God Came to Earth!

Scripture Text John 1:14-18

Intro: John's gospel tells us the story of the greatest day for all mankind. It was the day that God came to earth to dwell among us and reveal Himself to us.

1. At Christ birth God became flesh (v.14a) John 1:14 (NKJV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus was fully God and man.

a. At Christmas the very God of heaven left His glory there and came to earth. No other religion has a God that has done this. God saw our lost condition and in His compassion, love, mercy, and grace decided to come to us in the person of His Holy Son Jesus Christ.

2. At Christ's birth God's glory was revealed to us (John 1:14b-c) and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

  a. Glory refers to Christ’s divine greatness and shining moral splendor. His glory was seen visibly by His disciples and the people who lived in that day. (John 1:14b) The glory of all that God was stood right before them, right in their very presence. They beheld Him with their very own eyes. Jesus Christ, the Man who dwelt among them, was the very glory of God among men. Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) says  “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.”

 b. He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14c) No other word so expresses the depth and richness of the heart and mind of God. Grace means the unmerited favor and blessings of God. Jesus revealed the fullness of God's grace and He was the embodiment of truth. [John 14:6] Jesus came to reveal the truth of God the Father to us, He revealed the truth of who God was, what God expected of us and the only way to Him.

3. John the Baptist bore witness of Christ's birth and His superiority. John 1:15 (NKJV) John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "

a. John was born to prepare the way for Christ. The words "for He was before me" literally mean first in relation to me. It refers both in relation to time and importance. Jesus Christ was first in time, existing before John. He existed "in the beginning"—before the creation of the earth, and He has existed throughout all eternity. John also declared that Jesus was first in importance. He was first in superiority, Being, Person. He is worshiped of angels. His is the First and the Last, Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

4. At Christ's birth He brought God's fullness and grace to mankind. John 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

  a. Not by law (John 1:17a) The law of God did not bring us His mercy and grace because no one could perfectly keep God's law. The law was given to lead us to Christ and His forgiveness for our failures. We do not receive Christ's fullness and grace by the law of good works. No one will ever deserve Christ's fullness and grace because of what they do.
  b. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17b) We could never earn God's salvation, it is a gift of His grace and it came through His Holy Son Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus was born, to bring the fullness of God's person and grace to us! When you know Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, you have all of God's fullness and grace in your life. Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; ¹⁰  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

5. At Christ's birth He revealed God to mankind. John 1:18 (NKJV) No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

The bible tells us no one has ever seen God. Jesus at His birth revealed the Father to us. Jesus came from the "bosom of the Father" (from the deepest part, the most intimate place of God). Jesus told His disciples “he who has seen Me has seen the Father.” [John 14:9] At His birth, Jesus not only proclaimed God to mankind but also He revealed God's truth to mankind, and He revealed the way to God and that way is through Him, only begotten Son of God.
Conclusion: The holiday we celebrate as Christmas means we are celebrating the birth of a Savior sent from God the Father to redeem and save mankind from their sins and to reveal Father God to us. This is the real reason for the Christmas holiday season.

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of Christ's birth? He came to save [you] from the power and penalty of sin. John 1:12 (NKJV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. Have you personally received Him and do you believe in His name? Do you know for sure your eternal destiny? If not, confess your sins to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive and save you from hell and for Heaven. Receive Him into your life to take charge of you.

Understanding Authority

Luke 7:1-10

Intro: All of us live under some kind of authority. God designed life to be lived that way. We live in a world today where nobody wants any authority over them. They want to be their own authority. We see lawlessness abounding all over the world and especially in America because of rebellion against authority. There is little respect even for God’s authority anymore because of the great falling away that the bible tells us about. There is a story in these scriptures today of one who understood authority and used it to his advantage.

