The Greatest Christmas Gift

 

Intro: In a few weeks we will celebrate Christmas. This is one of the most important holidays for mankind with Easter being the other important holiday. Christmas is a time of giving.

I. God was the first to give. Mankind was lost without God’s gift. The hymn “O, Holy Night” says “long lay the world in sin and error pining till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.

a. The greatest gift ever given on that first Christmas night was the gift of God’s one and only begotten Son that through Him we might be forgiven of sin and have eternal life. Luke 2:8-11 (NKJV) ⁸  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.⁹  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

¹⁰  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.¹¹  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. b. The gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus was the Christ or “Anointed One.” His Hebrew name is “Messiah” meaning Jehovah is salvation or He is the Savior. The name means deliverance, of being saved from sin that leads to perishing. John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He (gave) His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

II. Jesus gave the gift of His life on the cross for us. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

a. He suffered for our sins, not His own, because He had no sin. Our Lord Jesus suffered all five kinds of wounds known to medical science: contusions—blows by a rod; lacerations—scourging; penetrating wounds—crown of thorns; perforating wounds—nails; puncture wounds, spear for us. He paid the price required by the Father, that we might be healed. What a precious gift that Jesus gave!

III. God has given us the gift of His Spirit. a. We were baptized into the body of Christ by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NKJV) 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.

b. The Father has given the guarantee of eternal life that we have in Him by His Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

c. The Holy Spirit has given us the gift of His power to live righteously and be witnesses for Jesus Christ. We received that power the moment we were born again. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Notice we start locally and go to the end of the earth.

IV. The greatest gift we can give to Jesus Christ is helping to spread His message of salvation to the world. Nothing would please Him more. Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) ¹⁸  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

¹⁹  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. No greater gift can be given than that of Christ and His salvation to lost souls. Jesus said in (Matt. 10:8b) Freely you have received, freely give. When we give Christ to a lost and dying world it is truly the gift that keeps on giving throughout eternity. The purpose of missions is to take the gift of the message of Jesus Christ to every person in the world. Jesus said “He came to seek and save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) This offering goes to help reach every person world wide with the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings.

Conclusion: Any mission outreach will only be as successful as we make it through our prayers and our giving. Let’s all be a part of giving the greatest Christmas gift ever to as many as is possible through the mission opportunities before us. May we each resolve to honor Christ by praying and giving in His name!

Invitation: Have you been the recipient of the greatest gift God has ever given to mankind? If not now is the time according to God’s word. Simply confess your sins against God and ask Jesus to forgive and save you for the kingdom of God. Invite Jesus to take charge of your life till He calls you home. And be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

 

Scripture Text

PSALM 107:21-22

Intro: November 25^th our nation celebrates Thanksgiving. We as Christians should not wait till the Thanksgiving holiday to thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. God's will for Christians is that we should be a fountain of praise and that our lives should be in a state of thanksgiving to God at all times and all circumstances.

I. We are to thank God for His goodness. Psalm 107:21a (NKJV)
²¹  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness! The air we breath is enough reason to thank God when you take an honest visit to the hospital and see the number of people who live their life on oxygen, only then will you realize that you have been an ungrateful person all this while by not thanking God for life. The scripture says his mercy and goodness endures forever. For every person that is still alive on this earth, God is good and merciful to us. It is not that we are the most righteous people, not that we are the most fervent in our Prayers. It is only the grace and goodness of God that has kept us this far. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Therefore, we learn to give thanks to God. Meanwhile, giving thanks to God for his goodness also unlocks numerous blessings from God. King David became a man after God's heart despite his sins that he committed while on the throne of Israel. King David did not take the goodness of God over his life for granted; that is why he never missed the opportunity to give thanks to God for his goodness. As we cultivate the habit of giving thanks to God for his goodness, it will unlock more blessings in the name of Jesus.

