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 2002
You can join in the worship at Iron Range Christian Center by singing the same music, reading the same scriptures, and considering the lesson, but most importantly, by praying.Worship Notes from Year 2001January 6, 2002, "Job: a "perfect" man,"
January 13, 2002, "Eliphaz: religions inspired by demons"
January 20, 2002, "Bildad: religion by tradition of men"
January 27, 2002, "Zophar: religion by man's reasoning"
February 3, 2002, "Elihu: religion out of angry youth"
February 10, 2002, "There is no excuse or How to Backslide" Romans
February 17, 2002, "Romans: Justified by Faith"
February 24, 2002, "Romans: Grace by one man"
March 3, 2002, "Back to the Basics of God: Having a Kingdom Mentality", Gregory P. Chase
March 10, 2002, Snow Day
March 17, 2002, "Praying like Patrick the Pentecostal"
Shield of St. Patrick
March 24, 2002, Palm Sunday, "The King is Coming"
March 31, 2002, Easter Sunday, "It's About the Resurrection"
April 7, 2002, "Looking for Armageddon," Ezekiel
April 14, 2002, "Looking for the River," Ezekiel
April 21, 2002, "9 to 5 Propheting--Ezekiel as a mentor"
April 28, 2002, "Took Me By The Hair of My Head"
May 5, 2002, "Christian Cannibals," Ezekiel 34
May 12, 2002, "I will see mom again" Ezekiel 37
May 19, 2002, "Prayer and Power" Jonah
May 26, 2002, "Nineveh Memorialized Jonah"
June 2, 2002, "Disappointing the Prophet" Jonah 4
June 9, 2002, Richard Sigmund
June 16, 2002, "Jacob had Four Wives" FATHER'S DAY
June 23, 2002, "Solomon had 1000 Mates"
June 30, 2002, "A Christian Declaration"
July 7, 2002, "Our Christian Forefathers"July 14, 2002, "Observational Wisdom Leads to God"
July 21, 2002, "Wisdom for Ventures"
July 28, 2002, "Solomon’s Wisdom for Life"
August 4, 2002, "Coming of Christ Matched Prophecy"
August 11, 2002, "You have heard that it was said?"
August 18, 2002, "Do Not Be Like the Hypocrites..."
August 25, 2002, "It Is A Narrow Gate"
September 1, 2002, "Christian Labor"
September 8, 2002, 'Patchwork Christians"
September 15, 2002, "Apostle Work Instructions"
September 22, 2002, Rev. Dale Gilmore, "Do Not Despise Small Beginnings"
September 29, 2002, "Kingdom of Heaven is Like This"
October 6, 2002, "Samuel Lived in the Presence of the Lord"
October 13, 2002, "Samuel Made Kings"
October 20, 2002, Rev. Richard Sigmund
October 27, 2002, "The Witch and Samuel the Ghost"
November 3, 2002, "Samuel, the Feared Prophet"
November 10, 2002, Rev. Robert Cesarek
November 17, 2002, Kings, Wives and Prophets
November 24, 2002, HERITAGE SUNDAY
December 1, 2002, Micah foretold His Birth
December 8, 2002, The Psalms tell us about Christmas
December 15, 2002, Genesis Tells Us About Jesus
Worship Notes from Year 2000
Our Scriptures and Prayers
Return to IRCC Home Page
115th Sunday, December 29, 2002
Jesus is Returning, Isaiah Tells Us So
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 29; Mark 13
Music: Celebration Hymnal
761 - Therefore the Redeemed
764 - The Trees of the Field
753 - Jesus Is Coming Again
755 - We Shall Behold Him
757 - Soon and Very Soon
Special Music: Katie Chase (Guest from Nashville)
Lesson: Jesus is Coming Again - Isaiah tells us so
A friend of ours-James (the member, not the apostle) posed the idea of having a watch of a different kind. Instead of the hour of the day, it would be counting down the hours of life you had left. If your “millennium clock” read 15 hours, would your life be different? What would you do differently in the next 15 hours?
Peter (the apostle, not the member) posed the same question. 2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. [NIV]
SO THEN, why do we live the way we do when we don’t know when our millennium clock -our James clock--is going to run down. We are at some point going to face our creator? Why do we sin? Why do we act the way we do?
YES, the normal excuses come up and yes, we yield to the temptations provided us-with much rationalization. But there may be another nagging reason. We have heard what will happen but don’t really believe it. We have put it in the realm of yah, but later, maybe. If your appointment with Christ was in an hour, what would you be doing?
The birth of the Messiah was told with great precision and yet we have learned that the race to whom Messiah, Redeemer, God-man, Savior, the Christ, the Healer, King of Kings, was to come, yawned a big long yawn, tried to kill Him and then did kill Him. The prophecies foretold-they ignored.
IS GOD REALLY GOD? Isaiah 44 reveals something of importance. Isa 44:6-8 "This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come--
yes, let him foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."
THIS IS THE IDENTIFICATION OF GOD. How do we know that He is whom He says He is? “LET HIM FORETELL...” Amos 3:7 reveals how important it is to listen to the prophets to know the plans of God. Isaiah, a prophet, told us how this Messiah was going to come, what He was going to do, and what will happen when He comes again.
SHOCKING NEWS - Jesus is returning -coming again. Your “James clock” is running down and it may be running down to His physical return -- not your death. How then should you live?
WE HAVE been taught about the rapture. Much mis-information (with guilt and fear techniques) have accompanied the teaching and some of us have had the crises experience because of the techniques used. What we definitely know from scripture is relatively simple-but read all of it-not just the few words that match your indoctrination.
1 Thess 4:13 - 5:9 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these.
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. [NIV]
Where is Jesus when this happens? Descended from heaven. That means he is NOT in heaven. Does He go back to heaven? Scripture does not say-only preachers with charts on the wall say it.
Scripture simply says everyone is up in the clouds over the whole event.
Is it secret? Apparently not for those who are children of the light. Jesus suggested his coming is more like lightning from the east to the west. (Mat 24:27; Luke 17:24) And even includes language telling us if someone says he is “over there”, don’t believe it. What secret? “One will be taken and one left”-What secret? Your “James clock” is on your wrist if you are a child of the light and should be telling you. That is what the prophets are for. That is what scripture is. God reveals His plans through the prophets and foretells so we can recognize His work.
WE WILL BE CHANGED!
1 Cor 15:50-54 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- 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. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." [NIV]
BUT “No man knows the hour”
BUT THAT IS PRECEDED WITH
Mark 13:28-34 [Matt 24, Luke 12] "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
ARE YOU WATCHING YOUR JAMES CLOCK?
Isaiah explains resurrection and rapture:
Isa 26:19 But your dead will live;
their bodies will rise.
You who dwell in the dust,
wake up and shout for joy.
Your dew is like the dew of the morning;
the earth will give birth to her dead.
Isa 27:13 And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Isa 11:10-12 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the sea.
He will raise a banner for the nations
and gather the exiles of Israel;
he will assemble the scattered people of Judah
from the four quarters of the earth.
IN THAT DAY
THE LORD ALONE WILL BE EXALTED
Isa 2:17-21
The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear.
Men will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. In that day men will throw away to the rodents and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold, which they made to worship. They will flee to caverns in the rocks and to the overhanging crags from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth.
Ezekiel 38:20; Hosea 10:8, Luke 23:30 and Rev 6:16 say similar things. His return is not going to be pleasant for children of the dark -- hiding in caves -- Osama, does this ring a bell?.
THE LORD WILL BE GLORIOUS
Isa 4:2-6
In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
When He returns, he will punish
Isa 24:21-23
In that day the LORD will punish
the powers in the heavens above
and the kings on the earth below.
They will be herded together
like prisoners bound in a dungeon;
they will be shut up in prison
and be punished after many days.
The moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed;
for the LORD Almighty will reign
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
and before its elders, gloriously.
BUT WE NEED A SIGN
- WE NEED A FIG TREE
- ISRAEL BECAME A NATION IN 1948?
“this generation” Matt 24:33-34; Mark 13: Luke 21
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Look at those “things” - list them - what does scripture actually say. It is interesting how those “things” don’t match the books and the charts on the walls behind the prophecy experts. “Things” are always sidetracked with “issues.”
1948 Israel?
Isa 66:8 Who has ever heard of such a thing?
Who has ever seen such things?
Can a country be born in a day
or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labor
than she gives birth to her children.
Who actually restores Israel?
Isa 56:8 The Sovereign LORD declares--
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
"I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered."
And there are more people being gathered.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:14, Ezekiel explains:
Ezek 11:17 "Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.'
Not just Babylonian exiles, but ALL. That hasn’t happened yet.
BUT FOR A SIGN?
- LOOK AT EGYPT.
Isaiah 19
After the Nile has dried up...
- FIVE CITIES SPEAK HEBREW AND ARE COMMITTED TO GOD
- THERE WILL BE AN ALTAR IN THE HEART OF EGYPT TO THE LORD
- THERE WILL BE A MONUMENT AT THE BORDER TO THE LORD
- THERE WILL BE A HIGHWAY TO ASSYRIA
The Egyptians will be His people.
The Assyrians will be His people.
The Israelites will be His people.
Isa 19:25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."
Look at it this way: Ham is my people, Japheth is my handiwork, Shem is my inheritance. All the children of Noah come to worship Him. Does this give a slightly different view of Arab lands dominated by Islam? Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Syria, Jordan, Egypt?
WHAT DOES YOUR MILLENNIUM “JAMES” CLOCK DO FOR YOU NOW?
