The Love of Jesus

Intro: As we have just celebrated Easter, we thank Jesus for His love toward us. We must never forget what He has done for us so we will remain humble before Him.

I. Jesus' love for us compelled Him to leave heaven. John 1:1-3 ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. This scripture tells us that Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, was with Him in the beginning of the world and that through Jesus everything was made and without Him nothing was made that was made. Jesus was there with the Father experiencing all the joys of heaven and worship of angels. Then God’s word says that Jesus, because of His love for us, left the glories of Heaven and came to this earth. 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. John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. God gave His law thru Moses, but God's grace and truth came thru Jesus Christ. Luke 19:10 tells us the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." We were eternally lost till Jesus came to save us. Oh, how Jesus loves you and me.

II. Jesus in His love for us removed the penalty for our sin. Phil. 2:7-8 tells us that Jesus took on the body of a human and humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He did that for one purpose, and that was to save mankind from the penalty of their sins and restore fallen man's relationship with God the Father. At the beginning of creation Adam sinned by disobeying God and all mankind came under God’s curse. Romans 5:12 (NLT) When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. This scripture tells us we are all guilty before God and deserve His punishment. Jesus knew He would have to come to our rescue or we would all be eternally lost! Romans 5:18-21 (NLT)¹⁸  Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.¹⁹  Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.²⁰  God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.²¹  So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus lived a righteous, perfect life and always obeyed God. In His love for us, Jesus died a sacrificial death for all mankind on the cross of Calvary, and by the shedding of His precious perfect blood, He redeemed mankind from the penalty of his sins. When someone in faith believes in Jesus and His atoning work on the cross, he is forgiven all his sins and saved for all eternity. May we never forget this act of love!

III. Jesus' in His love for us has brought us peace with God. Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) ¹  Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ²  Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we have peace with God. We are no longer His enemies, but we are now His children. We stand in God’s grace, and the outcome of our lives is secure in his hands. We no longer need to be haunted by thoughts of God's judgment; now we can reflect upon and respond to his grace, looking forward to sharing in God's glory forever. Anticipating our future with God ought to bring us great joy. We remember Christ's love for us as we celebrate His victory for us over Satan, sin, hell and the flesh. We are no longer under God's condemnation, our future is secure, thanks to the love of Christ.

Invitation: If you have never received the free gift of grace that God offers through Jesus Christ, now is the perfect time. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ so no one can ever boast about their salvation. You simply confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life. That's how simple salvation is.

 

Remembering Jesus

 

Intro: As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we are to remember what this special time means to us so we will never forget what Jesus has done for us. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ meant our deliverance from hell and the penalty of our sin. We were set free from the power of Satan, sin and death through the blood of Christ.

I. Remember Jesus' suffering for you. Luke 22:39-44 (NKJV)
³⁹  Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰  When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." ⁴¹  And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴²  saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." ⁴³  Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴  And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. These verses tell us the magnitude of Jesus' great agony of soul as He prepared Himself for what was to come. He fell on His face—the pressure and weight were unbearable. Jesus suffered as no man has ever done before or since and it was not for His sins, but ours He suffered.
In verse 43 an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Jesus. God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus in this horrible time of fear, and temptation. In his humanity, Jesus suffered terribly during this night, battling what He knew had to happen. Jesus was in extreme agony; His prayer reveals his terrible suffering. God did not take away the “cup,” for the cup was His will. Yet he did take away Jesus’ extreme fear and agitation. Remember Jesus' suffering for you as we approach Easter. Personalize it! It was for you!

II. Remember Jesus' suffering on the cross for you. Matthew 27:33-46 (NKJV)³³  And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull,³⁴  they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. ³⁵  Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." ³⁶  Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. ³⁷  And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. ³⁸  Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. ³⁹  And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads ⁴⁰  and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." ⁴¹  Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ⁴²  "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. ⁴³  He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' " ⁴⁴  Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. ⁴⁵  Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? "After suffering in the garden, Jesus suffered the rejection of His own people, His disciples and the religious leaders. Even God had to turn His back on Him because He could not look upon Jesus as He became sin for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The sins of the world were placed on Jesus, so that His righteousness could be given to all those who trust Him. What a Savior! (John 19:28-30 (NLT) ²⁸  Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹  A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. ³⁰  When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. Jesus' sacrifice for us accomplished all that was required to restore mankind’s relationship with the Father God that Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden. Our sins were forgiven by Jesus Christ as He died there for us on the Cross of Calvary. As Jesus was dying on the cross for your sins and mine, He uttered three last words that have the greatest impact ever upon all mankind. Those words were “It is finished.” Nothing else needs be done for mankind to be forgiven of the Father. Jesus’ sacrificial blood was sufficient for all our sins. Remember our Lord’s Sacrifice of His life and blood for you as He died on that old rugged cross all alone.

