But encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today,
so that none of you may be hardened
by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
But encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today,
so that none of you may be hardened
by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Worship Notes 2001
You can join in the worship again by singing the same music, reading the same scriptures, and considering the lesson, but most importantly, by praying.Our scriptures for communion are: 1 Corinthians 10:15-17 & 11:23-27
Our prayer for Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-8):
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls and
security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."Our apostles’ prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
“Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.”December 30, 2001, "Job Knew Something about the End"
December 23, 2001, "For Unto You..."
December 16, 2001, "Look to the Earth, Your Redemption is His Birth"
December 9, 2001, "Look to the Sky, Your Redemption is Nigh"
December 2, 2001, "The Prophets foretold"
November 25, 2001, Rev.20-21, "A New Heaven and a New Earth"November 18, 2001, HERITAGE SUNDAY, "Remember the Days of Old"
November 11, 2001, Rev. 3:14-22, Laodicea, "The Church of the Wretched Rich."
November 4, 2001, Rev. 3:7-13, Philadelphia, "A Church with Little Power"
October 28, 2001, Rev. 3:1-6, Sardis,"The masked church–a dead church"
October 21, 2001, Rev 2:18-29, Thyatira, "The church that mingled with evil"
October 14, 2001, Rev 2:12-17, Pergamum - our church heritage
October 7, 2001, Dr. L.D. Kramer, "The Challenge of the Seven Keys to Healing"
September 30, 2001, Rev. 2:8-11, Smyrna - our church heritage
September 23, 2001, Rev. 2:1-7, Ephesus - our church heritageSeptember 16, 2001, Feast of Trumpets, ROSH HASHANAH
September 9, 2001, "Some things about FASTING"
September 2, 2001, Genesis 2, "We Will Work"
August 26, 2001, Tim and Chris
August 19, 2001, Zechariah, "The King Will Defend His House"
August 12, 2001, Dr. L.D. Kramer, "One Small Step"
August 5, 2001, Zechariah: Vision for RebuildingJuly 29, 2001, Gift of Interpretation of Tongues
July 22, 2001, Gift of Tongues
July 15, 2001, Gift of Distinguishing Between Spirits
July 8, 2001, Gift of Prophecy
July 1, 2001, Gift of Administration
June 24, 2001, Keep Your Eye on the Eastern Sky
June 17, 2001, Gift of Mighty Miracles, FATHER'S DAY
June 10, 2001, Gift of Healing
June 3, 2001, Gift of Faith
May 27, 2001, Gift of Knowledge
May 20, 2001, Gift of Wisdom
May 13, 2001, MOTHER'S DAY: Mom and Wisdom
May 6, 2001, Manifestations for the common good.April 29, 2001, Meeting with Nicodemus
April 22, 2001, Now what? John 21
April 15, 2001, EASTER, He is not here, but He is, John 20
April 8, 2001, Men betrayed their own convictions, John 18
April 1, 2001, Trust in God, trust in Me, John 14,16
March 25, 2001, Jesus is the Passover Lamb
March 18, 2001, Jesus in the Feasts
March 11, 2001, Jesus in the Tabernacle
March 4, 2001, Jesus: the Plagues in Egypt
February 25, 2001,Jesus Quoting Scripture in Luke
February 18, 2001, Jesus' Words in Luke 24
February 11, 2001, Jesus' Words in Luke 21
February 4, 2001, How then should we live?
January 28, 2001, Isaiah and Lucifer and judgment
January 21, 2001, The Gospel of Isaiah
January 14, 2001, Isaiah and Fasting
January 7, 2001, Isaiah prophecies about creation.
Worship Notes from Year 2000
Future Teachings
Return to IRCC Home Page
63rd Sunday, December 30, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 30; Daniel 12; 1 Thess 4
Music: Celebration Hymnal
774 When the Roll Is Called
764 The Trees of the Field
761 Therefore the Redeemed
755 We Shall Behold Him
757 Soon and Very Soon
705 It is Well with My SoulTEACHING: "Job knew something about the End"
Truth as spoken by Job
Job 42:7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were on the "ANGRY" side of God.
Elihu? "Who is this whose ignorant words cloud my design in darkness?" or was he just ignored by God?
Job? "Brace yourself and stand up like a man; I will ask questions, and you shall answer."WHAT JOB KNEW:
1. The sky will split open–the dead will live.
Job 14:11-12 As the waters of a lake dwindle, or as a river shrinks and runs dry, so mortal man lies down, never to rise until the very sky splits open. If a man dies, can he live again? He shall never be roused from his sleep. (NEB)When will man live again?
WHEN THE HEAVENS FLEE
Rev. 20:11
Is 34:4 ...rolled up like a scroll
Rev 6:14 ...sky...like a scroll2. I have a redeemer
Job 19:25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.a. There is a Redeemer
b. The Redeemer is living
c. There is an END
d. The Redeemer will stand on the earth3. I will be resurrected
Job 19:26-27 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes-I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!a. Skin is destroyed
b. Flesh is restored
c. I will see GodWHAT GOD REMINDED:
Job 40:9-14
If ... then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF, IF...
1. Do you have the arm of God?
2. Do you have His voice?
CAN YOU CREATE YOURSELF?3. Can you adorn yourself with glory and splendor?
4. Can you clothe yourself in honor and majesty?
CAN YOU RE-CREATE (RESURRECT) YOURSELF TO THE IMMORTAL STATE?5. Can your fury humble every man?
CAN YOU JUDGE EVERY MAN?WHAT JOB DID:
Job 42:1-6 ... My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
62nd Sunday, December 23, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 23; Luke 2; Ephesians 2Music: Celebration Hymnal
288 We Three Kings
286 Once in Royal David’s City
277 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
270 Joy to the World!
265 The First Noel
249 O Come, All Ye FaithfulTEACHING: "For Unto You..."
Salvation is a gift from God the Father through His begotten Son to you, personally.
GIFTS AND CHRISTMAS ARE SYNONYMOUS.
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
GIFTS OF MAN
Rev 11:10 Gloating
Proverbs 21:14 Bribe
Genesis 32:20 Pacify him
PERFORMANCE or GIFT?
Santa Claus–
You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why...Scrooge –
Christmas past/Christmas present/
Christmas futureSalvation Army and Red Cross –
Acts 8:20 Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
THE LEGITIMATE GIFTS OF MAN
Acts 10:4 ...The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
Matthew 6:3 ...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Luke 21:1-4 ... All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Matt 5:23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
GIFTS FROM GOD
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.
1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift,
2 Timothy 1:6 ...fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you ...
THE GIFT OF GOD
John 4:10 ... and he would have given you living water."
Rom 6:23 ... the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 2:7-9 ... it is the gift of God- not by works,
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
61st Sunday, December 16, 2001
TEACHING: “Look to the Earth, Your Redemption Is His Birth”Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and ON EARTH peace to men ...
Matt 1:23 ... they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."The Kingdom of heaven is near: REPENT
Mark 1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" [Matthew 3:2; 4:17]IT IS NOT LIFESTYLE
Rom 14:17 ...for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,...
IT IS FAITH
Luke 18:17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."The Kingdom of Heaven is near: PREACH
Matt 10:6-8 As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.1 Cor 4:20 FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT A MATTER OF TALK BUT OF POWER.
ON EARTH: “BE BORN AGAIN”
That’s the message
John 3:3 ...no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."This is the power:
ON EARTH: HEAL THE SICK
Luke 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'
James 5:15 ... prayer of faith...ON EARTH: RAISE THE DEAD
Will we try?