I. The importance of authority. Luke 7:1-3 (NKJV) ¹ Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. ²  And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. ³  So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.

a. Society cannot exist without authority. Romans 13:1-3 (NKJV) ¹  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ²  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. God’s kingdom also can’t exist without authority.

b. There is an order of authority. The officer had heard about Jesus, so he certainly knew of Jesus ‘healing power. He sent a request for healing to Jesus apparently because he understood and believed Jesus was sent from God and acted under His authority.

c. The centurion recognized God’s total authority over all and everything. Luke 7:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴  And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, ⁵  "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue." He had rejected all the Roman gods of his time. He was a God fearing man and showed interest in the Jewish synagogue and worship of God. He had built God’s people a synagogue. The centurion understood the importance of God’s authority over all! He recognized that Jesus had been sent by God to this earth with power no one else had.

II. We must learn to humble ourselves under God’s authority. Luke 7:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶  Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. ⁷  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

a. The centurion humbled himself. He felt he was not worthy for Jesus to come under his roof. Many today have an elevated view of themselves and their importance. They think God and society owes them something. God hates pride! Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. [ Proverbs 16:18]

b. The centurion understood and believed in Jesus’ authority. Luke 7:8 (NKJV)
⁸  For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

1. He was a man under another’s authority and he was also in authority over others.

He took orders from his superiors and gave orders to those under his authority. He knew how Jesus’ authority worked over spiritual matters. He knew he needed an authority that was greater than his own or any other authority. He understood that Jesus was over every other authority in this world and in the spiritual realm. Ps. 33:9 says “When God created everything, He spoke and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast.”

III. Faith that amazes Jesus. Luke 7:9 (NKJV) ⁹  When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"

a. Jesus was amazed (He marveled) at this man’s faith in Him and His authority.

The Jews who had been looking for Jesus couldn’t see him for who he was, the One sent of God with all authority, yet this Gentile did. Jesus was amazed and exclaimed to the crowd that he had not seen faith like this in all the land of Israel. This did not mean that no one in Israel had faith, but not to this extent. Without the benefit of really knowing the Old Testament Scriptures and learning from esteemed Jewish leaders, this Gentile man understood from what he had heard the need to depend totally on Jesus’ authority and power. He knew, without a doubt, that Jesus could do what seemed impossible. He didn’t question Jesus’ power and authority. Such faith both astonished and pleased Jesus.

IV. Amazing faith in Jesus’ authority and power brings results. Luke 7:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

A. Because of this man’s understanding and belief in the power and authority of Jesus, he was rewarded for his amazing faith. Where is your faith level in God’s supreme authority over your situation and circumstance?

Conclusion: When we exercise faith in Jesus’ supreme authority as this Roman centurion did, we will receive a like reward. There is no partiality with God.

What do you need to trust Christ for? 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” Only Believe and receive. Don’t carry that burden any longer. Look to Jesus and trust in His authority over all and everything!

Invitation: God in His authority says a person must personally know His Son Jesus as their Savior to enter His Kingdom. This means confessing and repenting of your sins and asking Jesus to forgive and save you from Hell. If you have never done this, now is the time. He will give you assurance of your home in Heaven.

HOW TO RELEASE GOD’S POWER IN OUR LIVES

Intro: All Christians need to release God’s power in their lives because we can’t live the victorious life God intends for us to live without His power working in us.

I. PRAYER RELEASES GOD’S POWER IN OUR LIVES. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We need God’s mercy and grace to help us live in His power. WE MUST BE IN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. WE WILL NEVER LIVE IN GOD’S KINGDOM POWER UNTIL WE SPEND SOME TIME COMMUNICATING WITH HIM. PRAYER SHOWS THAT WE DON’T HAVE DEAD FAITH, BUT THAT WE HAVE ACTIVE FAITH THAT’S SINCERE ABOUT LIVING IN ALL GOD’S POWER THAT’S AVAILABLE TO US. James 4:2b “You have not because you ask not.” If we want God’s power released in our lives we must ask for it in earnest prayer. We must pray to be filled with His Spirit. As we live in step with His Spirit God releases His power in our lives. WE MUST HAVE AN EARNEST DESIRE FOR GOD’S KINGDOM TO COME AND HIS WILL BE DONE IN OUR LIVES AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!

