God is Working

Intro: As we look at what is happening in this nation and around the world we may be tempted to believe that God doesn't isn't working but God's word tells us the very opposite. God is working in us and for us through this unsettled time and at all times.

I. God is working to complete the good work He has started in our lives. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) ⁶  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
This is the mark of confidence in God's salvation. God will complete His good work in believers. That's His promise to His people. Confidence and assurance are two of the outstanding traits of genuine believers. The good work God has started refers to His salvation of our souls and His continued sanctification of believers. Do you realize that God is at work in your life? Paul in this scripture is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that begins when people accept Jesus. God who began a good work of redemption in us will continue his work until it is finally finished when we believers meet Christ Jesus face to face. God works in us both to will and do His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] God will never stop working in our lives no matter what.                                                

II. God is working all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that (all) things work together for good to (those who love God,) to those who are (the called according to His purpose.) He didn't say all things are good but He is working all things together for our good. We tend to draw closer to God when things aren't going so good such as what we are going thru right now with this pandemic. As we do we are growing in our relationship with God. We are learning to trust and rely on Him more and more no matter the situation in life we might face.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” A person can make all the plans they want in this life but God directs their steps. If God is directing a Christian's steps then nothing can happen to him until God calls him home. These Scriptures should give us an incredible sense of assurance in God’s faithfulness toward us who believe. It should bring a certain level of hope and encouragement to our hearts. He is the good and faithful Shepherd of our lives, God will never leave us nor forsake us, He can be trusted through every circumstance. He is the one who began the good work in us and will carry it on to completion. Yes, even now in the midst of this pandemic in our nation or whatever trial we might be going thru, He is working all things together for our good, to conform us to the image of Christ. [Rom. 8:29] This is what God is working out, it's His goal for us!

III. God works through His word. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is (living )and (powerful), and (sharper than any two-edged sword), piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God's word separates a rebellious soul from an obedient spirit, a sinful soul from a righteous spirit. Our solid foundation is not based on the things of this earth. Most books may just sit on a shelf collecting dust, but the word of God vibrates with life. The Word of God is living and powerful, speaking truth into our lives, helping us establish a firm foundation to base our lives on while we go through life on this side of eternity. The word of God is active, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. The demands of the word of God require decisions. It guides our path in life. It is to be believed and obeyed above all other things we might read or hear. We not only listen to God's word, we let it shape our lives. Because the word of God is living and powerful, He uses it to accomplish His work in our lives for as long as we live on this earth. His word can be counted on when you can't count on anything else!

Conclusion: How should you respond to this truth? Begin to spend more of your time reading God's word and praying while you are staying in. Let to the Holy Spirit speak to you from God's word instead of the news report about how bad things are.

Invitation: Has God begun His good work in you? If not now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to to forgive you and save you for heaven and from hell. Don't delay! You may not have another opportunity like you have right now. As you give your life to Him He will complete His good work in you!

Gaither Vocal Band - Hear My Song, Lord

Unshakable Kingdom

Worry Free Living

Scripture Text

Matt. 6: 24- 34

Intro: Who is the greatest preacher you have ever heard? Jesus, the greatest preacher that has ever been on this earth, is going to preach to us and we would be wise to listen and heed His words. If we heed Jesus’ words, we will surely be victorious in this life!

Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

There are only two treasures: the earth and its treasures or God and His treasures, physical and material things or spiritual and eternal things. One of these is the master-owner of your life. A Slave has no free time of his own,but is controlled by the master.

Mammon- Aramaic for Money, wealth or any material thing that has value to a person. This means property, possessions, money, stocks, bonds, precious metals or jewels. You can’t serve yourself with things and God at the same time! The wealth or the things of this world will never bring you real joy, peace, or fulfillment. That only comes from within!

