Sermons and studies

Of the pastor’s study

Volume 1

Dr. gino f. cascieri

NOVEMBER 2005

Introduction

      The Pastor’s Study began in August 1999 by Pastor Gino Cascieri over the world wide web on WGCR, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.  The Pastor’s Study is aired over the world wide web (www.wgcr.net) each Sunday afternoon at 4 PM ET.

      This book is a collection of Bro. Gino’s sermons and studies which have either been heard on the Pastor’s Study Broadcast or preached during Bro. Gino’s 12 plus years in the ministry.

      This book is dedicated to the preachers of small congregations.  To the men of God who have been faithful to minister to the handful of people “over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” and who often worked a full-time secular job at the same time.

      There is no copy right on the material in this book.  I have been given freely the material by God and I give it freely to you.  I just ask that you use this material for the honor and glory of God and that the Lord Jesus Christ receives all the credit.

            I charge each one of you as the Apostle Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

            I pray that the Lord richly bless you as you serve Him.

                        Yours In Christ,

                        Bro. Gino

Contact Information:

Bro. Gino Cascieri

P.O. Box 435

Wilmington, MA 01887

(508) 662-5569

Email: av1611_kjb@yahoo.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title                                                                                        Text                                        Page

Is Your Ship Ready To Sail?                                             2 Tim. 4:2-8                           1-4

The Testimonies of God                                                     Gen. 18:17-19                       5-8

This Present World                                                              2 Tim. 4:10                             9-11

Things We Need To Consider                                           Luke 12:22-31                      12-14

Come-In-Come-Out-Come-Up                                          Rev. 3:20-22                         15-16

Have Ye Not Read?                                                                        Mt. 12:1-8                               17-19

How To Kill Yourself                                                           Phil. 3:7-11                            20-22

The Three Suppers In The Book of Revelation              Rev. 19:17-21                       23-26

A Holy Addiction                                                                  1 Cor. 16:15                          27-30

How Tough Is Your Faith?                                                 2 Cor. 5:7 & 1:24                  31-33

Pleasing God                                                                        1 Thess. 4:1                          34-35

Things Paul Was Thankful For                                         1 Thess. 5:18                        36-36

A Chaste Virgin                                                                    2 Cor. 11:1-4                         37-39

Are You A Fire Proof Christian?                                       1 Cor. 3:10-15                       40-42

Barabbas, The Prisoner Set Free                                     Mt. 27:15-26                          43-47

Do What You Can                                                               Mk. 14:1-9                              48-52

What Shall We Have Therefore?                                      Mt. 19:16-30                          53-54

Things In The Past We Need To Forget                          Phil. 3:13-14                         55-59

Things You Can Loose                                                      Mk. 8:36-37                           60-63

Seven Ways To Shorten Your Life                                   Prov. 10:27                            64-65

Deceitful Kisses                                                                   Prov. 27:6                              66-69

Things to Glory In                                                                Jer. 9:23-24                           70-74

The Traditions of Men                                                         Mk. 7:1-13                              75-80

Things Which Cause Us To Be Prideful                         Isa. 14:11-15                         81-85

Things Christians Shouldn’t Be Remembered For       Prov. 22:1                              86-87

“Is Your Ship Ready To Sail”

Text:               2 Timothy 4:2-8

Intro:

a Notice with me what the Apostle Paul says in v. 6.

·         Paul makes this statement at the end of his life.

·         Just before he was to be beheaded for the cause of Christ.

·         The word “departure” makes one think of a ship ready to set sail.

·         Paul was saying that the end of his life was near.

·         However, his ship was ready to set sail.

·         He was ready to depart this life and go to the next.

·         Why?

·         Because Paul knew that he had some eternal cargo on board to take home to heaven.

·         Just look at what Paul had to say about what was waiting for him when he got to the shores of heaven in v. 8.

·         Let take a look of some of the cargo that Paul had on board to take home to heaven.

a I.  Paul’s Cargo

·         Suffering –

o     The word of God says in 2 Tim, 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”

o     Paul certainly suffered for Christ.

§  See 2 Cor. 11:21-30

§  See 2 Cor. 4:8-11.

o     Paul said in Phil. 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

·         Souls –

o     The Apostle Paul was a soul winner.

o     The Bible says, “he that winneth souls is wise”

o     Paul would be taking a lot of souls that he had won to the Lord to heaven.

o     Notice with me what he called those he had won to the Lord in Thessalonica.

§  See 1 Thess. 2:19-20.

§  V. 19 – “our hope, or crown of rejoicing”

§  V. 20 – “our glory and joy”

o     The Bible witnesses to the fact that the Apostle Paul established many New Testament churches in most of the known world at the time.

o     This is evidenced by the Book of Acts and the many epistles or letters Paul wrote to encourage and exhort the churches that he had established.

·         Self- Control

o     Paul lived a life of self control.

o     Notice the statement that he made in 1 Cor. 9:25-27.

o     That Paul lived a life of self control is further evidence by what he had to say:

§  1 Cor. 6:12, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

§  1 Cor. 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”

·         Service

o     See Acts 20:17-27

§  v. 19 – “Serving the Lord”

§  v. 20 – “kept nothing back that was profitable”

§  v. 20 – “shewed and taught” the word of God

§  v. 21 – “testifying” Paul continual testified how to be saved.

§  vs. 22 & 23 – tells us that Paul risked life for the cause of Christ.

§  v. 24 – “none of these things move me”

§  v. 24 – “neither count I my life dear unto myself”

§  Paul is saying that he did not  let anything stop him even if it meant risking his own life to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

§  v. 26 – Paul’s conscience is clear.

§  He did not have the blood of anyone on his hands.

§  He took every opportunity given him to tell people how to be saved by the grace of God.

§  v. 27 – Paul told it like it was.

§  He held nothing back in his preaching.

§  He preach all of the Bible not just the stuff people liked to hear.

·         Spend & Be Spent

o     Paul was a spend and be spent Christian.

o     See 2 Cor. 12:15

o     “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”

o     Notice Paul says “I will very gladly spend”

§  Paul practiced what he preached.

§  He was a cheerful giver.

o     Did you know that the Apostle Paul never went full time.

§  He often had to work to support himself and not be a burden to some of the churches.

§  Especially to the cheap skate Christians that made up the church of Corinthians.

§  He was a tent maker by trade.

o     The Apostle Paul gave of us own material possessions and finances to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.

§  That’s the Spend

o     Besides that he gave of himself physically and emotionally to the point of death for the cause of Christ.

§  That’s the Spent

o     Paul knew very well what it was like to be used and abused by other Christians.

o     Despite this he still said, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”

§  What a statement!

§  The more he gave of himself the less he was loved.

·         Beside all this, the Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament.

·         Yes, my friend Paul was ready to depart.

·         His ship was ready to sail.

a II.  How About You?

·         Is your ship ready to set sail?

·         Do you have any eternal cargo on board to take to heaven’s shores?

·         You may say, “Oh, I have plenty of time before it is my time to depart.”

·         My dear friend we are not promise tomorrow.

·         None of us know when we will breath our last breath.

·         David said, “there is but a step between me and death.” 1 Sam. 20:3.

·         The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 27:1, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

·         What cargo do you have on board

o     Have you laid up any treasure in heaven?

§  What have you done with the money God gave you?