How much time do we have?
114th Sunday, December 22, 2002
Jesus in Isaiah
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 22; Isaiah 11; Isaiah 42
Music: Celebration Hymnal
277 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
284 The Birthday of a King
279 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
280 One Small Child
281 What Child Is This?
Children’s Lesson: “Birthday”
TEACHING: Jesus in Isaiah -- Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [NIV]
OR AS SOME TRANSLATIONS HAVE IT--
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
“WONDERFUL” - what does this mean?
- chocolate cake is “wonderful”l
- musicians and actors are “wonderful”
- a kind-hearted person was just “wonderful”
“Wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me...”
“His Name is wonderful...”
In Isaiah’s context, it meant more “miraculous” such as what the Hebrews experienced in Egypt.
- Ex 15:11; Ps 77:11-14
And just searching for “wonders” always seem to have “miraculous signs and wonders”. In Exodus it was frogs, lice, and flies-what does it mean in Bethlehem?
“COUNSELOR” - what is that?
The Proverbs tell us that if you are going to make war, seek much advice or counsel:
Prov 24:6 for waging war you need guidance,
and for victory many advisers.
Prov 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
We have been instructed that Holy Spirit is to be our Counselor. John 14, 15, 16
Counselors provide guidance and advise-but no one has to take that advice. I find it interesting that several translations put Wonderful Counselor together with “wonderful” modifying “counselor.” This makes that child being born, not just a “wonderful” person (like chocolate is wonderful) and just a very good counselor, but rather a miracle making adviser that can produce WONDERS. What kind of adviser would you pay attention to?
ISAIAH CONTINUES
Isaiah 28:29 All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.
DAVID CONTINUES
Psalm 105:2-7 “wonderful deeds”
Psalm 145:5 “majesty” is connected with “wonderful works” - something is done
DANIEL CONTINUES
Dan 4:2-3 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!
Jesus is a Counselor who will move mountains and raise frogs and lice to get our attention-an advisor who does signs and wonders.
ANTITHESES - Antichrist produces lying wonders 2 Thess 2:9
WITH THE POWER OF HOLY SPIRIT
Apostles did signs and wonders - to what end?
That others believe in Jesus. Maybe we were made to be “wonderfully made” Ps 139:14 We were made to create wonders.
THIS CHILD IS ALSO -
- MIGHTY GOD: there is power in that, not just a good sounding name for music anthems.
- EVERLASTING FATHER: there is eternity and the “I AM” written all over that language; this CHILD is the Creator.
Let’s go back to that name again: “This Child who is telling us what we should do works miracles and signs and wonders because he is the mighty God--not just a god who does lying wonders-in fact he is the everlasting father, creator of all.” And he is advising us. And shows with miracles.
Even His STATUTES create wonders - Psalm 119:129
- PRINCE OF PEACE He said he wasn’t bringing peace - Luke 2:14 vs. Luke 12:51
But that is where He counsels us to be -- where He is the Prince.
113th Sunday, December 15, 2002
Genesis Tells Us About Jesus
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 15; 1 John 1; Genesis 17
Music: Celebration Hymnal
249 O Come, All Ye Faithful
251 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
265 The First Noel
270 Joy to the World!
277 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Children’s Lesson: “Getting Excited”
TEACHING: Jesus in Genesis
GOD WALKED WITH MAN
AND THEN THERE WAS SIN
Gen 3:8-10 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."
THE PROMISE WAS GIVEN
To Eve-you were deceived
your seed will crush the serpent’s head
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
The note for “offspring” indicates that the word “seed” is also a possible translation. Note from human biology 101, women don’t have seed, women have eggs-thus, immaculate conception- Jesus was conceived and born from a virgin who was so young that of course she was virgin.
Paul explains something:
1 Tim 2:14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD
Amongst a sinful people,
one man walked with God.
Amongst a sinful people, God walked with man
Enoch looked forward to the coming king.
Gen 5:22-24 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Jude 14-15 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, ..."
TO ABRAHAM A PROMISE IS GIVEN
Ishmael - Sarah and Abraham’s solution
Isaac - The Promised One - God’s solution
Gen 17:18-19 And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"
Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
JOSEPH, THE REJECTED ONE (Gen 37, 42)
Despised and rejected by his brothers
- Rejected because he was prophetic
- Put in a pit
- Sold to Ishmaelites
Unrecognized by his brothers
- In power, his family did not know him
Loved his brothers anyway
- In love, he knew and rescued them.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE WITH THE PROMISE?
First, God walked with man
Then, a man walked with God (after the fall)
Jesus is the promise realized.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH JESUS?
112th Sunday, December 8, 2002
The Psalms tell us about Christmas
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 8; Psalm 72; Psalm 89
Music: Celebration Hymnal
258 Go Tell It On the Mountain;
259 Angels from the Realms of Glory;
260 Worthy, You Are Worthy;
263 What Can I Give Him?;
265 The First Noel
Children’s Lesson: “Waiting” & “Patience”
All the Psalms contain references to Jesus and what He is and will do. Jesus is the center of our worship. As Christmas approaches, this week would be a great week to sit down and read ALL of the Psalms. The "most" Messianic (as determined by scholars) are listed in the lesson, but we are only taking three concepts out: He is God; He is man; He will receive Gifts from men. He, Jesus of Nazareth, is our salvation and worthy of praise and worship.
December 8, 2002, 112th Sunday
TEACHING:
Christmas in the PsalmsDavid was a worshiper and he wrote psalms. And the psalms reveal the Messiah. [These notes contain the most commonly referenced Messianic Psalms-we will only look at a few of them.]
Luke 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD
Psalm 2 - Messiah: God's Son, the King
2:7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
Matt 26:63 ...The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
CHRIST IS THE SON OF MAN
Psalm 8 - Messiah: Son of Man
4-6 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
John 12:34 “Who is the Son of Man”
The Psalms include much of the suffering and the exaltation of the Christ.
Psalm 16 - Messiah: His Resurrection
Psalm 22 - Messiah: His Crucifixion - The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Psalm 23 - The Great Shepherd cares for His sheep.
Psalm 24 - The Chief Shepherd, the King of Glory, rewards His sheep.
Psalm 40 - Messiah: Obedient unto death
Psalm 41 - Messiah: Betrayed by a friend
Psalm 45 - The Great King
Psalm 69 - The Man of Sorrows
Psalm 89 - The Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant
Psalm 102 - The Lord of Glory: afflicted but enduring
Psalm 116 - The Servant of the Lord,
Psalm 118 - The LORD is become my Salvation; rejected by rulers
CHRIST WILL RECEIVE GIFTS
Psalm 68 - The Lord leads His people into Rest
18 When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, ...
29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem
kings will bring you gifts.
Psalm 72 - The Characteristics of His Reign
10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts.
Psalm 76:11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands
bring gifts to the One to be feared.
Psalm 110 - The King and Priest
“at birth you were endowed with princely gifts”
Matt 2:11 gold, incense, and myrrh
THREE GIFTS:
heart, soul, and all your strength
Deut 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
spirit, soul, and mind
1 Thessalonians 5:23 ...May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ALL OF MANKIND NEEDS A SAVIOR-CAN YOU SAVE YOURSELF? ARE YOU A GOD?
1 John 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Ps 149:4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
111th Sunday, December 1, 2002
Micah Foretold His Birth: They knew, what did they do?
The lesson today has an underlying concept that has to do with: "we know what God says--why don't we do it?" In regards to sin, Paul stated:
Rom 7:14-20
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
KJV
Jesus explains:
Matt 26:41
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
KJV
Mark 14:38
38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
KJV
Paul again states in Rom 8:26-27 the help we can have if we only accept it.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
NIV
We have the word, and the knowledge--we have prophecies--yet by our own inaction we declare we have nothing. We don't believe it.
Sin continues. James stated: James 4:17
7 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
NIV
We have the prophetic, why don't we act on it? We have the promises, why don't we believe them? We know what sin is, why don't we shun it? We know where the presence of Jesus is, why don't we seek him?
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 1; Romans 10; John 3
Music: Celebration Hymnal
249 Oh Come All Ye Faithful (10)
245 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (8)
244 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
243 Emmanuel
Children’s Lesson:
“Planning”
TEACHING:
Micah foretold his comingMic 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."
Matt 2:1-8
The religious experts of the day knew exactly where the Christ, the King, would be born: Bethlehem.
And they had known for hundreds of years: since Hezekiah.
- Did “religion” go see the King?
- Did “government” go see the King?
- Did “all of Jerusalem” go see the King?
Magi, alone, went to find him.
Religion of the day knew that the Messiah, the Christ, the King would come out of Judah.
- Were they watching for this event?
- Were they looking for the star?
- Did they see the signs?
Wisemen from the east were looking.
Religion and leadership of the day knew that Messiah, the Christ, the King, was for all of Israel. This was the rejoining of Judah and the 10 tribes back under one ruler.
- Did Samaria come and look?
- Did the ten tribes send representatives to worship?
- Did they look for a shepherd?
-- Magi came (Matt 2)
-- Shepherds came (Luke 2)
- Herod was disturbed (Matt 2:3)
- All Jerusalem was disturbed
- All who heard were amazed
Luke 2:17-18 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
The Jews knew that this ruler was of God and was God -- for all nations.
Mic 5:2, 4 whose origins are from of old, from ancient times...for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
- Herod stayed clear
- Religious leaders kept away
- “All of Jerusalem” was a no-show
- Samaria was no where near
Jesus, Joseph and Mary “escaped” to Egypt where they were received?