II. We are to thank God for His wonderful works. [Psalm 107:21b] Psalm 107:21 (NKJV) ²¹  Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His wonderful works to the children of men! We have plenty of reasons to praise and be thankful to God for His wonderful works.                                                                              

1. Thank God for our salvation and freedom from captivity to the O.T. laws we couldn't keep and all Satan's power over us. Colossians 2:13-15 (NKJV) ¹³  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴  having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

2. Thank God we have been set free from sin. Romans 6:17-18 (NKJV) ¹⁷  But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ¹⁸  And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. Our thankfulness to God results in living righteous lives for Him.

3. Thank God for the sacrifice of Christ that brought us to Him. Romans 8:32 (NKJV)
 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? God did not withhold His Son but gave Him to be crucified on a cruel cross so our sins could be forgiven and we could be brought to Him.
1 Peter 3:18 (NKJV) ¹⁸  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

4. Thank God for satisfying our physical needs. Philippians 4:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 5. Thank God He satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness. Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. We were created with a deep hunger and thirst for what is right.

6. Thank God for the wonderful things we see in what He has done and is doing in His creation. Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Thank God for the glory of His creation and handiwork.

7. Thank God that He has made us His heirs and joint-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV) ¹⁶  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷  and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Conclusion: In conclusion Psalm 107:22 says “Let us sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.” A sacrifice is something we put effort into, it costs us. When we bring sacrifices of thanksgiving to God we honor Him. May we continually give to God sacrifices of Thanksgiving and may we testify of His awesome goodness and wonderful works to all mankind. If we give thanks for every blessing that God has given, He may give us more incredible blessings. May we develop a heart of gratitude instead of taking things for granted. I pray we will all come to the realization of all that God has done and is doing for us every day and we would be more thankful.

Invitation: The first way to thank God for His goodness and mercy is to receive His Son Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. You do that by confessing your sins to Jesus and then asking Him to forgive you and save you for Heaven. Then be baptized to show publicly your decision for Christ. Then show Him you are thankful by living the rest of your life for Him.

Being a Christian is Like Being a Pumpkin

Intro: I thought I would bring a message with a fall theme. It is amazing how nature presents us a picture of God's handiwork in mankind in a way we can't easily forget.

I. God picks you from the patch and brings you in. John 15:16 (NKJV)  You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. We did not choose Christ. He chose us. Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT) ⁴  Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. ⁵  God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Christians are the chosen and ordained of Christ, and they have been given the very same purpose of Christ Himself: to go into all the world and bear fruit among men.

II. God washes all the dirt off you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Whereas we were living in sin and immorality, we now are a new creature living in righteousness and holiness. Whereas we had to face death, we are now a new creature that never has to die. Whereas we were doomed to judgment and eternal separation from God, we are now a new creature in Christ. We are destined to live eternally in the presence of God.

III. God opens you up and scoops out all the yucky stuff. Ephesians 2:1-7 (NKJV)¹  And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ²  in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³  among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. ⁴  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:6-8 ] (NLT) ⁶  We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. ⁷  For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. ⁸  And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. All of our sin has been removed by the blood of Jesus. We are free from our old sinful way of life. We are clean inside!

IV. God carves you a new smiling face. [Psalm 71:23; 32:11] My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. Psalm 32:11 (NKJV) Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! The Lord gives His people much to smile about and bring about rejoicing in our hearts. Our future in heaven with God is assured because of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf on the cross. We are now children of God and joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.

V. God puts His light inside you to shine for all to see. [Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) ¹⁴  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. “In the same way” that a light shines from a pumpkin, we as Christ’s disciples must let our light shine before others by letting our “good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise our heavenly Father.” Jesus made it clear that there would be no mistaking the source of a believer’s good works. Our light shines not for our self but to reflect the light back to the Father who chose us and so direct people to him.

Invitation: God has chosen for all mankind to be saved but you must respond to His invitation by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you and save your soul from hell and for heaven. If you have never done that now is the perfect time!

Soul Rest

 

 Psalm 62:5-8

Intro: King David was like us. There was bad news, situations and circumstances that surrounded him each day, but he had found the secret to finding soul rest even through all the things he had to face daily. We would be wise to follow his advice.

