Time for Reflection

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) 1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:        Winston Churchill said “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” The review of the closing year is a very proper, and may be a very profitable, exercise. The newspapers review the events of the year which are of political, financial, or commercial interest. The Christian has, however, higher interests - those which are moral and spiritual. It is desirable that we should take a retrospect of "the time past," with a view of tracing God's providential dealings with us, with a view of estimating our own spiritual progress, and of learning lessons of wisdom and of helpfulness. I. WHAT DOES REFLECTION SUGGEST TO US CONCERNING TIME PAST? a. Its passage has been rapid, yet it has been filled with events of great importance. There have been many things happen this last year, some good and some bad. b. The time past is perfectly irretrievable; we cannot live the expiring year over again. c. Time has left permanent traces upon our character. We are all changed by times’ influences, its lessons - some for the better, some for the worse. Time changes everything!       II. The past is not forgotten by the Lord and Judge of all. In this sense he "requires an account of that which is past." Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NKJV) That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.       III. IN WHAT SPIRIT SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN CONSIDER THE TIME PAST? a. His first and most prominent thought should be of the mercy and loving-kindness of God revealed to him as the days and weeks have passed by.        Psalms 145:9 (NKJV) The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.       b. Especially should we remember the long-suffering and forbearance which has been displayed towards us by our heavenly Father upon repeated occasions by our failures in duty and by forgetfulness of His Divine love! Psalms 145:8 (NKJV) The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.       c. We should remember with regret and repentance the opportunities of obedience and usefulness which we have neglected. d. Nor should we lose sight of the discipline which we may have been called upon to endure, and which we should remember, not with a rebellious attitude, but with a submissive spirit. Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV) 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens (corrects), And scourges every son whom He receives.     IV. IN WHAT SPIRIT SHOULD WE REFLECT ON THE TIME PAST THIS YEAR?     a. We should remember with the spirit of humiliation and shame that we at times have        broken the Law of God, and rejected the words of Christ.    b. We should reflect upon the bad influence which our example of religion has exercised over others, especially over those within our family and social circle.      c. We should consider that we are worse at the end of the year than at its beginning, if we have delayed to repent and then to begin by God's grace a new and better life. Repentance, literally means to turn, it’s the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling remorse or regret for past wrongs. It generally involves a commitment to personal change and the resolve to live a more responsible and righteous life. V. HOW SHOULD THE REFLECTION OF THE TIME PAST AFFECT THE TIME TO COME? a. We may be helped to realize the brevity of life, and the uncertainty especially of what life yet remains here on this earth. Psalms 39:4 (NKJV)  "Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.       b. We may be prompted to turn away from the evil which has been indulged in during this past year, and to enter into the holier life and more consecrated service which our Lord approves and is calling us to. Philippians 3:12-15 (NLT) 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.       The sands of time are fast falling; the time to live on this earth is short and fading.       Let the future see our vows fulfilled, our hopes realized, our aims achieved!

        Invitation: As you reflect on this past year what does God see in your life that you need to change and what you need to improve on? Have you given your very best to Him? How is your relationship with Him? Will you spend eternity with Him when you pass from this earth? If you are not sure make sure right now because Hell is hot and eternity is long!

Have a Joyful Christmas

Intro: Christmas should be a time of joy. People tend to multiply activities during this Holiday season and in their busyness they forget the One whose birthday we are celebrating so their joy is not full and complete. They wind up tired, exhausted and depressed when it’s all over.

I. Christmas is about joyously celebrating God’s greatest gift to mankind.  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

a. God gave us His best in His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus left the glories of Heaven and came to earth to save mankind from the penalty and power of sin and give us everlasting life. John 1:14 (NKJV)  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 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. John 1:12-13 (NKJV) ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

II. To have a joyful Christmas Jesus should be the focus of our celebration. 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 2:9-11 (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.
¹¹ 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.

  a. Wise men traveled many miles to find Jesus and they brought their best gifts to Him. They gave Jesus gifts fit for a King. They bowed and worshiped Him. They knew who He was! King of all kings, Savior of the world! As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday He should be the center of all we do. We should worship Him. When we celebrate a person’s birthday we don’t leave them out and give their gifts to someone else, we give gifts to the one whose birthday we are celebrating. 

