Unity of the Spirit!

Scripture Text

Ephesians 4:1-7

Intro: There is something every church of Jesus Christ needs to be able to carry out the work of the church. It is the one thing that the devil tries his hardest to destroy. The apostle Paul addresses unity in the scripture before us today. We are to walk worthy of our calling as Christians and work to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I. Paul exhorts the church to walk worthy of it's calling. Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

a. Because Jesus gave His all for our salvation, we should live in obedience to Him. It is a call to walk on a plane corresponding with the position we have in Christ.

II. Paul tells the church how to walk worthy of it's calling. Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

1.In lowliness and gentleness. We should walk in humility, as if we are unimportant, not thinking to highly of ourselves and Treat others with gentleness. We are Not be rude harsh or with others. Lowliness and gentleness is the Opposite of conceit and arrogance.                                     2. With patience. Not being impatience with others because of their faults.

    We all have faults so we should bear with one another as Christ bears our faults.

    3. Bearing with one another in God's love. Those that sometimes irritate,disturb us. We can bear with one another because of the unity of God's Spirit within us.

   4. Attempting [always to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We don't create unity, the Spirit does that, we are to keep the unity the Spirit has provided. The Spirit Himself has unified us. God's Spirit is never divided.

III. Why we should keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

1. We are all “one body” in Christ. Jews and gentiles, male and female. We are one no matter the race, color, nationality, culture or sex. Lack of unity is the main cause of churches being divided and having many problems. Lack of unity hinders God's work.

2. "One Spirit" There is one Holy Spirit who baptizes each believer into the body of Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit is to unify believers in Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NKJV) ¹² For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. This is the unity that the believer is instructed to keep.                     3. "One hope of your calling" All Christians responded to the Spirit's calling to salvation. All Christians have the same hope, and they should therefore be one. We are all looking forward to the same heaven; we hope for the same joy beyond the grave in Heaven with Jesus and the Father God. Ephesians 1:4 God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.                                                           4. "One Lord" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. ⁵ For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), ⁶ yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. His lordship over all believers brings the unity of the church. There is but one Lord. He belongs in common to all as their Savior; and He is the Head of the church. There should be unity among Christians because we all have the same Savior. He is the Lord Jesus Christ.                                 5. "One faith" refers to the body of truth called the apostles' doctrine (see Acts 2:42). it means that Christians should be united because we hold the same great doctrines found in the bible, and, because we have the same faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.                                                                            6. "One baptism" has reference to the baptism of the Holy Spirit when we were saved, which is real baptism. Ritual baptism is by water. Water baptism is a symbol of the real baptism of the Holy Spirit by which believers are actually made one in the body of Christ.                                                                       7. "One God" One God refers to God's fatherhood of all believers. Therefore there should be unity. There is only one God. If there were many gods to be worshiped, there could be no more hope of unity than there is among the worshipers of other religions.                                                                        8. “Father of all” The meaning here is, that God is the common Father of all Christian people- the rich and the poor; the bond and the free; the learned and the unlearned. He is no respecter of persons. We are all one in the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is above all. Father God is the supreme sovereign and He presides over all.

And through all. He pervades universal nature, He is omnipresent. His presence is everywhere. He works through His people to accomplish His purpose and plans.

And in you all. There is no Christian in whose heart he does not dwell. We are His temple; and He abides in us individually and as a body. Ephesians 2:22 (NKJV) in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

9. Since the same God dwells in every heart, we ought to be one. Jesus prayed for our unity with the Godhead in John 17:20-21 (NKJV) Jesus prayed that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. There is nothing impossible to a unified church! That's why the devil works so hard to divide God's church!

Invitation: You can't be in unity with other believers until you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Have you ever stopped and confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you and save you for Heaven? If not now is the time, today is the day of salvation.

Looking Unto Jesus

Scripture Text

Hebrews 12:2

Intro: If we are to live the Christian life effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be looking to Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep him in sight. Let's appreciate what Jesus has done for us.

A. Jesus is our supreme example: (v.2)

The supreme example of the Christian race of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. He is the author and finisher of our faith. (v.2a)

Believers who have trusted God and endured in their faith are great examples for us. But as great as these examples are, there is one supreme example of faith, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. We may and should look at the example of other believers, but we must always be looking to Jesus. The word "looking" means to fix your eyes upon Jesus. It also means to fix your mind upon Him. We are to focus our eyes and mind upon Jesus Christ. Why?

