Why The Resurrection Is Important!

Intro: Sunday April 17th we will celebrate Jesus' victory over Satan, death, hell and the grave as He was resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is crucial to our faith.

I. Some believe and teach there is no resurrection.                                          1 Corinthians 15:12 (NKJV)¹²  Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? Even today all other religions deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. So what if Jesus was not resurrected? Do you know what this means?                                      a. Consequences of no resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 (NKJV) ¹³  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴  And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ¹⁵  Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. ¹⁶  For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷  And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ¹⁸  Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, then we have no hope that we will be either. In fact, apart from Christ’s resurrection, we have no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of eternal life. As Paul said, our faith would be “useless,” the gospel would be altogether powerless, and our sins would remain unforgivable. But Then Paul says in: 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. There are several things that give us positive witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

II. The resurrection witnesses to the immense power of God Himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. If God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, then He has power to raise the dead. If He does not have such power, He is not worthy of our faith and worship. Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the power of death itself, and only He can remove the sting of death and gain the victory over the grave. 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 (NKJV) ⁵⁰  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- ⁵²  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." ⁵⁵  "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.

III. The resurrection witnesses to supreme proof of Jesus Christ's deity. Christ's resurrection validates the Old Testament prophecies that foretold of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. Acts 17:2-3 ²  Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³  explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ." Christ’s resurrection also authenticated His own claims that He would be raised on the third day. Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

IV. The resurrection witnesses to the glorious victory for every believer. 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God. At His coming the bodies of the dead in Christ will be raised up, and those who are alive will be changed and receive new, glorified bodies. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NKJV) ¹³  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.¹⁵  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
¹⁶  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.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.

Conclusion: This is why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is important. It proves who Jesus is. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead just like He did Jesus. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life. Let us then enter into resurrection Sunday with hearts of thanksgiving.

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of Christ's resurrection? If not now is the time to confess your ins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to give you eternal life and take charge of your life until you leave this earth to be with Him.

Chosen of God 😊

 

Scripture Text

Isaiah 43:10-11

Intro: There are so many Christians that go through life never making an attempt to know what God chose them to do. God wants us to focus on Him and get to know Him better. When we get to know God more intimately, all other things will find their place.

A. We Christians have been chosen by the Lord. Isaiah 43:10 (NKJV) "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. This passage is for Israel but it is good for us as we are made one with the Jews in Christ. Some Christians believe that they chose God but the bible is plain in Isaiah 43:10 that says God chose us. Ephesians 1:3-5 ³  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, ⁴  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ⁵  having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. Just like Israel we are His chosen people and there are four things that God has chosen us to do.

I. God chose us to be His witnesses. Isaiah 43:10 Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. What are we to witness? That There are no other gods besides Jehovah, the God of Israel. There were no gods before Him and there will be none after Him. There are many different religions that say they worship god, but there is only one true God Jehovah the God of Israel. He alone is the Lord our Savior. There are not many different ways to God but only one, that is Christ God's Holy Son. [John 14:6] There is no other name under heaven by which men must be saved. [Acts 4:12] All religions are not the same! Any religion that teaches another way to God is false. We are to be witnesses to that fact!

2. We were chosen to know the one true God. Isaiah 43:10b (NKJV) That you may know Me, The bible tells us we come to personally know God by confessing our sins to Jesus and then asking Him to forgive us and save our souls for heaven. This is the beginning of our knowledge of God. We are then to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus until the day He takes us home to be with Him and the Father. 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. We as Christians “grow in grace” as we understand that we are living by God’s grace alone—so everything we do is a result of that grace. Its not by our effort we have anything, its by God's grace that we have everything. We are to grow into an experiential knowledge of God whereby we experience Him in our lives every day. To grow in knowledge of our Lord Jesus we must make Him first in our lives by Reading the bible, meditating on what we it says and communing with God in prayer!

3. Third reason we are chosen is to believe God. Isaiah 43:10b (NKJV) “That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) ⁶  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
To believe God is to have trust in Him and His word. We must believe He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Believing God means that you build your life on God’s Word; you conduct yourself according to God’s Word and reckon that God guides everything and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. There are many who say they are Christians but they don't believe everything that God says in His word because they show it by their lifestyle. God truly rewards those who diligently with careful and persistent effort or attention: seek Him. We seek Him through prayer, reading and meditating on His word. He tells us this lifestyle will bring His favor and blessings.