John 14:11-12 ...He will do even greater things than these, ...ON EARTH: CLEANSE THE LEPERS
Are we willing?
[Matt 8:3, Luke 5: 13] Mark 1:41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!"ON EARTH: DRIVE OUT DEMONS
Are we prepared?
Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
However, Mark 9:29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."The Kingdom of God is here: TESTIFY AGAINST THEM
Luke 10:11 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.'
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."AFTER THIS, HE LEFT FOR HEAVEN.
60th Sunday, December 9, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 9; Matthew 25; Luke 17Music: Celebration Hymnal
245 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
251 It Came upon the Midnight Clear
258 Go, Tell It on the Mountain
259 Angels, from the Realms of Glory
260 Worthy, You are Worthy
292 Thou Didst Leave Thy ThroneTEACHING: "Look to the sky, your redemption is nigh"
First: He descended from heaven; left the throne of heaven.
John 3:16-17
Eph 4:9-10 ... he also descended...
He is the only man who pre-existed his birth.
John 8:58
John 1:1-2
Second: He will come for those looking for Him; expecting Him.
Zech 14:3-7 ...Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.
1 Thess 4:15-18
... For the Lord himself will come down from heaven...
Matt 24:40-43 [Luke 17:34-35]
Acts 1:11 ...This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Matt 24:27-31 ..."At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Third: He will come to judge everyone. This time the sky flees from HIM.
Heb 10:30-31 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Isa 34:4 ...sky rolled up like a scroll;
Rev 6:12-14... sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, ...
Rev 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ... The dead were judged according to what they had done ...
59th Sunday, December 2, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 2; Matthew 1; Matthew 2Music: Celebration Hymnal
259 Angels, From the Realms of Glory
249 O Come All Ye Faithful
269 How Great Our Joy
270 Joy to the World
243 Emmanuel
226 Oh, the Glory of Your PresenceTEACHING: The Prophets Foretold
Amos 3:7 Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. [Matthew 23:37 ... you who kill the prophets, and stone those sent to you...]Isaiah said it
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.The life of a prophet is not an easy one: you have to dress funny, sometimes name your kids funny, and sometimes you get stuffed into a hollow log and get sawn in half. And then God tells you things you have to say to others: doom and gloom. And God tells you they won’t listen. But you will be quoted after you are dead.
Isaiah was born into an influential family who seemed to have access to the king and the High Priest. He was in the position of apparently being the chief Prophet of Judah. He was the prophet of record when the shadow of the sun went backwards for Hezekiah.
2 Kings 20 Hezekiah’s healing
But there was sin in the nation–Hezekiah’s father had done poorly. The nation was degenerating in spite of Hezekiah’s reforms. Babylon was coming–Israel was being taken.2 Kings 16 - Ahaz
Judgment of God is coming–and Isaiah talks about the Anointed One coming.
Micah said it
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."Micah was a prophet to the common man–not with kings, not with priests–and he says the same things Isaiah states at the same time.
And Judah’s corruption runs deep.Micah 3 "Listen you leaders..."
Judgment is coming to Judah and Micah talks about the birthplace of the Anointed One.
Hosea said it
Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.A prophetic voice of northern Israel at about the same time, Hosea was told by God to "go, take a wanton for your wife and get children of her wantonness." – allegory or history? Israel was vile, unfaithful, and facing judgment.
Hosea 14 Repentance, forgiveness and restoration.
Destruction was at the door, and Hosea tells about the Anointed One.
Jeremiah said it
Jer 31:15 This is what the LORD says:
"A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, during the time of the actual destruction of Jerusalem. Exiled and stoned to death in Egypt.
Jer 1 - Word of the Lord to Jeremiah.
Jer 36:21-23 - Prophetic words burned.Judgment was watched and Jeremiah tells about the Anointed One.
58th Sunday, November 25, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 25; Romans 8; Isaiah 65Music: Celebration Hymnal
133 We Declare Your Majesty
149 Ah, Lord God
154 We Bow Down
270 Joy to the World
271 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
243 Emmanuel
244 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
249 O Come, All Ye FaithfulTEACHING: New Heaven and a New Earth
Matt 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.Where is the Promise of His coming?
2 Peter 3
Everything goes on the same.
There was a creation out of water. Gen 1:1-2
There was destruction by water. Gen 7:22-23
There will be destruction by fire.Amos 7:4-5 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land. Then I cried out, "Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!"
There is a time of trouble called the Great Tribulation. A lot of the book of Revelation has to do with that along with the prophets and the last great teachings of Jesus. The prophecies predict it just as they predicted that Jesus would come in the first place. The seven churches are the now–the “what will take place later” may already be started–and there is controversy interpreting the details.
There is a first resurrection
The dead in Christ will rise: 1 Thes 4:13-18
Because of their testimony: Rev 20:4-6
Because of the Word of God
Because they had not worshiped the beast–the Antichrist
Because they had not taken his mark:
Rev 13:16-18; Rev 14:9-12There is a thousand year reign.
Christ will rule: Isaiah 11
Resurrected saints will rule: Rev 20:4;
Satan will be bound: Rev 20:1-3There is a judgment
Present heaven and earth will go away: Rev 20:11
All the rest of the dead will be resurrected: Acts 24:15
All will be judged: Rev 20:12There is a Lake of Fire
The beast and the false prophet are going to be cast into it: Rev 19-20
Death and Hades are put in it: Rev 20:14
Satan is put in it. Rev 20:10
Those not written in the Book of Life go to the lake of fire: Rev 20:15This time, all evil in creation is destroyed by fire
At the flood, eight were saved because Noah found grace. It was quickly proven that Ham was not and as a result, his youngest son Canaan was cursed. But in the end, all is made new and righteous. Even during the millennium, when Christ and the resurrected saints rule, the nations can be deceived at the end by Satan. Therefore God–in His absolute justice–purifies the creation by fire.New heaven: Rev 21:1
New earth: Rev 21:5
New Jerusalem: Rev 21:2 THE BRIDE OF CHRIST Rev. 21:9-10
New Creation for man: 2 Cor 5:17 THIS IS NOW
New body for man: 1 Cor 15:50-55 AND IS COMING“Now the dwelling of God is with men.” Rev 21:3
As it was in Eden without the serpent
No tears, no death, no mourning, no pain: Rev 21:4
Eternal water: Rev 21:6
THE SAME WATER OFFERED TO US RIGHT NOW
57th Sunday, November 18, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 18; 1 Chronicles 16; Acts 28
Music: Celebration Hymnal
214 He Has Made Me Glad
786 Count Your Many Blessings
167 It Is a Good Thing to Give Thanks
171 Come Into His Presence
173 I’m Forever Grateful
174 I Will Bless Thee, O Lord
170 Give Thanks
790 We Gather TogetherTEACHING: Deut. 32:7 HERITAGE SUNDAY: “Remember the days of old”
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I REMEMBER you.
Deut 32:7
REMEMBER the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.GUEST SPEAKER: Francis L. Chase (1901-1981) “Beginning of local Pentecost”.
Confirmed in Catholic Church in Brainerd in 1911.
Mother had conversion experience in cities at age 18.
Father was Catholic—married in Catholic church.
Mother had to keep Bible hid from dad.
Also she had read AB Simpson books on healing.
1913, youngest sister Ellen had operation for appendicitis and was very sick.
Mother and she went to Mayo Clinic—missed the train in St. Paul.
Got into street meeting by Mrs. McGill (Mr. McGill worked for railroad.)
Mrs. McGill talked with her about divine healing.