§  Was any of it spent on supporting a good local bible believing church?

§  Was any of it spent on supporting missions?

o     Have you led anyone to the Lord?

o     When is the last time you handed out a gospel tract?

o     When is the last time you gave some one your testimony?

§  How Jesus saved you and what your life was before Jesus and the change that has taken place since.

o     When is the last time you stood for the things of God?

o     When the last time you had some slam a door in your face for trying to witness to them about Christ?

o     Do people know where you stand on –

§  Prayer in School & the ten commandments

§  Homosexuality

§  Porno

§  Abortion on demand

§  Adultery and fornication

§  Support of Israel

o     Are you a spend and be spent Christian?

o     Do you give gladly of your material resources and of yourself physically and emotionally to further the gospel of Christ?

o     Would there be enough evidence in a court of law to convict you being a Christian.

a Conclusion:

·         My friend if you have not started already then today is time to start putting some eternal cargo on board your ship.

·         So when your time comes “Your Ship Will Be Ready To Sail!”

NOTES:

"The Testimonies of God"

Text:               Genesis 18:17-19

Intro:

Ø  I believe to have one's name mentioned in the Bible is extraordinary.

Ø  However, to have the God of the Bible actually provide a testimony in a person's behalf is hardly imaginable.

Ø  When any of us stand in the presence of God

o     We realize as Isaiah did we are  -"people of unclean lips"

o     We realize as the Apostle Paul did - "O wretched man that I am!"

o     We realize as the Apostle Peter did - "I am a sinful man"

Ø  The Bible declares -

o     "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one"

o     "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"

Ø  Despite this God testifies in His Word about some of His Saints.

Ø  We want to look at some of "The Testimonies of God."

I.          Abraham - Genesis 18:19

Ø  Notice God's testimony about Abraham

o     God says, "For I know him"

o     God had no doubt about the statement that He was about to make about Abraham.

Ø  "that he will command his children and his household after him"

o     God said that Abraham had his family and household in order.

o     He rules them well.

o     They were in complete submission to him because Abraham was in complete submission to God.

Ø  "they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment"

o     Abraham was obedient to God and set the example for his family.

o     He spent time in instructing his family on the things of the Lord.

o     See Deut. 6:4-9.

o     He made sure that his family had a time of devotion each.

o     He was not a hypocrite.

o     He practiced what he preached.

o     His walk matched his talk.

o     Therefore, Abraham's family was obedient to God.

o     As Abraham was just and fair in his business dealings and so would his family.

Ø  In fact notice what the Word of God says about Abraham's relationship with God.

o     See James 2:23

o     Can you imagine being called "The Friend of God"

o     I believe the reason that Abraham was called The Friend of God is because he was obedient to God.

Ø  We see his life of obedience begin when God told him in Genesis 12:1 - "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:"

Ø  We see Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 12:4 – “So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;”

Ø  Abraham was not perfect.

o     He was a sinner just like you and me.

o     However, overall his life reflected a life that was obedient to God.

Ø  Abraham had the testimony of OBEDIENCE to God

II.         Job - Job 1:8

Ø  Notice God's testimony about Job -

Ø  "there is none like him in the earth"

o     Job was in a class all by himself.

Ø  "a perfect and an upright man"

o     God did not say Job was sinless.

o     Job was a perfect man

§  A man who was a mature saint.

§  A man who was consistently right with God.

§  A man who confessed his sins to God on a regular basis.

o     Job was an upright man.

§  A man who could be trusted in his business dealings.

§  A man who was honest and would never cheat anyone.

§  A man was known as being fair in his business dealings.

Ø  "one that feareth God"

o     Job had the testimony that he feared God.

o     That is why he was a perfect and upright man.

Ø  The Word of God has a lot to say about "the fear of the Lord"

o     "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom"

o     "the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom"

o     "the fear of the Lord prolongeth days"

o     "the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death"

Ø  "escheweth evil"

o     Job had the testimony that he avoided evil.

o     The Word of God tells us "to depart from evil is understanding"

Ø  See James 5:10-11.

o     We see that Job had a testimony of being patient when it came to suffering.

o     The Word of God tells us in  Romans 5:3 - "...knowing that tribulation worketh patience"

o     Job certainly had his share and more of tribulation but through it all he was patient and trusted in God.

Ø  Job had the testimony that he FEARED GOD.

o     As a result he was an upright man and avoided evil.

III.        David - Acts 13:22

Ø  Notice God's testimony about David

Ø  "a man after mine own heart"

o   A believe the key word is "heart"

Ø  See Isaiah 66:2

o   Notice the kind of man God takes notice of -

§  A man that has a poor and contrite spirit

§  A man that trembles at God's Word.

§  David was such man.

Ø  See Psalm 51:17

o   Notice the kind of sacrifices that God will not despise

§  "broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart"

Ø  You see the reason David was a man after God's own heart was because he saw sin as God saw sin.

o   Something wicked and vile.

o   Despite his sins of committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah murder.

o   David was still a man after God's own heart because he acknowledged his sin and took full responsibility for it

o   He confessed his sin to God and was broken hearted because of his sin.

o   He asked God for his forgiveness and mercy

o   This evident from Psalm 51 which he wrote.

o   David had godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salvation.

§  David was sorrow for offending God.

§  Not for getting caught.

§  Being sorrow for getting caught is worldly sorrow which worketh death.

Ø  Notice also in Acts 13:22 what God has to say about David.

o   "which shall fulfil all my will"

o   God knew with out a doubt that David was totally submitted to will of God for his life.

o   God knew whatever He told David to do that he would do it.

Ø  David had the testimony of being a MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART.

o   A heart that would weep and hurt over sin that he had committed against God.

o   A man surrendered to the will of God.

IV.       Mary - Luke 1:30

Ø  Notice God's testimony about Mary.

Ø  "for thou hast found favour with God"

o   Mary found kindness with God.

o   Mary found God's support.

o   Why you might ask?

o   Of all the virgins in Israel why did Mary find favour with God?

Ø  Let's look at some of the statements that Mary made.

o   See Luke 1:38 - "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word"

o   Mary had a humble spirit.

o   She called herself a handmaid of the Lord.

o   A position of servitude and submission.

Ø  Most women if they were told that they were going to bring the Saviour of mankind into the world would have been pretty puffed up - Amen!

Ø  If they believed the angel Gabriel to begin with.

Ø  Mary was submitted to whatever the Lord had for her to do.

Ø  Notice something else about Mary.

o   She recognized her lost condition.

o   See Luke 1:46-47

§  Her soul magnified the Lord not herself.

§  She her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour.

Ø  Mary had the testimony of being HUMBLE.

Ø  Mary had the testimony that she would serve the Lord in any way He saw fit.

Conclusion:

Ø  I believe that each one of these testimonies of God should reflect the life of the believer.

Ø  I believe each one of us should have the Testimony:

o   Of being obedient to God as Abraham was.

o   Of fearing God as Job did to keep us upright and to avoid evil.

o   Of having a broken and contrite heart over our sin as David did.

o   Of having a heart of humility, totally surrendered to will of God as Mary did.

Ø  How about you my dear friend - What is God's Testimony regarding you?

