Spiritual Growth

INTRO: When we confessed our sins to Jesus Christ and asked Him to forgive us and save us, we began a spiritual journey that will not end until we leave this earth. So many Christians never grow in their spiritual life, thereby missing out on God's best. Here are a few suggestions to help you progress on the road of spiritual growth. If you do these things you will surely grow spiritually and you will gain tremendous strides in your relationship with Jesus and as a result you will experience more of Him and His blessings in your life. God has much more for all of us Christians who grow in Him.

I. Acknowledge who you are. You are a spirit with a physical body, not a physical body with a spirit. Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. If you can accept this idea, it will change your attitude toward many things in your life. If you have been born again by God’s Spirit, His Spirit also lives in your physical body. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

II. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Look inside you, and try to find out what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. The Holy Spirit is the power by which Christians are brought to faith, then baptized into the body of Christ and then helped to understand their walk with God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 ⁹ But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." ¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

III. Make an effort to think positively. Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Your life will be guided by what you think. Always try to look at the bright side of life. Open the door for the positive and close it for the negative. The word of God is very positive! If you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately direct your mind to thinking on His word. As we read the word of God the Holy Spirit renews our mind to think as God does. Colossians 3:1-2 ¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Rom. 12:2 says, "Don't be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." God's word will do that!

IV. Start learning and practicing meditation on God’s word. Psalms 1:1-3 ¹ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

V. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. [Eph. 5:18] And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation or excess; but be filled with the Spirit,
Surrender to the Holy Spirit's control and live the Spirit filled life. Galatians 5:22-23] ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. By bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can live for God and be victorious in every circumstance and situation. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

VI. Thank God for everything. Thank God for everything that you have in, through and from Him. [Ephesians 1:3; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ¹⁰ "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. ¹¹ Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all. ¹² Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. ¹³ "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

Invitation: Spiritual growth begins with a personal relationship with Jesus. Do you even know Jesus? If not, now is the time to admit that you are a sinner and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and invite Him to live in your heart. Then be baptized to show the sincerity of your salvation.

If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, where are you in your relationship with Him since you have been saved? Are you growing daily in your spiritual walk with Him? WOULD YOU PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN YOUR LIFE? 

The Main Goal in Life

 

God Alone

 

Scripture Text

Psalm 62:5-8

Intro: God has said about King David that he was a man after His own heart, and these scriptures for today help us to understand why God might have said this about David. He had put God first in his life and even though David was going through a time of great danger and distress when he penned this Psalm, he kept his faith in God and looked to Him alone no matter what.

I. God Alone Provides Soul Rest and Hope. Psalm 62:5 (NKJV)
⁵  My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. People look many places and try many things to find rest for their souls, but they will never find soul rest in anything on this earth. King David also needed soul rest and he knew the only place a person can find that rest, and he shares with us what he had discovered in his life. We would be wise to heed his advise. Read verse 5a! David had learned to wait upon the Lord and find rest for his troubled soul in God alone. Where are you looking to find rest for your soul? You can take a vacation or time off from work, but then you have to come back and face the realities of life all over again. God's rest for your soul will completely satisfy you and give you the strength you need to face every situation or circumstance. David said in the last part of verse 5b “my hope (confident expectation) comes from the Lord.” David was a man of God who was committed to Him and would go with God regardless of what the outcome might be. Other men would have become bitter, but not David. You can never be disappointed when your hope comes from God and your expectations are placed in Him.

II. God Alone Provides Security and Stability. Psalm 62:6 (NKJV)
⁶  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. The metaphor of a rock symbolizes something that is secure and stable in a persons life and never moves. That something in David's life was God alone. God can be counted on through every storm one has to face in life. There's a hymn we sing “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace, In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” David says not only is God his rock, but He is also his salvation. He knew all salvation comes from God, whether it be soul salvation or salvation from the things we face in this life. David then says God is his defense, his fortress or security. What or who are you placing your security and stability in? Everything and everyone on earth will fail you. Only in God alone can we look for security and stability, and when we do David says we will not be shaken. Isaiah 40:25 (NLT) “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. God cannot be compared to anyone or anything. He knows everything about His Creation and sustains it. There is no real security and stability apart from God.