III. We can give Jesus gifts fit for a King. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NKJV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

 a. We can give Him our love, devotion, worship and attention. The gift that Jesus longs for from His children is an awakened soul that thrills to the joy of His presence. He created us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Psalms 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Jesus provides the joy, pleasures; our part is to glorify Him by living close to Him and giving Him our hearts in service for Him.

      People sometimes get so involved in doing good things around Christmas that they don’t have time for the One they are celebrating. Christmas can become mechanically. It can become habitual, and routine, done with no thought about Christ. Christ should be the center of all we do not only at Christmas time but all year long. There is an eternal reward awaiting those who live their lives as for the Lord in all they do. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) ²³ And whatever you do, do it heartily, (energetically, enthusiastically) 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.

The reward of the inheritance simply explodes the human mind. It stretches far beyond and above all that we can ask or even think. It includes a new body that will be eternal, and a new heavens and earth, and positions of enormous leadership, authority, and service for the Lord Jesus.

Conclusion: Oh what a wonderful Savior whose birthday we will celebrate Dec. 25^th. May this be a time of joy and pleasure as we love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength and may we thrill at the joy of His presence in our lives not only at Christmas but for all time!

Invitation:  No one should even celebrate Christmas if they don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior. What is there to be joyous about if you don’t know your eternal destination!  Make sure you know Him before you celebrate His birth. Don’t be a hypocrite! If you are not saved then ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Jesus into your life to take charge of it. Then and only then will you have a very “Merry Christmas.”

Reason for the Season

                                                                

Intro: We are now entering what we call the Christmas season and yet so many today do not even know what the reason for the season is. They may know it’s a celebration of the birth of someone called Jesus Christ, but they don’t know who He is or the purpose for which He was born. 

I. The reason for the season began way back at the creation of mankind.  Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

 a. We learn from this verse of prophecy that God Himself spoke the reason for the season. The reason Jesus came to be born was to crush the head of Satan’s power and authority. Satan took over authority of the world through deceiving Adam and Eve by causing them to sell out to him by committing the sin of disobedience and rebellion against God. The consequences of their sin brought about the curse of God which was death for all men and eternal separation from Him. At the Cross Jesus crushed Satan’s head. Colossians 2:14-15 (NKJV) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵ Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 

II. Isaiah’s prophecy teaches us more about the reason for the season.  Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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 with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 a. Jesus by His birth, death, and resurrection will regain and take charge of the entire world government that Satan stole from mankind through his lying deception in the Garden of Eden.

This prophecy about Jesus governing the whole world gives four descriptive names that will reveal His character during His reign on earth.

1. His name will be called Wonderful (“exceptional” or “distinguished”) There is no one like Him, no, nor ever will be. He is perfect, magnificent, and He alone can forgive and save the lost souls of all mankind.  He alone can rule the world in perfect peace and harmony between all peoples.

2. His name will be called Counselor. He is our lawyer before God now and the people in the millennial kingdom will gladly listen to Him as the Authoritative One. In His kingdom many people will be anxious to hear the Messiah teach God’s ways. He teaches us now by the Holy Spirit.

3. His name will be called the Mighty God. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would do what no other person had been able to do. Isaiah understood that the Messiah was to be God to have such power and to forgive sin and to rule the world with an everlasting kingdom of peace.

4. His would be called the Everlasting Father. Many people are puzzled by this title because the Messiah, God’s Son, is distinguished in the Trinity from God the Father. How can the Son be the Father? First, the Messiah, is the fullness of God’s essence. (Col. 2:9) Therefore He has all the attributes of God including eternality. Since God is One (even though He exists in three Persons), the Messiah is God. Second, the title “Father” is an expression used to describe the Messiah’s relationship to Israel as Abraham was called father. The Messiah will be a “fatherly” Ruler. This name is not His relationship to the other Members of the Trinity.