NOTES:

“This Present World”

ð  Text:                     2 Timothy 4:10

ð  Intro:

o   We want to look at “This Present World” that Demas forsook the Christian friendship and fellowship of the Apostle Paul for.

o   Maybe you know someone who has done the same thing as Demas

o   Left off going to church, serving God, fellowshipping with God’s people for “This Present World.”

o   When I speak of the world, I am speaking about the world system.

ð  I.  ITS LEADER

o   A.  Politically

·         John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

·         John 14:30, “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”

·         John 16:11, “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

o   Political Leader is Satan.

o   B.  Religious

·         2 Cor. 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

o   Religious Leader – Satan

o   Can you think of both a political and religious leader today?

·         How about the Pope?

·         Who do you think is behind that system?

·         In many countries today the pope is pulling the strings both politically and religiously.

ð  II.  ITS LABEL

o   Notice with me how the Apostle Paul described “this present world” in Galatians 1:4, “Who (Christ) gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

·         Paul calls this world we live in “evil”.

o   And that is why Paul commands us in Romans 12:2, “…be not conformed to this world:”

o   And that is why the Apostle John commands us in 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

o   And that is why the Apostle Peter warns us about “…the corruption that is in this world” in 2 Peter 1:4

·         Corruption:  Depravity; wickedness; perversion or deterioration of moral principles; loss of purity or integrity.

o   Peter also warns us about “…the pollution of the world” in 2 Peter 2:20

·         Pollution:  Defilement; uncleanness; impurity; the state of being polluted.

o   Galatians 1:4, tells us Christ “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world,”

·         In other words, that is why Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from a world that is evil and full of corruption and pollution.

ð  III.  ITS LIVING

o   A.  WHAT IT HAS

·         According to 1 John 2:16

§  “the lust of the flesh”

§  “the lust of the eyes”

§  “the pride of life”

·         1 John 5:19, tells us “the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

§  The world’s bed is wickedness!!!

·         The world is “full of cares” according to Mt. 13:22, Mark 4:19.

o   B.  WHO IT HATES

·         The Lord Jesus Christ and his people

§  See John 15:18-19

o   C.  WHERE IT IS GOING

·         See 2 Peter 3:10-13,

§  V. 10, “the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

·         This event takes place after the Millennium

·         1 John 2:17, “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

ð  IV.  ITS LEADING

o   In other words its teaching

o   Ephesians 2:2, tells us this world has a “course” which we all followed before we got saved.

·         “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

§  “prince of the power of the air” is another name for the leader of this world, Satan.

·         Course:  Manner of proceeding; way of life or conduct; deportment; series of actions.

§  The course of this world is one of open rebellion against God.

§  It breeds in its children a spirit of disobedience against the authority of God and His Book.

o   Colossians 2:8, tells us this world also has “rudiments”

·         Rudiments:  Basic fundamental principles which something is established and developed.

o   The rudiments of this world are:

·         1) Everybody else does it

·         2) We always have done it

·         3) A little bit doesn’t hurt

·         4) My conscience doesn’t convict me.

·         5) We know when to quit.

·         6) You gotta make a living

·         7) It all depends on how you look at it.

o   These are the alibis for every sin that has ever been committed on earth.

·         This is the philosophy of the world and it is the tradition of mankind.

·         Every sin you ever committed, you committed on one of those grounds, or more than one of them.

o   The rudiments of Biblical Christianity

·         1) It is right?

·         2) Will it please God?

·         3) Does it edify?

·         4) It is expedient?

·         5) Will it bring glory to God?

·         6) Can I sincerely thank God for it?

·         7) How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

ð  CONCLUSION:

o   What should be the believer’s relationship with the world?

·         If you are a friend of this world, the scriptures say in James 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

§  Friendship includes the worlds people, its plans, and its policies.

o   The Scriptures tell us:

·         1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”

·         1 Corinthians 7:31, instruct us to use the world but don’t abuse it.

§  I.e. of using the world to make a living to take of yourself and family.

§  But don’t become a part it

§  Be in the world but not of it

§  Don’t make the world your chief aim.

·         Jesus reminds us as His disciples that we are not of this world in John 17:14, 16.

·         Always remember that the spiritual battle we fight as believers is “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

NOTES:

“Things We Need To Consider”

ð  Text:         Luke 12:22-31

ð  Intro:

o     We want to look at some things as God’s children that “We Need To Consider.”

o     Consider = To fix the mind on with a view of careful examination; to think on with care to ponder, to study; to meditate.

ð  I.  Consider The Provisions of God

o     The point Jesus was trying to get across here in Luke 12:24&27.

·         Jesus was saying consider or observe how God cares for the ravens by feeding them and he clothes the lilies.

o     We as His children are certainly more important to Him that the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field.

o     So, we can expect Him to take care of us as His children.

o     So, our focus each day should be to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

o     By considering the ravens and the lilies of the field then we as God’s children should be a WORRY FREE PEOPLE!

o     My friend maybe that is why you have been full of worry and care because you have not been considering the fowls of the air and how God cares for them.

·         How he clothes the lilies of field.

o     You see if you are full of care and worry then you don’t have time for “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

o     You see God says you do the seeking and I will do the providing.

·         Amen!

ð  II. Consider God’s Son - Hebrews 3:1;12:3

o     Consider His Suffering

·         “…he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:…” – Isa. 53:5

·         “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” – Isa. 50:6

·         “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust” – 1 Peter 3:18

o     Consider His Sacrifice

·         “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:…” – 1 John 3:16

·         “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” – Eph. 5:2

o     Consider His Saving

·         “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25

o     Result If We Consider God’s Son;

·         “…lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” – Hebrews 12:3

·         Won’t grow weary and quit serving Him.

·         Consider all that He went through for us and compare what you are going through for Him.

§  No comparison – Amen!!!

ð  III. Consider God’s Wondrous Works – Job 37:14

o     His creation as recorded in Genesis 1-3

·         Man - Body

·         Animals

·         Plant Life

·         Grand Canyons

·         Rain

§  Marvels of evaporation and condensation

·         Universe-Sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies

·         Sunrise and the Sunset

·         Everything in perfect harmony

o     Snow flake no two are the same

o     Result of Considering God’s Wondrous Works

·         Show just how small man is and how insignificant we are compared to God.

·         We cannot begin to explain the Wondrous Works of God

·         Show just how unintelligent man really is – Amen!!!

·         We should Fear Him

§  See Psalm 33:6-9

ð  IV. Consider The Great Things God Has Done For You –

o     1 Samuel 12:24

·         He saved you and keeps you (can’t lose your salvation)

·         He clothed you.

·         He feeds you

·         He gives you life and life more abundant

·         He uses you if you will let Him

§  To witness to others on how to be saved.

§  To live a life that is a witness for Him.

§  To serve and support the local New Testament that He uses to carry out the great commission.

·         He gives you a joy unspeakable and full of glory

·         He has prepared a mansion in heaven for you.

·         He will give you a peace that passeth all understanding if you let Him!!!

·         He has taken the sting out of death for you.

·         He snatched the victory from the grave for you.

·         He has given you the greatest hope of all for you in the resurrection from the grave.

·         He listens to and answers your prayers.

ð  Conclusion:

o     As result of Considering;

·         The Provisions of God

·         God’s Son

·         God’s Wondrous Works

·         The Great Things God Has Done For You

o     We need to as Christians to Consider Our Ways.

o     See Haggai 1:2-11

·         Here in this passage God is speaking to the Nations of Israel.