4. We were chosen is to understand God. Isaiah 43:10b (NKJV)And understand that I am He. We will never understand God completely but we are to understand God as He presents Himself in His word. He is the only God. There was no other god before Him and there will be none after Him. (Isiah 43:10b) Understanding the works of God is an important part of understanding Him. God created the world (Genesis 1:1) There was no big bang. God created mankind in (Genesis 1:27) We didn't evolve. He sustains everything by His power. (Colossians 1:17). He is now fulfilling His eternal plan for the world (Ephesians 1:10) God wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:4). He will judge the world (Revelation 20:11-15). The way to understand God a little more is a study of His attributes. His characteristics, as revealed in the Bible, are crucial to understanding the truth about God, who He is, what He is like, and what He does. Reading the bible and studying it is the only way to begin to understand what God wants us to know about Him.

Conclusion: We are not chosen to focus on what we can do for God but we are chosen to focus totally on who He is, what He is like, and what He does. God chose us to glorify Him by putting Him first in our lives and surrender ourselves totally to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, those of us who have been chosen by You are so very thankful that we belong to You. Now help us to fulfill the reason that we were chosen to be Yours! If there is one viewing this message and has not accepted Your invitation to be saved may right now be the time that they confess their sins to Jesus and ask Him to save them before its eternally too late I pray in Jesus' name.

Word of God

Intro: It is easy to go astray from God’s word. When we go astray from what God says in His word we are on sinking sand. As the old hymn goes, all other ground is sinking sand. We see and hear many different opinions and ideas every day via TV. radio, and newspaper. We need a foundation on which we can build our lives that will not fail when the going gets tough. We need something that we can depend on that has stood the test of time. That’s why the word of God is so important. It’s our road map as we travel through this world. God made us and He knows what is best for us. The word of God is true and accurate with no error. It is the way to victorious living.

We need the word of God to make our way successful. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. We are to speak God’s word each day over our circumstance and situation. Meditate-To engage in thought or contemplation; reflect. Even when we wake up at night we should be thinking about God’s word instead of worrying. Then we are to obey it. What good is God’s word if we are not going to follow it. Like going to the Dr. but not doing what he says. When we read and speak God’s word and then reflect on it and then do it,the promise is our way will be successful. Psalms 1:2-3 (NKJV) 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. We need the word of God to help us get thru the hard times. We will all face problems in our lives and we need something to strengthen us and help us overcome and make it thru. When we delight in God’s word and we read it and meditate on it we become strong like a tree by the water. Well-fed and nourished on God’s word we become fruitful no matter what situation we are facing. We will not fold up or be overcome by the problems of life. The word of God will do that for us. This scripture says we will prosper in whatever we do. When we have a season of trouble, we will bring forth good fruit and not rotten fruit. What else will promise you that in this life? We need God’s word to overcome Satan and all his devises that he uses against us. Jesus gives us the example of how to overcome Satan every time in Luke 4:1-12 (NKJV)¹  Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,²  being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.³  And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."

⁴  But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "⁵  Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.⁶  And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.⁷  Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."⁸  And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "⁹  Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.¹⁰  For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,'¹¹  "and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " ¹²  And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " We need God’s word to make the right decisions in life and to know the right and wrong way to go. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)³ His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. God’s divine power has given to us in all things that pertain to this life and how to live godly. That covers it all. We have been given many promises from God in the bible and through these we partake of God’s divine nature and escape the corruption that is in this world all around us. Now that is powerful and it gives incentive to read God’s word, reflect on what it is saying to us and then when we understand what that word is saying we act on it. Because until we act on God’s word, it does us no good. James 1:22 (NKJV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. We must read God’s word to not be lead astray and to be successful and prosperous in this life.