 He is said to be Everlasting, just as God (the Father) is called “the Ancient of Days.” Isaiah had in mind the promise God made to David (Isaiah 9:7) about the “eternalness” of the kingdom which God promised would come through his line. The Messiah, a Descendant of David, will fulfill this promise for which the nation of Israel and the world had been waiting. God’s zeal makes it happen!

5. His name will be called the Prince of Peace, the One who will bring in His millennial Kingdom and maintain a time of peace in which the nation of Israel and all nations will be properly related to the Lord and there will be no more war. Together, these four titles give a beautiful picture of Jesus ‘character and tells us why Jesus was born and came into this world.

Invitation: Christmas means the birth of Christ who brought salvation and victory over Satan and his powers to all who would believe in His death on the Cross as payment for their sins and those who believe that God raised Him from the dead. Do you have the Prince of Peace in your life?

Have you taken advantage of Jesus’ salvation for your soul? If not now is the time! 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)  For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 

Cheerful Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

INTRO: The Christian faith is all about giving. It started with God giving His Son Jesus to us first. Then Jesus gave His life on the cross for us to save us. Then He tells us to do unto others what He has done for us. We all know what people say about giving to God’s work, but what does God’s word have to say. If we are wise we will listen to God’s word and not men. This church began because someone gave to get it started. Others have given to keep it going. Many have been saved because of Christian generosity. You and I were saved because someone gave so we could hear about Jesus and His salvation. We now have an opportunity to bless others through our Lottie Moon International Christmas offering. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive! (Acts 20:35)

I. Cheerful givers are enriched (supplied with riches, wealth, abundance) by God. (VS:6-10)

 1. You will be enriched in accordance with what you give. (V:6)

 2. You will be enriched with God's love and approval. (V:7)

You are just like God and His Son Jesus when you give. Think of all who have given to God’s church and His work in the past to give us what we have today. Think of those giving now. All who have a part in keeping God's work going are enriched with God's love and approval.

He loves a cheerful (joyful-jolly- merry) giver.

3. You will be enriched with an abundance of God's grace and sufficient supply toward you. (V:8) God's unmerited favor will abound toward you. You will have a sufficiency in all things and an abundance (plenty – overflow) to give to every good work. (Phil. 4:19)

4. You will be enriched with righteousness that will endure forever. (V:9)

This righteousness endures forever not only through the deeds done for the poor, but in the doer as he is being transformed into Christ likeness, which is God's will for us.

5. You will be enriched with God's resources and He will multiply the seed you have sown. (V:10)

 a. God will increase the fruits of your righteousness. Fruits of your righteousness include God's favor and blessings and the joy, welfare, and happiness your gift brings to others.

6. You will be enriched in everything. (V: 11) Cheerful giving satisfies your soul. God will meet all your needs and more so you will have enough to give liberally (generously) to God's work. 

II. Cheerful giving edifies (builds up) the church. (V:12) It supplies the needs of the saints. The needs of others will be met and they in turn will cause many joyful thanksgivings to God. 

III. Cheerful giving brings glory to God because of your generosity to them. (V: 13)   

  a. Cheerful giving will prove that you are obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ; That your faith is real. Cheerful giving magnifies the Lord God thru your submission to Him and His will.

IV. Cheerful giving magnifies God thru the glorification of His exceeding grace. (V: 14) Those helped will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace of God in you. There’s a song entitled Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

V. Cheerful giving results in thanks to God for His indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. (V:15) God’s greatest gift is Jesus who brings us eternal salvation and spiritual riches, through His becoming poor. Such a gift is indescribable - “unable to recount or tell fully,” used only here in the NT). Those who have benefited from such a spiritual gift as salvation through Jesus Christ should not hesitate to benefit others with material gifts. It will bring thanks to God!

Conclusion: Christianity is all about giving because that is what Christ is all about. He set the example. Nothing good will ever happen apart from someone giving.   We have an opportunity thru our mission offering to help others hear the gospel and for us to be enriched by God, to edify or build up the church, supply the needs of others, and bring glory and thanks to God for His exceeding grace at work in us and His indescribable gift of Jesus Christ.

INVITATION: Jesus wants to give to you right now. He offers salvation for your soul and He also offers help for whatever circumstance or situation you might be in right now. Jesus can only give to you as you allow Him.