1. Because Jesus Christ is the Author of our faith and He finished the race of faith.

Þ The Author means that He began, originated, created, the Christian race of faith.

Þ The Finisher means that He perfected, completed, and consummated the race. He ran the race to the finish successfully. He is our perfect example of how to run the race of faith. Jesus ran the course of life perfectly, so we look to Him as our example.

He was sinless, perfectly righteous, always obeying God in everything. He was utterly obedient and trusted in God all through His life upon earth. He finished His course living a perfect and righteous life upon earth. Therefore, He authored and completed the Christian race for all believers. He is the blazing example of faith in God—of utter dependence, obedience and righteousness—for us who believe.

B. His inspiration: (v.2b)

 Jesus Christ had a great inspiration and divine guidance.

It was the joy that was set before Him.

What was that joy? What caused His emotion of great delight.

1. The joy of redemption, the glorious day when He would be united and exalted with all believers of all ages. We are the reason He left the glories of Heaven!

2. The joy of all the glory for which He had died and God had purposed in His death, which was The joy of when the heavens and earth would be recreated and all the redeemed would be worshiping and serving God perfectly and in unison forever.

3. The joy when the salvation of all believers of all generations would be completely and perfectly fulfilled, and He and all those of us who love Him would be ruling and reigning with Him forever and ever.

4. There was the joy of the fulfillment of God's very purpose for the world being carried out. That is what stirred and motivated Christ to come to earth to author and finish salvation for all mankind.

Christ our Lord is our supreme example in being stirred by the joy that lies before us.
The joy of our redemption and knowing we are going to be with our Lord in Heaven should stir and motivate us as well to give our love and all we are for Him.
C.  His discipline: He endured the Cross. (v.2c)
 Jesus Christ ignored and despised the shame of the cross in order to finish the race of perfect obedience to God. And because He was perfectly obedient, He has blazed the path of perfect righteousness for us by His death on the cross, which makes us acceptable to God. The Christian race exists because Jesus Christ disciplined Himself; He obeyed God perfectly, even to the extent of dying for us. This He willingly did, and because He did, He is the supreme example of sacrifice for us. We should endure in believing and obeying God no matter the cost or price we have to pay, even if it means martyrdom.

 D. His reward: He is exalted above all. (v.2d)

Jesus Christ is the supreme example of receiving the reward of faith. He was exalted to the right hand of the throne of God. Believers witnessed His ascension and one day we Christians will see Him in all His majestic glory when He returns for His church, the dead in Christ shall rise first and be given their glorified bodies, then we who are alive and remain shall be changed, and we shall be caught up together with the Lord and so shall we ever be with Him.

Invitation: Have you looked to Jesus Christ for your salvation? Have you confessed that you are a sinner and you want to be forgiven of your sins. Tell Him you desire a home in Heaven with Him and the Father God. He will not turn you away!

Praying in Faith!

Scripture Text 

Matt. 17:14-20

Matthew 17:14-20 (NKJV) ¹⁴ And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ¹⁵ "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶ So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." ¹⁷ Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." ¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

I. Praying in faith means belief God will grant my prayer request. Matthew 17:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" ²⁰ So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

The Lord's disciples could not cure the man's boy. They had no power against the demons. The clear reason for no power against the demons was unbelief. What is unbelief? Why does faith weaken and turn into unbelief? The disciples had been given and promised unusual power earlier and they had ministered effectively (Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:17). But now the power seemed to be gone and they were unable to minister. "Why?" they asked. Do you and I believe God will grant our prayer request?

Jesus answered, "Because of your unbelief." "What is unbelief?"

1.  Unbelief is doubting God Himself, the object of one's faith. It is also questioning the power of God. Is He really strong enough to do what is needed: to save, deliver, heal, and help with my situation or problem I am praying about? Our faith is to be in God, not in our prayers or anything else. In Mark 11:22 Jesus said to His disciples, “Have faith in God”!