III. Remember Jesus' resurrection from the dead for you. Matthew 28:1-7 (NKJV)
¹  Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ²  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. ³  His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴  And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. ⁵  But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
⁶  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
⁷  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." History was witnessing the most violent event of all time in the resurrection of Christ from the dead. The grave could not hold Jesus; the quaking of the earth was bound to happen as Jesus came out of that tomb as described in verse 2. The bible says that the resurrection of God's dear Son Jesus made it possible for the resurrection of all who believe in Him. As the old hymn goes “He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives. Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, my life is worth the living just because He lives.” Remember the victory over the grave the Lord Jesus won for you as you celebrate Good Friday and Easter. Because He lives you shall live also!

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of Christ’s sacrificial death and His shed blood for you? If not now is the time to do that by confessing your sins against a Holy God to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you. Then be baptized as a testimony of your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord!

Stand With Israel!

Intro: God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3 that through him the nation of Israel would be born and God said He would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who treat Israel with contempt. God also said all the families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham and his seed Jesus, and His people, the nation of Israel. The hate for the Jewish people is on the rise because of all the miss-information by the media. We as God's people must take a stand for Israel, pray for them and try to correct all the false information.

I. Salvation is of the Jews. [John 4:22] Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well; “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.” God thru the Jews gave us the holy scriptures and Jesus. The Jewish Jesus gives salvation to all mankind who will believe in Him. Without the Jewish people there would be no Christian faith. We owe them for that. Jesus was and will always be a Jew by birth. We need to bless the Jews for their part in bringing us salvation through Jesus and for bringing us God's word.

II. Salvation is to the Jew first. [Romans 1:16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Matthew 15:24 Jesus told the woman from Canaan "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." God chose the virgin Mary through whom He would send Jesus to the nation of Israel so they could be the first to be saved and then help spread the gospel to the world.

III. God has not rejected Israel. Romans 11:1-6 (NKJV)
¹  I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ²  God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, ³  "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"? ⁴  But what does the divine response say to him? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." ⁵  Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ⁶  And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. The Jews are and always will be God's chosen people. God chose them above all others. Some pastors teach that God has replaced Israel with the church. But God says in these verses that a small remnant of the people of Israel have remained faithful to this day because of God’s undeserved grace & kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness and grace, then it is not by their good works. If by works then God’s grace would not be what it really is, free and undeserved.

IV. God says someday all Israel will be saved. Romans 11:25-29 (NKJV)²⁵  For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ²⁶  And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; ²⁷  For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins." ²⁸  Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. ²⁹  For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Israel has been temporarily blinded (in part) until the fullness of the Gentiles come in, but God is not thru with them. When Jesus returns to set up His rule & reign from Jerusalem, God by His divine grace will honor His covenant and take way all their sin and all Israel will be saved. Ezekiel 37:26-28 ²⁶ Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. ²⁷  My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ²⁸  The nations also will know that I, the LORD, sanctify Israel, (which means purify from sin) when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore."

V. Israel's salvation means life to the world. [ Romans 11:12 (NLT) Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. As a result of Israel’s rejection of the gospel, the nation was set aside (temporarily) and the gospel went out to the Gentiles. In this sense the fall of the Jews has meant riches for the world, and Israel’s loss has been the Gentiles’ gain. As a result of Israel’s rejection of the gospel, the nation was set aside and the gospel went out to us Gentiles. In this sense the fall of the Jews has meant riches for the world, and Israel’s loss has been the Gentiles’ gain. Since that is true, how much more will Israel’s restoration result in rich blessing for all the world! When Israel turns to the Lord at the close of the Great Tribulation, she will become the channel of blessing to the nations. The curse that is now on the earth will be lifted. Crops will produce in abundance. These blessings will come to the world thru Jesus and the Jewish people.

