fast a period of twenty-one days. The type of fast is up to you. However, a "Daniel fast" of eliminating meat, bread, and sweets for twenty-one days is a fast that most in this room could participate in. Some may think eliminating only those three food groups from your diet for three weeks is no big deal. But if it means something to you, it will mean something to God. After all, when was the last time an angel were released to speak mysteries to you like the angel did to Daniel?

Last year, as like the year before, I ate no solid food for twenty-one days. I did drink juices and smoothies. You may wish to do a liquid fast along with me. You may also consider doing a least a Daniel fast which would be basically eating nothing but fruits and vegetables. That means you wouldn't eat any meat, breads or sweets. The type of fast you do is a decision between you and God but my prayer is that everyone in this room will in some way be engaged in prayer and fasting January 1-21.

V. Practical Tips

I want to give you a few tips on fasting that I believe you will find helpful. When you begin a fast, remember If it doesn't mean anything to you, it won't mean anything to God.

Also without being combined with prayer and the Word, fasting is little more than dieting. But also remember fasting itself is a continual prayer before God if you are fasting for spiritual purposes.

There may be days when heaven opens and your heart is prompted to deep times of prayer. But there will other days when your energy is sapped and you just cannot seem to focus in prayer at all.
Don't condemn yourself. God sees your sacrifice. Perhaps you may choose to watch less TV with all those food commercials and to spend more time in the Word, meditation, prayer and study.

When you begin your fast drink plenty of filtered or purified water. This will help to flush out the toxins and the poison out of your system, which will help you get off to a good start. Water is the faster's best friend, so continue to drink plenty throughout the fast.

You may have a headache for the first two or three days as your body rids itself of toxins. On a fast in which you eat no solid food it's like spring cleaning for your body! It gives your whole digestive system a break, and medically speaking is very healthy. Without eating any solid food the digestive system begins to shut down and to be honest it's not always pleasant. Some feel sluggish, can't sleep, are colder than usual and let's face it; you're going to get hungry.

But once you get through those first few days, and you drink plenty of water and/or juice, those toxins that poison your body will get flushed out, and you will find what can only be described as a sweet place in the fast!

VI. Physical Benefits of Fasting

In his book 101 Reasons to Fast,
Pastor Bob Rodgers cites many statements from Hippocrates and others who discovered the many medical benefits fasting can have on the body. Fasting cleanses your body. As you begin a normal fast, you will notice a sort of coating on your tongue for a few days. It is a sign that the fast is helping your body eliminate toxins.

Tests have proven that the average American consumes and assimilates four pounds of chemical preservatives, coloring, stabilizers, flavorings, and other additives each year. These build up in our bodies and cause illness and disease. Periodic fasts are necessary to flush out the poison. Fasting gives your body time to heal. It relieves nervousness and tension and gives your digestive system a rest. Fasting lowers your blood pressure and can lower your cholesterol.

Dr. Oda H.F. Birchinger, who supervised more than seventy thousand fasts, stated, "Fasting is a royal road to healing, for anyone who agrees to take it, for recovery and regeneration of the body, mind, and spirit. Fasting can heal and help rheumatism in the joints and muscles, diseases of the heart, circulation, blood vessels, stress-related exhaustion, skin diseases—including pimples and complexion problems, disease of respiratory organs, allergies such as hay fever and other eye diseases."

VII. Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

In many ways, fasting helps us focus on our primary goal. It trains our heart to turn away from the distractions of the world and press toward the reward before us. God promises that He will reward those who diligently seek Him:

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

What is the reward? Certainly, answered prayer is part of the reward. Supernatural peace, divine love and earthly blessings in a variety of forms all qualify as reward material. Scripture assures us that the greatest reward is the Lord himself.

Jesus is our gold medal at the end of the race. He is our reward, our portion in the land of the living.

During times of extended fasting and immediately after breaking a fast the fellowship with our Lord becomes so sweet.

Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

His voice becomes clearer
His Word comes alive
His heart is revealed
His people become more precious
His presence becomes everything.

During times of great physical weakness of an extended fast one can identify with the Psalmist when he stated:

(Psalms 73:26) My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NKJV)

Records and testimonies offered by those who have engaged in extended fasts include multitudes saved, hundreds baptized in the Spirit, blinded eyes have been opened, deaf ears unstopped, lame people have made to walk, church problems solved, financial miracles released and physical health restored, visions of angels and even visions of the Lord himself. Yet the greatest reward is experiencing His presence, His glory and His person. God's promises to Abram can be claimed as our own. He becomes our great reward.

(Genesis 15:1) After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." (NKJV)

The apostle Paul consistently made his relationship with Jesus Christ the focus of his journey and the goal of his spiritual race. Near the end of his life when the missionary journeys had ended, the moments of public oratory had ceased, and the exciting days of groundbreaking ministry were behind him, Paul was isolated in relative obscurity in a Roman prison. Paul was still in the race. With his eyes focused, he pressed forward not propelled toward his next preaching moment, but toward Jesus Christ. Paul knew that the real prize, the real gold medal at the end of life's race, was to know Jesus:

(Philippians 3:10-12) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (NKJV)

(Philippians 3:13-14) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

WILL YOU JOIN IN THIS GREAT PURSUIT TO SEEK GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Sunday, December 11, 2012

2011-12-12T07:42:00.001-05:00

THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS Philippians 2:5-11

A customer was waiting in line at his local post office. Only one clerk was working the window. The line was moving quite slowly.

As he waited, he began to fill out a check. He was hoping to speed things up when he reached the counter. Unsure of the date, he turned and asked the woman behind him. 'It's the fifth,' she replied.

Before he could write in the date on the check, he heard a voice. A man from the back of the line cautioned, 'Oh, I wouldn't write the date in just yet.'"
Now that was a slow-moving line. Maybe you had a similar experience at the Post Office this Christmas season.

We are now in the midst of the Christmas Season with Christmas Day only 14 days away. Even most of those who are not Christians know something about what Christmas is about. Everything will become secondary for one 24-hour period while we celebrate Christmas.

What is so special about Christmas? It is the centerpiece of our history. Even our calendar is dated from the reference point of Jesus Christ. God split history with the event of Christmas. Everything is either A.D. or B.C. What is so special about Christmas? I think Philippians 2 answers it. We have here the greatest explanation in the Bible of who Jesus Christ is and what He came to do. This is the bedrock, the foundation of all that we believe.

(Philippians 2:5-8) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (NKJV)

(Philippians 2:9-11) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NKJV)

1. THE RELEVANCE OF CHRISTMAS: GOD CAME TO EARTH

When the allies landed on Normandy on D-Day, that was big news. That is nothing compared to the news when God invaded earth. It was big news when man landed on the moon and walked there. It's bigger news when God landed on the earth. Jesus Christ is God Himself. It was God that came to earth.

v. 5-6a (NLT) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Jesus was God. God invaded earth. That is the relevance of Christmas.

There are people who would say that Jesus was a great man, even a great prophet. There's only one problem with that: Jesus never claimed to be a great prophet. Over and over the Bible repeats and Jesus proclaims that He is God. I have a problem with a man who was just good saying he is God. Jesus declared "I am God."

It also says "...who being in the form of God…" That simply means He was and had always been God by nature. Jesus didn't start at the stable. He's existed even before creation. Theologians call it the preeminence of Christ.

(Colossians 1:15-16) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (NKJV)

He is the exact likeness of the unseen God. It is difficult to relate to an unseen God. But when I know that God came in the flesh, in Jesus Christ, I can more easily relate to that. The Bible says, if you've seen Jesus, you've seen God. Even though I have not personally seen Him I read the Biblical testimony of those who have and I am convinced their testimony is true.

(John 1:1-5) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (NKJV)

(John 14:9) Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? (NKJV)

Since Jesus really was and is God and God came to earth, then Christmas is the most relevant event of history. God came to earth. Jesus said, "Before Abraham existed, I AM."

II. THE REALITY OF CHRISTMAS: GOD BECAME A MAN

This is even more difficult to understand. If you were God and were going to come to earth, of all the ways you could choose to reveal yourself, would you come as a baby? As a human being?

Verse 7 tells us, Instead He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. (NLT)

The reality of Christmas was that Jesus Christ was a real man, flesh and blood, bones, hair. He was a real person, not a myth, fable, a nice story. In the Encyclopedia Britannica there are more pages on Jesus Christ than anybody else. The reality is that God came to earth and God became a man. Why would He? He became the acceptable sacrifice as the Kinsman Redeemer. That is what the Bible calls the incarnation. God came to earth but He came as a human being, a person, like us. Jesus is the Kinsman Redeemer!

How is Jesus like us?

1) He was born like us. (Luke 2:6-7) He made Himself nothing. He came into the world like billions of other babies. But the whole history of the world rested in that one fragile infant. That must have blown the minds of the angels -- "What is God doing?" No flashy entrance to let the whole world know He's there. He just comes in the middle of the night in a stable in Bethlehem.

Jesus didn't stop being God when He became man. He was 100% God and 100% man. He was God in human form. He was/is the God/Man. He was born like us.

2) He grew like us. Luke 2:52 "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." He grew and developed and had growth spurts. Can you imagine what it would have been like to have gone to school with Jesus? You would know that He was a little bit different but would you believe that He was God. He did not parade the fact that he was God. He was a human being and grew like us. He looked every inch a carpenter and a Jew from Palestine. He was a real man. That's the reality of Christmas.

3) He was tempted like us. Hebrews says "He was tempted in all points like as we, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15) Jesus experienced the same pressures that you and I do; the same temptations, desires, and drives. The same temptations to lie; to cheat; to steal. He had the same drives but He never gave into them. This is important because He can relate to you when you're struggling.

4) He suffered like us. He felt pain, disappointment. He got tired, fatigued. He felt lonely at times. He grieved, He cried, He was human. In Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38) He said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." He knew what it was like to feel pain. He can relate to your pain, problems, and pressures. He was God but He became a man. Jesus became what we are so we can become what He is. That is the reality of Christmas.

III. THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS: JESUS CAME TO DIE

v. 8b "...He humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" Jesus didn't stay a baby in a manger. He grew to a Man about 33 years of age and went to a cross and voluntarily laid down His life for us. Why? He didn't have to. He was God. He could have called 10,000 angels and stopped the process at any point. He did not have to go to the cross. Nobody put Him there without His permission. Why did He allow Himself to go to the cross?