That night, God healed Ellen, saved, and baptized in Holy Spirit.From this meeting, Ellen came back a different person and completely healed.
The following summer in August, 1914, Mrs. McGill came to area.
Walking with her amongst the jackpines in the woods, Francis and Mary accepted the Lord.
McGill had more “cottage meetings” and several were saved including:
Fred and Adeline Markwardt and others
October 1914, Pentecostal convention in Duluth with 12 preachers.
Mother took Francis and Mary and both received Baptism of Holy Spirit.
During winter, Brother Draper and Maron held meetings in upstairs hall across from Crosby Hotel one block south of bank.
Many were saved
April 1915, at least thirty baptized in Serpent Lake just after ice went out.
Beginning of Pentecostal work in the area.Why wasn’t the church more prosperous? Acts 20:28-30, 2 Peter 2
False brethren came in and wrecked the work of God.
Preachers came in that tried to satisfy their own ideas—
not committed wholly to God.Cottage meetings—special meetings—they lived 8 miles out of town until 1918.
Lindquist and Menzies came from Pennsylvania in early 1920s.
Shortly after, Lindquist bought property for Brainerd A/G church.
As Board member of that church—brought in Henry Ness.
Later Ness started the Fargo A/G.Lindquist would have mid-week meetings in various rented halls.
Meetings in Presbyterian Church in Ironton in 1924—met Esther
1926 decided to have local church
Board was Markwardt, Chase (Ironton), Delborg, and himself.
$500 Catholic church--$700 to move it to new location
Sunday School in Ironton Hall starting with 80 students—Esther helped.During depression, chopped wood for church heat
Gerald and Kermit Lidstrom would get up early to try to start heat
Ladies one summer picked blueberries to sell for church
1941 record Duane Erickson—117 on the recordBrother Lother came—ordinance forced removal of outhouses
Build educational building in 1950s.HERITAGE OF LEADERS: who spoke the word of God to you.
Hebrews 13:7-8; Matt 23:1-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Philippians 3:12-14Hebrews 13:7-8
REMEMBER your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.Matt 23:1-4
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
HERITAGE OF FORMER THINGS: those of long ago;
Isaiah 46:9-10
REMEMBER the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.REMEMBER THE MIRACLES: your miracles of long ago.
Psalm 77:10-12
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will REMEMBER the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will REMEMBER your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deedsREMEMBER GOD: I think of you through the watches of the night.
Psalm 63:6-8
On my bed I REMEMBER you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME: What did Christ exactly do?
1 Corinthians 11:23-27NOT FORGETTING—BUT DOING:
James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
56th Sunday, November 11, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 11; Matthew 23; 1 Corinthians 6
Music: Celebration Hymnal
56 To God Be the Glory
171 Come into His Presence
107 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
32 Be Exalted, O God
643 O Lord, You’re Beautiful
618 In His Presence
619 Hiding in TheeTEACHING: Revelation 3:14-22, Laodicea, “The church of the wretched rich”
There is no commendation–there is no opposition–the church is to blame.Characteristic of Christ (3:14):
the Amen (Isaiah 65:16)
faithful and true witness (Rev 1:5)
ruler of God’s creation (Col 1:17)Condemnation (3:15-18): I know your deeds
- you are neither hot nor cold–you make me vomit
You were cold, you had no spirituality, you accepted salvation, forgiveness, rebirth, and even the baptism of fire and became hot. But now you have assumed room temperature–there is no fire in you–you are satisfied being lukewarm. You are but a stale beverage.
2 Peter 2:20-21 ...It would have been better for them not to have known ...
- you say you have acquired wealth and need nothing, but actually you are:
wretched (Romans 7:21-24)
pitiful (1 Cor 15:19)
poor; a cringing beggar; a pauper
blind (Mat 15:14; Jer 5:21; Eze 12:2; Mat 13:13-15)
naked (Rev 16:15; 2 Cor 5:1-5)This self-wealthy person is miserable with sinful desires, to be pitied because there is no future hope. He is not wealthy, but a poor, cringing pauper who refuses to see and does not have an imperishable body waiting for him. He has no rapture ahead. He does not have his name on the list for the first resurrection. He is without hope and does not know it–and yet is within the church.
Luke 12:16-20 Parable of the wealthy man who builds barns.
Rev. 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Purpose of wealth in the church (Luke 16:9)
White clothes (Matt 22:11-13) “without wedding clothes”
Salve, so you can seeCorrection (3:19-20): Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
So be earnest, and repent.
WHERE IS JESUS?
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.Challenge (3:21): To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Matt 25:31-33 “authority with Jesus to judge”
1 Cor 6:2-3 “saints will judge...”
55th Sunday, November 4, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 4; Isaiah 22; John 17
Music: Celebration Hymnal
774 When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
779 I’ll Fly Away
107 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
80 I Stand in Awe
83 There’s Something About That Name
86 Jesus, Name Above All Names
88 More Precious Than Silver
100 Thou Art Worthy
111 Glory to the LambTEACHING : Revelation 3:7-13, Philadelphia, “A church with little power”
The church without condemnation–no need of correction–and an open door.Characteristic of Christ:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.WHAT IS THE KEY OF DAVID?
Isaiah 22:22. Eliakim was given the burden of the House of David–the Kings house–in the same way Joseph was second to Pharoah.
Christ, in weakness–submission--at the cross, was given the authority of the house of David. He was the son of David–he received the authority of the household of David.
When He opens a door–who can close it?Commendation: I know your deeds. You are little, but I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. You have withstood the Synagogue of Satan.
I will keep you from the woes, the trial (John 17:15) Christ prayed to keep disciples from the trials to come–protect them. Not take them out, but keep them from.
WHICH WOES? Dan 12:2; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:1-12; Matt 24:21
– Persecution of the church by Antichrist
Rev 13:7-10 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. ... This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
Luke 21:16-19 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.
– Outpouring of God’s judgment–before the judgments of God, the saints are sealed.
Rev 9:4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.Challenge: HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE. I am coming soon. I am coming quickly.
-- He will be a PILLAR in the temple of my God; Never again will he leave it.
God is the temple Rev 21:22. Philadelphia church will never leave God.-- I will write on him the NAME OF MY GOD: Num 6:27; Rev 7:3; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4
-- I will write on him the NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD–CITIZEN of new Jerusalem.
Strangers / aliens of where we are now. Rev 21:2; Phil 3:20; Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22-- I will write on him MY NEW NAME. Rev. 19:12
Common Call: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
54th Sunday, October 28, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 28; John 11; Matthew 25
Music: Celebration Hymnal
503 Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
504 Without Him
505 He Touched Me
506 I’d Rather Have Jesus
507 Something Beautiful
146 I Worship You, Almighty God
I Want to Worship You (©1989 Wesley Chase, Lightfall Publishing):I want to worship You / Oh Lord, I worship you / I lift my voice to worship You. 32 Be Exalted
I want to praise Your name / Oh Lord, I praise Your name.
I want to worship You / Jesus my Lord.TEACHING: Revelation 3:1-6, Sardis, a masked church–a dead church–a Halloween church pretending to be something it is not.
Characteristic of Christ:
Holds the seven churches–all of them–and their authority–in His hands.Commendation There is none.
