Christmas, the Celebration of Jesus Christ

 INTRO: Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ, who entered time and history through His birth and changed the world as none has ever done before. You and I are proof of that change He brought. We celebrate His coming into this world for the purpose of “Seeking and saving that which was lost.” (Luke 10:10)

I. At Christmas we celebrate Jesus Christ as the Eternal Son of God. December 25th, we celebrate the birth of Christ, His coming to earth as a baby in a human body. But His existence didn’t begin with His birth. Jesus existed before the foundation of the earth. John 1:1 (NKJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Psalms 2:7 "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Romans 1:4 Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

II. We celebrate Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. By His birth He brought salvation to all who would believe in Him. Jesus is a gift of love from the Father for the salvation of the world. John 3:16 (NKJV)  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus is the one who died for all of mankind; He is our "Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" who gave us citizenship in Heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV) 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, we are eagerly waiting for Jesus' return when we will be changed into His glorious image.

III. We celebrate Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who fulfills Old Testament prophecy. John 1:29 (NKJV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! The Lamb of God recalls the Passover Lamb, in [Exodus 12:1-14] whose blood was applied on the doorpost of the Israelite's houses to protect them from the death angel during the Exodus from Egypt. We celebrate Jesus as the Passover Lamb of God, who shed His blood as an offering to take away the sin of the world. We were washed clean by His precious blood when we confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NKJV) You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. He is our Passover Lamb. He protects us from spiritual death and eternal separation from God. His salvation includes the resurrection of our bodies. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!                                                                    Invitation: You must know Jesus as your Savior to make it to heaven. If you are not sure about your salvation, you can make sure right now by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to save you, and then Jesus will provide you a home in heaven. 

A Son is Given

December 25^th we will celebrate the birth of Christ. Next to Easter, Christmas, the birth of Christ, is one of the greatest holidays of all. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) ^{6 a} For unto us a Child is born, — He was born for the salvation of the Jews first, and then us Gentiles. The bible says we were all sinners before God and needed a Savior. This prophecy of a Savior was made hundreds of years before it was fulfilled by Mary’s baby in a manger. Luke 2:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Isa. 9:6b Unto us a Son is given; God's gracious gift to Jews & Gentiles which no man deserved, but this Son that was given came as Savior to all who would receive Him, to as many as believed on His name, He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12) John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Jesus is not only Savior of mankind, but He is the soon coming King to rule overall. Isa. 9:6c And the government will be upon His shoulder. This refers to His kingly rule over all the nations of the earth. (Rev. 19:16) says On His robe will be the title “King of kings and Lord of lords.” Jesus will rule over God’s people according to (Micah 5:2) and over the whole earth. Zechariah 14:9 (NKJV) And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be-- "The Lord is one," And His name one. As King, He will be responsible to govern the nations. In Isaiah’s day Judah’s leaders were incompetent in governing the people. All governments are incompetent to govern properly. But the Messiah will govern properly, righteously.

Isa. 9:6d His name will be called Wonderful, - pleasing, great, brilliant, and perfect.

Counselor, - trial lawyer, advocate for the people. Go between for man before God.

Mighty God, - He will rule with all the power and authority of God.

Everlasting Father, - He will rule with all the love and care of a father.

Prince of Peace. – He will be the ruler and leader of real lasting peace. Ther is no peace without Him. Isa. 9:7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it (kingdom) with judgment. (righteous decisions ) and justice (fairness, honesty, integrity) From that time (when He takes over) forward, even forever. The zeal (eagerness, enthusiasm) of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Hundreds of years later the beginning of this prophecy began to be fulfilled when: The angel told Mary in: Luke 1:31-32 (NKJV) ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Daniel prophesied that Jesus’ kingdom would come during the days of the anti-Christ's reign.

Daniel 2:44 (NKJV) And in the days of these kings (of the anti-Christ), the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

Fulfillment of this prophecy will be at the end of the 7-year tribulation period when Jesus comes back to rule and reign over the whole earth. It will not be a kingdom of mere might, and triumph of force over enemies, but it will be a kingdom of righteousness, honesty, integrity, and fairness attainable only in and by Messiah. We live for the day when the proclamation will be made in Heaven.