§  Twice in Vs. 5&7 – tells them to “Consider Your Ways”

§  In other words, the way that they were living.

§  You see as a Nation Israel was putting themselves and their personnel interests first before God.

§  As result of putting their interests first – building and repairing their homes instead of the House of God, they were getting very little for their efforts – See v. 6&10.

§  God also pronounced judgement – see vs. 10 & 11.

·         My friend as a child of God you need to “Consider Your Ways” and see if they are pleasing to God or not.

·         Maybe that is why you are always having financial problems – for example car trouble, lack of work, appliances always breaking down.

·         Seems like you are working very hard but never seem to get anywhere like the Nation of Israel – See Haggai 1:6&10

§  Well, maybe you need to “Consider Your Ways” and see if you are putting God and the things of God first. – Amen!!!

NOTES:

“Come In-Come Out-Come Up”

a Text:         Revelation 3:20-22, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, & Revelation 4:1-3

a Intro:

o     I want us to see three ways how the word “come” is used in relation to the believer.

·         1) Come In of Salvation

·         2) Come Out of Separation

·         3) Come Up of Sanctification

a I.  COME-IN – SALVATION

o     Rev. 3:20

o     John 10:9

a II.  COME-OUT – SEPARATION

o     2 Cor. 6:14-18

·         From the World – Should Be Obvious

§  1 John 2:15-17

·         The Problem Many Christians Still Haven’t Come Out of the World.

§  If you are a friend of the world then you an enemy of God – James 4:4

·         Many Christians like Lot sitting in the gate of Sodom

§  Being among the unsaved vexed his soul

§  Troubled his soul, he had no peace

§  See 2 Peter 2:7-8

·         From Worldly or Carnal Christians

§  Many Christians have a struggle with this.

§  Separation from worldly or carnal Christians

§  Not preached but it is the Word of God.

§  Favorite verse of Christians who don’t believe in separation is “A friend loveth at all times”

§  Yes, we should love the person but still hate the sin.

§  If person won’t get right then suppose to treat as if unsaved.

§  See Mt. 18:15-17.

·         The Apostle Paul calls them “enemies of the cross of Christ” – Phil 3:18.

·         Carnal or worldly Christians cause envying, strife, and divisions within the church.

·         Paul, addressed the problem in the church at Corinth

§  See 1 Cor. 3:1-3.

o     Paul exhorts the believer to separate from the carnal Christian in several of his epistles.

·         1 Cor. 5:11

§  railer – someone who rails on another person, scoffs, insults

§  extortionner – wresting anything from a person by force.

·         Romans 16:17-18

·         2 Thess. 3:6

o     Often a Christian believes he can change the worldly or carnal Christian for the better.

·         The Apostle Paul warns about this in 1 Cor. 15:33.

·         Don’t fool yourself.

·         You fellowship with that person for any period of time and you will be as backslidden as they are.

a III.  COME-UP – SANCTIFICATION

o     Rev. 4:1 – “come up hither”

o     At the catching away of the church the body of Christ, each believer will be given a new glorified body.

o     So, the believer will have total sanctification – body, soul, and spirit.

a The expression “come up hither” is used three times.

o     Here is Rev. 4:1 – The church.

o     Composed of all those who have been born again for the day of Pentecost to the rapture.

o     Prov. 25:7 – Old Testament Saints

·         Those who had been waiting in Abraham’s Bosom in the center of the earth.

·         Waiting for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

§  See Mt. 27:50-53.

§  See Eph. 4:8

§  See 1 Pe 3:18-19

o     Rev. 11:12 – Tribulation Saints go up with two witnesses

a Conclusion:

o     Are you ready for the Lord’s return?

o     It is eminent.

o     He could come at any time.

·         See 1 Thess. 5:2

·         Mt. 24:44

·         1 Pe. 4:7

·         Rev. 3:3

NOTES:

“Have Ye Not Read?”

ð  Text:                     Matthew 12:1-8

ð  Intro:

ð  The title our message comes from verse 3 of our passage where Jesus says to the Pharisees, “Have Ye Not Read.”

o   Ten times in the gospel accounts and six times alone in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus uses either the expression “Have Ye Not Read” or “Have Ye Never Read.”

o   I believe in each instance the point that Jesus was trying to get across to those he was addressing was, “If you had read and studied the scriptures like you should have then you would not raise this particular issue to begin with.”

o   In other words, the answer to the issue they were raising could be found in the scriptures.

o   First, I want us to look at each of the instances where our Lord uses the expressions “Have Ye Not Read” or “Have Ye Never Read.”

·         As we do notice with me the particular issue being debated and importance of it.

o   Second, I want us to see how all of this applies to us today.

·         Maybe if Jesus were physically with us today that He would say to some of you “Have Ye Not Read” or “Have Ye Never Read.”

ð  I.   “Have Ye Not Read” or “Have Ye Never Read.”

o   A.  Matthew 12:1-8 – Issue – Concerning the Sabbath

·         v. 3 – “Have ye not read”

·         v. 5 – “have ye not read”

·         Account also found in Mark 2:23-28 & Luke 6:1-5

o   B.  Matthew 19:3-9 – Issue – Concerning Marriage

·         v. 4 – “Have ye not read”

o   C. Matthew 21:12-17 – Issue – Concerning Praise to God

·         v. 16 – “have ye never read”

o   D. Mathew 21:33-46 – Issue – Concerning the Rejection of Christ

·         v. 42 – “Did ye never read in the scriptures”

·         Account also found in Mark 12:1-12

o   E.  Matthew 22:23-33 – Issue – Concerning the Resurrection

·         v. 31 – “have ye not read”

·         Account also found in Mark 12:18-27

ð  II.  Still True Today

o   I believe the same still holds true today.

·         The reason trouble arises in our so called Bible Believing Independent Baptist Churches is because most members “Have not read” or “Have never read” never mind ever studied the Word of God.

·         Because if Christians were reading and studying the word of God like they should then most things that become an issue would not be an issue to begin with.

o   The sad fact in Jesus’ day when he said, “Have Ye Not Read” or “Have Ye Never Read” was that He was addressing the unsaved religious crowd of His day.

·         However, we have many today that claimed to be saved, love the Lord, have the in dwelling Holy Spirit but still they “Have Not Read” or “Have Never Read.”

o   The Apostle Paul understood the importance to reading and studying the Word of God because he instructed the young minister, Timothy –

·         “Till I come, give attendance to reading,…” – 1 Timothy 4:13

·         “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” – 2 Timothy 2:15-16.

o   Because most members of your so called Bible Believing Independent Baptist Churches “Have Not Read” or “Have Never Read” what we hear going on in most of these churches is nothing more than “profane and vain babblings”

·         And as result the members act like they do not even know God.

o   Oh! They may have all the religious buzz words and shout and holler during camp meeting time but just observe how they live their lives away from the church house.

·         Jesus described this folks when he said “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” – Matthew 15:8

o   That is why these same folks are always running to the Pastor asking him is alright to do something because they “Have Not Read”

·         If they had read and studied the Word of God like they suppose to then they would not have to ask in the first place.

·         I am not talking about the meat of the word but the milky things of the Word.

III. Conclusion

ð  My friend do you claim to be a blood bought Child of God?

o   Saved by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ?

·         Do you claim to love the Lord?