I. Soul Rest Comes Only From God. Psalm 62:5a (NIV) Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; Many people try to find rest for their souls in the things of the world. They put their hopes for soul rest in money, people, alcohol, entertainment, partying and the like. Davis said under the inspiration of the Spirit that he would commit his whole cause to God, and that his soul would then be calm and without apprehension. Jesus invites us to come to Him soul for rest. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) ²⁸  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

II. Hope in God Brings Soul Rest. [Psalm 62:5b] my hope comes from him. David says that all of his hope (confident expectation) comes from God. He did not rely on his fellow man; he did not rely on himself. Often we find ourselves in such circumstances that we feel inadequate. All our strength fails; all our resources are exhausted; our fellow-men cannot or will not aid us; our own efforts seem to be vain; our money can't help us, our plans are frustrated, that's when we realize that God alone can help us. God alone can deliver us no matter the situation or circumstance, and we must confidently believe that God will do it. Our hope (confident expectation) is to be placed in the hands of a sovereign God and the whole of our lives must be left in His hands if we desire soul rest.

III. Soul Rest Comes From Remembering Who God Is. Psalm 62:6 (NIV) He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. a. David says God is our rock. The metaphor of the rock points to God being strong, steadfast, and consistent, immovable for those His people who are in need. A rock perfectly describes the nature of Our God. He is always steady, strong, consistent and immovable in our lives no matter what we may be facing. Nothing else in this world can provide this kind of help, stability and assurance when all else has failed. b. David says that God is our salvation. This includes soul salvation but it goes beyond to the things we need saving from every day. Our lives are filled with things that require God's intervention. We are a very needy people because each day brings it's own problems. The good part is God is right there for us and when we pray casting our cares on Him and then trusting Him to take care of those problems we have soul rest. c. David says God is our fortress. A fortress is any place of exceptional security; a stronghold to protect from the enemy. Our God is the place we are to go when trouble abounds on every hand and the devil is fighting and harassing us. A fortress has walls all around it and that is a perfect metaphor of God's protection that surrounds us.  Psalm 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Ps. 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

IV. Soul Rest Comes From Depending On God. Psalm 62:7 (NIV) My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Depend on means to rely or place your trust in. We are to rely and put our trust totally in God for our soul salvation and then He honors us by forgiving us and making us a part of His family. Then We trust God daily for the salvation from all this worlds problems that come against us. David again says God is a mighty rock on whom we can depend. The largest rock in Texas is located at Fredricksburg. It's called “Enchanted Rock.” No amount of man's efforts can move that rock. It's a great metaphor of God. No amount of trouble, no amount of man's or Satan's efforts can move God from protecting and caring for His people. God is our refuge. Refuge means a place of shelter and protection. Where can you go to find a place of shelter and protection like God gives you? When we depend on God alone for our salvation and honor our soul will have rest.

V. Trusting in God At All Times Brings Soul Rest. Psalm 62:8 (NIV) Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Selah) David said because God is all these things he just mentioned, we can trust in Him at all times no matter what the situation or circumstance. We can pour out whatever is on our hearts to Him. Nothing is to big or small for Him to accomplish. Trusting in the arms of God to shelter and protect us can bring us soul rest.

Conclusion: We have a part to play in our soul rest. We must not let our souls become fretful with worry, doubt, or fear. We must find our soul rest in looking to God alone, not looking to any other source for the things we need. We must hope in Him for everything we just read about in these scriptures. According to Isaiah 26:3 NIV “When we keep our mind steadfast, trusting in God He will give us perfect peace.”

Invitation: Are you trusting completely in Jesus alone for your salvation? If not now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and come into your life and give you life eternal. Then be baptized for a public testimony of you faith in Him.

Don’t Be Deceived

 

Intro: We need to pay close attention to what is being said and taught as truth today, in the media, our government and churches. We need to be ready for the deception to come in the future. God does not want us to be deceived so He warns us in His word.