The Bible says He did it for two reasons:

1) To demonstrate God's love.

(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NKJV)

His motivation was love. If you want to know how much God loves you, look at the cross. The Bible says, "Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends." A lot of people may give their life for their friend or family or children. But the Bible says that God gave His life for us when we were rejecting Him, before we even knew Him, before we were even born. He gave His life for us. That's love. That is the reason for Christmas -- to demonstrate His love for me. "God so loved the world that He gave His life..."

2) To pay for my sins.

When you break a law (and get caught) you've got to pay a penalty. When you break man's laws you pay man's penalties. When you break God's laws you pay God's penalties. The Bible says, (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)

(1 Peter 2:24) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. (NKJV)

What He did over 2000 years ago can make a difference in my life right now. I can be completely forgiven for everything I've ever done wrong or will ever do. That's the reason for Christmas.

The angels said, "For unto you this day is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." What does it mean to be a Savior? A lifeguard is taught that when they swim out to a person who is drowning usually you will not grab them right away. You tread water and wait. They are panicked. If you grabbed them immediately, they would most likely grab onto you and pull you down. You've got to wait until they are going under for the last time. When they become limp and have given up, you put your help them back to shore. As long as a person is trying to save themselves you cannot save them.

Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. As long as you think, "I'm OK. I'm not that bad." You are the person in the most danger. The person who realizes he needs a Savior is much more open to receiving a Savior. If you think you don't need a Savior -- that is your problem! If you didn't need a Savior, God wouldn't have wasted all the effort to send one. The very fact that Jesus Christ did come to earth, give up all the glory of Heaven, become a human being, be born as a little baby, grow up, have pains, pressures and temptations, die on a cross, be raised again on Easter means that you need what He has to offer. God would not waste all that energy. The relevance of Christmas is that God came to earth and it split history. It's the focal point -- A.D./B.C. But He came as a man with real flesh and blood, problems and tears and emotions so He can understand exactly how you are so He could communicate fully.

You can look at Him and know what God is like. That's the reality. And the reason is He came to show how much God loves you and to pay for your sin and mine by dying on the cross and give salvation. Salvation is freedom -- freedom from guilt, worry, fear, purposelessness in life, to know that your eternity is settled, freedom to live the way God meant for you to live. That's the reason for Christmas.

IV. THE RESULT OF CHRISTMAS: JESUS IS LORD

The cross is not the end. He's alive! That's what Easter is all about. There were two results. The Bible says all through Scripture that those who humble themselves will be lifted up. And those who lift themselves up with pride will be humbled. Jesus is a clear example of that. Because He humbled Himself, God has done two things:

1) He has given Him the place of top honor in the universe. He's honored above all else – the highest place.

2) His name has been exalted. The name "Jesus" in New Testament times was a very common name. It wasn't unusual -- like John or Jim today. "Jesus" means "salvation is of the Lord." The Greek word is Joshua. That is why they had to distinguish which Jesus it was they were talking about -- Jesus of Nazareth, etc. Even when He was born He was given many names: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What is the name He has been given as a result of going to the cross for us? LORD. Jesus is Lord. I think the word is misused, misunderstood, used flippantly by many people, even Christians. They don't understand the meaning of LORD. Lord in Greek is the word that means "Master, Ruler, Number One, Mr. Big, The One in Control, Total Sovereign, and King".

Over 600 times in the New Testament the Bible calls Jesus, Lord. Lord in New Testament times was a word used for Caesar. It was used in the Roman Empire because the Emperor was treated as god. They worshipped the Caesar as god. The Romans would say "Caesar is Lord". It became a test of loyalty in the Roman Empire. There was a period in Roman history when Christians refused to say that and would only say "Jesus is Lord" they were put to death -- thrown to the lions, made to fight gladiators... Many of them lost their lives simply by one phrase -- Jesus is Lord.

What does it mean to say "Jesus is Lord"?

a) I acknowledge that He really is God. He's more than a man or a prophet. He really is God. He is the Lord. It is a test of my commitment to Him.

b) I believe that He has everything under control. Since Jesus is God then Jesus has everything under control, To say Jesus is Lord is a statement of comfort and encouragement. Although everything looks bleak, Jesus is Lord and I know He's got everything under control. I may not see it, the pattern and what is happening, but Jesus is Lord and I recognize the fact that He has everything under control. Nothing escapes His care or concern because He is Lord. To say Jesus is Lord is to say I don't know what the New Year holds but I know who holds the future because Jesus is Lord.

c) I commit all of my life to Him. He calls the shots because He is God, has come to earth, died for me and rose again. Because He has done those things He has the right to determine what's right in my life and to direct me. I'm seeking to live according to His plans. Don't use the word Lord lightly.

(Romans 10:9) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV)

What does it mean to be a Christian, to be a believer, to be saved? It means to say, Jesus is my Lord. I acknowledge the fact that He is God, I believe that He has everything under control; I commit everything I have to Him.

Philippians says one day every knee will bow, every tongue will confess what God has known for the ages, the truth of all truth -- Jesus is Lord. It will happen. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and He will be given His due honor.

All of the arrogance in this world that puts itself up against Christ and all of the denial and pseudo scientific and psychological and philosophical arguments that are put up will fall by the wayside, and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord on Judgement Day.
Everyone will acknowledge it is true. Every nationality, every age group, every male, every female, every religion will say "Jesus is Lord."
All of the politicians will be there and say "Jesus is Lord."
All of the rock stars will say "Jesus is Lord."
All of the scientists, professors, business men, and homemakers will say "Jesus is Lord." Everyone will admit it.

The issue is not will you admit that Jesus is Lord? You will one day. The issue is simply, when? You will either admit it now in love and honor and respect or you will admit it later and find you have been wrong and made a big mistake. Every knee will bow; every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

That is the result of Christmas.

The greatest need in American Christians is the need to rediscover the phrase used for centuries as the test of a believer: JESUS IS LORD.
It may look like the other side is winning right now, but Jesus is Lord.
You may think you cannot cope any more, there is too much pressure, but Jesus is Lord.
You may think your problems are too great and you can't handle them, but Jesus is Lord.
Circumstances may pile up against you and people may thwart you and fight you, but Jesus is Lord.
Say that phrase when you're discouraged -- Jesus is Lord.
When you're tired, when you're worried, afraid --Jesus is Lord.
Say it when you don't think you can go on another mile—Jesus is Lord!
Say it when you're grieving and you don't know why somebody has died -- Jesus is Lord.
Say it when you're lonely. And say it at Christmas. Make it the theme of your life. That's what it means to be a believer.
"If you confess with your mouth, `JESUS IS LORD', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved."

Sunday, November 4, 2011 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2011-12-07T09:39:00.002-05:00

JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER

(Mark 10:17-18) Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. (NKJV)

(Mark 10:19-20) "You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'" And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." (NKJV)

(Mark 10:21-22) Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (NKJV)

Introduction: As we move through the Gospels, from time to time, we are privileged to observe some of the personal encounters the Lord Jesus had while He walked here on the earth. Most of these personal moments ended gloriously but with our text today this isn't the case.

Jesus startling pronouncement to His disciples that we looked at last Sunday…. (Mark 10:15) "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (NKJV) ...set down for the disciples and all ensuing history that helpless dependence is necessary for entering the Kingdom—that is to be saved. In contrast, the rich young ruler in this passage is the very opposite of a helpless, dependent child.

I would like for us to look into this encounter today and glean truths that we need to consider. I ask that you let the Lord speak to your heart. I want to preach on Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. I want you to see The Man and His Desire; The Man and His Deception; and The Man and His Decision. Let's look at these truths today.

I. V. 17 THE MAN AND HIS DESIRE

This particular encounter is mentioned by Matthew (Matt. 19:16-22), Luke (Luke 18:18-23) and of course here, in our text, by Mark. All three of the Gospel writers add additional detail concerning this man who has come to be known as The Rich Young Ruler. For the sake of our study, it would be time well spent to get to know him just a little bit better.

A. The Person Who Came - All three evangelists tell us that he was a rich man. Matthew tells us that he was young (19:22) and Luke tells us that he was a ruler (18:18). This probably means that he was a ruler in the synagogue. When all the facts concerning this man are considered, it becomes clear that this young man had many things going for him in his life.

He has Youth - Youth is a wonderful thing! There is no better time to give one's life to the Lord.

(Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them": (NKJV)

If you are young and unsaved, let me challenge you to come to Jesus today! Don't waste your life! Come to Jesus now, while He can use you for His glory and make something special out of your life!

He has Wealth
[Click Twice]- We gather from the exchange between him and Jesus that he was an aggressive, self-assured young man who went after what he wanted. He was what we call today an "achiever." This young man has plenty of this world's goods, v. 22. Now, there is nothing wrong with having money! Money itself isn't evil; it is when money has you that problems begin to creep in.

(1 Timothy 6:10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (NKJV)

He has Morality and Religion - This man is living a clean, moral life. Notice that Jesus did not rebuke him when he claimed to have kept the commandments. Outwardly, this man's life was clean and pure. That is a wonderful thing! It ought to be true about every person in this room.
He has Position - Luke says that he is a ruler, (18:18). As I said a moment ago, this probably means that he is a leader in the synagogue. He is a man of some influence in local religious circles. That too is a good thing!

From every outward appearance, this man was the ideal young person. He was everything a mother might want her son to be. He was clean cut, religious, industrious and morally clean. He was respected by most everyone!

B. The Problem He Carried - In spite of all he has going for him there was something missing. He had found that his youth left him unsatisfied. His money had left him feeling unfulfilled. His morality, his clean living and his religious activity had not been able to satisfy the deepest longing of his soul. His swift climb up the rungs of the social ladder had failed to give him what he wanted most: peace with God. So, he comes with haste to Jesus. He falls down before the Lord and he cries out to Christ.

I believe there are those that from every outward appearance, they have it made. Life has been good to them. They have a little money; they have climbed up the social ladder somewhat. They are well thought of in the community. They are a good person, who has lived a clean, moral life. If they were to run for President they would not have to worry about skeletons in the closet. They may even be a church member, a leader, a teacher, and everyone thinks their life is complete.