III. God Alone Provides Salvation and Glory. Psalm 62:7 (NKJV) ⁷  In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. David knew without God's innumerable deliverance's, he would have been crushed by his foes. The same is true for us. God saves us every day from things we don't even realize. The devil would destroy us if God wasn't protecting us. If God was not our Shepard, we would get into situations that would bring us harm or destruction. The only honor or glory we have comes from God. He made us in His image and crowned us with His glory. The metaphor of a mighty rock symbolizes God is mighty in our lives and He is our strongest support through all we will ever face. He is our refuge or hiding place. When we are seeking a place of peace and safety from the storms of life, we find it in God our refuge.

IV. God Alone Can Be Trusted At All Times. Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)⁸  Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah! David says to us by his example to be encouraged and learn to trust God at all times. Because God is all the things mentioned in verses 5-7 David instructs all God's people to pour out their hearts before Him in continual trust, making known all the desires, cares, and griefs of our hearts to him freely and frequently, with confident expectation of obtaining what we want or desire from him, realizing He is our Refuge, which means "shelter from all danger."

Invitation: Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, and are you trusting fully in Christ the solid Rock for your salvation and security? If not, now is the perfect time to do that. Be baptized to show your sincerity. You'll be thankful you did.

The One Needful Thing!

 

Scripture Text

Luke 10:38-42

Intro: Most Christians think they have to be busy doing things for the Lord to please Him. The more they do the more pleased Jesus is with them. But the verses before us today give us enlightenment as to what Jesus considers the most needful thing in a person's life.

I. Martha welcomed Jesus into her house! Luke 10:38 (NKJV)
³⁸  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. We need to be like Martha in this respect. May we welcome Him into our life as we start each day! Jesus stands at the door and knocks in; Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. He won't force His way in, He must be invited in.

II. Martha's focus. Luke 10:40 (NKJV) But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." She was distracted by much serving. She complained about no help! Many Christians are stressed out from to much serving. They feel they have to keep busy for Him to please Him. Jesus let Martha know the truth about her misplaced priorities. Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. Jesus was not rebuking her for wanting to serve Him, but she was to sit at His feet and listen to Him first and then serve. You can be so busy for Jesus and others that you don’t take time to be in His presence and listen to Him. If you don't take time to listen to Jesus there will be no joy in your serving. You will be serving in your own strength. Martha's eyes were on her sister. Some today try to serve that way. She was worried and troubled about many things, not just serving. How many do you know that are serving God and it is torture for them and they make it known to everyone? They complain about this and that. Miserable Christians they are! Jesus doesn’t want you to stress out over serving Him and others so you need to stop, sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him. Then we will be prepared to serve Him in His way and strength instead of our own which really profits nothing.

III. Mary's focus. Luke 10:39 (NKJV) And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. We need to be like Mary also. She knew what was important and needful. Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Jesus said one thing is needful, necessary, worth being concerned over and that's Listening to Him. Mary had chosen the good part and it would not be taken from her. When you take time out of your daily schedule to sit at Jesus’ feet you have chosen that good part and you will be blessed. Godly Christians are to pray for understanding and knowledge and listen to hear the Holy Spirit speaking through God’s word. God has given us His word to strengthen, comfort, and encourage us. His word gives us guidance and direction in life. From Jesus’ word we obtain wisdom that we need to serve Him and live successfully for Him in this world. God blesses and favors those who read His word. Our relationship with Jesus is made ever more intimate as we sit at Jesus feet and hear His words. Then we apply them in our service for Him and in our every day life. In God’s word we will find His promises to us and we will find the path for a victorious lifestyle. May all Christians see a need to read God’s word and listen for the Holy Spirit's leading. How many problems of the church and our lives could we avoid if we all read this word daily and lived each day by it?Jesus has a plan for our lives but if we don’t take time to sit at His feet we won’t find it!Jesus wrote the instruction book for life! Have you ever tried to put something you bought together without reading the instructions first? What usually happens besides not being able to finish the job? A great loss of time! Jesus alone knows the most successful path in life. In John 15:5 Jesus said “without Him we could do nothing.” Jesus says in verse 42 that There is Nothing more needful in your life than God’s word. Luke 4:4 But Jesus answered him-[the devil], saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "

