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
Life
Thanksgiving Sermon 112413
Thanking the LORD for His Goodness
Psalm 107:1-43
First we must note that the LORD is worthy of thanksgiving; who it is that ought to be thankful; and from whence the deliverance has come (vv. 1-3).
There are four groups of people which should be thankful to the LORD;
1. THOSE WHO HAVE A LONGING SOUL (vv. 4-9);
2. THOSE WHO ARE BOUND IN DARKNESS OF SOUL AND SPIRIT (vv. 10-16);
3. THOSE WHO ARE FOOLISH IN THEIR INIQUITIES AND TRANSGRESSIONS (vv. 17-22);
4. THOSE WHO ARE CAUGHT UP IN THE SEAS, AND STORMS OF LIFE (vv. 23-32).
5. NOTE – THE WORKS OF THE LORD IN THE LIVES OF ALL OF THESE (vv. 33-43).
-Tim A. Blankenship
No Condemnation from Jesus
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’ ‘…Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?’ ‘…Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” ~Jesus (John 8:7-11)
Through the Bible in a Year – Planned 110313
Counting Joy
James 1:1-4
We must realize that if we are to count joy…
1. IT WILL BE A PURPOSEFUL DECISION (v. 2).
“Count” = consider, command (with authority), have the rule over.
2. WE DO NOT HAVE A DECIDING FACTOR IN WHICH TRIALS WE WILL GO THROUGH
“Temptations” = trials, a putting to proof, adversity
A. That is the decision of the Creator;
B. Sometimes bad decisions we make (‘Fall into divers temptations’ v. 2).
3. WE CAN ALWAYS TRUST THAT THESE TRAILS WILL WORK OUT PATIENCE IN OUR LIVES (v. 3).
“Patience” = endurance, constancy,
4. WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO OUR PATIENCE BEING PERFECT LACKING NOTHING (v. 4)
“Perfect” = complete, growth (mental and moral character)
-Tim A. Blankenship
This is the outline for the message I had prepared for Sunday November 03, 2013; but I had a heart attack on November 01 putting me in the hospital for the weekend.
No One Can Come… Except…
“Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not.’
‘Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father.’
‘Will ye also go away?’
‘Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?’ ~Jesus (John 6:60-71)
Heaven’s News – The Way of the Kingdom
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” ~Jesus (Matthew 7:12-14)
What We Have Forgotten
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
Words for Christian Living – Mind
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
The mind of the Christian is not empty of thought. According to Paul the apostle to the Corinthians “…We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). So having the mind of Christ we will think like Jesus thinks, act like Jesus acts; because that is His mind.
The mind of Christ was to submit Himself to the Father’s will, and glorify His name. That is the mind of the Christian too. Even unto death.
Urgent!!!
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what seest thou?’ And I said, ‘I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, ‘Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.'” Jeremiah 1:11-12 (KJV)
There are a few times the almond tree, and rod are mentioned in Scripture. Aarons rod was an almond rod (Numbers 17:8) Other times the word “Almond” is used in the Old Testament are found in Genesis 43:11; Exodus 25:33, 34; 37:19, 20; Ecclesiastes 12:5, and our text today.
Four of those are references to the actual tree or fruit or to an article made in the likeness of an almond, such as a bowl.
Aaron’s rod budded showing life; it was also evidence that Aaron was God’s appointed man for the time.
The prophet has been called to proclaim the Word of God to a sinful and rebellious people. He has been told by God, that he has been known by Him even before he was conceived in the womb of his mother. Jeremiah the prophet has been told to speak every word God puts in his mouth.
Now comes the time to check his vision. “Jeremiah, what do you see?” (1:11) “I see a branch of an almond tree.” If a man is going to proclaim the Word of the Lord GOD, then he must be able to see what God is about to do, or at least what he desires to do.
Here is what God says about the seeing of the almond tree branch. “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word”. (v. 12)
The almond tree was an early tree. It wakened from its dormancy earlier than any other tree. The thing Jeremiah saw God used to tell him that the Word of God was going to be done just as God declared it through him, and it would be very quickly. It would be earlier than any other.
The message of God’s Word would be faithfully preached by the prophet, but not without sorrow and pain. There would be no delay. Jeremiah must hasten to the work of his ministry.
Just how close are we to the time we will see the fulfilling of the final prophecies of the Word of God. They are at the door. Jesus could return for His Bride at any moment. Do not delay to call on His name in repentance for sin, and trust completely in Him for salvation.