They have no opposition from the world because they aren’t doing anything. But they have a great reputation with other churches of being a great church. How can this be? They are full of programs doing religious things. They raise lots of money for religious things. They look and smell like a church. They are highly respected as a dynamic church that has everything together and obviously the blessing of God. They have “a form of godliness but [deny] its power. Have nothing to do with them.”2 Tim 3:5Condemnation:
This is the condemnation: You have the reputation of doing things–of being alive–but you aren’t. Wake Up! You are not done yet.This is calling Lazarus out of the tomb: John 11:43-44 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Correction:
Remember what you have received and heard. You know the message. Repent! Remember, or I will surprise you like a thief when I return.Who is it that will be caught un-aware? Who is it that Christ’s return will be like a thief in the night–unexpected–unknown–a total surprise. The dead church.
Matt 24:42-44; Luke 12:37-40; 1 Thess 5:1-6; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev 16:15-16
This is the type of church that will be Left Behind. They knew and didn’t do.
Matt 7:22-23 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
The church that is alive is awake, waiting, and doing the will of Christ–not their own will. They will not be surprised at his return. He will not come like a thief to them, but rather like the bridegroom. With announcement–with trumpets–will your lamps be full?
Challenge:
A few of you have not soiled your clothes. You will walk with me in white. You are wearing the correct wedding garments now–don’t soil them with a religious mask.Who is dressed in white? Revelation 7:13 He who overcomes will walk in white; Their name will be in the book of Life; I will acknowledge them to the Father.
53rd Sunday, October 21, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 21; James 2; Deuteronomy 32Music: Celebration Hymnal
140 Great Is The Lord
142 Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts
146 I Worship You, Almighty God
147 How Great Thou Art
154 We Bow Down
159 Great Are You, Lord
343 Amazing Grace
548 As the DeerTEACHING: Revelation 2:18-29, Thyatira: The church that mingled with evil.
Character: Rev 2:8
The eyes of Jesus see all. He searches the hearts and minds of men. His feet are polished, sharpened, glowing, burnished brass of ultimate strength in judgment.Commendation: Rev 2:19; I know your works (deeds)
-- love (1 Corinthians 13)
-- faith (Hebrews 11)
-- service (James 2)
-- perseverance (Romans 5:3; Hebrew 12:1; James 1:2-8; 2 Peter 1:6)
"you are doing more now than you did" Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good,Condemnation: Rev 2:20; You tolerate Jezebel. What is a Jezebel?
- kills off the Lord's prophets (1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:1)
- an opportunist who ignores the law (1 Kings 21:5-7)
- political manipulator using deceit, trickery, and lies (1 Kings 21:8-16)
- urged evil behavior including Baal worship (1 Kings 21:25-26)
- licentiousness as part of worship (Numbers 25:1-3) [Different from 2 Tim 3:6-7?]
- idolatry and witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22)
- Ahab was just killed, "Then Jehu went to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard about it, she painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of a window. As Jehu entered the gate, she asked, "Have you come in peace, Zimri, you murderer of your master?" "(2 Kings 9:30-32)
-- prophetess - self proclaimed
-- misleads into sexual immorality
-- eating food sacrificed to idols (Deut 32:17)
-- learned Satan's so-called deep secretsPs 106:34-40 Since salvation, what have you...?
34 They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, [What have you kept?]
35 but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. [What evil have you mingled?]
36 They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. [With what have you snared?]
37 They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. [What are you giving to demons?]
38 They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. [Do you tolerate abortion?]
39 They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. [They joined themselves and became one with the evil in Canaan--one in marriage with the “Jezebel.”]Correction: Rev 2:23-24; Jesus will repay each according to deeds:
- bed of suffering ? are you suffering because of what you are doing?
- intense suffering because of adultery--union with Jezebel--that controlling spirit?
- children will die: dreams, ideas, spiritual offspring--spiritual death is imminent?
- Jesus, who sees and knows all, will correct the church
Isaiah 40:1-5.indicates sin has been paid for--in fact--paid for double!
ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS REPENT–AND YOU HAVE HAD TIME TO DO IT.Challenge: Rev 2:25-26; Hold on to what you have until I come
Those who do not know the "deep things" of Satan?
Do we study the works of Satan more than we study the works of the Holy Spirit--Vicarious sinning?
Authority over nations: "iron scepter, dash them like pottery" ? We will rule with Christ
Morning star --all that Satan lost -- his authority--is being offered to us? (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:11-16) If we will "Do my will to the end."
52nd Sunday, October 14, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 14; Number 22; 2 Peter 2Music: Celebration Hymnal
129 Great and Mighty
121 How Majestic is Your Name
133 We Declare Your Majesty
521 A New Name in Glory
117 His Name is Life
118 His Name is Wonderful
146 I Worship You, Almighty God
194 We Worship and Adore YouTEACHING: Revelation 2:12-17, Pergamum: our heritage in seven churches.
Pergamum was a religious and political center of Asia. It had the provincial temple of the Imperial cult. “A prominent symbol on the coinage of Pergamum was the serpent, the emblem of Asklepios, the god of healing, who was worshiped there.”
What is that prominent statute in Crosby’s park?Character of Christ: Rev 2:12
Jesus presents Himself as the one with the sharp, two-edged sword. This spiritual weapon is recognized as the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12-13 “...everything is uncovered and laid bare...”Commendation: Rev 2:13
Social and political pressure against Christians was strong to the point of persecution and martyrdom (Antipas), but they resisted and remained loyal to their confession. Satan lives there.Condemnation: Rev 2:14-15
A moral laxity had crept into the church:
Balaamism. Num 23-24-25; Num 31:15-18
Greed
False ecclesiastical authority–but he couldn’t have his own way–so he started...
Teaching others to morally corrupt the chosen ones–why did he do that?
Nicolaitans were not hated as in Ephesus–they were tolerated–it was even taught.
Loose and worldly living
Licentiousness–being as close to sin as possible but still claiming ChristianityCorrection: Rev 2:16
Without repentance, the judgment of the world at large will be visited upon the church that has taken on evil without repentance. Jesus promised that either the church repents or He will come and fight them Himself. Balaam was killed by the sword.Challenge: Rev 2:17
“Hidden manna” references the manna that was kept, concealed, in the ark of the covenant so that future generations “can see the bread!” in a golden jar. The food of angels provided to man for forty years. Ex 16:32-33.“This do in remembrance of me” is our bread of life, our manna, the mystery of the bread of life, in remembrance of Jesus, “recognizing the body of Christ.” The redemption that angels can only wonder about. John 6:48-51
“White stone with a new name” references the new name for the redeemed. The white stone is access to or “not guilty” verdict. Zech 3:9 “...I will engrave an inscription on it, and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. Is 62:2 “...a new name.”
Rev 19:11-16; Zech 14:20; Rev 20 – name in the book of life.The hidden manna in the golden jar represented the bread of life (Jesus) in the container of divinity (the Son of God) and it was hidden or under the mercy seat where the sacrifice was made (the shed blood of Christ). Eating of the bread results in entrance to the Kingdom of God by being born again with a new name, one that is written in the Lamb's book of life.IF YOU ARE PERGAMUM, remove the Balaamism from your life and reject the libertine life of the Nicolaitans. Balaam was destroyed by the sword. As a Christian, do you want to war against Jesus with His two-edged sword–the Word of God? Sanctify us oh God.