VI. Jesus will return to Jerusalem where He will rule & reign over all the earth. Zechariah 8:3 "Thus says the LORD: 'I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.' Zechariah 14:4-5 And in that day Jesus' feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5 Thus the LORD God will come, And all the saints with Him. At that time His truth and holiness will be imparted in the city and throughout the earth. Jesus will rule and reign from the city of Jerusalem and all the world will be blessed. Jerusalem will be the capital of the world. These scriptures prove that Israel has not been permanently rejected. She will be restored to God. He has put His name there forever.

VII. We are to pray for Jerusalem for it is the city of the great King Jesus. Psalm 122:6-9 NLT ⁶  Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. ⁷  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. ⁸  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” ⁹  For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

If you have not been praying for the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel, now would be a good time to begin. As the scriptures point out, those who bless Israel, God will bless, and those who curse Israel God will curse. If this nation forsakes Israel, God will forsake us.

Conclusion: The bible tells us that God gave the land of Israel to them. It does not belong to any other people. We must stand for Israel no matter what the fake news media says about them and what's going on in the war against terrorism for that is God's chosen nation.

Invitation: The bible says “all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.” The Jewish Jesus came to earth to save sinners. If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Savior, confess your sins to Him and ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him to take charge of your life. Be baptized as a public testimony to your faith in Jesus as your Savior! 

Priority of Love!

 

Intro: “Valentine’s Day” celebrates romantic love between two people. But today I would like to talk about agape love that is a spiritual love between God and man. Agape love is a self- sacrificing and unconditional love that God has for mankind and mankind should have for God. God’s love for us and our love for Him are very different from romantic love. Today we will look at God’s priority for love.

I. All love begins with G od. Love is the royal law on which the whole universe is founded. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” God has drawn us through Jesus. John 3:16 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. 1 John 4:16 (NLT] ¹⁶ We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

II. We love God in return. Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

a. A Christians’ love for God is based on His love for us. God’s love is the source, the initiator of all love. People cannot love God on their own; it happens as a result of His loving us first. By obeying the royal law of love, everything abides in perfect harmony, joy, peace and fruitfulness.  b. How do we know if we really love God? John 14:23-24 ²³ Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.

III. We love others. Mark 12:31 And the second greatest commandment is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

a. Jesus said to love others as we love ourselves. When Jesus said to love your neighbor “as yourself,” He simply was emphasizing how important it is to love others and be genuinely concerned for their welfare. Jesus said in John 13:34-35 ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 

IV. We are to love our enemies. Matthew 5:44 (NKJV) But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Jesus said for people who are called by His name to love all mankind and pray for them, even our enemies. We are to respect and honor all men even though they don't honor and respect us. Every human being has something that is commendable because they are made in the image of God, and they are fellow human beings with a soul to be reached for God. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is the amazing merciful love of God that He stooped down to save sinners like us who were His enemies and in opposition against Him. We would expect God to save only righteous and good men, but it catches us completely off-guard when it is stated that He loves and saves sinners. And we are commanded to love all people with this same love by which God loved us, even our enemies by praying for them that God in His love would open their eyes to the truth of the gospel. When God's royal law of love is broken, disharmony immediately results and then comes evil and miseries of every kind that we see in this world today. Godly love is the only hope for mankind.

Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 13 ^13 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” May we make God's royal law of love a priority for this year and always and then share it with others and watch their lives and ours change.                                                      Invitation: Father God says in Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then, my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you.” God in His mercy offers an eternal covenant of blessing to all who will confess their sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive them. Have you taken advantage of God's eternal covenant blessing of salvation that He offers you through His Son Jesus Christ? If not, the bible says that today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off!

Priority of Prayer for 2024

 

Intro: As we think about our priorities for 2024, our top priorities should be of the spiritual nature. Those things that will help us grow in our relationship with God. Our spiritual life controls how we respond to all other things. God is concerned about every area of our lives and wants us to seek Him in prayer for His will, His guidance, His blessings, favor and wisdom in all of our ways. Prayer is one of the of the greatest privileges that we have, and God encourages us to use our privilege of prayer & we would be wise if we listened to His advice!