But, in spite of all they have, there is still something missing in their life. They know they have what it takes to live, but they also know that they are unprepared to die. They have everything they want and need materially, but they do not have spiritual peace with God. Everything looks good on the outside, but the insides are all messed up. Jesus has the answer!

II. v. 17-21 THE MAN AND HIS DECEPTION

A. V. 17 The Confusion - As this young man comes to Jesus, he gets several things right. Notice:

He comes to the right Person - He had evidently heard of Jesus and knows that if anyone can help him, Jesus can. We will say more about that in a moment.
He comes in the right way - He comes running, because he knows the urgency of the situation. (Note: Nothing in life is as urgent as your salvation! Life could end at any moment and you need to be sure that you are saved! Ill. James 4:14; Psa. 90:5-6; Psa. 144:4) If you are saved nothing is more important than maintaining a close relationship with the Father God and He Son Jesus Christ. He also came kneeling. This shows that he recognized that fact that Jesus is worthy and he is not. Again we must come to Jesus as a humble child.
He comes for the right purpose - This young man came to Jesus pondering the issues of eternity. He had the most important things on his heart. Here is a man who has it all, yet with all his power, his possessions and his privileges, he still does not know the answer to the greatest of all questions. He knows a lot of things, but he is forced to admit that he does not know the way to Heaven!

Note: We live in the midst of one of the most sophisticated and intellectually advanced cultures the world has ever known, yet so many people still do not know the answer to the most basic and important question of all—they do not know how to be saved. Man can split atoms, put men on the moon, harness the power of the sun, wind and rain, but he does not know how to get to Heaven! Thankfully, Jesus had the answer for this young man and He still has the answer we all need today. So, if thoughts of eternity and Heaven and how to get there are bothering you, then hang on, because Jesus tells us exactly what we need to know in this passage!

He comes at the right time - He came when Jesus was nearby! Many think they can come to Jesus at any time. They think they can come whenever it fits into their schedule. The truth of the matter is somewhat different. Man doesn't come to the Lord whenever he wants; he comes to Jesus when Jesus is passing close to him. You come when He is calling you. You come when He is passing by!

(Isaiah 55:6) Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. (NKJV)

(John 6:44) "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. (NKJV)

While this man gets several things right, he gets the main thing terribly wrong. Notice his question in verse 17. "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Matthew's account puts it this way, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matt. 19:16).

This man knows he has a lot of good things stacked up in his corner. He seems to think that if he can just add some other good thing, then he can have salvation as a reward. There are two basic problems with his question:

1. He thinks salvation can be earned - In other words, he is looking for a "Do" oriented salvation. He wants to have a hand in it. He wants to be involved. He wants to get his salvation like he has gotten everything else in his life: he wants to earn it for himself. Note: Many people still believe that salvation is based on "do". They've got to do something to get it—be it join a church, get baptized, teach Sunday School, preach, give, become a moral person and stop sinning and the list could go on forever! The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that salvation is never about "Do." Salvation, through Jesus Christ, is always about "Done!"

(Ephesians 2:8-9) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (NKJV)

(Titus 3:5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (NKJV)

When Jesus died on the cross, He said "It is finished!" He did it all and there is nothing you and I can do you to add to it or to get it on our own. Salvation was achieved by Jesus when He died on the cross and rose again. It is received by us when we accepted what He did by faith! Salvation has never been about what we can do, but it has always been about what He did!

The Philippian Jailer had the same questions for Paul and Silas in Acts 16:30, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul's answer to him was that there was nothing more to do but to believe, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ", Acts 16:31! Nothing has changed! If you want to be saved, you must rest in "Done!" and forget about "Do!"

2. He thinks salvation is a reward - He seems to think that if he can just do enough good things, then God will give him eternal life as a reward. Friend, salvation is not a reward for faithful service; it is the free gift of God's grace! We could never do enough to reach a place where God would reward us with salvation. Heaven does not have a "Green Stamps" plan! Salvation is not a reward for service, but it is the gift of grace, John 10:28!

Now the Bible does teach there are rewards to be received by God's Children. They are rewards for faithful service but nowhere does the Bible teach that we "earn" or that salvation is given to us as a "reward."

B. V. 18-20 The Confrontation - When Jesus hears what this man wants, He responds in an unusual manner. He confronts this young man in two specific areas.

1. He confronts him regarding the Person of the Savior - When this young man called Jesus Good, Jesus reminded this young man that no one was good but God. This was designed to make this young man consider how he viewed Jesus Christ. Was Jesus just an elevated "teacher" as the words "good teacher" implies, or did this young man say that he believed Jesus to be God in the flesh? Obviously, this man only believed that Jesus was a great teacher.

That is one of this man's problems! Before he, or anyone, for that matter, can be saved, they must come to the place where they have a correct understanding of who Jesus Christ is. He is not just a good moral man, a teacher sent to show us the way. No! He is far more than that! He is God in the flesh! He is not a way-shower, He is the Way. He is not a truth dispenser, He is the Truth. He does not point out the path to life, but He Himself is the Life!

(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)

Every person who will be saved must know Who Jesus is. He isn't just another stop on the scenic road to Heaven. He is the only hope you have of salvation, 1 John 5:11-15; John 8:24. Understanding Who Jesus is…..is one of the primary, elementary steps in coming to know Him!

2. He confronts him regarding the Problem of Sin - When Jesus reminds this young man that only God is good, He is trying to get this moral young man to see that he is a sinner. When Jesus rattles off this list of commands, it isn't to imply that salvation comes by keeping them. Jesus is trying to get this man to see that he is a sinner. He wants to extract a response from this young man that shows he understands what salvation is all about.

Apparently, this young man believed that salvation was just something else he could add to his resume. But, Jesus wants him to see that he is a sinner and as a sinner he has no ground upon which to stand before the face of God. Jesus wants him to see that regardless of what he may possess materially, he is morally and spiritually bankrupt.

When this man responds to Jesus, he declares that he has kept the Law and has not broken it. It is interesting that Jesus doesn't disagree with him. It may be that he is clean outwardly, but Jesus is trying to get him to see the condition of his heart! And, this young man never does! As far as he is concerned, he has arrived spiritually.

Also the commandments Jesus listed dealt with our relationships with one another. Jesus said nothing about the commandments that deal with our relationship with God.

Note: This is where most people are isn't it? They take an external, superficial, inventory of their lives and think they are alright. They say, "I don't beat my wife. I don't abuse my children. I don't run around. I don't drink. I provide for my family. I am a pretty good person. And, after all, compared to some people, why, I am almost a saint!"

Do you know what's wrong with that? The problem with people and their relationship with God is not what they are outwardly; it's what they are inwardly! The heart of the problem is a problem with the heart! Man is born a sinner, Rom. 3:10-12, 18, 23. He can clean up the outside all he wants to, but he is still a sinner!

You can wash a pig, perfume him and put a ribbon around his neck and he looks clean. But, you turn him loose and he'll head straight to the wallow. Why? He is a pig and that is what pigs do! A sinner may turn over a new leaf and look good outwardly. He may be a moral, clean, hard working person, but he is still a sinner at heart and he needs a Savior. That is what Jesus wanted this young man to know and that is what He wants you to know as well.

C. V. 21 The Clarification - Notice the love and compassion in the heart of Jesus for this young man. Jesus still loved him regardless of his sins and regardless of his improper understanding of the things of God. And, friend, no matter where you are today, He loves you too. As proof of His love, Jesus tells this young man that he was still lacking one thing. Jesus tells him the one thing he needs to do which includes three things.

1. Sell his possessions and give the money to the poor

- Jesus isn't implying that salvation is earned by giving away our material possessions. He is merely placing His finger on the root of this man's problem. He loved his money more that he wanted God in his life. Jesus is saying, "If you want to be perfect, you can place nothing else ahead of Me!" Jesus says, "If you aren't willing to turn your back on everything for me, then you can't be My disciple!"

(Matthew 6:24) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (NKJV)

2. Take up the cross - The cross was symbolic of death. To take up one's cross was to go to one's death. Jesus is saying, "If you want me, then you have to die to yourself!" In other words, your loves, your goals, your desires, your plans, everything you have, must not come before Jesus.

There are those in the modern church world who says, "Come to Jesus on your terms and live as you please." Jesus says, "If you want to come to Me you have to die to yourself, and if you will do that, then I will live through you!" Which describes the salvation you have today?

3. Follow Jesus - Here is the crux of the matter! This young man has been following power, prestige, position and possessions. Jesus says, "You turn your back on all that and you follow me. That is how you get eternal life!" This is still the call of the Gospel. God says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else", Isa. 45:22.

The demands of the Gospel are clear. You must forsake your sins through genuine repentance and embrace the Savior by faith and follow Him. This and this alone, will save your soul.

(Romans 10:9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NKJV)

III. V. 22 THE MAN AND HIS DECISION

Here is the saddest part of this entire encounter. This young man makes his decision, but it is a tragic decision. Let's notice what he did.

A. He Made An Earthly Decision - He chose his possessions over Jesus! He loved his money more than he wanted to be saved. (Note: Jesus will allow you to make the same choice. It may not be money. It may be pleasure, some sin, your family, your independence, etc. If you want it, He will let you keep it! But, ask yourself this question: "Is it really worth more than my soul?" Friend, nothing is worth your soul, Mark 8:36-37!

B. He Made An Eternal Decision – We never read in the Bible of this young man again. One can only hope that he later came to Jesus. One day, this man's youth faded and was gone. He retired from his prestigious position down at the synagogue. Finally, age and disease overtook him and even his vast wealth couldn't prolong the inevitable, and he died. When he did, he found out that his religion and his moral lifestyle were not enough. If he did die lost, he found himself in Hell, lost forever, because he had walked away from the only hope he had ever had: Jesus Christ.

C. What you do with Jesus in this life, will determine what He will do with you in the afterlife! Has He called you to follow Him? What was your response? Did you forsake all to go after Jesus, regardless of the cost? Is He calling you now? What will you say? Will you come to Him and be saved, or will you go away from Him to continue to live without Him and one day to die without Him? It is decision time, what will you do?