The picture of the almond tree for Jeremiah was a message that God was going to perform His word quickly. We live in an era of time very similar to Jeremiah’s. It is a time for the preacher to preach the Word; not back away, nor soft pedal it; but deliver it with urgency. The time we have is short.
As Jesus Christ was on the cross, suffered, bled and died there that tree brings forth life. The message of Jesus is the message with urgency. Believe Him and live. Continue in unbelief and perish. That is the only choices we have.
Could it be that the cross was made from an almond tree?
W4CL – Power
“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
The human race is consumed by power. People who want to have control over others; many of them are called politicians who are out to get all the power they can. Many are preachers and pastors who desire to rule the Church they lead – sadly.
There is something the Christian must realize and that is that all power belongs to the Creator. It is wonderful for the Christian to daily focus, fellowship with, and have faith in the One who is All-Powerful (Omnipotent). It is a glorious thing to know that we have the One who empowered the life of Jesus as He walked on earth living within us too. “…The power that worketh in us…”
How much power do we have? All that is His; is ours. Let us walk with Him, and it will be used rightly.
Thirsty
“O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary.” Psalm 63:1-2 (KJV)
Did the Psalmist know God? David knew God. Yet the more or better he knew Him the more he desired Him.
Jesus said,
“Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-14
The Christian is full of the water that Jesus gives, but is continually in need to drink from the Source. The better we know Jesus the more we desire to know Him.
Words for Christian Living – Arabia
“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.” Galations 1:13-17 (KJV)
Arabia is situated to the Northeast of Africa as a peninsula. Paul declares in Galations that this is the place to which he went following his call from Christ to follow Him. He makes it clear that his first call was to get to know the Lord Jesus better. He sought to learn of Him from Him, not the apostles, not what others had to say; but from Jesus alone. There was nothing about Arabia that had any appeal to it. He went to the wilderness. This seems to be very similar to Jesus’s going into the wilderness “to be tempted/tested” (Matthew 4:1-11).
Every Christian needs to learn more about Jesus, from Jesus Himself. The place to begin is with the Bible, God’s Word; and believe it, and live by it, as Jesus did, and continues doing. Your Arabia may just be your quiet time each morning in prayer and in the reading of the Bible. Make it daily, and at the same time each day.
It is most important that you hear what Jesus says of Himself. Then when you hear things that are contrary to what you have learned from God and His Word you will know that it is false.
Spend some time each day in your Arabia.
Words for Christian Living – Bless the LORD
“I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (KJV)
As Christians we are daily, constantly being blessed by God. How often, however, do we think of Blessing God? The phrase “Bless the LORD” is used mostly in Psalms, and occurs about 17 times; with one of those times reading “Bless ye the LORD” (Psalm 103:21). The phrase is used at least three more times in the rest of the Old Testament. The Psalmist was a blessing to God, and blessed God.
How does the Christian bless the LORD? First of all we fear the LORD. In fearing God we love Him, obey His commands because we love Him. In these things we speak words that honor Him. We live a life that honors and glorifies Him.
Secondly, we lift up the name of Jesus in praise; not as a swear word. Shame on the Christian who would ever use the name of Jesus Christ as an expression of anger, passion, or frustration.
“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.” Psalm 48:1-7 (KJV)
Bless the LORD.
Words for Christian Living – God’s Will
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17
I have spent a big portion of my Christian life looking, searching for God’s will. About a month ago I realized I do not need to search for the will of God; that I am living in it. I am not saying I am perfect, that I have reached the state of full knowledge or anything so preposterous as that.
The MacArthur Study Bible says this…
“…God’s will revealed to us is that people should be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4), Spirit filled (v. 18), sanctified (1 Thes. 4:3), submissive (1 Pet. 2:13-15), suffering (1 Pet.2:20) and thankful (1 Thes. 5:18).”
Knowing God, His will for our lives, and serving Him is as close as His Word and His Spirit. When we are Saved, Spirit filled, Sanctified, Submissive, Suffering, and Serving; then we are in the will of God, doing the will of God; and there shall be nothing which will be withheld from us.
The Psalmist has written…
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
When we know the LORD, are in His will, then God’s desires will be our desires.
Words for Christian Living – Fear
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Psalm 27:1-3 (KJV)
What place does fear have in the life of a Christian and/or Christian living? One place; Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). Someone has said, “If we fear God we need fear nothing else”.