Matthew 6:25 (NKJV) "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

The point is clear and striking: a person's life and body are of more value—much more value—than the food he eats and the clothes he puts on. Why then should a person allow these things, secondary things, to consume and dominate his life? Be sure God is your master and you won’t have to worry about anything else. Remember Your master owns you! Matthew 6:26 (NKJV) Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Go bird watching! Look at them and study them. Use your eyes and learn thoroughly—learn from what you see around you. The providence of God takes care of the birds. Learn that God will likewise take care of the believer who really trusts Him. Jesus is saying; Man is a higher being, on a much higher level of creation, than animals. He is more noble and excellent, a spiritual being made in the image of God and capable of a personal relationship with God. Man is the crowning creation of God.

Matthew 6:27 (NKJV) Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

The point is striking. Worry is sin, senseless—just as senseless as trying to add to one's height or lengthen a minute to one's life span (when it is time for one to die).

Matthew 6:28 (NKJV) So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

Lilies grow from a deep root. The roots are where they belong, deep in the soil to receive nourishment. The roots of believers are not to be in the material things of this earth. In order to receive their nourishment and fulfill their purpose on earth, believers are to put their roots where they belong, deep in God and His righteousness.

Matthew 6:29 (NKJV) and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Lilies do not toil or spin at spinning wheels to adorn themselves with beauty. Their beauty comes naturally as they go about their purpose in the world. So our beauty comes from fulfilling God’s purpose for us in this world.

Matthew 6:30 (NKJV) Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Man is as the lilies of the field: here today and gone tomorrow. There is so little time; he does not have time to become entangled with worldly affairs. To worry about your clothes, food, money and things shows little faith in God’s ability to supply. Is He in control of all things? Is He able to take care of us? “Is God really who He says He is and will He do what He said He would do?

Heb. 11:6 Says “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight. Feed your faith and fear, worry, and doubt will starve to death. Matthew 6:31-32 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

All unsaved people seek after these things. They worry constantly about them. Christians Do not spend energy fretting over having enough food or drink or clothing. Worry has no place in the lives of Jesus’ disciples because their heavenly Father already knows all their needs.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Jesus now tells us the solution to worry. We must be seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We are to focus our minds and hearts on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The kingdom of God right now is in believers on earth. We should be focused on how much of the kingdom of God is being lived in me. I am to be concerned about living righteously. Strangely enough, when you get your priorities right, Jesus promised that God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him. When Jesus’ followers seek (go in search of) his Kingdom first, God takes care of all their needs. That’s His promise to us and by faith we receive it.

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Because God cares for his people’s needs, Jesus says, “Don’t worry (fear, or be anxious) about tomorrow.” In an appeal to common sense, Jesus explained that what we worry about happening tomorrow may never happen, and we may not live another day, so we will have wasted time and energy worrying. We need to reserve that energy because today’s trouble is enough for today. We only add to today’s burdens when we worry about the future. All the anxieties about tomorrow will not change the outcome, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. The burdens of today are enough, so let God take care of them. We must trust God for today without worrying about tomorrow. Tomorrow we will trust God for that day. We are to have A calm God-centered and trusting attitude. A person goes about living and working ever so diligently and calmly, trusting God to take care of all. He does all he can about the necessities of life, both for himself and for others, but he seeks God and His righteousness first. This will make for the greatest year yet.

Invitation: If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins against God, all you can do is worry. Only the forgiveness of Christ can give you a worry free life here on this earth and for an eternity. The destination for the unsaved is Hell. You do not want to go there and you don’t have to. Call on Jesus right now to save you and if you are serious about it, He will save you and come into your life by His Spirit and live in you. He will bring you worry free living.

Meaning of Easter

Intro: The word Easter means different things to different people. To a child it means Easter eggs and candy. To others it's just another holiday. To some it means buying expensive clothes. To some it's a family gathering with barbecue, and drinking. But none of these things capture the real meaning of Easter as described in the bible.

1. Easter means the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Matthew 28:1-8 (NKJV) ¹  Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ²  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. ³  His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴  And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. ⁵  But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ⁷  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." ⁸  So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.  a. Three days after His crucifixion Jesus was resurrected from the dead and He ascended to the Father. By His death and resurrection Jesus paved the way for us to have eternal life. Paul said in; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NKJV) ²⁰  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²²  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
2. Easter means our sins have been forgiven. 