Conclusion: In verse 21, Jesus summed up this young man's dilemma with these words, "One thing you lack." This man had everything, but the most important thing. He had everything but he lacked Jesus! Does that describe you? Do you have money? Position? Youth? Beauty? Health? Education? Or anything else you can name, but still lack Jesus? You don't have to go another minute without Him. Today is a time of personal encounters. Is Jesus speaking to your heart right now? Don't walk away from Jesus, come to Him now!

Let me say to those of you (which is most everyone) who have accepted Jesus as your Savior. You have made the commitment to follow Him. If you remember after Jesus was arrested the Bible says that Peter "followed Him afar off." Later than night Peter ended up denying the Lord three times. Are you following the Lord at a distance? Or are you following Him closely?

Sunday, November 27, 2011 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2011-11-30T07:07:00.002-05:00

DON'T HINDER THE CHILDREN

(Mark 10:13-14) Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (NKJV)

(Mark 10:15-16) "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. (NKJV)

Introduction: Last Sunday, we looked at Jesus' teaching on the matter of marriage and divorce. As soon as that discussion is finished, Jesus turns His attention to some little children that are being brought to Him by their parents.

It was a Jewish tradition to bring small children to a great rabbi so that he could bless them and pray for them. It was also common for parents to take their children to the synagogue, where each of the elders would take the child in his hands and pray for the life of the child. This is much the same thing that we still do today when we dedicate a child and parents to the Lord.

These parents are rebuked by the Lord's disciples. Apparently, they felt that the Master's time was too valuable to spend on small children. Jesus, in turn, rebuked them for their attitude regarding these children. He told the disciples in no uncertain terms that little children were what the kingdom of Heaven was all about.

It is appropriate that Jesus should give us this teaching about little children just after He spoke about the marriage relationship. The statement "and they two shall be one flesh" (Matt. 19:15) is literally fulfilled when a married couple come together and God wills that a child be conceived and be born.

Now, we all know that children can be noisy in church; they have to be taught to behave; they require a lot of special attention and special programs. But I gladly proclaim that our children are a great asset to our church and the kingdom of God. Children are a blessing to be enjoyed. (Psalms 127:3) Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. (NKJV)

Our text for today has something to say about children, and by extension, about the Savior's kingdom. Let's walk through these important and observe some lessons about parents, children and the Lord Jesus Christ.

So the subject for today is Don't Hinder the Children. I want to show you the lessons we find in these verses. There is a Lesson about Service; A Lesson about Salvation; and A Lesson about the Savior. I want us to understand that Jesus has a special place in His heart and in His plans for the children.

I. A LESSON ABOUT SERVICE

This passage clearly reveals certain responsibilities that both the parent and the church have toward our children. Fulfilling these responsibilities is a form of service to our children. Let me show you some ways we serve our children.

A. We Serve Our Children By Evangelizing Them
– This passage nowhere implies that Jesus was saving these children. He was praying for them and pronouncing a blessing on their young lives. This scene teaches us that these parents cared enough about the spiritual condition of their children to bring them to Jesus so that they might be blessed through His praying and His touch.

From the earliest passages of the Bible believers have been challenged to share the things of God with their children, Deut. 6:1-8. The New Testament renews that challenge to parents, Eph. 6:4.

Parents should do everything in their power to ensure that their children are exposed to the Gospel. That means bringing them to church on a consistent basis. It means giving them the opportunity to be in Sunday School, Children's Church, Vacation Bible School and special events.

This year at our campground in High Point there will be the 1^st Annual NC Children's Conference, April 20-22. Ages are from K-5^th Grade. So if you have a child in that age group plan for them to go. The registration fee now through January 2 is $15. After that is $25 and walk-ins are $30. Registration covers cost of conference, 3 meals and lodging at the campground on a first come basis. More information is on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.

Parents should pray for their children and with them and share the Bible with them at home. Parents should be open about your own faith and be consistent in your own life as a believer. Parents should be an example to their children by their teaching and example that nothing in this world is more important than the Lord and His business.

I appreciate our nursery workers, Sunday school teachers, Children church workers, Vacation Bible School workers, in short all those who work with our children. They are sharing the gospel message with the children of our church. I appreciate Sister Glenda Carver and Bro. Harry Johnston for attending the training in our Thrive Tour, November 19. There is a training conference, "Prepare to Lead" that will be taking place at the campground January 20-21 and I am encouraging all those who work with our children to attend.

As a church we want to do everything we can to work with you that are parents to help you evangelize and train your children. We know you as parents have the primary responsibility but we, as a church dare not neglect our responsibility of helping you. According to one Gallup Survey nineteen out of twenty people who became Christians did so before the age of twenty-five.

B.We Serve Our Children By Educating Them – By bringing their children to Jesus, these parents were telling their children that they saw something special in Him. Like those ancient parents, believers in our day have the responsibility of modeling our faith in Jesus so that the younger generation can see that He is worth knowing. If my faith does not change my life and cause me to be a better person, my children will pick up on that. I can talk about my faith, but if I do not live out my faith, it translates into hypocrisy in the eyes of my children. They are very quick to spot a phony!

We are responsible for educating our children about the things of God. (Ephesians 6:4) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. (NKJV)

It is not the public school teacher's responsibility to see that our children come to Jesus. It is our duty to bring them face to face with a saving Lord. If we make much of Jesus in front of them, they will be far more likely to come to Him at an early age and remain faithful to Him as they mature.

C. We Serve Our Children By Encouraging Them – When these parents came to Jesus with their children they were encouraging them to approach Him as well. Paul in Ephesians 6:4 uses the word admonition.
We ought to encourage our children to seek the things of God. Teach them to pray at an early age. Make the Bible a big part of their daily life. Pray with them. Bring them to Sunday School and Children's Church. Involve them in church activities like the youth group and VBS; expose them to everything of a godly nature that is available.

One of the best things a believer can do for children is for them to be in love with Jesus Christ. When mature adults love Jesus with a sincere devotion, it encourages children to love Him too!

There is no greater blessing than for a child to be saved and for them to live their whole lives for Jesus. I was saved as a young boy. I joined the church when I was 10 years old. The training I received from my parents and from my local church children's and youth workers help keep me on the right road and save me from a lot of heartache and pain.

D. L. Moody once returned from a meeting and reported two and a half conversions. "Two adults and a child, I suppose?" asked his host; "No," said Moody, "two children and an adult. The children gave their whole lives. The adult had only half of his left to give."

II. A LESSON ABOUT SALVATION

While this text certainly highlights every adult's responsibility to serve our children by helping them form a spiritual foundation, it also speaks about the matter of salvation.

A. What It Implies – The fact that children are invited to come to the Savior implies that children need a Savior. Now, most folks don't like to hear this, but children are sinners too, Psa. 58:3; Psa. 51:5; Job 15:14; Pro. 22:15; Isa. 48:8; Eph. 2:3. While children may possess a kind of innocence, they still stand in need of salvation.

That is why parents and other concerned adults must do all they can to bring children face to face with the claims of the Gospel. It is not our duty to save them, but it is our duty to expose them to the Word of God. When children hear the Gospel preached, taught and lived out, they are far more likely to come to Jesus at an early age, Rom. 10:17.

Here is what Paul told Timothy about exposing children to the Word of God, (2 Timothy 3:15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

B. What It Involves – Whenever a discussion about childhood salvation comes up, someone always mentions "the age of accountability". It surprises some people when they find out that the Bible does not mention a specific "age of accountability". A child becomes accountable for his or her sins when they come to place where they can understand the difference between right and wrong and when they are able to choose between right and wrong, Isa. 7:16.

So, when is that age? Well, it is different for every child. Some as young children come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For others the age of accountability comes later. Some people, such as those with severe mental handicaps, may never come to that place.

Parents, just because your children are young, do not assume that they do not need to be saved. Children grow up quick these days and they need to know about Jesus Christ. Tell them about Jesus from the day they are born and watch God save them at an early age!

Now, when children come to you talking about salvation, you should never put them off. Take the time to ask them some pointed questions like:

What does it mean to be saved?
Why do you feel that you need to be saved?
Can you explain to me how a person gets saved?
Can you explain to me what sin is?

There are many other questions, but you get the idea. If they do not understand, keep praying for them and talking to them about Jesus. They will come back when they are ready.

Note: What about children who die before they reach the "age of decision"? What happens to them? I think the Bible holds that answer for us. When David lost an infant son in 2 Sam. 12, he was convinced that his son had gone to be with the Lord, 2 Sam. 12:23. Children and others who cannot choose for themselves are "safe" in Jesus Christ. Ill. Rom. 5:17-21. The saving power of the atoning work of Jesus is applied to them. When they die in that "safe" condition, they are regenerated and taken to Heaven! Parents who have lost children to death, miscarriage, or still birth should never fear because their little ones are in Heaven with the Lord Jesus today.

Is it possible that the high infant mortality rates in many countries today is actually the grace of God at work? Is it possible that He is taking the little children home to Heaven while they are still in an innocent state? If they reached maturity in a pagan culture they might never hear about Jesus. While abortion is a horrible crime against humanity, God's grace is also in view here. Every one of those innocent, aborted babies goes to be with Jesus. We will meet them one day! What a gracious Savior we serve!

C. What It Illustrates – This whole matter of children coming to Jesus was used by our Lord to illustrate the way all believers must come to Him. In our text in Mark, Jesus says that all who come to Him must come as a little child. He is referring to a few of the special characteristics that separate children from adults.

Children are trusting, humble and dependent. They are so trusting, that they have to be warned not to talk to strangers. They are so dependent, that they simply rest in the ability and willingness of those around them to meet their needs. They don't worry over food, clothing or shelter. They don't worry about who will pay the bills. Children don't doubt that their family members love them. Children simply accept profound things by faith. They don't look beyond the obvious. They just believe!

Those are the requirements for a person to come to Jesus. For a person to be saved, regardless of their age, they must be willing to humble themselves before God. They must be willing to lay down their pride over the life they have lived and the achievements of that life. They must humble themselves by acknowledging their sins before God. They must be willing to admit that their works and religious activity can never save them. They must come to the place where they, like a little child, simply look to Jesus in pure faith, trusting that He will do everything He has promised to do.