Conclusion: When you choose God’s word as the most needful thing in your life, it will not be taken from you and you will have great success and you can serve God in His power!

INVITATION: God’s word says He wants all mankind to come to the knowledge of the truth. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Invite Him into your life to take charge of you. Is Jesus saying to you that you are troubled and worried about many things? Do you feel stressed out over things? Then take time daily to read His word!

God's Will Concerning the Spirit

Scripture Text

Ephesians 5:17-21

Intro: To be able to live the Christian life God intends we need power that we don't have within ourselves. God made provision for that when He sent His Spirit to this earth at Pentecost. Only a person filled with God's Spirit can live victoriously in this world.

I. We are not to be foolish and unwise. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV) ¹⁵  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶  redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. God wills for us to be wise. We should not be foolish and silly but instead we should redeem (make the most of) time and understand what the Lord wants us to do. God has a will for His children. We are to understand what His will is for each of us that belong to Him. Believers must not waste their time acting thoughtlessly anymore. We have a job to do, and our lives must reflect our motivation and our goal which is to serve our Lord, share His gospel message, and live in a way so as to honor Christ and be ready for His Kingdom.

II. God wills for us to be filled with His Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV)¹⁸  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. To understand the Father's will and carry it out we need a power that we don't have within ourselves. The first church in the book of Acts didn't have radio, T.V. Newspapers or social media but they turned the world upside down. They were not discouraged from acting on their faith no matter what they had to face. What was their secret? Acts 2:4 says they were all filled with the Spirit. We also need the Spirit's power to understand and carry out God's will. We are not to be drunk with wine. Being drunk with wine portrays the work of the flesh, our old life, that was sinful and evil. Being filled with the Spirit portrays our new life in Christ. Just as too much wine influences and controls your actions that all can see, being filled with the Spirit influences our actions and causes us to act a certain way for all to see Christ in our lives. With the old life we served the devil and sin. With the Spirit we are to serve God and live for Him. To be filled the Spirit means to be fully surrendered to and controlled by the Spirit. The fullness of the Spirit is a personal manifestation of Christ to the believer who walks obediently day by day. It is a consciousness of His presence, of His leadership—moment by moment. Romans 8:14 (NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Being filled and led by the Spirit is the believer's privilege and duty. But the Spirit's filling and leading is not an automatic experience. The responsibility of being filled and led by the Spirit rests upon the shoulders of each believer. Can't just pray once and it's done. To be filled with God's Spirit we must be walking (living) in obedience to Christ and desiring more of Him in our lives. Then the heavenly Father fills us with the very Source of all good things. Just think about that. The very presence of God dwelling within our hearts and bodies! If He dwells within us, then every good thing is assured. Once we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we have God's presence within to accompany and guide us and give us understanding of His will for our lives and the power to accomplish His will.

III. The evidence of being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:19-21 (NKJV) ¹⁹  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰  giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹  submitting to one another in the fear of God.

1. A Spirit-filled person has a singing spirit. [v:19] The mention of singing is the picture of true joy and happiness. God's Spirit will put a song in your heart. Grounded in God’s word and correct doctrine, music can be an important part of Christian worship and education.