Revelation 11:15 (NKJV) And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" Revelation 19:6 (NKJV) And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering's, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  The Lord Jesus Christ, who came as a baby Son born of the virgin Mary, is going to reign in sovereign power upon this earth and He is going to reign forever and ever over the new heavens and earth. He is going to reign in omnipotent power, supreme over all. The prayer of God's people, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” is about to become a living reality upon earth forever and ever as Jesus the Son that was given finally begins His “Reign” over all the earth.

Invitation: Have you received this Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, there will never be a better time than now in this Christmas season. Confess your sins against God to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you for His kingdom and ask Him to take charge of your life from this day forward. Be baptized as a public testimony to your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord. It will be your greatest Christmas ever!

DELIGHT IN GOD'S WORD

 

Scripture Text

Psalm 1:1-3

Intro: The way to have a successful life begins with taking God's word and making it first and foremost in our lives and then be obedient to its instructions.

1. WE ARE TO DELIGHT IN GOD'S WORD. (Psalm1:2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Delight-means to take pleasure- We are to take great pleasure in the word of God. Make the word of God the joy of your life. If we do delight and meditate in the word of God there will be revival and there are some other tremendous benefits. It is not enough to just to read God’s word, but we must meditate on it. In other words try to figure out what it is saying to me. Everything we do in our lives and in this church body should be based on God’s word and not on our good ideas. How many times do we go by our feelings and our desires rather than the word of God? Lets look at the benefits of delighting in and meditating in God's word.

2. WE WILL BE BLESSED.  (Psalm1:1) Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; We will not listen to advice from ungodly, sinners or those that are always scornful. As we reject the way of ungodly, scornful sinner we will be Blessed means blissfully, happy or contented. Bringing happiness and thankfulness. Bringing the favor of God. Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Delighting in God’s word brings His blessings.

3. WE WILL BE STRONG IN EVERY SITUATION (Psalm1:3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water. Rooted and grounded in the word of God. The word of God will bring you success over every situation, problem, worry, doubt and fear. Not wandering here and there not knowing what to do or which way to turn. Will have a never-failing supply of nourishment and refreshment.

4. WE WILL BE PRODUCTIVE(V:3) He shall be like a tree that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; Will display the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We will honor the Lord Jesus in our words and actions. They will always timely and appropriate. Leaf will not wither during dry season because we are rooted in God's word. We will not be subject to extreme ups and downs. One day hot, next day cold to spiritual things. We will be useful for in His kingdom work. We will be steady in and through all circumstances.

5. WE WILL BE PROPEROUS IN ALL THINGS(Psalm1:3) And whatever he does shall prosper. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. The promise is that when we read and speak God's word then we will prosper, and we will have great success in all we do. The reason, of course, is that we are living in close fellowship with the Lord, knowing His will and all our life is therefore guided by the Holy Spirit. The only way to be efficient and successful in the Christian life is to be led by the Spirit of God in all we do as we read God's word. Living God's word makes us prosperous, productive, and it gives us good success.

CONCLUSION: This is the way of Revival, blessing and prosperity for our lives! This is the will of God for all His people. We can be revived! We can be renewed in our passion and zeal for the things of God. We can do all things through the Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing will be impossible."

INVITATION: There in Psalm 1:4 is a warning for the ungodly. They will not stand up under God’s judgment nor will they be in the congregation of the righteous. Will you be able to stand up under God’s judgment of your life and will you be able to stand in the congregation of the righteous? You won’t unless you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Come to Jesus right now. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and get things right with God while there is still time. Please don't put it off!

The Main Goal in Life

 

THE THRONE OF GOD

 Scripture Text

Psalm 93

 

INTRO; We see, hear and experience many things in this life that are not right. Every day some evil and wrong is before our eyes. We don’t understand how a people can drift so far from the truth of God’s word and way. Question is, how are we to live in this world with all that is going on around us on a daily basis? We can't live relying on anything in this world, but there is one thing for sure that we can rely on, and that is our God reigns from His throne on high. Let’s look at the world from a view point of God’s throne instead of man.