Invitation: The choice is yours. If you are wise, you will begin to read God’s word so you can be successful in this life and prosper in all you do. You will never be successful or be an over-comer if you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Has there been a time where you stopped and admitted your sins against God and asked Jesus to forgive you? Have you invited Him into your life to take charge of you? If not confess your sins to Jesus right now wherever you are and ask Him to forgive and save you from hell. Then be baptized to show you are sincere and as a public testimony of your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

Trust – The Way of God

 

Scripture Text

Proverbs 3:5-6

Intro: In these scriptures we look at a way by which God works. It is the way of trust in Him through all life’s situations whatever they may be.

I. We are to trust God. Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. To trust in means to have full reliance and dependence in God. Human insight is never enough, that's why

a. We are not to lean or rely on our own understanding, but we are to trust in God for everything we need in life. We read God's word to get His understanding about life's situations. God has perfect understanding about everything we face so we fully trust Him for what we need. God has made us dependent on Him and we are to be conscience of that fact at all times and through all circumstances.

b. We have confidence which means a strong belief, in the assurance that God will do all He has promised in His word. God is the fountain of all good.

c. We are to lean on, trust and be confident in God with all our heart. Heart in Hebrew means intellect.) The intellect determines what a person does, his behavior in all circumstances. The Mind is - the seat of reasoning, understanding, intention, purpose and attitude. We completely trust God for our direction I life.

It determines our true character, personality. We are to reason and make decisions based on God’s view of whatever we are facing at the time. We think about His perspective of the situation remembering nothing is impossible with Him.

d. Trials, temptations, sicknesses, and situations in life are to be conquered by our confident belief in God. We do not see God, but we lean on, trust and have confidence Him. These words are in the present continuous tense. It is continuous action, continuous trust—a trust that continues on and on. It is belief in and never ceasing to be confident, always leaning on God at all times. When we continue to have this assurance, confidence and trust in God, then we are fully relying on Him. We are doing what He says and He will bless us accordingly.

We are standing firm in His presence and power to conquer and to carry us through all trials. We are confident God will fulfill all His promises in His word.

  We do not rely, or look for support and stability in ourselves or someone else.

We are not to rely on our own insight, understanding or discernment.

We don’t have full knowledge of all the facts surrounding the things we have to face in life.

II. In all our ways we are to acknowledge God. Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

a. Know (the value of God and acknowledge Him.) We are to know He is the all-powerful One to do whatever needs to be done in every area of our lives.

He is well able to handle and take care of whatever the problem might be.

God is everywhere at one time. He is always aware of what is going on concerning us.

b. We Recognize God as in control of everything in this world.

c. We acknowledge (confess) the presence of God in our lives at all times. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Psalms 46:1 (NKJV) God is our refuge (our shelter from the storm) and strength, (He is our power and strength because of His influence over everything His absolute authority and resources,) A very present (available) help in trouble.

d. He shall direct your paths when you acknowledge Him in all your ways. God will regulate the course of your daily path and control your every step. He will make smooth and straight your way. He will make plain the way we are to go. He will keep us from the path of sin and destruction. The Lord will guide us to the final goal of life. God gives wisdom and with it the task of making wise decisions. The first decision is to seek God’s wisdom. Second decision is to be obedient to what God is saying.

Conclusion: We would be wise to follow the advice we find in these scriptures if we want an abundant, fully blessed life. God has made His wisdom available to us through His word. We would be wise to seek out His wisdom and follow it.

Invitation: Father, help us to trust You more each day that we have left on this earth. May we learn to completely trust You know matter the situation or circumstance we may face in this life. Forgive our sin of not always fully trusting You. If there is one reading this who has not trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, may this be the day that they fully trust in Jesus as their Savior!

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!