51st Sunday, October 7, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 7; Matthew 10; Isaiah 53
Music:
149 Ah. Lord God (D)
107 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High (G)
111 Glory to the Lamb (C)
54 My Tribute (Bb)
55 Bless His Holy Name (Eb)
56 To God be the Glory (G)
79 My Jesus, I Love Thee (F)
505 He Touched Me (Eb)TEACHING: Dr. L. D. Kramer, Director of North Central District of World Bible Way Fellowship, “The Challenge of the Seven Keys to Healing”
"The Challenge of the Seven Keys to Healing" Bishop L. D. Kramer
Text:
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". Matt. 16:19
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". Rev. 1:1 8, Isaiah 53:3, 1 Peter 2:24-25
Introduction:
Keys-- something regarded as like a key in opening or closing a way, revealing or concealing, etc.;
I am going to give you seven keys that will unlock the doors that guard the entrance to the Palace of the Riches of His Glory and I am going to try to show you this day how the desires of your heart may be gratified. As I look into your faces and I see so many people that are looking to the Lord for the healing of their bodies, my heart goes out to you in sympathy and to my Lord in supplication and in prayer. I BELIEVE THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU CAN BE HEALED! Every one of you can press through the throng, as did the woman of old, and touch the hem of His garment. Thousands of people have found Him precious to their souls as the Great Physician and what He has done for others, He can do for you! Let the critics rail and the scoffers laugh, my Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. One thing is sure; if He does not heal today, He as not the same, He cannot be the same. The things He did then are the things He can do now and the miracles that were possible m the days of the long ago are possible IN THE DAYS IN WHICH WE LIVE!
I. FIRST KEY SALVATION AND HEALING GO TOGETHER:
"And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and deported to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. Matthew 9:1-6
II. SECOND KEY IS THE NAME THROUGH WHICH AND BY WHICH YOU ARE HEALED:
"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who set-ing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then
Peter said, Silver and gold have I non; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3: 1-6
Jesus the name high over all,
In earth and sea and sky
Angels and men before it fait,
And devils fear and fly.
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be exantined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved". Acts 4:8-12.
III. THE THIRD KEY: IT IS THE POWER OF JESUS.
"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" Acts 3:12
A. IT IS THE POWER OF JESUS
Oh steal away softly to Jesus,
To Hiin let your heart be out-poured.
Your Father who hearth in secret,
Will give you a gracious reward.
IV. THE FOURTH KEY ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF YOUR FAITH.
A. There are degrees of faith and various kinds of faith.
B. There is faith, more faith, much faith, and abundant faith.
C. As one can grow in grace, so can we grow in faith. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing the word of God.
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour". Matthew 8:13
V. THE FIFTH KEY YOU MUST KNOW THAT IT IS THE WILL OF GOD TO HEAL YOU.
"And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh. him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, 0 faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into -iiie waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
VI. THE SIXTH KEY YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service". Romans 12:1
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are". I Cor. 3:16,17
VII. THE SEVENTH KEY GIVE GOD THE GLORY!
"lt is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, Oh most High": Psalm 92:1
"The Keys to the Kingdom", By Jenny Lou Carson
You hold the keys to the kingdom of God, Use them now, friend, and when you begin,
Start with the key that will unlock your heart, Open up and let Jesus come in;
The master key's next, my dear neighbor, It's one you should use everyday,
Prayer is the key to the great pearly gates, Yes, you're unlocking them when you pray.
Don't lose your keys to the kingdom of God, For you can't buy your way to the fold,
Lov-eth thy neighbor, for love is the key To that heavenly mansion of gold;
When trumpets ring out in the morning, And you step where angels have trod,
That's the great day, you'll be so glad you used All the keys to the kingdom of God.
SEVEN STEPS TO HEALING
1. Forgive Others
2. Ask for Forgiveness From God and Others
3 Have Faith in God
4. Have Faith in the.prayers of others
5. Don't go by Feelings
6. Keep Fear out of Your Life with Love
7. Praise God for Victory
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall, raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". James 5:13-16
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls". I Peter 2:24, 25
"The Healer", By Lois Irwin
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; Surely He bore our sorrows, And by His stripes are we healed."
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were ourfaces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our grief's, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth". Isaiah 53:3-7MINISTRY: Dr. Kramer & Rev. Richard Sigmund, Healing Evangelist
50th Sunday, September 30, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 30; Daniel 1; Revelation 20Music: Celebration Hymnal
36 He Is Exalted
672 What a Mighty God We Serve
729 Faith is the Victory
693 A Shelter in the Time of Storm
705 It Is Well with My Soul
709 A Shield About Me
681 In His Time
618 In His PresenceTEACHING: Revelation 2:8-11, Smyrna: our heritage in seven churches
SMYRNA IS THE CHURCH THAT FACES DEATH BECAUSE OF CHRIST.
Jesus presented Himself as the one from the beginning and through the end who had died and is now alive. Why was that presentation important? Because martyrs will live again.Polycarp [70-155] was martyred by being burned alive in a coliseum. The beasts had been put away for the day. Jews were so anxious to kill him they collected firewood on the Sabbath, February 23, 155 AD. The fire ballooned around him and did not consume him so they stabbed him. So much blood came out that the fire was extinguished. Fearful that his corpse would be worshiped, they then burnt his body.
What kind of a Christian was Polycarp? [Irenaeus] then continues, "there are those who heard him [Polycarp] tell how John, the disciple of the Lord, when he went to take a bath in Ephesus, and saw Cerinthus within, rushed away from the room without bathing, with the words 'Let us flee lest the room should fall in, for Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within'. Yea, and Polycarp himself, also, when on one occasion Marcion confronted him and said 'Recognise us', replied, 'Ay, ay, I recognise the first-born of Satan' ".
NOTICE: Jesus did not say He would:
In fact, He said, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” It was going to happen.
- remove the affliction (Heb 11:35-38 - mistreated)
- remove the poverty (2 Cor 8:2, 9)
- stop the slander (1 Tim 6:4 - blasphemies, railings)
- protect from the synagogue of Satan (assemblage of people)
- keep from tribulation (Matthew 13:21 – shallow seed)
- keep from death (martyrs die–but they don’t die twice)
And before all of that, He said, “you are rich!”WHO WAS THE ENEMY?
Smyrna was opposed by Jews: the religious origination of Christianity, the same Old Testament, the same traditions. Jesus called them the synagogue of Satan.
Who will oppose IRCC? Who will oppose you? The answer is the same: the assembly of Satan. There is an enemy, you don’t have to make one up–you don’t have to cause it.WILL THE ENEMY KILL YOU? If at all possible, yes he will.
- We don’t have lions in the coliseum–but we have public pressure to deny our Christianity
- We don’t have knives through the heart–but we have “Christian friends” who slander
- We don’t have Pro-counsel accusing us of being godless–but we have “Christians” who do
- We don’t face physical death for Christ–but some do–and maybe soon, we will too.
Jesus says the same to those who will hear: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.”HE WHO OVERCOMES... Who is it that overcomes the world?
Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5)
...will not be hurt at all by the second death. Rev. 2:11
49th Sunday, September 23, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 23; Isaiah 62; Acts 19
Music: Celebration Hymnal
530 I Will Call upon the Lord
531 Unto Thee, O Lord
542 My Life Is in You, Lord
434 Revive Us Again
522 I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me
520 The Longer I Serve Him
544 My Faith Still Holds
548 As the DeerTEACHING: Revelation 2:1-8, Ephesus: our heritage in seven churches.
Jesus revealed a message to each of seven churches in The Revelation. Some have claimed that each church represents a time period in church history before Christ returns and that we are now in that final age of the church --Laodicea-- the apostate or fallen away church. This viewpoint is debatable because to most of the churches, Jesus referred to his quick return, not just Laodicea: Rev. 2:5, 2:16 (I come to thee quickly), 2:25, 3:3 (I come as a thief), 3:11 (I come quickly), 3:20. The churches are representative of churches throughout time–are they also representative of people in the church?