 I. WE CAN COUNT ON GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. [Ps. 93:1] The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. His authority, rule, dominion. We can take comfort in the truth that Jehovah has supreme overall and reigns gloriously from His throne in Heaven. His royal power and authority prevail everywhere over all His creation. There is no earthly or heavenly power greater than God. He clothes Himself with Majesty- [Glory, honor, beauty, splendor, excellence in form and appearance]. He is Very grand, dignified, and exalted above all others. None like Him. He girds Himself with strength just like putting on a belt. His unlimited power can resist any attack, and by that power He can act upon and change things. God has a plan for this world and He will carry it out, we can be sure of that. He made the world and holds it in place. Jeremiah 10: 12 He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion. All things are created by Him, for Him and are under His authority.

II. WE CAN COUNT ON GOD’S STABILITY. [Ps. 93:2] Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. Nothing down here is ever stable, it's constantly changing, but God's throne is unchanging, firm in the heavens. His throne has no beginning or end. Established from everlasting past to everlasting future. All false gods are man-made. All other thrones have a beginning and an end. His throne has always been and will always be. There can never be a period in which he shall cease to exist as God.

III. WE CAN COUNT ON GOD’S STRENGTH. [Ps.93:3-4] The floods have lifted up, O Lord,The floods have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier Than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves of the sea. Floods represent the enemies of God's kingdom. People, terrors and uproars rise against Jehovah. There are those who want to do away with God and His Son Jesus. People have always resisted God and His way from the beginning of time. God's word declares that His enemies will rise up against Him, His Son, His people and His throne. War in Israel! His enemies don’t want God reigning over them. Still goes on today! Psalms 2:2-3 ² The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ³ "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." The Lord is amused and angered at those who rise up against Him. Psalms 2:4-5 ⁴ He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. ⁵ Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: distress means great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical and mental suffering; Since Jehovah reigns triumphantly, Jesus will eventually rule over all the kings and people's of the earth because God has decreed it. Psalms 2:6 -9 ⁶ "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." ⁷ "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. ⁸ Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. ⁹ You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' " God the Father has given all dominion over the earth to Jesus. No one can change that! God’s unlimited authority and irresistible power is a comfort to all His people. God rules over Satan and all is evil angels. He limits Satan’s power and influence. We can be assured of that fact from the book of Job, chapter 1:12. One day God will cast Satan into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. Revelation 20:10 (NKJV) The devil, who deceived the people, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. No one can change that established truth! The bible says the devil and his angels tremble knowing their final destination.

IV. WE CAN COUNT ON GOD’S WORD [Ps. 93:5] Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever. God's throne is established in truth and holiness. The word from God’s throne is very sure because His promises stand true forever. Jesus said in John 17:17 Your word is truth. Psalms 119:89-91 ⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. ⁹⁰ Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. ⁹¹ They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. God tells us how things will end in the book of REVELATION. In view of all these facts, we don't have to worry or rely on things of this world God has it all under His control. Because of this God is deserving of our deep respect, awe, reverence and adoration. Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord for ever. God's holiness and divine nature adds beauty, splendor and distinction to our worship. Holiness is the quality that sets the Lord apart from all others.

Conclusion: No one can thwart the purpose of God. He is the Lord God, who reigns and is clothed with majesty. This psalm has praised God's unchanging nature and power, the evidence that He is alive and active, unlike pagan gods. Since He has supreme authority, Colossians 3:1-2, We are seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ²  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. The things above are revealed in God's word. With God in control from His throne we have nothing to worry about and much to be thankful for. God will work out His plan not only for this world, but for your life and mine as we trust in Him and we can count on that.

INVITATION: God's word says that if you don’t know His Son you cannot make it to heaven, but instead you are condemned and headed to a place called hell. God has given His Son Jesus Christ to save you from your sins. If you haven't been saved and you would like to be, confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins against God. Invite Jesus into your life to take charge of you. Then you will not be condemned by God and He will allow you into heaven when this life is over.

Complete Freedom

Scripture Text 

Rom. 8:1-11

Intro: Thank God for our spiritual freedom. Freedom means to be liberated from whatever has you in bondage. Sin had us in bondage. Complete freedom comes from only one source, and that is God Almighty. Are we truly thankful for the spiritual freedom we have in Christ? We cannot lose sight of the One who died to set us spiritually free. Let us thank Him for the spiritual freedom we enjoy today. Let us not take it for granted.