The Psalmist tells us that the LORD is his light and salvation. If that be so, then whom does the Psalmist need to fear; or who does any Child of God need fear; or what do we need to fear?
We can be troubled on every side. Health, wealth (or lack of wealth worry about paying the rent, house payment, bills), personal attacks from others, even looming death may be one of the things that strike fear into our hearts. There is no benefit from this worry. Worry is nothing more or less than fear. God is our strength.
We need to hear the words of Jesus and trust Him…
“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.” Matthew 6:30-34 (KJV)
Words for Christian Living – Commendation
“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (KJV)
Most people are searching for commendation. Some are satisfied with self-commendation; others desire the commendation of others. Self-commendation is worthless; but then, so is the commendation of others for the purposes of eternity.
The word “Commendation” means… “Approval; Praise”. It speaks well of a person when others approve her/him. However, if someone with an evil heart speaks well of you… What does that say?
The commendation from God, our Lord, is the better commendation. Do not rest in peace with what others say of you. You can rest, and be in peace with what God says of you, commending you. You will not be commended by God with unrepented sin in your life. He will commend you when sin is dealt with, and you are in fellowship with Him through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ.
Words for Christian Living – Grace
“And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
The apostle Paul was being afflicted by what he called “a thorn in the flesh”, and he had prayed to be delivered from it; to be healed maybe of the physical affliction. We are not told what it was, but we are told that the Lord’s answer is found above.
In the midst of affliction, our thorn in the flesh, whatever it is we can rest assured that God’s grace is sufficient for us. In our weakness God is strong. In our weakness, our illness, or disease God is glorified. None of us like afflictions. We can be like Paul, however and “Glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Remember the word “Grace”. God’s grace is sufficient.
Words for Christian Living – Giving
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, ‘He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.’ Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV)
Paul the apostle was sending a delegation to Corinth to pick up a promised donation to the Jerusalem Christians. He sent this message to thank them for their generosity; and to encourage them in their giving.
For the Christian giving is not a dread; it is a blessing. We are giving back to God recognizing our Blessers blessings. Every Christian is a giver. Every Christian should enjoy giving.
There are many places crying out for help, for money. Where should the Christian give. The main place should be to and through your local congregation. “God loves a cheerful giver.”
Words for Christian Living – Rich
“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (KJV)
That word “Rich” causes us to think of wealth in the material sense. We hear the word “Rich” and we may have thoughts of what that might be like to live like the “Rich”. Gold, silver, precious stones, Wall Street, big mansions, big ranches or farms; many houses and lands or expensive cars have absolutely nothing to do with the richness of which the above passage speaks.
The wealthiest Man who ever lived and walked among men gave up much wealth – the splendor and glories of heaven – and came down and walked among us, then gave His life that we all might be saved. He gave up wealth, to become poor that those who hear His Word, and believes would become rich in the purest meaning of the word.
The riches of Christ cannot be taken away; they cannot be destroyed by moth or rust; they are incorruptible. The riches and glory of heaven are yours through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.
Words for Christian Living – Personal Cleansing
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
God has given many precious promises to His people. It is because of God’s promises; His wonderful gifts that we cleanse ourselves.
There are those elements within Christianity that tell us that “We need not worry about living a good clean life. Just eat, drink, be merry. God is gracious.” There is an element of truth to that, however, we are told by God in Scripture to “Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness”. We need to separate ourselves from those who would live lives of debauchery, iniquity, and filth. The Christian needs to live in the truth of the word of God, dwell around people of like faith, attend a faithful, Bible believing, Bible preaching, Christ honoring Church faithfully.
John the apostle has written,
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3 (KJV)
To be in peace and fellowship with God we must maintain holy lives.
Words for Christian Living – Now
“We then, as workers together with Him, beseech also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (KJV)
The most important word in the life of anyone is “Now”. God is not the “I was”, or “I will be”. He is “I Am” (Exodus 3:13-15). He is God now. Christian there is no more important time than the now.
If you are currently an unbeliever, but you know and believe there is God: He is drawing you to Himself. Now is the time to hear His voice and receive the finished work of His Son Jesus death on the cross as the atonement for your sins, believe Him and be saved today. No matter what you have done God’s forgiveness is greater than your sin.
Christian, Now is the time to start walking with Jesus our Lord and Savior new.
