IF THE FOUNDATIONS ARE DESTROYED

Scripture Text Psalms 11:3 (NKJV) 

                If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?

Introduction:

Today the foundations of Christianity are being tested by those around us. God is looking to see what His people are going to do. Some Christians will cave in to the pressures of society. Some already have, while other believers will be strengthened in their resolve to serve the Lord. Are we up to the task? Yes, with the help of God. Let us examine what the Scriptures say about what is happening and what we can expect in the future.

I. What are our foundations and what causes a nation’s foundations to be destroyed?

   A. The foundations of this nation are the Lord God, His word, our morality, and our constitution. This nation was built on God, His word, and on Christian principles. Look it up in history books if you doubt it!

  B. Some concerning the truth of God’s word have erred. 2 Timothy 2:16-18 (NLT)
¹⁶ Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.
¹⁷ This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
¹⁸ They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

  C. There are those who will not understand because they walk in darkness. Psalms 82:5 (NLT)  But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core.

      These kind of people love the things of this world more than God.

      John 3:19-20 (NLT) ¹⁹ And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
²⁰ All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.

   1. There are workers of iniquity who have no knowledge of the Lord, want nothing to do with God or His way.

       Psalms 53:4 (NLT) Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to God. Hosea 4:1-3 (NLT) ¹ Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel! The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, and no knowledge of God in your land. ² You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere— one murder after another. ³ That is why your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing.

   2. They walk in the darkness of unbelief. Proverbs 2:13-15 (NLT) ¹³ These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. ¹⁴ They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. ¹⁵ Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.

  D. Some have had their faith overthrown. 1 John 2:19 (NLT) ¹⁹ These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us.

     There are Wheat and tares both in church.

    1. They are being deceived by “deceitful workers.”  2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT) ¹³ These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

      Some are in the ministry for what they can get out of it or to control people.

      They tell people what they want to hear instead of the truth of God’s word.

   2. It is because of a lack of knowledge of the Word of God that people are led astray.

      Hosea 4:6-7 (NLT) ⁶ My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children. ⁷ The more priests there are, the more they sin against me. They have exchanged the glory of God for the shame of idols. There are all kinds of preachers in the pulpits these days so Christians must read the word of God to make sure they are being taught the truth.

      Conclusion:  We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in the things of the world and go astray from God and His word. There will be more deception to come as time goes on.

     Invitation: Because of these trying times, we must be ready to stand up for what we believe. So now is the time to “Make your calling and election sure.”

   2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 

¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

     If you have never called on Jesus to forgive your sins, now is the time. The return of Christ is very near so don’t put off making sure of your salvation, time is short.

Praise the Lord

Scripture Text Psalm 33: 1-11

Intro: There is so much going on today that we can easily become distracted by the enormity of the things that are happening and forget that God is still in control.

I. We are to praise the Lord. Psalms 33:1-3 (NLT)
¹ Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
² Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. ³ Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

 a. Because it is fitting. (Right, proper)

     These verses include the psalmist’s call to praise, in which he summoned the righteous to rejoice in the Lord because it is fitting. Praise is the natural response of God’s people for receiving His benefits. Our praise should be spontaneous, regular and fresh, on musical instruments and With our voices. New mercies demand new songs. They should also be done well or skillfully. The best that a person has should be offered in praising Him because He has given us His best.

II. We praise Him because His Word is dependable and His work righteous. Psalms 33:4-5 (NLT) ⁴ For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
⁵ He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

   a. The Lord’s Word will always and at all times hold true. Therefore we can trust in all of God’s words and works to be dependable day after day and year after year.

      We can praise Him because He is never unjust and He is never bad. He is always just and good.  The Lord is righteous and loyal. His love toward us is unfailing and abundant for every situation. Psalms 23:1 (NLT) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

III. We praise Him because Of His power. (vs:6-11)

   a. In Creating  the heavens and stars. (V:6)  Psalms 33:6 (NLT) The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.

    Because God spoke, the heavens and the stars came into existence. What God decrees, always happens.  Genesis 1:1 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

   b. In creation of the seas. Psalms 33:7 (NLT) He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

       Genesis 1:9   Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God set the boundaries of the seas so they could not flood the earth.

      He keeps them and all creation under His control!

      Therefore all peoples of the world should worship Him.

