The Refuge

Practical Christian Living
Faith and Works

　This is what William Bradford, governor of the Plymouth Colony, said:

"…I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November ye 29th of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three, and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor, and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

Thanksgiving is a time to "Give thanks to the Lord! Call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples."

With that in mind, Listen to this poem as a reminder of the lessons God teaches us through the Pilgrims.

Men of courage and women of honor,

Children wide-eyed with excitement,
A journey of 65 days across the Atlantic,
One crewman and one passenger lost,
One baby, Oceanus, born,
The Pilgrims landed and the new world was
Forever changed.
Brutal winter brought sickness and death,
Spring came none too soon,
And found the weary Pilgrims cut in half,
Forty-six were gone.
The Wampanoag came in spring and taught
The Pilgrims how to plant and fish and live,
And God rekindled hope.
With harvest time, the Pilgrims rejoiced,
And asked their friends to come and share.
Massasoit and ninety of his people came
And feasted for three days.
The Governor led the Pilgrims in giving thanks
To God for His providential care,
And the colony bowed their heads.
O God our help in ages past,
We stand in debt to the Pilgrims,
For their courage to come and their
Faith to stay,
For their Compact of laws that laid a
Foundation, for their zeal to teach and reach
The lost.
We give thanks today, O Lord,
And we commit our lives again to You.
Though the path ahead may bring suffering or death,
Give us Pilgrim courage and faith to stay
In the Plymouth place where You have planted us,
With hope that does not disappoint
And love that does not fail.
　 Thank God for the pilgrims

November 25, 2011 12:14 PM

Dr. Paul Vitz, a professor of psychology at New York University asked his college students this extra credit question on a quiz: "When the Pilgrims gathered for their first Thanksgiving in 1623, to whom did they give thanks?" The answers may surprise you. More than 60 percent of the students said the pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians or the "King." One person said, "Columbus." Really? Just under 40 percent knew or guessed the right answer. Call me crazy, but I trust the history books written before the 1950s more than the ones today. For one thing, the older history books tell us that the Pilgrims had their first Thanksgiving celebration to give thanks to … God.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving a year, and in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude to God for the happy conclusion to the country’s war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies.

In 1827, the noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale—author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb"—launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years, she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to "commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife" and to "heal the wounds of the nation." He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

The pilgrims although with all the tradgety in getting to the "New World", knew that God was taking them to a place where they could practice their religion in freedom and their desire was to share that religion to any and all they came in contact with.

As they shared those first Thanksgivings with the different Indian tribes, who had taught them the skills to plant and hunt and to survive. The pilgrims desire after being thankful was to give back out of the bountifulness of their heart. Their heart that only God could fill.

We are going to take a walk through the Bible and I want us to see a pattern that God puts into the hearts of the writers as God offers salvation:

Exodus 15:1-2

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD. They said: I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.

The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him.

1Samuel 2:1

Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is lifted up by the LORD.My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

2Samuel 22:2-3, 47

David said: The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.

The LORD lives--may my rock be praised! God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted.

1Chronicles 16:23-25

Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation from day to day.

Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples. For the LORD is great and is highly praised; He is feared above all gods.

Psalm 40:8-10

I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me." I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; see, I do not keep my mouth closed--as You know, LORD.

I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about Your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal Your constant love and truth from the great assembly.

Psalm 40:16

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, The LORD is great!"

Psalm 68:19

May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah

Psalm 70:4

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, "God is great!"

I want to stop reading Scripture for just a second, do you see the pattern? After experiencing the goodness of God, the writers natural outflow of the heart is to proclaim to others the greatness of God.

Psalm 71:15-19

My mouth will tell about Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.

God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim Your wonderful works.

Even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me. Then I will proclaim Your power to another generation, Your strength to all who are to come.

Your righteousness reaches heaven, God, You who have done great things; God, who is like You?

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 62:1

I will not keep silent because of Zion, and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem until her righteousness shines like a bright light, and her salvation like a flaming torch.

Romans 10:8-10

On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.

Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

NOW FOR MY SERMON!

James 2:14-16

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works?

Can his faith save him?

If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it?

James 2:17

In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.

Aren't we all glad that the pilgrims not only had faith, but put that faith to work.

James is trying to get a point across that is so very important in our practical Christian living. He is not teaching that works will get us to Heaven. No one can work his way into Heaven, although there are several religions out there that teach and live that very strickly. I believe many in the church try to work their way into Heaven and bypass Salvation. Folks that is not how it works. As the Scriptures I shared is that works come naturally after salvation out of the thankfulness of the heart and the natural flow that we want to tell others of the goodness of God. Through our praise, through our telling others, through our lives that God has changed.

Our "Works" are a natural outflow of the change that God has made in our heart. We want to "work" for Him. We want to proclaim to everyone what He has done for us. We want to let our light shine.

Matthew 5:14-15

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.

James 2:18-26

But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe--and they shudder.

Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? Wasn't Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God's friend.

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, wasn't Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by a different route?

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Luke 11:33

"No one lights a lamp and puts it in the cellar or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see its light.

Works are a natural outpouring of the change that God has done in our heart, we can't contain it.

Now if we are one of those "Christians" who after God has lit our candle and we put it under a bushel, or in our terms, we do not do what God says, or we hide it so others can't see, we are like a candle that is lit and a basket is placed over us. Not only do others not see the change Christ has done in us, but soon our candle will go out, and many time we don't even know it. Sadly our churches are full of people who have neglected and purposely not done what God has told them to do and their light has gone out, and many follow their lead!

Those who do not show the effects of faith are not justified by faith!

Pick out a Christian who is on fire for Christ! Out of the abundance of our heart we share our faith with others.

Esta told me stories about Great Grandma Culp. Although they were not rich in any means, she always shared in the aboundance that God gave to them. One way she showed her faith by her works, was that she always fixed extra for visitors. Pete her husband, when guests would come in would say mammer put another cup of water in the soup, we have more mouths to feed. Esta said this would make Grandma angry, because she had already prepared for them.

Whenever visiting Tex's mom, let me tell you, you had better be hungry, because she was prepared to feed you anytime you came. Even to this day she will try to force you to eat. She puts works to her faith. - Now if you go and they offer you souse - don't eat it!

We can't work our way into Heaven, only our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ will get us there. What James is telling us is that after salvation it will be a natural thing to share with others the change that Christ has done in us. It can be through others seeing the change that has come in our lives, it can be through our worship on Sunday morning, it can be through our giving, it can be through our obedience to what He tells us to do.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over--will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Practical Christian Living
Our Tongue, our Hearing, and our Doing

How many of us know people who have a big mouth? People who don't seem to care about what they say or when they say it. People who don't care about the damage they cause because of what they say.

How many of us remember that old saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? But have realized that saying is so far from the truth.

The Bible has a lot to say about our mouths, it breaks it down to a very small organ - the tongue.

THE TONGUE

Now the tongue has many uses: this Thursday, we all hope that our taste buds, which are found on our tongue, are in good working order!

We use our tongue to clean off our lips, to clean our teeth when a tooth brush is not handy.

Our tongue works very well in conjunction with our lips when it comes to forming words. Have you ever watched a child watching you and trying to form words with their mouths.

The book of James gives us some very practical information about our mouth and tongue and what good and what bad things can come out of it. In fact the book of James and other Scriptures show us what the tongue is capable of doing, not only to ourselves, but to others.

James 3:1-2

Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.

The Scripture says if we can control what we say, we can control our entire body.

He gives us examples:

James 3:3-4

Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

We must bridle our tongue as the bit in the horses mouth, and we must get control of our tongue as the rudder of a ship, so that we can gain control and go into the path that God has set before us.

Though our tongue is small, it is capable of ruling the whole man, and is also capable of irriating and offending others.

HOW?

James 3:5-12

So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.

For every creature--animal or bird, reptile or fish--is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness.

Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way.

Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

If we can get a grip on our tongue, bridle it, get it under control, we can steer, with only God's help, our life and the lives of others.

Think how in just this past week, something we said, got us into trouble, or something we said hurt someone else, something we said this week hurt a co-worker, a friend, a family member, or God forbid our spouse.

Maybe something we said damaged the reputation of someone else.

Then we come to church and worship God. Does sweet and bitter water come out of the same stream? Can a salt water spring yield fresh water? Should we bless God and curse me out of the same mouth?

Remember the venem that comes out of our mouth we cannot take back. "Oh, be careful little mouth what we say."

James gives us a good formula to use when we have to use our big mouth:

James 1:19-20

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

Proverbs 15:1-2, 4

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.

James 1:26

If anyone thinks he is religious, without controlling his tongue but deceiving his heart, his religion is useless.

If you still aren't convinced words aren't important, let me read to you Christ's words:

Matthew 12:34-37

Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.

A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil.

I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

So what is in our heart? What are we filling ourself with?

THE WORD

James 1:21

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted (engrafted) word, which is able to save you.
　 implant - to put or fix firmly, to plant firmly
engraft - in horticulture, to insert a part on one tree or plant into another, (to engraft a peach on a plum). In surgery, to place living tissue to an area where the tissue is dead or is gone.

Get rid of all the immoral filth and evil in your life and plant firmly or place the living word of God in that area of your life that is now dead.

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

READ GOD'S WORD, BECAUSE WE ARE TO BE:

　

DOERS OF THE WORD

Question: What is the difference between an atheist (one who disbelieves in the existance of God), and a person who goes to church each Sunday, calls himself a Christian and hears the Word of God but does not do what it says? PRACTICALLY NOTHING! The difference is the atheist is being honest about the motivation of his life. He lives as though he answers to no one. He believes he rules. The church goer who does not obey the word gives the impression of "I am a Christian" but still rules his own life. That sounds harsh, but look what James says.

James 1:22

But be doers I the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

This is a problem in all churches. Men and women, teenagers hear the Word of God week after week, month after month, year after year, yet never let it change them. I believe it speaks to them, but they never apply it.

Many think just because they go to church, they will make it into Heaven. Just because they associate with Christians, they will make it into Heaven.

You've heard the old saying that "going to church doesn't make you a Christian just like going into your garage doesn't make you a car".

I can hear all the instructions there are about deer hunting, but it doesn't make me a deer hunter until I pick up my rifle tomorrow and go.

Jesus as He spoke in His "Sermon on the Mount" if you hear my Words and act on them, you build on a Rock that cannot be moved, that will not shift in time.

But He also gives us a CLEAR warning, if you hear His word and do not act on them, you will loose everything.

Matthew 7:24-27

"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.

But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!"

　

James 1:23-24

Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror; for he looks at himself, goes away, and right away forgets what kind of man he was.

James uses the example of a man looking in a mirror instead of a woman. A man will look at himself in a mirror in the morning, see all the imperfections, fix a couple of them and leave and never think about it again. That's why you will see men with little pieces of toilet paper stuck to his face after cutting himself while shaving, he used his mirror to place the paper on his face but forgot he put them there. I will look in a mirror and my hair is messed up, slap a little water on in and never think about it again.

A woman is not like that!

But both are the same when it comes to hearing God's Word - God reveals to us our sinfulness, our misery, our need of Christ, our need of change, conviction. It might be a job at church He wants you to fill, it might be a large task, it might be a small task.

But when the hearing is over, the service is done, all is forgotten, conviction is lost, must needed changes were not made, jobs not filled, and we walk away with little pieces of toilet paper covering our blemishes, and we soon forget that God ever spoke to us.

We leave the service again being a hearer, and not a doer.

James says: deceiving yourselves!

Deceive means

to mislead or falsely persuade others. It is something you make a choice to do to others. Knowing what is right, you mislead or falsely persuade others to do something that is wrong.

James is saying by hearing God's word and not allowing it to make it's changes in you, you are misleading and falsely persuading yourself.

If this is you, don't allow satan to rob you of what God wants in your life.

James 1:25

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who acts--this person will be blessed in what he does.

But if you do what the word reveals to you, you will be blessed it what you do. You will be used by God in bringing others to Him.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

What kind of doers are we supposed to be? In whatever we do, we are to love, we are to love those and help those who can't help themselves.

We are to live our lives just as Christ lived His life, not permitting the world to change us but allowing His Word to change us.

The book of James gives 2 warnings that we are decieving ourselves, with our tongue and not being a doer of the word.

Last night Roger and I were talking and he tried to get permission to hunt on the "Garden of Eden" tomorrow. Now that's where I want to hunt too!

He was telling me that he along with some of the men he works with, have been watching some really big bucks on property that adjoins the place where he works. The other day as he was returning and saw the man out walking aroung his property, so Roger took the opportunity to talk to him to see if he could get permission to hunt. Roger said the man showed him a map of the holy land from the back of a Bible and a plot of his property and was comparing them and with all seriousness proceeded to tell him that he believed his property was the "Garden of Eden". Roger realized the man was nuts!

This past week a man took a few shots at the White House. Did you see this? The man had a video of himself and stated that "He looked like Jesus" and then stated that he was the modern day Jesus. He had deceived himself and the consequenses could have cost people their lives. We shake our heads and say "how could he be so foolish?" Yet God gives us warnings that have eternal consequences. May we not be fooled! Eternity is at stake!

Remember the Veterans

Practical Christian Living

Remember, Rejoice, and Live for Christ

This morning I want to use Scripture to show you how God choses us and the blessing that He gives us as we are obedient to Him. This Practical Christian Living lesson is for the new Christian and a reminder for the "seasoned" Christian.

In Berkeley Springs I have heard of 3 stories now of men and women and teenagers being turned down to come into church or judged because of age, dress, and looks.

I realize that sometimes people's perception of an incident can be messed up. That in their mind they were turned down. Whatever the case, satan can mess up our thinking if we allow him to.

We all need to realize that satan has a stronghold on our town, but God has placed the Refuge here to be a place that sincerely welcomes anyone with open arms - regardless!

It's easy for churches to limit who they want to be "members" of their congregation. If you don't allow people who come with baggage into your church, it makes things very easy. Counseling and discipleship become a thing of the past. Churches don't grow, they get very satisfied with themselves and want nothing more. May we never get into that rut. May we love everyone and accept everyone that God sends through those doors.

John 15:16a

You did not choose Me, but I chose you.

James 1:9-10

The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation;

but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

In the Scriptures you don't find 3 classes of people like we have today, upper class, middle class, and lower class. You find the "brother of humble circumstances", and the rich. Now it is up to you to place yourself in the Biblical class you belong in! I know I aint rich! So I know where I belong.

Why would James say "The brother of humble circumstances should boast (rejoice) in his exaltation? We are told that after Christ has come into our hearts we should rejoice, we should glory, we should have joy unspeakable, because He has exalted us, He has lifted us up, He has changed our attitude, He has changed our dignity. That statement from Jesus Himself "You did not choose Me, but I chose you."

HERE'S A GOOD PLACE TO SAY AMEN!

But now James makes an opposite statement about the rich person:

James 1:10

but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

Jesus had a man come up to Him and ask Him a question:

Matthew 19:16-26

Just then someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?"

"Why do you ask Me about what is good?" He said to him. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

"Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered, Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. "I have kept all these," the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?"

"If you want to be perfect," Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "I assure you: It will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, "Then who can be saved?"

But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

There is another story in Luke, again Jesus is telling it, some think this could be the same man at a later time.

Luke 16:19-31

"There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was left at his gate. He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man's table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores.

One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side.

'Father Abraham!' he called out, 'Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!' "'Son,' Abraham said, 'remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.

Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.' "'Father,' he said, 'then I beg you to send him to my father's house-- because I have five brothers--to warn them, so they won't also come to this place of torment.'

"But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' "'No, father Abraham,' he said. 'But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

"But he told him, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.' Jesus is proving a point, that it is very hard for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Before any of us can accept Christ into our hearts we first must admit that we are empty without Him and humble ourselves and reach out for His help. It is hard for the rich person to admit he has a need, because he is so self sufficient.

So why does James say the "rich should boast in his humiliation? Remember Jesus told his disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich person to enter into Heaven.

Because for that rich person, God has made the impossible - possible. That rich person should rejoice that God got a hold of his heart and he has realized that his riches are going to fade away, and the true need of his heart is not "things" but is Jesus Christ Himself, and that man has reached out to Christ just like the rest of us and his life has been changed.

We all come before Christ the same way, the old hymn says "Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me."

Now in the 2nd. chapter of James we are put to the test, I want us to ask ourselves, what would we do in this situation?

James 2:1-9

My brothers, hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ without showing favoritism.

For suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring, dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in.

If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes so that you say, "Sit here in a good place," and yet you say to the poor man, "Stand over there," or, "Sit here on the floor by my footstool," haven't you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Didn't God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?

Yet you dishonored that poor man. Don't the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Don't they blaspheme the noble name that you bear?

If you really carry out the royal law prescribed in Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.

But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

To hear of examples in our town that men and women possibly were not welcome to pass through the doors of the church not only makes me angry, but what does that do to the heart of God. May we alway welcome anyone and everyone with open arms.

James shares another very important point for the Christian:

James 2:10-11

For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all.

For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you are a lawbreaker.

WHAT JAMES IS SAYING - YOU CAN'T PICK AND CHOOSE WHAT TO OBEY AND WHAT NOT TO OBEY!

In my years of being a pastor, this has been one of biggest problems I've had to deal with with most Christians. When God lays His finger on something in their lives, they don't want to give it up. The problem is sin always leads to death.

Practical Christian living:

We must be obedient to what God says, plain and simple. There is no riding the fence, the grass in not greener on the other side of the fence, simply obey Him.

Christians rejoice that God has chosen you, regardless of your status in life, and you heard and answered His call. REJOICE!

We are to be His witnesses regardless of the person's status in life. We are called to love as Christ loved.

Christ loved us so much that He layed down His life. This morning we are going to remember what Christ did for us in sharing communion with Him.