I. Trying to keep God's law brings us into bondage. Romans 3:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹  Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.²⁰  Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. We are unable to keep the righteous requirements of God' law. The law was given to show us what sin is. No one has been able to fully keep God's law since the creation of mankind. Therefore, all mankind needs to be set completely free from this bondage because the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God and His Heaven. Because of the weakness of the flesh, we are unable to fulfill the righteous requirements of God's law. Therefore, All are under God's condemnation.

II. Jesus sets us completely free from God's condemnation. Romans 8:1 (NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. The condemnation that the law brings can only be changed by Jesus Christ and by walking or living our lives in the power of His Spirit instead of the sins of the flesh. A lot of Christians are still in bondage by believing they have to perform some kind of good work to please God. They never know when they have done enough good works and so they live in bondage to the devil.

III. We are completely free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2-4 (NKJV) ²  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³  For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴  that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. What the law could not do for us, Jesus did in setting us free from the law of sin and death. The law of God was just and right in telling us what God wanted us to do and not to do but it did not give us the power to keep those perfect laws of God. We could not keep God's law because of the weakness of our sinful fleshly nature. Christ took on humanity in order to be a sacrifice for our sins. God condemned sin through the flesh of His perfect Son Jesus Christ. Jesus took the full wrath of God against our sin and gave us who live according to the Spirit His righteousness. Because Christ was sinless, his death passed the “death sentence” on sin for all of us, destroying sin’s control over us. For mankind to be able to reach the righteous requirement of the law takes more than our sinful nature can produce. Only through Christ’s death and the resulting freedom from sin can we no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit and thus fulfill the righteous requirements of the law. The Holy Spirit is the one who helps us become holy. The Holy Spirit provides the power we need to help us do what the law required of us.

IV. The benefits of our spiritual freedom. [Rom. 8:5-11]Romans 8:5-11 (NKJV)⁵  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.⁸  So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹  But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰  And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the flesh, the things of this world. But we who have been set free live by the Spirit by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit who lives within us. Even though our bodies will die because of sin, the Spirit gives us eternal life because we have been made right with God thru Christ. Spiritual freedom means the same Spirit of God who raised Christ from the dead lives in us and will also raise our mortal bodies to glorious, resurrected bodies that will live forever. So, we do not do what our sinful nature urges us to do. We are free from bondage to live for Christ.

Invitation: Are you completely free from the bondage of sin and death? If not, Jesus waits to free you from all that has you bound. Simply confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and then invite Him into your life and help you live in complete freedom now and when you pass from this world your home will be in heaven. 

Be Ready

 

Scripture Text

Luke 12:35-40

Intro: Jesus warns those who are only concerned about material things and have no time for the Lord. In these scriptures before us today Jesus has a strong warning for all Christians today. Jesus says to be ready for His return. We are to be found faithfully living and serving Jesus and looking for His return.

The reasons we should Be watching and ready. (v.35-40)

I. Because the Lord is returning. Luke 12:35-36 (NKJV) ³⁵  "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; ³⁶  and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. The believer is to be in a state of readiness. We are to always to be prepared, always watching and waiting for our Lord's return. The attitude of the believer to the return of Christ is to be one of the readiness, having "the loins... girded" -- doing all we can for Him, and living in expectation of His return. In biblical days, men servants would wear robes. When they needed to serve in work they would tuck their robes in the belt. Faithful servants would stay awake with the lamps burning while waiting for their master’s return from the wedding feast. They were dressed so that they can do service for him at all times. No matter how late the master may come, the servants are prepared to open the door immediately upon his arrival. In the same way, God’s people must be awaiting his arrival so they too can welcome Him the moment he arrives. Servants who are faithfully serving, ready and waiting for the master’s arrival will be eternally rewarded by Him.

II. Because you shall be served by Christ Himself. Luke 12:37 (NKJV) Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. We are to stay ready because we will be served by Christ Himself at the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is a most precious and wonderful promise. It's a most unusual promise. Imagine the Lord of the universe serving us at a banquet, yet it is the promise made by Jesus! Why would such a promise be made to the believer? Jesus promises to take any person who honors and serves Him and elevate that person to the highest of positions. Any person who honors Jesus will be highly honored by God. He will put upon a person a very high honor and dignity, and satisfy them with a fullness of happiness and glory, and they shall rest for ever. The person who honors Jesus is adopted as a child of God's, and that person becomes a brother and joint heir with Christ and an heir of God.