I. The bible warns there will be much deception in the last days.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
² speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

The bible warns that there will be many false prophets in the last days.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

II. Satan’s goal is to deceive the whole world.

Satan is brilliantly clever at taking age-old lies, disguising them as realities, and gradually introducing them to even those churches who insist that they believe in the infallible authority of the Bible. Revelation 12:9 speaks of, " that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world." To deceive means to lead astray. Devil tries to lead astray by contradicting and twisting the word of God to say something other than what is true. The Lord put this and similar verses in his Word to warn us of a reality of world history: Global deception. Even those who profess to be Evangelical Christians are susceptible to the Serpent's lie. We already are and will continue to be exposed to deception about the intentions of other religions that are trying to establish a one world religion. There is deception by our government leaders about their intentions for a new world order to get control of the people.

III. Some examples of Satan’s deception. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,⁹  not of works, lest anyone should boast. Satan deceives people by the teaching of salvation by works instead of God’s grace. The bible tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 the true way of salvation. What all the world’s religions and philosophies have in common is a form of self-righteousness that teaches salvation by works, that you earn salvation by what you do. They deny the Biblical Jesus and salvation by grace through faith in Him which is not of works lest any should boast. Jesus prayed to the Father that if there was any other way for mankind to be saved remove this cup from me. Jesus would not have had to go to the cross if there was any other way. Satan's is infiltrating the church with error through pastors and false teachers. Not only is Satan the "Father of lies," but he is also the "Author of confusion." It is getting harder and harder to tell the difference between the world views and the liberal church. The message and the priorities of the Church are becoming just like the World. There are books that teach on many different religions, philosophies and ideas. Beware of what you read and fill your mind with! Remember books written by mankind cannot replace the gospel. Only the gospel is error free. Christians are being deceived more and more with religious groups and movements which teach a mixture of beliefs and compromise of God's truth and priorities. The different religions are uniting for the purpose of solving the problems that create differences of religion in the world, thus one world religion. They do this in the name of God and peace. The only one world religion that will work is when Jesus returns and sets up His kingdom on this earth. The bible warns in; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NLT) ¹⁴ Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? ¹⁵ What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? Any religion that denies Jesus as God and Savior of the world is anti-Christ, evil and deceptive. It is of the devil. There is no harmony between Christ and the devil.

IV. The solution for avoiding deception is the Holy word of God.

Christians are much more likely, these days, to not read their Bible for their convictions and world- view, but instead they follow the opinions of leaders they look up to. Celebrity preachers and some T.V. Ministers are likely to draw our attention and our allegiance. In these last days we cannot afford to follow human leaders as if they were experts; no matter who they are. We are to be disciples of Jesus, and follow him alone. So how can we be sure we are not being deceived? The only way we will be able to spot deception is by having encounters with the truth. Knowledge of the truth exposes lies. Our only hope to not be deceived in these last days is to "abide in Jesus and His words"; according to John 15:7 We must surrender our hearts moment by moment to the Holy Spirit. We need to be like the"Bereans" in Acts 17:11 (NKJV) They searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. We should read our bibles every day if possible. That's the only way we will be able to spot deception is by having regular encounters with the truth of God’s word. When we read the bible John 8:32 says “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Invitation: Do not be deceived about your salvation. Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.” Romans 6:23 says “The wages of our sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, In Christ Jesus our Lord.” Be sure you have confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you so you can receive the gift of eternal life. Then invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life. Be baptized in His name.

Risen and Returning

 

Scripture Texts

Acts 1:11, John 14:1-6

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Intro: The resurrection of Jesus is the key to God's plan for the future. Because Jesus is risen from the dead we are assured that Satan, sin, and death has been defeated. We also have assurance of our salvation and the promise that Jesus will one day soon return.

I. After Jesus' resurrection He ascended into heaven. Acts 1:9-11 (NKJV)
⁹  Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹  who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." After His resurrection Jesus was assembled with His disciples and told them to wait for the Father's promise of the Holy Spirit which was to come. In verse 8 Jesus said they would receive power after the Holy Spirit had come upon them and they would be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. As they watched Jesus was taken up and a cloud received Him, this cloud was the Shekinah glory of God. The angels that stood with the disciples prophesied that this same Jesus (not a different One) would come back in like manner as they had seen Him go into heaven. One day Jesus will break through the clouds to call His children home.