2. Worship releases God’s power in our lives. Worship is paying reverent honor and respect to God. a. True Worship is the means by which God makes Himself known in our lives. John 4:23-24 ²³  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."  Worship of God can be done only through Jesus who expresses God’s invisible nature. He does this by the Holy Spirit who releases to a believer the power of God. Where true worship is, God’s presence will be made known. Our hearts are the ground in which the decision is made to give God His rightful place in our lives. When we decide to worship God in Spirit and truth, His power and rule is established in us so we can live victorious over Satan and sin. Spirit worship involves the person’s awareness that God has planted in him or her His Spirit. God indwells believers—that is where true worship takes place. Our body can be anywhere, yet worship occurs as our attention and praise are turned toward God. We need to consciously focus on God when we are in a house of worship because we easily assume that our presence in church is all that we need in order to worship. We can usually remember how long the worship service lasted, but can we remember exactly when we actually worshiped the Lord?
When we worship in spirit, we allow God’s Spirit to become active in our lives by submitting to His will for right living, witnessing, giving, and breaking up the strongholds of sin in our lives. We through submission to the Spirit’s power cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. [2 Cor. 10:5] To worship in truth means sincere and pure worship without hypocrisy.

3. READING GOD’S WORD ON A DAILY BASIS RELEASES GOD’S POWER IN OUR LIVES. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Whenever we allow the word of God to work in our lives, it is effectual in power. The Holy Spirit takes God’s word and makes it alive in us. The Spirit through God’s word, sanctifies us and delivers us from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing us both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing our hearts.  [2 Peter 1:3-4] ³ His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
⁴ by God’s glory and virtue [excellence] we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Conclusion: PRAYER, WORSHIP AND READING GOD’S WORD WILL HELP US LIVE IN HIS KINGDOM POWER. WHEN WE PUT PRAYER, WORSHIP AND THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR MIND AND HEART IT BECOMES A LIVING POWER WITHIN OUR BEING. THE HOLY SPIRIT USES GOD’S WORD TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL IN OUR LIVES. THE SPIRIT TAKES THE WORD AND TRANSFORMS US. THEN WE BEGIN TO LIVE IN THE KINGDOM POWER THAT HE INTENDS FOR US TO DO. HE WANTS US TO BE OVERCOMERS IN THIS LIFE. WE WILL HAVE TRIALS AND TESTS, BUT GOD’S WORD TELLS US THAT HE WILL BE WITH US THROUGH WHATEVER WE FACE. THEN WE WILL GO THROUGH THEM IN A VICTORIOUS WAY JUST AS JESUS DID.

INVITATION: IF YOU HAVE NEVER RECEIVED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, YOU HAVE NO POWER OPERATING IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU ARE HEADED FOR HELL, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THAT RIGHT NOW IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO SO. JUST CONFESS YOUR SINS TO JESUS, THEN ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOU AND INVITE HIM INTO YOUR HEART. ASK HIM TO GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE. THEN YOU CAN BEGIN TO LIVE IN GOD’S KINGDOM POWER AND WHEN YOUR TIME COMES TO LEAVE THIS EARTH YOU WILL BE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM FOREVER.

God's Supreme Spokesperson

Hebrews 1:1-4 (NKJV)
¹ God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,  ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;  ³ who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,  ⁴ having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Jesus Christ is the supreme spokesman of God. This is the first reason why He is superior to the prophets. Note the glorious truth: God has spoken to man. He is not as most people think, far off in the distance, someplace in outer space, so far away that He is unconcerned with what is happening to man and his world. The very opposite is true: God is concerned with our lives, with the trials and trouble, sin and evil, suffering and disease, death and decay—with all that happens to us. Therefore, God has spoken to us; He has given us the wonderful words of life and of deliverance. He has told us exactly how to conquer the trials and temptations, the corruption and death of this world. God speaks to mankind, and we find Him speaking thru God's Word? If God is really not far off in the distance someplace—if God has really spoken to man, then we must read and find out what God is saying to us in His Word and heed it. For His Word we find out about everlasting life and how to have victory over all the evil and trials and corruption and death of this life.
God has delivered His word to us in two different ways:

1.  First, God's Word came thru the prophets. In ancient times God spoke to man by His prophets, that is, by persons whom He had chosen to proclaim His Word to the world. Who are these persons? They are the men and women of the Old Testament Scriptures. But note a significant fact: God spoke through the prophets..."at various times": that is, in many separate revelations, at many different times and in various ways.