Thank God for His Word

Scripture Text

John 3:16 (NKJV)
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.

Intro: We have so much to be thankful for. We could never count all God’s blessings, but there is one I believe we should thank God for today. It’s God’s holy word! In it is one of His most precious promises to mankind, a verse we are all familiar with. 

I. God! The Creator in Genesis 1:1 who created us, the earth, the heavens above, and all that is in them. The universe is 27.4 billion light years wide. A light year is 6 trillion miles. How awesome is this God of ours!

II. So loved the world! The gods of other religions are unloving! Love is our God’s nature! God is love! That’s His motivating factor in all He does. God wants all mankind to know His love. He wants to reach everyone in the world with His love; the good, bad, and the ugly, lovely and unlovely. He loves regardless of feelings He might have. He loves even when a person doesn’t deserve to be loved. He wants the best for those who are unworthy of being loved.

III. That He gave His only begotten Son!  Love expresses itself toward others! God took the initiative to love us! God gave us His most precious gift when He gave us Jesus Christ, His only Son. He gave Jesus to be a sacrifice for the sin of all mankind. The greatest act of love is to give your life for someone!

God demonstrated His love for us when we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

IV. That whoever believes in Him! Whoever includes all mankind, nobody left out! God doesn’t pick and choose who will be saved, we do! All you have to do is believe in Jesus for

Salvation. More than head knowledge! A true believer is One who Trusts Christ with all his heart and soul and has placed His faith in Him. A true believer is one who has the utmost confidence and assurance in Jesus for his salvation and justification!

When we truly believe, we transfer our trust from ourselves and our own efforts to Christ’s finished work on the cross of Calvary for our salvation. (John 19:30) Jesus said “It is finished!”

When our trust in Christ is real, we reject and turn from all temptations and sin by asking for His help to live for Him. We stand firm and rely on His Spirit power at work in us to conquer and carry us through every trial, test, and temptation.

V. Should not perish but have everlasting life! What a promise! Christs’ salvation keeps us from destruction in hell and gives us everlasting life. This life He gives is not until we slip and mess up, but for all eternity. We will never perish! Thank God! There’s power in the blood!

What a loving God and Father we have! What a wonderful Savior and Lord He has given us to pay for all our sins and give us everlasting life. God has placed His Spirit within us as a guarantee of eternal life. We should say as King David did “Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Forget not all His benefits! Forget not to Thank Him!

Invitation: If you have never taken advantage of God’s love and His glorious promise of everlasting life, now is the perfect time before it's eternally too late!Just confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins. Invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life.

A Touch of Faith

Scripture Text Mark 5:25-34

The bible says in Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:1 (NewCenturyVersion) Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.

1.  By faith we activate the presence of God. Mark 5:25-26 (NKJV)  Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26  and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. The woman had been hemorrhaging for twelve years; it was uncontrollable. No one could touch her or anything she had touched. By law she was considered unclean, so unclean that she was to be divorced by her husband (Leviticus 15:25-27). This particular woman had tried all she knew. She had seen "many physicians" and "spent all that she had," and yet she "grew worse." She was to be totally cut off from society and religious worship. Her last resort was to turn to Jesus! Even though she couldn’t go to God’s house, by her faith she activated the very presence of God in her life and situation.

2.  By faith we activate the power of God.

Mark 5:27 (NKJV)  When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. There is the shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude. Note the woman made her way through the crowd and came up behind Jesus. She wanted to touch Jesus without being seen or noticed because she was embarrassed and felt unworthy. Her hemorrhaging was a personal, intimate matter for her, something she did not want to be known and discussed. She was considered unclean; therefore, she felt unworthy to approach Jesus but she had an expectant, believing attitude. The poor woman believed what "she had heard of Jesus." (V:27) She believed the gospel that Jesus loved and cared and would make her whole.

Mark 5:28 (NKJV) For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."

Note the thoughts of her mind, "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole".

She believed in her mind, in her heart, in her soul, with her whole being. She cast off all doubts!