Contrast this image childlike faith with the very next passage. When the Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus in Mark 10:17-22, he refused to turn loose of his pride, his money or his self-righteousness. He left with all his possessions, but he left without Jesus!

A person must look to Jesus by faith, trusting Him and His finished work on the cross completely for their soul's salvation. This requires the childlike qualities of trust, humility and dependence. This is the only way anyone ever receives salvation.

III. A LESSON ABOUT THE SAVIOR

This passage not only speaks about Service and Salvation, it also has something to say about the Savior. Watching Jesus minister to these children, we get a glimpse of aspects of our Lord's personality.

A. v. 13 We Can See The Savior's Heart – The disciples thought Jesus was too busy to receive children. When the Bible says, "brought little children to Him", it has the idea of a long line of children being brought to Jesus. Parents from all over the area had brought their children to Jesus so that He could pray for them and pronounce a blessing over them. When the disciples rebuked the parents Jesus was "greatly displeased". This means that Jesus was angry with the disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to Him. Children hold a special place in our Lord's heart! In fact, Mark 9:42 reminds us that harsh judgment awaits those who abuse little children. Jesus always defends the defenseless!

In Roman society children were often treated with contempt and viewed as property. A papyrus letter written by a man named Hilarion to his expectant wife, Alis, dated June 17, 1 b.c., instructs her: "if it was a male child let it [live]; if it was female, cast it out."

In ancient Rome, fathers held absolute power over their children. This power was called "Patria Potestas". A father could condemn a child to die simply by commanding it be done. A case where this happened was recorded as late as 60 A.D. This practice was finally outlawed in 375 A.D.

What Jesus does here is elevate children to a place of importance. He also reveals that children hold a special place in His heart. This scene reveals a lot about Jesus. Children cannot serve Him like those who are older. They cannot contribute as much money as those who are older. Still, He loves them and reaches out to them in grace.

This just reminds us that God is not just interested in what we can do, what we can give or how old we are. He simply invited people to come to Him on the basis of pure grace! Jesus loves lost sinners and He invites them all to come to Him, Rev. 22:17, Matt. 11:28; John 3:16.

B. v. 15 We Can See The Savior's Hands – This verse says "and He put His hands on them". This indicates that He took the time to bless each individual child that came before Him. No matter how young they were or how insignificant they appeared, Jesus cared about them and took time for them.

Never think for an instant that Jesus doesn't care about you. He loves you and He will not turn you away if you will come to Him. No matter where the path of life has taken you; no matter what you may have done; no matter how insignificant you may feel; Jesus Christ will save you and change your life if you will come to Him. He cares about your condition and He will take the time to touch your life if you will only come to Him by faith.

Conclusion: Regardless of whether you are saved or lost, young or old, Jesus cares about you. If you have never been saved, regardless of your age, you need to come to Jesus today. He died on the cross to save you if you are lost.

If your life has gotten complicated by living in an adult world and you need some help from God today, you can get it.

If sin has crept into your relationship with Jesus and is hindering your walk with Him, He can forgive that today.

If you will come to Him, you will find that His grace will be sufficient for you.

If there are needs in your life, you can come to Him like those little children did two thousand years ago and you can find the help you need!

Sunday, November 20, 2011 Morning Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2011-11-21T16:34:00.003-05:00

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT DIVORCE

Introduction: When you preach through books of the Bible one of the great blessings is that, sooner or later, you will preach on every subject imaginable. But, one of the disadvantages is that, sooner or later, you will preach on every subject imaginable. So in preaching through the book of Mark we come upon this subject of divorce and remarriage.

As these verses open, the Lord Jesus is steadily moving closer to His destiny. Every step He takes brings Him one step closer to the moment He will lay down His life for His people.

(Mark 10:1-3) Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him. And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" (NKJV)

(Mark 10:4-6) They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her." And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. "But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' (NKJV)

(Mark 10:7-9) 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 'and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (NKJV)

(Mark 10:10-12) In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. "And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." (NKJV)

As Jesus draws nearer to the cross, His enemies increase their attacks. Those who hate Him grow bolder and ghastlier in their attempts to discredit Jesus in the eyes of the people and of the ruling authorities.

Many of the Pharisees and the Scribes have already tried to undermine the Lord's ministry on several occasions. They now come to Him seeking His opinion on one of the most hotly debated issues of that day. They approach Him on the hot button issue of divorce. They really didn't care about the Lord's opinion, there were actually trying to catch Him in a trap.

It may seem strange to us, but divorce was even more rampant in that society than it is in ours. Some historians have noted that it was not uncommon for a Roman male to have as many as fifteen to twenty wives in his lifetime. Divorce rates among the Jewish people were not that drastic, but divorce was a real problem in that society.

It continues to be a problem in ours as well. There are over one million divorces in America each year. The human tragedy that arises out of these divorces is immeasurable. Think of it this way, when a million marriages end in divorce there are at least two million adults and several million children that are affected. Add to that the damage that divorce brings into the extended families of those folks, and the number of those impacted by divorce becomes staggering. Not a single person involved in any area of a divorce escapes totally untouched. Those who have lived through it can testify to the harsh reality of divorce and to the pain it brings into a home.

We are living in an age when nearly every family has been touched by the cold hand of divorce. When 51% of marriages in America fail, it stands to reason that divorce is a reality in most families. So, I approach a subject like this very carefully.

I realize that I am preaching to some of you who have been through divorce. You know the pain and the turmoil it brings with it. My desire is not to hurt you any more than you have already been hurt. My desire is to try and preach what Jesus said about this issue in as loving a way as possible. But I also want you to know that divorce and/or divorce and remarriage is a forgivable sin.

I realize that there are some who hold some pretty strong opinions about divorce and about the people who have been through divorce. My duty today is to preach what the Bible says about this issue in as clear a manner as is possible. That being said, I know that some will not agree with all of the things I have to say but the message I preach today does agree with our church's official position on this subject as I understand it.

When we approach a subject like this there are two tendencies:

First, some people try to lower the biblical standard so that people will feel better about themselves and what they have been through. They want to demonstrate love and they want to see that no one gets hurt.
Second, some people tend to go beyond what the Bible teaches. They want to stem the tide of divorce, and uphold the sanctity of marriage, so they take what they see as a spiritual stance on the issue.

However, when you take away from what the Bible says in any matter just so people will feel better about themselves then you are not "speaking the truth in love." And, when you add to what the Bible says then that also is not "speaking the truth in love." Regardless of the issue at stake, any human standard may be more lenient than the Bible or it may be stricter than the Bible, but it will never be better than the Bible.

So today, I want to tackle the issue of divorce. I want to consider this issue from heaven's perspective. I will not answer all your questions, I am sure. Neither will I please every person who hears me preach today. That is neither my goal nor my desire. I simply want to be faithful as I know how to what the Word of God says about this important issue.

Let's look into this passage that we have read from Mark, and several others that deal with this vitally important issue. I want you to see The Pharisees and Their Attack; The Lord and His Answer; and The Disciples and Their Amazement. Let's consider these thoughts as I preach on the subject: Jesus Teaches About Divorce.

I. v. 1-2 THE PHARISEES AND THEIR ATTACK

As I mentioned, this is not the first time this group of men had attacked Jesus and it will not be the last. He has already had several heated encounters with these religious people. In every encounter, Jesus overcame their arguments and put them to shame before the people.

This time they come to Him with an argument they think is unanswerable. We are told in verse 2 that they came to Him "testing" Him. This word carries the idea of "testing in a malicious sense." These men are trying to trap Jesus in a theological debate. They are trying to undermine His credibility in the eyes of the people. Verse 1 tells us that a great crowd has gathered to hear Jesus teach.

To understand the nature of their attack, we need to first understand the state of marriage in Israel in that day. Marriages in ancient Israel were not usually based on love. Men took wives for convenience. Marriage was the only lawful way for a man to satisfy his sexual appetite. When a man married a woman, he got a sexual partner, and as a bonus, he got someone to clean his house, cook his meals, wash his cloths and give birth to his children. Women were viewed as possessions that could be acquired and abandoned as the needs and desires of the husband changed.

The question the Pharisees ask is very straight forward. They ask, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" They want to know if a man is permitted to divorce his wife based on the Law of Moses.

There were two basic schools of thought on this topic in Israel. Two rather famous rabbis had handed down their teaching on the matter and most people in Israel followed one of these two rabbis.

One of these rabbis was a man named Shammai. He taught that the only lawful reason a divorce could be granted was for adultery. The Law commanded that adulterers were to be put to death by stoning, Lev. 20:10. By the New Testament time period, however, stoning for that reason had been outlawed, and divorce became the remedy for adultery in the marriage. The teachings of Shammai were followed by a small minority of the population and the religious leaders.

The other rabbi was a man named Hillel. Hillel held a very liberal view of divorce. He taught that a man could divorce his wife for any reason at all. If she took down her hair in public; if she was seen talking to another man; if she ruined a meal by burning the food or by putting too much salt into it; if she spoke evil of her mother-in-law; even if her husband saw a woman he thought was prettier, she could be divorced. As you might imagine, this was the most popular view of divorce among the male leaders of Israel. Most of the Pharisees followed the teachings of Hillel. This is clear in Matthew's account of this same encounter in (Matthew 19:3) The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?" (NKJV)

It is ironic that the Pharisees, who were so strict in every other area, were so liberal in this area. Most of the Pharisees married and divorced as it pleased them. Of course, this is the way of a legalist. They always find loopholes to allow the flesh to be gratified.
Why would they use this question to attack Jesus? When you think about, it was very ingenious.
- If Jesus sided with the view taught by Shammai, He would alienate many of the people who came to hear Him speak. Most of the men in His audiences would have embraced the teachings of Hillel.
- If Jesus sided with the Pharisees, the people would have been offended by that move alone.
- Perhaps the Pharisees were hoping that Jesus would contradict the Law of Moses and they could accuse Him based on that. He did attack their interpretation of the Law of Moses.
- Of course, this confrontation took place in the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas. Remember him? He was the King who married his brother's (Phillip) wife. She was his half-niece. This marriage had been condemned by John the Baptist, Matt. 14:4. Herod would eventually execute John for his words, Matt. 14:10. It may be that the Pharisees hoped to see Jesus arrested and executed for preaching against the marriage of Herod and his wife.
Whatever their motives were for coming to Jesus, these men were not interested in the truth.