What does this mean? No man could possibly receive and understand or explain the whole revelation of God. God and the truth of God is too big for any one man. Therefore, God had to make many revelations to many different people, and He had to use many different ways to speak to men. No man could ever contain or share the whole revelation of God.

For God spoke to his prophets in many different ways. But the point to see is this: each prophet could present only a part of God's revelation. No one of them could present the whole revelation of God. The full revelation of God is not found in the prophets. Where is it found then?

This brings us to the second point In Hebrews 1:2 God's Word, His full revelation, is found in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. "In these last days [God has] spoken to us by His Son." This is the most astounding truth imaginable! For God could send no greater messenger with His Word than to send His very own Son. And this is the astounding declaration of this passage: God has sent His Son to proclaim His Word to men.

Before Christ, no man could fully grasp or understand God, and no man could fully proclaim the Word of God. Men could understand only a part or fragment of God. But now God's very own Son has come to earth and revealed God, proclaiming all that God is. It is Jesus Himself who is the revelation of God. He embodies the Word of God. In fact, He is the Word of God. [John 1:1] Verse 14 says He [Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us. Everything that God ever wanted to say to man is said in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect expression of God's mind. Everything that man needs to know about God and the conquest of life with all its trials, corruption, and death is seen in Jesus Christ. Jesus has the truth about God and mankind.

3)  Jesus Christ is superior to all the prophets; He alone is the supreme revelation of God. As great as the Old Testament prophets were, they were not above God's Son. There can be no greater spokesman than that of God's own Son. That’s why we can not believe what other religions tell us about Jesus or God, no matter what they say. If they deny the Deity of Jesus Christ, or try to tell us He is not the only way to God, then they are false prophets and we should have nothing to do with them or their teaching.

[A] Because God has appointed Jesus heir of all things, 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.

[B] Through Jesus God also made the worlds; (Col. 1:16) "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."

1 Corinthians 8:6 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.

[C] 3 For Jesus is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, What does glory mean? It means all the brightness of God—all the brilliance, radiance, splendor, and light of God's Being. It means that God's very presence—in all of His light and purity—dwells among us in the person of Jesus Christ. It meant that in Christ "dwells all the fulness [glory] of God" (Col. 2:9). Men could look at Jesus Christ and see the glory of God in Him—the very light and radiance of God's Being.

The word "image" means substance. Jesus Christ is the very substance, the very Being, Person, and embodiment of God.

[D] Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power, God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is controlling the world and moving it forward to a climactic moment of renewal and recreation—what the Bible calls the great day of redemption. And note how He is holding it together: by the power of His Word. He simply speaks and the laws that hold the world together are set in motion.

[E] Jesus by Himself purged our sins, [John3:16 & 14:6]

[F] Hebrews 1:3b Jesus has sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
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.
INVITATION: God by His Son is speaking to everyone of you right now and Jesus asks “Do you know Me?” “Have you trusted me for your salvation?” If not, I offer you eternal life. If you will repent of your sins and ask Me to forgive you of all your wrong doing I will save you now. What is your decision? Hell is real if you refuse Me! Don't go there when you don't have to. 

God's Amazing Love!

Scripture Text

Romans 5:1-5

Intro: God's amazing love is evident in these verses that are before us today. In His love God gave us His Son to die for us so that we could be in a right standing with Him and enjoy all the blessings and favors He desires to give His children.

I. We have been justified with God by faith in Jesus. Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

a. When we put our faith in Jesus' perfect life, His death on the cross and His resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins, we are justified or placed in a right standing with God.

b. Why is justification necessary?  Justification is necessary because of the sin and disobedience of all mankind since Adam. Man has rebelled against God and taken his life into his own hands. Man lives as he desires, fulfilling the lust of the eyes and of the flesh. He clings to the pride of life and to the things of the world. Man is sinful and ungodly, an enemy of God by choice, pushing God out of his life and wanting little if anything to do with God. We see this in society and at the government level today. The bible says in Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. So for God to allow us to enter His kingdom, we must be justified and Jesus makes it possible.