TODAY, YOU KNOW ABOUT JESUS,
You know the prophecies and promises.
What are you doing about it?
Today, are you a Magi? Seeking to worship the King of Kings-with gifts.
Or are you a Herod, trying your level best to kill with sin the call of God on your life?
Or are you a priest-teacher of the law?
THEY KNEW all about it AND DID NOTHING.
Rom 10:10 indicates something needs to be done. Have you done it?
110th Sunday, November 24, 2002, HERITAGE SUNDAY
Paul W. Chase
109th Sunday, November 17, 2002
Kings, Wives, and Prophets
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 17; Amos 7; Psalm 141
Music: Celebration Hymnal
62 Blessed be the Lord God Almighty 7
170 Give Thanks 8
107 Lord I Lift Your Name on High 9
431 Shine Jesus Shine 10
308 There Is a Redeemer 11
184 Thy Word 12
Children’s Lesson: “Elijah’s Chariot”
TEACHING: “Kings, Wives, and Prophets”
Can a wife corrupt a king? And scare a prophet? And her daughters continue to corrupt?
THE WIVES
“Treason! Treason!” She cries as she is escorted away from the temple and promptly executed. There can be no bloodshed in the temple area.
But that was the queen mother-how could this be? The mother of the king. The wife of the former king, The grandmother of kings. She had even ruled the land of Judah for the past six years.
Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops, and said to them: "Bring her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows her." For the priest had said, "Do not put her to death at the temple of the LORD." So they seized her as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death.
Jehosaphat’s daughter-in-law --- executed - by her own people. The woman whose marriage cemented the alliance between the feuding nations of Judah and Israel. How could this be?
Six years earlier, her son, Ahaziah had become king because his father, Joram, had died of an incurable disease of the bowels-two years-painful ulceration finally brought his death.
For eight years before, her husband the king of Judah, followed the practices of the kings of Israel-not Judah-- for he had earlier married a daughter of Ahab, a granddaughter of Omri, and the daughter of Jezebel. The only woman in scripture to be called, “that wicked woman”: ATHALIAH.
She assumed the throne and tried to secure her authority by killing her own grand-children, the royal family of David. But an aunt hid one of them-the line of David--in the temple that Solomon built.. Now Joash, seven years old, ruled Judah.
THE PROPHETS
During this time Ahijah the Shilonite, Elijah and Elisha and others prophesied.
1 Kings 19:16-17 To Elijah: Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.
2 Chron 24:19 Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
THE KINGS
A prophet told Jeroboam that he would rule 10 of the tribes and he had a promise of God (AS GREAT AS DAVID’S)-but he chose sin [1 Kings 11 & 12].
A BAROMETER OF SIN - FOUR STAGES
1. Sins of JEROBOAM, son of Nebat
Built two golden calves and set up worship of them.
1 Kings 14:9 You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have provoked me to anger and thrust me behind your back.
He became the “label” for sin. Sins of Israel and Judah
1 Kings 16:31; 2 Kings 3:3; 2 Kings 10:29; 2 Kings 10:31; 2 Kings; 13:2; 2 Kings 13:11; 2 Kings 14:24; 2 Kings 15:9; 2 Kings 15:18; 2 Kings 15:24; 2 Kings 15:28; 2 Kings 17:22
2. Sins of AHAB
1 Kings 16:31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.
3. Sins of JEZEBEL
1 Kings 18:4 While Jezebel was killing off the LORD's prophets,
1 Kings 18:19 And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."
1 Kings 19:2 Threatened Elijah’s life
1 Kings 21 Jezebel arranges to kill Naboth
2 Kings 9:22 ..."How can there be peace," Jehu replied, "as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?"
2 Kings 9:34 Jehu went in and ate and drank. "Take care of that cursed woman,"
Rev 2:20-21 Thyatira --Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
4. Sins of ATHALIAH
2 Chron 22:4 “for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.”
Kills her grandchildren in the house of Judah.
108th Sunday, November 10, 2002
Rev. Robert Cesarek
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 10; Psalm 118; 2 Tim 4
Music: Celebration Hymnal
55 Bless His Holy Name
362 Celebrate Jesus
62 Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty
107 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
542 My Life Is In You, Lord
308 There is a Redeemer
170 Give Thanks
Lesson:
As the anointing came upon me I was given the following verses, which pertain to the coming days ahead.
Exodus 15:3; The Lord is a man of war! The Lord is His Name!Ex 15:3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
Joshua 5:13-15; The Lord is our Commander in Chief.
Josh 5:13-15 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
"Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"
The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.
Exodus 9:29; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26; The earth belongs to the Lord and three that bear witness to this were, Moses, David, and Paul.
Ex 9:29 Moses replied, "When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD's.
Ps 24:1 Of David. A psalm.
The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
1 Cor 10:26 for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."
Colossians 2:9-15: The Lord Jesus is head over all principality and power and that He defeated the enemy and made a public spectacle of him.
Col 2:9-15 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Psalm 24:8; The King of Glory is strong and mighty in battle.
Ps 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Revelation 19:11-16: It is our Lord who judges and makes war and that at His return He is coming as the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Rev 19:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Things that came out during the service were that we the church are not to fear the days ahead or the enemy that we have to fight. 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalms 23:4;
2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.Ps 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
107th Sunday, November 3, 2002
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 3; Isaiah 12; Numbers 21
Music: Celebration Hymnal
3 Holy, Holy , Holy, Lord God...
12 Praise Him! Praise Him!
35 Hallelujah! Our God Reigns
36 He Is Exalted
48 Mighty Is Our God
54 My Tribute
55 Bless His Holy Name
56 To God Be the Glory
Children’s Lesson:
"David and Goliath"
TEACHING: "Samuel–the feared prophet" 1 Samuel 16
Really--the church today does not like prophets. If you don’t believe me, call any church and ask for a "local prophet" you could talk to one-on-one.
AND BESIDES:
[Matt 13:57] Mark 6:4 Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."
When a Prophet Comes to Town:
1) elders tremble; (1 Sam 16:4)
THERE SHOULD BE FEAR
- The prophet knows the plan of God, not the pastor, elder, bishop or rich man. And sometimes God’s "plans" don’t match theirs. (Amos 3:7)
- The prophet may be bringing word of the judgment of God.
- The prophet may execute judgment.
1 Sam 15:32-33 Samuel and Agag
1 Kings 18:40 Prophets of Baal
Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira
Elders who do not tremble in the presence of a prophet do not understand the office and are vulnerable to error: missing God’s plan.
2) people sacrifice; (1 Sam 16: 3, 5)
SOMETHING DIES
The sacrifice that Samuel invited the elders to and the family of Jesse was a celebration– worship–in preparation of a God encounter. God encounters require sacrifice–the death of self will.
- sacrifice avoids the enemy, King Saul
- sacrifice selects the chosen family
- sacrifice confirms peace with elders
3) hearts are examined; (1 Sam 16:7)
THERE IS EXTREME TRANSPARENCY
...but the LORD looks at the heart."
God Knows You and Me.
Gen 6:5 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
Not who you are, how you look, what you do, but how your heart is.
Deut 26:16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Rom 10:9-11 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
4) kings are anointed with oil; (1 Sam 16:12)
David, a man after God’s own heart, was anointed with oil: King of Israel.
WE ARE ANOINTED
Ps 20:6-7 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
5) and the Spirit of God comes upon people in power. (1 Sam 16:13)
THERE IS POWER TO DO THE WORK OF MINISTRY
- horn of oil
- Spirit of the LORD
- in power
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Mark 16:15-18
THEN, THE PROPHET GOES HOME.
106th Sunday, October 27, 2002
"The Witch and Samuel the Ghost"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 27; Psalm 130 -134Music: Celebration Hymnal
526 The Solid Rock
527 I Know Whom I Have Believed
530 I Will Call Upon the Lord
531 Unto Thee Oh Lord
532 Only Believe
534 Learning to Lean
Children’s Lesson:
"Pretending with masks"LESSON: The Witch and Samuel the Ghost
1 Samuel 28:3-25
Halloween is coming – one of the most commercially viable times of year because of the sale of candy, costumes, and parties. And then we have the image of little ghosts, goblins, goons, and witches going door-to-door collecting candy from strangers. And then "Christians", who have problems with ghosts, goblins, goons and witches "sanctify" it by having costumes of saints (huh?), angels, and animals–isn’t it cute. (My son went as a "burning bush" one year.) And the more righteous pass out tracts about Druids and human sacrifice down by the riverside. Witches and wizards wear pointy hats and have brooms to ride–don’t cha know? And black cats are...
CHRISTIANS KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TRICKS OF SATAN (and "real" witches on the other side of town) THAN THE POWER OF GOD.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Look at the context around that verse–it is the spirit of anti-christ: things from the world viewpoint.
KING SAUL HAD A "CHRISTIAN" PROBLEM
- anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel 1 Sam 15:1)
- appointed by God to be king of Israel (1 Sam 10:24)
- functioned as king of Israel (1 Sam 11:15)
- had the prophet available and was among them
But he had his own program on how he was going to do things. This resulted in his disobedience. God rejected him as king and replaced him with David. Saul kept on "kinging". Tried to kill David, the anointed one, several times. Samuel was no longer available to Saul, therefore, the plan of God was no longer available.
KING SAUL LOST HIS SPIRITUALITY
- Spirit of God left (1 Sam 16:14)
- Samuel left him (1 Sam 16:35)
When a person has known the things of God and has experienced them and then abandons them, there is a spiritual void–an emptiness that cannot be filled.
