“Taking Inventory”

 

Scripture Text

Psalms 26:2 (NKJV)
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

Intro: This time of year all businesses begin to take inventory for the purpose of determining what they accomplished for the past year and from that information, they formulate a plan for the New Year. We Christians need to do the same thing. We take inventory of what we have accomplished spiritually and formulate a plan for 2026.

I. Allow God’s Spirit to examine ~ study you in a very careful way! (v:2) Ask Him to show you where you need to change! God’s purpose for all His people in this life is to conform them to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 (NKJV) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Conform means to be in agreement on every point. Is your life being brought into agreement with Christ’s way of doing things? Let God examine and show you the truth. Are you fulfilling the purpose of God in your life? Do you even know your purpose? Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Our purpose in life is to constantly be changed into that new person He created us to be. We are changed in our thinking as we pray and read God’s word. We find His will for us. We were created to bring praise, honor and glory to Him while we are in this world.

II. Allow God to prove you through your actions! Prove means to show the character or ability expected of one, especially through one's actions. Are you most like the Father God in your actions or the world? Is your life being shaped more by others’ expectations of you than by God’s priorities? Are some of the things you are doing based on guilt, or a desire for approval or a need to make a good impression? Does God see the motive for your actions based on His will, yours, or someone else’s? Take note each week as to the use of your time. How much time is spent on the things of God? Ask God if any activities you are involved in that may not be on His agenda for you. When your activities have a reason, God’s reason, you can be less affected by the opinions of those who may not understand why you do what you do. God blesses His activities!

III. Allow God to test you in mind and heart! Test means to subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, trouble; or duty. Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. James 1:3 (NKJV) Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. A lot of people talk the talk of faith, but do not walk the walk of faith when tested. 2 Corinthians 13:5a (NCV) Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. What you and I are seeking in the end is the  freedom to be who God is calling us to be. Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT) ²⁰ For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. ²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. This should be the goal for our lives this year of 2026! Not just in theory, but in everyday practice.

Invitation: Will you allow God to examine your heart right now? Allow Him to show you your heart as He sees it. Where do you stand in your relationship with God? Do you even have a relationship with God? If not, ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and invite Him into your life. If you have a relationship with God, allow God to test your motives and purposes for what you do? Will you take action and look back on what you did last year and see how much it fit God’s plan for your life! Will you rededicate your life to Him right now?

We Remember Jesus' Suffering!

Intro: As Easter approaches, we take time to remember what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago when He gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. After His last Supper, Jesus made His way to the “Garden of Gethsemane” where He would pray for Himself. He prayed for the strength to fulfill the father's will for Him. No one ever suffered like Jesus!

1. Jesus suffers agony in the garden. After Jesus and His disciples had observed the Passover meal celebrating the exit of the Israelite's from Egypt. At the end of the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Then Jesus and His disciples made their way to the garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus' would be suffering great agony and pain and would be forsaken by His disciples that He loved as He made His final steps to the cross. As the Lord's Resurrection Day approaches, we need to take time to once again remember that severe agony, pain and humiliation Jesus suffered for us on His way to the cross. We must never forget what Jesus suffered for us! Luke 22:39-46 (ESV) ³⁹  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰  And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹  And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴²  saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³  And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵  And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶  and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” These verses tell us what happened as Jesus prayed there in the garden. He was in such agony the angels came and ministered to Him, strengthening Him as He sweat drops of blood. There while He was praying, His disciples went to sleep on Him. They could not stay awake to pray for strength to go thru what was ahead. May we not sleep but pray!

2. Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples. Luke 22:47-48 (ESV) ⁴⁷  While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸  but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

3. He was forsaken by His disciples. Matthew 26:31 (NKJV)
³¹ Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Not one disciple stood by Him. Jesus walked the road of suffering to the cross all alone.

4. Peter denied Him 3 times, the last time with a curse. Matthew 26:74-75 (NKJV)
⁷⁴  Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.

Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and had seen Him work many miracles that only God could do, still denied Jesus. How that hurt Jesus!

