Faith

A Prophet of the LORD

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“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 3:19-21 (KJV)

At this point of time with the people of Israel God is not pleased with those who are the spiritual leaders of the nation. Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phineas who were very immoral with them and treated the Lord and His offerings with contempt. This was so even to the point of the judgment of death, the taking of the ark of the covenant by the Philistines; and the departure of the “glory of God” from Israel (4:10-22).

Before this judgment came upon them the LORD provided them a prophet, Samuel. The word of the LORD came to Samuel. He was not familiar with the voice of God, and needed instruction. The LORD God still reveals Himself through the word of the LORD.  The LORD will do nothing accept He reveal through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).  His Word speaks quite clearly to all who will read it, believe it and heed it; an today.

His Living Word is Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. The crucified, buried, resurrected, and coming again King of kings and Lord of lords.

The glory of God may be gone from the nation, but not from His prophets, and His faithful people. Believe His word. Believe God. Believe His Son.

Searched and Known

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“O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me.” Psalm 139:1 (KJV)

Sometimes it is sad to realize that we are living in a world where we can be seen by people, particularly governments or government bureaus wherever we are and in whatever we do.  There are cameras at many traffic lights, that can see us as we go through intersections.  There are cameras at more and more corners on the streets.  There are satellites that can zoom in on us and see our license plates on our automobiles.

In some ways that troubles me.  In other ways it does not.  I have been watched all my life; and even before I was born, and yet in my mothers womb, I was seen and known.  So it is with each of us.

The LORD has had His eye on us from conception, and keeps them there to the grave.  He searches, He examines every motive, every action that we make, and He knows our hearts, and why we do what we do.  He is Omniscient or All-Knowing, and He knows you, even better than you know yourself.

There is nothing about you or myself that is a secret to Him.  Nothing about our lives surprises GOD.

He knows your need for Him; for salvation from your sin and its condemnation.  He has provided that through sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins, He was buried, and He rose bodily from the grave.  One day He is returning.  Be ready for that by trusting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today.

The Mercy of the LORD Endures Forever

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“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:1 (KJV)

This Psalm has 26 verses, all of which end with the phrase “His mercy endureth for ever”.  How long does the mercy of the LORD endure?  For ever.

The Psalmist writes “O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good”, and if that was all there was and is of GOD, He would still be worthy of our thanks.

However, we are told that He is merciful.  It is one of the most wonderful things to know that the GOD who created all things; the GOD whom we have offended with our sins; the GOD who is holy, just and righteous is also merciful.

When is He merciful?  Every moment, every day, every week, every month, and every year.  There is not one second which passes that He is not merciful; and that mercy endures for ever.

He has provided a way for you into His grace, and that is by way of the cross of Jesus Christ; upon Whom He showed no mercy in judging my sins and yours.  The Way is Christ Jesus.

A Place for the LORD

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“LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the Mighty God of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob. Psalm 132:1-5 (KJV)

David’s heart; even when he was facing affliction, and peril from the hands of king Saul; was to have a place for the LORD  to dwell.  A place in which to place the ark of the covenant which represented the presence of GOD.

The term “Mighty One of Jacob” is last used in Genesis 49:24, and is used twice in these verses.

A lessen of encouragement here: May we as Christians endeavor that the place of God’s abiding be within our hearts.  The Ark of God is no longer the ark of the covenant, but the person of the Christ, the Messiah of Israel; and Saviour of the world.

He has always desired to dwell in the  hearts of His people.  Your heart, my heart; our lives are the place He longs to dwell.

We make His presence, His power, and His glory known by letting Him shine forth from our lives as we go about living in this dark, desperate, dying, world; where its only light is the glory of Jesus Christ.

In the Depths

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“Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O LORD.” Psalm 130:1 (KJV)

The Psalmist is making it clean in whom he places his trust; and it is in the LORD [Jehovah; YHWH].

It is when we are in the dark despair of the dungeon that our faith shines.  “Out of the depths” he cried unto the LORD.  In our dark depths we cry unto Him, because He is always where we have turned before.

The apostle Paul taught us, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17); and that means even in “the depths” and despairs, discouragements, and darkness of our lives.

When you are trusting Him in the light; you will trust Him in the dark.  When you are praying, trusting Him when things are good; you will pray and trust Him when things are bad as well.

Begin this type of life by trusting God’s only way of salvation; and that is through God’s Son, Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave and still lives today.  Call upon Him today.

Many Afflictions

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“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.” Psalm 129:1-2 (KJV)

For millennium’s many have tried to eradicate the people of Israel.  Nations have tried and failed.  God has always had a remnant of them somewhere, and time, and they have mostly been persecuted, tortured, killed, and hated.  That appears to be so in 2015, and apparently growing in intensity.  God forbid that we hate the nation of Israel, and/or plot against them.