·         Then you should love His Word.

o   Do you have your own copy of the Word of God?

·         You should and it should be by your side all the time.

·         You should bring it to church and make notes in it as the Word is taught and preached – Amen!!!

o   My friends like me ask you this – “Are you a Have Never Read Christian?”

o   If you are then shame on you!

o   You were redeemed by the blood of the crucified one and you won’t even read His Book!!!

ð  I believe that is why so many Christians are always arguing with God, Have issues with Him and can’t discern His will for their lives because they “Have Never Read.”

o   My friend won’t you start today to be faithfully reading and studying the Word of God.

o   I pray that none of us here today will ever stand before Jesus and hear Him say “You Have Never Read”

ð  My friend if you are here today and never trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour

o   Jesus said in John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

o   If you were to search the scriptures they would tell you as Jesus said that you can have eternal life by receiving Him as your personal Saviour.

o   See John 1:12

o   See Romans 10:9-10

o   See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – vs. 2 “By which also ye are saved”

·         The gospel of the grace of God

ð  Won’t you be saved today?

NOTES:

“How To Kill Yourself”

a Text:                     Philippians 3:7-11

a Intro:

o     The Apostle Paul tells us here in the passage that to really know the Lord Jesus Christ then there must be first a death (v.10, “being made conformable unto his death;”)

§  And second a resurrection (v. 11, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead”) in the life of each Christian.

§  The death and resurrection Paul is speaking about is not in the physical realm but the spiritual.

§  This is what Paul’s desire was as expressed here in the passage.

§  In fact, Paul let us know that this death and resurrection cannot be obtained by our own effort.

§  Paul expresses this very clearly in verses 3-8 (Paul’s Garbage Can)

o     I believe the majority of Christians don’t really know or have an intimate relationship with the Lord because have not experienced that death and resurrection that Paul speaks about here in the passage.

§  This is obvious by how the average Christian conducts himself and his manner of conversation.

o     What Paul is talking about is the old man, the old nature being put to death.

§  Remember, only your spirit was born again and not your flesh when you got saved.

o     We often find Paul instructing the Christian as follows –

§  2 Cor. 4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

§  Col. 3:10, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge (the word of God) after the image of him that created him:”

§  Eph. 4:23, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

§  Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

o     You see my friend when one part of you dies another part takes over.

§  John the Baptist put it this way, “If I decrease then Christ will increase.”

a I want us first to look at “How Kill Yourself” so that you can really know Christ and have a close intimate relationship with Him.

o     Next we will look at how the spiritual resurrection takes place after the death has occurred.

o     Then finally, we will look at what is the outside evidence that this has taken place.

a I.  HOW TO KILL YOURSELF

o     A.  Reckon Yourself Dead – See Romans 6:3-13

§  You need to die to self, sin, & system (world system)

§  You need to deny self and take up your cross.

§  To do this you must have the “mind of Christ” – Phil. 2:5

·         The mind of Christ is found in Phil. 2:8

·         Key – humbled, obedient, death

§  Allow God to crucify the old man.

o     I believe the Apostle Paul had learned “How to Kill Himself”

§  See Galatians 2:20

§  Paul said, “…the life which I now live…”

·         He referring not to the old life but the resurrected life.

·         Notice what Paul said in Phil. 1:21

o     B.  Put Off The Old Man– See Ephesians 4:22-24

§  V. 22 – The death

§  Vs. 23-24 – The resurrection power – (we will talk about later on)

o     C.  Mortify Your Members– Kill/Destroy Flesh – Col. 3:5-10

§  Vs. 5-9 – Destruction

§  V. 10 – Resurrection

o     D.  Only Can Be Accomplished If Yielded to the Holy Spirit & Allow Him to subvert the flesh.

§  Can’t do under your own power.

§  See Galatians 5:16

a II.  SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION

o     How does the resurrection take place once the death has occurred?

§  Well, the scripture tells us that it was the power of the Holy Spirit that resurrected Christ from the dead.

§  Each believer has dwelling with in them that same power.

§  The Spirit is what does the renewing.

§  Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

o     It is the Spirit of God in you that gives you the power to live holy, live right, and to suffer.

a III.  EVIDENCE KILLED YOURSELF AND BEEN RESURRECTED

o     People and that also includes most Christians don’t understand you.

o     Your own flesh will rise up against you.

o     You begin to suffer.

§  If you allow God to crucify old man then going to suffer.

§  See 1 Peter 1:7, 5:10 & 2 Tim. 3:12.

o     When you begin to suffer then you begin to experience the power of God.

§  Paul said, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

o     Along with the resurrected life you know Christ.

§  Why?

§  Because He is doing things through you.

§  It is Him doing the things and not you doing the things.

o     When you see how He does it then you know Him.

§  How can you know Him if you are doing it?

o     To know Him is to allow Him to take you through the death and suffering.

o     Once you do this then you begin to experience the resurrected life where He does everything.

o     You know it is not you doing it.

o     And you can say as the Apostle Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

a Conclusion:

o     My friend can you really say what Paul said here in Galatians 2:20?

§  Have you reckoned, put off, and mortified that old man?

·         If not you will never experience the resurrected life.

·         You will never experience the power of God in and on your life.

§  If you have never done it won’t you today come to this old fashion altar and “Kill Yourself” by –

·         Reckoning yourself dead

·         Put Off the Old Man

·         Mortify Your Members

NOTES:

“The Three Suppers In The Book of Revelation”

ð  Text:                     Revelation 19:17-21

ð  Intro:

Ø  One of the things Baptists enjoy most is church suppers.

• We find it difficult to fast.
• We find it difficult to witness.
• We find it difficult to give.
• We find it difficult to pray.
• But how we love our belly ship.

Ø  There are many suppers mentioned in the Word of God.

Ø  For example:

• Mark 6:21, King Herod made a supper to his lords on his birthday.

• At this supper John the Baptist had his head chopped off as a reward for the ungodly dance of Herod’s step daughter, Herodias.
• Luke 14, We are told a certain man made a great supper and bade many to come.
• However, many of the invited guests made excuses and did not attend.
• John 12, We are told that in the city of Bethany Jesus had supper with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha.
• It was at this supper that Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with the costly ointment of spikenard.
• Remember, the treasurer, Judas made a squawk about wasting the ointment because the money could have been used on the poor.

Ø  Each of the Gospels given an account of the Passover supper or as it is traditionally known as the last supper that he has with his 12 Apostles.

• It is at this supper that Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and the devil enters the heart of Judas to betray the Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul delivers to us that which he received from the Lord, the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
• The Lord’s Supper is a memorial or a time of remembrance.
• Each time the Christian partakes of the bread and cup, he is reminded of the awful price that his sin cost God’s Son.
• The unleavened bread reminds us that Christ’s body was broken to pay for our sins.
• The unfermented wine or grape juice reminds us that Christ’s sinless blood was shed to pay for our sins.

Ø  This morning I want us to look together at the three suppers mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

I.          THE SUPPER OF SALVATION – REV. 3:20

Ø  Every individual is given an invitation to sup with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ø  To partake of the Supper of Salvation.

Ø  He invites all to:

• “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

Ø  He invites all to:

• “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Ø  He invites all to:

• “…Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Ø  He promises:

§  “…I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

Ø  He promises:

§  “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

Ø  He not willing:

§  “…that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Ø  I believe that door of each person’s heart that Jesus is standing outside of has a knob on only one side.