That is still the way people are today. There are lots of people who could care less about the truth. They only want to justify their sins, or cling to their traditions and beliefs. In the end, it does not matter what we believe about any issue. It only matters what God says about it. Our opinions will die when we do, but the Word of God will endure forever, Psa. 119:89; 1 Pet. 1:25; Matt. 24:35.

II. v 3-9 THE LORD AND HIS ANSWER

The first thing Jesus does is to turn the tables on them, v. 3. He asks them "What did Moses command you?" In other words, Jesus asks, "What does the Word of God say about this matter?"

Jesus knows what these men believe about this issue. He knows that some of them have been married and divorced multiple times. He knows they most follow the teachings of the rabbi Hillel. He also knows that the opinions of men are irrelevant.

So, Jesus focuses the issue on the Word of God. That is always a good tactic to use when someone tries to draw you into a theological argument. Just look at them, hand them a Bible and say, "Show me!"

They answer, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and to dismiss her." In (Matthew 19:7) They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?" (NKJV)

So given their response in Matthew 19:7, where the word "command" is used, these men felt like divorce was not just a right, but an obligation to be followed.

The Pharisees base their argument on Deut. 24:1-4. Most Jews interpreted this passage to teach that divorce was an obligation. However, a careful reading of these verses clearly reveals that they do not command, recommend, or even suggest divorce. These verses were given to regulate a situation that had gotten out of hand.

Men were divorcing their wives and sending them out of their homes with a "bill of divorcement". It is said that the husband had found some "uncleanness" in his wife. This word does not refer to adultery or fornication. Both of these offenses were punishable by death, Deut. 22:20-22.

The word speaks of an immodest act that falls short of the legal definition of adultery. She might have been caught flirting with other men or uncovering herself in public. Some scholars believe that it might refer to any reason the husband could think of that made him want to get rid of her.

At any rate, the husband divorces the wife and sends her away. She goes out and marries another man. This law prohibits her first husband from remarrying her if she is divorced again, or if her second husband dies.

So, rather than commanding or condoning divorce, Deut. 24:1-4 was given to control divorce, which was rampant in that society. The Pharisees and others who advocated easy divorce were guilty of misinterpreting and misapplying the Word of God.

Jesus responds to their question by reminding them that the only reason Moses gave these instructions was because of the "hardness of heart," of the people v. 5. Every divorce occurs because there is sin in the hearts of one or both of the parties involved. Regardless of the reasons for a divorce, there is always sin at the heart of it. One or both of the parties involved is guilty of some "hardness of heart" in the matter. One or both parties will not repent of their sins or forgive the other. That is why God says, "…He hates divorce…," Mal. 2:16.

In ancient Israel, divorce was out of control. Men were divorcing their wives for all kinds of frivolous reasons. All a man had to do was to say to his wife three times, "I divorce you!", and in the eyes of man, they were divorced. These women were being sent out of their homes by their husbands with no legal protection. So a "bill of divorcement" was permitted that told society that the woman was not a harlot, and that she was free to remarry.

The law Moses gave them was given to control a sinful system that arose out of man's refusal to honor God's ideal for marriage. Such a situation should never have existed in the first place, but because of the sinfulness of the human heart it did and it needed to be controlled.

In verses 6-8, Jesus reaches beyond the Law all the way to the beginning creation. The Lord reminds us that in the creation, God created a male and a female, Gen. 1:27. God's command to this first couple was for them to "be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth," Gen. 1:28.

You will notice that God made a man and a woman. He did not make a group of people that were free to configure themselves as they saw fit. It was not to be one man and several women. It was not to be two men or two women. It was to be one man and one woman, only. Any other combination was against God's original design.

Under God's divine design a man was to "cleave" to his wife. The word literally means "to be glued together".
This speaks of the strength of the bond. It was to be an indivisible bond that was to endure for a lifetime. Marriage is not something that is to be done on a whim. It is a covenant that is to be entered into only after serious thought about the consequences. In God's view, marriage is a lifetime commitment between one man and one woman for one lifetime.

That is why Jesus says what He does in verse 8. When a man and a woman come together as husband and wife, they become one flesh. The married couple should become one in their goals, their direction, their will, their emotions, their mind and their spirit. They move together through life as though they were not a couple, but as though they were a single entity.

When God wills that a marriage produces a child, that baby is the perfect emblem of their oneness. Their child is the fusing of two persons into one. Babies are a living, breathing illustration of the biblical principle of "one flesh".

Then, in verse 9, Jesus reveals God's view of marriage. Jesus tells us that every marriage is "made in heaven". Whether it is two saved people or two lost people, the union of two people in the covenant of marriage is an honorable thing in the eyes of God, Heb. 13:4.

Jesus is telling us that marriage is always the work of the Lord while divorce is always the work of man. No one has the right to destroy a marriage. What God has glued together is not to be ripped apart by man!

Divorce and remarriage are never commanded or commended in the Word of God. Both were merely permitted as a gracious concession to the sinfulness of man. We will talk more about the biblical grounds for divorce in the message this evening. Yes, there are biblical grounds for divorce.

For now, it cannot be emphasized too strongly that God's ideal for marriage is one man and one woman for one life time. No matter what your reasons were for getting married, your marriage was the creation of God. It is not your place to tear that bond apart. It is your place to make your marriage work and to make it last a life time. In our day, marriage has become a disposable commodity. People get married on a whim and divorced at their convenience. That is not God's will for marriage. God's desire is that every marriage last a lifetime.

Conclusion Part 1: This is a good place to stop our study in this message. Lord willing, we will come back this evening and finish this message. What can we take away with us as we depart? There are a few final thoughts I will leave with you.

If you are married and your marriage is strong, you should give thanks to God and pray for God's grace. The enemy would like to destroy your marriage and mine but God is on the side of your marriage. You should praise Him for blessing your home and you should ask Him to help you divorce proof your marriage. There are plenty of families that have been shattered by divorce, and many thought it could never happen to them. No home, no family, and no person are above it happening to them.
If you are struggling in your marriage know that God is on the side of marriage and He can provide the needed grace to help your marriage thrive.
If you are divorced, or if you are divorced and remarried, and you have repented of your sins, then you need to know that you are not a second-class believer. I know there are some people who treat the victims of divorce as though they had the plague. I know that some men have placed a lot of restrictions on what you can and cannot do in the church. I also know that most of those restrictions are just legalism and have no basis in scripture. If you have been divorced, you should also pray to the Lord. You need to ask Him to help you be effective in whatever marital state you find yourself today.
If you have been guilty of judging the victims of divorce, you need to seek His forgiveness. It is easier for a person to be forgiven of murder in some churches than it is for a person to be accepted after they have been divorced. Something is wrong with that picture.
If you are not saved, you need to know that Jesus Christ will save your soul and forgive your sins if you will come to Him and ask Him. If you have never received Christ into your heart, I invite you to do that today.

III. v. 10-12 THE DISCIPLES AND THEIR AMAZEMENT

In these verses, the scene shifts. The Pharisees did not get what they came after. They have once again been embarrassed by Jesus and they leave.

When Jesus is alone with His disciples, His men are concerned about the things they have heard Jesus say. They want to know more. In truth, they are astonished! Divorce was so common in that day that nobody thought anything about people divorcing and remarrying. What they have heard Jesus say about marriage has alerted them that God has a higher view of marriage than what they have been taught and shown by society.

Jesus wants everyone to know that marriage is to be a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. Marriage is more than just so you can have a sexual partner. In the context of marriage, sexual needs will be, and should be, met, 1 Cor. 7:2-5. If the Lord wills it to be so, children will be born. Above all, that marriage relationship is a living, breathing example of Christ's relationship with His Bride, the church, Eph. 5:21-33. Marriages should be based on mutual love and submission, and like Christ's relationship with His church, they should last until death.

That is God's ideal for marriage, but sadly, many marriages simply do not last. Divorces take place. Lives and dreams are shattered. Families are driven apart. Hatred, bitterness and vindictiveness replace love, affection and mutual concern. What happens in the aftermath of divorce? That is what I want to focus on for the rest of this message.

In verses 11-12, Jesus makes a straightforward statement about divorce. He says when either a man or a woman divorces their mate and marries another person; they are guilty of adultery in the eyes of the Lord.

That is as far as some people go with this matter of divorce and remarriage. Some people have the opinion that there are no biblical grounds for divorce, and that there is no room for remarriage. The people who hold this view look on all remarried people as adulterers.

Is that what the Bible teaches? If Mark was all we had, then we would have to conclude that, yes, it is. However, Mark's Gospel is not all we have. So, with that in mind I want to make call your attention to several passages of Scripture that present a full treatment of this matter of divorce and remarriage.

Malachi 2:16 – We have already considered this passage, and it clearly teaches us that God hates divorce. Divorce violates God's original ideal of marriage and it destroys the image of Christ's eternal union with His church.

While God hates divorce, He Himself is divorced. In Isa 50:1, God is lamenting the spiritual adulteries of Israel. Yet, God is so patient and loving that He refuses to divorce Israel and put her away. However, In Jer. 3:8, God's patience with Israel's idolatry has reached its limit. God divorces Israel and sends her away into exile and captivity.

(Jeremiah 3:8) "Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. (NKJV)

There is coming a day when God will restore His relationship with His people Israel. He has not taken another wife, and the Jews, for their part, have never had a serious problem with idolatry since that day. They are divorced today, but they will be reunited in the future.

If God is divorced, then surely He cannot condemn all divorces and all divorcees. We are about to see that Jesus handed down a new law regarding marriage and divorce.

Matthew 19:9 – Jesus reaffirms what He said in Mark, but adds what is called "the exception clause". It is also mentioned in Matt. 5:32. Jesus says, (Matthew 19:9) "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery." (NKJV)

The word "sexual immorality" translates the word "porneia". It gives us our words "pornography and pornographic." In that day, that word referred to any and every type of sexual perversion. Its meaning encompasses every kind of illicit sexual sin including, but not limited to, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, pedophilia, and bestiality.

It seems clear that Jesus allows for divorce in cases of unrepentant sexual sin. This does not mean that a person is commanded to divorce their spouse for committing adultery. It does open the door for divorce in cases where one of the marriage partners lives a lifestyle of open, unrepentant sexual sin.