5. No fault could be found in Him. Luke 23:13-16 (NKJV)
¹³  Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,¹⁴  said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; ¹⁵  no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.
¹⁶  I will therefore chastise Him and release Him" Jesus was falsely accused and denied a proper trial before the religious leaders and Pontius Pilate.

6. Jesus was condemned to die unjustly. Luke 23:18-24 (NKJV) ¹⁸  And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas"--¹⁹  who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. ²⁰  Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.²¹  But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" ²²  Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." ²³  But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. ²⁴  So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. Even though Jesus did no wrong, He was unjustly condemned to die on a cross by His own people the Jews.

7. Jesus forsaken by the Father the cross. Matthew 27:45-46 (NKJV) ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" He was even left alone by the Father God while He bore our sins in His body. We remember how Jesus endured that cross, hanging there in agony with His arms outstretched in love until He gave His Life and shed His precious blood to pay the penalty for our sins.

8. Jesus finished everything needed for our salvation. [John 19:28-30] ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. The payment for mankind's sin was now paid in full. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! Let us just take a minute to bow our heads and each of us personally thank Jesus for what He has done for us. In conclusion, may we always show our love, honor and respect for our Savior and Lord because of what He has done for us. May He always have first place in our lives. Let us leave here to live for Him daily!

Invitation: If you have never taken advantage of what Jesus' suffered for you, Do it now by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to take charge of you and His love and salvation will flood your soul forever.

True Love

Scripture Text

1 John 4:7-11

Intro: There are many definitions for the word love. It is used in so many various ways it has lost its real meaning. The scriptures for today tell us what true love is, where it comes from and what imitation love is and where it comes from in God’s point of view.

I. True love is from God. 1 John 4:7-8 (NKJV)
⁷  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 a. Christians are to love one another. God is the source of all love; therefore, love comes from God. The phrase anyone who truly loves is born of God.” Only those who have experienced the new birth are able to have the love described here. Those who have received this gift are endowed with the nature of God and thereby become partakers of the divine love. Love for fellow Christians provides proof of spiritual birth and relationship with God. In addition, John says, anyone who truly loves knows God. This speaks of an ongoing knowledge—“getting to know” God—a continual, growing, spiritual knowledge based on actual experience of God in a believers’ life. It follows, then, that a person who does not love other Christians has never known God. The Greek verb for “know” is in the aorist tense, thereby indicating that this person not only doesn’t know God now but has never known him. The statement God is love ought not be turned around to say “Love is God” or watered down to “God is loving,” as if this were just one of God’s attributes. Rather, love is God’s very essence. It is not one of God’s many activities; instead, all of His activities are done with love. When He disciplines or teaches, for example, He does so with love. And conversely, because God loves, he disciplines and teaches.

Because He is love, He can do nothing without love.

II. God’s love demonstrated through Jesus. 1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹  In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Jesus Christ, sent from God, embodied the Father’s love and demonstrated that love in His life on earth. Of all the different kinds of love, God’s love—agape love—is the truest. Greek has four words to depict four different kinds of love: (1) eros for sexual passion, (2) storge for family devotion, (3) philos for friendship, and (4) agape for loving-kindness. Agape was used exclusively by John to characterize God’s love. It speaks of compassion, regard, kindness, and unselfishness without expecting anything in return. Agape love does not come naturally for humans. We are not born with it, neither can we learn it. Believers receive agape love only through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 “Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Verse 10 says Not that we loved God, but that he loved us. The love relationship was initiated by God; people had nothing to do with it. How could we? All people were totally dead to God—dead in trespasses and sins ( Ephesians 2:1). He loved us even though we were totally unworthy of his love. He loved us so much that he sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. God in His love sent his Son to the world to die for undeserving sinners—that kind of love is real agape love. By removing sin, God removed the barrier between Him and his people so that He could live within His people and they could live within Him.

III. Because of God’s love for us we are to love each other. 1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 God’s supreme love for us is the motivation of our love for each other. Because we are born of God, we should resemble our Father, who is love. As we grow in appreciation of God’s love for us, our love for him and for other Christians will grow as well. The way God loves people—sacrificially, unselfishly, completely—provides the example for how we should love each other.