- anointed praise music–Saul threw a spear
- legislated against mediums–Saul seeks one
A HALLOWEEN STORY WORTH READING
- costumes and disguises
- witches, mediums, seers (and crystal balls?)
- spirits of the dead in old clothes
- screams
(The difference between this story and Harry Potter is that this really happened. Dare I say this is do-able? )
THERE ARE SPIRITUAL KINGDOMS (Eph 6:12)
Americans don’t believe it–neither does most of the church. The church, like Saul, has substituted:
- music and jumping for being filled with the Spirit
- entertaining oratory for the prophetic word
- programming for apostles
- entertainment for evangelism
- pious religious performance for Gifts of the Spirit
Divine healing is in the spiritual, so I won’t even ask. Speaking in tongues is weird so we won’t do that. Prophecy is subject to opinion, I would rather have ...
The American church does not see the supernatural because we don’t believe in the spiritual–but Harry Potter is threatening. And when we do sort of believe in the spiritual, the time spent is seeking out witches. In the last few years I have heard more about the Queen of Heaven than I have about the Gift of Discernment–and that gift by itself has far greater power than any queen.
THERE IS SPIRITUAL POWER (1 Cor 12)
Saul sought a witch and got more than he bargained for: his death sentence.
We seek to protect our children from the "evils" of Halloween, but have historically been more effective at protecting them from the power of God.
- They know about witches and pointy hats, but can they name a living prophet or apostle?
- They know about Trick or Treat but have they heard about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are for them?
- They have seen spooks, ghosts, and scary things on TV and in movies, but do they understand the horrors of hell? Do we understand the horrors of eternal fire?
- They know about magic potions and curses (which don’t work) but have they experienced the Gifts of Knowledge and Discernment and the power of divine healing and mighty miracles? Calm that storm!
- They have heard about broomsticks and levitation, but have they ever seen or experienced dancing in the spirit like David did? Not just the Pentecostal Polka some people like to do because they are having a good time.
WHAT DO YOU SEEK AND SHOW YOUR KIDS?
Saul sought and found a witch–and died.
105th Sunday, October 20, 2002
Richard Sigmund, "Reading the Psalms--Backwards"
104th Sunday, October 13, 2002
"Samuel Made Kings"
1 Sam 3:19-21 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. 4:1 And Samuel's word came to all Israel.
Samuel was recognized as a prophet... BUT...
Israelites did not always seek the prophets voice.
1 Sam 7:13 Throughout Samuel's lifetime, the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines.
1 Sam 7:15 Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life.
WHEN WE SEEK A MAN TO LEAD, WE REJECT GOD.
When we seek God as king, he will give us gifts: Apostles, prophets, evangelists and even pastors/teachers [Eph 4:11-13].
1 Sam 8:6-8 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.
WANTING A KING WAS EVIL
Now you have a king–this is what you lost?
1 Sam 12:16-17 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 17 Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king."
GOD WILL ALLOW THE PROPHET TO LET YOU HAVE YOUR WAY.
But there are responsibilities and consequences.
SAUL
Samuel anointed him king. (1 Sam 10:1)
Spirit of God was upon him (1 Sam 10:10)
None could be better in Israel (1 Sam 10:24)
Look at the prophecy fulfilled confirming Saul (1 Sam 10:2-13).
And Saul immediately took things in his own hands.. (1 Sam 13:8-9)
1 Sam 13:13-14 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you;...
1 Sam 15:10-11 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
1 Chron 13:3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul."
1 Chron 10:13-14 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; ...
Saul, had the anointing from the prophet and the Spirit of God on him, BUT ignored God and disrespected his prophet Samuel.
DAVID
Saul had been king only a short amount of time when Samuel was told to go anoint a boy to be king. David would not take the throne until Saul and Samuel were dead.
But David respected the words of Samuel.
1 Sam 16:1; 1 Sam 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.
1 Chron 11:3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, he made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel, as the LORD had promised through Samuel.
PROPHETIC ANOINTING DOES NOT REPLACE OBEDIENCE
Saul had the anointing from Samuel and was rejected by God–even after the Spirit of God had worked through him. "Lord, Lord, didn’t we..."
David had the anointing from Samuel and was accepted by God–he obeyed (with repentance) and was promised that his throne would be eternal.
"Samuel lived in the Presence of the Lord"
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
Joshua 18:1 The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The country was brought under their control,
Joshua 18:8 As the men started on their way to map out the land, Joshua instructed them, "Go and make a survey of the land and write a description of it. Then return to me, and I will cast lots for you here at Shiloh in the presence of the LORD."
Joshua 18:10 Joshua then cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions.
Joshua 19:51 These are the territories that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the tribal clans of Israel assigned by lot at Shiloh in the presence of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And so they finished dividing the land.
1 Sam 3:21 The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
HANNAH
1 Sam 1:28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
Samuel was an answer to prayer. Hannah determined that Samuel would serve the Lord–his whole life. As a result (?) Samuel became the prophet of Israel.
IF YOU WANT TO BE A PROPHET, YOU NEED TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD–we need to be in the Lord’s presence.
SERVE THERE
1 Sam 2:11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.
1 Sam 2:18 But Samuel was ministering before the LORD-a boy wearing a linen ephod.
What did he do? He was two-three–maybe four years old. What did the child do?
Eli’s sons were scoundrels–you could say they could have had a bad influence on Samuel–but they didn’t seem to have any influence on him..
But he was there. We don’t do our children any favors by keeping them away from where God is. And he served. We don’t do ourselves any favors by not serving where the Lord is. What did the boy Samuel do? Maybe we should start there.
GROW UP THERE
1 Sam 2:21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
1 Sam 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.
[Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.]
The complaint in Hebrews and Corinthians is that Christians were not growing up.
1 Cor 3:1-2 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly-mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
Heb 5:12-14 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Eli and Hannah let Samuel grow up IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. Hannah did not take him home and Eli did not kick him out. How does someone grow up, anyway?
SLEEP THERE
1 Sam 3:2-4 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
Where exactly did Samuel sleep? With the Ark of the Covenant as a nightlight?
BEING COMFORTABLE IN HIS PRESENCE
102nd Sunday, September 29, 2002
"Kingdom of Heaven is Like This"
If there is a Kingdom of Heaven, there is also a kingdom of earth. We live there–as aliens.
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS TWO CHILDREN
Old and new; church and Jew
Matt 13:52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law [old] who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven [new] is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."
The church DOES NOT NOW and NEVER WILL.replace Israel.
Rom 11:28-32 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Rom 11:13-15 ... Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people [Israel] to envy and save some of them. For if their [Israel] rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their [Israel] acceptance be but life from the dead?
Rev 7:4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
A MAN HAD TWO SONS - PROMISES, PROMISES
Jews said they would and did not; Gentiles would not, but then did. Rejection by the religious; acceptance by the non-religious.
Matt 21:28-32 ..."Which of the two did what his father wanted?" ...For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
AN OWNER HAD A VINEYARD - BEATING SERVANTS, KILLING HEIRS
Jews killed the prophets. Jews killed the Son.
Matt 21:33-46 ... When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, ...
WEDDING FEAST - RIGHT PARTY, WRONG TUXEDO
Matt 22:1-14 ... Come to the wedding banquet.'
"But they paid no attention and went off-one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. ...
...Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' ...both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
...'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. ..."For many are invited, but few are chosen."
Being "chosen" has something to do with "clothes".
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WILL RULE
Dan 2:44-45 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
Dan 7:27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. ...
WITH FORCEFUL MEN
Matt 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
101st Sunday, September 22, 2002
"Do Not Despise Small Beginnings"
TEACHING: "DO NOT DESPISE SMALL BEGINNINGS," Rev. Dale Gilmore Scriptures: Matthew 13:31, 32; 1 Samuel 22:1,2; 2 Samuel 23:8-39; Luke 2:21-40
I. The Picture of God’s Kingdom is one of small beginnings which grows and fills the earth (Matthew 13:31,32)
The mustard seed is a very small seed.
God’s Kingdom appears small and insignificant as it takes root in the hearts of individual common folks.
The prophetic promise is that the nations of the world will feed and find shelter in the kingdom of heaven.
The truth of this is being seen in the world-wide prayer movement; moves of God in the 2/3’s world.
II. Israel’s Golden Era: A small kingdom born in a cave (1 Samuel 22:1,2)
An out-of-control David is running for his life.
The malcontents of the society join him in a cave.
IRCC—birthed in homes and a county garage.
IRCC---cast-offs from other churches, discontented, wounded, but hungry for God
III. The Malcontents Become David’s Mighty Men—the Backbone of a Kingdom (2 Samuel 23:8-39)
They are shaped and shepherded by a godly mentor.
They are shaped by the presence and the word of God.
IRCC is mighty in the Spirit.
IRCC is being shaped by the Word and the Presence of God.
IV. The Process of Moving From Small Beginnings to All That God Has For You (Luke 2:21-40)
Simeon and Anna are examples of devout, righteous people waiting for God to come.
The process moves with people willing to devote themselves to prayer and to watching
The process moves with people who are willing to identify God’s small beginnings and prophesy into them.
Rev. Dale Gilmore is author of the book, He Is Not Served by Human Hands, a call to recapture our supernatural heritage. "Apart from recognizing that it is indeed supernatural when someone comes to Christ for salvation, very little else that goes on in most churches today is truly supernatural."
Dale has led numerous prayer teams throughout Minnesota. These teams, sponsored by the Minnesota Baptist General Conference (BGC), go and pray and intercede for communities and the various churches within those communities.