II. Jesus promised His return to His disciples. John 14:1-6 (NKJV) ¹  "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ²  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴  And where I go you know, and the way you know." ⁵  Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" ⁶  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. In verse 1 Jesus was speaking to His disciples and us here today to not to let our hearts be troubled. They were troubled because Jesus had told them He was going to leave them. As we look at our world today we could be very troubled. But Jesus promised to come back and deliver us from this sin sick world. We shouldn't be troubled because When Jesus left this earth, He went to prepare a place for us. Jesus stressed the truth and reality of "God's house" and its "mansions" or abiding places. "If it were not so Jesus said, I would have told you." When all things are complete Jesus will return.He is coming back to receive all believers unto Himself so that we may always be where He is. From the sermon last week we are not to let our hearts be troubled, but we should be eagerly awaiting our Lord's return ²⁰  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹  who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. [Philippians 3:20-21]

III. All believers will be resurrected at His return. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 (NKJV)¹³  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.¹⁶  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. When Jesus descends from heaven, three spectacular events will occur. Christ, the Lord himself, will descend from heaven, for that is where he has been since His resurrection. The supreme Majesty of the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ, will rent (open) the skies and miraculously appear in all the spectacular glory, majesty and power of heaven itself. The souls of all the saints who have died will be with Him when He returns. Christ’s return will be unmistakable. (2) No believer will miss it, for Jesus will descend with a shout like John heard in Revelation 4:1 that said “Come up here.” Then the voice of the archangel will start the trumpet call of God to gather the dead in Christ. These sounds will herald his return. Paul used distinctive imagery associated with the end times. An archangel is a high or holy angel appointed to a special task. Clearly, the angelic hosts will be taking part in this celebration of Christ’s return to take his people home. The Jews would understand the significance of the trumpets. they were always blown to signal the start of great festivals and other extraordinary events. (Numbers 10:10).1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (NKJV) ¹⁷  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸  Therefore comfort one another with these words. After the dead bodies have risen from their graves, the believers who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. A reference to “clouds” in the Bible often symbolizes the Shekinah glory of God. Clearly, all believers—whether alive or those who have died before the time of Christ’s return—will be together with one another and with the Lord forever. This supernatural event will cause a great reunion among believers who are alive and those who have already died. Both groups will experience Christ’s return together. This joyous reunion will go on forever. This will occur in God's timing. We are only told to be ready. God alone knows the exact time. Verse 18 says we are to encourage one another with these words. No matter how bad things look, we are to lift up our heads because our redemption draws nigh. Any day now Jesus could come to take us to our eternal home and all our troubles will be over.

Invitation: Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ? We are told to be ready at all times. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, right now where you sit confess your sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save you for heaven. Then publicly confess Him before a church congregation as your personal Savior and Lord. Then be baptized. If you do know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, are you living your life eagerly awaiting His return from heaven?

God is Able

 

Scripture Text

Ephesians 3:20-21

Intro: The apostle Paul had just finished his powerful prayer for the Ephesian church. He closed with a doxology of praise to God because there was nothing that God couldn't do when He is allowed to work through His people. His power is unlimited and great things can happen when we allow God's power to work in us.

I. God is able to do more than we could ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Think about just how strong and powerful God is. He is able to do..."exceedingly": to surpass; to go beyond any request; to overcome and do anything. "abundantly": to overflow and to do more than enough. "above": He is able to go over and above, and beyond any need that we might ask." What do you need right now in your life or the life of someone else? Don't wait for someone else to pray, you do it and have faith that God will do what He says. He is willing and ready to answer our prayers. All that we can think. Imagine going beyond anything we can think! What is the greatest answer or deliverance we can think of? God is far above and beyond our finite minds. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can think. God is able to fulfill our prayers even if they are humanly impossible. He is more than willing to do great things for us. David said in Psalm 23:5 “my cup runs over” with God's mercy, grace and blessings. God who could be working in us once spoke the universe into existence. He meted out the heavens and measured the oceans in the palm of His hands. God who could be working in us is able to heal the sick, correct the wayward, help the helpless, give hope to the hopeless and raise to life in Christ those who are dead in their sins and trespasses. He could help us with all the problems we have in our nation and our personal lives. He could bring spiritual awakening and revival to us and our nation.