2.  Unbelief is doubting the power of the Lord within my heart and mind. Our hearts and minds must be in tune with God for our prayers to have power. If you think you can solve everything on your own you will never pray. If you are too proud you won't ask God for help. Pride leads to prayerlessness. We should examine our faith, making sure we are trusting not in our own abilities to produce results but in God’s.

3.  Unbelief is doubting one's own faith. It is questioning the strength of one's own dependence and confidence in Christ. May we do a faith check to see where we are!

4.  Unbelief is doubting if the thing needed is God's will. It is questioning if one should be seeking such a thing or if God is willing to do what is needed. That's when we Ask the Holy Spirit to help us pray. Romans 8:26 (NKJV) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. The answer to unbelief is hungering and thirsting after God so much that we spend a great deal of time in God's presence reading His word and praying so that even food is forgotten. We do without in order to meet God when we are serious about prayer.

II. Our faith in God releases His great power. [Matt. 17:20] So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

As we put our trust in God, His great power is released. The Jews clearly understood what Jesus meant by "removing mountains." The phrase was a Jewish expression or proverb meaning "to remove difficulties.” The greatest difficulties in human life can be removed only by faith in God. Jesus said we only need mustard seed faith to move our mountains of difficulty. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom. [10:17] Prayer is an acknowledgment of God's power and love. Prayer and faith in God can do anything. Working together they can release God's power to remove all kinds of mountains: fear, disappointment, depression, despair, sickness, temptation, guilt, weariness, loneliness, persecution, heartache. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our helplessness. If we are facing problems that seem as big and immovable as mountains, we must turn our eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith.

Then, as Jesus promised, nothing will be impossible.

We must be people of faith to please God. 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.

Invitation: A person is also saved by faith in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He paid for our sins by His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. When one confesses their sin and asks Jesus for His forgiveness, they are saved that moment for Heaven and from Hell!

Power, Love and a Sound Mind

Scripture Text

2 Tim. 1:7

Intro: Since the mind is mentioned 95 times in the bible, it must be very important in our walk with God. Our mind, as well as our whole being, is to be used for the glory of God. Bringing glory to God is the reason for our being and why we exist!

I. God has not given us a spirit of fear. [2 Tim. 1:7] [Rom. 8:15]

a. Too often believers fear using their gifts and standing for Christ in a lost and dying world. They fear speaking up for Christ and the gospel—they fear ridicule, criticism, abuse, embarrassment, and opposition.

Being very honest, we have all experienced these fears at one time or another. We failed to witness—to use our gift in speaking up for Christ and in proclaiming the gospel lest we suffer persecution. But note the charge; it is clear and forceful: we are not to fear because God didn't give us that spirit. We are not to fear man. We are not to fear the trials that may come our way because we are serving and living for Christ.

We are not to fear the ridicule and persecution that may be launched against us because we are witnessing and ministering for Christ. We shouldn't fear any trial or tribulation the world has to offer. Why? Because:

II. God has given us the spirit of enormous power. [v:7] same Spirit raised Jesus!

a. God's equipment does not include fear. The fact is clearly stated: God does not give us the spirit of fear; God gives us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. The word spirit means the believer's spirit: the Holy Spirit of God actually injects power into the spirit of the believer. Power to encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to triumph in persecutions. As we read the gospel, the Holy Spirit will inspire the mind with holy courage and soundness because perfect love drives out all fear.

   We receive this power when we begin to live for Jesus and be a witness for Him. Power is not needed if we just sit around and remain silent about Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us power only when we begin to live for Christ and actually need and use it. When we face enormous problems and circumstances of life, It is then that the Spirit of God injects power into our spirit to live and witness for Christ and overcome everything we face.

III. God has given us the spirit of love. [v:7]

a. The Holy Spirit infuses love into the believer's spirit. It removes all hate. It's a love for people, no matter who they are. This is agape love, the kind of love that God loves us with. It is a love that arises within the mind and will, not in the emotions. It is the kind of love that says, "I will love this person no matter what he does to me. I will care for, pray for, and treat with respect.

I will share Christ with him. I will treat him just as I would want him to treat me if he knew Christ. I will love him and be responsible to him, no matter how he treats me."

The kind of love that can love sinners and enemies—is a gift of God's Spirit. No man can stir or work up agape love. God alone possesses it; therefore, God alone can give it to all who live for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and who serve and proclaim Him.