Dale was born in Pipestone, Minnesota, and is a graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv) with additional graduate study at Bethel Theological Seminary and Jerusalem University in Israel. Since then he and his wife Kathy have ministered in several Baptist General Conference churches and, since 1982, they are at Gethsemane Grove Church in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
100th Sunday, September 15, 2002
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 15; Psalm 143; Luke 6Music: Celebration Hymnal
140 Great Is The Lord
391 Sweet, Sweet Spirit
92 Oh How I Love Jesus
512 Jesus is All the World to Me
5 I Sing Praises to Your Name
Gideons: Lee Dittmer
TEACHING:
"Work Instructions for Disciples"When Jesus sent out his disciples, he gave them specific instructions. Do these instructions apply to us today? And what will happen?
TO DO [Matt 10:5-8]
Preach: the Kingdom of God is near
Demonstrate it by:
- Healing the sick
- Raising the dead
- Cleansing the leper
- Driving out demons
When those things happen, something else happens.
SOME PEOPLE ARE DRAWN IN
They have questions
Explaining is done
Scripture is shared
Jesus is accepted as having authority on earth to forgive sins
Matt 10:13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
SOME PEOPLE ARE DRIVEN AWAY
"I don’t believe it"
"Do you have before and after pictures?"
"You are part of a cult."
I don’t know–once I was blind but now I see.
Even if one were raised from the dead.
WHY DID JESUS WANT SECRECY?
Matthew 8:4 Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. ..."
Mark 1:44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. ..."
Luke 5:14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone,"
Matt 12:15-16 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.
PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO LIKE YOU.
- your family [Matt 10:21] "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matt 10: 34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law- 36 a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' 37 "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
- your friends
- your church [Matt 10:17]
- your community [Matt 10:18]
Matt 10:17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
SOME WILL REALLY, REALLY NOT LIKE YOU
If they crucified the Son of God, what do you think they will do to you?
Matt 10:24 "A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!
26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
99th Sunday, September 8, 2002
"Patchwork Christians"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 8; John 3; Psalm 51Music: Celebration Hymnal
149 Ah Lord God 9)
219 Surely the Presence (10)
580 Through It All (11)
530 I Will Call Upon the Lord (12)
633 Open Our Eyes (13)
Children’s Lesson: " Sewing "
TEACHING: "Patchwork Christians"
We Christians are a judgmental group. We will gladly shoot our wounded and brag about it to our spiritual enemy.
If Satan has an idea–a suggestion-- we will leap on it immediately. But a prophetic utterance, we will ignore or have to pray about for several months.
WHEN THE MIRACULOUS IS DONE,
THE RIDICULOUS COMES.
Disciple wanna-be’s–their perspective:
- This looks like a fine gig with palace potential. I’m in. I’m in. [Matt 8:19]
- You know, I like everything I see and I’m going to get into it, but right now–there’s my dad–you know? [Matt 8:21]
Jesus was a bit abrupt.
THERE IS A COST TO FOLLOWING HIM.
Matt 19:28-30 [Mark 10:29] Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
Luke 14:25-27 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
YOU CAN’T DO NEW TECHNOLOGY WITH OLD PROCESSES.
- No cast iron boilers in an airplane
- No wood to fire up the computer
- No hot coals in the microwave
- No paper records inside the internet
- No puppets inside the TV set
Soon there may be no actors in the movies and no food in the food synthesizer. Beam me up, Scotty.
THERE IS AN OLD WITH PATCHES - it will tear [Matt 8:16]
Can your old religious practices work simply by patching them up a little with this "new way"?
- Judaism plus Christianity?
- Atheism plus Christianity?
- Hinduism plus Christianity?
- Islam plus Christianity?
- Hatred plus Christianity?
Or
- Gifts died with apostles plus healing experienced?
- Tongues have ceased plus a prophet?
- Ritualism plus Holy Spirit?
Take your personal "religion" and add Jesus and see what happens. Take your actual theology and doctrine and add the Gifts of the Spirit and watch. Go ahead and even "size" Jesus to your specific hole in your religion and watch. Will something tear?
Simply reading the word of God on a daily basis will change your life. –A PROVERB A DAY-- If you don’t want to change, don’t read Bible–don’t attend church–don’t pray–and you won’t be torn. And avoid anything close to prophetic. Run as fast as you can..
CHRISTIANITY IS THE ONLY RELIGION THAT MAKES CHANGES TO THE HEART - SO GO AHEAD, ADD IT TO YOUR EXISTING BELIEF SYSTEM, I DARE YOU.
THERE WILL BE A NEW [Matt 9:17]
The Spirit can only be held in a new wineskin
Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2 Cor 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
This New Wine Poured into You Will Change You.
98th Sunday, September 1, 2002
"Christian Labor"
Scripture readings: Proverbs 1; Luke 5; Acts 3
Music: Celebration Hymnal [Majesty]
10 Majesty
43 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
562 Be Thou My Vision
54 My Tribute
32 Be Exalted, Oh God
Children’s Lesson:
"Jesus calms the storm "TEACHING: "Christian Labor"
There are five things a Christian is supposed to do wherever he or she goes (Matt 10:6-8):
1. Declare the kingdom of heaven is near
2. Heal the sick
3. Raise the dead
4. Cleanse the leper
5. Drive out demons
HOW?
First–all of us are preachers–we have a mouth. The declaration is simple, but the understanding may not be. If you are Christian–and especially if you are filled with Holy Spirit for purposes of ministry–where you ARE is the Kingdom of God.
- you walk in a store, the Kingdom is near
- you visit a neighbor, the Kingdom is near
- you go see your relatives, the Kingdom is near
The Kingdom is near because the Kingdom is supposed to be within you–you are redeemed–your very presence should be sanctifying the place. Consider that as you go.
Second–you are there. Now start doing the stuff that Christians are commanded to do. The first one is healing– AND AREN’T THEY ALL?
TEN EXAMPLES
1. Matt 8:2 Leper, came to Jesus.
"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus touched the unclean to heal him.
2. Matt 8:6 Paralyzed, another came to Jesus
"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
Just say the word.
3. Matt 8:14 Fever, Jesus saw the need
Touched her hand.
4. Matt 8:16 Demon-possessed, others brought
Drove out the spirits with a word. and healed all the sick. "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
5. Matt 8:28 Demon possessed, Jesus went
He said to them, "Go!"
6. Matt 9:2 Paralytic, friends brought
"Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."
7. Matt 9:18 Dead daughter, dad came to Jesus, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep."
8. Matt 9:20 Bleeding, came to Jesus
"Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you."
9. Matt 9:27 blind men, came to Jesus
"According to your faith will it be done to you";
10. Matt 9:32 demon-possessed, was brought.
"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
THE NUMBERS
Who initiated the request for healing?
30% self; 50% others; 20% Jesus
What type of healing?
50% Sick; 10% dead; 10% leper; 30% demon
WHAT ARE THESE DISEASES?
Physical and spiritual - Jesus heals both
- leprosy – Deut 24:8; be clean, washing
- paralysis – Hab 1:4; law and justice
- fever – Deut 28:21; wasting the land
- bleeding – Lev 12:4; purification
- blindness – John 10:41; religious blindness
WHEN YOU SEE THE CROWDS...
Matt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
When they are brought to you (50%), will you pray "in Jesus name" for healing?
When they come to you (30%), will you pray?
As YOU are moved (20%), will you pray "in Jesus name" for healing, spirit, soul, and body?
"It Is A Narrow Gate"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 25; Psalm 40; 2 Peter 2
Music: Celebration Hymnal [He is Exalted]
170 Give Thanks [1]
91 In Moments Like These [2]
305 Jesus Paid It All [3]
80 I Stand In Awe [4]
87 Fairest Lord Jesus [5]
138 Holy Ground [6]
Children’s Lesson:
"A wise man builds his house upon the rock "
TEACHING: "It Is A Narrow Gate"
DO NOT JUDGE SINNERS
Matt 7:1-2 The measure used by you on them will be used on you
Luke 6:37-38 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
This is not an offering of money but an offering of forgiveness.
John 20:22-23 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Matt 7:3-5 The plank in your own eye limits your view
In Eccl 7:16, Solomon warned about being overrighteous. Our spirituality and righteousness is not our doing. Both speck and plank must be removed by the work of the Holy Spirit–not us.
2 Peter 1:8-9 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Matt 7:6 Pearls and pigs don’t mix
Matt 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
NOT EVERYONE IS WANTS THE GOOD NEWS
Acts 2:40-41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:46-47 ...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 14:9-10 ... Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" ...
WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TELL US WHO THE DOGS AND PIGS ARE – sounds like the gift of discernment .
Augustine said, "it is only through hatred or contempt that people refuse to accept truths of manifest importance."
- Know a pig: one who tramples on the Gospel
- Know a dog: one who tears apart the Gospel
Both know the Gospel–WE NEED TO KEEP THE PEARL
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.
Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
THIS IS WILLFUL REJECTION OF THE CONVICTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT–THESE DOGS AND PIGS CANNOT BE SAVED–AND THEY EVEN KNOW THE GOSPEL AND TRY TO DESTROY IT.
Consider Ananias and Sapphira -- Acts 5
Consider Judas – John 17:12
Matt 7:7-8 The Pearl is for the asking
Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
Matt 7:13-14 It is a narrow gate
Matt 7:21-23 "I never knew you"
"Do Not Be Like the Hypocrites..."