1Corinthains 11:23-30

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: on the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me."

In the same way He also took the cup, after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord.

So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.

Practical Christian Living

Wisdom and Temptation How many know people who think they "know it all"?

You can ask them any question and they can give you an answer. They are the last people who would tell you "I don't know the answer to that".

You can ask any teacher and they will tell you that these people are the hardest to teach.

How many of you are one of these? (Don't raise your hand!)

Let me let you in on a little secret - NO ONE KNOWS IT ALL! Especially when it comes to the knowledge of God.

So how do we think the way God thinks, how do we deal with things the way God deals with things, how do we have the wisdom of God?

The Bible tells us:

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1Corinthians 2:16

For: who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

James 1:5

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

There probably aren't many who would say they know and understand everything about God. That they know how God would react to every situation in life.

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God. What kind of wisdom are we asking for? Are we asking God to make us smarter? No, that's not what the writer is getting at. We all have problems, we all have different situations in life that we have to deal with. We all have questions in life, we all have choices in life. No one is exempt. Just because we became a Christian, doesn't mean all our problems and all our delima's in life went away, now we need to deal with them in a Christ like way. Before maybe we drank our problems away, or took out our frustrations on our wife or our children because that was all we had to turn to. But now we have someone who knows what we need even before we ask. Now we simply need to ask God, "what do I do"?

I know many times when concounceling with people, I have to ask God to give me wisdom in helping this individual. I want to give him the council that God would give, and many times I do not know and I need to ask. Things come into my life and I don't know how to handle them and I need to ask. There are decisions, there are choices, anything that comes into our life, we have a God who tells us if in any area of our life we lack wisdom, come to Him.

The Scripture simply says, for those of us who lacks the wisdom of God, we should "ask God" -

AND

"He gives to all generously and without criticizing,"

He will give you more than you ask, and He will be patient with you.

I had a man at DuPont who I trained on a piece of equipment.............This guy could not be taught, no matter what I tried - nothing sunk in. I would get so frustrated with him.

God knows us and if we ask Him, He will patiently teach us and give us that wisdom we desire.

Matthew 7:7-11

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Here is a stipulation: we are to ask in faith, we are to ask with confidence, we are to ask with assurance that He will answer! We are to have NO doubts. We are to have confidence that He will answer.

Have you ever watched the ocean waves come in to shore? At the Outer Banks the waves somedays can be crazy. They might be breaking to the left or to the right, all at the same time. The writer of this passage is telling us don't allow the world to confuse us as it has always done, but we are to have strict confidence that we have a God who hears and answers our prayers and will meet all our needs, and will answer all our prayers as long as we focus on Him.

Look what is said about the person who doubts when he asks God for wisdom:

James 1:7-8

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

Matthew 21:21-22

Jesus answered them, "I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will be done. And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

　 Now let's change gears and talk about temptation. 2 weeks ago we talked about trials, and that God will send trials our way so that we might learn and be stronger Christians, able to withstand anything that the devil throws at us.

James 1:13

No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being tempted (solicited to sin) by God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone.

Do not be confused. God does not tempt anyone. Being tempted is a solicitation to sin, God will never tempt us to sin!

James 1:14-15

But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

The Message Bible says this:

　Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.

We are tempted when we are drawn away and enticed by our own evil desires, The statement "the devil made me do it" is not true. Satan can not make you sin, satan can not make you give in to temptation. He can and will tempt you, but you choose to yield.

Look at the first temptation:

Genesis 3:1-6

Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?"

The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, 'You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.'"

"No! You will not die," the serpent said to the woman. "In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Now picture Adam and Eve walking through the garden, looking at the trees, looking at all the fruit. Satan comes on the scene and walks with them, and with his deceiving words, gets their minds to think what God had said to them, first satan asks them what God told them, "Did God really say, 'You can't eat from any tree in the garden'?" Oh, no Eve replys, God said we just can't eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. First satan put doubt in their minds what God had said about all the trees, then he cast doubt that God was holding something back from them. And there they stood, beside the forbidden tree.

Genesis 3:6

Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.

We just learned that wisdom comes from obedience in asking, not from disobedience.

So she took some of its fruit and ate it;

I wonder if her eyes were opened immediately before Adam ate, and she told him how great it was.

She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.

Genesis 3:7-10

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

So the LORD God called out to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid."

Temptation always looks good, but after we give in to it, always brings guilt, and is always sin, and the end results of sin is death.

Genesis 3:19

You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust."

And when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

Who caused Adam and Eve to give into temptation? They did! Satan tempted them but they ultimately choose to yield. We find in Luke that Christ was tempted:

Luke 4:1-13

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. The Devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."

But Jesus answered him, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone." So he took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The Devil said to Him, "I will give You their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours."

And Jesus answered him, "It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you, and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. After the Devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time.

Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Temptation is going to come, so what does the Bible say about combating it:

2Timothy 2:22

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Run from it - don't put yourself is situations where you know temptation will be. Tommy Nelson tells of a counceling session of a young man who said "we were parking and climbed into the back seat and got tempted!"

Stay away from those places or those things where you know you will be tempted. It's your choice. If you have a problem with drinking, stay away from those places who sell it, if you have it in your home, throw it away. We can avoid so many things that tempt us, we just have to want to.

Matthew 26:41

Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

　

James 4:7

Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

1Corinthains 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Practical Christian living. If we get into God's word and pray, we will see that He will answer all our questions. He will guide and direct us in all we do.

Opening Scriptures

Psalm 1:1-6

The Two Ways

1 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers!

2 Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

4 The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not survive the judgment, and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.

Psalm71:1

God's Help in Old Age

1 LORD, I seek refuge in You; never let me be disgraced.

I Corinthians 14:33

33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

If Satan can bring confusion in the Christian life, the Christian will not be rooted.

For the next few sermons (weeks) we are going to look at the Christian walk.

Temptation will be looked at next week.

What brings you reat joy?

Look at

James 1:2

2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,

Trial-experience that puts faith to the test, suffering, inflictions, but consider it a great joy.

These experiences are going to happen to each one of us, but we don't know when or how it will happen.

James 1:3

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James 1:4

4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

God's given ability to endure tirals gives us the ability.

Job 23:10-12

10 Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.

11 My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept to His way and not turned aside.

12 I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily food.

God has a purpose and destiny for each of our lives.

God wants us to love Him more than anyone or anything.

Mark 12:30

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Genesis 22:1-2

1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he answered.

2 "Take your son," He said, "your only [son] Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
God will test our love for Him. test of faith, Do we believe in God in the midst of suffering?

The depth of our faith is reached during our suffering.

I Peter 1:6-7

6 You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials

7 so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Story of Joseph

Genesis 50:20

20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. The Test of Obedience

Deut. 8:2-3

2 Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.

3 He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Deut. 8:13-16

13 and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases,

14 [be careful] that your heart doesn't become proud and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

15 He led you through the great and terrible wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty land where there was no water. He brought water out of the flintlike rock for you.

16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.

Hebrews 11:24-25

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter

25 and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin.

** Have we passed the best test of obedience? The test of Sacrifice

Romans 12:1

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
"Let go of me"
Test of Humility

II Corinthians 12:7-10

7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.

8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.

9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.
10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Matthew 23:12

12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

God can only use the humble servant. How much are we willing to ednure for the Lord?

II Corinthians 11:24-27

24 Five times I received from the Jews 40 lashes minus one.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the depths of the sea.

26 On frequent journeys, [I faced] dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the open country, dangers on the sea, and dangers among false brothers;

27 labor and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.

Matthew 24:13

13 But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.
Test of Patience Are we willing to wait on God's perfect timing? God has His timing.

Job 1:1

1 There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.

**Patience can also involve our fellow man:

James 5:11

11 See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job's endurance and have seen the outcome from the Lord: the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Romans 5:1-5

1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,

4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.

5 This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

James 1:12

12 Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
**Conclusion to trials and tests

I Peter 4:12-13

12 Dear friends, when the fiery ordeal arises among you to test you, don't be surprised by it, as if something unusual were happening to you.

13 Instead, as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah rejoice, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory.
Revelation of His Glory **God is revealing who He is
**God is love
**God of trust
**Christ became a humble servant of God's patience
Endure and allow god to work in us.

Hidden Treasure

This morning Pastor Mike shared about how we love to find different hidden treasure in life.
Then he began by going through I Samuel to show different hidden treasure and how something that is hidden can often be seen as 'ordinary' can actually be a treasure.

I Samuel 12,13, 16, 17, 18, 18:3,7-9, 20:15, 31

Illustrated how a lost relitave was found. If we went through I Samuel, as it was provided, we can see how a child was hidden due to his "handicap" and the family fled.

David found out about this and he had to set things right by his best friend.

II Samuel 4:4; 5

4 Saul's son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

David, King of Israel

1 All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

2 Even while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led us out [to battle] and brought us back. The LORD also said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over Israel.' "

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. King David made a covenant with them at Hebron in the LORD's presence, and they anointed David king over Israel.

4 David was 30 years old when he began his reign; he reigned 40 years.

5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned 33 years over all Israel and Judah.

6 The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites had said to David: "You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you," thinking, "David can't get in here."

7 Yet David did capture the stronghold of Zion, the city of David.

8 He said that day, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites must go through the water shaft to reach the lame and the blind who are despised by David." For this reason it is said, "The blind and the lame will never enter the house."

9 David took up residence in the stronghold, which he named the city of David. He built it up all the way around from the supporting terraces inward.

10 David became more and more powerful, and the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

11 King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David; [he also sent] cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

12 Then David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

13 After he arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.

14 These are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,

16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of David, but he heard about it and went down to the stronghold.

18 So the Philistines came and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

19 Then David inquired of the LORD: "Should I go to war against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?"
The LORD replied to David, "Go, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you."

20 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated them there and said, "Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me." Therefore, he named that place the Lord Bursts Out.

21 The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.

22 The Philistines came up again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

23 So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, "Do not make a frontal assault. Circle around behind them and attack them opposite the balsam trees.

24 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD will have marched out ahead of you to attack the camp of the Philistines."

25 So David did exactly as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Geba to Gezer.

Mephibosheth was the hidden treasure only the king could set them free from their bondage.

II Samuel 9:1-3

David's Kindness to Mephibosheth

1 David asked, "Is there anyone remaining from Saul's family I can show kindness to because of Jonathan?"

2 There was a servant of Saul's family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" "[I am] your servant," he replied.

3 So the king asked, "Is there anyone left of Saul's family I can show the kindness of God to?"
Ziba said to the king, "There is still Jonathan's son who is lame in both feet."

II Samuel 9:6,7

6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, "Mephibosheth!"
"I am your servant," he replied.

7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "since I intend to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul's fields, and you will always eat meals at my table."

This morning we had the pleasure to hear a guest speaker to share on "Children Evangelism and how they were able to witness to children.

Romans 12:1-3

A Living Sacrifice

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Many Gifts but One Body

3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

Samuel being called by God

II Samuel 4:14

14 Eli heard the outcry and asked, "Why this commotion?" The man quickly came and reported to Eli.
**Children's open window being called by God
**Vision is something that is seen other than by sight
**Gospel- Good news served on time
**Ferventsy (Fervent years) to serve the Lord with gladness
**Mandate-Proclaim Jesus Christ and make Disciples of all men.

Romans 13:11

11 Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

**You have to be about God's buisness

II Timothy 3, 2:15

Difficult Times Ahead

1 But know this: difficult times will come in the last days.

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good,

4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!

6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions,

7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith.

9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also.

The Sacred Scriptures

10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance,

11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all.

12 In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

13 Evil people and imposters will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned,

15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,

17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
(2:15)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

Hebrews-"Don't forsake your assembly-

**A Missionary is a person who fulfills the obligation to tell the world about the Salvation of Jesus Christ.
**A Disciple is the same as a Missionary, but the cost is higher. It will cost you everything.
**Go out and make Disciples

Commands

Basics-Love the Lord with all of your heart.
Redeem the time; grasp the opportunity.
Acts- When the Holy Spirit comes you will be witnesses.
Matthew 24- Be Ready..

A Few Good Men

This morning Pastor Mike shared on "A Few Good Men" and it was not about the movie. During the sermon he shared on different men in the Bible that stood out.

Three(3)men came down with three (3) questions:

Psalm 8:3-4

3 When I observe Your heavens,the work of Your fingers,the moon and the stars,which You set in place,

4 what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him?

Job 7:17-18a

17 What is man, that You think so highly of him and pay so much attention to him?

18 You inspect him every morning,

Hebrews 2:6

6 But one has somewhere testified: What is man, that You remember him, or the son of man, that You care for him?

Asnwers

Genesis 1:26-30

26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth."

27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.

28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."

29 God also said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you,

30 for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it. [I have given] every green plant for food." And it was so.

Genesis 2:7

7 Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.
God answered: Way, Place and Reason:

Genesis 2:8

8 The LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there He placed the man He had formed.

Genesis 28:15

15 Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Genesis 2:21,23

21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place.

23 And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man.

* The closest union is to exist in marriage

Genesis 2:24

24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.

Deut. 24:5

5 "When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free [to stay] at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.

Ephesians 5:25-33

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her,

26 to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word.

27 He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless.

28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

29 For no one ever hates his own flesh, but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

30 since we are members of His body.

31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.

32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

**The first miracle was at a wedding where Jesus turned water into wine

Psalm 127:3-5

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth.

5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with [their] enemies at the city gate.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

HCSB

6 Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

*No matter what age they are
*Consistency
*What message are you sending your family?
*Where were you when they were young?
*How long before we die?

Job 38

The LORD Speaks

1 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind. He said:
2 Who is this who obscures [My] counsel with ignorant words?
3 Get ready to answer Me like a man; when I question you, you will inform Me.
4 Where were you when I established the earth? Tell [Me], if you have understanding.
5 Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
6 What supports its foundations? Or who laid its cornerstone
7 while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb,
9 when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,
10 when I determined its boundaries and put [its] bars and doors in place,
11 when I declared: "You may come this far, but no farther; your proud waves stop here"?
12 Have you ever in your life commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place,
13 so it may seize the edges of the earth and shake the wicked out of it?
14 The earth is changed as clay is by a seal;[its hills] stand out like [the folds of] a garment.
15 Light is withheld from the wicked, and the arm raised [in violence] is broken.
16 Have you traveled to the sources of the sea or walked in the depths of the oceans?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of death's shadow?
18 Have you comprehended the extent of the earth? Tell [Me], if you know all this.
19 Where is the road to the home of light? [Do you know] where darkness lives,
20 so you can lead it back to its border? Are you familiar with the paths to its home?
21 Don't you know? You were already born; you have lived so long!
22 Have you entered the [place] where the snow is stored? Or have you seen the storehouses of hail,
23 which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of warfare and battle?
24 What road leads to [the place] where light is dispersed?[Where is the source of] the east wind that spreads across the earth?
25 Who cuts a channel for the flooding rain or clears the way for lightning,
26 to bring rain on an uninhabited land,[on] a desert with no human life,
27 to satisfy the parched wasteland and cause the grass to sprout?
28 Does the rain have a father? Who fathered the drops of dew?
29 Whose womb did the ice come from? Who gave birth to the frost of heaven
30 when water becomes as hard as stone, and the surface of the watery depths is frozen?
31 Can you fasten the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion?
32 Can you bring out the constellations in their season and lead the Bear and her cubs?
33 Do you know the laws of heaven? Can you impose its authority on earth?
34 Can you command the clouds so that a flood of water covers you?
35 Can you send out lightning bolts, and they go? Do they report to you: "Here we are"?
36 Who put wisdom in the heart or gave the mind understanding?
37 Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of heaven
38 when the dust hardens like cast metal and the clods [of dirt] stick together?
39 Can you hunt prey for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of young lions
40 when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait within their lairs?
41 Who provides the raven's food when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?

Job 40:1

1 The LORD answered Job:

Joshua 24:15

15 But if it doesn't please you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD."

Eccl. 12:13

13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this [is for] all humanity.

*Men are you willing to make a committment to God to be the husband, father or the Grandfather god wants you to be?
Fear God and do what He tells you to do.
**Go to church**
**Bible studies are there**
**The tools are there**

Eye Witness

Today we set aside to remember the tragic events on 9/11/2001. We probably can all remember where we were and what we were doing, as those first reports started blaring across the airwave when the first plane flew into the World Trade Center. We can remember finding a TV or a radio to see or hear the events. We watched as the news kept showing their footage over and over again. Reporting the events as they got them, not sure what was happening at first.

We remember watching people running away, some injured, and we watched those police and firefighters as they ran towards the Towers.

Then the second plane flew into the other tower, and we knew it was no accident.

We watched as reports came in that a plane had flown into the Pentagon, and we watched the fires burning.

Then the report of another plane crashing in Pennsylvania. It was later on that we found out about the brave men and women aboard that flight who sacrificed their lives for our country.

We watched as folks jumped to their death.

Then the first tower collapsed and not long after, the second.
We watched as New York City became a war zone.
We remember all these events because of the media, because of those who had cameras and were risking their lives so that we might be able to see and know what was going on.
Those images and those events will forever be in our hearts and minds.
But something we were not, we were not "eyewitnesses" of the event, as it happened. None of us were there. None of us were in the Towers and were able to get out alive and tell about it. None of us were there and saw the planes, none of us were there and saw the fires, none of us were there and saw the devastation and death and people screaming and crying. None of us were "eyewitnesses".
Would we want to have been? It was hard enough just watching on TV. Could you imagine if you were an eyewitness!!
To witness an event like that would have to top anything you had seen and experienced before.
Today, some 10 years later, we morn, our minds go back, we watch on TV those events again.
This day will forever be in our hearts. We will never forget.