2. A Spirit-filled person has a thankful spirit. [v:20] Note the words "always" and "for all things." No mumbling and complaining. Our lives are in God's hands. He guides and directs us in and through all things. Therefore, we can thank Him for all things—no matter what the things are. He controls all. Giving thanks as we walk along throughout the day—always giving thanks—helps us to experience the fullness of God's Spirit.

3. A Spirit-filled person has a submissive and respectful spirit. [v:21] When we submit to God, we become more willing to obey his command to submit to others, to surrender our rights to theirs. A Spirit-filled person does not have a spirit of criticism, dissension, envy, divisiveness, or selfishness. He has a spirit of submissiveness. The same is true of churches: a Spirit-filled church has a body of people who are submissive—going out of their way to minister and serve each other. There is no dissension or divisiveness, no envy or selfishness among its people. In the fear of God, they submit to each other in the fullness of God's Spirit. They also produce the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Galatians 5:22 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Conclusion: We are to take seriously the command to be filled with the Spirit. It is not an option for us to decide. It is the will of God. If you haven't already begun to pray to be filled with God's Spirit, begin right now and pray for it everyday and receive what God has willed for you and live in His power. It is of the utmost importance for the Christian.

Invitation: The only way to have the Spirit of God in your life is to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life. At that moment the Spirit comes into your life. Then surrender completely to God's Spirit and let Him lead you until God calls you home!

 

Being Thankful

 

Scripture Text

Psalm 100

Intro: The attitude when you enter church will determine how you perceive everything that takes place. We are to enter God's house with our focus on Him. When we focus on all the wonderful attributes of God our hearts are filled with thankfulness to Him.

I. We Are to Shout Joyfully to the Lord! Psalm 100:1 (NKJV) ¹  Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Here we are told every nation is to “Shout joyfully to God!” We who have been saved and made a child of God should give a joyful shout of praise to God for all He has done for us. Lets all praise God with a big Hallelujah! One day when Jesus returns to rule and reign on this earth, the devil and all his demons will be defeated. When this happens all nations will shout for joy. We who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus will join in with those of all nations to give a joyful shout of praise to God! This is a shout of victory over evil, over sin, over the devil and all wickedness! One thousand years of peace on earth as we rule and reign with Christ and then a new heaven and earth in which we will serve God forever! What a day that will be!

II. Being Thankful Means Joyfully Serving God! Psalm 100:2 (NKJV) ²  Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. If we are truly thankful We will serve God with our spiritual gifts and We serve Him with gladness. Our singing to God with joyful songs is a means of worshiping Him. As we worship we focus on God and show our reverent honor, respect and adoration to Him because He has given His only begotten Son to die for the penalty of our sins and make us His children. God now freely gives us all things through Jesus. When you think of God's love, mercy and grace in all He has done for us, it's not hard to serve Him, sing to Him and show Him the honor, respect and reverence due His name.

III. Being Thankful Means We Follow God! Psalm 100:3 (NKJV) Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. We acknowledge He alone is God and there is no other. He is sovereign over all. We acknowledge God is the One who made us, we belong to Him. In Genesis 2:7 God “formed” man out of the dust of the ground. He made us in His image and likeness. He has also made a covenant with us through the shed blood of Jesus. We now belong to Him. Because we are His, God instructs us, He leads us. We follow Him because we are the sheep of His pasture and He is our good Shepherd. Psalm 23:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul! Because God is our Shepherd all our needs are met. God our Shepherd leads us His sheep to rest and refreshment. He restores our soul. Jesus said In Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV) ²⁸  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

IV. Being Thankful Means We Praise and Bless His Name! Psalm 100:4 (NKJV) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. We are to enter God's house with our focus on Him, thanking, praising and blessing His name for all the wonderful things He has done for us. That's our reason for gathering together in His house. When we Bless His name, it means we proclaim as holy. It means we give all glory to Him as we lift up His name. We say good things about our heavenly Father when we leave this place. We tell others what awesome things God has done for us and what He wants to do for them. The truly thankful person is one who can see the hand of God in things around him and can see the hand of God working in their life. A thankful person sees the incredible things that God has done for them and others so that praise can be offered to God. It is not natural for people to simply thank God for all things, but it's something that has to be developed through constant exercise. It takes time to stop our mind and discipline it to thank Him for His Works in us. From His word we learn that everything perfect and good is from God.