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 18; 2 Thess 3; Habakkuk 3
Music: Celebration Hymnal
715 He Is Jehovah
716 Jehovah Jirah
703 God’s Love and Strength
704 God Will Make a Way
705 It Is Well with My Soul
713 Seek Ye First
Children’s Lesson:
"The Sermon on the Mount "
TEACHING: "Do Not Be Like the Hypocrites..."
...In acts of righteousness
TO BE SEEN (Matt 6:1)
that is your reward
GIVE WITH TRUMPETS (Matt 6:2)
that is your reward
left and right-hand thing (Jonah 4:11?)
in secret
PRAY TO BE SEEN (Matt 6:5)
they have received their reward in full.
closed door praying
without babbling (many words)
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
FASTING AS A SHOW (Matt 6:16)
they have received their reward in full.
put oil on your head
wash your face,
STORE UP TREASURES–where? (Matt 6:19)
on earth?
In heaven?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The EYE IS THE LAMP
22-23 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
There can only be ONE MASTER
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. ...
...You cannot serve both God and Money.
DO NOT WORRY (serving another master)
25-26 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, ...
life versus food
body versus clothes
consider BIRDS
consider extending your life span
Solomon’s designer labels
Pagan pursuits
GUILT - "O me of little faith" Matt 6:30
Worry does not...
Cause a garden to grow
Fix a leaky roof
Earn a paycheck or a degree
Fix lunch
Reconcile relationships
Stop the wind
But...but...but...
Hab 3:17-18 When the car don’t car and the job don’t job, "yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Daniel 3:16-18 Fiery furnace "But even if he does not, ...we will not serve your gods"
OUR CHOICE:
Go and be pagan: serve money and worry
OR
1st - Seek His Kingdom (Gospels)
2nd - Seek His Righteousness (Proverbs)
3rd - Things will be given to you
TOMORROW IS GOD’S - NOT YOURS
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
James 4:13-14
Prov 27:1
"You have heard that it was said?"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 11; Psalm 94; Luke 6
Music: Celebration Hymnal
55 Bless his Holy Name
362 Celebrate Jesus
62 Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty
107 Lord I Lift Your Name On High
542 My Life Is In You Lord
308 There is a Redeemer
170 Give Thanks
Children’s Lesson:
"Beatitudes Puzzle"
TEACHING: "You have heard that it was said?"
THERE IS A "PERFORMANCE" REQUIRED IN CHRISTIANITY AND IT IS BASED IN THE LAW.
YES, Jesus fulfilled the law.
But He claims that He did NOT abolish it.
Matt 5:17-20 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
CHRISTIANITY IS NOT A LICENSE TO SIN – THE LAW HAS NOT GONE AWAY.
- just because we have an advocate (1 John 2:1)
- that grace may abound (Romans 6:1)
- if you love me (John 14:15)
- remain in my love (John 15:10)
ANOTHER LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE
Jesus took the Law to another level of performance. This performance is not:
- food / drink
- prayers in public / church postering
- dress / jewelry / hair
- giving to church
- religion / piety
Jesus seemed to have a problem with religious performers such as the scribes and the Pharisees (Matt 23). Something about hypocrites, vipers, and white-washed tombs.
THE "YOU HAVE HEARDs"
Beyond the law-and this is while we are still alive.
DO NOT MURDER (Matt 5:21)
anger against his brother
call someone a fool
reconcile before offering your gift
settle matters quickly
DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY (Matt 5:27)
looks lustfully
gouge your eye out - make it impossible
cut your hand off - make it impossible
DIVORCE (Matt 5:31)
[except for infidelity]
wives are not disposable
causes adultery
BREAK AN OATH (Matt 5:33)
do not swear at all - watch your oaths
not by heaven or earth
not by your head - your self
just say Yes or No
[this is not about cursing or foul language]
EYE-FOR-EYE: REVENGE (Matt 5:38)
Do not resist an evil person
Turn a check
Sue–give him your shirt, too
Forced labor–go further than required
Give to who asks
Do not refuse to lend
HATE YOUR ENEMY (Matt 5:43)
love your enemy
pray for your persecutors
greet others
BE PERFECT (Matt 5:48)
exceed the Pharisees (Matt 5:20)
"Coming of Christ Matched Prophecy"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 4; Matthew 3; Luke 1
Music: Celebration Hymnal
779 I’ll Fly Away
249 O Come, All Ye Faithful
284 The Birthday of a King
92 O How I Love Jesus
31 I Exalt Thee
32 Be Exalted, O God
243 Emmanuel
Children’s Lesson:
"Dot-to-dot Prophecy"
TEACHING: Coming of Christ matched Prophecy - Matthew
Work in the Kingdom of God is ALWAYS preceded by prophecy of that work.
In fact, maybe without prophecy, it is not work in the Kingdom of God. (?).
Amos 3:7 Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
IF THE PROPHECIES ARE A MAP– FOLLOWING THE MAP WILL LEAD TO THE SPIRITUAL TREASURES
LEARNING MAP READING
Matt 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-- which means, "God with us." [Is 7:14]
Matt 2:5-6 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" [Micah 5:2]
Matt 2:15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son." [Hosea 11:1]
Matt 2:17-18 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." [Jer 31:15]
Matt 2:23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."
[Ps 22:6 / Is 53:3 "despised" and Is 11:1 "neser"="branch"]
KING by human birth:
genetically through Mary
legally through Joseph
Jer 23:5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
Zech 6:12-13 ...'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, ...And he will be a priest on his throne....
BAPTISM OF JESUS - "Fulfill all righteousness"
What righteousness needed to be fulfilled?
Jesus had nothing to repent. BUT, he needed to be a priest so that he would be able to offer a sacrifice–himself–on the altar.
Exod 29:4-9; Exod 40:12 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.... In this way you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
Lev 16:32-33 The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. ...
John the Baptist was a legitimate heir to High Priest–his father was Zechariah, practicing priest.
PRIEST by water:
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS - WATERS OF THE MIKVEH - QUALIFIED HIM AS PRIEST CONFIRMED BY GOD THE FATHER WITH THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON HIM.
Isa 11:1-2 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him...
PROPHET by what he will do...in ministry.
"Solomon’s Wisdom for Life"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 28; Eccl 10; Matt 23
Music: Celebration Hymnal
225 Come, Christians, Join to Sing
103 All Hail King Jesus
104 O Worship the King
100 Thou Art Worthy
111 Glory to the Lamb
117 His Name Is Life
118 His Name Is Wonderful
Children’s Lesson:
"Solomon Knows About Time"
TEACHING: Solomon’s Wisdom for Life
Eccl 12:12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
OVERDOING IT
- Being focused
- Being obsessive
Eccl 7:15-18 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise-- why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool-- why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes].
WHY DIE BEFORE YOUR TIME?
- If you are striving to be like the devil, why shouldn’t you be released to the devil’s care?
How much evil do you want in your life?
If you want sin, why not have all of it?
1 Cor 5:5 ...hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
1 Tim 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- On your behalf, should we as a church invoke the authority of Paul and hand you over?
- If you want sin, why should your mother’s and father’s prayers protect you?
- If you desire wickedness, why should the church intercede for you – why waste our time?
Matt 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. ...
Rev 22:11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile;...
FOOL
Ps 14:1; 53:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
- The fool invites the wrath of God
Rom 1:22-32 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts....God gave them over to shameful lusts. ...he gave them over to a depraved mind,....
WHY DESTROY YOURSELF?
DO NOT BE OVERWISE
Prov 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.... Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Eccl 7:23-8:1 ...Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound-- who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly....
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
DO NOT BE OVERRIGHTEOUS
How is that even possible?
Our example: Jesus – perfect, not overrighteous.
He condemned HYPOCRITES, self-righteous.
- too much giving with trumpets [Matt 6:2]
- too much praying for admiration [Matt 6:5]
- too much "public" fasting [Matt 6:16]
- too much lip service without heart [Matt 15:7]
- too much vain worship [Matt 15:8]
Phil 3:9 ...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
"Wisdom for Ventures"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 21; Matthew 6; Philippians 4
Music: Celebration Hymnal
149 Ah, Lord God
124 O Magnify the Lord
416 We’re Marching to Zion
142 Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of...
146 I Worship You, Almighty God
147 How Great Thou Art
170 Give Thanks
Children’s Lesson:
"Solomon Saving"
TEACHING: Solomon’s Wisdom for Ventures Eccl 11
ALL ACTIVITY OF MAN IS A VENTURE - LIFE IS SPENT - what is gained?.
Eccl 9:11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
This applies to work, business, career, health, wealth, and even the labor you do for God.
All things work together for good...?
Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
But...but...but...
Prov 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. ...BUT...
Prov 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Prov 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Prov 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
Why did they cast lots, anyway?
Acts 1:24-26 Then they prayed, "Lord, ...Show us which of these two you have chosen..." Then they cast lots, ...
ONLY GOD CONTROLS TIME AND CHANCE–WE CAN ONLY PLAN and PRAY.
INVEST
Eccl 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Investing means waiting: The Stock Market over decades, not days; children are raised; souls–the long haul; seed planted needs time to grow.
DIVEST
Eccl 11:2 Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
Have more than one investment–expand.
RECOGNIZE THE OBVIOUS
Eccl 11:3 If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie.
Wishful thinking or hoping will not change the obvious–the true history–the facts as they are.
Faith does not change Fact.
It changes Future.
DON’T BE HINDERED
Eccl 11:4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
Things will not always go easy and using those obstacles as "signs" results in no harvest.
YOU DO NOT KNOW
Eccl 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
What is Holy Spirit going to do? Amos 3:7 says we can know because the prophets are told–NOT OUR WISDOM, BUT GOD’S REVELATION.