The message to each church had similarities in the structure, even though the messages were different:
1. Commission: “to the angel...” Messenger to the church
2. Character: “these things saith He who...” Jesus identifies Himself in symbolism to the church
3. Commendation: “I know thy works...” Sardis and Laodicea didn’t have a commendation
4. Condemnation: “But I have this...” Smyrna and Philadelphia did not have condemnations
5. Correction: There is something to do
6. Call: “He that hath and ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.”
7. Challenge: “He that overcometh...”IRCC is like a CHURCH IN REVELATION. Which one are we?
Each church has representatives of the seven churches within them.
Then, IRCC may be defined by what we mostly are like. WHICH ONE ARE YOU?Ephesus was a large, important city at the time of the writing of The Revelation. Home of the Temple of Diana–one of the wonders of the ancient world. Paul spent time there. Christianity had been there a long time. This was now a generation later. The church was “important”.
JESUS IS OUR PRESERVER AND WATCHMAN. He walks amongst the seven candlesticks–He holds the seven stars in His hand. He holds the second and third generation in His own hands. He does not abandon us no matter how far the church, or we, might fall.
JESUS KNOWS OUR WORKS–what we have done and what we are doing. God has records.
- Ephesus worked hard
- Ephesus had perseverence; endured hardships for the name of Jesus
- No tolerance of wicked men who claimed to be apostles and were not–you found them false
- Not weary (Gal 6:9)BUT, “You have forsaken your first love.” Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. Go back to where you were. Restore the original fire.
- Without repentance, your lampstand will be removed. (Holy Spirit will leave you).
- But you hate the Nicolaitans:
possibly precursers to wrong church hierarchy (means “conquering the people”)
possibly a licentious sect advocating complete freedom to do anything
“A true love of God involves a fervent hate of that which counterfeits and distorts the purity of biblical truth.” –WaalvordTO HIM WHO OVERCOMES... Who is it that overcomes the world?
Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:5)
...I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Rev. 2:7
48th Sunday, September 16, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 16; Judges 7; Matthew 24Music: Celebration Hymnal
195 Bless the Name of Jesus
194 We Worship and Adore You
193 God Is So Good
809 God of Our Fathers
618 In His Presence
619 Hiding in TheeGUEST: Gideons International
On July 1, 1899, three men, John H. Nicholson, Samuel E. Hill, and Will J. Knights, established an organization to band Christian commercial travelers together for mutual recognition, personal evangelism, and united service for the Lord. Much thought was given to what the name of the association should be, and after special prayer that God might lead them to select the proper name, Mr. Knights arose from his knees and said, "We shall be called Gideons."TEACHING:Feast of Trumpets
ROSH HASHANAH IS SEPTEMBER 17TH AT SUNDOWN (Jewish Year 5762).
Lev 23:24-25 "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the LORD by fire.'"The first day of the month is the new moon–when the moon passes over the same location as the sun so it is difficult to see except during a solar eclipse. Tradition has it that three reliable witnesses were needed to determine when the new moon was over Jerusalem. And for this feast, two days were allowed just in case they were wrong. Also, some refer to this feast as the one where “no man knows the day or the hour” because they were never quite sure. Now, astronomy can predict it to the second.
ROSH HASHANAH IS KNOWN AS A TIME OF JUDGMENT: tradition has it that 3 books are opened. The book for the completely righteous, the book of the completely wicked, and the book of the average. Names of the:
Righteous are added to the Book of Life
Wicked are added to the Book of Death
In-between are in suspension until the Day of AtonementThree themes of Rosh Hashanah: sovereignty, remembrance, sound of the shofar.
1. Through repentance, God is sovereign: cast sins into the sea–remembered no more
2. Through remembrance, God’s convenant: substitutionary sacrifice for Isaac–a ram
3. Through the sound of the shofar–a ram’s horn--God calls His peopleONE PURPOSE OF THE TRUMPET SOUND IS TO GATHER THE PEOPLE
Exodus 19:16-19 ...and the trumpet grew louder...
Joshua 6:4-5 ...trumpets at Jericho
Judges 7:22 ...When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused ...GOD WILL USE TRUMPETS AT THE LAST DAY
Joel 2:1-2 Blow the trumpet ... tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming.
Zechariah 9:14-16 ...The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; ...
Matthew 24:31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, ...
1 Cor 15:51-54 ... For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised...
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 ...the trumpet call... the dead in Christ will rise first....Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
With the events of this past week, there must be a renewed urgency:2 Cor 6:2 For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
- Are your sins cast into the deep forgetfulness of sovereign God–are they washed away?
- Have you applied the substitutionary blood of Jesus personally?
- Are you ready to hear the shofar of God calling you to His side?
47th Sunday, September 9, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 9; Isaiah 58; Luke 4
Music: Celebration Hymnal
56 To God Be the Glory
55 Bless His Holy Name
86 Jesus, Name Above All Names
87 Fairest Lord Jesus
88 More Precious than Silver
334 The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
548 As the Deer
552 I Am Thine, O LordTeaching: Some things about FASTING.
To know what a fast is, it may be helpful to know what a fast is not.
Fasting is not dieting. The purpose of a diet is to improve the body. The purpose of a fast is to weaken and mortify the body, breaking the human spirit before God.
Psalm 109:24 My knees are weak with fasting and my flesh wastes away, so meager is my fare.
Psalm 35:13; Psalm 69:10; Zechariah 7:3,5; Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2Fasting is not delaying eating until later. Delaying does not "sacrifice" the food from personal use.
Isaiah 58:6-7 Is not this what I require of you as a fast: to loose the fetters of injustice, to untie the knots of the yoke, to snap every yoke and set free those who have been crushed? Is it not sharing your food with the hungry, taking the homeless poor into your house, clothing the naked when you meet them and never evading a duty to your kinsfolk?Fasting is not eating fish instead of cow. Fasting is "no food"; abstinence from food. And may include water also.
2 Samuel 12:6; Esther 4:16; Joel 1:14; 2:15 Proclaim a solemn fast, appoint a day of abstinence.Fasting is not public performance. Advertising or bragging about a fast may cause the outcome of the fast to be only the human recognition or "praise" for your being on a fast.
Matthew 6:16 or Luke 18:11-14 ... For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled;...Fasting is not a badge of spirituality. Fasting is an acknowledgment of personal and community sinfulness and specific sin.
1 Samuel 7:5-6; Nehemiah 9:1,2; Jonah 3:5; Joel 2:12; Daniel 9:3Fasting is not a permanent institution–a church program. There is an end to all fasting.
2 Samuel 12:22; Matthew 9:14; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:33-35Fasting is not forcing God's hand. God is sovereign and may or may not respond to the accompanying prayers while fasting.
Jeremiah 14:12; 1 Kings 21:27-29Fasting is not a general program. Biblical fasts are for specific purposes or events in the past or future.
Mourning as a result of personal or community sin
1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chr 10:12; 2 Samuel 1:12; Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 9:31; Jeremiah 36:9
Divine guidance or intervention
Judges 20:23; 2 Chr 20:3; Ezra 8:21,23; Esther 4:3; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23.
- An announced or proclaimed FAST may be declared for a specific purpose common to the community for the restoration of righteousness.
- The purpose of a FAST is to demonstrate mortification and humiliation before God as a sign of repentance--mourning for past individual or community sins.
- A FAST honors and exalts God while breaking the human spirit.