God's love will make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready to endure privation and persecution, than love. The love of country, wife, children, and home, makes the most timid bold when they are assailed; and the love of Christ moves the soul to do great endeavors, and sustains it in the deepest sorrows.

IV. God has given us a sound mind. [v:7]

a. The Holy Spirit infuses a sound mind into the believer's spirit. "Sound mind" means we use our minds to control our actions, it's a fruit of the Spirit. It's the ability to control one's emotions, feelings, and thoughts in the midst of trials and circumstances, no matter how severe and stressful. It is just as it says, a disciplined mind—the mastery over one's mind, over one's heart and life despite the trial or opposition. God does not intend that defeat should be the norm of Christian living. We should be disciplined Christians rather than slaves to our emotions. We are all moved by our emotions. But Christians are not to be motivated by their emotions. Our emotions are not to master us. We are to be disciplined. A sound mind implies that the whole soul is harmonized in all its powers and faculties; and completely regulated and influenced so as to think, speak, and act aright in all things.

As we read God's word, we believe every word He says and we reject any other advise or thoughts that are in opposition to it. Our mind trusts' in God's word without doubt.

A Sound mind developed by the Holy Spirit will give us peace, stability, direction, and security in a dying and insecure world.

Invitation: To have the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind operating in your life, you must know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. If you are not sure you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, confess your sins to Jesus and pray the sinner's prayer asking Jesus to forgive your sins and save you for Heaven. At that moment the Holy Spirit will baptize you into the body of Christ and fill you with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. You will never be the same.
Prayer: Father, we confess that too many times we have allowed fear of one thing or another to control our minds and lives. Please forgive us and help us to live our lives in Your spirit of power, love, and a sound disciplined mind. Lord, if there is one here today that needs Jesus as their Savior, they have never asked Him to forgive and save them, may today be the day of salvation for them I pray in the name and Spirit of Christ. Amen

A Focused Mind!

Scripture Text

Matthew 22:37

Isaiah 26:3

Intro: God tells us in His word how important our mind is to a strong faith. He has much to say about the mind in His word. The word mind- (singular), appears 95 times in the bible so it's importance to God can't be denied.

I. The commandment. Matthew 22:37 (ESV) And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Heart: This is the seat of man's affection and (devotion). The heart connects and focuses our affections and devotion. The heart causes us to devote ourselves to either good or bad. Therefore, Christ says we are to love God "with all our heart." Therefore, We are to focus our heart, our affection, and our (devotion) upon God.

We are to love God supremely above all else because He loves us supremely.

Soul: This is the seat of man's breath and life or consciousness. The soul is the life of a man, the consciousness, the breath, the essence, the being of a man. The soul is the life of a man. Christ said we are to love God "with all our soul," that is, with all our life, our breath, our consciousness. We love Him with our whole being.

We are to love God with all the life and awareness we have at all times.

Mind: Our mind is the seat of reasoning and understanding. God has given intellectual powers to mankind. Mankind thinks, reasons, and understands. The mind controls the rest of the body, our heart and soul our entire being. You can't say or do anything without thinking about it first. Our thoughts control our actions and words. We think about things in our heart and then we speak those thoughts. “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” [Matt. 12:34]

Our hearts, what we are within, our affection and devotion to God, and our mind determine our behavior. When He was on the cross, I was on His mind. He loved us with all His mind! Mark 12:30 adds strength. Physical, mental, and spiritual strength.

How do we love God with all our mind? Christ says that our minds and thoughts are to be centered focused upon God. Therefore, we submit our intellect to his will which is His word. We love His law and what the gospel says more than we do the decisions of our own minds. Psalms 119:24 Your testimonies [words] are my delight And my counselors. We are to block out all distracting thoughts that try to keep our focus off God and His word. We are constantly tempted to pull away from a consistent focus on God. As a result, we often find ourselves being tossed to and fro by the concerns of life. We must be willing to submit all our faculties to his teaching and guidance, and to devote all our mental efforts to serve Him. Christians must use his or her intellect by the power of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of Scripture, not feelings and emotions, to discern truth from falsehood.