Words for Christian Living – Our Treasure
In January I posted a short article on this same topic. I awoke this morning with this topic on my mind; and it has been just about everyday I live. The topic of “Treasure”; in particular: what is my treasure. It is something for which I am ashamed to mention. First let us look at what Jesus said;
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
Jesus knew we would have treasure; however those treasures are not to be earthly treasure; and that is the first thing we think of when we think “Treasure”. Gold, silver, precious jewelry, houses, lands, boats, cars, and sometimes spouses and children. Jesus does not tell us these things are bad. They are, in fact, good to have; remembering from whom they have come.
My shame lays in the thought that I see in myself more affinity for speaking of things like a good movie, book, car, a football game; than I do of speaking of Christ Jesus. That tells me that Jesus Christ is not my Treasure. Why is it when the subject of those other things come up I can speak without fear; yet when the subject of God comes up I can get really quiet?
I have no excuse. Jesus is the greatest treasure. I am endeavoring today, by the power of the Holy Spirit to make Jesus Christ my Treasure.
Words for Christian Living – Being Confident
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-11 (KJV)
There is much talk of “Self-confidence”, and a little of that goes a long way. It is not always good. Too much of it ends in prideful rebellion.
Self-confidence is when you feel good about yourself, your life, your abilities, talents, and “Life style”. The confidence of which Paul the apostle writes is a confidence which comes from knowing God; knowing that He holds you in His hands. Knowing that you are protected from harm; safe under the shelter of His “Wings” as having to do when a hen gathers her chicks for protection from a storm or a fox; or any predator.
The confidence of men; yours and mine; can fail. Our confidence in God can become weak; however when we have been with God, and know His heart we can trust Him through every trial and tribulation we enter and we can endure to the end.
As Christians we are confident that if we die we will be at home with Jesus for all eternity. If we live we live unto the Lord. We know also that there will come a day when; as Christians; we will stand before the “Judgment seat of Christ” and we will give account of all the things we have done here on earth in our bodies. What has been done for the glory of the Lord will stand the judgment; what has been done for ourselves will burn in fire.
Because we know the “Terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” The terror of the Lord is that He hates sin. The sin debt was paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son, on the cross. In His burial He carried away the guilt, condemnation, and power of sin. In His resurrection He proved to all to be whom He said He is – the eternal Son of God. Our Savior. Our Redeemer. Our Lord.
If your refuse Him you will pay for your own sins; whether you believe you have sinned or not. Trust Christ and be saved.
Words for Christian Living – A Strong Heart
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJV)
There are many people walking around in this world who have been told by their physicians that they have weak or failing hearts. Some of us have had different types of surgery for their heart from stentz placed in arteries of their heart to what is called “Open heart” surgery. The “Strong heart” of which I title this does not refer to the physical heart, but to the inner individual.
“…We faint not” has much to do with having “A Strong Heart”. The man or woman of God; every Christian; must be committed to being faithful to God and His Word. That is what Paul the apostle is speaking of. From the time we become a follower of Jesus Christ we “Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty”; these are the sins of our past. We have repented, and our lives are changed.
It is a mark of the Christian, too, that we not use tricks, or deceit when it comes to the word of God. One of the things that angers me is the way I see many a Christian leader using emotion to entice “worship”; then people walk away thinking they have been in the presence of God; they go out the doors of the Church or the stadium, and their lives are left unchanged. Nothing wrong with emotion if it is not manipulated by deceit and the mishandling of God’s Word. Be careful Christian that you do not let wrong handling of the word of God lead you astray.
The truth will be all the commendation one needs. Know the truth. Keep your heart for God strong.
Words for Christian Living – Sorrow and Joy
“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.” 2 Corinthians 1-4 (KJV)
It is no joy for any Physician to tell their patient that they have cancer; or any other life threatening disease. The same is true with the apostle Paul.
In his first letter to the Church of Corinth he spends much of the letter rebuking them for their tolerance of sin within the Body of Christ, pride, and their separation from one another. Paul is hoping when he returns to Corinth he can do so with joy.
Confronting sin in the 21st century is still no easy task. It is still a necessary task for the preacher, the Christian. It, however, must be done for the sake of the Body of Christ. Let us endeavor to live for Christ Jesus by dealing with our own sin first, then we can confront sin when we see it in others. It is a sorrowful matter to see sin, and to deal with it. It is a joy to give words of encouragement to the brethren; when we see that they are following the Lord in holiness.
The Fire and Hammer 