 

THREE THINGS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US

Scripture Text

2 Timothy 1:7

INTRO: Fear keeps Christians from accomplishing God's will. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The apostle Paul said in (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That means anything God wants me to do, I can do it. In our scripture text for today it says that God has given us three things that will help us overcome fear:

A. The Spirit of Power. Power to do what?  1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 3. Power of the Holy spirit for all joy, peace and hope - (Rom 15:13) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.  4. Power to make you a strong believer – The apostle Paul said in (Romans 16:25) Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began. Paul knew that the gospel and Christ himself would make believers strong in the faith. Believers are established and made strong by the preaching of Jesus Christ. It renews and transforms our mind to think as God does. 5. Power to endure trials - (2 Cor 12:9 NKJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, (feebleness) that the power of Christ may rest upon me. If you are trusting in, relying on, and believing in the one who has grace and power, He will give you the grace you need when trials come! Don't be afraid! Live in His grace!!!                                                                                               B. The Spirit of Love. Love can be effective in conquering fear. (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We are commanded to have a:

1. Love for God. 1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us. Mark 12:30 (NKJV) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realize that God will take care of us. We trust in God's word and are not afraid of the future, eternity, or God’s judgment, because of God’s love. We know that he loves us perfectly Now if God does not provide for us, we would be worried. But we know God loves us and does provide for us, so we are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Love for God relieves our fears!

2. Love for Others. 1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? ²¹  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The more we love God and others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as our-self. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus and the salvation He provides.

C. The Spirit of a Sound Mind. 1. Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. You are what you think in your mind. It's your choice. In our way of thinking, we may be afraid we won't make it financially - IF we trust in God and His word and accept His way of thinking, we will be assured He will take care of us! Scripture says: Matt. 6:33 “God knows what we have need of. We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these other thigns will be added.” Luke 12:28  If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

2. If you are afraid of dying... That fear is calmed by knowing since we are Christians we will be with the Lord when we die. (2 Cor 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. God has also told us in (LK.12: 32) Fear not little flock for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. That's what a Christian can expect when they die, to be in God's kingdom. We could go on and apply God's word to every other fear we may have. Something happens when you begin to read God's word. When we think Biblically, we have a "sound mind" Our mind is renewed! (Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. As we read God's word we are renewed in our thinking. We begin to think as God intends for us to do and we are changed into a person of faith and trust in God and we prove by experience God's will for our lives.

Conclusion: Conquering fear is not a matter of self determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. In Christ you and I can conquer our fears.

INVITATION: Do you have the spirit of power, love, and sound mind operating in your life? Would you surrender to His Holy Spirit today, right now? You have no power at all in your life unless you know God. If you have never done so, would you ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you right now and to come into your life and empower you for victorious living? 

Taking Inventory for 2022

 

Intro: At the beginning of each new year businesses take inventory to see what they did last year and see what they need to change for the upcoming year. As we begin this year we need to open our hearts to the Lord and allow Him to take inventory of our spiritual life and see where we need to improve for 2022. King David a man after God's own heart gives us good example to follow. He said in; Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

I. Ask God’s Spirit to examine you. Getting saved is only the beginning. Ask God to study you in careful way and show you where you need to change! God’s purpose for all His people 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? Our purpose in life is to constantly be changed into that new person Christ created us to be. We are changed in our thinking as we pray and read God’s word. We find His good, perfect and acceptable will for us. We were created to bring praise, honor and glory to Him while we are in this world. This is the way to worship God

II. Ask God to prove you through your actions.

1. Prove means to show the character or ability expected of one, especially through one's actions. Are you most like Jesus or the world in your actions?

2. Is your life being shaped more by others’ expectations of you than by God’s priorities? Remember God's priority is to conform you to the exact likeness of Christ.

3. Are some of the things you are doing based on guilt, or a desire for someone's approval or a need to make a good impression? Do others see Jesus in you?

4. Does God see the motive for your actions based on His will, yours, or someone else?

5. Take note each week as to the use of your time. How much time do you spend carrying out God's priorities for you? His priority is for you is Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
²  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

6. How much time is spent on the things of God such as Prayer, bible reading, mediating and studying His word?

7. Ask God if any activities you are involved in might not be on His agenda for you.

8. When your activities have a reason, God’s reason, you can be more effective for Him and receive more of His blessings, and be less affected by the opinions of those who may not understand why you do what you do. God blesses His activities!