III. Because you shall be blessed. Luke 12:38 (NKJV) And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
We believers are to stay ready because we will be blessed if we are living for the Lord, serving Him and awaiting His arrival. The word "blessed" means to pronounce a person happy, fortunate or to be envied. The idea is that Christ is going to make the believer happy and blessed. The night was divided into three watches by the Jews. First, second, and third. (Sunset -10:00 p:m), (10:00 p:m-2:00 a:m), (2:00 a:m-sunrise). The point is the importance of being ready: the hour of His return is unknown, but He is returning. It may be very soon; it may be later. The idea is that no one knows the time, but be ready—be prepared—if you wish to be blessed.
Happiness and blessedness will become an eternal state of being, it will be the constant experience of the believer who is waiting and prepared for the Master's return.

IV. Because Christ shall come suddenly, unexpectedly. Luke 12:39 (NKJV) But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Jesus' return is going to be unexpected. The burglar always comes in an unexpected hour, so we must watch and be prepared as much as a homeowner would watch and prepare if he knew a burglar was coming. The believer must not be careless: get tired of serving and waiting, be caught off guard, slip into sin, and begin to disbelieve. We must watch, be spiritually awake, listen, look, and take notice of all distractions.

V. Because Christ shall come when least expected. Luke 12:40 (NKJV) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." The believer is to stay ready since Christ will come when least expected. Jesus could not have stated it any clearer; He could not have spoken any plainer. " He is Coming at an hour you do not expect.” Jesus warns us “Therefore you also be ready!" The bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (NKJV) For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

Conclusion: Christ’s return at an unexpected time is not a trick by which God hopes to catch his people off guard. In fact, Jesus is delaying his return so that more people will have the opportunity to know him and serve Him. Before Christ’s return, we believers must be busy living out our beliefs and reflecting Jesus’ love to others. We have time to bring more people with us into the Kingdom. We are to keep on for Christ as long as we have the health and strength to do it. Luke 12:43-44 ⁴³  Blessed (happy, fortunate and to be envied) is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. ⁴⁴  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.

Invitation: Are you ready for His return? Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you? If not, right now is the time. If you have been saved, are you living for Christ and are you serving Him in some way? Are you telling others about Jesus and His desire to save them?

Blessings of the Believer

 

Scripture Text

Ps. 36:7-9

Intro: We who are children of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the most blessed people on earth. Some envy the wicked, but they are not blessed of God. Psalms 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I. There is security in the Lord. Psalm 36:7 (NLT) How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.

A. His unfailing love endures forever. We have the Security of a merciful, loving, kind, caring God. (Psalm 57:1) Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. God’s loyal love is precious, because humans can take refuge in the Lord like chicks taking refuge under their mother hen’s wings. If we are in God’s will, nothing can touch us without His permission.

II. There are abundant provisions. Psalm 36:8 (NLT) You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.

A. The fullness of God’s house. The psalmist here uses the imagery of the temple to say that believers enjoy the provisions of God’s house. (Isaiah 55:1-2) ¹ "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk Without money and without price. ² Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. God invites people to come to Him. The blessings God gives are available without cost. Salvation is a free gift of God; it refers to spiritual redemption and physical deliverance. Both are intended here. The Lord asks how people could be interested in other things besides Himself as He is the only One who can bring genuine satisfaction. Throughout all history people have tried to find satisfaction through many things other than God.

III. There is life in the Lord. Psalm 36:9 (NLT) For you are the fountain of life,                                                                                                                A. Jesus came for this purpose. John 7:37-38 (NLT) ³⁷  On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! ³⁸  Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Understanding, joy, and abundant life come from the Lord, our Source. John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

IV. There is light in the Lord. Psalm 36:9 (NKJV) In Your light we see light.                                                                                                                                       A. The light of the Lord overcomes darkness. John 8:12 — Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Jesus lights our way through the darkest of times. His Spirit guides us. 2Cor. 4:6 — For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: So, in contrast with the corruptions of the wicked, an obedient believer’s life is characterized by security in the Lord, abundant provisions, life, and understanding in God’s presence.

Invitation: If you are enjoying these provisions of the Lord, you should give thanks right now. If you are not enjoying all these provisions of the Lord, now is the time to correct that. Simply confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life. Do its now before it's too late.