I. One of our top priorities for this year should be prayer. (Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

A. We have an open invitation from God to call on Him in prayer. Only through prayer can we believers stay in contact with God, know what he wants us to do and the way we should go. The people of Israel asked Jeremiah 42:3 (NLT) Pray that the LORD God will show us what to do and where to go.” God's word is like a map or G.P.S. System giving us guidance as to the right way to go.                                                        

B. The promise if we call on God is (V:33b)

1. He will answer us. We should pray in confident & complete trust in God's word to us.

2. He will show us the things we don’t know. God’s plans for the future are inaccessible to ordinary people. Only God can unlock the answer to the things we don't know. He offered this knowledge to Jeremiah and to every one of us who are children of Abraham by faith.

II. Jesus invites us to call on God in prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)⁹  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ¹⁰  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹  Give us this day our daily bread. ¹²  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. ¹³  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Jesus had given the disciples and us a model prayer. Now He assures them that God welcomes prayer, and urged them to come to Him through their own prayers in His name. Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) ⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Jesus gives us the conditions of prayer.                                               1. Ask – Continuous and persistent action. Emphasized by the present tense. [keep on]

2. Seek- “keep seeking” - Like seeking some lost treasure that means the most to you.

3. Knock - “keep on knocking” Don't give up on prayer.

B. God's promise to us if we do these things faithfully. Matthew 7:⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.                                                                    1. We will receive. The answers we need to make right choices that will keep us on the right path and keep us faithful to Him, and keep us away from sin and trouble will be given.

2. You will find. We will find God more than ready and willing to help us along life’s journey this year. We can find God's will for our lives, our families, church and nation.

3. It will be opened. God promises that the door to His throne room will be opened to us.

III. God's promise to meet our needs when we pray. Matthew 7:9-11 (NKJV)
⁹  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
¹⁰  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
¹¹  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

A. The Father is willing to answer us because He delights in granting our request.

B. He will give us the good things that we need to promote our health and well-being, our prosperity and success in life. Prayer makes sure we live with a humble acknowledgment of our need for His grace and mercy, knowing He is our only hope for staying on course and fulfilling our created purpose. God faithfully rewards those who call on Him.

Conclusion: Prayer shouldn't be looked upon as a burden, but a privilege in which we are able to communicate with the One who created us and who is in charge of the whole universe. Philippians 4:6 in the New Living Translation says “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” For the abundant, stress free, successful life, make prayer one of your top priorities for this year. This is the way of wisdom.

Invitation: First priority in prayer is salvation. If you have never called on Jesus to save you, now is the time! Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins against God. Then invite Jesus into your life to take charge of you. Be baptized as a public testimony of your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.

WORD OF GOD

 

Intro: God’s word is the primary means by which He is present and working in the world. We can't see God with our physical eyes, but He acts in this world by means of His word. He becomes personally known to us through His word. His word tells us His will. His word is powerfully creative. He spoke everything into existence and sustains it by His word.

I. God's word and its purposes are irresistible. [Isaiah 55:10-11] ¹⁰ "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, ¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. The meaning of these verses is plain. The hearts of people without God's word are what the earth would be without the rains of heaven—barren and sterile. How would we know about God and the truth if not for His word? God says in these verses that his truth shall accomplish an effect similar to that produced by descending showers. The rain never descends in vain. It makes the earth fertile, beautiful, lovely and causes it to produce. So it is with God's truth in the spiritual world. When God's word enters your heart it will produce spiritual life and growth. The comparison of truth with descending rain is a beautiful metaphor. Anyone who follows the teaching of God's word becomes fruitful and prosperous in the way rain refreshes the new grass and tender plants causing growth. The scriptures are a proclamation of God's will, it is a description of His character and works. Anyone who gives serious consideration to the word of God, and puts their trust in Him, can expect to enjoy a blessed and abundant life. Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) ¹  Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. ²  But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. ³  They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

II. God’s word is totally dependable and everlasting. [Isaiah 40:8] The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. God's word represents His everlasting commitment to mankind. In contrast to the grass and flowers, God's Word never fails but it endures forever. This truth greatly comforts and encourages those who read God's words and live accordingly. We cannot depend on the words of others but we can put full trust and confidence in the word of God. When we read it, hear it and respond to it, God's word meets the deepest needs in the human heart and provides joy, satisfaction, and confident direction for our lives that can be achieved in no other manner. Luke 4:4 Jesus answered the devil saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'" Just as our bodies can not live without bread, neither can our soul live and prosper without God's word.