 She believed two things: the gospel (what she had heard about Jesus) and the power of Jesus to make her whole.  By her faith she activated the power of God in her life.  Mark 5:29 (NKJV)  Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.  

1.  Jesus turned to see who touched Him.Mark 5:30 (NKJV)  And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"There was no way Jesus could have felt the touch to His robe. He was being pressed and thronged by the crowd, yet when she stepped up behind Him and touched His robe, He knew. How?

a. Her faith touched Him. It is faith that touches Jesus. Faith will never go unnoticed nor be ignored by Jesus.

3.  BY faith we activate the purposes of God.

a. There is the confessing attitude.  Mark 5:33 (NKJV)  But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

 Jesus had made the way easy for her. He had allowed her to be healed without embarrassment, but it was not enough to believe in secret. The secret disciple had to be brought to the point of confessing her faith so that everyone could know God’s purpose for mankind.

b. The healing had cost Jesus. Mark 5:30 (NKJV) And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"

Spiritual power had flowed out from Him into the woman. That’s when He turned and asked the pressing throng surrounding Him, "Who touched my clothes?"

 When a person places his faith in Jesus and His power, it touches Jesus, and Jesus infuses His power and life) into that person. Thus the purpose of God was activated by this woman who was an outcast by society.

God’s purpose for mankind is what life and salvation are all about: the infusion of His power, and abundant life into the spirit, soul, and body of man.

c.  Mark 5:34 (NKJV)  And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

 Conclusion: She was given comfort, joyfulness, courage, confidence, and boldness in her faith and healing. She was assured that she was whole permanently. Her deliverance would last. She became a daughter of God.  She was given physical healing, soul salvation and peace with God.

Invitation: We all need something from God!  It’s crisis time for your faith. (Hebrews 11:6)
Do you have faith in what the word of God says about Jesus and His omnipotent power?  Will you be the one to touch Jesus by faith and activate His presence, power, and purpose in your life?

You can activate the power of God in your life, in your situation right now, whatever you may be facing.

If you need salvation from the penalty of your sins, confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life.

From Death to Life

Scripture Text Ephesians 2:1-10

Intro: Last week I talked about the greatness of God’s power that raised Jesus from the dead. Today I want to talk about the same greatness of God’s power that also raised us from death to life. May we rejoice in and praise this wonderful God we serve and thank Him for His grace!

I. Once we were dead. Ephesians 2:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
² You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. ³ All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

 a. In disobedience, rebellion,  wrongs and many sins. Spiritually dead, separated from God.

 b. Controlled by the devil. His spirit was at work in us because we refused to obey God.

 c. We were Subject to God’s anger just like all sinners because we followed our passionate desires and the lust of our sinful nature which leads to hell.

II. God's love and mercy has raised us from spiritual death to life everlasting. 

Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT) ⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

 a. Even when we were dead in sin, God made us alive together with Christ. Why?

 b. Because He is rich in mercy, and great love. In the New Testament mercy means “undeserved kindness” toward sinners- (Rom. 5:8).Thus God, who is rich in exhibiting this undeserved kindness, acts on behalf of sinners because of His great love for us. The noun for “love” (agapē) comes from the verb agapaō that means “to seek the highest good in the one loved.” Since sinners are spiritually dead toward God, they have nothing to commend them to God. This is why Paul described this love as being “great.” The love of Christ passes all human understanding.

c. God has raised us up and seated us with Christ in Heavenly realms. A done deal! Why?

d. We are examples of God’s incredible grace and kindness throughout eternity. Grace means the undeserved and unmerited favor and blessings of God; kindness is the compassion, sympathy, and benevolence of the heart and mind of God; the richness of kindness and love that dwells within the very nature of God. God is going to be eternally glorified for His grace and kindness toward us. All creatures will live in stark amazement at God's wondrous mercy & grace shown toward us—all through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:10-11 (NLT) ¹⁰ God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its many sided variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. God has done so much for us through Christ Jesus that it will take an eternity to show it all off.