This is also true of the Church of Jesus Christ.  The above verses fit for us too.  Though the Body of Christ has been a world influence for nearly two thousand years, that is waning.  We are growing weak due to sinful influences.  Rather than the Church going into the world; the world is coming into the Church; by loss of love for Christ Jesus, His Word, the cross, the truth of Scripture.

Yet, we have the promise of Jesus,

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

When we are afflicted remember the promise of Jesus.  If you are being afflicted now; remember the promise of Jesus.  He is coming soon.

Theirs Is the Kingdom

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Matthew 5:1-12 conclusion…

 

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV).

These two have the tendency and practicality of standing together, so I will include them together. What is your position in relation to persecution? If you are a normal, red blooded American, then you probably don’t like it, won’t tolerate it, and would despise wherever it came from. Nobody likes persecution, and most people would seek means of staying away from it. There are however, reasons to stand your ground, and face the trials of persecution. The best reason of all is for the person of Jesus Christ. When you are living by faith in Christ you will suffer persecution; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV).

Anyone who has heard of “The Voice of the Martyrs” knows that there are many cases of persecution going on in the world today. There are many instances of Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Many of them have turned from Islam to face angry parents, employers, city leaders, and supposed defenders of peace and placed on trial, rejected by their families, fired from their jobs, and treated ruthlessly by the police. Let me be clear that it is not only Islam which persecutes those who turn to Christ. It is also Hindus, and various other religions of men. Stand firm in the faith; stand firm.

The “Blessed(s)” in these two statements are not just toward anyone who stands firm in what they believe. The object of their belief is of utmost importance. If one is to receive these “Blessed”, then it will be because of their stand for “Righteousness” and that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness – simply put; means being right with God. No one – man, woman, boy or girl; and no matter what the color of their skin – is right with God except through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you are being persecuted because of your faith in Jesus, then, be assured that there will be a day of reward in Heaven. You are in good company. They also persecuted the prophets. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit; he was beaten and mocked by his own people. It is said by tradition that it was Isaiah the prophet who is mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews as being “Sawn asunder”, and some say it was while he was stuffed into a hollowed out tree. When it comes to Jesus Christ; in Him alone you have reason to “Rejoice and be exceeding glad”, but also in knowing that you are in a great company of others who suffered for righteousness sake through Jesus.

After looking at these “Beatitudes” can you see that this is not a thing attainable by human desire? There is deffinitely fulfillment in the lives of those who live the life of the “Beatitudes”, but it is only possible by grace through faith in Jesus.

The Faith of Sacrifice

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The Faith of Sacrifice

Genesis 22:1-19

1. The Person of the Sacrifice and the Sacrificial Offering (vv. 1-2).

2. The Place of the Sacrifice (vv. 3-4).

3. The Pertinence of the Sacrifice (vv. 5-8).
This was a journey only the father and son could do together.
This was a journey only God the Father, and Jesus God the Son could do together.

4. The Power of Sin and the Necessary Sacrifice (vv. 9-14).

5. The Promise of the Sacrifice (vv. 15-19).

Preached in the Evening Worship @ Shiloah Baptist Church July 20, 2014

Accounted Faith

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Accounted Faith

Genesis 15:1-6 (6; Romans 4:3; Galations 3:6)

1. Bringing Our Grievances to a Faithful Creator, Saviour and Friend (vv. 1-2).
A. God as our faithful Provider, Protector, and Reward.
B. Still asking questions?

2. Going Beyond What We May Have (vv. 3-4).
A. God goes beyond what we have and see.
B. God promises what seems impossible.

3. Reminded of God’s Greatness, and His Power (v. 5).
A. Look to the One who made the stars; can you number them?
B. The astronomical promise – more than stars.

4. Counted Righteous Through Faith – the Gift of God (v. 6).
A. Faith: a gift, and an act (Eph. 2:8).
B. Called righteous by God Himself (Rom. 5:1).
C. The cross of Jesus Christ is the work of God by which He declares the unworthy “Righteous”.

Preached in Morning Worship @ Shiloah Baptist Church July 20, 1014

Have Faith In God

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Have Faith In God

Mark 11:12-26

1.  It Is A Matter of  Bearing Fruit (vv. 12-14).

2.  It Is  A Matter of Prayer (vv. 15-19; Isaiah 56:7;  Jeremiah 7:11).

3.  It Is A Matter of Believing, Trusting Faith (vv. 20-24).

4.  It Is A Matter of Forgiveness (vv. 25-26).

“Notice the importance Jesus places on “Forgiveness”.  Without forgiveness we cannot expect answer to our prayer.  God is so good to forgive us, we ought also to forgive those whom we believe responsible for offending us.  Remember this;  NO FORGIVENESS, NO ANSWER TO PRAYER.  KNOW FORGIVENESS, KNOW ANSWER TO PRAYER.”

Preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church on June 22, 2014 Morning Worship.