Conclusion: As we grow in appreciation of God’s love for us, we will also grow in our love for each other. We need more of God’s love in this world today and it’s up to us to share His love with others to make this world a better place to live.

Invitation: Jesus extends His love to you right now. If you have never stopped and confessed your sins to Christ, do it now and ask Him to forgive those sins and then invite Him into your life to live in and through you. Be baptized and begin to grow in that love that God has for you. You will so glad you did.

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!

Jesus' Acceptance of Children

Scripture Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hezekiah's Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

                                            Scripture Text:                                                 Matthew 27:45-50 (NKJV) ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" ⁴⁷ Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!" ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him." ⁵⁰ And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

Intro: As Jesus hung there on the cross, He gave a mysterious loud cry: "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me." This was the great separation, the moment when God forsook Christ, His only Son. What is the meaning of this shocking statement? The very idea that God could and would "forsake" His only Son staggers the human mind. Yet Christ shouted out: "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" The meaning cannot be ventured into lightly. The meaning requires reverence and much prayerful thought. But even then, it remains impossible to measure the depth of what all His cry means. Scripture indicates at least the following meanings.

1. "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Jesus sensed that God had withdrawn His presence from Him. He sensed that God was no longer with Him. God had to turn His back on His on Son while He bore the sins of the world. Jesus was willing to be forsaken of God for you and me. He became the sacrificial “Lamb of God” that takes away the sin of the world. Even as God the Father forsook Him, Jesus still called the Father My God!

2. "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Jesus sensed that God had withdrawn His deliverance. Always in the past when Jesus was troubled, God had met His need. For example, God had sent a voice from heaven to assure Him (John 12:27-28); and when He was facing the cup in the garden of Gethsemane, God had even sent an angel to strengthen Him. But now, hanging upon the cross, God had forsaken Him. There was no deliverance from God. He was left all alone so that you and I would never be forsaken or separated from God! Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) ³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Jesus sensed that He was bearing the curse of God, the curse of separation from God, the curse of the judgment and condemnation of God against sin. Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV) ¹³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), ¹⁴ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

4. "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Jesus sensed that God's life and holiness had left Him, He felt He was now dying as a sinful man and He felt that He had been delivered into the hands of the enemies of life and holiness, that is, into the hands of sin and death. He was being made sin and having to die. And both sin and death were foreign to Jesus, alien to His nature which is life and holiness. Both sin and death stood as enemies of God and enemies to all that belonged to God and He was facing them both for us.

  In becoming sin and in dying, Christ experienced all that was contrary to the nature of God—all that was involved in God separating Himself from sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴ Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Jesus' cry was fulfilling the prophesy in Psalm 22:1. The reason God had to forsake Jesus is given in Psalm 22:3: "Thou art holy." Jesus had "become sin" for many as the Bible says in;(2 Cor. 5:21).

He had to bear the penalty due man—the penalty of separation from a perfectly holy God. In all the mystery of His death, Scripture proclaims: 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV) Jesus Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

Note in verses 47-49 that some of the crowd misunderstood the words of Jesus' cry. One had compassion and sought to help Him by giving Him a drink. But others stopped the man and mocked by demanding that He be left alone to see if Elijah would come to save Him.

In verse 50 we see the great shout of triumph and the yielding up of Jesus' spirit.

1.  Jesus cried, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The Greek word tetelestai is the shout of victorious purpose which means “The debt is paid.” Christ had completed His work, mission, and task for all mankind.

He was not crying the cry of a defeated martyr; He was crying the cry of a victorious conqueror over Satan, sin, death and Hell.

2.  Then Jesus "Yielded up His Spirit" means that He willingly yielded and gave up His spirit. It must always be remembered that Jesus willingly died. He willingly came to this moment of yielding and giving up His spirit unto death for the salvation of all mankind.

Invitation: Jesus was forsaken of God for you. Have you taken advantage of the salvation Jesus has provided for you on the cross when He bore the penalty for your sins so that you could be forgiven and saved from Hell? If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, confess your sins to Him right now and ask Him to forgive you and save you for Heaven when this life is over. Ask Him to take charge of your life and then be baptized to show you have put your full trust in Him as your Savior and Lord.