III. Ask God to try your mind and heart! [Proverbs 24:10]

a. Try means to test the quality of something: Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. Adversity is a time of difficulty, & hardship! A lot of people talk the talk of faith, but do not walk the walk of faith when tested. Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴  Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load.

b. We are to be examining and judging our own lives under the leading of the Holy Spirit, not the life of our brother or sister. Scripture is forceful on this point: every man is to keep busy examining his own work and life, and no one is exempt. All must answer for themselves, not for their neighbors. And every man must expect to be dealt with by the Divine Judge Jesus Christ, according to your character and conduct in this life. The apostle Paul is an excellent example of one who lived faithfully for Christ. 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 2022!

Conclusion: What you and I are seeking in the end is to be who God created us to be. We want to be able to say at the end of this year, “I have lived up to the potential God gave me.” What a way to start the New Year. Not just in theory, but in everyday practice.

Invitation: Allow God to examine your heart right now? Where do you stand in your relationship with God? Close, somewhat close or distant. Do you even have a relationship with God? If not, confess your sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you. If you know Jesus as your personal Savior allow God to test your motives and purposes for what you do and help you live a better life for Him? Allow God to examine your heart continually throughout this year and allow Him to show you your heart as He sees it. Will you rededicate your life to Him as we begin 2022?

PRIORITIZING GOD'S WORD

Scripture Text

Psalm 119:7-11

Intro: When you are about to make a trip where you have never been before, you get instructions from a map to guide and direct you on your journey. If you don’t get instruction from a map to guide you, you could get lost and waste lots of time and gas. The same is true with our spiritual life. We need spiritual directions and instructions as we journey through this world seeking our heavenly home. As we begin this New Year we need to prioritize the word of God and make it of the utmost importance in our lives.

I    I. Let God’s word instruct your way. ( Psalms 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. When you buy an article that needs to be put together, you always get the instructions out and read them first because the one who made the product knows best how to assemble it. The same is true with spiritual things. There are many obstructions and detours in our journey through this world. God made us and knows what the best way to navigate through this world on our way to Heaven.                                                                                                                                                                                        II. God’s instructions are perfect. Psalm 19:7 (NKJV)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Not only does God's word guide our way through life but The perfect instructions of God’s word can change people. It converts (transforms) the soul from sinner to saint. From worry, doubt and fear to power, love, And a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7). God's word imparts wisdom. The instructions of God can be trusted to make the simple, the humble and lowly one wise. God has revealed His instructions and His “ways” so that people may know them, and base their lives on them so they can walk in the favor and blessings of God and avoid the wrong path.

III. God's word brings joy and enlightenment. Psalm 19:8 (NKJV) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; God’s instructions give joy to the heart and they enlighten (educates) one’s spiritual eyes, that is, improves his life with God's blessings and guides him in the righteous way. The statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances are all specific instructions within the word to show us how to live the abundant life and avoid sin and the evil way. Joy and guidance fill the soul of one who meditates on and follows God’s commands.

IV. God's word is true and righteous. Psalm 19:9 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. God's word is pure and free from defilement. The world is constantly trying to deceive us and lead us astray. But there is no error or deception in God's word. Judgments is here a synonym for the Law or God’s word, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts. Fear of God means we respect and reverence Him and His word. The instructions of God are pure.. sure, and righteous. The instructions to fear the Lord was designed to cause believers to obey God and lead righteous lives which leads to God's favor and blessings.

V. God's word is valuable. Psalm 19:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰  More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Nothing in this world is more valuable! David disclosed his personal reaction to God’s perfect instructions in His Word. He found the instructions of God desirable and enjoyable. In describing their value to him, he compared them to gold and honey—they are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known. The instructions of God’s word are not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s instructions for life, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought great reward. It will do the same for us. Those rewards will go on through out eternity. God's word will bring us the best life possible.

I Conclusion: Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” In vain does any man pretend to be wise who does not fear the Lord; and he who fears the Lord and has a good understanding departs from evil and does the commands of God. He who lives in sin neither fears God, nor is wise. How important is God’s word to you? Are you are missing out on the blessings of God for your life by not putting a priority on reading His word daily. You can change that right now by prioritizing God's word.

Invitation: If you have never had your sins forgiven, now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell. John 6:37 (NKJV) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” Jesus promises here He will by no means refuse you! Come to Him now!