II. The results of a mind focused on God. [Isaiah 26:3] (NKJV)

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed (focused, resting) on

You, Because he trusts in You. The word perfect means complete, restful peace.

a. Even when we determine to pray and study the scriptures—our minds can float away to other places rendering our time with God as fruitless. It is when we discipline our mind to focus on Jesus and what He has done in order that we may have eternal life—we are changed. Pay attention to when your thoughts wander and ask the Lord to help you discipline your mind. A careful and deliberate study into God’s word will always realign our focus with His will. The scriptures can direct our attention towards the spiritual gaps. When we allow the Spirit to keep our minds focused, resting, fixed, and always remaining on God and His word, He will keep us in perfect peace. This perfect peace means no worries, just genuine restful peace from God. We have an inner soundness and wholeness of spirit, soul, and body.

This availability of inner peace encourages us believers to continue trusting the Lord because if we always trust in the Lord…He will surely lead us to the right way. And It’s our responsibility to choose the right way even if it brings pain. He is our eternal Father and He brings peace that passes all understanding to our heart and mind thru Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Invitation: Do you have peace with God in your soul? You can't have the peace of God until you have peace with God. This peace with God comes from the forgiveness of your sins through Jesus Christ. When you confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and you invite Him into your life to take charge of you, then you will have peace with God. Be baptized to show your sincerity, and then grow in the peace of God.

Spiritual Warfare

Scripture Text

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Intro: Every day we wake up, we will be fighting spiritual battles all day long. The battleground is our mind. Selfish, evil, sinful ideas are not of God. God is not evil, selfish, or sinful; therefore, such evil thoughts and reasoning's are often injected into the mind of men by fleshly spiritual forces that stand opposed to God.

I. Spiritual warfare is not fought with fleshly or worldly weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. Paul says in this verse that although we believers "walk in the flesh"; that is, we live in a body just like all other people. But we do not war in the flesh. We do not fight the struggles of life using only our own strength. Why? Because we know that there is spiritual warfare going on for the minds and lives of people. We Believers know that the evil forces of the spiritual world lie behind sin and evil, disorder and devastation, corruption and deterioration· *death and hell. Believers know that we cannot "war after the flesh"; that no man nor any combination of men can conquer the spiritual forces that fight and eat away at man until they destroy him. No matter how strong, educated, or scientific man may become, he cannot deliver himself from the spiritual forces that cause evil, sin and death. There is no worldly weapon that can defeat evil spiritual forces.

II. The believer's weapons against evil forces are spiritual and mighty. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. God's word says our bodies are the temple of the Lord, the place where His Spirit dwells. We know that there is nothing in this world that can conquer the spiritual forces that lie behind the evil and death of this world. Therefore, we fight the spiritual battles of this life with spiritual weapons, weapons that are of God and are made mighty and powerful by God. We believers use spiritual weapons to "pull down strongholds." The evils of this world that are deeply entrenched and fortified in the minds and hearts of men. These strongholds are clearly seen in the daily newscasts and behavior of people day by day. Evil, sin, destruction and death can never be permanently overcome by carnal or worldly weapons. Only the spiritual weapons of God can permanently conquer evil. God has given us the weapons of prayer, His word, and His Spirit!

3. The method of conquering the forces of evil. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

a. The believer casts down imaginations: thoughts and imaginations that are uncontrolled, wild, evil, lustful, immoral, unjust, wrong, untrue, devilish, and set against God and His word. Through prayer, God's word, and the power of the Spirit the believer wars, fights, and struggles to "cast down" evil imaginations. He fights to bring down his imaginations,those mental images and thoughts that fights against the knowledge of God.

b.  The believer casts down "every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God": false ideas about God, false doctrine and teaching, false reasoning's; human pride and arrogance, sensuality, self-sufficiency and self-righteousness that set themselves up against God.

c.  The believer seeks to captivate every thought to the obedience of Christ. A phenomenal statement—every thought controlled and subjected to Christ! This is the spiritual objective of the true Christian believer. God created man for fellowship and communion with Him, therefore, the believer wars—struggles and fights—to captivate every thought and focus it upon God and His righteousness. He seeks to walk in an unbroken fellowship and communion with God. How is the control of every thought possible? Through the power of the Holy Spirit of God “we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service.” [Romans 12:1] Our bodies are all we have to offer—we live in our bodies. The body is the home of our emotions, our mind, thoughts, desires, and plans. The body represents the total person; it is the instrument by which all our service is given to God. In order to live for God, we must give him all that we are, represented by our body. If our body is at God’s disposal, he will have our free time, our pleasures, and all our behavior. Since the battleground is the mind and it is, we have to renew our minds with the word of God. We filter what comes through our minds by the word of God. If it doesn't fit God's word, we reject it. To be able to use God's word as a filter for your thoughts, you must know what His word says. The most important weapon against wrong thoughts is the knowledge of God's word. We hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against God.