KEEP ON KEEPING ON
Eccl 11:6 Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
DON’T WALK IN DARKNESS
Eccl 11:7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
Darkness is the realm for evildoers–avoid evil.
91st Sunday, July 14, 2002: "Observational Wisdom Leads to God"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 14; Genesis 3; Romans 1
Music: Celebration Hymnal
149 Ah, Lord God
154 We Bow Down
151 A Mighty Fortress
786 Count Your Blessings
795 We Are So Blessed
170 Give Thanks
Children’s Lesson:
"Seeing God in What He has Made"
TEACHING: Observational Wisdom Leads to God
Rom 1:18-20 ... what may be known about God is plain to them, ... being understood from what has been made, ...
ULTIMATE WISDOM
WHAT DID SOLOMON OBSERVE?
Eccl 1:12-13 ... I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men!
Meaningless, meaningless – vanity, vanity
THERE IS NOTHING NEW
EVERYTHING CYCLES
THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER EVIL
- PLEASURE [Eccl 2:1-10]
Eccl 2:11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
- WEALTH [Eccl 6]
You mine it, you grow it–it all comes from the earth–from God. Tomorrow, wealth may be gone.
- WISDOM AND FOOLISHNESS
Wisdom is better than foolishness yet time and chance and death is the same for both. Another evil: What the wise should have, the foolish have; and what the foolish deserve, the wise get.
- RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EVIL
Righteousness is better than evil yet time and chance and death is the same for both. And there is another evil: what the righteous deserve, the evil have; and what the evil deserve, the righteous get.
- LABOR
Gen 3:17-19 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
THE GIFT OF GOD:
EAT, DRINK, SATISFACTION IN WORK
Eccl 2:24; Eccl 3:13; Eccl 5:18; Eccl 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Eccl 9:7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.
Eccl 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER
Eccl 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, ...
Eccl 12:10-14 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. ... Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. ... Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
90th Sunday, July 7, 2002: "Our Christian Forefathers"
Scripture readings:
Prov 7; Deut 5; Romans 3
Music: Celebration Hymnal
171 Come into His Presence
214 He Has Made Me Glad
43 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
129 Great and Mighty
334 The Blood Will Never Lose Its...
Children’s Lesson:
"Our Country’s Grandpas"
Know Romans:
3:23 > 6:23 > 10:10
TEACHING: Our Christian Forefathers--Quoted DeuteronomyIn a study that appeared in the American Political Science Review back in 1984, two political science professors, Dr. Donald Lutz and Dr. Charles Heineman researched 15,000 writings, letters, diaries, sermons and other works that were written by various leading Americans from 1760-1805. Their purpose was to identify quotations to find out who the founding fathers were quoting' where they got their ideas, what authorities they were most impressed with. They found that by far the most widely quoted source in the founding fathers' writings was the Bible. Thirty-four percent of all quotations came out of the Bible. And the book of the Bible they quoted most often was the book of Deuteronomy.
EVEN OUR "NON-CHRISTIAN" FOREFATHERS WERE MORE CHRISTIAN IN BELIEF AND PRACTICE THAN MANY PREACHERS AND PROFESSING CHRISTIANS TODAY.
John Adams
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."
They believed in:
- HIGHER LAW
- REVEALED LAW: SCRIPTURE
- GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS: UNALIENABLE
- NATURE OF MAN: SINFUL
John Adams, signed the Declaration of Independence, was a member of the Continental Congress, and became the second President:
"...the Bible is the best Book in the world ... The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount contain my religion."
John Quincy Adams, the sixth President:
"I have myself, for many years, made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year."
Benjamin Franklin, who among many other things signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, wrote the following prayer that he prayed every day in his Autobiography:
"O powerful goodness! Bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! Increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest."
Alexander Hamilton, one of the authors of the Federalist Papers and a signer of the Constitution:
"I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, ... I can prove its truth...."
Patrick Henry, an American Revolutionary leader and orator:
"The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."
George Washington, the first President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War:
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. … It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe, without the agency of a Supreme Being."
James Madison, the fourth President, the "chief architect" of the Constitution, and one of the authors of the Federalist Papers:
"The belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the World and to the happiness of man,..."
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
THIS INCLUDES ALL LEADERSHIP
89th Sunday, June 30, 2002: "A Christian Declaration"Scripture readings:
Prov 30; Gen 1, Rev 20
Music: Celebration Hymnal
804 Battle Hymn of the Republic
715 He Is Jehovah
716 Jehovah Jireh
732 The Battle Belongs to the Lord
730 Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
729 Victory Song (Through Our God)
709 A Shield About MeChildren’s Lesson:
"My signature"
TEACHING: Christian Declaration of Independence
GOD HAS LAWS
Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them
The laws of God entitle men to certain things–from the law [Ex 20]:
- honor as father and mother
- long life in the land
- freedom from murder
- freedom from immorality
- freedom from theft
- freedom from false testimony
- freedom to have property
GOD IS CREATOR
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
Life,
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Liberty
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
pursuit of Happiness.
Eccl 2:26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, ...
GOD WILL JUDGE
appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions,
Ps 98:9 ... for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and ... with equity.
Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God ... judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
God will judge the living and the dead. The books will be opened, and you will be judged by the intentions of your heart. Has your heart accepted Jesus?
GOD WILL PROVIDE
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Matt 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mark 8:34-37 [Luke 9:25] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
88th Sunday, June 23, 2002: "Solomon had 1000 mates"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 23; Genesis 2; Proverbs 31Music: Celebration Hymnal
526 The Solid Rock
356 Redeemed
124 O Magnify the Lord
125 How Excellent Is Thy Name
133 We Declare Your Majesty
146 I Worship You, Almighty God
194 We Worship and Adore YouChildren’s Lesson:
"The One Who Unites Hearts"TEACHING: "Solomon had 1000 mates" -- 1 Kings 11:1-6
Okay–700 wives of royal birth and 300 porcupinesTHE BIBLE IS THE ONLY PRACTICAL TEXTBOOK ON "HUSBAND-HOOD"
– It is easy to become a husband
– It is difficult to be a husband
To be a husband, there is a wife.EPHESIANS 5:25-33
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church
love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.SOLOMON: THE WISEST MAN WHO EVER (?) WILL LIVE...
2 Chron 1:11-12; 1 Kings 10:23...CAME TO SOME CONCLUSIONS ABOUT WOMEN AND WIVES
Eccl 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife,
Prov 5:5-23 Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Deut 24:5 ... bring happiness to the wife he has married.
Ex 21:10 ... not deprive ...marital rights.
1 Cor 7:1-7 ... The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. ... Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, ... so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control...SONG OF SONGS of SOLOMON
How to think, how to act, how to love in marriage - This is MARITAL DUTY.
The earth trembles under an unloved woman who is married (Prov 30:21,23)WEEPING AND WAILING
Mal 2:13-15 Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. ... you have broken faith with her, ...How can you have passion for the Lord and none for your wife (or husband)?
Eph 4:25-27 ... Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
SISTER SATAN: the disgraceful wife
Eccl 7:26-28 ... but not one [upright] woman among them all.
Prov 12:4 ... like decay in his bones.
Prov 14:1 ...but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 19:13; 27:15-16 ...a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. Restraining her...
Proverbs 21:9; 25:24 Better to live on a corner of the roof ...
Proverbs 21:19 Better to live in a desert...
Prov 15:17 ...house filled with hatred.
Prov 17:1 ...house filled with strife.PROVERBS 31: HUSBAND’S ROLE
- full confidence in her
- lacks nothing of value
- respected at city gate
- has his seat among the elders
- CALLS HER BLESSED (Proverbs 31:29) "Many daughters have excelled, but you surpass them all"
- praises her
87th Sunday, June 16, 2002: "Jacob had four wives"
Scripture readings:
Prov 16; Eph 5; Eph 6Music: Celebration Hymnal
3 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
5 I Sing Praises
12 Praise Him! Praise Him!
20 Let There Be Glory and Honor ...
22 Praise the Name of Jesus
31 I Exalt Thee
32 Be Exalted, O GodChildren’s Lesson: "Coat of Many Colors"
TEACHING: Jacob had four wives – Genesis 29-30
THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY PRACTICAL TEXTBOOK ON FATHERHOOD
– It is easy to become a father
– It is difficult to be a father
Matt 23:8-12 ... And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ...
To be a father, there is a mother and a child.
– God gives the child (Gen 30:22)
– Mother carries the child (conceives)
– Father only contributes his sex drive–it takes nine months to realize exactly what he did. [NOTICE: God’s Son Jesus was not conceived by the will of a man.]
FATHERS HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH LITTLE TO NO TRAINING TO HANDLE THEM
-- Jacob had a conniving, deceitful mother and a father (Isaac) who preferred his brother (Esau) who wanted to kill him.
-- Jacob had in-laws:
Laban switched daughters
claimed all children as his
changed salary ten times
Sons accused him of theft
-- Jacob had four wives–okay, two wives and two porcupines-- Jacob’s wives were competing sisters:
one beautiful [made Jacob’s libido leap]
with a slave girl Bilhah [turned Rueben’s head though 15 years older]
one dull [must hire Jacob to "service" her]
with another slave girl Zilpah
-- Jacob had 12 boys and one girl (in about 13 years)
TWENTY YEARS HAVE GONE BY
lessons learned?