§  I believe the knob is on the inside.

§  Jesus cannot force his way into anyone’s heart.

§  A person must open the door to his heart voluntarily to Jesus.

§  If you never have my friend open the door of your heart to Jesus Christ and let Him come in and sup with you, fellowship with you.

§  Won’t you do it today.

§  Won’t you repent of your sins and call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from going to a sinner’s hell.

Ø  So, Number 1 we have The Supper of Salvation in the Book of Revelation.

Ø  The Second Supper mentioned in Revelation is The Supper of the Saints or the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Ø  My friend you cannot attend this supper unless you have already partaken of the First supper mentioned in Revelation.

Ø  The Supper of Salvation where you let Jesus into your heart to sup with you.

II.            THE SUPPER OF THE SAINTS OR THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB – REV. 19:6-9

Ø  This will be the most thrilling experience that believers will ever have.

• The church that is, the body of believers all the way from Pentecost (Acts 2) to the Rapture (1 Thess. 4) will be presented now to Christ as a bride for marriage.
• The marriage takes places in heaven and after the Judgment Seat of Christ near the end of the Tribulation.
• The “Bride of Christ” is now ready for the marriage.
• To “be ready” she has to be without “spot or wrinkle”, a glorious Church according to Ephesians 5:27.
• This is done by the purging and cleansing that will take place at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”

Ø  The marriage and the marriage supper takes place in heaven.

• The Lord will return at the second advent not only to judge the earth but also to begin 1,000 year honeymoon with His bride.
• Can you imagine a 1,000 year honeymoon.– Amen!
• The caterers of this supper will be heavenly. – Amen!
• My friend what a time of joy and ecstasy!
• To be finally married to the one that we have been espoused to as a chaste virgin.
• To finally be forever with the one we have been waiting for. – Amen!

Ø  But again my friend to partake of this Marriage Supper of Lamb you must be saved, born-again.

Ø  You must have first partaken of the Supper of Salvation we talked about in Revelation 3:20

Ø  Let’s look at the last supper mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

III.           THE SUPPER OF SUFFERING OR THE SUPPER OF THE GREAT

GOD – REVELATION 19:17-21

Ø  My friend the Lord Jesus Christ is about to return at any time for his bride.

• The rapture of the church could happen at any time now and then the tribulation of seven years will begin.

Ø  The Supper of the Great God will take place at the end of the Tribulation.

• Those invited to this supper are not individuals to sup with Christ and receive salvation.
• Those invited to this supper are not the saved from the day of Pentecost to the Rapture.
• No, those present at this supper are birds of the air – buzzards, vultures, ravens, eagles.
• Birds we often see on the road eating the remains of road kill.
• The food these birds are feasting on are the remains of Christ rejecting men.
• Men who made up the Antichrist’s army and who fell at the Battle of Armageddon.

Ø  Let those who think that a loving God would never bring judgment upon sinful man notice the scavengers of the air serving in the kingdom, while Christ rejecting men are dead.

Conclusion:

Ø  My friend, there is a good chance that if you are not saved and go through the tribulation that you may end on the dinner table of these birds.

Ø  Won’t you avoid being  part of the Supper of the Great God and trust Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

Ø  Repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to save you.

Ø  As the Bible says, “Whosever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Ø  If you do that then you will miss this supper and partake of the Supper of Salvation and the Supper of the Saints or the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Ø  Won’t you come today and let Jesus Christ enter in through the door of your heart and sup with Him!

NOTES:

A Holy Addiction

Text:   1 Corinthians 16:15

Intro:

„  The word "addicted" is found only once in the scriptures.

„  We here a lot today of the word addict.

¥  When we think of the word addict it is usually in a bad light.

¥  We hear of those being addicted to certain things and the programs designed to help addicts deal with there sin.

„  A person can be addicted to:

¥  Alcohol and other Drugs

¥  Prescriptions & Nonprescription Drugs

¥  Nicotine

¥  Television

¥  Food

¥  Sex

¥  Pornography

¥  Pokemon

¥  Work

¥  Relationships - "Fatal Attraction"

¥  Computer Use

¥  Gambling

¥  Exercise

¥  Entertainment and Sports Personalities

¥  Religion

„  According to Tabor's Medical Dictionary, addiction means to have a "physical dependence on a substance, with use of increasing amounts.

„  Mosby's medical dictionary defines it as: "compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a substance or habit or practice to such a degree that ceasing causes sever emotional, and mental reactions.

„  Usually an addiction is an unholy practice and one that should never be a part of a Christian's life.

„  However, we see in our verse a group of folks that had a holy addiction.

„  They were junkies for Jesus.

„  Paul identifies them as the household of Stephanas.

¥  They were the first-fruits of Achaia, the first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in which Corinth was.

¥  In fact, Paul the Apostle had baptized them - See 1 Cor. 1:16.

¥  They had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, to serve the saints.

¥  They had disposed and devoted themselves to serve the saints and service the saints.

¥  They supplied their wants and helped and assisted them upon all occasions, both in their temporal and spiritual needs.

„  We want to ask the question how does one become addicted to the ministry of the saints or a junkie for Jesus.

I.          Experience

„  In order to become addicted to anything one must have an experience with it.

„  For example to become a drunk or be addicted to booze you must have first began with a drink of booze.

„  In order to become addicted to the ministry of the saints then you first must of had a salvation experience.

¥  Trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.

¥  Been born again.

¥  Believed that Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again the third day.

„  If you have not had a salvation experience then you cannot become addicted to the ministry of the saints.

¥  No matter how hard you try you will not be able to:

o   "...abound in love one toward another..." 1 Thess. 3:12

o   "Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:1

o   "...by love serve one another." Gal. 5:13

o   "...be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,..." Eph. 4:32

o   "...forbearing one another in love;" Eph. 4:2

„  That is why many who profess to be Christians can never be addicted to the ministry of the saints because they have never had a salvation experience.

II.         Evolve

„  Once one has experienced the substance or begun a pattern of behavior, it evolves or grows into a greater desire over time.

„  If a person has had a salvation experience, trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, their desire for the things of the Lord will grow or evolve over time.

„  For example a heroin addict desire for heroin increases over time not decreases.

„  The word of God tells us concerning the Christian's desire and growth of the things of the Lord.

¥  "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...." 2 Pe. 3:18

¥  "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" Col. 1:10

¥  "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" 1 Pe. 2:2

¥  "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;" 2 Thess. 1:3

„  The Christian's desire should be to grow in grace, to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to grow in faith.

„  The Christian should desire to learn each day something from God's Word.

III.        Expense

„  The addict will spare no expense to support his habit.

„  He will do whatever it takes to support his habit.

¥  Even to the point of robbery and murder.

„  A person addicted to the ministry of saints will spare no expense in serving and servicing the saints of God.

¥  His concern is for meeting the needs of others.

„  The word of God has a lot to say about giving to the saints of God:

¥  "...let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." Eph. 4:28

¥  "...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

¥  "Distributing to the necessity of saints..." Romans 12:13

¥  "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

¥  "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" 1 Timothy 6:18

„  The Christian should spare no expense in ministering to the saints of God.