II. What it takes for this to happen? It will happen according to the working of His power in us. The same power Ephesians 1: ²⁰  which God worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹  far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. This power refers to the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. The Spirit of God is constantly at work in our lives, seeking to produce a Christlike character in us, convicting us of sin, guiding us in prayer, inspiring us in worship, directing us in service. The more we are yielded to Him, the greater will be God's effectiveness in doing more through us. Are you allowing God's Spirit to work in you?We are to completely surrender to God's Spirit, then ask and believe He is more than able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask. Our belief in God to do what He promises is crucial to seeing great things happen.

III. God's purpose in doing these things for us. Ephesians 3:21 (NKJV) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. God's purpose is so that Glory is given to Him in the church. The church, the body of Christ, exists to glorify God. The church is the instrument God uses to accomplish His plan here on earth. The ability to give glory to God comes only through Christ Jesus, for he brought the church into existence through his sacrifice for sin and his resurrection from the dead. Giving God glory will go on through endless ages, it will never cease because of who He is and what He has done.

Conclusion: May we all begin to ask God for great and awesome things knowing He is well able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think. He waits for us to bring everything to Him believing that He will do what He has promised. We have not because we ask not. Ask and receive that your joy may be full.

Invitation: The most important thing you can ask is for Jesus to forgive your sins against God and ask Him to save you and invite Him to come into your life if you have never done that. Now is the perfect time to receive your miracle of eternal life and begin to live for Him and watch Him do more in your life than you could ask or think.

We Know

 

Scripture Text

1 John 5:17-21

Intro: There are some things God wants us to know for sure. He does not want us to be in doubt about our relationship with Christ and with Him. He does not want us to be deceived by the devil.                        We become strong Christians when we know some things.

I. We are to know what sin is. 1 John 5:17 (NKJV) All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. We know that all unrighteousness is sin. Unrighteousness is disobeying God and breaking His commandments. Too many people think too lightly of some sins. They rank sins, feeling that some sins are not so bad and are more acceptable to God. No unrighteousness is acceptable to God. It's all sin. Sin cost the life of God's only begotten Son.

II. We are to know Christians do not sin. 1 John 5:18 (NKJV) We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We are to live pure and holy lives. We have been born of God are set apart for Him and His service. This means that the believers must stay close to God and his people, not listening to false teachers who would try to pull them away. We are to keep ourselves in the love of God. Jude 1:20-21 ²⁰  But you, beloved, build yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. We keep ourselves in the love of God by letting it to flood our minds, overwhelm our souls and sink deep into our hearts. Way too many Christians are only skimming the surface, and are not diving into the depths of God’s love for them. Way too many Christians are not believing, knowing and experiencing the love God has for them. When we keep ourselves in God's love the evil one can not touch us.

III. We are to know our position in God. 1 John 5:18b-19 (NKJV) ^18b but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. ¹⁹  We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. True Christians are to know their position in God and eternity. We are to know we are children of God, and because of that, we have been freed from Satan’s power. We know that evil comes from the ruler of this world because the world is under the power and control of the evil one. Therefore we are to humble ourselves before God and submit to Him. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [James 4:7] We know as Christians we stand apart, separate from the world of unsaved people and from Satan, we are united together with God in Christ. Because of our position in God we are to ¹⁴  Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. [Philippians 2:14-15] Only when we know our position in God will one shine as a light in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation.