III. Eternal life (salvation) is by God’s (grace) alone. (V:8-9) Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) ⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

God’s unmerited favor and blessings!

 a. It’s a gift from God. We can’t take credit for it.

 b. Eternal life is Not a reward for anything we have done.

 c. We can’t boast before God. Salvation is the work of God's grace alone.

 It is not of mankind, not to any degree whatsoever.

IV. We are God’s masterpiece, His workmanship (V:10)  Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. This means God actually places His divine nature into the heart of every believer, making their spirit alive where it was previously dead.

a. Created anew in Christ Jesus. This new creation was made possible by Jesus. The reason we are created anew is;

 b. For good works. God's people give ample evidence of the power of a new life which operates in them by living for and serving the Lord.

We are to be ever busy about doing the good works of helping to reach people for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to live our lives as examples of Christ our Lord.

c. God planned this in advance. Note that God has intended us to walk in good works. Doing good works is not an option for the believer; it is the very nature of the believer. If a man has been created in Christ—if God has truly worked in him—the man does good works. His born again nature dictates it. He cannot do otherwise.

This was God’s will from the very beginning of His plan for our lives.

Purpose of Our Salvation: God's glorious purpose in salvation and in the church is to show His love and wisdom to the whole universe—to stir every creature in the heavenly realms to stand in stark amazement at what He is doing and will do throughout eternity.

Invitation: Have you been raised from death to life through Jesus Christ and His forgiveness.

If not, now is the day and accepted time to confess your sins against God and ask Jesus to forgive you and save you for Heaven. Invite Him into your life to take charge of you. When you do He will raise you from death to life eternal.

The Greatness of God’s Power

Scripture Text

Ephesians 1:19-23

Intro: God has not left us without power as we attempt to live for Jesus Christ and serve Him the way He wants His church to do. In verse 19 Paul prayed that the believers would begin to understand the incredible greatness of God’s power on behalf of those who believe him. Because of his power, we know that God is on our side, ready to help us meet each and every obstacle. There is no force, human or spiritual from the evil world that can deter or stop God’s omnipotent power. Only God’s power can change weak human beings into strong believers who are willing to sacrifice everything for the God who loves them.

Here are five instances of God’s power from Ephesians for today:

(1) God raised Christ from the dead by His power. Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)
¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰ that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

  a. To pour out His Spirit on us. In Acts 2:32-33 (NLT) Peter says that; ³² “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. This Spirit power He poured out in our lives enables us to live, serve, and witness for Christ! We have resurrection power of Christ in us! Hallelujah!

(2) God seated Christ in the place of honor in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19b-20b (NLT) This is the same mighty power ²⁰ seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 1 Peter 3:22 (NLT) ²² Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority. Having witnessed Christ’s physical Ascension, Peter wrote that Christ has gone into heaven. The reward for Christ’s faithfulness is seen in His exaltation over all things. He is enthroned at God’s right hand, the seat of supreme honor, to rule and reign over all creation. Phil. 2:8-11Philippians 2:8-11 (NKJV) ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 (3) Christ is far above any power, ruler or authority. Ephesians 1:21 (NKJV) ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

 Christ has no equal and no rival. He is supreme over all other beings and authorities, physical and spiritual. Christ is supreme over all the situations that come our way.

a. Christ is supreme In this world and the world to come.

These words ought to encourage believers, because the higher the honor of Christ, the Head, the higher the honor of his people. He has given us the church the privilege, power and authority to do His work in this world now and we will serve in His eternal kingdom to come.

(4) God gave Christ authority over all of creation. Ephesians 1:22a (NKJV)  And He put all things under His feet, As the head of all creation this includes His body, the church. Christ needs the church and church needs Christ. The head cannot function without the body, nor can the body function without the head. Jesus gave His church the authority to go into all the world in His name preaching, teaching the gospel and healing. Demons and the powers of hell are subject to us. Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. Matt. 16:18

 (5) God has made Christ head over all things. Ephesians 1: 22b and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

  a. For the benefit of the church.

The church is not a building or group of buildings. It includes all believers in a living, growing, working body deriving existence and power from Christ. Jesus said He came to seek and save the lost. The message of salvation and peace, in the power of Christ, must be taken to people by the church. If God had the power to create the church and to make Christ the head of the church, then He has the power to make the body function and work for Christ.   