PRAY

There is something about being an eyewitness of an event. There is an excitement, there is the statement that I was there, I saw with my own eyes, I heard with my own ears, and no one can take that away from you.
I remember as a boy when man first landed and walked on the moon. What an event. The news covered the story as NASA passed on the information. But I remember my brother in laws father did not believe it ever happened. NASA would show dramalazations about things that were happening. He always said if they can show us make believe pictures about what should be happening, then they can show us make believe pictures about what is happening. And he went to his grave never believing that man walked on the moon.
In Second Peter chapter 1, Peter shares an incident that happened in his life that he was an "eyewitness" to.
Peter knows his life is about to be taken. As he writes this letter he recalls the most important things in his life to pass on to others.

2Peter 1:1-18

Simeon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those who have obtained a faith of equal privilege with ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins.
Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.
Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me.
And I will also make every effort that after my departure you may be able to recall these things at any time. For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, a voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him! And we heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with Him on the holy mountain.
Peter was eyewitness to a lot of things. He watched as Jesus fed 5000 men with just a few fish and some bread. He was eyewitness to men and women being healed. He got to take part in walking on the water. He sat down and ate the first Communion meal with Christ. He watched from far off as Christ was crucified. He saw the empty tomb. He saw the risen Christ. He was an eyewitness on the mountain before Christ went back into Heaven, when Christ told them:

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Peter was eyewitness to all these events plus many more. But the one event that he wanted to pass on, was when he heard God speak and confirm that Jesus was His Son. Peter was an eyewitness of this event and it was something that he would never forget.

Matthew 17:1-9

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light.
Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it's good for us to be here! If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him. Listen to Him! When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified.
Then Jesus came up, touched them, and said, "Get up; don't be afraid." When they looked up they saw no one except Him--Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." Now Moses was another man in the Bible who had the priviledge to be an "eyewitness" of the Glory of God...

Exodus 33:17-23

The LORD answered Moses, "I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." Then Moses said, "Please, let me see Your glory."
He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." The LORD said, "Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.
Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."
I wonder when we get to Heaven and have the opportunity to ask Moses what was the greatest event he was an eyewitness to. I wonder what he will say. Will it be the parting of the Red Sea and the children of Israel passing through on dry ground. Or will it be the way God took care of the Israelites as they wondered through the wilderness for 40 years. Or will it be that brief moment when he saw the Glory of God.
In both these events, these men heard God speak. Do we hear God speak? Do you hear God speak?
Esta and I were in Dr. Hashem's office on Wednesday. The TV was on and we were blessed to be watching "The View". Now this is a show with 4 babbling women sharing their stupid point of view on different topics. They were talking about the Republican Presidential candidate Rick Perry. They were talking and making fun of him because he talks to God, he prays. When he said that God talks to him, they all lost it. Said he was crazy that he hears God speaking to him.
Here is what I say to these 4 women:

John 8:47

The one who is from God listens to God's words. This is why you don't listen, because you are not from God."
Does God speak to us today? YES!!!
Barbara Strisand, one of the 4 women, can call me crazy all day long.
Thursday after a Dr.'s appointment, Esta and I were eating, and she looked up at me, and it was one of those tender moments, she said, "thanks for being upbeat through everything you have been through, because I don't know how I would have handled it if you had not been".
I thought for a moment, why have I been upbeat, what took place in my life that changed things. It was that event in my life when God spoke to me. You see I remember when it was, where I was, and what I was doing. Sure I was down, I was all alone, wondering what the future was for me, it sounded pretty brief. Then He spoke those words to me, even though He didn't speak out loud, I heard Him very plainly. After that my outlook changed and I never looked back. He has been faithful.
If you ask me to look back on my life as Peter did, and tell you what was the most exciting thing that I can remember other than salvation, I would have to tell you when I was an "eyewitness" to Him speaking to me.
Early Friday morning I woke up about 3:30 and could not go back to sleep. It was a great time, God's Holy Spirit began to speak to me about this message, confirming it and opening my eyes to a little more of Peter's life. I just had to lay there and thank God, that He, The Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, would talk to me.
CALL ME CRAZY!
How many of you are crazy?
Who wants to talk to someone and not get answered?

Psalm 118:21

I will give thanks to You because You have answered me and have become my salvation.

Psalm 120:1

A song of ascents. In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me:

Jeremiah 33:2-3

"The LORD who made the earth, the LORD who forms it to establish it, the LORD is His name, says this: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know.

Hebrews 1:1

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways.
God still speaks in different ways. When we call on Him He will answer. His answering us is not mystical - it's Biblical. He might answer us through His still sweet voice - like a whisper. He might answer us through His word. He might answer us in a more attention getting voice. He might answer us in a visual way, like He did to those rescue workers in showing them that cross.
God hears us when we call on Him. Now I know that the mayor of New York City has cut out prayer in the memorial ceremonies today. But he can't keep us from praying.
Today is a day for all Americans to remember.
Throughout the day, we will be reminded from the testimonies of the eyewitnesses, of the events that took place 10 years ago.
Let us also be reminded about the eyewitness accounts that we find in Gods word, to remind us that God is who He says He is, and that Jesus Chris is His one and only Son, who is the Saviour of the world.

(pray for those still morning the tradgedy in New York)

Those Nasty Spots

2 Peter 3:4

4 saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation."
Remember what the prophets and Jesus Christ told us:

2 Peter 3:5,6

5 They willfully ignore this: long ago the heavens and the earth existed out of water and through water by the word of God.

6 Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded by water.

God will judge sin from the past, and sin of the future.

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
God is patient with you, He wants you to know Him.

2 Peter 3:10-13

10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that [day] the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, [it is clear] what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness

12 as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be on fire and be dissolved, and the elements will melt with the heat. 13 But based on His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.
Just as the flood came so will the day of the Lord!

2 Peter 3:14

Conclusion

14 Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found in peace without spot or blemish before Him.
Spot-(verb)See, notice, or recognize (someone or something) that is difficult to detect or that one is searching for.
(noun)stain - place - blot - fleck - point - speck - smear.
Watch out for the little things that will cause you to stumble.
Sin is sin; there is not a level of difference in sin.
You can't control sin, but eventually it can control you.

Galatians 5:9

9 A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough.
If you leave it alone Satan will have it all. Have you ever watched dough left alone? It goes from a small ball of dough to a huge mess when left alone.

2 Samuel 11:2-5

2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.

3 So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he reported, "This is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite."

4 David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. Now she had just been purifying herself from her uncleanness. Afterwards, she returned home.

5 The woman conceived and sent word to inform David: "I am pregnant."
David should have stopped her; lust led to murder later.

2 Samuel 12:10-14

10 Now therefore, the sword will never leave your house because you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own wife.'

11 "This is what the LORD says, 'I am going to bring disaster on you from your own family: I will take your wives and give them to another before your very eyes, and he will sleep with them publicly.

12 You acted in secret, but I will do this before all Israel and in broad daylight.' "

13 David responded to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Then Nathan replied to David, "The LORD has taken away your sin; you will not die.

14 However, because you treated the LORD with such contempt in this matter, the son born to you will die."

David's sin not only afflicted David, but it went to:
-his son
-his kingdom
-his family
(Remember, Satan is just fine with you hanging onto that spot)

Psalm 139:23,24

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.

1 Corinthians 10:6-12

6 Now these things became examples for us, so that we will not desire evil as they did.

7 Don't become idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to play.

8 Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day 23,000 people fell dead.

9 Let us not tempt Christ as some of them did, and were destroyed by snakes.

10 Nor should we complain as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer.

11 Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall!

Sin will always make us fall.

2 Peter 3:17,18

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of the immoral and fall from your own stability.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

John 21:18,19

18 " I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go."

19 He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, "Follow Me!"

Does He have all of you this morning?
Find a place alone for you and God.
Use the words of David (Psalm 139).

Closing of "Unclean People"

Reflection on class of 2001- Showing the different slides from the different people that graduated in 2001, and how things have changed.

Preaching from Mark 5- Richard touched on the different Parables and how Jesus cleaned the Unclean. If we go through Mark we can find how Jesus cast out the demon from the man, restored the woman at the well, and a girl healed while a woman was restored. All of these people were unclean, untouchable and unreachable by society.

Mark 5:25

25 A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years.
-Her faith wasn’t in the clothes that she touched
-Her faith was in Jesus and being healed
-Her soul was touched
-She testified after she was healed

There are things that distract us in life, away from God; it is sin.
-The distractions, sin, will make us miserable
-Spirit is truth
-The girl being raised back to life

Mark 5:39

39 He went in and said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep."
God wants to know us intimately.
-Your faith has made you whole. Not the things that you touch, not the words that you merely speak, but the faith in actions.

This morning Pastor Mike shared on:

Laws

In the beginning of the service we shared on some of the funny laws that were passed on throughout the history in the different counties in West Virginia and the surrounding areas. Some of them were funny, but some of them are still in action today.

Acts 15:1

1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

- Legalism- Our attempt to offer God the produce of our own hands.

1 Timothy 1:3-5

False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law

3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach other doctrine

4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates by faith.

5 Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Acts 15:11

11 On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way they are."

Acts 15:12-14

12 Then the whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

13 After they stopped speaking, James responded: "Brothers, listen to me!

14 Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name.

Acts 15:19

19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those who turn to God from among the Gentiles,

Titus 2:1-15

Sound Teaching

1 But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching.

2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.

3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. [They are] to teach what is good,

4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and children,

5 to be sensible, pure, good homemakers, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered.

6 Likewise, encourage the young men to be sensible

7 about everything. Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching.

8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

9 Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back

10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people,

12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age

13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works.

15 Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

1 Peter 1:13

A Call to Holy Living

13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Instructions on Prayer

1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,

2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,

4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This morning Pastor Mike shared on:

Answered prayers

Acts 12:1-3; 10,11

James Martyred and Peter Jailed

1 About that time King Herod cruelly attacked some who belonged to the church,

2 and he killed James, John's brother, with the sword.

3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the days of Unleavened Bread.

10 After they passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and immediately the angel left him.

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod's grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected."

• Why where these guys targeted?
• Scriptures really don’t tell us why.
• During the week James and Peter were in people’s homes
• The first Passover
• Jesus is that Passover Lamb

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

• Make Disciples of men
• He’s never going to leave us or forsake us

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

• They were living the life for Jesus
• Words are cheap
• We need to be real wherever we are at

• Are we being witnesses?
• Are we willing to be used?
• Are we willing to work for Jesus starting at home?

Power of Prayer

Mark 11:24

24 Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for —believe that you have received them, and you will have them.

• Believe
• Do we always take Jesus at His word? We should.

1 Timothy 2:8

Instructions to Men and Women

8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

1 Thessalonians 5:16,17

16 Rejoice always!

17 Pray constantly.

Luke 18:1-8

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

1 He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged:

2 "There was a judge in one town who didn't fear God or respect man.

3 And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'

4 "For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or respect man,

5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.' "

6 Then the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.

7 Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [to help] them?

8 I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?"

Luke 11:5-13

Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking

5 He also said to them: "Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,

6 because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I don't have anything to offer him.'

7 Then he will answer from inside and say, 'Don't bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I have gone to bed. I can't get up to give you anything.'
8 I tell you, even though he won't get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

9 "So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish?

12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

Acts 12:12

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had assembled and were praying.

Acts 12:9

9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what took place through the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

Acts 12:6

Peter Rescued

6 On the night before Herod was to bring him out [for execution], Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison.

Acts 12:9

9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what took place through the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,

17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Acts 12:15

15 "You're crazy!" they told her. But she kept insisting that it was true. Then they said, "It's his angel!"

Peace in the Midst of a Storm

Peace- Freedom from...

• Quietness
• Calmness
• When everything around you just quits

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name's sake.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear [no] danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.

(Make Personal)

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live.

Daniel 3:12-23

12 There are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."

13 Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar asked them, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don't serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up

15 Now if you're ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don't worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire—and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to give you an answer to this question.

17 If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king.

18 But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times more than was customary,

20 and he commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire.

21 So these men, in their trousers, robes, head coverings, and other clothes, were tied up and thrown into the furnace of blazing fire.

22 Since the king's command was so urgent [c] and the furnace extremely hot, the raging flames killed those men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego up.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

-We trust our God regardless if He decides to save us or not-

Daniel 3:24-30

Delivered from the Fire

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, "Didn't we throw three men, bound, into the fire?"
"Yes, of course, Your Majesty," they replied to the king.

25 He exclaimed, "Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and called: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God—come out!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire.

27 When the satraps, prefects, governors, and the king's advisers gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men: not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel [c] and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king's command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

29 Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this."

30 Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

-These three men trusted in God.

Daniel 6:14-17

14 As soon as the king heard this, he was very displeased; he set his mind on rescuing Daniel and made every effort until sundown to deliver him.

15 Then these men went to the king and said to him, "You as king know it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no edict or ordinance the king establishes can be changed."

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing in regard to Daniel could be changed.

-God allowed Daniel to go through this to prove His Power. Daniel did nothing wrong, but there are times in a person's life where we are put in the midst of trouble in order for God to prove His power.
-For He trusted in His God.

Peter in the boat

Mark 4:37-40

37 A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped.

38 But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?"

39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?"

• They knew the storm was too big for them to handle
• They Went to find Jesus
• Jesus was found sleeping
• Jesus already knew about the storm
• Jesus was already at peace; what an example!

vs. 39- Peace! Be still.
Satan is going to relentlessly persecute us, but we can still have peace.

Acts 4:20

20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Acts 5:29

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 12:1-8

James Martyred and Peter Jailed

1 About that time King Herod cruelly attacked some who belonged to the church,

2 and he killed James, John's brother, with the sword.

3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the days of Unleavened Bread.

4 After the arrest, he put him in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church.

Peter Rescued

6 On the night before Herod was to bring him out [for execution], Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison.

7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, "Quick, get up!" Then the chains fell off his wrists.

8 "Get dressed," the angel told him, "and put on your sandals." And he did so. "Wrap your cloak around you," he told him, "and follow me."
-An Angel Appeared

-Peace from the Master

1 Peter 3:13-16

13 And who will harm you if you are passionate for what is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed,

15 but set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame.
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John 14:27

27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

How to love the Unrighteous

John 8:2-5

2 At dawn He went to the temple complex again, and all the people were coming to Him. He sat down and began to teach them.

3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center.

4 "Teacher," they said to Him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.

5 In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do You say?"

• the Pharisees spent their whole lives understanding the laws
• Jesus began to explain to them but you missed this about sin, God's Grace covers all sin

Matthew 11:30

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

- for my "teaching" is easy and my "burden" is light. Everyone is attracted to different styles of teaching. It is how we learn. That is why there are so many teachers in the world.

John 8:6

6 They asked this to trap Him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse Him.'
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger.

Numbers 5:14, 5:17 or Deuteronomy the laws of Moses.

John 8:7

7 When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her."

• Jesus was the only one there who could cast a stone
• They wanted an answer and they got the answer

John 8:8-9

8 Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground.

9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left, with the woman in the center.

History of Stoning

• The person had to be bound
• The person has to be taken to the highest spot/point

• There had to be two witnesses
• One of them had to push the accused off from the highest point
• If that fall did not kill them (which usually the fall did kill them
• The second witness would have to throw a heavy stone down onto the person
• If the person were still alive the towns people would then cast stones at them until they were dead

John 8:10-11

10 When Jesus stood up, He said to her, " Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11 "No one, Lord," she answered.

Condemnation and sin were passed over by Grace.

Grace and Mercy gave her freedom, Christ gave her freedom.
"We are supposed to be fishers of men and Jesus will clean the fish"

This morning Pastor Mike shared his personal testimony. Along with with his personal testimony he shared about how he was able to boast about his God even in the midst of his battle.

Even before, during and after the hospital stay he has spoken about the wonderful things that God has done for him and continues to do for him. During the service Pastor Mike shared some Scriptures that stuck out during his personal devotion time.

Psalm 5:11

11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy. because Your defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Palm 9:2

2 I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name; O Most High- [ I will boast Your Praises]
During Pastor Mike's stay in the hospital he was not defeated. He was still able to have the joy of Christ in him. He was still able to share about Jesus to others.

Ephesians 6:12

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart/ And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all of your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
-Even when they did not know the outcome
-Even when no one knew the right choices to make
-They trusted in the LORD to direct them in the right path.
Throughout all of the updates; we always saw Proverbs 3:5-6.

Job 1:8

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, " Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?"

James 5:14-15

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the LORD.

15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the LORD will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Palm 17:8

8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

Palm 16:5

5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.

Psalm 17:6

6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech [prayer].

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

8 We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;

9 we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.
-In closing we did as James 5:14-15 says, we called upon the elders of the church and prayed for Pastor Mike, and those who are sick.

"The Unlikeable People"

-Opening Verse-

Matthew 9:9

9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me!" So he got up and followed Him.

This morning Pastor Richard began to talk about how we can help or minister to the "unlikeable people in our lives. In the last couple of weeks we talked about the Untouchables and those who think that they cannot be reached.
Today we touched on the "Tax Collector-Matthew".

History of a Tax Collector;">

• 10% of all taxes belonged to Caesar and a % of taxes went to the collector.
• Collectors would stand at the ends of the roads that would block the entrance of a town to collect taxes.
• All Tax Collectors were not honest in their collecting
• Tax collectors were not favored by people at all

Jesus is on the way to the town where Matthew is collecting tax on the road. He hears the rumblings that is taking place from the people that he is collecting taxes from:
-He won't take taxes from Jesus
-He wouldn't dare take taxes from the Miracle worker
-Matthew hears of all these wonderful things that Jesus has done
Matthew is rejected by people simply by his profession. Forget the sin that he commits.. Just because he is a tax collector he is already rejected.