III. God's word is powerful. [Heb. 4:12]Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. The word powerful translated means to energize. It means to say that God’s word is living and it energizes. Because it is the powerful, word of God, it can not be defeated in its purpose. The Bible has all the essentials of the life and power of God to do His work! Not only that, its penetrating power is greater than any double-edged sword and cuts to the innermost being of a person so that it exposes and judges the thoughts, attitudes and motivations of the heart. It is able to discriminate between what is spiritual in man and what is merely human because (it penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit and joints and marrow. Joints represent the soul and marrow represents the spirit. It separates a proud soul from a humble spirit. It separates a sinful soul from a righteous spirit. It separates a rebellious soul from an obedient spirit. The inner life of a Christian is often a mixture of motivations, both spiritual and human.

It takes a supernaturally discerning agent such as the Word of God to sort these out and to expose what is of the flesh and what is of the spirit.

Conclusion: We can never hope to know God or the truth and be successful in this life apart from His word. Our spiritual life would starve and die thereby bringing only defeat and misery. Jesus said a Christian does not live by bread alone but by every word of God. [Luke 4:4]

Invitation: God's word says a man must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Have you been born again? You can be born again by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you and Invite Him into your life as your Savior and Lord. If you have not done this, now is the perfect time! Don't put it off!

Priorities for 2024

 

Intro: As we have just entered the New Year, it’s time to think about our priorities for 2024. Our top priorities should be of the spiritual nature. Those things that will help us grow in our relationship with God. Our spiritual life controls how we respond to all other things. God’s will for us all; 3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

I. The first priority is prayer. (Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

A. We have an open invitation from God to call on Him in prayer.

Only through prayer can believers stay in contact with God, know what he wants them to do, and then have the strength to do God’s will in all areas of life.

B. The promise is (V:33b)

1. He will answer us. We should pray in confidence, complete trust in God and His word to us.

2. He will show us the things we don’t know. God’s plans for the future are inaccessible to ordinary people. Only God can unlock the secrets of the future, and He offered this knowledge to Jeremiah and to every one of us who are children of Abraham by faith.

II. Jesus invites us to call on God in prayer.

In Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV) ⁹  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ¹⁰  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹  Give us this day our daily bread. ¹²  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
¹³  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Jesus had given the disciples a model prayer. Now He assured them that God welcomes prayer, and urged them to come to Him through their own prayers in His name.

A. Conditions of prayer. Matthew 7:⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you

1. Asking – Continuously and persistently action. Emphasized by the present tenses in the verbs:

2. Seeking- Like seeking some lost treasure that means the most to you.

3. Knocking - “keep on asking”; “keep on seeking”; “keep on knocking”

B. Some things to ask in prayer. God’s wisdom for daily living and for clear direction in our daily lives in the choices we make and paths we follow. Pray for God’s help in being faithful, disciplined and committed to Him in the use of our time and resources all year long. Pray for help in seeking His Kingdom first and living righteously.

C. The promise if we do these things faithfully. Matthew 7:8 (NKJV)
. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

1. It will be given you. The answers we need to make right choices that will keep us faithful to Him.

2. You will find. We will find God more than ready and willing to help us along life’s journey this year.

3. It will be opened to you. Every door that leads to the abundant life and His blessings for us will be opened to us.

III. These promises are for everyone who asks. Matthew 7:9-11 (NKJV)⁹  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?¹⁰  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?¹¹  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

A. The Father is willing to answer us because He delights in granting our request.

B. He will give us the good things that we need to promote our well-being.

Prayer makes sure we live with a humble acknowledgment of our need for His grace, knowing He is our only hope for staying on course and fulfilling our created purpose. God rewards those who call on Him.

Invitation: For the abundant life, make prayer your top priority for this year. Pray about everything from church, family and Nation to all your own needs. Ask God regularly to show you His agenda and priorities for your life, to order your steps so you can fulfill His Kingdom purposes in and through your life. First priority of prayer is salvation. If you have never called on Jesus to save you, now is the time! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Jesus into your life to take charge.