- Check the fine print
- Things are not always as they seem
- Wives have agendas and manipulate
- In-laws are hard to work with (and watch those family gods)
- Maybe mad brothers aren’t so bad
COMPETITION IS NOT A FAMILY SPORT
- Favorites and in-laws is wrong
Matt 19:4-6 ...and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?... [Gen 2:24; Eph 5:31]
- Favorites and wives is wrong
Divorce and re-marriage is simply serial polygamy usually with adultery and hate. Fornication is marriage without rights.
- Favorites and children is wrong
Joseph and coat of many colors
CONSEQUENCES MAY BE SPIRITUAL
Look at the blessings in Gen 49
Rueben (oldest) has sex with Jacob’s concubine–loses birthright
Simeon and Levi murdered [Gen 34:25]
Judah came to the defense of Joseph (scepter shall not pass–line of Jesus) and even he did wrong (Consider the soap opera: Gen 38).
THINGS FATHERS MUST DO
-- LOVE the mother(s) of their children whom they are one flesh with. Love as Jesus for His church (Eph 5:25)
-- BLESS their children
– INSTRUCT their children about God (Deut 11:19)
– DISCIPLINE their children (Prov 22:15)
86th Sunday, June 9, 2002: Richard Sigmund
85th Sunday, June 2, 2002: "Disappointing the Prophet"Scripture readings:
Proverbs 2; James 2; John 3Music: Celebration Hymnal
149 Ah. Lord God
142 Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Host
436 Freely, Freely
704 God Will Make a Way
705 It Is Well With My SoulChildren’s Lesson:
"All I need to know about life
I learned from the prophets."TEACHING: Disappointing the prophet
First of all, the joke: Jonah 4:11
THEY CANNOT TELL THEIR RIGHT HAND FROM THEIR LEFT
or
"NO–THE OTHER RIGHT HAND"JONAH WAS ANGRYJonah 4:1-3
"O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."
BUT GOD–YOU PROMISED YOU WOULD DESTROY THEM!
– Jonah wanted the Ninevites to go to hell and was mad at God because they now might not.
– Some "prophets" seem to talk like they want everybody to go to hell so they can save face with their "prophecies."
– Some Christians don’t feel they have been to church unless they have heard a brow-beating hell-fire-and-brimstone guilt-filled sermon that "someone else should have heard." They deserve hell for missing it.
– Most of us have by in-action decided there are some people we know that really should go to hell because it’s a sure thing we aren’t going to tell them the Good News. It would actually threaten us if they came to church on their own and actively settled in.
Fill in the blank: I would just die if ______________ came to our little church–and got involved.
HAVE YOU ANY RIGHT TO BE ANGRY?Jonah 4:4
Whom do you not want in the Kingdom of God? Have you identified the list? Jonah did. Are you going to share that list with the rest of us so we don’t accidentally bring them into Christianity and make you angry?
-- Jonah built a shelter to the east
-- Jonah sat in the shade
– God blessed the shelter with a vine
– Jonah was happy about the vine
– God had a worm eat the vine
– God provided scorching wind and heat
– Jonah grew faint and wanted to die
HAVE YOU ANY RIGHT TO BE ANGRY ABOUT THE VINE?Jonah 4:9
God made the vine which blessed Jonah.
-- Jonah’s shelter was outside of the city–to the east–closer to God--more spiritual
-- His church was apart from the sinners–far enough away that none were welcome.
-- He isolated himself so he could watch their destruction.
-- And God blessed him for a day.
HOW FAR AWAY IS OUR CHURCH?
How separated from the Iron Range is our little shelter? Whom are we excluding physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, sociologically? Are we creating an exclusive club? Does God need to send a scorching wind and heat and remove our blessing so we will welcome others?
HOW ARE WE PREVENTING THE IRON RANGE FROM WISDOM?
Prov 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
84th Sunday, May 26, 2002: "Nineveh Memorialized Jonah"
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 26; Joshua 4; Zechariah 6Music: Celebration Hymnal
171 Come into His Presence
161 I Will Sing of the Mercies
149 Ah, Lord God
154 We Bow Down
330 Are You Washed in the Blood?Children’s Lesson: Jonah and the Whale
TEACHING: Nineveh memorialized the prophet
MEMORIAL DAY
Decoration Day - flowers on graves
WHY DO WE REMEMBER/HONOR THE DEAD?
remembrance
gratefulness
guiltMemorials for:
Presidents
Soldiers
Disasters
Events
Memorials are made in stone– permanent–and in special days/events.NINEVEH MEMORIALIZED JONAH
The other mound, Nebi Yunus has not been extensively explored, because there is a Muslim shrine dedicated to the prophet Jonah (Nebi Yunus in Arabic) on the site. A whale bone hangs inside the mosque/shrine on Nebi Yunus, recalling the story of Jonah and the whale.
WHAT HAPPENED AT NINEVEH TO BE MEMORIALIZED?
NINEVEH
NINEVEH RESPONDED TO THE PROPHET’S MESSAGE – THE GREATEST (?) REVIVAL YET!
- Gen 10:8-12 Cush was the father of Nimrod, ... built Nineveh,...
- Size–3 days journey–walled city 7.5 miles with 15 large gates
- and the suburbs and farms and other cities and mounds around it
- Moats and rivers protecting it
- Some say Nineveh was the name of the area that included several cities and the supporting farms; aqueducts
- 120,000 may refer only to the children making the population some say well over 600,000
Jonah’s words were clear–and not his own–this time he obeyed God. [2 Kings 14:25 - a proven prophet]
Nineveh responded–much to Jonah’s displeasure. But God’s word was said.
THE RESPONSE
Jonah 3:3-10
The greatest to the least (everyone)
-- BELIEVED
– REPENTED (fasting, sackcloth and ashes)
– even the king took action to promote righteousness throughout Assyria
Luke 11:30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.
MEMORIALIZING YOUR REVIVAL
Have you responded to the message of Jonah?
Have you responded to the message of the One greater than Jonah?
Rev 20:15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
The story of Jonah and the fish is read at Yom Kippur and Jewish children know it well. All Christians know about the story of Jonah and the Whale--it is in our English slang: "that's a whale of a tale." And the Muslims have built a shrine in honor of the prophet. They believe he is buried under that shrine and it is a most holy site built on the ruins of ancient Nineveh. They also point to another even larger mound and say that is where the whale is buried--they say jokingly it was floated up the river and buried there. The bulletin this week has a picture of the mosque/shrine of Prophet Jonah--a memorial. The mound is identified as Nebi Yunus [Yunis, Younis]: prophet Jonah. AND JONAH'S MESSAGE IS REPENTANCE IN ALL THREE RELIGIONS. The Gospel story is readily available in all three religions. And the sign of Jesus in the earth for three days can be told in all three religions. Let us pray that the sign of Jonah--the sign of Jesus--be clearly seen amongst all Jews, Muslims, and Christians--and our friends and neighbors and family members. WHAT MEMORIALS DO WE HAVE?
83rd Sunday, May 19, 2002: "Prayer and Power" Jonah
Scripture readings:
Proverbs 19; Acts 2; Matthew 12Music: Celebration Hymnal
55 Bless His Holy Name,
214 He Has Made Me Glad,
530 I Will Call Upon the Lord,
107 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,
508 Love Lifted Me
368 He LivesChildren’s Lesson:: "Jonah and the Whale Song "
TEACHING: Prayer and Power - Jonah
Jonah was told to tell Nineveh to repent or the judgment of God would come.
Jonah was given the power of God as a prophet to deliver the message.
Jonah ran from God.
Jonah would rather die than go to Nineveh.Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Luke 24:49]
May 17, 2002, was the feast of Pentecost.
The church was born at Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit – baptism of fire – came at Pentecost to give the church POWER.THE CHURCH HAS POWER AND DOESN’T WANT TO GO TO "NINEVEH" AND DEMONSTRATE THAT POWER.
The church is running from God
The church would rather die than reach "Nineveh" even though we have the Power from Pentecost
The church must learn the "DEEP SIX" prayer of Jonah.What is a "Nineveh"?
Nahum
1:9 ...they plot against the LORD...
1:11... counsels wickedness.
1:13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away."
1:14...carved images and cast idols... for you are vile.
3:1...city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!
3:4 mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.
3: 19 ...endless crueltyWhat is the prayer?
Jonah 2
In my distress I called [2:2]
From the depths of the grave I called
I will look again toward your holy temple. [2:4]
When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, [2:7]
I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. [2:9]
What I have vowed I will make good. [2:9]GOD PREPARED THE STORM
Why? Jonah was running.
GOD MOVED THE SAILORS TO ACT
Why? Jonah was sleeping.
GOD SWIRLED THE WATER
Why? To wake Jonah up.
GOD PREPARED THE FISH
Why? To keep Jonah alive.Like Jonah was in the fish;
Like Jesus was in the grave;
We must die to ourselves with Christ
And live with HIS power working.Jonah needed encouragement to use his power – the church has power to use.
THE CHURCH MUST BE VOMITED FROM WHERE WE ARE–THEN WE WILL GO TO "NINEVEH."
OUR SCRIPTURES AND PRAYERSOur scriptures for communion are: 1 Corinthians 10:15-17 & 11:23-27
I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you:
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and
when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,
"This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it,
in remembrance of me."
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord
eats and drinks judgment on himself.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.”Our prayer for Viet Nam war vets:
“May you find places of habitation and develop a strong root system.”
“May the peace of God that transcends all understanding come over you.”
“May the joy of the Lord dispel your anger and
happiness return to your life and the lives of your families.”Our blessing (Numbers 6:24-26):
"'"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." 'A husband's blessing for his wife (Proverbs 31:29):
Many women do excellent things,
But you surpass them all.