Conclusion: Begin to filter your thoughts and make sure the devil has not got a stronghold in your life. It is important what you think! You are what you think. The bible says as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

Invitation: Are you completely sure that Heaven will be your home when you die. Does the Holy Spirit confirm with your spirit that you belong to Christ? If not, now is the time to make sure. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you! Follow Him in believer's baptism.

From Death to God's Kingdom

Scripture Text

1 Corinthians 15:21-28

Intro: It only takes three chapters from the beginning of the bible to where mankind lost their relationship with God. It only took one act of disobedience to bring God's curse of death on all mankind and all of nature. But in verse 15 of Genesis chapter three, God promises a Savior who would crush the head of the devil. What Adam and Eve lost by their sin, Jesus regained on Calvary's cross by His death, burial, and resurrection.

I. The futility of life without the resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (NKJV) ¹² Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ¹⁵ Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. ¹⁶ For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷ And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ¹⁸ Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

a. Some were saying that there is no resurrection of the dead. The Apostle Paul said If no resurrection,our faith is useless, and we are still in our sins. Christ has not risen. If no resurrection, those who have died have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. [v:19]

II. Christ assures life, guarantees the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NKJV) ²⁰ But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

 a.  He has risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of the dead(v.20)

 The hypothetical “if” statements in the previous verses acknowledge the certain facts of history. "But now is Christ risen!" Because Christ was raised from the dead, he has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. Christ was the first to be raised to never die again. He is the forerunner for those who believe in him, the proof of their eventual resurrection to eternal life." Christ is not dead; He is not lying as a decayed corpse in the grave. We are not living in hopeless misery. In fact, the very opposite is true. We have the greatest hope in the world, the hope of being resurrected from the dead. And the great guarantee of our resurrection is the resurrection of Jesus Christ Himself. He has risen; therefore, we shall arise. He is the first fruit—the guarantee, the seal, the assurance of our Resurrection. Because He lives we shall also live etrenally!

 b.  He has counteracted what Adam did: Reversed sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NKJV) ²¹ For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

 Christ has reversed the sin and death of Adam. He did this through His own perfect life, death, and resurrection to eternal life. Adam and Christ are pictured as the two pivotal points of human history. Adam stands as the head of the human race, the first to bring death to man [Gen.3:17-19]. Christ stands as the head of the human race, the first to intervene in the process of death and to arise from the dead. Very simply stated, the sin of Adam brought death into the world, but the Man Jesus Christ brought the resurrection of life to the world. Those who believe in him will be given eternal life in Heaven.

 c. His purpose was fulfilled, having Been the first to arise from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:23 (NKJV) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.

Paul wanted to clarify, however, that there is an order to this resurrection. It had not already happened, as perhaps some of the false teachers were claiming. Rather, Christ was raised first. The “harvest” will be taken in when Christ comes back at his second coming. At that time, his people, those who believed in him as Savior, will be raised from death to eternal life. Those who are alive at that time will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.

III.  Christ assures the coming reign of God's Kingdom: (v.24-28)

  a.It will be the end of all evil because of;

 His subjection of all evil power and enemies. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 (NKJV) ²⁴ Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

Following the resurrection of the church, a 7 year period of tribulation on earth intervenes until Christ returns and sets up His millennial kingdom. At the end of His 1,000 year reign, the resurrected Christ will conquer the last enemy which is death. (Revelation 20:10-14 says Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.) At Christ’s resurrection, Christ began the destruction of Satan and all his dominion. Christ must reign over all because God has ordained it so; what God has said cannot be changed. Christ will reign as the ultimate ruler, having put Satan and all his enemies beneath his feet. This means He will reign in total conquest. Because the resurrection of Christ is an accomplished fact and because the promise of the resurrection is a future fact, the promise of Christ’s ultimate and final reign can be trusted as fact and anticipated by every believer.

 c. His subjection of all things except God Himself. 1 Corinthians 15:26-28 (NKJV) ²⁶ The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. ²⁸ Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

After Christ puts all enemies under His feet during His millennial reign, then the end will come when Christ will deliver His kingdom to God the Father.