„  We have so many Christians today who spare no expense when comes to going to the hair salon, buying lottery tickets, supporting their favorite radio preacher, supporting their favorite contemporary Christian Music recording artist - Amen!!!

„  Buying toys for the kids and for themselves - Amen!!!

„  Most Christians can't get their car in their garage because it is full of stuff that they don't need - Say Amen!!!

IV.       Engrossed

„  Once a person has experience, evolved and spared no expense on their addiction they finally become engrossed.

„  They become oblivious to the world around them.

¥  They are totally absorbed by the substance or behavior that they are addicted to.

o     They would have to be to get to the point to be able to resort to stealing or murder to feed their habit.

o     They would have to be to get to the point where they don't care that they are hurting themselves and their families.

„  The difference between an unholy addiction and a holy addiction is that a holy addiction will not harm anyone and will glorify the Lord.

„  The word of God tells about glorifying God through the holy addiction of ministering to the saints -

¥  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Mt. 5:16

¥  "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Pe. 2:12

„  The Christian should be become engrossed in ministering to the saints.

Conclusion:

„  Christian you need to quit that habit whatever it maybe:

„  Not doing something can be an addiction -

¥  For example:

o     Not praying!

o     Not paying- giving financially to the local New Testament Church

o     Not staying in the Book!

„  Why not become addicted like household of Stephanas.

¥  Notice the household of Stephanas, not just one person.

¥  You see if daddy is addicted to the ministry of the saints the whole family will be too!!!

¥  My dear friend won't you be a junkie for Jesus and give up all that other junk that got you weighed down!!!

NOTES:

How Tough Is Your Faith?

ð  Text:         2 Cor. 5:7 & 2 Cor.1:24

ð  Introduction:

è From the verses that we just read, the Word of God tells us that the Christian is to walk and stand by faith.

è So, then faith in the life of a Christian is very important because without it he can neither walk nor stand in the spiritual sense.

è The degree of faith a Christian has can be measured by the type of walk he has.

o   A Christian who has a carnal walk is one who is caught up into emotional experiences or experiences that can be seen.

o   I.e. – Babbling in Tongues and being slain in the so-called spirit.

è The degree of faith a Christian has can be measured by what it takes to bring him down from the standing position.

o   In Ephesians 6, where the Bible talks about the Christian putting on the whole armor of God, three time within the passage the Christian is told to stand in the spiritual battle

§  V. 11 – “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

§  V. 13 – “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

§  V. 14 – “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”

è Proverbs 24:10 – “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.”

o   Today, we have Christians fainting at the first sign of trouble because their strength is small.

o   Because their walk is not a walk of faith.

o   Because their stand is not a stand of faith.

è Today, I ask you this question – “How Tough Is Your Faith”?

è I want us to look at three Bible examples of “Tough Faith”

è We will see in each of one these examples no matter what circumstances that the individual found himself that individual kept trusting in the God of the Bible.

è No matter how much the heat was turned up they kept on trusting in the Lord.

ð  I.   Job

è Here is a man that lost –

• All that he owned
• All his children
• His health
• Notice what his wife instructed him to do and how he responded in Job 2:9-10
• Finally his friends turn against him.

è Notice how this man of tough faith responds to his circumstances.

• Job 13:15

ð  II.  Three Hebrews – Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego

è Daniel Chapter 3, these three young men remained true to their God and refused to bow down to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

è As result the king became furious and in rage and told them that if they did not bow down to his image that they would be cast into a literal fiery furnace.

è Notice the response of “tough faith” – See Daniel 3:16-18.

è In essence what they said to the king was “God can save us but if not, we will serve him anyway.”

è These men had tough faith.

ð  III.          The Apostle Paul

è The Apostle Paul had been –

o   Publicly whipped

o   He had gone without adequate food and clothing

o   He was stoned once and left for dead

è Paul give us a summary of his suffering in 2 Cor. 11:23-28

è He could have complained bitterly that the Lord had called him to a difficult task and then virtually abandoned him.

è He could have cried out to God, “Why me Lord!”

è But instead notice how a man of tough faith responded.

è Notice the words that he penned while in a Roman prison to the believers at Philippi.

o   See Phil. 4:4-7

o   See Phil 4:12-13

è Paul’s secret of contentment was this –

o   To trust God regardless of the circumstances and not expect too much perfection in this life.

è He realized that a better day was coming for those whose source of contentment is in the personhood of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Conclusion:

è At times in our lives we will find ourselves in situations or times of great adversity where it seems like God is not with us or has deserted us, has become silent, or God just doesn’t make sense.

è Times where our faith will be tested.

è What will your response be?

o   Will you continue trusting in the Lord as these individuals did with tough faith.

o   Or will you stopping walking by faith and try handling things yourself.

o   Try to out think God.

o   Look for the emotional experience

o   Will you be of little strength, faint in the day adversity, and no longer stand by faith.

è Just – “How Tough Is Your Faith?”

NOTES:

“Pleasing God”

ð  Text:         1 Thessalonians 4:1

ð  Intro:

o   Many a Christian is doing things that are displeasing to God.

·         Few are pleasing Him.

o   Our verse tells us as Christians if we want to abound in things of the Lord and be blessed of the Lord then we need to walk or live in such a way that is pleasing to Him.

ð  First we want to look at:

ð  I.    THOSE WHO ARE NOT PLEASING GOD

o   A.        They that live for themselves.

·         See Romans 15:1-3.

§  The word of God tells us that we ought not to please ourselves, for even Christ pleased not Himself.

§  In Mt. 20:28, we are told our Lord “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister….”

·         Self is all the god they worship.

·         Self is their satisfaction.

·         Those wrapped up in themselves cannot properly worship God.

o   B.        They that seek to please men are not pleasing God.

·         The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

·         See James 4:4

o   C.        “They that are in the flesh…”

·         See Romans 8:8

§  Carnal lives cannot please God.

·         Paul said, “We …have no confidence in the flesh.” – Phil. 3:3

·         The apostle Paul reminds us “But ye are not in flesh, but in the Spirit…” – Romans 8:9

o   D.        They that have no faith.

·         Heb. 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him:…”

·         Christ is always pleased when He sees faith.

§  Man sick of palsy carried by four men – Mark 2:1-5

§  Healing of Syrophoenician’s Daughter – Mt. 15:21-28

ð  Second we want to look at:

ð  II.   THOSE WHO ARE PLEASING

o   A.        Those who ask right things from the Lord.

·         Solomon – See 1 Kings 3:5-15

§  Solomon asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad, and the speech pleased the Lord.

§  Notice what the Lord said to Solomon in vs. 12-13.

o   B.        The separated unto God.

·         2 Tim. 2:4 – We are not to be entangled in the affairs of this life in order “that we may please him.”

·         2 Cor. 6:14-18

·         Titus 2:11-15

o   C.        The wholly yielded.

·         Heb. 13:21 – “…to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight,…”

·         Romans 12:1 – “….present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

ð  Poem entitled – “WAIT”

o   Not so in haste, my heart;

o   Have faith in God, and wait;

o   Although He linger long,

o   He never comes too late. –Anon.

o   D.        Those who walk with God.

·         Gen. 5:24 – “Enoch walked with God…”

·         Heb. 11:5 – “…He had this testimony that he pleased God.”

o   E.        Those who praise God.