How you can watch someone's life change; simply by meeting Jesus...
These were the stories Matthew was hearing as he was collecting the taxes.

Jesus Comes

Matthew 9:9b

9b He said to him, "Follow Me!" So he got up and followed him.

There was a deep yearning in Matthew's heart that made him follow Christ. To Jesus, Matthew's status mattered not.

Matthew was

• selfish
• He was a sinner
• but Matthew wanted something more from life.

Jesus saw past the unlikeable stuff inside of Matthew's life, and Jesus wanted to get to his heart. Jesus also wanted to love him.
Matthew began to miss his friends, but Jesus was accepting of this as well. This did not happen over night, but this was an ongoing process.

Matthew 9:10-the love of Jesus knows no bounds

10 While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples.

When we act righteous we don't emulate Christ
The Pharisees could not understand why Christ was doing this so openly.

Matthew 9:11

11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

The Pharisees were worried about:

• Appearances
• What Others thought
• Rules and Regulations
• Why does Jesus act so cozy with the crooks and the riffraff?

The Disciples really did not know how to answer this. They followed Jesus, but the Pharisees were the rule makers and the people who lived their lives by the rules. They almost felt ashamed.

Matthew 9:12-13

12 But when He heard this, He said, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do.

13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners."
"Love them like Jesus" The bowels of your soul-the depths of your soul-

• Where do we stand?
• The love of Jesus should pour from us easily
• If we are self-righteous we will only be speaking for ourselves

Grace & Mercy ~Love Everlasting~

The Untouchables

Luke 17:1-10

By this time Jesus has made a name for Himself and people know He is and what He can do. Jesus and the disciples are on the road to Jerusalem when they encounter "The Untouchables".

What if we acted like Jesus?
"I want you as you are"- Jesus

Jesus spent the first part of Luke 17 Identifying the sin and what sin is. The Samaritans in the Bible were Untouchable and so were those who had Leprosy. These people were not only untouchable, but they were untouchable in the untouchable society.

Luke 17:11-19

Ten Lepers Cleansed

11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.

13 And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

14 So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?

18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."

Those 10 who had Leprosy knew who Jesus was. Jesus was known by many.

People called him:

• The healer
• The miracle worker
• The teacher
• The priest

Jesus was even known by other names such as the “fake” but people knew who Jesus was when he entered into their presence.

-When people encountered Jesus their lives were never the same again.

-Have you ever met someone where your life was never the same after meeting them?

The Leprosy knew about Jesus’ works
-The woman at the well was healed

-The lame could walk again

- The blind could see

-Jesus looked beyond the sin

Luke 17:14

14 So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

-When He saw them-

Going to the priest did not make them whole or well. Healing them before they got to the priest was something only they could see. Reconnecting them with society was not the main point of the healing.

God reaches everyone and looks beyond the sin. He looks beyond the problem an d he wants to have everyone reunited with Him.

-Only one of them turned back and thanked God who gave him the healing.

-He identified with what was in his heart and he had to go back to Jesus and thank Him for the healing.

-It was a physical and spiritual healing that came from God.

-It was about freedom and God reuniting him with righteousness. It was not about being reconnected with Society, but it was about being reachable again. Being "untouchable" was not what Jesus is about. Jesus wanted to show them, the disciples and the society that no one was untouchable. However, only one of them saw that the healing came from God; not the priest.

-Jesus looked beyond the sin.
-Can we look beyond the sin and be like Jesus to reach the untouchable? Evangelism is about the connection between you and God, it is not about how perfect you can get your technique in spreading God’s word, but it is about saying what is between you and Jesus Christ. If your heart is not connected with Christ it is not going to be right.

Reaching the untouchable should be a goal for everyone. Are you untouchable? Do you know of someone that is untouchable in life? Looking beyond the sin is something that we all should do such as Jesus Christ did for those 10 with Leprosy, just like the woman at the well.

This is not a free pass to sin, but it is allowing us to accept others as they are so they can get reconnected with Jesus Christ.

This morning Pastor Richard shared on the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge of who Jesus Christ is. He preached on the example of when Jesus asked Peter, "Who are people saying who am I?" Then, Jesus asked Peter, who do you say I am after all of the rumors?" The difference between knowing what is told to you, and the heart knowledge is a bold statement of who Jesus Christ is:

Matthew 16: 13-17

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

• The sign of Jonah
• Jesus asks when have you ever had to worry about the bread?

Jesus asks His disciples, "What are people saying about Me?"

• Jesus is the provider
• Jesus is the Miracle Worker
• Obviously He is not John the Baptist, but people have accused Him of being so. People have even accused Jesus being Elijah from the old Testament and old Prophecy.
• No one dares to actually call Jesus the Messiah. The very Messiah they have been praying for to deliver them.

Sunday school knowledge is knowledge we have from the Bible given to us from teachers. However, when we are asked, "Who is Jesus?"
-> "What kind of answers do we give?"

It's not from the heart they don’t hold the weight of what you are saying. Sunday School knowledge sets a foundation, but one day when asked, "Who is Jesus?" There has to be meaning to the answer.
*Head versus Heart Knowledge
What does your heart say?

Matthew 16:18,19

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Peter did not hesitate, he answered boldly, "You are Christ Jesus, the Son of the Living God." He answered from the heart.

• God is here
• There is no other separation.
• Heart of Worship

Matthew 18:20-23

20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"

22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 20:24-28

24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.

26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—

28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
In closing; remember that answering who Jesus Christ is from head knowledge versus heart knowledge can make a world of difference on the kind of impact you make on a person.
Everyone "knows" who Jesus is, but not everyone KNOWS who Jesus truly is in their heart of hearts.

Worship Part 3- Conclusion on Zachariah

Pastor Richard has been preaching on the heart of worship, meaning of worship and what it is to actually be in worship with God for the last three Sunday’s. Today we are finishing up the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah. We have learned many things about how our heart’s intent and the worship can separate us from God; sin can get in the way of our worship with God.

During the time of Elizabeth’s pregnancy there were blessings, but now that it is time to give birth to the child there is:

• Astonishment
• God has not spoken to His people in at least 400 years until he spoke to Zachariah.
• Surrender of Elizabeth’s pride.

Elizabeth was not there when Zachariah met with the angel, but she was smart enough to know what was going on was a blessing.

Freedom of Worship

Luke 1:57- The birth of John the Baptist

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son.

The neighbors shared in her joy, and Elizabeth was not alone in her blessing. Baring a child was something that was celebrated by family and when one rejoiced everyone rejoiced. So, as Elizabeth went on in age without giving birth to a child; she was seen as cursed or something was not right in her personal life, but she lived such an anointed life.

Romans 12:15

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

1 Corinthians Chapters 12-13

When one Rejoices we all get to rejoice together. For we are the body of Christ and as the body of Christ when one person rejoices we are all rejoicing, but when one suffers we all suffer.
Elizabeth stepped out in faith and called him John. How did she know to call him John if she was not with Zachariah when the angel spoke to him?

Again her objection did not count, and the people went to seek out Zachariah to make sure that the son was not to be named Zachariah. They were sure Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the joy of motherhood and emotional.

They did not take her seriously at all. No one realized that Zachariah still could not speak at this point.
They still tried to go to Zachariah They were asking a deaf mute what he thought he thought. They did not realize a miracle child was in the midst. This was a moment for his redemption and enter at any moment of worship with God.

He knew he screwed up and he was going to be mute until he repented. He wrote on the pad, "His name will be John." The intention of his heart is what set him free.

What kept him mute and separate from God was:

• Pride
• Selfishness
• What is your desire?

If your heart isn’t in the right place we are going to be like Zachariah.
We try to justify our sin "I want the blessings you have for me, but I still want everything I have in life."

"You won't relent until You Have it All"

God will not relent.
Where are we at when we question God?
His heart belonged to God at that point. There is always going to be something to distract us from 100% worship.

What truly takes a heart of worship is:

• Obedience
• Naturally obedient when we are intimate with God.

Do you think that Elizabeth and Zachariah complained about serving God? Their worship to God came natural, and obedience when your heart is in the right place comes very natural. So, when Zachariah rebuked the blessing he separated himself from God until he became right with God again.

Luke 1:67

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

Prophet is:

• Telling the Gospel
• Giving a song of Praise
• Teaching or Preaching the Gospel
• Foretelling Prophecy

God is still reaching out to us and saying, "Here is your chance, but one day you might not get your chance because He will come back or you will die."

Romans 12:1

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

Proper worship of God

• We offer our entire self to God
• Mind
• Body
• Soul

We are being used by the Holy Spirit It should be done without delay or question How are you connected with God? How do you define your worship with God? God wants to have your heart shared from the moment we are born.

This morning Pastor Richard continues from where we left off last week. As we continue to examine Luke Chapter 1, we can see how close Zachariah and Elizabeth were with God.

Luke 1:11

11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

Trusting in God is begging of worship and nothing can separate us from God but us.

What hinders us from worship with God? Sin.
Every time someone saw an angel everyone trembled in fear. Every angel that came to visit someone the Angel had to say:

• Fear Not
• God's presence
• Good tidings and news

Those who saw an angel or were visited by an angel did not see someone that we envision today. They were at least 10 feet tall and carried fiery swords.

Zachariah's Response

• Stepping out of your comfort zone
• Sacrifice what you have and serve Me

Zachariah did not respond as the angel or God thought he would after many years of prayer. He actually told the angel he was too old at this point.

Luke 1:19 Gabriel's Response

19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.

Job 38:2

2 Who is this who obscures [My] counsel with ignorant words?

Sin always separates us from God.

Numbers 19:20

20 But a person who is unclean and does not purify himself, that person will be cut off from the assembly because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean.
When Moses went out of the bounds of God and struck the rock against God's will, he was rebuked and suffered punishment.
When Zachariah begun to rebuke God's blessing and went against God's will and purpose for Zachariah's life he lost the ability to speak until he began to think and speak like God.
Sin has and will always separate us from God
Zachariah rejected who God was
What God's blessing was for Zachariah
Ignorance and disbelief -> Examples: The woman and the well The Rich Ruler

If God wants to grab your attention he will get it one way or another. God does not need an excuse or a grand strategy.
Zachariah's punishment because of his disbelief was becoming mute, but he also lost out on something much more grand. He could not share what happened in the temple, he could not tell people what was going to happen, and he could not share with Elizabeth about Gabriel.

Elizabeth didn't reproach God she acknowledged God's blessing. She never received God's words that was shared with Zachariah, but she was not an ignorant woman either.

Look at Hannah's Child Samuel. He was used for great things.
Elizabeth simply trusted in God
Zachariah refused to worship God
but Elizabeth received favor with God.

John 4:23,24

23 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him.

24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

John 17:22

22 I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one.

Romans 8:34

34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

12:1

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

Pastor Richard began a series on Zachariah and the form of worship this morning. The opening Scripture was

Luke 1:5-10

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Worship-Reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act of expressing such reverence

Throughout the first part of Luke there are some important facts that have been overlooked by simply skimming through the first chapter in order to read the announcing of Christ Jesus' birth.

• King Herod reigned at the time and this is the setting of many things
• Sacrifices took place by chance at times
• They got this great honor by doing this ritual at the temple every eight weeks; it was not a task, a chore or a "Do I have to?"

Elizabeth, the wife of Zachariah was from the line of Aaron, and so was Abja. Both Zachariah and Elizabeth were righteous before God. They were righteous because they gave their hearts before the LORD that created them.

In the sight of the LORD they were blameless
They were blameless in all the commandments
They were connected to God Himself and intimate with God
Their worship never stopped
They were defined by God not the culture

Luke 1:8

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

• Do we do it humbly?
• Do we actively serve God?
• He sees our heart's intent

Incense is an illustration of prayer and worship going up into the heavens. We see incense as the modern incense that are sold in stores. The incense from the Jewish/Israel temples were so holy that it was actually illegal to use outside of the temple.

Psalm 141:1-2

1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Devotion to honor God.
They were all there to give God honor and praise. When they went to pray they usually prayed a good hour. They prayed to:
-Thank God
-Praise God
-For the coming Messiah to save them.
At the Cross the vial was broken...
God said enough was enough
Everything we do and say can be an act of worship to God.
When we worship, have a heart of worship and go to God we have choices:
-Change or get out of Dodge...
God says it is about a connection between you and God. Everything else will fall into place.
It won't be easy, but it will happen.

This morning Pastor Mike asked us:

• If we knew what a perfect church looked like?
• If we have ever been to a perfect church?
• If there was such a thing as a perfect church?

I've heard it said many times that there is no "perfect church". What would it take to have a perfect church? What would it look like? Was there ever a perfect church?

Acts 4:32

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.

The beginning of the early church was amazing. On the day of Pentecost 3000 men saved. On the day that Peter and John were arrested 5000 men saved. The Bible goes on to say that men were added to the church daily!

These were folks of different backgrounds, different ages, different beliefs, many were perfect strangers. This is all taking place still in Jerusalem, the angry chief priests are still here, the Sanhedrin, the Sadducees, the Pharisees have not left, but multitudes are receiving Christ and He is changing their hearts and lives, the scripture says they were of one heart and soul. After sharing that first communion with His disciples, Christ prayed,

John 17:22

I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one.

"No one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common."

God's love so filled these people that they shared all they had, no one held back anything that could meet the need that another had. They were filled with God's love:

John 13:34

"I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

Acts 4:33-35

33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.

34 For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

35 and laid them at the apostles' feet. This was then distributed to each person as anyone had a need.

As the apostles were preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ great power was given to them and God's great favour and blessing was on all of them.

Everyone's needs were being met!

The scripture says that those who owned land or houses sold them, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet who then distributed to each person as they had need.

These folks in the early church did not call these possessions their own because they had forsaken all for the cause of Christ. There were not only those who had plenty but there were also those who had little who had received Christ.

These proceeds were distributed to anyone who had need. This money was used to support the apostles who were ministering to these multitudes.

These people were not meeting in the Temple. They were meeting in homes through out Jerusalem.

This was the perfect church!

Everyone in agreement. Everyone being totally obedient to God, totally honest with God and each other. Everyone allowing God's love to work in and through them. Everyone believed that Jesus Christ was God's Son sent to be the Saviour who died and rose again. They were living by faith in the power of the resurrection. Regardless of background, status, age, or prior belief, these people were determined to follow after God with their whole heart.

-- THE PERFECT CHURCH!

How many would have liked to experienced that?
Then Luke adds this:

Acts 4:36-37

37 Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, whom the apostles named Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,

38 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

So who was this Joseph, who the apostles later named Barnabas which meant "Son of Encouragement", and why was his named changed? Do we fully understand the role of encouragement in the body of Christ? Can we see the importance of it? Would this name apply to you?

Later on in the book of Acts, Luke writes about a man, who was a Pharisee, named Saul who persecuted the church, throwing anyone who named the name of Jesus into prison, man, woman, or child. Then having them put to death in the most horrifying ways. This man meets Christ and turns his life over to Him, but the believers did not trust him and many conspired to have him killed.

Acts 9:27

Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Soul was a man feared by the early church, but Barnabas by faith obeyed God and did not fear man.

Barnabas took this man Saul, under his wing. This man who later became Paul, wrote most of the New Testament, was sent by God to preach the gospel to the gentiles. Barnabas and Paul worked together for a long time.

But it took his obedience to sell a field that he owned and bring the money and lay it at the apostles feet. Being a Levite who knew that the Lord God was his inheritance, sold this field, probably all he had and laid it at the apostles feet.

None of us know what God has planned for us, but I do know that whatever God asks of us, we must take that first step of obedience. What is God asking of you? What is your field?

The early church, what a joy it must have been to have been a part of it. To see the hand of God working in people's lives and then those people working together to further the church.
When God is doing a great work, is Satan just sitting back doing nothing, or is he trying to figure out how he can put a stop to it? Like Adam and Eve in the Garden.
But just as the serpent entered into the Garden and sin with him. Satan enters into the perfect church:

Acts 5:1-2

1 But a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property.

2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Here came Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who professed faith in Christ, did just as Barnabas did, sold a piece of property, but they held back part of the money. Please understand there was no wrong in only giving a portion. Ananias came and laid a portion of it at the apostles feet, but acting before the apostles and all that were there that he had given all of it.

Acts 5:3-4

3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field?

4 Wasn't it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn't it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!"

What was the first thing that Satan brought into the early church to try to destroy it? Hypocrisy! Ananias and Sapphira acting as if they had done more than they actually had. They wanted the praise of man for what they did for the church. They did not want to be outdone.

Peter led by the Holy Spirit asked "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? The word filled means to instigate, to excite, to lead. What did the serpent do to Eve before she took a bite of the fruit. He excited her in her mind that she could be like God.

Hypocrites in the church are convinced that they need no instruction from God. They are convinced that God doesn't need to make any changes in their heart and life. They can live their lives just the way they want to, and all they have to do is profess to being Christians. Often the emphasis is on fooling people, lying to people, acting like they have all that God has for them.

This is what Satan filled Ananias and Sapphira's heart with, that they could lie to the apostles and the people, they could get all the glory and not have to allow God to make the necessary changes in their heart. But who are we lying to when we do that, who were they lying to when they did that? Peter tells them "You have not lied to men but to God!"

Scripture tells us that just as there are weeds in every field, there will always be those unrighteous pretending to be righteous in every church.
What was God's judgment on hypocrisy, lying to God:

Acts 5:5-6

5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard.

6 The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The wages of sin is death for everyone, but the gift of God is eternal life, is, for everyone also!

Even the hypocrite?

Acts 5:7-10

7 There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8 "Tell me," Peter asked her, "did you sell the field for this price?" "Yes," she said, "for that price."