Importance of God’s Word

Scripture Texts

Heb. 4:12 

 Psalms 19:7-14

Intro: There are many books in this world you can read but no worldly book will do for you what God’s word can. When the word of God was written it was under the specific guidance and supervision of the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit is still revealing the truth of God’s word to our hearts today.  God’s word shows us the path to take in this world of confusion. There are many voices speaking to us today but only one voice needs to be heard above all the others. God’s word is the necessary standard for all other hearing and the way we live.

I. King David had learned the importance of obeying and living God’s word. Psalms 19:7 (NLT) The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

 a. The perfect Law of God can change people. God’s word is constantly changing people. It revives the weary soul, those whose souls need rest from the trials, tests, tribulations of this life. The word’s instructions can be trusted to make one wise.  There are many books filled with knowledge, but only one addresses our spiritual needs. We can fill our minds with knowledge, but only God’s wisdom can tell us how to apply God’s word to everyday living.

II. God’s word gives joy to the heart and gives insight for living. Psalms 19:8 (NLT) The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

 a. Insight is an understanding of the motivational forces behind our actions, thoughts, and behavior.  That is, insight brightens our lives and guides us each day. The word’s instructions, commands, and rules for living are all clear and specific instructions from God Himself on how we are to live. It gives us guidance when we don’t know the way to go or what to do. Joy and guidance fill the soul of one who meditates on the word of God and follows His commands.

III. Reverence for the Lord is pure and God’s word is always true. Psalms 19:9 (NLT)
 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.

 a. Reverence is here a synonym for fear, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts. It means to deeply respect God as the One who controls our life. The Law (word of God) is true.... sure, and righteous. It was designed to cause believers to obey God and leads to righteous living. We reverence God because He saved us and adopted us into His family.

IV. God’s word is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Psalms 19:10-11 (NLT)
¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. ¹¹ They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

 a. God’s words are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, the rich man who lost his soul. The values of the Word cannot be computed in terms of gold. But it does have this one thing in common with gold: persons must dig for its treasures. Great wealth is hidden in the pages of God’s Book, and man’s best interests are served by searching for them. God’s words are sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known in the ancient Near East. Nothing is sweeter than reading God’s salvation message and His words of love, mercy, grace, and compassion toward us who belong to Him. God’s word’s give us warnings of the dangers of folly and sin. God’s word protects us from all evil and its terrible consequences. God’s word brings us a great reward. God’s word gives us the path of life that leads to His blessings and favors.

 V. God’s word reveals our sins and faults. (v:12) Psalms 19:12 (NLT) How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

  a. When we read God’s word is a warning to us. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. The word of God penetrates through our outer facade and reveals what lies deep inside. The metaphor of the sharpest knife pictures the word of God cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires, revealing what we really are on the inside. Nothing can be hidden from God; neither can we hide from ourselves if we sincerely study the word of God. It reaches deep past our outer life as a knife passes through skin. It penetrates to the soul!

  b.   God’s word tells us how to be cleansed from our secret sins. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Conclusion:  David closed with a prayer. Psalms 19:13-14 (NLT)
¹³ Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. ¹⁴ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

   a. Contemplation of the holy word of God led David to pray for complete cleansing so that he could live an upright (innocent) and acceptable life before God.

      He prayed for God to keep him from deliberate sins. Those he planned in his heart and then carried out knowing it was wrong. He asked to be free of guilt and to be innocent of great sin.

   b. David prayed that the words of his mouth and the meditations of his heart be pleasing unto God his Rock and Redeemer. There is much to gain by reading, studying and living God’s word. How to live the successful and abundant life is found in God’s word.                    
Invitation: The word of God says that we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Rom. 3:23) The bible says the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. (Rom. 6:23) Have you asked Jesus to forgive and save you from hell and give you the gift of eternal life? If not now would be an excellent time to do so. Are you daily reading and studying God’s word? Are you daily living for God? If not start today and watch your life to change!