James 1:17-19 (NLT) ¹⁷  Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. ¹⁸  He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. Bless His holy name!

V. We Are to Thank God For His Unchanging Character! Psalm 100:5 (NKJV)  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. God has been, is and always will be good. Good means morally excellent; perfect; innocent; and righteous. God is and always will be merciful in His dealings with mankind. Mercy means compassion for the miserable and a desire to help. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for God to exercise mercy toward mankind. He is truth! Truth means that which is true and in accordance with reality. God's character never changes. Every generation can count on God being the same as He was in history and will be the same for ages to come. Thank God that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Invitation: We are to be thankful to God for His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? You come to know Jesus when you confess your sins to Him and ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell and for Heaven. If you have not done that now is the right time.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You, praise, magnify and honor Your name for all You have done for us. Help us to always remember to give You thanks on a daily basis. We recognize that You made us and we belong to You because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Help us as we leave here to always bring honor to Your name by what we say and how we live our lives. May we always be good witnesses for You in front of others and when we are alone.

Never Changing Jesus

 

Scripture Text Heb. 13:8

Intro: We live in a world that is changing all the time. Nothing ever stays the same. Though times and leaders change, Jesus Christ does not. Jesus Christ is the same all the time. Jesus never changes! He has been, is now and will always be faithful to us.

I. Jesus served us faithfully yesterday. [John 1:1,14, Philippians 2:8]a. John 1:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²  He was in the beginning with God. John 1:14 (NKJV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. In times past Jesus Christ was with God in heaven and He was God. He looked upon the plight of corruption and sin that had separated mankind from God. So He left heaven for us, came to this earth in a fleshly body. Philippians 2:8 (NKJV) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Jesus took on the form of a bond servant and humbled Himself even to the point of dying on a cross for us. He suffered to the ultimate degree for us: He took our sins upon Himself and bore our guilt and the punishment due us. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for us. He gave His life and shed His precious blood for us on the cross. He loved us and did everything necessary to save us from hell and make us acceptable to God.

II. Jesus serves us faithfully today. [Romans 8:34, Heb. 4:14-16] a. He is our mediator before God today. He has been raised form the dead and intercedes for us at the right hand of God. Romans 8:34 (NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Jesus is even right now lifting us up before the Father. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) ¹⁴  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵  For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Because Jesus is our High Priest and can sympathize with our weaknesses, we can go right before God's throne and obtain the mercy and grace we need today. Yesterday He suffered to the ultimate degree for us; today He has been exalted to the ultimate degree for us. He, the very Son of God, is our great High Priest who has passed through the heavens and been exalted to the right hand of the throne of God. And He has been exalted for one reason and one reason only: to shower mercy and grace upon His followers as He meets our every need. We can now come boldly before God's throne of grace with our needs. Are you taking advantage of this mercy and grace today?

III. Jesus will remain faithful to us forever.                                                   a.  "Jesus Christ is the same forever": forever—eternally, from now on, throughout all the ages. Jesus Christ has not only been exalted to the ultimate degree to meet our needs only for today, but He lives eternally to meet our needs forever and ever. John 14:1-3 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. Here is how Jesus will return! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 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. 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. At this time Jesus will then take us to the marriage supper of the Lamb there in heaven while the great tribulation is happening on earth. Then Jesus will return to earth with us in our glorified bodies and He will be the King over all the earth. We will rule and reign with Him on earth for a thousand years. Then the earth and the heavens as we know it will pass away according to Rev. 20:11 and there will be a new heaven and earth wherein no evil or death will ever present. Revelation 21:1-5 (NKJV) ¹  Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.²  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." ⁵  Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." Jesus in the future will make all things new. He has made it possible for us to live in the new heavens and earth with the Father and Him where we will reign with Him forever and ever. Yes, Jesus will remain faithful to us forever!