9 Then Peter said to her, "Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!"

10 Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The wages of sin is death for everyone, but the gift of God is eternal life, is, for everyone also!

Even the hypocrite?

Why did God send His judgment on Ananias and Sapphira? They brought a gift. They gave to help the church and those people less fortunate than them. They weren't all bad!
So why such harsh judgment?
Why death?
What damage could possibly happen for a person to act like he gave all, to act like he is following Christ.
What damage could it cause the church for a few hypocrites to go there and not allow Christ to change their hearts?
What is the excuse that we here lots of times why people won't go to certain churches?
Well that church is full of hypocrites!! Which is probably a false statement, that church probably only has some, like most churches, but the entire church is labeled that way.
How many of us know people who say they are Christians, go to church on Sunday, or maybe show up once a month or so, but live the rest of the week not serving Christ at all.
I worked with a person at Dupont who said outwardly they were a believer but it was very obvious they were not. Was I being a judge, no, the Bible says you will know them by their fruit. What effect did that have on the rest of our team?
When I came to work there I also professed to be a Christian, let me tell you people were watching and listening. Did I act like a Christian? Did I talk like a Christian? When things were going bad, could they see Christ in me - at all times? When they witnessed that Christ was everything to me, they started to come and talk. All of them saying that I was different, that I lived my life differently than others. Am I saying this to boast? No, I was just being a follower of Christ, being obedient, that is what Christ calls all of us to be.
The first thing they would share with me was about this other person who called themself a Christian, guess what they labeled her? a hypocrite!

Why was God's judgment so harsh with Ananias and Sapphira? He knew what lying and living a lie would do to His church. He knew what damage Satan would do down through the ages to His church and to people who needed to hear the good news of salvation.

Acts 5:11

11 Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.

1Samuel 16:7

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart."

A hypocrite is one who has his focus all messed up. His motivator is self and self promotion. He will not evidence Christ and Christ's love. Can we contrast the life of Barnabas with the life of Annanias and Sapphira?

Barnabas's focus was Christ. He had no need for self elevation. He was known for encouraging others in their faith. He saw to the needs of others. He saw the work of Christ in one of the worst sinners ever converted and was willing to take him under his wing putting his own reputation on the line. He even served under him later in ministry.

God's judgment on hypocrisy is still the same, but He does offer forgiveness, mercy, and grace to anyone who comes to Him.

LISTEN...

It doesn't matter the size of the gift but what matters is the size of the heart of the giver. What matters is why you gave the gift. Is Christ in you working out His love through your life? Is there evidence of Him in your life? Are you in tune with Him enough to be aware of your need for constant changing or are you self-satisfied but very aware of others need for change? Can we be a church of people coming to seek Christ and His resurrection power in our lives? Understanding he will never leave us the same. Determined to allow Him to be the focus. Obedient to his work in our lives. Constantly encouraging others in their walk with Christ. In unity serving out of a heart of love. If so, you would be a part of the perfect church! Multitudes would be won to Christ just like in the early church.

"ze nigmar"

"It is Finished!"

This morning Pastor Mike explained what "It is finished, or it is complete actually meant back then. "The Job is totally complete."

Hebrews 9:12

12 He entered the holy of holies once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

• When Jesus explained, "It is finished" Jesus meant the finishing of the Old Testament
• Jesus was announcing the beginning of the New Testament
• The Cross was the "Great" divide between the two Covenants

Hebrews 8:13

13 By saying, a new [ covenant ], He has declared that the first is old. And what is old and aging is about to disappear.

John 19:38-42

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away.

39 Nicodemus(who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes.

40 Then they took Jesus' body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it.

42 They place Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

• According to the Jewish customs the body was wrapped in white linen and anointed with spice to be buried

Matthew 27:26

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged,he handed Him over to be crucified.

• Roman Guards were strictly trained to guard the tomb.
• Each of the four Gospels Record the visit to the tomb differently

The stone wasn't rolled away so Jesus could rise from the dead.

Matthew 28:2-6

2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it.

3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow.

4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men.

5 But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.

6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.

Mark 16:4-6

4 Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed.

6 "Don't be alarmed," he told them. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.

Luke 24:2-6

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes.

5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" asked the men.

6 "He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,

Luke 24:12

12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went home, amazed at what had happened.

John 20:1-7

1 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.

2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put Him!"

3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.

4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.

5 Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in.

6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.

7 The wrapping that had been on His head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself.

• Why was the tomb rolled away?
• Did they notice that the linen was folded?
• Then different slides were shown of different 'kings' tombs remaining today where people can go pay tribute
• The last slide was the tomb of Jesus Christ... That tomb is still empty today... We serve a King who is alive

Matthew 28:8-9

8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news.

9 Just then Jesus met them and said, "Good morning!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him.

Mark 16:9

9 Early on the first day of the week, after He had risen, (C) He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons.

Luke 24:13-31

13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.

14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place.

15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing Him.

17 Then He asked them, "What is this dispute that you're having with each other as you are walking?" And they stopped [walking and looked] discouraged.

18 The one named Cleopas answered Him, "Are You the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that happened there in these days?"

19 "What things?" He asked them. So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a Prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people,

20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him.

21 But we were hoping that He was the One who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it's the third day since these things happened.

22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb,

23 and when they didn't find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn't see Him."

25 He said to them, "How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Didn't the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter into His glory?"

27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

28 They came near the village where they were going, and He gave the impression that He was going farther.

29 But they urged Him: "Stay with us, because it's almost evening, and now the day is almost over." So He went in to stay with them.

30 It was as He reclined at the table with them that He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight.

Can you just imagine as Jesus walked with them for the last 7 miles. As He shared from the stories of Moses, David and even of His own birth? It did not dawn on them who He was until the breaking of the bread.

John 20:11-18

11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.

12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus' body had been lying.

13 They said to her, " Woman, why are you crying?" "Because they've taken away my Lord," she told them, "and I don't know where they've put Him."

14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," Jesus said to her, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, "Sir, if you've removed Him, tell me where you've put Him, and I will take Him away."

16 Jesus said, "Mary." Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!"—which means "Teacher."

17 "Don't cling to Me," Jesus told her, "for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God."
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them what [b] He had said to her.

• "Mary"-He knows us all by name. Can you just image when He called her by name?
• Do not cling to Me- We all have the urge to clean to those we have not seen in a long time.. to hug those we love. Mary wanted to cling to the "teacher" "Jesus", but He could not allow her to do so

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Satan thought he had won the battle-

1Corinthians 15:54-57,58

54 Now when this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

55 O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting? (

56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

John 20:29

29 Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed."

John 11:25-26

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.

26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die-ever.

Do you believe this?"

Romans 10:9

9 if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

"Passion"

This morning Pastor Mike shared with us what Passion was, and what passion meant. How many of us truly knew what passion is about?

Passion - affection- love-a love that is permanent-a quality which is inseparable "God is Love" Scripture is clear of the events in Christ't life leading up to His crucifixion. It is awesome to see how God directs each writer of the gospels to write about the events so we can see and understand all that Christ did and spoke about. This morning I want us to see and recognize God's enduring love for us.

Who likes a good parade?
What is a parade for? It is the ushering in of an important event that is to follow - Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving - ushers in The Christmas Season, with Santa Claus as the main attraction. Our Apple Butter Festival is ushered in by a parade. Now today we are entering in to what is called "Holy Week" or "Passion Week". The week full of events that should have been full of joy and victory, but ended up in anger, hate, and murder. It starts with a parade---

Mark 11:7-10

7 Then they brought the donkey to Jesus and threw their robes on it, and He sat on it.

8 Many people spread their robes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields.

9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed kept shouting: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Let's look at this parade and what it meant ...
In Eastern tradition the donkey was a symbol of peace, so when the King came riding in on a donkey, it meant he was coming in peace. But the horse was a symbol of war, so when the King came riding in on a horse meant he was a war raging king and he would take by force!

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

BUT look at the difference of His Return!

Revelation 19:11-16

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

12 His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on His head were many crowns.

13 He had a name written that no one knows except Himself. He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is called the Word of God.

14 The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure white linen.

15 From His mouth came a sharp sword, so that with it He might strike the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the wine-press of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty.

16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

There is more recorded in scripture about the events of Passion week than all the rest of Christ's ministry. As we review just a few of these events we see the incredible love Christ offers. Then as now in his mercy he points out in each situation the need for change and in doing so, offers grace. He warns of what is coming. Matthew records Jesus and the disciples go into the temple complex and while leaving the disciples draw Jesus's attention to grand appearance and beauty of the temple buildings, and Jesus takes this opportunity to tell them of future events:

Matthew 24:2

2 Then He replied to them, "Don't you see all these things? I assure you: Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!"

John records that Jesus and the disciples stay in Bethany at Lazarus's house and one evening at dinner while Martha is serving, Mary takes a pound of very expensive perfume, anoints the head of Jesus and then washes the feet of Jesus, and then dries them with her hair. Judas Iscariot complains that she has just wasted money that could have been given to the poor.

John 12:6

6 He didn't say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.

John 12:7-8

7 Jesus answered, "Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me."

Mark records the next day they go into the temple complex and there Jesus confronts those buying and selling animals that were used for the daily sacrifices, and He overturns their tables and would not let anyone past Him who was carrying anything to sell.

Mark 11:17

Then He began to teach them: "Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves!"

We need to make sure the Refuge is known as a house of prayer. That means we must be a praying people, and we must be a people that believe in prayer! Christ took time the last week of his life to warn about greed and prayerlessness.

Mark 11:18

18 Then the chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to destroy Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished by His teaching.

Jesus reminded the disciples about believing when you pray, and the importance of forgiveness when you pray.
Jesus spent most of His time in the temple complex teaching the people, about faith, doing the Father's will, sharing numerous parables so that the people would understand.
He warned the people about future events, and crowds of people came to hear Him speak.

Luke 21:37-38

37 During the day, He was teaching in the temple complex, but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.

38 Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.
And He locked heads with both of the "parties", the Sadducees and the Pharisees, the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, the scribes, the elders, the high priests.
He challenged them about being religious but not knowing the Father. It is possible to be religious but be completely lost.

Matthew 22:15

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said.

Matthew 23:27-28

27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every impurity.

38 In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Luke 20:19-20

19 Then the scribes and the chief priests looked for a way to get their hands on Him that very hour, because they knew He had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.

20 They watched closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, so they could catch Him in what He said, to hand Him over to the governor's rule and authority.

Luke 22:1-6

1 The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called Passover, was drawing near.

2 The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death, because they were afraid of the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was numbered among the Twelve.

4 He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple police how he could hand Him over to them.

5 They were glad and agreed to give him silver.

6 So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them when the crowd was not present.

Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to prepare the Passover meal, and when it was time they all reclined at the table and ate. Sometime during the meal Jesus did 2 things that would show the disciples His love for them:

Matthew 26:26-28

26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said,

""Take and eat it; this is My body."

27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said,

"Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood that establishes the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.

John is the only gospel writer who pens this down.

John 13:4-9

4 So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself.

5 Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?"

7 Jesus answered him, "What I'm doing you don't understand now, but afterwards you will know."

8 "You will never wash my feet--ever!" Peter said. Jesus replied,

"If I don't wash you, you have no part with Me."

9 Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head."

Jesus tells His disciples that all of them will be offended because of Him, they will all run and hide, and Peter will deny Him 3 times.
They leave and go to the Garden of Gethsemane, and there Christ asked His disciples to pray, and He went a little farther and poured His heart out to God:

Mark 14:35-36

35 And he went forward a little, and falling down on the earth, made request that, if possible, the hour might go from him.

36 And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to You; take away this cup from me: but even so let not my pleasure, but Yours be done."
After returning 3 times and finding His disciples asleep, Matthew records this:

Mark 14:41

41 And he came the third time, and said to them, Go on sleeping now and take your rest: it is enough; the hour has come; see, the Son of man is given up into the hands of evil men.

Matthew 26:47-48

47 And while he was still talking, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a band armed with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and those in authority over the people.

48 Now the false one had given them a sign saying, The one to whom I give a kiss, that is he: take him.
And with a kiss, Jesus is betrayed and taken into custody, and the worst mock trial in history takes place.

Matthew 26:59

59 Now the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin were looking for false witness against Jesus, so that they might put him to death;

Matthew 26:63-66

63 But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, "By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!"

64 "You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you've heard the blasphemy!

66 What is your decision?" They answered, "He deserves death!"

Look at His Treatment:

Matthew 26:67

67 Then they spit in His face and beat Him; others slapped Him.

Matthew 27:22-23

22 Pilate asked them, "What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?"

23 They all answered, "Crucify Him!" Then he said, "Why? What has He done wrong?" But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him!" all the more.

Matthew 27:26

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Matthew 27:28-31

28 They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe.

29 They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: "Hail, King of the Jews!"

30 Then they spit at Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head.

31 When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.
*The 4 Gospels record 7 "words" that Christ spoke while on the cross, look and realize the "Love of God"*

Luke 23:34

34 Then Jesus said,

"Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing."

On the cross His message is still the same -Forgiveness, forgive the crowd who only a few short days before had praised Him "Hosanna in the Highest" and are now demanding his crucifixion, forgive the pharisees who had blinded the people and plotted his death, forgive them who had spit, slapped, and scourged Him, forgive His disciples who had run from Him and denied Him, forgive Judas who betrayed him, forgive those of us who ignore his love and go on living as though he doesn't exist, forgive us who claim to know him but sometimes daily forget Him.

Who put Him on the cross?

"I like how Peter tells it when he spoke to the pharisees:"

Acts 4:27-28

27 "For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place.

Luke 23:43

43 And He said to Him ,

"I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise."

Christ's second word from the Cross is still one of forgiveness. The thief on the Cross, just asking Jesus to remember him, Christ forgives, and promised him eternal life.

John 19:26

26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother,

"Woman, here is your son."

27 Then He said to the disciple,

"Here is your mother."

And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Can you see Christ's love and concern for His mother? Can you imagine what she was going through? In Luke 2 it is prophised that "a sword will pierce your own soul". Jesus knew what torment, what agony, she was going through. But He also knew that "weeping may last through the night but joy comes in the morning."

Mark 15:34

34 And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice,

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

With everything that Christ had to endure, this was the most crushing. Jesus in all of scripture, had always referred to God as His Father, but now all He can say is "My God", God the Father, the Holy One, the Righteous One, had to turn His back on His Son, because His Son became sin for us. Now Jesus deserted by the Father and the Holy Spirit, had to face death by himself. Death without God is that final separation.

Isaiah 59:2

2 But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide His face from you so that He does not listen.

Luke 22:53b

53b But this is your hour--and the dominion of darkness."

Matthew 27:45

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land.

John 19:28

28 After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said,

"I'm thirsty!"

The fifth word of Jesus is His only human expression of His physical suffering. Jesus is probably now in shock. His wounds inflected on Him from the scourging, the crown of thorns, the loss of blood from the 3 hour walk from the city of Jerusalem to Golgotha, the nails in His hands and feet, are all now taking there toll.

John 19:30

30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said,

"It is finished!"

Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
The sixth word from the Cross, Jesus's recognition that His suffering is over, His task is completed - He has been obedient to the Father and gave His love for mankind by redeeming us with His death on the Cross! 　

Luke 23:46

46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice,

"Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit."

Saying this, He breathed His last.
Jesus's last word from the Cross. Since the price of sin had been paid, the agony of His soul is now over, He now again addresses God as His Father. Sin separated us from the Father, Christ's death on the cross, Christ taking our place, has redeemed us and now we can call Him Father.

Passion - affection- love-a love that is permanent-a quality which is inseparable "God is Love"

Do you see Christ's passion - a love that is permanent - a love that did not give up - the love of God that He did not spare His own Son, a love that had one goal - to purchase our salvation.

John 15:9-14

9 "As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.

10 If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commands and remain in His love.

11 "I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

12 This is My command: love one another as I have loved you.

13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are My friends if you do what I command.

Romans 10:9-10

9 if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.

At the beginning of Passion week, Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the sign that He came in peace. He still offers each of us the opportunity to come to Him.

2 Corinthians 6:2b

2b Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation.

Genesis 6:3a

3a And the LORD said, "My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever

Hebrews 4:7b

7b Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.

Hebrews 10:31

31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

Someday we will all stand before Him, will He be a God of peace, or a God of judgement. Today he still offers peace. Won't you come to him?

John 3:16- "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

Pray for our Children and Teachers

Last week Peter and John were going to the temple to pray and ran across a lame man. After telling him they had no money to give him, they offered what God had to give him, commanding him to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus - and he did, giving God all the glory. From this a great crowd gathered to see and witness the miracle. For they knew this man. He had been brought there everyday of his life. He was 40 years old!

He came expecting just enough to get by with, but left with his entire life changed.

Acts 4:1-4

1 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them,

2 because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in the person of Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 So they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening.

4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000.

Sadducees

were the "party" of the wealthy. They opposed the Pharisees, they did not believe in life after death, they denied the existence of angels and demons, they did not believe that God is concerned with what people do, they did not tolerate any threats to their position and wealth, they strongly opposed Jesus and did not believe in the resurrection.

The priests were angry. - The name of Jesus was being preached to the people. They were offended at the doctrine of his resurrection. They had put him to death, they had paid the guard at the tomb to claim they had fallen asleep and had allowed his body to be stolen. They had worried about the possibility of the resurrection so much that they employed a military guard to keep a dead man in his tomb! His rising again proved him to be the Just One, the Messiah, and so brought his blood upon their heads.

The priests were angry. They were concerned about their office. They did not want Christianity to take root, through the preaching of the apostles, and their power of working miracles. The commander of the temple guard was concerned to prevent any type of disorder. The Sadducees were displeased at the overturning of all their doctrines, particularly with regard to the resurrection. So the priests, temple guard, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John because they were teaching the resurrection of Jesus. If news of the resurrection spread, it would turn the priests, temple guard, and the Sadducees world upside - down. If the news of the resurrection spread the world would know that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, and that they were guilty of putting Him to death. If the news of the resurrection spread the world would be changed forever.