IV. The whole world should fear and stand in awe of God. Psalms 33:8 (NLT) Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

  a. Because He alone created the world and all things in it. Psalms 33:9 (NLT) For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

    John 1:1-3 (NKJV) 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.

  b. He is in control of the nations.  Psalms 33:10 (NLT) The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.

  No matter that the nations try in vain to do, they will never succeed.

   God’s plans foil the plans of the wicked nations (Ps. 2:1-6).

   His purposes are sustained, no matter what people endeavor to do.

   Our very lives are in His hand, we need not fear what man can do. He guards our way! Psalms 23:4 (NLT)  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

  Surely an Almighty God with such powerful words and works should be praised.

  c. His plans will stand forever. Psalms 33:11 (NLT)
¹¹ But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

    1. God’s plan for Jesus to rule the world cannot be changed. (Ps. 2:6-9)

Conclusion: What joy is ours as a nation whose God is our Lord. Psalms 33:12 (NLT)
¹² What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

     When He is in control of all we do. We must continue to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” We can praise God and sing new songs to Him because He is not only in charge of our lives, but He is in charge of the whole world. We can praise Him because of His mighty power and unchangeable character, faithfulness and loyal love. Yes truly Psalms 33:5b (NLT) the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

Invitation: Have you experienced the unfailing love of the Lord? If not, now is a good time to do that. His mercy reaches out to all who will respond to Him. If you have never experienced the sweetness of His salvation, confess your sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save your soul. Then you too will sing praises to the Lord!

Living Out Our Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV) 

                              13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
                              ¹⁴ Let all that you do be done with love.

Intro: Near the end of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth there are encouraging and powerful words that are appropriate for us today. Apostle Paul gives us three exhortations to live out our faith. May we heed these words of scripture!

I. Watch. We are to be on guard, constantly watchful for spiritual enemies that might slip in and threaten to destroy our faith, whether it is divisions, pride, sin, disorder, or erroneous teachings of other religions. In these days and times we are to examine and observe all that is going on. As we pay attention to what is happening right here around us we see events that are continually causing people to drift away from God and His word. The word of God is no longer the guide for decisions made by government, organizations, and individuals. The saddest note of all is that some of those who are drifting name the name of Jesus. When they do quote the bible it is out of context with the truth of God. We are to watch ourselves that we do not get caught up in the deceptive words of those who want to destroy our pure faith in God’s Son Jesus Christ as the only way to God & Heaven.

II. Stand fast in the faith. We are not to waver from the truth of God’s word no matter what we hear from those around us. We are to be obedient to God’s word and not compromise our biblical beliefs in order to accommodate other religions or the world’s way of thinking which is always in opposition to God and His word. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

     We are to beware of half-truths and words that sound good to the ears, but do nothing for the soul.

     This word will renew our minds to the truth of God so we won’t be deceived by others.

     We must stand firm in what we believe—the gospel that had brought us salvation.

     We must be brave - courageous so that we can stand against false teachers and religions.

     We are to be strong in the strength and power given by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

     Every person must decide what or who will be the authority in his or her life. Will it be the philosophy of the day or will it be the bible with the truth that has been proven and has remained unchanged over thousands of years.   

III. Remember - Do everything in love. Christ stands with us when we take a stand for Him in love. His power enables us to share His truth and love even when we are oppressed, threatened, or abused for our faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴ But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
¹⁵ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
¹⁶ To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Paul thanked God for the glorious triumph which He always gives to His people through Christ. We do not stand alone. We stand in the power of Christ as He leads us in triumph over His enemies as we and serve and live for Him. God uses us to spread the fragrance of His knowledge everywhere we go. Only God through Christ is sufficient to help us live out our faith.

 

    Conclusion: God never fails His own when we take a stand for Christ and live and minister in His love. God did not fail Paul. He had caused Paul to triumph and He will cause us to triumph in Christ. Christ will lead us in victory over Satan, sin, and the world as we follow Him.

    Invitation: Is the message of salvation by faith in Christ’s work on the cross for you sweet or bitter? If it is not the sweetest news you have ever heard, run to this altar during the invitation. Come just as you are and be saved!

   Prayer: Father, throughout history Your followers have stood strong in their commitment to follow You and Your word. None of us have the strength if we stand apart from You. Help us today to be unswerving in our faith and obedience to You. Help us show Your love to other people and use us to help others to place their faith in You we pray in Jesus’ Holy name. Amen!