Just think—the church is the body upon the earth that God is using to work out human history!

b. The church is the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:23 (NKJV) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Christ makes His body which is the church, full and complete.

Colossians 1:19 (NLT)   For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.Thus, Christ, who is the fullness of God, finds full expression in the church.All believers, as part of Christ’s body, are filled by Christ who fills everything everywhere with his presence. Christ fills all things with Himself and with His blessings, bringing all believers to the state of obedience and praise for which God created them. The church is being filled with and by Christ, who fills all things totally. The fullness of God indwells every believer because of what Christ did for us on the cross.

Conclusion: By Christ’s resurrection and exaltation, he is head over all things for the church. Christ fills the church and then uses the gifts He bestows to fulfill His mission of revealing Himself to the world and drawing people to Himself by that witness. The image of the body shows the church’s unity. Each member is involved with all the others as they go about doing Christ’s work on earth. We should not attempt to work, serve, or worship on our own.

We need the entire body.

Invitation: Do you have the power of God working in you? Have you confessed your sins and asked Jesus to forgive and save you. Take care of your etrnal destiny right now before it is too late. If you have been forgiven and saved, is the power of God at work in your life every day? If not, why not?

Things We Have in Christ

Scripture Text 

Ephesians 1:1-7, 11&13

Intro: We hear so much negativity about Christianity in this world every day; we need to hear what God says about us who are Christians. We must constantly be reminded of what God says about us. This is why bible reading is so important. Fill your mind with God's opinion of you!

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.  Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) ³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Paul began by giving praise to God because by faith we are united to Christ, we have every spiritual blessing—that is, every benefit of knowing God and everything we need to grow spiritually and live for and serve Him. Because God has already blessed believers, we need not ask for these blessings but simply accept them and apply them to our lives. Because we have an intimate relationship with Christ, we can enjoy these blessings now and we will enjoy them for eternity. Listed in the bible!

I am chosen in Christ and I am (holy) and blameless (in His sight.)  Eph. 1:4 Ephesians 1:4 (NLT) ⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

God chose us in Christ before He created the world. God calls every person by His Spirit moving and working in people’s heart’s drawing us to Christ. When God calls and we accept His invitation to be saved we become holy and blameless in His sight. Jude 1:24 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.

I am a child of God through Jesus Christ.  Eph. 1:5

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) ⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

God the Father had a plan before the creation of the world to adopt us into His family through the sacrifice of Jesus’ body and shed blood on the cross for us. He did this because it was His good pleasure, not because of our worthiness. Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He saved us.  (Titus 3:5)

I am accepted (approved of God) in the beloved (Christ).  Eph. 1:6

Ephesians 1:6 (NLT) ⁶ So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.

God’s goal in the election of believers is that we would praise him. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of believers’ lives is to praise God because of his grace and wonderful kindness. Without it, we would have no hope, and our lives would be nothing more than a few years on earth. But because of His grace, we have purpose for living and hope of eternal life. His kindness was poured out on us. It was a free gift, not something we could earn or deserve.

We praise God’s grace because He accepted us in his dearly loved Son Jesus.

I have redemption and forgiveness through Christ.  Eph. 1:7

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT) ⁷ He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

All people are enslaved to sin and suffer the penalty of it, but God, so rich in kindness, purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son. Jesus paid the price to redeem us, to buy back our freedom from sin. The purchase price was his blood. Our freedom was costly—Jesus paid the price with his life.

Through his death, Jesus released us from slavery and our sins are forgiven.

I have obtained an inheritance through Christ.  Eph. 1:11

Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) ¹¹ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

This inheritance or heritage was predestined, that is, foreordained. And nothing could be better than to be given the greatest inheritance (birthright) possible: that of being made the very heritage of God, the very possession of God.

God works all things out after the counsel of His own will. He must, for only God knows what is best and has the power to deliver us safely home.

I have been sealed in Christ with the promised Holy Spirit.  Eph. 1:13-14

Ephesians 1:13 (NLT) ¹³ And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.  