John 5:28-29

28 Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice

29 and come out--those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment.

John 11:25-26

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.

26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die--ever. Do you believe this?"

Acts 24:15

15 And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.

Acts 4:5-7

5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem

6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.

7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: "By what power or in what name have you done this?"

Acts 4:8-12

8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders:

9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed—

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.

11 This [Jesus] is The stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.

12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved."

John 14:6

6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Peter again shares the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

YOU KILLED HIM, GOD RAISED HIM UP. LET ALL ISRAEL KNOW HE LIVES AND BECAUSE HE LIVES THAT IS THE REASON THIS MAN STANDS BEFORE ALL OF YOU - HEALTHY! THEN PETER TELLS THEM THERE IS SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE BUT JESUS CHRIST!

Just a few weeks ago Peter and John were running scared. The religious leaders didn't have to worry about them, but now they are changed.
We don't have to doubt the power of Christ in us, we can have the same boldness as Peter and John, all we have to do is take hold of it.

Hebrews 13:8

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Ephesians 3:11-12

11 This is according to the purpose of the ages, which He made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord,

12 in whom we have boldness, access, and confidence through faith in Him.

Acts 4:13-14

13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.

14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response.

Notice that they do not even dispute the resurrection! It should have been easy to prove the disiples wrong. But they knew about the empty tomb and they knew the prophesies. The evidence was all in the favor of a messiah that had been cricified and was now alive! The possibility of a healing of that magnitude in the name of a dead man was incomprehensible. Only a resurrected savior could have brought about healing.

They knew that Peter and John had been with Jesus because Peter and John spoke with authority just like Jesus, they knew Peter and John had been with Jesus because they acted just like Jesus, they knew Peter and John had been with Jesus because they had compassion just like Jesus. If Jesus were dead, Peter and John would still be running scared. Their boldness was also evidence of the resurrection.

How do people recognize that you have been with Jesus? Is it your speech? Is it because the Holy Spirit is in you and every aspect of your life is changed? Is it because you have a boldness about you to witness what Christ has done for you and the way He has changed your life?

Or do people not recognize anything different about you? Are people supprised to find out that you've been with Jesus?

Acts 4:15-17

15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves,

16 saying, "What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!

17 But so this does not spread any further among the people, let's threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again."

Acts 4:18-20

18 So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it's right in the sight of God [for us] to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;

20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Luke 19:39-40

39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

40 He answered, "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!"

Acts 4:21-31

21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;

22 for the man was over 40 years old on whom this sign of healing had been performed.

Prayer for Boldness

23 After they were released, they went to their own fellowship and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

24 When they heard this, they raised their voices to God unanimously and said, "Master, You are the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.

25 You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David Your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot futile things?

26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers assembled together against the Lord and against His Messiah.

27 "For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place.

29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness,

30 while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."

31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God's message with boldness.

1 Corinthians 15:12-22

12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, "There is no resurrection of the dead"?

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised;

14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith.

15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ--whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised.

16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised.

17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; (the King James says "we are of all men most miserable.") you are still in your sins.

18 Therefore those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished.

19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.

22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

The resurrection gives us hope. The resurrection gives us life. The resurrection gives us boldness. WE SERVE A RISEN SAVIOUR!

In 1988 a group of men went on our first missionary trip. As we landed at the airport in Porta Prince, Haiti we all knew that things were a lot different than what we were used to in the US. For those of you who have worked with Tex, know he is a stickler for the rules and regulations. I know where he got this determination. As we were were going through customs and immigration, we had to line up, and one at a time go through a glass door to meet with those authorities. On the ground was a very large yellow line, the sign on the wall stated "DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINE"! Now Haiti was under military law at the time so their rules were being enforced by Haitians with guns. His 15 year old son, Phillip, was in front of Tex and when it was Phillip's turn go past the yellow line and enter the room, Tex took one step across the "yellow" line and was met by a very large Haitian with a very large Uzi which was placed very near to Tex's chest. Let me tell you Tex learned a very important lesson that day and we all are still feeling the results of that lesson.
After going through that experience and finally getting through the airport, we stepped outside and got our first view of Haiti, a sight I will never forget. But as we were waiting for our ride, a little Haitian beggar with one leg came up to me and held out his little hand. Just wanting me to give him something that he might be able to survive on. Something that he might be able to get by with for another day. I don't know how he lost his leg, maybe from birth, maybe an accident, or maybe as the missionaries explained, his parents may have done this to him in order that he might get more money from people seeing his condition. He would go to the airport where passengers especially from the west, would pass by him and maybe out of their abundance might give him something.

Act 3:1 - 21

1 Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple complex at the hour of prayer at three in the afternoon.

2 And a man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex.

• We will learn later that this 40 year old man's inability to walk had come from a birth defect. Every day someone would carry him and place him at the temple gate hoping someone passing by him would give him something, just something so that he might just get by with. For 40 years all this man knew was the bondage of his disability, the routine of being placed day after day at the same place, and probably receiving very little. Can you see the people going around him, avoiding him as he asked for help day in and day out. But something different happened this day:

Acts 3:3-4

3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help.

4 Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, "Look at us."

• In all the business of temple at that time of the day, in all the distractions - Peter and John break through and get the attention of the lame man.

Acts 3:5-6;

5 So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them.

6 But Peter said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have, I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!"

• Once we get the attention of someone in need, we must understand that they have an expectation. This man wanted a small gift to help to feed himself that day. Peter and John offered Christ! What are people asking of us?
• Are we seizing the moment and offering Jesus?
• This man had no concept of living any other way than as a disabled beggar?
• He had no understanding that he could ask for healing and he probably didn't know he needed Christ. Do you know people today that don't even know that they are in bondage?
• Do you know people that don't know they need Jesus?
• Are they weakly asking you for help?
• and...Why not offer Christ?

Acts 3:7

7 Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.

• Can you imagine this man's dismay as they tell him to walk?
• Can you sense his confusion and hesitation?
• Notice Peter and John reach out and take him by the hand. God is on the scene and this man is caught off guard. Peter and John seize the moment. They make sure this man doesn't miss the opportunity to have what God has for him. Sometimes we will encounter people who are so much in bondage to the reality they have known, that God will use us to help them nail the moment. Jude speaks of the intensity of pulling someone from the fire. Don't hesitate to share the love of Christ. God uses believers to present Himself to others.

Acts 3:8

8 So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them--walking, leaping, and

praising God.

.

• I love that this man knew where the miracle came from, not from Peter or John, but from God. Our focus must always be on the power of God and the love of God, not on man.
• If we had just experienced God's healing power like this, would we have called it a day?

Acts 3:9-11

9 All the people saw him walking and praising God,

10 and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.

11 While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon's Colonnade.

• "While he was holding on to them" Do you see the celebration? Ever lead anyone to Christ? Ever be the recipient of that new believer hug? It's the greatest feeling in the world. It's also part of a celebration that occurs in the Heavens:

Luke 15:10

10 I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents."

Acts 3:12

12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?

• Peter is quick to announce to the people that the power they have just witnessed does not come from them! Peter now shares the same message that he shared on the day of Pentecost when 3000 came to know Him!

Acts 3:13-15

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked to have a murderer given to you.

15 And you killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this.

• Now Peter proclaims this man was healed by faith, faith in the Son of God whom they killed.
• I like how he states it that Jesus "has given this man perfect health in front of all of you"! YOU CAN'T DENY IT!
• How many times has God done things right in front of us and we can't deny it!
• God is real, what He has done, He can still do!
Don't forget, these are the very people who only 8 weeks before crucified Jesus. Maybe today you have never considered your treatment of Christ.
• Maybe you haven't even thought much about Him. Maybe you are becoming aware that He cannot be ignored just as Peter and John are pointing out to the crowd.
• Understand that no matter what your thoughts about Jesus prior to today, He is offering to you the same love He offers to the very crowd who crucified Him.

Acts 3:16

16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

• Peter now shares the Love of God:

Acts 3:17-21

17 "And now, brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.

18 But what God predicted through the mouth of all the prophets-that His Messiah would suffer-He has fulfilled in this way.

19 Therefore repent and turn back, that your sins may be wiped out so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

20 and He may send Jesus, who has been appointed Messiah for you.

21 Heaven must welcome Him until the times of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about by the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning.

You see these folks thought they were doing the right thing when they crucified Christ. How often do we live our lives doing the best we can, trying to do right and suddenly come in contact with Jesus? Sometimes I have looked back and realized what a mess I made even when I thought I was right. Peter gives the solution. Repent, meaning change your mind, change your ways. Christ, the giver of life, died that you might have abundant life. The promise in the verse is that our sins will be wiped out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord!

• Are you looking for peace?
• Do you need refreshing?

Acts 3:26

26 God raised up His Servant and sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways."
And the Holy Spirit of God went out among that crowd, spoke to their hearts and Acts chapter 4 verse 4 says-

Acts 4:4

4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000.
This past week as I was reading and praying about what God wanted me to share, my mind kept going back to the lame begger. Day after day someone brought him to the temple so he could beg for just enough to get by with, not expecting anything more. How many of us live like that? We come to church week after week and just want enough of God so we can feel good, we want just enough of God to get by with. Maybe something is said or done and outwardly we feel good for a short time, but we have not allowed any change to come to our heart. After God met the lame beggar's need, he was not the same, he praised God to the point that a great crowd gathered and that day Peter shared God's word and 5000 came to know Christ.

• What do we expect from God?
• What do we believe God can do for us?
• and..What miracle from God do we need but are afraid to ask Him?

Look at His promises!

Ephesians 3:20

20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think--according to the power that works in you--

Genesis 18:14

14 Is anything impossible for the LORD?

Pastor Mike began the sermon this morning by speaking about the Holy Spirit again, and he asked if the Holy Spirit has been speaking to us.
"We all want clear Skies all of the time, but life just isn't always like that."
Picture the disciples in the Upper Room waiting for the guidance from and the Holy Spirit to come and speak to them.

• Were they really always in unity?
• Were they always at peace?
• and were they really "together in one accord on what Jesus really wanted?

Let's look at Peter, and how Peter was before the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Was Peter bold? Could Peter speak in front of thousands of people?
"BOLD" means: not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
Peter wasn't bold until the Holy Spirit came upon him.

Acts 2:14-16,17

14 But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: "Jewish men and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and pay attention to my words.

15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it's only nine in the morning.

16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 And it will be in the last days, says God,that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
Peter spoke of the prophecy of Joel. Before the Holy Spirit took over Peter, do you think he could have done this? This is the same Peter that just denied Jesus (3) times.

Acts 2:22-24

22 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know.

23 Though He was delivered up according to God's determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail Him to a cross and kill Him.

24 God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.

2:24-27

24 God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.

25 For David says of Him: I saw the Lord ever before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh will rest in hope,

27 because You will not leave my soul in Hades, or allow Your Holy One to see decay.

2:29-32

29 "Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne.

31 Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He was not left in Hades, and His flesh did not experience decay.

32 "God has resurrected this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this.

• All of those who just hollered Crucify! Witnessed Jesus' Miracles and His teachings
• The very people who saw Peter deny Jesus is watching Peter's changed life in front of their very eyes.
• The same Jerusalem that was rebellious and murderous is now being saved.

Acts 2:36-37

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!"

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: "Brothers, what must we do?"

Acts 2:38-40

38 "Repent," Peter said to them, "and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

40 And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, "Be saved from this corrupt generation!"
"Repent" is still alive for us today.
"Repent and be baptized" is to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and John was baptized in water.

John 16:13

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.

Acts 2:41

41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.

Matthew 21:22

22 And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Matthew 7:7,8

7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

1Corinthians 15:57,58

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Matthew 6:8b

8b because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.

James 4:2b

2b You do not have because you do not ask.

John 14:14

14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

• How long have you been in the upper room?
• Do you have not because you do not ask?
• Sometimes God allows us to be in the upper room to grow closer to Him, others, and to allow us to "learn" as the disciples learned.

-Pastor Mike opened up the Sermon by talking about how the Holy Spirit speaks to each and every one of us differently through song, verses and life.

Acts 1:8-10a

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

• THIS IS OUR CALL TO EVANGELIZE! FROM HOME TO THE ENTIRE WORLD.
• People wonder why we do such uncommon things here. This is the answer - So we can reach out in every way that God wants us to. Jesus did everything out of the ordinary, and if He is leading us, why wouldn't we?
• After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. While He was going, they were gazing into heaven,

-Picture this: The disciples have just watched Jesus ascend into Heaven. They were alone again. Just like they were alone when they ran and hid when Jesus was arrested, and went through His trial, and His crucifixion.
-Just like they were alone and confused when Jesus was in the tomb. Then Jesus rose from the dead and He reunited with them and for 40 days He not only showed Himself to them but to others also, and performed miracles and did things that John said "that if they were written one by one, not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written".
-Jesus had just told the disciples that they were going to die for spreading the gospel - and they were going to be given the ability, purpose, strength, miraculous power to do the will of the Father. But recently we have seen the disciples cower, deny, and run because of Jesus. What was going to give them this "power"? There they stood looking into the Heavens, they stared with such amazement that they didn't realize that 2 angels came and stood by them.

Acts 1:9-12

9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.

11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day's journey away.

Acts 1:13

When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying:Peter, John,James, Andrew,Philip, Thomas,Bartholomew,Matthew,James the son of Alphaeus,Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer, (King James says "with one accord"), along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. These men and women, about 120, were there, none at odds with each other, no one talking behind another's backs, differences of opinions did not affect their love for one another, no one scheming to make themselves look better than someone else.
They were unified in their prayer, all agreeing, all in unity. When we find ourselves all with the same purpose as a church, that we will all follow Christ and Him only, awesome things will happen!

Acts 1:15

15 During these days Peter stood up among the brothers--the number of people who were together was about 120--and said:
-Peter talked about the fate of their friend Judas -They probably all had questions, "why did he do such a thing" , " I can't believe that one of us who had been with Jesus could do that", If we had been there, what questions would we have asked? But Peter stood up and quoted Scripture and answered the "WHY"?

Acts 1:16

16 "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

Psalm 41:9

9 Even my friend in whom I trusted, one who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Then they prayed and asked God who would replace Judas, and Matthias was chosen.

the day of Pentecost

was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Pentecost - Feast of Weeks - the harvest festival celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was a joyous festival giving thanks for the new grain of the summer wheat harvest. Jewish men and women from all parts of the east were in Jerusalem to celebrate. But what about the promise that Jesus told:

"This,"

He said

"is what you heard from Me;

Acts 1:5

5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

Acts 1:8a

8a

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,

John 14:16-18

16

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.

17

He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn't see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.

18

I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

John 14:26

26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit--the Father will send Him in My name--will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

John 15:26

26

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:7-16

7

Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.

8

When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:

9

about sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10

about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;

11

and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

12

"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now.

13

He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.

15

Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.

16

"A little while and you will no longer see Me; again a little while and you will see Me."

• The Holy Spirit is not a mystical being, He is the third part of the Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. He has been sent to live inside of you when you accept Christ, to guide you, to direct you, to plead for you, to teach you, to give you strength, to speak to you, to be with you so you will never be alone. He will give you the ability to do things that you could never do on your own. The list goes on and on!

Acts 2:1-2

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.

2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it

filled the whole house where they were staying.

• I wonder what that was like?
• But don't we feel Him here right now?
• Don't people feel Him as soon as they come inside the door?
• We can sing with the song writer: HE IS HERE HALALUAH, HE IS HERE AMEN, HE IS HERE YOU CAN TOUCH HIM, WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!

Acts 2:3-14a

3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.

5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.

6 When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, "Look, aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?

8 How is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?

9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own languages the magnificent acts of God."

12 And they were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, "What could this be?"

13 But some sneered and said, "They're full of new wine!"

14a But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them:

• Here it is - the promise of the Holy Spirit being fulfilled.
• That sound being heard not only by the 120 but by those in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven, all being drawn to one place and hearing the men speak in their own language.
• See the miracle - all the men speaking were speaking and everyone heard it in their own language - at least 15 different languages! I love the remarks-

• aren't these guys Galileans?

-(Persons who know no other dialect, save that of their own country. Persons wholly uneducated, and, naturally ignorant of those languages which they now speak so fluently.)

• These guys have been drinking!
• The world always has something to say about something they know nothing about!
• This was not a miracle that just took place that day, but a miracle that takes place still today, whenever His word goes out, His Holy Spirit speaks to each heart to meet our individual needs.
• He speaks in Sunday School, He speaks in the worship service, He speaks in this service.
• He speaks to every heart.
• He will meet every need, if we let Him.
• lmost every Sunday I have people come up to me and share with me how God spoke to them specific to their individual need, the funny thing is it might be something totally different than what I was thinking of. I've had people offended that they think I know something about them and preached at them! Let me tell you I'm not that observant! People share with me that God confirmed something in their heart with a particular scripture. The Holy Spirit comes and takes over the service, just as He did on the Day of Pentecost.

-But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: Something the Holy Spirit will always do - cause you to be a witness. If you are truly following Him - you will be His witness. You might say I'm shy, God will use you if you allow Him to. It might be through your actions or reactions. You are different and through the Holy Spirit you will be His witness. Let Him work in and through you! Maybe you feel alone with no direction as the disciples did for a brief moment in their lives. The Holy Spirits first job is to draw all men to Jesus Christ. The invitation is:

Matthew 11:28

28

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Last week we talked about:
What God wants us to be a witness unto-

• It begins at home- yourself-
• Your families
• and the world needs to be able to see God in you and what you do in your life.