Have a Joyful Christmas

 

Intro: Christmas should be a time of joy. Joy is different than happiness. Joy comes from within you and happiness comes from external events or things. Happiness comes and goes depending on external circumstances. The joy that comes from within you is from the Holy Spirit and does not depend on external happenings. People tend to multiply activities during this holiday season and in their busyness forget the One whose birthday they are celebrating. So, their joy is not full and complete. They wind up tired, exhausted and depressed when it's all over. This is not what God intends for His people!

I. A joyful Christmas is thanking God for His gift to mankind. What if Christ had not come, this world would be a hopeless world. This world would be a lost world. There would be no access to God, there would be no atonement for sin, we would all be guilty before God. Would be no forgiveness, no Savior and no home in Heaven. We would all be doomed to Hell. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! The greatest gift ever given was God's gift to the world: the gift of His own Son. Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV) ⁸  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. ¹²  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." ¹³  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ¹⁴  "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" No greater gift could ever be given. Since God has given us the supreme gift of His Son, we should respond in joy by giving Him our thanks. Jesus left the glories of Heaven and came to this earth as Savior to save mankind from the penalty and power of sin and to give us eternal life. John 1:12 As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John1:17 says Moses brought the law to mankind but Jesus at His birth brought us grace and truth. John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

II. A joyful Christmas is making Jesus our focus as we celebrate. Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²  saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:9-10 (NKJV)⁹  When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. The wise men traveled 2 1/2 years and 1,500 miles on camels to find Jesus. They bowed and worshiped the babe who was King of all kings, Lord of all Lords, Savior of all mankind. We should seek Jesus this Christmas season as they did. We shouldn't let the problems and worries of this world take our focus off of Jesus. He is the problem solver. We shouldn't let Christmas activities take our focus off Jesus. When we celebrate someone's birthday, we don't leave them out of our celebration. They are the center of attention. We honor the one whose birthday we are celebrating. As we honor Jesus and praise Him for who He is and what He has done for us and what He is going to do, we will have a joyous Christmas.

III. A joyous Christmas is giving Jesus gifts fit for a King. Matthew 2:11 (NKJV) And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men brought Him their best gifts fit for a king. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Nothing was to good for Him. They bowed in worship of Him. One of the greatest gifts we can give Jesus is our worship, our attention, devotion, love, and obedience. Deuteronomy 6:5  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and with all your strength. Jesus longs for His children to have an awakened, and revived soul that thrills to the joy of His presence. He created us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Jesus provides the fullness of joy and pleasure for our lives and our gift to Him is to glorify Him and enjoy Him by living in an intimate relationship with Him and giving our hearts and our possessions in service for Him. There was no room for Him in the inn, how about your heart? People sometimes get so involved in doing things around Christmas they don't have time to enjoy the One who is the reason for the season. Remember Martha in the bible. She was so busy serving she missed the most important thing, focusing on Jesus and listening to His words. Christmas can become mechanical. It can become a ritualistic celebration with no real meaning. It can become routine, with no thought of Christ. Christ should be the center of all we do not only at Christmas time but all year long. Jesus promises an eternal reward for those who live for Him in all they do. Colossians 3:23-24 ²³  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, ²⁴  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Honoring and Serving Christ brings us the joyful reward of the inheritance of the saints of God. The reward of His inheritance is out of this world, it is above all we can ask or think. Because of Christs' birth those who believe in Him will live eternally with God, and our Savior Jesus Christ. We will be reunited with all our loved ones gone on before us. Life will be perfected which means that the body of man will be perfected. Life will be totally different from what it is now. The very life and perfect state for which man has longed will be a living reality. All the suffering and evils of life, all the bad and negative experiences of life will be gone. There will be positions of enormous leadership, authority and service in His kingdom. Don't you think that Jesus deserves our full attention as we celebrate Christmas?

Conclusion: Oh what a wonderful Savior whose birth we celebrate tomorrow. May this be a time of joy and pleasure as we worship Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and may we joyously renew our dedication and commitment to Him. May we thrill at the joy of Jesus' presence in our lives not only this Christmas but for all time!

Invitation: Make sure you know Jesus before you celebrate His birth. Don't be a hypocrite! If you don't know Him as your Lord and Savior, confess your sins to Him and ask Jesus to forgive you. Invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life. This is what Christmas is all about! This is what life is all about! This is what your eternity depends on!