Then the work of the Son will find ultimate completion in the glory of the Father. When Jesus subjects Himself to the Father and God is all in all, the new creation will be brought to completion and the resurrected Christ and His church will share in that experience. Revelation 22:1-5 (NKJV) ¹ And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which ³ And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. ⁴ They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. ⁵ There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

It is significant also that the Lamb is pictured on the throne (mentioned also in v. 3). Christ sits on the throne as King of kings and Lord of lords for all eternity under the head of God the Father so He may be all in all and we will rule reign with Him.

Invitation: Have you been raised from spiritual death to life in God's Kingdom? If you have not, now is the time to make sure you have eternal life residing in you in the person of Jesus Christ. Confess you sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive your sins against the Father God. Then invite Him into your life and ask Him to take charge of you. Then follow Him in believers baptism. You will be so thankful that you did.

Jesus' Acceptance of Children

Scripture Text

Matthew 19:13-15; 18:1-6

Intro: Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (ESV) ¹⁸ "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as front-lets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

God says in these verses that teaching our children about Him and His word is important.

I. Jesus accepts little children. Matthew 19:13-15 (NKJV) ¹³ Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." ¹⁵ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

a. The bible has much to say about God's little ones. We are to permit them to come to Jesus and not forbid them according to these verses, and we are to encourage them in the things of the Lord so they can receive His blessings, favors and salvation. Many parents were bringing children... to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples felt this was a waste of Jesus’ time. They began rebuking those bringing their children. Jesus rebuked the disciples, telling them to let the little children come and not hinder them. The kingdom of heaven is not limited to adults who might be considered to be worth more than children. The implication in verse (15) is that Jesus had time for all the children, for He did not depart from the region till He had blessed them all. Anyone of any age who exhibits such faith and trust is promised access to Jesus and to the Kingdom. The disciples must have forgotten what Jesus had said about children earlier (18:1-6).

II. Jesus protects little children. Matthew 18:1-6 (NKJV) ¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" ² Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. ⁶ "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

a. The disciples were still anticipating an earthly kingdom and wondering what great positions they would have. In response Jesus took a little child, who had no rights according to the Law, and stood him in their midst. He told the disciples a change in their thinking was necessary. Greatness in the kingdom was not based on great works or words, but on childlike humility of spirit.

b. Jesus’ reply indicated they were asking the wrong question. They should have been concerned about serving the Lord, not asking about positions in the kingdom. Their service needed to be directed toward people, including children, for Jesus spoke about welcoming a little child... in His name. Little thought was directed in those days toward children, but Jesus did not overlook them. In fact, He gave a stern warning concerning any who might place a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in Him. (Notice what Jesus said. He said Little children can—and do—believe in Him!) Whoever Causes one of these little ones to sin translates the verb “to offend, or cause to fall.” It would be better for such an offender to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. A truly humble person does not concern himself with position or power, but is concerned about active service, especially toward those who are most in need which includes children.

Conclusion: Think of the children who are not brought to Christ. The result is tragic: they never come to know Christ and the life and security He brings to the human heart and soul. They will never know salvation and the eternal life that Jesus can bring.

May we as a church do all we can to help children come to know Jesus.

 Invitation: God desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. There is only one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Have you been saved? Where will you spend eternity when this life is over? Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you today! Then be baptized to show you are sincere!

Hezekiah's Prayer

Hezekiah was the twelfth king of Judah, son of the unfaithful Ahaz, ascended the throne at the age of 25, in the year 726 B.C. The name Hezekiah means “Strength of the Lord.” Hezekiah was a good king, he did right in regards to God. He was also a man of prayer. Lets look at the life and prayer of Hezekiah as an example of what we should be and do.

Prayer is the most unused and neglected privilege we have as Christians!