II. The Results of Justification. [5:1b] we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

  1. We have peace with God. The result of our justification through Christ is that we have peace with God. Having peace with God means there is no more hostility between us and God, no sin blocking our relationship with him. A new relationship has been established, so we no longer have to face God's wrath but live in peace with Him through Jesus Christ His Son.

2. We have access into the grace, the favor and the presence of God. Romans 5:2a (NKJV)  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand,

a. Not only has Christ made us right with God, but he also has given us personal access to God, bringing us into the place of highest privilege where we now stand. We have been brought into a place of grace and favor with God and we can go right into God's presence thru prayer. We have access to our Father anytime night or day.

3. We have a living hope for the glory of God. (5:2b) and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

a. God’s purpose of recreating us into the image of Christ, is so we can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing His glory. Anticipating our future with God ought to bring great joy. Because of Christ, we share in God's glory now and fully in the future there in Heaven. We can rejoice in the fact that whatever we are like today, one of the benefits of having been justified is the hope that one day we shall be like Him and see Him as He is.

4. There is glory in tribulation. Having been justified by faith, we can glory in

a.  Tribulations because it produces patience. Romans 5:3 (NKJV) But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
Tribulations mean all kinds of pressure ranging from the day to day pressures to the pressure of confronting the most serious situations, even that of death itself. When we have these kinds of trials and sufferings, know that God is working in these things in order to teach us more patience so that we can endure anything. The Holy Spirit helps us endure all things as He works to conforms us more and more into the image of God's Son Jesus.

b.  Patience produces character. Romans 5:4a (NKJV) and perseverance, character;
As we become more patient thru tribulations, it builds a Christlike character in us. When we endure trials, we come out of it stronger than ever before. We are much stronger in moral character and integrity. Trials help us experience much more of the presence and power of God in every circumstance of life.

c.  Character produces hope (5:4b) and character, hope. The word character includes the idea of “approved as a result of testing.” A person who is approved thru testing is known for his or her inward strength rather than any outward appearances. This gives us hope [confident expectation]

d. Hope never disappoints. Romans 5:5a (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, A Christian, truly justified by the blood of Christ, will never be disappointed or shamed. Our confident expectation that God will keep his promises will never disappoint us. We will see our hope in God fulfilled.

(5:5b) Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

This continuing experience of God's love and presence in us is through His indwelling Spirit. The Holy Spirit sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts. He grows and matures us in the love of God, increasing our understanding of what God has done and is doing for us through His wonderful everlasting love.

Invitation: Have you been justified in God's eyes? Do you have peace with God? Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive and save you from the penalty of your sins, thereby justifying you and giving you peace with God? If not, the bible says that today is the day of salvation, now is the appointed time. The choice is yours!

Work, Labor, Hope

Scripture Text 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

Intro: Tomorrow is Labor Day where we pay tribute to those who work for their families and our nation. What if we had a tribute to the contributions Christian workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of God’s Kingdom and others? A Christian contributing to the strength, prosperity and well-being of God’s Kingdom is a Christian that is stirred up and aroused to work and serve and should be commended. 

I. The apostle Paul commends the Thessalonian church. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (NKJV) ²  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, ³  remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, ⁴  knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

Paul commends the church for their work of faith; labor of love and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These three things stir and arouse a Christian to work for God's kingdom, their families and nation.

2. Work of Faith. [Rom. 10:17, James 2:20] Includes living a life of faith that Follows conversion. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” [Rom:10:17] When the power of the Holy Spirit is working thru the word, a person is drawn to Jesus Christ and when they truly believe in Him by faith, they are filled with joy and stirred to work and serve the Lord Jesus. For our faith to do any good, there must be a commitment to work Our faith.  James 2:20 (NKJV) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

We are to seek God and believe His word, we are to believe his promises, believe he is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above anything, we could ask or expect in the natural, because God is supernatural.  Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV) ³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Creation is one of God’s supernatural actions. He is able to do many supernatural things through our faith in Him. The stronger the belief of a Christian in Christ and His word, the stronger will be their work of faith for Him. A strong faith stirs, arouses, activates, and energizes believers to work and carry out the mission of Christ. There must be a commitment. People in that day were being persecuted severely but they didn’t stop lifting up Jesus. There must be an understanding, not to give up, but Trust God in everything. Even, if it is not politically correct, and Even if others don’t see it.  Strong believers don’t give up their faith to please people. We work to please God.