1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

a. When we confess our sinfulness and asked for forgiveness, verse 9 says we are forgiven and cleansed because of Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for our sin.

1 John 2:12b (NKJV) All true Christians have in common the fact that their sins are forgiven because of Jesus sake and in 1 John 2:13b “we have overcome the wicked one.” So many Christians live in doubt and unbelief. They are not sure they are God's child and they are not sure all their sins have been forgiven. The devil comes and says, well if you are God's child why did you act like that and why is this bad thing happening to you? When we listen to the devil's voice and we don't believe what God says we will live a miserable life and we will never receive God's best for us. God's word is true no matter whether you believe it or not. Situations and circumstances do not change God's word. God's word says if you have confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, then your sins are forever forgiven and you are victorious over the devil and the world. 1 John 5:4-5 (NKJV) 

⁴  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ⁵  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

3. Easter means we now belong to God's family. 1 John 2:12 (NKJV) I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.

a. God thru John calls us His “little children.” This is a term of endearment. When we believe that Jesus died for our sins and we believe God the Father raised Him from the dead, at that moment we become God's children, that means we belong to the Father's forever family. John under the influence of the Holy spirit writes to God's children.

1 John 3:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. ²  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

This verse doesn't say we are going to be His children in the sweet by and by, but we are now God's children. When God says you are His child, don't you ever doubt it when The devil comes and tries to get you to doubt God's word just like he did Eve. Jesus death and resurrection brought us into the family of God and no one can take us out of His family. One day when He is revealed we will be like Him & we will see Him as He is.

Conclusion: This is the true meaning of Easter! All the worldly celebrations have no biblical foundation. May we be thankful for our salvation and never forget the true meaning of Easter. We need to be thankful to Jesus for what He has done for us.

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of Jesus' death on the cross as payment for your sins? He was resurrected from the dead to give you eternal life? When you confess your sins to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness, He will give you eternal life. Because He lives, those who believe in Him shall also live forever. If you have not followed Jesus in believers baptism, do it as soon as possible.

Because of His Grace

Scripture Text

Luke 23:34, 39-43

Intro: This Friday is called good Friday. It was not good for Jesus, but because of His grace, it was good for us. It is the day that Jesus was crucified for the sins of all mankind. Why would Jesus leave heaven and come to this sinful earth? Why was Jesus crucified? Jesus could have called ten thousand angels to stop His crucifixion. Why didn't He do that? He was innocent. He did it because of His grace toward us sinners.

I. Christ' grace was illustrated on the cross. [v:34] Luke 23:34 (NKJV) Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Jesus' grace was never more fully expressed than it was on the cross. In His grace He prayed for those who were crucifying Him. They didn't deserve His forgiveness. They were His enemies. Before we blame those who crucified Jesus, we need to look at ourselves. We are also responsible for Jesus crucifixion because of our sins against God. It was our sins that nailed Him to the cross. He had no sin, but because of His grace toward us, He died as payment for the sins of all mankind against a Holy God.

II. We all need Christ' grace. Mark 15:32 (NKJV) Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

We were all like the two criminals that were crucified with Jesus. This verse says they both reviled Jesus. This means they assailed Him with abusive and scornful language.

Who knows what kind of life they had led? Had they murdered someone? Were they robbers who preyed on innocent families hard earned possessions? How many lives had they ruined? How much wreckage had they left behind? Whatever the case they both had led lives of crime. They didn't deserve grace. They deserved punishment. We are no better then them. We don't deserve Jesus' grace, we deserve punishment. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. This includes you!

III. The way of grace. Luke 23:40-42 (NKJV) ⁴⁰  But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? ⁴¹  And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." ⁴²  Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." One confessed and repented. This is the way of Jesus' grace. When one confesses His sin against God and asks for forgiveness, he can become the recipient of Jesus' grace. That's what crucifixion day is all about. That's why Jesus went to the cross and shed His precious blood. One criminal recognized his sin and confessed his actions were sinful and cried out to Jesus for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. He knew more about Jesus' forgiveness than most people in the world.