IV. We are to know Jesus gives us spiritual understanding. 1 John 5:20 (NKJV) And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Jesus Christ gives us the knowledge of God, not just head knowledge but experiential knowledge. Knowledge that comes from a personal relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 ³⁰  But of God you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Jesus Christ gives us the knowledge that we are in Him and He is the true God. The Holy Spirit has placed us in Jesus and in the Father God. Jesus has given us knowledge that we live, move, and have our being in God and in Him; that we are secure forever in God because we have been given the very divine nature of God Himself when He placed His Spirit within us. We know the true God who lives eternally, and we will never die, but will live with Him and Jesus forever and ever.

V. We are to keep ourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Because of the spiritual understanding that Christ has given us we are to “keep yourselves from idols.” We are to “Beware of any teachings which are opposed to the truth of the bible.” We are to guard ourselves from any ideas concerning God, other than those which have been made known to us through Jesus Christ. Any other thought is idolatry. An idol is a substitute or false god taking the place of the true. An idol can be a material thing or a false teaching. An idol is anything that takes first place in a person's life, anything that a person puts before God. An idol is anything that consumes our focus and thoughts, that consumes our energy and efforts more than God.

Invitation: Do you know you are born of God? If not, confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you. Invite Him into your life to take charge of you. Then make a public profession of your faith in Jesus by being baptized!

Freedom and Truth

Intro: When you look at this nation compared to other nations, what makes America special is our trust in God. If we ever get away from God we will cease to be a free nation.

I. Freedom depends on God. Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. This nation was founded on Christian principles. The pathway of freedom and blessing lies in cooperating with God. Happy, fortunate and to be envied is the nation that acknowledges Jehovah, the God of Israel as its Lord. Such a nation is blessed or happy because: He is a REAL God, the true God, and is in charge of all the universe. His laws are just and good, and right. Observing them will always tend to promote the public welfare, prosperity and real freedom. The people God has chosen as His own inheritance are those who honor and trust in Him. The founders of our independence called upon God to bless and help them in their efforts to establish a free and independent nation. They knew without His help there could be no true freedom.

II. Truth is necessary for freedom. John 8:31-32 (NKJV) ³¹  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³²  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

The bible is truth. Without the truth of God's word we could not be free. If you don't have the truth of God's word, then you have the lies of Satan and his evil, sin, deception and darkness. Jesus said through Him we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

Jesus said in John 14:6 (NKJV) "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. A free nation has to have a standard to live by. That standard is the Jesus and God's word. Jesu is the living word. It doesn't matter what anybody else says about what is the truth. There are not many truths but only one and His name is Jesus. When a person or a society departs from the truth of God's word there will be problems and we see that in America today. There is an effort in this nation by some of the elite, our government and news media to suppress the truth and try to set up another standard based on what man wants. We must never turn from the truth of the bible. We must stand for the truth of the word of God no matter what.

III. Freedom is the duty of the church. John 8:34-36 (NKJV) ³⁴  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

1. Our duty as Christians is to keep spreading the good news about Jesus who is the truth who gives people and our nation freedom. The truth of Jesus binds the hand of Satan the destroyer.

2. We are to live the truth before others. We are to be examples for the world to see. We as Christians can influence our society.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV) ¹³  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. ¹⁴  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus said We are to be the salt and light of the earth. Light drives away darkness and evil. Salt preserves from corruption.

3. We are to pray for the Father's help in keeping this nation free. Moses prayed for the forgiveness of the Israelite's and God spared the nation from His judgment. God said in 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 (NKJV) ¹³  When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, ¹⁴  if My people who are called by My name will (1) humble themselves, and (2) pray and (3) seek My face, (seek for God's presence) and (4) turn from their wicked ways, (what God will do) then (1) I will hear from heaven, and (2) will forgive their sin and (3) heal their land. ¹⁵  Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.              God makes the promise that if we do these things His eyes would be open and His ears attentive to our prayers.

In conclusion there is much we Christians can do to help keep America free and blessed of God. We have God on our side. Lets make use of what God has given us!

Invitation: Personal freedom from the penalty and power of sin comes by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you and inviting Him into your life to help you live for Him.