Acts 1:8a

8a 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
1 Corinthians compares our bodies with the church body. If one part of the body grows weak the rest of the body suffers. If one part of the body grows strong; the rest of the body rejoiceth.
We are to come along side and make the rest of the body strong.


Hebrews 11-The Hall of Faith

Hebrews 12- The Great witnesses that have went on to be with God -The Spectators-

• We have to finish the race to be able to be a spectator
• Christianity/Christian walk is not a spectator Sport
• We are not to be on the side lines, we are supposed to be in the battle field
• Jesus even said Follow Me



1 Corinthians 12:27

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.

Hebrews 10:24

24 And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works,

• If we could apply these 3 truths the church would be stronger
• There would be no jealousy
• There would be no promoting of self



Hebrews 10:25

25 not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, (A) and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
If we are witnesses in our church we will become witnesses in our community. We will begin to produce fruit. We need to have our armor on at all times.


Acts 1:8b

8b and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Luke 10:29b-37 Who is my neighbor
29b he asked Jesus,"And who is my neighbor?"

30 "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead.

31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw [the man], he had compassion.

34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 The next day he took out two denarii,[about 500 dollars] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.'

36 "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?"

37 "The one who showed mercy to him," he said. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do the same."

• Samaritans were not favored by the Jews
• Samaritans were from about 700 B.C
• The Samaritans were despised by the Jews, Levites, and all kinds
How many of these are we like?
• The Levite?
• The Priest?
• The Jew?
• Or the Samaritan?

The good Samaritan -Jesus Christ- stopped and healed us, bandaged us up and carried us.


1John 4:11

11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. Who is our neighbor? - Everyone You might be the only witness someone might see. Be a witness unto one another.
Actively Serve God.
What will the Holy Spirit Give you?
• Power
• Purpose
• Strength



What is a witness?

The Witness of Martyrs, there are those who will die for their faith in God.
"The cost of their salvation is EVERYTHING"

Philippians 3:7-4:1

7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.

8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.

10 [My goal] is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Reaching Forward to God's Goal

12 Not that I have already reached [the goal] or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,

14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly [c] call in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also.

16 In any case, we should live up to whatever [truth] we have attained.

17 Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things,

20 but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

Philippians 4

Practical Counsel

1 So then, in this way, my dearly loved brothers, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

• What is the number One Worth in your life?
• What is worth more than following Christ?
• What is worth more than being a witness?
• and Is being a witness for Christ worth dying for?

Count the Cost of your walk with Christ

Pastor Richard Preached on Uncertainty. Uncertainty began in the Bible with Abraham and Isaac, but Abraham had faith in God to bring him through the situation. Then there was;

• Jacob
• Joseph
• Samuel
• and Job

You you understand the consequences in me doing this God?
There is uncertainty in our own lives on a daily basis.
There are moments where we aren't sure who we are in Christ.

1 Samuel 16 The anointing of a new King

• Samuel was asked, "Do you come in peace?"
• Samuel said,"In peace I come."

16:7

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart."

The King that Samuel thought God would surely want was lacking what God truly needed in a person.

• Justice
• Mercy
• Peace


• When God chooses people He looks at the heart. When we tend to choose people; we look at the outwardly things.


• When Samuel began to further investigate for the new King in order to follow the task to replace King Saul, he heard about "this boy" a lonely shepherd up on the hill.-David.


• We have ideas of how things should go, but God always throws us a curve ball.

The Story of Joseph

Genesis 37-45

• Joseph revealed to his brothers about this rise to govern, but no one believed him.
• Joseph's brother's sold him to slavery
• Joseph might have been uncertain in the outcome,but he never gave up.
• By Genesis 45- Joseph was revealed to his brothers and was 2nd to Pharaoh.

Acts 15

When there was uncertainty, conflict and confusion over circumcision in order to be a Christian.. God spoke to the wise and there was peace. Through the wise they realized there were things more important than being bound by the laws of the Jews versus the Gentiles.

Galatians 4:1-20

1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner of everything.

2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father.

3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces of the world.

4 But when the completion of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

5 to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, " Abba , Father!"

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

8 But in the past, when you didn't know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.

9 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

10 You observe [special] days, months, seasons, and years.

11 I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

12 I beg you, brothers: become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me;

13 you know that previously I preached the gospel to you in physical weakness,

14 and though my physical condition was a trial for you, you did not despise or reject me. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus [Himself].

15 What happened to this blessedness of yours? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.

18 Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you.

19 My children, again I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you.

20 I'd like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don't know what to do about you.

If we go out of the bounds of God we are no good to God. Paul had to the Galatians that they were doing it all wrong. They were stuck in the old, and they had to go back into the bounds of God.

We can Preach and we can and go to every service, but if your whole heart isn't right with God what good are you?

• God leads you to where you need to be, not where you WANT to be.
• It is not easy by any means, but it can be done.
• God wants to make sure where your eternity is
• Not how you do it
• Not the process
• You Just have to have to have a willing heart.

Samuel was not certain
Samuel was scared for his life trying to replace Saul, but he did it because he was willing to do it for God, and God saw him through it unscathed.

Last week Jesus asked Peter Three (3) questions:

• Feed My Sheep
• Follow Me
• and Do you Love Me

Acts 4:5-7

5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem

6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.

7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: "By what power or in what name have you done this?"

Acts 4:13- Main Requirement in life is to be with Jesus

13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Mark 16:15-19

15 Then He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;

18 they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will never harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."

Mark 24:46-53-Beginning at Jerusalem

46 He also said to them, "This is what is written: the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 You are witnesses of these things.

49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high."

The Ascension of Jesus

50 Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them.

51 And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.

52 After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

53 And they were continually in the temple complex blessing God.

John 21:25

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written one by one, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

John 14:12-15 Jesus is Speaking

Praying in Jesus' Name

12 " I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Another Counselor Promised

15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
-If you have to___________will you still love Me?

• Where is home to you?
• Home begins with you

John 15:5b

5b The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
-Next step is Family-

Joshua 24:15

15 But if it doesn't please you to worship the LORD, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD."

Ephesians 5:23-Husbands what type of Leader are you? Not Dictators but leaders

23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ is head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.

Ephesians 5:25

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Ephesians 5:28

28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Ephesians 5:33

33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

1Peter 3:7

7 Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as co-heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Colossians 3:18-Wives also in the Same way:

18 Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Colossians 3:20- Children-

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

Colossians 3:21-Fathers-

21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won't become discouraged.

• Satan is working overtime to destroy our families, your family, and our church family.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father

15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

16 [I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

17 and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth,

19 and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think —according to the power that works in you—

21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

What do you need to change?

What is love? God is Love-

1John 2:5-

5 But whoever keeps His word,truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him:

1John 4:8b-

8b because God is love.

1John 4:19-

19 We love because He first loved us.

Matthew 5:43,44-

43 "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

• Most churches stop at vs. 43

2Thessalonians 3:13-15

13 Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
14 And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don't associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet don't treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

John 15:13

13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:7-8

7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die.
8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!

Luke 23:46

46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit. "Saying this, He breathed His last

• Proved God Is Love
• After Peter ran off and cried bitter tears:

Mark 16:5-7

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed.
6 "Don't be alarmed," he told them. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him.
7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter,'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.' "

John 20:2-6

2 So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put Him!"
3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.
4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first.
5 Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in.
6 Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there.

John 21:2-3a

2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of His disciples were together.
3 "I'm going fishing," Simon Peter said to them.

• When we find things not going the way we think they should; how many times do we go back to our old ways?


• We find that our old life is nothing like our new life in Christ.

John 15:1-3

1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.
2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

John 21:4-14

4 When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
5 "Men,"Jesus called to them, "you don't have any fish, do you?"
"No," they answered.
6 "Cast the net on the right side of the boat," He told them, "and you'll find some." So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
7 Therefore the disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea.
8 But since they were not far from land (about 100 yards(away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.
10 "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus told them.
11 So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
12 "Come and have breakfast," Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?" because they knew it was the Lord.
13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish.
14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.

• When we have made the wrong choice sometimes it's hard to call upon the Lord

John 21:15

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You."
"Feed My lambs," He told him.

John 21:16

16 A second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
"Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You."
"Shepherd My sheep," He told him.

John 21:17

17 He asked him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You."
"Feed My sheep," Jesus said.

• Peter broke down with sorrow
• Jesus told Peter 3 Times to Watch out while Praying, but he fell asleep
• Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him 3 times
• Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he Loved Him
• Do "we" deny Christ?

John 14:15

15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 14:24a

24 The one who doesn't love Me will not keep My words.

• Do we deny Christ by going to places we shouldn't?
• Do we deny Him by not doing things for Him?
• Are there times we deny Him by avoiding conversations about Him in order to avoiding debate?

John 21:18-22

18 " I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go."
19 He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, "Follow Me!"
20 So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them. [That disciple] was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is the one that's going to betray You?"
21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord—what about him?"
22 "If I want him to remain until I come," Jesus answered, "what is that to you? As for you, follow Me."

• Peter knew to follow Christ would cost him his life.

Romans 12:1

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.

Luke 9:23-24

23 Then He said to [them] all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
> 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.

• All the Disciples were put to death for following Christ; except for John (He did Revelations)
• God is a personal God
• God was getting read to stir a Revival; They needed to be "Revived"
• They went back to their old life
• Does He have all of you?
• He says,"Follow Me."
• Following Christ is NOT for the weak hearted.
• Christ wants us totally His

Do you Love Him?! TRULY LOVE GOD?!

Pastor Richard began the sermon by introducing the goddess Ashtora
Ahstora was known for:

• goddess of love and war
• goddess of money and sex
• ..and goddess of nature and fertility

Ecclesiastes 3:11-

11 He has made everything appropriate in its time.He has also put eternity in their hearts,but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

1Samuel 7:1-2

1 So the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it to Abinadab's house on the hill. They consecrated his son Eleazar to take care of it.

Victory at Mizpah

2 Time went by until 20 years had passed since the ark had been taken to Kiriath-jearim. Then the whole house of Israel began to seek the LORD.

Meaning of Revival

• Great Awakening
• God Blessed them
• Paul would go into a city for a specific amount of time and preach to people
• God began to speak to people's hearts
• ...and began to make people anew

Revival takes place when your heart is set on God-yearning in your heart.

-It does not happen with 1,000's of people, it begins with one person at a time.
-Samuel is constantly walking and preaching to the people of Israel.

-It is not enough to make your presence in a church pew
-It is not enough to put your offering in an offering plate

Joel 2:12-

12 Even now—[this is] the LORD's declaration—turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Matthew 15:7-9-

7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said:
8 These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
9 They worship Me in vain,teaching as doctrines the commands of men.

• Something has to happen in your heart
• You need to have a repentant heart
• because of sin

John 4:24

24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

• It is not enough to just "Profess" with your mouth.
• You have to have your heart right first.
• If you have a repentant heart you have a revived heart.

Luke 21:36

36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man."
-Does sin sit at the door step and wait?

• How do you know when you need a revived heart?
• Lack of power in prayer.
• Lack of prayer all together.
• We stop baring fruit. (John 15).
• When the fact that Jesus is Risen no longer stirs your soul.
• Jesus Christ sits at the Right hand of the Father and intercedes for you daily.

Matthew16:26

26 What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
-Christianity is something you live out daily.

The life of Peter was of a fisherman and so was his whole family.

• Peter needed an attitude change


• Christ Changed Peter through Parables


• Peter walked on water


• Peter changed through worship


• Placing all of our trust in Him


• We even learned that "Joy Comes in the Morning"


• Practice what we preach; Preach what we Practice


• Peter even learned about Partaking in his first Communion


• How much has Christ taught you?


• Christ never stops teaching you


• If it were not for our own good we would do everything in our power to stop it.


• If was in our best interest; we would do everything in our power to get it.

John 17:11-20:

11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name that You have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one.

12 While I was with them, I was protecting them by Your name that You have given Me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture may be fulfilled.

13 Now I am coming to You, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have My joy completed in them.

14 I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world.
15 I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19 I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth. Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.

• "That was not only written for the Disciples, but for us too."

Matthew 26:30-34: "Because of Me"

30 After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Peter's Denial Predicted

31 Then Jesus said to them, "Tonight all of you will run away because of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.

32 But after I have been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

33 Peter told Him, "Even if everyone runs away because of You, I will never run away!"

34 " I assure you," Jesus said to him, "tonight—before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times!"

• All Christ is asking, "Will you trust Me?"

Matthew 26:35-

35 "Even if I have to die with You," Peter told Him, "I will never deny You!" And all the disciples said the same thing.

Mark 14:32-42-

The Prayer in the Garden

32 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."

33 He took Peter, James,and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified.
34 Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow —to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake."

35 Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

36 And He said, "Abba , Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."

37 Then He came and found them sleeping. "Simon, are you sleeping?" He asked Peter. "Couldn't you stay awake one hour?
38 Stay awake and pray so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

39 Once again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.

40 And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to Him.

41 Then He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. Look, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Get up; let's go! See—My betrayer is near."

1Peter 5:6-8-

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time,

7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.

Conclusion

8 Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

• Never take being a Christian Lightly.
• Peter took being a Christian lightly.
• Are we paying or are we sleeping?

Mark 14:39-42-

39 Once again He went away and prayed, saying the same thing.

40 And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. They did not know what to say to Him.

41 Then He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. Look, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Get up; let's go! See—My betrayer is near."

• What was Peter doing each time? Sleeping.

1Corinthians 10:12-

12 Therefore, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall!

John 18:10-11-

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. (The slave's name was Malchus.)

11 At that, Jesus said to Peter, "Sheathe your sword! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given Me?"

Matthew 26:56-

56 But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away.

Matthew 26:58-

58 Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance right to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the temple police to see the outcome.

Matthew 26:69-75-

Peter Denies His Lord

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant approached him and she said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean too."
70 But he denied it in front of everyone: "I don't know what you're talking about!"

71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!"

72 And again he denied it with an oath,"I don't know the man!"

73 After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You certainly are one of them, since even your accent gives you away."

74 Then he started to curse and to swear with an oath, "I do not know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed,

75 and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

• Do we refuse Him to meet our every need?

John 16:31,33-

31 Jesus responded to them, "Do you now believe?

33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

2Peter 3:17a-

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard,

Jude 1:24-25

24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy,

25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.

1Thessalonians 5:17-

17 Pray constantly.

• Our battle is not with one another; our battle is with Satan.
• We need to pray more.
• God wants a personal relationship with us, work in us and through us.
• Have we been denying Christ in our lives?

Pastor Mike shared with the church about

Communion and the meaning of the "Passover"

Opening Verse Matthew 26:1-5

1 When Jesus had finished saying all this, He told His disciples,

2 "You know that the Passover takes place after two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus in a treacherous way and kill Him.

5 "Not during the festival," they said, "so there won't be rioting among the people."

John 13:1

1 Before the

Passover Festival,

Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world,He loved them to the end.

• What was the Passover about?
• What was the Festival?

Exodus 12:12-13

"I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn [male] in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. I am the LORD; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt.

13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you;

when I see the blood, I will pass over you.

No plague will be among you to destroy [you] when I strike the land of Egypt.

Exodus 12:29-33

29 Now at midnight the LORD struck every firstborn [male] in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, and every firstborn of the livestock.

30 During the night Pharaoh got up, he along with all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was a loud wailing throughout Egypt because there wasn't a house without someone dead.

31 He summoned Moses and Aaron during the night and said, "Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites, and go, worship the LORD as you have asked.

32 Take even your flocks and your herds as you asked, and leave, and this will also be a blessing to me."

33 Now the Egyptians pressured the people in order to send them quickly out of the country, for they said, "We're all going to die!"

John 1:29

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Here is the Lamb of God, (A) who takes away the sin of the world!

John 13:2-9

2 Now by the time of supper, the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot's son, to betray Him.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, (E) and that He was going back to God.

4 So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself.

5 Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, "Lord, are You going to wash my feet?"

7 Jesus answered him, "What I'm doing you don't understand now, but afterward you will know."

• By washing the Disciple's feet; Jesus performed the deepest "submission"
• If you don't allow Me to meet your needs; I cannot be a part of your life.



Matthew 26:23-25


23 He replied, "The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl—he will betray Me.

24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."
25 Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" "You have said it," He told him.


Matthew 26:26-29


26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take and eat it; this is My body." (

27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, "Drink from it, all of you.

28 For this is My blood [that establishes] the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.

29 But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father's kingdom with you."

8 "You will never wash my feet—ever!" Peter said. Jesus replied, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with Me."

9 Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head."


John 3:16

16 "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.


1 Corinthians 11:27-30


27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord.

28 So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,eats and drinks judgment on himself.

30 This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.

• Before taking Communion Search your heart
• How is your communion with Christ?



Psalm 139:23,24


23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me;lead me in the everlasting way.


1Corinitians 11:25,26


25 In the same way [He] also [took] the cup, after supper, and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
-Then We Partook in Communion-

The sermon was opened with an example of signs that we see every day on the highway, in life, and on fences. What message do we see on the signs? Are they very clear? Are the signs pretty self-explanatory? There are some signs that we can look at and scratch our heads and go, huh.

• Jesus wanted His disciples to know about the warning signs of the past, present, and future.

• Remember John the Baptist and how he was beheaded.
• He used Parables throughout Matthew 23-25 to warn us.
• There are over 50 warnings about the past, present, and future.
• Look at how our society, community, the United States, and things around us:
• When we reject Christ we suffer
• God will never force Himself on us
• Blessings and promises are on those who accept God.
• Punishments are on those who do reject Christ.
• Be watchful
• Don't be caught unaware

Matthew 24:4

4 Jesus answered:"Watch out for the one that deceives you."

Matthew 23:29-39

29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous,

30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

• Christ's Warnings are very clear

Matthew 24:1-14- Watch Out

1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

• These are the beginnings of birthing pangs.