- A FAST is a "cost" or an "expense" to the individual doing the fasting; a "loss of personal use"; similar to a sacrifice.
FASTING AND PRAYER IS A PREPARATION FOR SPECIFIC MINISTRY WITH POWER.
46th Sunday, September 2, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 2; John 6; 2 Thess 3Music: Celebration Hymnal
5 I Sing Praises
8 Come Thou Almighty King
9 Glorify Thy Name
10 Majesty
18 Let’s Just Praise the Lord
20 Let There Be Glory and Honor and Praises
21 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
22 Praise the Name of Jesus
195 Bless the Name of JesusTeaching:“We will work”--Genesis 2 – Have a happy and safe Labor Day
WORK IS NOT PART OF THE CURSE...but sweat is.
Gen 2:15 versus Gen 3:17-19 "...Cursed is the ground...By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food ...” Consider Ezek 44:18 and Luke 22:44
Laziness is a curse: a little sleep, a little slumber
Prov 6:10-11 or 24:33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
The sluggard (indolent, lazy, avoids work, dislikes work) ... Prov 6:6, 6:9, 10:26, 13:4, 15:19, 19:24, 20:4, 22:13, 24:30, 26:13, 26:14, 26:15, 26:16
Proverbs 12:24 ...but laziness ends in slave labor.
Paul said–those who do not work, do not eat. 2 Thess 3:10
The church is not the source of a free ride. The church is not obligated to feed the lazy or the indolent, including lazy leadership. [2 Thess 3]
Acts 6–deacons were established for the daily distribution of food to widows.
James 1:26-27 “”...look after orphans and widows in their distress... “BUT, WHAT DOES MAN GAIN FROM HIS LABOR?Ecclesiastes 1
Eccl 2:24-26 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
Luke 12:19 And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' The problem was “take life easy.” This willfully violates God’s first rule, “work the garden and keep it.”GOD WORKED
In six days He spoke the universe into existence from nothingness.
On the sixth day He formed man out of what He had created and breathed in life.
He “edified” Adam and built a helper from the living man He had formed.
And this “edification” of His creation has continued ever since: man fell–God redeemed; man is sick–Jesus heals. John 5:17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."We are made in the image of God to work in His CREATION: to kabash the earth
We will speak things into existence–our mind creates–we design–we plan.
We will form things into existence–our hands will make things.
We will build–we take what is and build on it–edifying it–improving it
Col 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.We are made in the image of God to work in the KINGDOM OF GOD
Speak: Our prayers and faith change non-existence into reality (Heb 11:1)
Form: Our faith is supported by our works (James 2:17)
Build up: We edify and encourage each other–we build each other up (Heb 3:13)WE WILL EAT, DRINK, AND ENJOY -- not “die” like Isaiah 22:13 or even 1 Cor 15:32
Col 1:10-12 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
45th Sunday, August 26, 2001
Scripture readings: Proverbs 26; Psalm 19; 2 Timothy 3Music: Celebration Hymnal
54 My Tribute
55 Bless His Holy Name
56 To God Be the Glory
444 I Love to Tell the Story
195 Bless the Name of JesusTeaching: Tim and Chris
Thank you Tim and Chris for sharing with us today. Following are some notes for those of you who could not make it.
Tirzah: " There are no beds in Africa. Nobody sleeps."
" There is no paper in Africa"Camden "There are no good-byes in Africa, only hellos"
Chris "God knows our address"
The urge to translate was prompted by learning about the many oral traditions in various cultures around the world. Many include the flood story and many include the creation account when God walked and talked with man.
One tradition has God communicating directly with man and writing things down on animal skins. But a severe famine came and one woman took the animal skins and boiled them so she and her children could eat. Because she chose food over the words of God, God is gone and shame is over the people.
Another tradition in the Sudan: Once God walked with man--the God who created all things. He molded man and woman was made from a rib of that man. They had direct communication with God because there was a rope up to God. Anyone could climb the rope and talk to God whenever he wanted. One day a woman was going to talk to God and was going to bring a very heavy grinding stone. The man warned her that it was too heavy and would break the rope. She disobeyed the man and broke the rope. Since then they have been making sacrifices and trying to get the rope restored; they have been trying works. They have a life supporting river in their traditions.
On the Ivory Coast is the same type of story. God was close to the earth. Very close. One day a lady was grinding her food (footoo) in a mortar and pestle and she raised her pestle and poked God in the eye. This made him mad and he left.
A Serbian tradition has God creating a rooster that told man when to get up and work and when to stop working. The people complained about the rooster and God left.
Even a Jewish paraphrase of the Old Testament concludes that God got angry with the people because they worshipped foreign Gods and didn't obey. The Jewish people were scattered. God no longer sends prophets or angels. He has now left the Jews without a Temple to fend for themselves.
The other half of the story is missing. That God has provided a Savior. We know it because we have the word of God in our language.
Tim
Col 1:21-22
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-Cultures have shame built into their oral traditions.
The belief is that the Good News is best provided in a people's native language. [In the same way their oral traditions are spread.] There are over 6000 languages in the world. In Tanzania there are over 135 languages in an area about the size of the upper midwest. Even though Swahili is the language of trade, it is estimated that over 50 people groups use a language that is different enough that understanding would be difficult if not impossible. Imagine trying to understand the Bible in a language other than English if it was not your native language--understanding the "mystery" with only high school German.
The hymn: "I love to tell the old, old story"--but this story is new to people who have never had it in their language.
Col 1:25-27
I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.First, go to bootcamp--living in a tent. Then to a small town with a sponsor. They will be learning Swahili, the language of trade--then they will teach in Swahili at a Bible School. It is then they will be assigned to a specific people group where they may actually develop a written language for the people and start the translating process with the help of the people who live there. This will be the first four years. A New Testament usually takes 12 years to translate--an Old Testament usually takes only an additional 5 years because many of the concepts are already worked out.
Col 1:29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
We at IRCC join is supporting prayer for Tim and Chris.
May the LORD bless them and keep them.
The LORD make His face shine upon them, and be gracious to them;
May the LORD lift up His countenance on them and give them peace.
A History of Bible Translation
God must want people to read His Word--He always speaks their language.
• Through Old Testament authors, He spoke in Hebrew, the language His people understood best.
• In the New Testament, He spoke in Koine Greek, the trade language of the 1st century.
• The early church needed few translations. Believers copied and circulated Scriptures in Greek that everyone could read.
• During the 4th century, Latin began to replace Greek as the common language. Pope Damascus assigned the job to Jerome, his theological advisor and perhaps the most learned man of the time. Jerome’s translation, called the Latin Vulgate (meaning vulgar or common) became the Bible of the Middle Ages
The Vulgate would outlast its purpose. As centuries passed, Latin became the language only of the highly educated. Common people could no longer understand the Church’s liturgy or Scripture reading. Instead of promoting new translations, clergy clung to the Vulgate because it forced people to rely on their teaching.
• John Wycliffe defied the clergy and translated the first English Bible.
• William Tyndale worked on the first English translation based on the original Hebrew and Greek. In 1525, smuggled copies of his New Testament began circulating England.
• Martin Luther later published about 100,000 copies of his German translation, and soon translators across Europe made God’s Word available in every major language.
• James I (1564-1625), King of England, alarmed by all the versions appearing, commissioned a group of biblical scholars to produce an “authorized” version [1611].
The Bible, however, was virtually a European book since the majority of Scripture translations were done in languages spoken only in Europe. Missionaries changed that.
• Matthew's gospel in Malay, which appeared in 1629 was the first non-European Scriptures.