Conclusion: Because of what Jesus has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and what He will do in the future makes Him sufficient for any need we believers will ever have. Christ’s grace is presently and permanently available to all who believe in Him. No other religion has a risen Savior who has died for them and now lives in them and will be faithful to deliver them to heaven.  Thank God for the unspeakable gift of His unchangeable Son Jesus Christ.

Invitation: Do you know this unchangeable Jesus? Have you confessed your sins to Him and asked Him to forgive you for those sins? If not don't wait any longer. Do it now! Tomorrow might be too late!

Be Still

Scripture Text Psalm 46:10

Intro: We live in a time of chaos today. Everything seems to be totally out of control. Sin is rampant. There is deception and lies everywhere. Divisiveness rules our land right now. There is little stability in our world today as we look around us but God speaks to us from His word. Let us be encouraged by God’s word. He is our only stability no matter what! He is in control of every situation and circumstance.

I. God says in His word to “Be still.” – That means to be tranquil, silent, quiet, and at rest in your heart and mind. No matter what's going on, we should have peace.

a. This is a challenge for all of us. We must work at it. There is Sickness, Political unrest, biased media, looting, rioting, covid-19 everywhere. There is no substitute for time alone with God. We are to read His word, meditate on it and we pray about everything. Stillness before the Lord in quiet time allows Him to prepare us for the unexpected challenges and opportunities in life. We should focus on Him rather than trying to figure out every problem we face and wondering what will come next or grieving over past things. God says we are simply to “be still, be at peace” as we acknowledge His Lordship over our lives and Surrender to His will.

II. Then God says to “know” something. Know means to recognize and discern.

a. We are to know, recognize and understand that He is God and has everything under control. He has everything covered, nothing takes Him by surprise.

He’s already in our future working things out on our behalf and for our good.

Let there be no doubt whatsoever that He has a perfect plan for all of us.

We can put our complete trust in Him in every situation and circumstance we face.

We just need to wait quietly and simply let Him work in us so He can work through us to accomplish His will in our lives. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

III. God says “I will be exalted.” [Habakkuk 2:14] [Psalm 2:3-12]

a. God will be raised in rank, honor, power, character, glory among all the nations of the world. God’s lofty position over all will be made known to all nations who live on the face of the earth. ^{Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV)  For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.}

All the idols of the world will be burned up by God’s wrath when Jesus comes to rule and reign. All the other religions of the world that have sent many to hell by their false teachings will be destroyed by the fire of God’s wrath and He will be exalted as His word proclaims.
God in all His glory will rule supreme on the earth over all through His Son Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. Psalm 2:1-12 (NKJV) ¹  Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? ²  The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ³  "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." ⁴  He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. ⁵  Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: ⁶  "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." ⁷  "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. ⁸  Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. ⁹  You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' " ¹⁰  Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. ¹¹  Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. ¹²  Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Those burning God's word which is the truth that guides us and our flag which stands for freedom!

b. God will have His salvation proclaimed in every nation, among every people, and in every tongue. The nations abroad that do not worship Him, but worship idols, shall see that He alone is the true God, and that He is worthy of universal adoration and worship. God has declared all the peoples on earth will bow before His Son.

Philippians 2:9-11 ⁹ God has highly exalted Jesus 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.

Psalm 46:11  The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Our Safety,sanctuary, hiding place. Selah Stop and meditate on that!

Conclusion: If you have not developed the habit of quiet time to still your mind, daily prayer and bible study, why not begin now so you will draw closer to God and realize He is sovereign over all the earth. When you do you will have rest and peace in your mind and soul.

Invitation: Do you have a relationship with this all powerful God? Have you gotten still before God and confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you and save you for Heaven when this life is over? If not now is the right time!