IV. Result of Jesus' grace. Luke 23:43 (NKJV) And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Jesus told the repentant criminal he would be with Him in paradise. Even though he was not worthy, even though he was a criminal and had done nothing at all to receive Jesus' grace, Jesus gave it to Him anyway. Jesus will do the same thing for anyone who confesses his sin and asks Jesus for His saving grace. Because of His grace, we can be forgiven of all sins. There is a hymn called “Amazing Grace.” This “Friday” remember to thank Jesus for His amazing grace that saved a wretch like you.

Invitation: If by chance you have never confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, now is the perfect time to do that. Then you will become the recipient of His amazing grace and you will spend eternity in Heaven with Father God and Jesus.

Hallelujah, Christ Arose!

Get Out of the Pit

Scripture Text

Psalm 40:1-4

Intro: We all have times in our lives that things just seem to get us bogged down. David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit tells us in these verses what he did when he found himself in the “pits” of life.

I. The “pits” of life are unavoidable. All of us find ourselves in a pit from time to time. (1) Like Joseph we may get thrown into a pit.

(2) Like David , we may slip into a pit. (3) Like Elijah, we may find a pit and jump in. (4) Or, like Job, we may just realize that life on earth is the pits!

The question is not will we face pits in this life, but the question is “what will we do when we find ourselves in the pit, in the low places in life?”

II. What to do when we find ourselves in the pit. Psalm 40:1 (NKJV) I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.

Don't take action on your own. When David was in the pit he waited patiently for the Lord to deliver him at just the right time. It is hard to wait! But while David waited, he prayed and refreshed himself with God's word. David cried out to the Lord in prayer and the Lord bowed down His ear to hear his prayer. God heard and helped him. When we find ourselves in a pit, we must pray and read God's word, and claim His promises as we wait patiently for the Lord to hear and deliver us from our pitiful situation.

III. Believe God will deliver you. Psalm 40:2 (NKJV) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.

When we pray and read God's word, claim His promises, God will bring us out of our horrible pit. David says in Psalm 34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Who else has the power to bring us out of our pit? Just as God delivered David He will also deliver you and I.

He will help us out of the pit, that circumstance or situation we find ourselves in. He will set our feet upon a solid rock, the place of strength and safety that we find in the Lord Jesus Christ. As long as we keep our focus on Jesus and God's word we will be established in the path we need to go. We will always find the help we need for every situation we may find ourselves in.

IV. God will put a new song of praise in your mouth. Psalm 40:3 (NKJV) He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

David said, He has put a new song in my mouth; by giving me new occasion for a song. God's miraculous deliverance of David out of his horrible pit gave occasion for him to praise God.

Others Shall see it, they shall observe God's wonderful mercies granted to me.

And fear, people shall stand in awe of God, because of His deliverance from our pit. They will see He has so great a power to save from trouble and they will give Him that reverence, and worship, and obedience which He requires. This fear shall not drive them from God, or bring them into despair, but shall draw them to God, and they shall trust in the Lord. They Shall confide in God; and put their complete trust in him; and shall become His true worshipers and friends.

V. God blesses us when we totally trust in Him. Psalm 40:4 (NKJV) Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Total trust is when one makes God his security, and who knows that his security for happiness and salvation is in God and nowhere else. We don't look to the proud and haughty of this world that think they know it all and want us to follow their advise. We don't turn aside to those who are full of lies.
We don't even lean to our own understanding. David gives us wise advise as he speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He says to totally trust in God. So Let God be true and every man a liar. Let us be totally committed to God and obey His word.
Conclusion: Have you allowed the pit moments to define your life? Refuse to feel comfortable in the pits. Refuse to throw pity parties. Say goodbye to pitiful living. Jesus came out of the grave so you could come out of the pits. The same power that brought Jesus out of the grave will also bring you out of the pit. Call out to Jesus and wait patiently on Him, and He will deliver you and establish your steps.
Invitation: If you don't know Jesus as you personal Savior and Lord, you are in a pit you will never get out of. That pit is hell for an eternity. You can avoid the pit of hell by confessing you sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive and save you. Don't delay for you may never get another chance to be saved.