• In America, John Eliot translated the Bible into the language of the Massachusetts Indians. His translation appeared in 1662 and became the first Bible for missionary use in America.
By 1800 there were 66 languages with some portion of Scripture, 40 with the whole Bible. God used an English cobbler named William Carey to forward translation in India and Asia. Believing that the Bible was the most effective way to advance Christianity, Carey translated or helped translate Scripture in over 20 Indian languages. With his colleagues he translated and printed Scripture in 45 languages and dialects in Asia, 35 for the first time. This work was done between 1793 and 1834.
44th Sunday, August 19, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 19; Matthew 21; Psalm 146
Music: Celebration Hymnal
208 Let the Redeemed;
209 This Is the Day
715 He Is Jehovah;
716 Jehovah Jireh;
717 I Am the God That Healeth Thee
505 He Touched Me
758 Lift Up Your Heads;
757 Soon and Very SoonTeaching: The King will defend his house
But I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch. Zechariah 9:8
Sin is removed: Zechariah 9:1-11 "I will take the blood from their mouths..."
The King is coming
Zechariah 9:9-10 "See your king..."
John 12:14 is coming on a little donkey
Free prisoners Zech 9:11-13 "free from the waterless pit..."
Ephesians 4:8 "He led captivity..."
Galatians 3:21-22 "the whole world is a prisoner of sin..."
Isaiah 42:6-7 "Free captives from prison"There is a waterless pit–call it HELL. Luke 16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus
The King is returning
Zechariah 9:14-17 "arrow will flash like lightning"
Matthew 24:27-28, 31 "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ... And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Luke 17:24-25 "For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.
1 Corinthians 15:52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.The King is rejected
Christ is Rejected
Zechariah 11:4-13 "Pasture the flock marked for slaughter"
Matthew 23:37-39 "but you were not willing."
Matthew 26:15 "thirty pieces of silver"
Matthew 27:5 "threw the money–potter’s fieldCost of Rejection
Zechariah 11:14-17 "worthless shepherd...""Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!" Zechariah 11:17WHO IS YOUR SHEPHERD?
43rd Sunday, August 12, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 12; Haggai 1; Mark 13
Music: Celebration Hymnal
353 Victory In Jesus
213 We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise
214 He Has Made Me Glad
224 We Have Come into His House
226 Oh, the Glory of Your Presence
372 Our God Reigns
373 To Him Who Sits on the Throne
384 Spirit Song
385 Where the Spirit of the Lord IsTeaching:
Dr. L. D. Kramer,
World Bible Way Fellowship,
Director of North Central District
The Challenge of "ONE SMALL STEP", by Dr. L. D. Kramer
TEXT: "And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:3).
INTRODUCTION: At 10:56 P.M. Sunday July 20, 1969, Nell Armstrong stepped from the Lunar Module on the surface of the moon and said. "That's one small step for a man - - one giant leap for mankind" One small step will start you in the right direction.
I. THE FIRST STEP IN WALKING WITH GOD:
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:24).
A. God made man to walk holy.
B. God made man to walk honorable
C. God made man to have a home.II. THE FIRST STEP IN WORKING FOR GOD:
“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he" (Genesis 6:14,22).
A. God made man to labor for his food.
B. God made man to labor in his faith.
C. God made man to labor in his field.III. THE FIRST STEP IN WITNESSING FOR THE LORD:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
A. God made man to witness His love.
B. God made man to witness His life within and without.
C. God made man to witness for His Lord.IV. THE FIRST STEP IN WORSHIP:
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth' (John 4:23,24).1. God made man soul, body and spirit.
2. God made man to worship in truth and spirit.
C. God made man to worship through the knowledge of the Scriptures.V. THE FIRST STEP IN THE WORD:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (II Timothy 3:16).
A. God made man so he could read.
B. God also provided man with a book - - the Bible.
C. God instructs man by the teachings of that Book.VI. THE FIRST STEP WANDERING:
“And the younger of them said to his father, Father give me the portion of goods that falleth to rne. And he divided unto them his Ilving. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and tcok his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living, And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want” (Luke 15:12-14).
A. Man can wander in his own way.
B. Man can walk in disobedience to God’s Word.
C. Man can wallow In disgrace to God's Will.VII. THE FIRST STEP IN WINNING:
“And when he came to himseff, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee" (Luke 15:17-18)
A. The first step is to turn from your sin.
"Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you" (Proverbs 1:23).
B. The second step is to trust Christ as your Savior.
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14).
C. The third step is to testify of your salvation.
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (II Timothy 1:8).CONCLUSION: The promise of the Lord, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23).
"Half of the road to success is taking the first Step.”
Red Harper said it in a song:
"EACH STEP OF THE WAY.”
I'm following Jesus one step at a time,
I live for the moment in His love divine,
Why think of tomorrow, just live for today,
I'm following Jesus Each step of the way.The pathway is narrow But He leads me on,
I walk in His shadow My fears are all gone,
My Spirit grows stronger, Each moment, each day,
For Jesus is leading Each step of the way."Something for the Heart!"
"Faith in God does not exempt us from all the trials of life, it will see us through them,""Friendship"
"One good basis of friendship is forgetting what you give and remembering what you receive.”E- mail: mrchallenge@aol.com
challengechapel@aol.com
challengeprayerline@mail.com
Challenge Chapel Ministries
P.O. Box 39444
Minneapolis, MN 55439-0444
Telephone (651) 220-2624_________
Addendum: Joy and gladness in the coming age–Zechariah 8
Words of the LORD of HOSTS: LORD AlmightyAgain the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her."
This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the LORD Almighty.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "You who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were there when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty, let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built. Before that time there were no wages for man or beast. No one could go about his business safely because of his enemy, for I had turned every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past," declares the LORD Almighty.
"The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me," says the LORD Almighty, "so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.
Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, 'Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.' And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him."
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'" [NIV]
42nd Sunday, August 5, 2001Scripture readings: Proverbs 5; Daniel 9; Haggai 1-2
Music: Celebration Hymnal
36 He Is Exalted
129 Great and Mighty
– By My Spirit, Melodies of Praise (140), Hymns of Glorious Praise (197)
526 The Solid Rock
528 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
530 I Will Call upon the Lord
531 Unto Thee, O Lord
224 We Have Come into His House
226 Oh, the Glory of Your Presence
227 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow DownTeaching: Zechariah: visions for rebuilding
The visions of Zechariah apply at many levels:
end-times,
coming of Christ,
rebuilding of Temple.Haggai and Zechariah are the prophets of record to help the exiles understand how important it was to rebuild the Temple. Ezra 6:14
Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and even Daniel are about contemporaries.
When God reveals His plans to His prophets (Amos 3:7), is it time to act? If so, how?
BOOKEND: Do not be like your forefathers (Zechariah 1:1-6):
They did not listen to the prophets.
They did not turn from evil.
The Lord did what the prophets said He would do.Lord, How long will you withhold mercy? (Zechariah 1:12-20)
They are at peace; they feel secure.
I am angry at them: the four horns who brought on calamity and scattered you.
I will bring four craftsmen against them.How to Rebuild a work of God:
1. Many nations will join. (Zechariah 2:11)2. "'In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree,' declares the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah 3:10)
3. So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
4. "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. (Zechariah 4:10)
BOOKEND: Do Not Be Like Your Forefathers (Zechariah 7:8-14)
And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'"But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and stopped up their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.
"'When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,' says the LORD Almighty.
Worship Notes for Year 2002
Worship Notes from Year 2000
Future Teachings
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