Divorce, even in this kind of extreme situation, should always be the last resort. Reconciliation, repentance and restoration should all come first.

It seems clear to me that in cases like the one I have just mentioned, the innocent party is free to remarry. They are not guilty of adultery. They are free in the eyes of the Lord!

To be fair, many wise Bible scholars teach that "fornication" refers to a man who finds the bride he has married is not a virgin. The law in ancient Israel imposed the death penalty in such cases, Lev. 20:10;
Deut. 22:20-21. They take this position because Matthew was written to a largely Jewish audience. Still, the word used covers much more territory than just sex before marriage.

In the Old Testament period the Law did not make provision for divorce and remarriage in cases of adultery. Adultery was punished by stoning the adulterers to death, Deut. 22:22. Adultery brought about the end of a marriage by death, and the innocent party was free to remarry. It seems clear that Jesus is teaching us that marital unfaithfulness is like a death. It breaks the one-flesh covenant and can spell the end of a marriage.

(1 Corinthians 7:10-11 NKJV)Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

(1 Corinthians 7:12-14) But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (NKJV)

(1 Corinthians 7:15-16) But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 7:10-16 – This is a complex passage that requires far more time than I am able to give it today. I am going to move through these verses very quickly.
- v. 10 – People who are married should stay in that condition. Divorce is not an option.
- v. 11 – If you are saved and you get a divorce, you are not to remarry. The only exception is the one I mentioned from Matt. 19:9 and one I will share in a moment.
- v. 12-14 – These verses deal with a couple consisting of one saved partner and one unsaved partner. Apparently, one of them was saved after marriage. In this case, if the non-believer wants to remain in the marriage, the believer should not divorce their mate.

Staying together allows the unbelievers in the home to enjoy the blessings of God through the life of the believer. Because they are exposed to a Christian, the unbelievers in the home are "sanctified". This does not mean that they are saved, but it does mean that they are brought into contact with the things of God, which would not be the case if they were removed from the home.

v. 15 – If the unbeliever does not want to live with a Christian and departs, the believer is not "under bondage". In other words, the innocent party who was deserted by an unbelieving spouse is free to remarry. It is assumed that the partner who left the marriage will eventually take up with another partner, thus bringing them under the "exception clause" of Matt. 19:9.
That is a lot to take in today. Let me just make a couple of clear statements that need to be heard.
- God has never intended and never intends for anyone to get a divorce. God always has and always will hate divorce.
- A Christian couple should never divorce—with the help of the Lord, they should reconcile their differences. No sin is too great to be conquered if both partners are walking in love one toward the other!
- Divorce should be eliminated from the Christian vocabulary. There are only two cases where it is even an option! In both of those cases, unrepentant adultery and desertion by an unbeliever, it is always the last resort.
- Divorce is never commanded in any situation. Even in cases of adultery, no one is ordered to get a divorce. Reconciliation should always be the first option. If one partner falls into sin and then repents and seeks forgiveness and reconciliation, then there is to be no divorce. Both partners are under the obligation of doing everything in their power to ensure the success of their marriage. I realize that this is a lot to ask of the innocent partner, but marriage is an illustration of the Lord's love for us and He doesn't throw us away when we fall! Remember the Lord's parable in Matt. 18:23-25. We are to forgive and by the Lord's help and through His grace, the marriage can be saved!
- Divorce is always the result of sin, in one of the marriage partners or both, but it is a sin no greater than any other sin and can be fully forgiven by the Lord.
- Those who have been through a divorce and have repented are not second class citizens in the church and should never be treated as such. If God forgives, then His people must forgive as well!
- If you are divorced for some reason other than the two reasons allowed in the Word of God, and you have remarried, you have committed adultery. You have sinned, and if you haven't already, you simply need to ask God to forgive you.
Let me make a few important observations right here.
- What are divorced people supposed to do? I suppose the answer to that question depends. It depends on why you were divorced.
- If you are divorced from a spouse because they were living a lifestyle of adultery, or if you were abandoned by an unbelieving mate for another person, you are free to remarry as the Lord leads.
- If you are divorced for any other reason and have remarried, you need to ask for forgiveness, if you haven't done so already. If you have repented God has forgiven you and you should live the rest of your days in your present marriage to the glory of God.

Now, having said that, I do not believe the Lord would have a woman continue to live in a situation where her live is threatened. Neither do I believe that she should keep her children in such an environment. There are situations where the physical and emotional abuse is so strong that the couple cannot continue to live under the same roof.

Please note that most divorces today stem from what are termed "irreconcilable differences." There should be no such thing as "irreconcilable differences" between Christians! The Bible forbids remarriage in these cases. In those cases where a divorce is obtained and granted then verse 11 tells us the Lord's mind in the matter.

Those who are divorced, and have not remarried, for non-biblical reasons have two possible options: 1.) Be reconciled to their first mate if they have not remarried, or 2.) Remain unmarried. That may sound narrow-minded and strict, but that is the Word of God and not the opinion of this preacher!

What if they remarry anyway? According to the word of God in Mark 10:2-12 and in Luke 16:18 they are guilty of adultery. I do not believe that the Bible teaches that it is possible to live in a constant state of adultery. It is the act of the new marriage and the consummation of it that constitutes the adultery. If the couple or individual repents and comes to God then God forgives the act of adultery and recognizes the current marriage.

Now, some teach people that they should leave a second or third marriage and return to their first spouse. That is a clear contradiction of Deut. 24:1-4. Doing that would multiply the tragedy and reach of divorce. If you are in a second, third, or whatever number of marriage, your duty is to do the best you can to live the rest of your life for the Lord.

Many good Christian people believe that divorce is never allowed and that remarriage is also out of the question. I respect that point of view. I want you to know that I have agonized over this thing and have reached my position not because of what some friend preaches, or because of what I was taught in school, or to try and fit in with any group of men. I reached this position because I think it is what the Bible clearly and plainly says. However, if you feel differently than I do, then that is fine! You have to take your stand on the issue and then face God with the decisions you make in regard to it.

Conclusion Part 2: I want you folks to know that I have approach this subject with great care. I do fear hurting those who have already suffered the scars of divorce in their lives and I encourage you to bring your pain to the Lord today, 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 11:28.

Here is the invitation today.

If you were divorced for a non-biblical reason and are remarried today, and you have never dealt with that sin, come do that today.
If you have dealt with the sin, but you still carry guilt because of the things others have said and done, come to the Lord today and commit yourself to live for Him to the best of your ability for the rest of your life.
If you are guilty of judging other for their marital status, you need to make that right with the Lord today.
If you are in a good marriage, you need to thank the Lord for that and pray His protection upon your home.
If you are having trouble or see potential trouble on the horizon of your marriage, today would be a great day to take the necessary steps to save your home.
If you are married to a lost spouse, you need to continue to pray for their salvation.
If you are lost, you need to come be saved today.

Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 Message to the Winston-Salem Church of God of Prophecy

2011-11-07T10:02:00.002-05:00

Everything You May or May Not

Have Wanted to Know About Hell

Introduction: Jesus towards the end of His earthly ministry, contemplating the horrible consequences for His unrepentant people, He wept: (Matthew 23:37) "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (NKJV)

Likewise, the Apostle Paul solemnly cried out, (Romans 9:2-3) that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, (NKJV)

Contemplating eternal separation from God - namely, "hell" - is a horrible reality. No wonder many unbelievers deny its existence and even some believers at times doubt it. According to George Barna, CEO of Barna research reports that according to his polling on this subject that 76% of Americans believe that Heaven exists, while nearly the same proportion said that there is such a thing as hell (71%).

But when you ask them what hell is 39% say that hell is "a state of eternal separation from God's presence" and 32% says it is "an actual place of torment and suffering where people's souls go after death." But this is very telling: most Americans do not expect to experience hell first-hand; just one half of 1% expects to go to hell upon their death. 64% of Americans believe they will go to Heaven.

The teaching of hell has been called cruel, inhuman, and barbarous. Bertrand Russell said anyone who threatens people with eternal punishment, as Jesus did, is inhumane. Even believers question the justice of hell. In this pluralistic age, it seems too harsh a punishment just for believing the wrong thing.

Whatever else may be said against it, the Christian doctrine of hell cannot be an illusion. No compassionate person wishes there to be a hell. On the other hand, no realistic person can afford to ignore its possibility--certainly no one who takes the words of Scripture seriously. In fact, the one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, in all of history to be in the best position to know had more to say about hell than He did about heaven.

I. THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF HELL

The Bible describes the reality of hell in many forceful figures of speech.

It is said to be "under the earth" (Phil. 2:10) and a place of "outer darkness" (Mt. 8:12, 22:13) that is "outside" the gate of the heavenly city (Rev. 22:15). Hell is away from the "presence of the Lord" (Mt. 25:41, 2 Thess. 1:7-9). In short, hell is the other direction from God.

The nature of hell is a horrifying reality. It is like being left outside in the dark forever (Mt. 8:12). Hell is a perpetually burning dump (Mk. 9:44-48), a bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1,3), an everlasting prison ( 1 Pet. 3:19), a place of anguish and regret (Lk. 16:28), and an eternal separation from God (2 Thess. 1:7-9). There is, in biblical language, "a great gulf fixed" between hell and Upper Paradise (Lk. 16:26) so that no one can pass from one side to the other.

The Inhabitants of Hell are Conscious (Mt. 25:41, 2 Thess. 1:7-9). People are conscious after they die, whether they are in heaven (2 Cor. 5:8, Phil 1:23, Rev. 6:9) or in hell. The rich man has consciousness in hell (Lk 16:26). The Beast was still conscious after 1,000 years in the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20, 20:10). Indeed, it makes no sense to resurrect unbelievers to everlasting judgment (Dan. 12:2, Jn 5:28-29) before the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:1-15) in order to punish them for their sins unless they are conscious.

Hell Is A Place Of Torment. One of the aspects of torment is living with the consequences of our own bad choices. It is the weeping and gnashing of teeth that result from the realization that we blew it and deserve the consequences.

Hell Is Also Depicted As A Place Of Eternal Fire. This fire is real and causes torment. People will have imperishable physical bodies in hell (Jn. 5:28-29, Rev. 20:13-15), so even though they are in flames they are not consumed.