I. Hezekiah's life. He Imitated David (2 Kings 18:3) (v:4) Removed all idols from the land. Broke the images, removed sacred shrines. He Cut down the Asherah poles, which were False Gods), Broke the brazen serpent Moses made because the people had begun to worship it. (v:5) Trusted in the Lord God of Israel more than other kings did. Clung to the Lord (18:6) Continued following God and Kept His commandments     II. Situations and circumstances he faced. 2 Kings 19:10-13 (NKJV) ¹⁰ "Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: 'Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, "Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." ¹¹ Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? ¹² Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, Gozan and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? ¹³ Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?' "

III. His correct plan of action against the problem. 2 Kings 19:14-19 

a. 2 Kings 19:14 (NKJV) And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.

When the king had received and read King Sennacherib’s message of an impending attack against Jerusalem, he went to the temple to pray. He was greatly outnumbered and was really defenseless against the enemy. But because he had served the Lord, lived in obedience to Him, and remained faithful to Him, he had faith that God would hear his prayer and defend him and the nation of Israel against the enemy.

b. 2 Kings 19:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴ And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: "O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

Hezekiah's prayer included a recognition of God’s power and sovereignty over every situation and circumstance. Spread the letter.... before the Lord, Hezekiah addressed Him as Israel’s God, whose throne was the atonement cover (“mercy seat,”) on the ark of the covenant between the cherubim. God had made a covenant with Israel to be their God and they would be His unique people. The king recognized that God is a Spirit, not a piece of wood or stone. God alone was the real Ruler of Judah, the Sovereign over all the kingdoms of the earth including Assyria, and the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth. He is also Ruler and Supreme Authority over our every situation. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Cast all our cares on Him, for He cares for you.

c. 2 Kings 19:16 (NKJV) Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God.

He mentions the problem which they are facing. Hezekiah didn't try make light of the situation he and the people of Jerusalem were facing. He asked for God's attention. Hezekiah besought God to listen carefully to what he would say and to view closely what was happening. He then reported Sennacherib’s blasphemous insults. The devil will always try to make every situation in life seem hopeless, no way out.

d. 2 Kings 19:17-18 (NKJV) ¹⁷ Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, ¹⁸ and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands--wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them.18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men's hands--wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them.

Hezekiah recognized the vanity and uselessness of idols. He could easily understand why Assyria had successfully defeated her foes; the gods in which those nations trusted for protection were mere pieces of wood and stone. They were created objects, not the Creator. So they had no power and were easily destroyed. We must not put our trust in anything or anyone other than God. There is no other god that can even compare with Jehovah God of Israel, our Savior.

e. 2 Kings 19:19 (NKJV) Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone."

Hezekiah makes specific request. Hezekiah appealed to the living God to deliver His people from Sennacherib’s hand. Hezekiah believed He could and he would; this was a prayer of faith. And the objective of the king’s petition was God’s glory, not primarily their own survival. He asked God to vindicate Himself and to demonstrate that He was not just an impotent idol so that the whole world would acknowledge Him.

Hezekiah’s petition is one of the finest prayers in Scripture.

f. (vs: 35-36)2 Kings 19:35-36 (NKJV) ³⁵ And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses--all dead. ³⁶ So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.

God answered his prayer in a miraculous way. God is not limited! He has all resources available to Him and He knows how to use them. Nothing too hard for God! He did this so all people would know He is supreme over all.

Conclusion: Hezekiah is a good example of the way we should live our lives before God and how we should trust God in every situation and circumstance that comes our way. We place every care on God because He cares for us. We can never be all we should be and will never be able to do all God would have us do unless we all pray. Jesus knows it’s hard for us to remain faithful in prayer. But He is drawing us beyond what we’ve yet seen and experienced, and he’s calling out a trust in us that we don’t think we have — and are scared to really exercise. Jesus’s purpose is not to shame us for our little faith. He’s inviting us to come further up and further in. There's no excuse for not praying when God has invited us to pray so many times in the bible, and He has promised us He would hear and answer our every prayer. Lets get serious with God! Time is short!

Invitation: If you are not 100% sure you will be in Heaven when you die, now is the time to make sure. You are not promised another day. We have all fallen short of God's glory. Confess your sins to Jesus and pray, ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell and give you a home in Heaven.

He will in no wise cast out those who come to Him.