Matthew 24:24,25

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25 Behold, I have told you before. -Take Note; I have told you in advance-

Matthew 24:42-44

42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Song of Solomon 3:6-11

6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.

8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon.

10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.

11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

Ruth 4:2

2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down.

Matthew 25:1-13

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

• Do not let your oil -Holy Spirit- run out before Christ returns
• The 10 virgins represents the -Perfect Church- that God is looking for.
• They became -lazy- and they were not prepared.

Then Pastor Mike shared a story about when he hunts for deer, and after a while when he sees no deer, he becomes comfortable with his heater, and when he falls asleep he misses the deer that comes along the way. Don’t be comfortable in life and miss -the deer- or don’t lose sight on what is important Christ and His return.

• God revealed to Pastor Mike why he should share with us these warnings.
• Only half of the churches will be ready.
• Story of Samson and Delilah- Samson was not alert and prepared for the deceit from Delilah, and he lost his -gift of strength when the guards came after him.
• There are people out there that (think) they are ready.
• Do not get lazy
• Do not (think) we are ready.
• He wants us to KNOW we are ready.

1 Peter 4:7-10

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 3:8/9

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

2 Peter 3:8-18

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

15 And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

• Jesus says,"You Have Been Forewarned"

Matthew 25:13

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Be Alert

• Closing with-I Will Rise- and a reminder -Half of Christians are not going to be there.


• Are you ready?

Pastor Mike Opened up the sermon today by answering questions that people had about Paul and the life that Paul had, and the differences between "Sinner" and "Saint". Does a Saint sin? Does a Saint have to sin?
There are some misconceptions about a walk with God that people live by, and it becomes very taxing or people tend to see the Christian walk as "an obligation."

• I have to do it
• My Christian Walk depends on me.
• I got Heaven, and now I can do what I want.



1 Peter 1:16-Don't TRY- Be Holy

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.


1 Peter 1:13-15 Mindset for Christ

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;



Acts 7:58- Saul before he became Paul -Redemption through Christ

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.


Acts 8:1


1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.


Acts 8:3


3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.


Acts 9:1-6 -Threats Christians, Kills Christians, and then changes to Paul


1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.


Acts 13:9 -Saul is filled with the Holy Spirit


9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.


1 Timothy 1:12-16 -Paul's Thanksgiving


12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.


Romans 6:1

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?


Romans 2:12


12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;


Isaiah 26:3


3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.


Ephesians 4:21b-32


21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Memorize- 1 Peter 4:1
1 For as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;


2 Peter 1:3-11


3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

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

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1 1 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other. Francis Bacon
Pastor Mike opened up the Sermon with a video that explained how Christians or even people see "sinners". We see how we have no hope, we don't have a future, and we don't have forgiveness. However, like Paul, the killer of Christians, on the road to Damascus, was brought from sinner to saint. He was forgiven, he did have hope, and by the blood of Jesus Christ, the life of Jesus Christ; he was a Saint.
We do not "try" to be Saints; we ARE Saints by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 21:28-30- "The Parable of the Two Sons"
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Matthew 21:31-
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Matthew 21:32-
32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Matthew 23:1-3 "They Don't Practice What They Preach"
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Matthew 23:4-5-
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
1Peter 2:9-10-
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
John 1:12-13-
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 8:14-17 "We are a Royal Priesthood Abba- Possessed of"
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Ephesians 3:7-8 "Reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles"
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
2 Corinthians 6:16b-18-
I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Philippians 2:1-15-
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputing:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Romans 2:17-24-
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Philippians 1:27-
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

• Let's Practice What we Preach, and Preach what we Practice.
• Let People see Christ living in you and through you.

Next week we will be getting something in the mail; it's tax time - time to take inventory of our finances - time to remember what we did with our money!
This is the last Sunday of 2010, I want us to think back over this past year to take inventory or think about the good times and the bad times, the happy times and the sad times. Think about the places you went.
Now think about how God has had His hand on you over this past year. Some of you met Him for the first time. Look back over this past year and remember how He has helped you through good times and bad, through the happy times and the sad. Think about how He has made a difference in your life.
Now let's remember how God has guided our church family over the past year. Remember all the things that He opened the doors for us to do as the body of Christ. Remember all those He brought our way that we might be a light in their darkness. I have learned if we just simply allow Christ to guide and direct everything, to seek Him first, to be obedient, to trust Him, and truely let Him have His way and and not let "me" get in the way, that His will - will truely be done.
Remember:

• to recall to the mind by an act or effort of memory. To retain in the memory; keep in mind; remain aware of: To have (something) come into the mind again:
• Is it good to remember?

Let's not get remembering confused with the scripture: Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Here Christ is telling us that once we turn and follow Christ, that we are not to look back to our old life and wish to return. Let's look at some scripture about "remembering" and see what God says about it: In the Old Testament God instructed the children of Israel to build an altar, to gather stones and make a memorial so that in the future when your children see it you can tell them the story of what God did there.
Deuteronomy 8:11
Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: God knows we are a forgetful people, there are things in our life that we need not forget, He gives us reminders throughout scriptures so that we will not forget the things that effect our lives.
I love how Psalm 103:2 puts it:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Last week we all shared about the gift that keeps on giving, all the benefits of serving God. It's good to think about them, it's good to share them with others. Esta and I kept remembering them throughout the week. You cannot serve Christ and not be interacting with people. It's that interaction that we remember. God brings blessing in our service, often our joy comes from unexpected places as we open ourselves to others.
Matthew 5:23
So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, Remember to keep your channels clear not only between you and God, but also between you and your brother. Take note that the scripture doesn't say that we were right or wrong, God only addresses the perception of your brother, we are obliged to keep our channels clear to keep our hearts right. God never endorses sweeping things under the rug. Matthew 16:9 Don't you understand yet? Don't you remember the five loaves for the 5,000 and how many baskets you collected? Remember God is in control of every situation in life. Have you found yourselves in impossible situations this year? The disciples were instructed to do something impossible so Jesus could show them His power. Last Friday night we were planning for a certain amount of people, but God sent more and more. The ladies dipping the soup experienced a miracle. The first pot of soup they were able to serve 4 tables, the second pot they were able to serve 8 tables and have some left over. Have you experienced miracles in your life like that. God works in misterious ways -- do we reconize them.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Hebrews 13:5
Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Remember God never leaves us alone! No matter what we must face in this life, we are never alone; no matter where He sends us, we are never alone; no matter what what the world or satan sends our way, we are never alone.
Luke 24:6
"He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, Remember His still small voice when He has spoken to you, nothing more exciting than when God speaks. Went to bed last night thinking about the message for today, this morning I woke up and He brought to my memory a scripture to share this morning - I'm so glad He never sleeps.
John 15:20a
Remember the word I spoke to you: Christ was born in a very pagen time in history. The wise men (not Jews or Isrealites) read and studied the scriptures and knew about the birth of Christ. Remember the Word of God and all the times He has spoken to you through it; remember those times when it seemed that life was closing in around you; remember those times in your life that you just had to have a word from God, - and there it was.
John 16:4
But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. Remember God knows the end from the beginning, He knows what is in store for the future, so that our hearts won't be troubled, so that the world around us can see the calm that only God can put in our hearts - that He is in control.
2Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
Psalm 126:5
6 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves. Remember that God knows our heart, He knows the desires of our heart. He knows the seed that we have planted, we just need to remember that: some plant, some water, but it is God who gives the increase.
Ephesians 1:16
I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 2Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my forefathers did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remember to pray for each other. James tells us "The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful." Have you experienced the power of prayer in your life this past year, either your prayers for others, or others praying for you?
Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders who have spoken God's word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Remember , those of you who God has placed in places of leadership, that everything you do and say is on display for others to see, take those positions seriously because you are being watched, you are an ambassidor of Christ, live so that others can imitate your life. 2Peter 3:2 so that you can remember the words previously spoken by the holy prophets, and the commandment of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles. Remember in the last days there will be those who try to do away with my Word, there will be those who want to do away with My commandments. Remember there will be those who want to do away with my very existance. Remember there will be those who want to do away with the fact that I am coming again - Keep the Word of God, read it, hide it in your heart.
　 Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. Just like the time of the wise men, we also live in a very pagen time in history. God has given us His word that we might read and study so that we might recognize when Christ will return again. Christ is coming again, He gives us reminders throughout scripture to remind us of this soon coming event. He wants you to be ready. Remember this morning that God is a very personal God, His desire is that you remember all that He has done for you. I believe that this Psalm is His reminder to us that He not only remembers us but He also knows all about us.

• Does God Remember Us?

Psa 139:1
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. LORD, You have searched me and known me.
Psa 139:2
You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away.
Psa 139:3
You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways.
Psa 139:4
Before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, LORD.
Psa 139:5
You have encircled me; You have placed Your hand on me.
Psa 139:6
This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
Psa 139:7
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?
Psa 139:8
If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
Psa 139:9
If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,
Psa 139:10
even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.
Psa 139:11
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will become night"--
Psa 139:12
even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.
Psa 139:13
For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.
Psa 139:15
My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
Psa 139:16
Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.
Psa 139:17
God, how difficult Your thoughts are for me to comprehend; how vast their sum is!
Psa 139:18
If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with You.
Psa 139:19
God, if only You would kill the wicked--you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me--
Psa 139:20
who invoke You deceitfully. Your enemies swear by You falsely.
Psa 139:21
LORD, don't I hate those who hate You, and detest those who rebel against You?
Psa 139:22
I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies.
Psa 139:23
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.
Psa 139:24
See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.

• Today let's look back over the past year and see the hand of God on our lives and be thankful.
• We serve a God who loves us, we serve a God who protects us, we serve a God who provides for us, we serve a God who is concerned about every part of our life.
• Do you know Him this morning?
• Remember we have a God who sent His Son to be born in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem just for you.
• Don't forget it!!!

Pastor Mike opened up the sermon with

Acts 8:20

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

• A Gift is something given without expecting something in return
• A gift is something given without expectation

1 Corinthians 6:20

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 1:1b-6

1b separated unto the gospel of God,

2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

John 4:10

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Acts 2:38-Repent and be Baptized-

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 5:17

17 For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8; 3:7; 4:7

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

James 1:17

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1Peter 4:10

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Matthew 10:8

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Revelations 21:6

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelations 22:17

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

John 1:29

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

2 Corinthians 9:15

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

• After this Linda read the Christmas Story from Matthew and Luke and the Children did the live Nativity Scene.
• After this we shared wonder testimonies about the gift of our Salvation.
• It was definitely a wonderful "Gift."

Pastor Mike opened the sermon this morning in

Matthew 21:6

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

Matthew 21:10

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
"Satan is working overtime to confuse people"
< style="text-decoration:underline;">Genesis 3:15

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Genesis 12:3

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 21:12-13

12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Numbers 24:17,16

16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Genesis 49:10

10 Seed of Judea The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Isaiah 11:11-15

11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

13 The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

15 And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.

Psalm 89:1-4

1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

Micah 5:2

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Jeremiah 31:15

15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

Matthew 2:16-18

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

• "Our Foundation in God is Concrete" Society has made it to where removing Christ from society is a social pressure, and people are slowly buying into the "Happy Holidays."
• Instead of removing Christ from your life, enforce it; embrace it.
• When someone says, "Happy Holidays to you, return it with a Merry Christmas."

Zachariah 9:9

9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

1 John 3:5

5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

We don't have to live in defeat

• When people look at us what do people see in us?
• Who is This?
• Rejoice in what God has done in your life.
• Rejoice in your Salvation.
• Rejoice in who you are.
• Testify
• Rejoice in your Faith.

Pastor Mike talked about Joy Cometh in the Morning-
As Pastor Mike continues to talk about Jesus teaching His disciples he began in the book of Luke, and the Parable of His third warning of His death. The disciples still did not understand;

Luke 18:31-34

31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

In John 11

The rising of Lazarus. Jesus was grief struck, and He even wept for His friend.

• Why does God make us wait?
• Why does God make us Suffer?

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Nahum 1:7

7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait 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.

Isaiah 33:2

2 O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

Lamentations 3:26

26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

"Where He is lifted up all men is drawn forward (to Himself)"

Psalm 30:5

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Matthew 20:32-33

32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

Pastor Mike Preached on God knowing our hearts this morning.

Hebrews 4:12

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.-opening verse-
Pastor Mike shared the story about the "Ruler" and how he asked Jesus how he could get to Heaven. Jesus began to tell him how he could get to Heaven.
We should all take heed to this story about the "Ruler" trying to get into the kingdom of heaven. And the story went like this:

Mark 17:10a

10a For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother,'and, 'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

Luke 18:18a

18a A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Matthew 19:16

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" [ruler was replaced]

Matthew 19:17

17 Jesus answered, "Keep these commandments:

Matthew 19:18

18 What commandments?

Matthew 19:19

19 Jesus answered, "All of them."

• Do not Murder
• Do not bear false witness [lie]
• Do not Commit Adultery
• Do not Steal
• Honor thy Father and thy Mother
• and love thy Neighbor as thy self

The ruler was feeling pretty good about himself since he has kept all of these commandments.

Matthew 19:20a

20a "I have kept all of these."

Romans 3:10-12

10 As it is written:"There is no one righteous, not even one;

11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."

Matthew 19:20b

20b "What am I still lacking?" The ruler still knew that he was still missing something.

Matthew 19:21

21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

39 And the second is like it:'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 19:22

22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Luke 12:15-21

15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.

17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

18 “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.

19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'

20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

21 "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."

Mark 8:37

37 What can a man give in exchange for his life?

Matthew 16:25

25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.

Matthew 13:44-50

44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.

46 When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it

The Parable of the Net

47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a large net thrown into the sea. It collected every kind [of fish],

48 and when it was full, they dragged it ashore, sat down, and gathered the good [fish] into containers, but threw out the worthless ones.

49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous,

50 and throw them into the blazing furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:51

51 "Have you understood all these things?"
"Yes," they told Him.

When following Christ and trying to follow the commandments we cannot compartmentalize anything. It takes 100% Obedience.

Today the sermon began with the first few minutes with the movie "UP". It showed the wonderful intimacy shared between Carl and Ellie. No words were spoken in those moments, but you could tell the love they shared, and the communication was there. The intimacy that was shared; they knew each others heart inside and out.

Pastor Mike shared with us today about the Intimacy that we should and can have with God. King David already knew that God knew his heart inside and out. He already knew that God knew his ever move, decision, and every hair on his head, but in Psalm 139:1-6 King David prays to God.

Psalm 139:1-6

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God knows every thing there is to know about you. He knows the thoughts before you think them. There is nothing you can hide from God.

Romans 1:15

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
Wicked in Hebrew- rasha' "iniquity" ill-doing" When people think of sin they think that since they do not lie, cheat, still, murder, commit audultry, or worship idols they are not sinning, but that is just the list of sins we have common knowledge of blood thirsty, over indulgence,greed, want of wine, alcoholism, addictions, putting anything before God is sin.

-Taking the Lord's name in vain is more than using the curse word we were raised knowing. It is using his name out of context, using His name without needing something from Him, and using His name out of reference to His word. Using profane against God is using His name in vain. "Using God's name with emptiness, unclean, and impure" is in vain.

Matthew 7:20-23

20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’

23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Pastor Mike continued his message from last week on "forgiveness" last week he taught us about:

Justice

- Giving what is deserved

Mercy

- Don't give what is deserved

Grace

- Forgiveness and Passion This week we learn about what unforgiveness can do to us and people around us:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”- Matthew 18:21

We are taught to forgive until we lose count, to forgive until we forget.

"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven" was being asked and we often are wondering who is "better than" or who is over doing others in life, but in Matthew 18:1 it says that the disciples asked Jesus "Then who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?"

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven- Matthew 18:2-3.

As Pastor Mike went into the book of Mark (Mark 4:14; 9:16; 9:21-22,23) he gave examples of the arguing back and forth amongst the disciples of who was better between the two of them, and Jesus stopped and asked what the arguing was about, and "they became silent". -Mark 9:34

If anyone wants to be first he must be last of all and servant of all- Mark 9:35
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 17:22- A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 18:14- The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

"Being bitter is like drinking poison and hoping someone else will die."

John 10:10- The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
How many times are you going to let the thief come knocking at your door? Pastor Mike shared a good illustration about the thief that comes knocking at your door to come and steal from you. If you let someone come and stay the night with you, and in the middle of the night, a thief comes knocking at your door and says, "I have come to steal from you." The person that answers the door lets the thief in and goes back to bed. The thief takes what he wishes, and leaves. The next morning, the person who is in charge of the house is angry at the guest. The guest is kicked out, and no longer welcomed in the home. The next night, the same thief comes knocking at the door. "I have come to take your wallet." The owner of the house lets the thief in, and he goes back to bed and allows the thief to take what he wants. The next morning the owner of the house is now mad at himself. How many times does the thief have access to your life?

This is the same as not allowing yourself to forgive yourself and others.
Romans 12: 19-21-
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
"Before Plotting Revenge; dig two graves" by the time the two graves are finished you will no longer remember why you are angry.
-Remember "Forgiveness is not forgetting your pain. No one ever said you had to forget the pain, but allowing the pain turn into bitterness is allowing you to not be able to forgive.
Matthew 5:11-
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Matthew 6:12-
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.- Forgiveness is a two way road-
Luke 7:37-48- 7 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.

46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
"Forgiveness begins with God First"
1 Corinthians 13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.(LOVE is the greatest gift of all)

Psalm 103- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
John 8:36- So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Closing)