3. Labor of Love. Faith without love is of no value. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

When a person truly loves Christ, he is prompted and driven by the Holy Spirit to labor for Christ. Love stirs the Christian to labor. The word "labor" means to toil; it’s a persistent work. Labor of love is work done by those who have experienced the forgiveness and love of Christ, Those who are always conscious that Christ has taken their sins upon Himself and borne the punishment for them. In response to Christ’s love for them, the believers are motivated to express God’s love to others.

Labor of love is exercising the power of the Holy Spirit within us to love God, self, and others just as Jesus has loved us. It is the wonderful love of Christ at work in the believer that moves him to love and serve others. The believer does all he can to please Christ and to fulfill the joy of Christ. This is what Paul meant when he said "the (love of Christ) constrains (makes) me" to serve Him. 2Cor.5:14

4. Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ stirs the church to endure in its work and labor.

Our hope (confident expectation) is in the Lord Jesus Christ to return from Heaven to take us home to be with Him.

So we patiently wait for Him. Wait means more than doing nothing; it emphasizes an active attempt to live for His glory in the meantime. As we wait for Jesus we will continue our work of faith and our labor of love for Jesus by living for Him and serving others. We know that that Lord is going to transfer us into heaven at the end of this life and reward us according to our labor here on earth. Therefore, strong believers and churches are driven to endure in hope—to continue on in their difficult work of faith, labor of love and patient waiting for Christ. We love Him because He has first loved us and gave Himself for us.

Conclusion: Are you working your faith? Are you laboring in love, serving Him out of your love for Him and others? Are you working patience into your life? If not, why not? We were saved to do works of righteousness and labor for His Kingdom. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Invitation: Have you put your faith in Jesus to work for your salvation? Have you experienced the love of Jesus? If not, ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you. Invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life.

Growing in Your Relationship with the Lord!

If you desire growth in your relationship with Jesus Christ and Father God, you must make it your highest priority. A growing love relationship with God is central to everything else that happens in the Christian life. That’s why we were created, that’s why Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that’s why God is preparing an eternal home for us in heaven.

I. First step in growing closer to God. [Mk.12:30] “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength”

a. Do you love the Lord more with every passing day? Is God your greatest desire? Has He become your highest priority? Jesus says this is the most important thing of all for the Christian.

II. Must have a thirst and longing for God. 

Psalms 42:1-2 (NKJV) 1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. ² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? The psalmist compared his yearning for the living God to the longing of a deer for water. The animal’s need for water to sustain its life forms a fitting metaphor for a soul’s need of the living God, the Source of spiritual life. Nothing else will satisfy that longing in your soul.

Psalms 143:6 (NKJV) I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Hands lifted in thirst for God's presence will result in answered prayer.

Psalms 130:6 (NKJV) My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

The Palmist compared this waiting of the watchman on the walls of the city for the first rays of light to his waiting for God to appear and fill his hungering soul.

III. Longing for God and His house will bring satisfaction. Psalms 84:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! ² My soul longs, yes, even faints [feeling weak] for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. When we meet in God's house as He ordained, we experience the blessings of a closeness to each other, with God and we experience the moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We will surely be satisfied as we long for God and His house.

IV. Must desire God more than the things of earth. [Psalm 73:25]

Psalm 73:25 (NKJV)  Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

a. David said there is no other person nor thing in heaven or earth which I can seek or hope for that will bring me joy and contentment in my soul. I will accept no one else or thing as my God.

As you grow in closeness to God, you will find that everything here on earth will lose its luster and all you have worked so hard for will belong to someone else. You can take nothing with you when you leave this earth. If you have spent no time with God, you will have nothing of any eternal value.