When people believe they are given the Holy Spirit. God marks his people as his own through the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Holy Spirit fills us with a sense of God’s love, assures us that God has adopted us as his children, and helps us to manifest Christlikeness in our lives.

Ephesians 1:14 (NLT) ¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

 The Spirit is a once-and-for-all guarantee that gives us continued assurance that we are God’s children, entitled to his riches and goodness now, as well as in eternity. Oh praise His holy name! We truly are blessed people because of Jesus our Savior!

Invitation: Can you claim these promises of God in your life?

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God? If not now is the time to make sure. Confess your sins against God to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell. Then all these promises will be yours too!

Through the Fire

Scripture Text 

Isaiah. 43:1-3a

Intro: God has promised us that no matter what He allows us to face in this life that His grace will be sufficient through it all. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

I. God says not to be afraid. Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) ¹ But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

 a. Because He has ransomed us. He ransomed us just as He did Israel. We were sold out to Satan and sin. God has bought us back (rescued) us from the devil. He has liberated us from the penalty and bondage of sin through His Son Jesus Christ. Heaven is our final resting place!

  b. He has called each of us by our names when He saved us. We belong to Him.

II. God promises His continual presence with us. Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
² When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

  a. Through the rivers of difficulty – struggles, troubles, trials, and the stress of this life. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” He promises to go with us through the valley of the shadow of death. Heb. 13:5 He will not leave us nor forsake us.

  b. Through the fire of oppression and persecution. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego!    Daniel!

  c. Even through death. The gunman who opened fire at Rosebud Oregon’s Community  College targeted Christians specifically, according to the father of a wounded student.

   Before going into spinal surgery, Anastasia Boylan told her father and brother the gunman entered her classroom firing. The professor in the classroom was shot point blank. Others were hit, she told her family.  Everyone in the classroom dropped to the ground. The gunman, while reloading his handgun, ordered the students to stand up if they were Christians, Boylan told her family. "And they would stand up and he said, 'Good, because you're a Christian, you're going to see God in just about one second,'" Boylan's father, Stacy, told CNN, relaying her account.  "And then he shot and killed them."  If victims said they were Christian, “then they were shot in the head. If they said no, or didn’t answer, they were shot in the legs.”

     The Gunman’s disdain for religion was evident in an online profile, in which he became a member of a “doesn’t like organized religion” group on an Internet dating site. We must make up our minds now what we would do if we were faced with the choice of death or denying our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. May we do as these Christians did if called on to do that.

III. God is the Lord. Isaiah 43:3a (NLT) ³ For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Lord) - One who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler.

  a. He is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 40:25-26 (NLT) ²⁵ “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. ²⁶ Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.

  b. He is our Savior. 

   1. One that saves from danger or destruction. Psalms 27:1-3 (NLT)
¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? ² When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. ³ Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. We can remain confident knowing that God surrounds us by His Spirit and angels.

      He Spirit also lives in us! Nothing happens apart from God’s knowledge and permission.

 2.  One who brings salvation. 

   A. Made Available in Jesus Christ!  Luke 2:8-11 (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.

     We have a special relationship with God because of Jesus’ shed blood and broken body on the cross of Calvary. Jesus established a new covenant for us when He instituted the Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 26:28) We have been made right with God through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

 Conclusion: In the shepherd fields near the city of Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago, God became our salvation when Jesus Christ was born. He is the Messiah of Israel and Savior of all Jews and Gentiles that will believe in Him. We need to praise our God and exalt, worship, and honor Him in all we do. We should make up our minds to serve and live for Him no matter whom or what tries to stand in our way or change our mind. It is time for us to stand up for this God, Savior and Lord of ours and begin to seek His presence in our lives as never before.

      Then His grace will be sufficient for all our needs and we will be greatly blessed of God!

Invitation: Is Jesus your Savior and Lord? If not, now is the time to call on His name and ask Him to forgive your sins and save you for His kingdom. If Jesus is your Savior, have you made Him Lord of your life? Lord means one who has authority, control, or power over others.

      Does He have authority, control and power over you? Does He sit on the throne of your heart? May you think seriously about your relationship to God and His Son Jesus Christ and respond accordingly!