Evidence of Greater Things to Come

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“Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.’ But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, ‘Send her away; for she crieth after us.’ But He answered and said, ‘I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.’ And she said, ‘Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”  ~Jesus healing a Gentile (Matthew 15:21-28)

Jesus, Obedience to the Father

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“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I.  And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.  Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.  But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.”  ~Jesus (John 14:28-31)

When Jesus Speaks We Hear the Words of the Father

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“If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.  He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.”  ~Jesus (John 14:22-24)

 

I Pray that all who come and read BROKEN PIECES will have a truly blessed, and very MERRY CHRISTMAS.  The merriest Christmas of all is when we recognize that Jesus is no longer a babe in a manger, but was that dying Lamb of God which gave His life a sacrifice for our sin, was buried, and bodily rose from the grave; and He forever lives.  He is one day soon returning as well.  That is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Believe Him.  Receive Him and be saved.

T.A.

When We Pray in the Name of Jesus

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“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.  And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.”  ~Jesus (John 14:12-14)

The Relationship of Jesus and The Father

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“Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, ‘Shew us the Father’?  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.  Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”  ~Jesus (John 14:9-11)

Jesus Is In the Boat

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“And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him.  And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep.  And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’  And He saith unto them, ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  But the men marvelled, saying, ‘What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!'”  Matthew 8:23-27

Go Your Way Faith

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“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto Him a centurion, beseeching Him, and saying, ‘Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.’  And Jesus saith unto him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, ‘Go,’ and he goeth; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he cometh; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he doeth it.’  When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, ‘Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.  And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And Jesus said unto the centurion, ‘Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.’  And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”  (Matthew 8:4-13)

Those Doing the Will of God

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There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling him.  And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto him, ‘Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee.’  And He answered them, saying, ‘Who is My mother, or My brethren?’  And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, ‘Behold My mother and My brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.'”  Mark 3:31-35

Jesus Forgives Sin

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“And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house.  And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them.  And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.  And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, ‘Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.’  But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?’  And immediately when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, ‘Why reason ye these things in your hearts?  Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, ‘Thy sins be forgiven thee;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?’  But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.’  And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw it on this fashion.'”  Mark 2:1-12

Heaven’s News – Provision in the Kingdom

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“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” ~Jesus (Matthew 6:25-34)

What We Have Forgotten

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The prophet Jeremiah’s heart is grieving for his people as he views their lives through the eyes of the LORD. They don’t and won’t. At least for some time to come. The generation the prophet is addressing is one who has refused to see and hear the Word of the LORD.

The LORD asked a question, “Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness?” There is a contrast the LORD desires them to see. Have I been barren and left you with nothing or has My witness to you been that of darkness and not light?

Hear the Word through the prophet:

“O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel, a land of darkness? Wherefore say My people, ‘We are lords; we will come no more unto Thee’?  Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.” Jeremiah 2:31-32 (KJV)

The people had become self dependent rather than depending upon the LORD God. Some people have said and believe that faith is a crutch, or that God Himself is a crutch. Some have said things like, “Only the weak need God.” I need God, and I can only have God in my life as God gives Himself to me through His Son Jesus Christ. Am I weak? You better believe it. When it comes to the things of God; when it comes to pleasing God; when it comes to getting into the very presence of God; when it comes to having a relationship with God, and fellowship with Him; yes! I am weak. None of those things can be mine on my own. They are given to me as a gift of God.

You may be your own lord, but you do not know God; nor can you as long as you have that attitude and heart. If God wants you He will have you. You will submit to Him and He will have His own way in your heart and life.

The virgins of Jeremiah’s day wore special ornaments, which was a reminder of their virginity, and their purity. Brides, as always, seem to greatly admire their wedding gown, and may even become quite prideful in that attire. There is something quite beautiful about a bride in her gown, coming down the aisle, and it causes the groom to take a deep breath, and gasp at her beauty. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire?”, seems to indicate that these had more care for their ornaments and their gowns, than they had for the Word of the LORD. They had not forgotten their ornaments, nor their beautiful clothing, and gowns, but they had “Forgotten” the LORD; “Days without number”.

I can see this as very similar to our own day of 2013 in the United States of America.  Many pride themselves as “Christian” yet live as though the filling of lustful desires are what this life is about.  It is time that the Church in the U. S. of A. repented of her sins, and returned our focus to the One who bled and died for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose from the grave; and He lives forever more.

Christian, may we never forget the price that Jesus paid for our salvation. May we always be reminded of the body and the blood of Jesus; broken and shed that we might know God. The only true and righteous One who loves us, and gave Himself for us.

For those of you who have not believed, and trusted the finished work of the cross of Christ; the day is drawing near when He will return.  Then  you will see Him as He is.  You will stand before His great white throne of judgment and be found guilty.  Why allow that to happen when He has already paid your sin debt.  He offers it to you as a free gift of grace.  Repent and believe.

He is coming again. How will He find us?

-by Tim A. Blankenship