These scriptures are the words of those who have lived a life full of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding walking in the ways of God yearning for Him day and night.

V. God's promise to those who seek Him. Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV) You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

We will find Him when we sincerely seek Him with all our hearts, which means we seek Him with all our mind, soul, strength and emotions.

James 4:7-10 (NKJV) ⁷  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹  Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Listen to the Holy Spirit and you will hear the voice of God saying to you “Seek My face through the study of My word and prayer?” Then be obedient to Him and receive all that God has for you. God waits for you right now!

Conclusion: As we seek a closer relationship with God, His blessings and favor will be poured out on us. God seeks those who desire more of Him in their daily lives. He wants to lead, guide, and direct us along life's journey. He made us and He knows the way that brings His blessings into our lives. God wants to bless all people, but He can only work in the lives of those who desire Him to.

We have free wills with which to make decisions in life each day.

If you begin to desire God as these scriptures point out, you will discover something that will bless your life and give you a greater sense of the presence of God working in your life every day No matter what life may bring. God's Presence and victory is yours through Christ our Lord.

Invitation: Do you have a personal relationship with God? A personal relationship with God starts by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins and then invite Him into your life to save you and lead, guide, and direct you each day. Be baptized and Jesus will help you in your daily life here on this earth. Then as you begin to grow in your relationship with God, you will receive blessings you could have never imagined!

In His Presence!

Scripture Text

Psalm 16:11

Intro: Many Christians spend each day merely surviving in their relationships and spiritual life. They go through the motions, but they've lost a deeper connection to God. Prayer is a great place to start to change our lives into what God desires for us.

1. In His presence we find the path of life. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) ¹¹  You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

a. Even though this verse applies to Jesus, it also applies to God's elect ones. We need guidance and direction in our lives as we live each day here below until we reach our final destination which is our home in Heaven.

Our Father is the only One who can show us the right path to follow each day as we make our way to our eternal home. Only the Lord knows the beginning from the end. Psalm 139:16 (NLT)  God, You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. He created us and knows what is ahead for each of us. He has a path which is right and good for us all, and in Him we find the right path of life we should take. Bible reading, meditation and prayer puts us in the Father's presence. It connects us with the Father for the direction we need in this life.

2. In His presence there is fullness of joy. [Psalm 16:11]                                  a. As we spend quiet time in God's presence through bible reading, meditation and prayer, we will find fullness of joy. There is nothing on earth that can ever bring us the fullness of joy like time with the Father can. The joys we might find on the earth are temporary and soon fade away. God's joy is eternal. 1 Peter 1:7-9 (NKJV) Jesus Christ, ⁸  whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹  receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. John 15:11 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. We can experience it no matter what our situation in life. Time in the Father's presence is something that fills every need we have and gives us fullness of joy that the world can't take away.

III. In His presence are pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11] 

a. The more time we spend in the Father's presence, the more we experience pleasures that the world can not give. The pleasures of the world are temporary and can do nothing for our souls. The fleeting pleasures of the world always depend on good circumstances and situations. The pleasures that come from the Father satisfy our souls and are ours forevermore because they are supernatural spiritual pleasures such as peace, rest, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness and love, heaven and all its glory.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) ⁶  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.
As we put our faith in God and His word, we not only believe that God exists and is real, but we also believe that the Father rewards those who diligently seek Him through bible reading, meditation and communing with Him in prayer.

He rewards us with the correct way to go I life, fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore

Conclusion: As we connect with Him in prayer and ask for His purposes to be accomplished in us, life will take on a new meaning. Our lives will become vibrant, renewed and will be anything but mediocre and we will be full of the Father's blessings.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help each of us to take more time to be in Your presence and experience the reality of Your joy and pleasures that last forevermore.

And Father, for those who may not have experienced the joy of sins forgiven, may they right now, confess their sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive them and save them from an eternity in hell and give them the joy and pleasures of Your presence in their lives forevermore. We ask in the name and Spirit of Your Holy Son Jesus Christ. Amen!