Many unbelievers would be willing to accept a temporary hell, but the Bible speaks of it as everlasting. There are several lines of evidence that support this.

Hell Will Last As Long As Heaven Does. Heaven is described as "everlasting" in the Bible. But the same Greek word, aionion, used in the same context, also affirms that hell is "everlasting" (Mt. 25:41, 2 Thess. 1:7-9, Rev. 20:10). So, if heaven is forever, then so is hell. There is absolutely no ground in Scripture for supposing that hell is temporary and heaven is eternal.

II. JESUS TAUGHT THE EXISTENCE OF HELL.

Jesus warned, (Matthew 10:28) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (NKJV)

(Matthew 25:41) "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: (NKJV)

Elsewhere He affirmed:
(Mark 9:43-44) "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched-- "where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.' (NKJV)

In the very vivid story in Luke 16, which, unlike parables, uses an actual name of a person (Lazarus), Jesus tells in graphic detail about a rich man in hell.

III. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT THERE IS A HELL.

In addition to our Lord's words, the other inspired writings of the New Testament affirm the existence of hell. Perhaps the most vivid of all is found in Revelation. John declared: (Revelation 20:13-15) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (NKJV)

The second death is eternal separation of God in the lake of fire.

The Apostle Paul spoke of everlasting separation from God, saying that those (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (NKJV)

The writer of Hebrews added a note of finality when he wrote,
(Hebrews 9:27) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (NKJV)

IV. God's Love Demands A Hell.

The objection most often leveled against the doctrine of hell is that it is eminently unloving. An all-loving God could not possibly send anyone to hell. To be sure, the Bible asserts that "God is love" (1 Jn. 4:16). But love cannot act coercively, only persuasively. A God of love cannot force people to love Him. A loving being always gives "space" to others. He does not force himself upon them against their will. C. S. Lewis observed, "The Irresistible and the Indisputable are the two weapons which the very nature of His scheme forbids Him to use. Merely to override a human will . . . would be for Him useless. He cannot ravish. He can only woo." Therefore, those who do not wish to love God must be allowed not to love Him. Those who do not wish to be with Him must be allowed to be separated from Him. Jesus told us that if we love Him then we will keep His commandments. Hell is this eternal separation from God.

V. HUMAN DIGNITY DEMANDS A HELL

Since God cannot force people into heaven against their free choice, human free choice demands a hell. As C. S. Lewis said, "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.'" Matthew 23:37 indicates that God wants to gather everyone, but they were not willing. Forcing people to do something against their will is an affront to their dignity and freedom of choice.

VI. GOD'S JUSTICE DEMANDS A HELL

In addition to the direct affirmations of Scripture, there are many other reasons for the existence of hell. One is that justice demands the existence of hell and God is just (Romans 2). And we know that all evil is not punished in this life. Many observers have noted that the wicked sometimes prosper (Ps. 73:3). Thus, the existence of a place of punishment for the wicked after this life is necessary to maintain the justice of God.

Surely, there would be no real justice in the universe unless there were a place of punishment for a demented soul like Hitler, who initiated the merciless slaughter of some six million Jews and others. God's justice demands that there is a hell.

VII. GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY DEMANDS A HELL

Unless there is a hell there is no final victory over evil. For what frustrates good is evil. The wheat and tares cannot grow together forever. There must be an ultimate separation or else good will not triumph over evil. In society, punishment for evil is necessary that good might prevail. Likewise, in eternity good must triumph over evil. If it does not, then God is not in ultimate control. In brief, God's sovereignty demands a hell, otherwise He would not be the ultimate victor over evil which the Bible declares that He is (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28, Revelation 20-22).

VIII. THE CROSS OF CHRIST IMPLIES HELL

At the center of Christianity is the Cross (1 Cor. 1:17-18, 15:3). Without it there is no salvation (Jn. 10:1, 9-10, Acts 4:12, Ro. 4:25, Heb. 10:14). It is the very purpose for which Christ came into the world (Mk. 10:45, Lk. 19:10). Only through the Cross can we be delivered from our sins (Ro. 3:21-26).Jesus suffered great agony and was made perfect through sufferings. (Heb. 2:10-17, 5:7-9). Here is something to think about—why the Cross unless there is a hell? If there is no hell to shun, then the Cross is a sham. Christ's death is robbed of its eternal significance unless there is an eternal separation from God from which people need to be delivered.

IX. A RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS ABOUT HELL

Unbelievers have offered many objections to the doctrine of hell. Given its reality, misery, and finality, it is not difficult to understand why unbelievers would wish there is no hell. But, as the brilliant mathematician Pascal argued in his famous "Wager," unbelievers have "everything to lose and nothing to gain" by not believing in hell. Nonetheless, their objections must be addressed.

Objection 1: Why punish people? Why not reform them? The answer is simple from both a biblical and rational point of view. First, God does try to reform people; the time of reformation is called life. Peter declared that (2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV)

However, after the time of reformation comes the time of reckoning. Hebrews tells us that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Heb. 9:27). Further, hell is only for those who will not be reformed and unrepentant, the reprobate (2 Peter 2). I cannot say for sure, but perhaps God in His wisdom and goodness would not allow anyone to go to hell who He knew would go to heaven if He gave them more opportunity. He does not want "anyone to perish" (2 Pet. 3:9) but desires "all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4).

Remember in the account of Lazarus the rich man wanted Father Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers not to come to hell.

(Luke 16:27-29) "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' (NKJV)

(Luke 16:30-31) "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" (NKJV)

Humans are not objects to be manipulated; they are subjects to be respected because they are made in God's image. Human beings should be punished when they do evil because they were free and knew better.

Objection # 2: Isn't eternal damnation for temporal sins overkill? To punish a person eternally for what he did for a short time on earth seems at first to be extreme. However, on closer examination it turns out to be not only just but necessary. For one thing, only eternal punishment will suffice for sins against the eternal God.

What is more, the only alternative to eternal punishment is to rob man of his freedom and dignity. This could be done by either forced compliance or total annihilation. Forcing someone into heaven against his free choice he made while living his or her life on earth would be forced compliance.

Nor is annihilation an option. Annihilation of the wicked is contrary to both the nature of the immortal God and the nature of humans made in His image. It is not consistent with an all-loving God to snuff out those who did not choose to serve Him.

Without an eternal separation, there could be no heaven. Evil is contagious (1 Cor. 5:6) and must be quarantined. Like a deadly plague, if it is not contained it will continue to contaminate and corrupt. If God did not eventually separate the tares from the wheat, the tares would choke out the wheat. The only way to preserve an eternal place of good is for God to eternally separate all evil from it. The only way to have an eternal heaven is to have an eternal hell.

Believers wonder, "How can we be happy in heaven knowing a loved one is in hell?" Perhaps we have all struggled with this problem. However, once the emotional fog lifts, the mind can see that the very presupposition of this question is seriously flawed. It supposes that we are more merciful or more loving than God! He is infinitely more merciful and loving than we are. But hell cannot veto heaven! We can be happy in heaven the same way we can still enjoy eating knowing others are starving. And remember, just as bad memories can be healed here on earth, God will "wipe away all tears" in heaven (Rev. 21:4).

Objection # 3: Why did God create people He knew would go to hell? Some critics of hell argue that if God knew that His creatures would reject Him and end up in such a horrible place as hell, then why did He create them in the first place? Wouldn't it have been better never to have existed than to exist and go to hell? There are those who have at times wished for oblivion as an alternative to our suffering. But like the apostle's wish to be accursed for his brethren (Ro. 9:1-3), it is a wish that cannot be fulfilled. Like the desire never to have been born, once one has been created an immortal soul, the desire for mortality is no longer possible.

Life has been compared to a game but a very serious one. As in ever game, there are rules and there are results. C.S Lewis puts It, "If' a game is played, it must be possible to lose it." And simply' because some will lose in the game of life does not mean it should not be played. For example, before we take to the road each day we know that many people will be killed in traffic accidents. Yet we continue to drive. When we have children, we know great tragedy could befall our offspring or ourselves. Yet in all these cases our fore-knowledge of evil does not negate our will to permit the possibility of good. Why? Because when the game of life is played, some win and some must lose.

But we deem it worthwhile because it is better to have played with the opportunity to win than not to have played at all. From God's standpoint, it is better to have loved the whole world (Jn. 3:16) and lost some than not to have loved them at all. Life is a serious moral game, and morality is not possible without free choice. It was good for God to create free creatures, and it is good to be free. However, there are consequences to free choices—sometimes final and irrevocable consequences. Jesus passionately desired all His people to be in the fold, but mournfully added of some, "but you were not willing" (Mt. 23:37).

Objection # 4: Is it just to send people to hell when they can't help being sinners?

The Bible says we are born sinners (Ps. 51:5) and are "by nature the children of wrath" (Eph. 2:3, NKJV). But if sinners cannot avoid sinning, is it fair to send them to hell for what they could by themselves not stop doing?

It is true that men are born on a road that leads to hell. However if they remain on the road leading to destruction it is by their choice. We are given warning signs along the way to turn from destruction (Lk. 13:3, 2 Pet. 3:9). Furthermore, while human beings may sin because they are sinners (by nature), nonetheless, their sin nature does not force them to sin; they choose to sin.

As St. Augustine correctly said, "We are born with the propensity to sin and the necessity to die." Notice, he did not say we are born with the necessity to sin. While sin is inevitable since we are born with a bent in that direction, nonetheless, sin is not unavoidable. Likewise, the ultimate place to which sinners are destined is also avoidable. All one needs to do is to repent (Lk. 13:3, Acts 17:30, 2 Pet. 3:9). All men are held responsible for their decision to accept or reject God's offer of salvation. And responsibility always implies the ability to respond.

(John 3:16-18) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (NKJV)

All who go to hell could have avoided going there if they had chosen not to. No pagan anywhere is without clear light from God so that he is "without excuse" (Ro. 1:19-20, 2:12- l 5). And those who seek, find. Just as God sent a missionary to Cornelius (Acts 10:3-5), so He will provide the message of salvation for all who seek it.

(Hebrews 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

Where Will You Spend Eternity? Heaven? Or Hell?