·         Psalm 69:30-31

o   F.         Those Who Offer the right sacrifices

·         Heb. 13:16

o   G.        When children obey their parents

·         Col. 3:20

ð  Third we want to look at:

ð  III.  PROMISES TO THOSE WHO PLEASE GOD

o   A.        His enemies will be at peace with him.

·         Proverbs 16:7.

o   B.        His prayers shall be answered.

·         1 John 3:22

ð  Conclusion:

o   Pleasing God is following the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

·         He said:

§  “I do always those things that please him (referring to the Father)”

§  “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

o   We should be very careful to keep His commandments and do those things pleasing in His sight.

NOTES:

Things Paul Was Thankful For

ð  Text:         I Thess. 5:18 & Eph. 5:20

ð  Intro:

o   We see from the Word of God that it is the will of God for the child of God to give thanks in every thing.

·         The key words are every thing.

·         Not just the things and situations that makes us happy and joyous but also the things and situations that the flesh finds it difficult to thank the Lord for.

·         So, the revealed will of God for you and me is to “In every thing give thanks:…”

o   On this Thanksgiving eve I want us to take a journey through some of the Pauline Epistles and look at some of the things Paul was thankful for,

ð  I.    God’s Program of Grace – 1 Cor. 1:4

o   “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;”

ð  II.   God’s Power – 1 Tim. 1:12

o   “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”

ð  III.  God’s People – 2 Thess. 1:3

o   “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”

ð  IV. God’s Provision – I Tim. 4:4

o   “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:”

o   “…He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;…” – Romans 14:6

ð  V.  God’s Plan of Salavtion – 2 Cor. 9:15

o   “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

NOTES:

"A Chaste Virgin"

Text:   2 Corinthians 11:1-4

Introduction:

-The Apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 11:2, the church, the body of Christ as being espoused to one husband.

-In Ephesians 1:22-23, the church is identified as Christ's body.

-According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and Galatians 3:26-27, when a person believes on and receives Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour then that individual is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ.

I.          Espoused

-The word "espoused" means to betroth; to promise or engaged in marriage by contract in writing or by some pledge.

-Right now, as a Christian, you and I are espoused to one husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

-The Lord Jesus Christ in John 3:25-30 is identified by John the Baptist as the bridegroom.

-The marriage between Christ and his bride, the church is yet future, just before his second coming after the tribulation.

-The marriage takes place in heaven according to Revelation 19:7-9; 21:9.

-To picture this future marriage between Christ and his bride, the church, God established the institution of marriage and the family with Adam and Eve.

-The marriage between a saved man and a saved woman pictures this future marriage (Ephesians 5:22-32).

-We want to notice that God makes it very clear in His word that a marriage is not to be of the same sex (Matthew 19:4-6).

-Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve were created and joined together in the Garden of Eden.

-We have seen how espoused meant to betroth; to promise or engaged in marriage by contract in writing or by some pledge.

-Each Christian has the promise of this future marriage in a contract written in blood, God's own blood. i.e., Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:18-19.

-We have a pledge given in the precious shed blood of Jesus. - Amen!!!

II.         Chaste

-In light of all of this the Apostle Paul continues and says in 2 Corinthians 11:2, "...that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ".

-This was the same way, same condition that Mary was to be presented to Joseph.

-So, you can imagine why Joseph must have been very upset, when he first heard the news of Mary being with child.

-Why it took a supernatural visit from an angel of God to calm and alleviate Joseph's concerns.

-We need to define "chaste"

-In relation to our conduct, chaste means pure from all unlawful sexual intercourse applied to a person before marriage, it signifies pure from all sexual intercourse, undefiled.

-Applied to married person - true to marriage bed.

-In relation to our speech, chaste means - free from obscenity.

-As applied to language it means pure, genuine, uncorrupt, free from barbarous words, and from quaint, affected, extravagant expression.

-In view of all of this, I ask, "how many of us are living as the Apostle Paul described as "espoused to one husband", the Lord Jesus Christ, living as "chaste virgin"".

-The sad fact is the majority of Christians have been stepping out on their husband, the Lord Jesus Christ!!!

-They have been cheating, defiling the marriage bed.

-They have left their first love.

-Well, who has the Christian been fooling around with?

-THAT OLD WICKED WORLD!

-Notice how James calls it in James 4:4 - "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

-That is exactly what most Christians are doing, they are committing "adultery."

-They have forgotten that they are espoused to one husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

-They have forgotten that they are to conduct themselves until the marriage between the church and Christ as a "chaste virgin."

-The Christian should be living a life pure in conduct and speech, undefiled, untouched by the world.

-The Christian should be living their life in anticipation of the wedding day.

-However, most Christians instead have been living their lives in just the opposite manner.

-They have closed their eyes and ears to the Bible admonition of separation from the world. i.e., 1 John 2:15-16, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

-If you look at how the average Christian is dressed today, you would never know they were espoused to one husband, and living as a "chaste virgin".

-In 1 Timothy 2:9-11, we given the Christian woman's standard of dress.

-"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But which becometh women professing godliness with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection."

-Most of our Christian ladies, instead of dressing to bring honor and glory to their espoused husband are dressing to attract the world.

-They are like a billboard saying, "Notice me!"

-The key words in 1 Timothy 2:9-11 are "modest apparel".

-Dressing in such a way as not to bring attraction to yourself.

-That means not wearing short and tight skirts.

-That means not wearing pants loose or tight.

-That means not wearing excessive make-up, so that you look like a whore!!!

-When you dress in any other way than the biblical way than you are not professing godliness and are in open rebellion to the word of God.

-Other ways Christians step out on their espoused husband is by spending His money on worldly activities and instead of on Him.

-i.e., Lottery and any form of gambling; filthy TV, magazines, books, movies, videos, and music; smoking, booze, and illegal drugs.

-CCM - Contemporary Christian Music is nothing but the devil in disguise.

-Just compare the album covers between CCM and the worldly musicians.

-I have a hard time telling the difference.  Amen!!!

-In other words Christians today are involved in activities that a "chaste virgin" espoused to one husband would not do.

-A chaste virgin espoused to one husband would want to learn as much about her future husband as possible.

-The Christian learns more about Christ not standing in the state lottery line, not at the blockbuster video store, not in front of the big screen TV.

-No a Christian learns more about their future husband by attending church and spending time in the Word of God and prayer.

Conclusion:

-Remember, you are espoused to one husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

-He is the one that saved you with His precious sinless blood and not the world.

-So, stop fooling around with the world and starting living for your future husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTES:

“Are You A Fire Proof Christian?”

Text:  I Corinthains 3:10-15

Introduction:

• Subject of the Passage – The Judgment Seat of Christ
• All Christians will stand before
• Without exception
• No unsaved will be there

• Romans 14:10 – “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

• Where Judgment Takes Place – In the air after rapture of the church.

• What is being judged – Not salvation
• The believer is being judged for his works after he is saved.
• 1 Cor 3:13 tells us – “Every man's work shall be made manifest…”
• 2 Cor 5:10 tells us – “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.”

• After a person is saved then good works should follows as evidence of their salvation.
• The Lord does not just save us and then take us to heaven.
• We are saved to do good works that will glorify our Heavenly Father.

• Scriptures
• We are all very familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
• However, let us notice what the Bible says in         Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
• Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
• One of the reason the Lord gave Himself for us was so we would be zealous of good works.
• John 9:4 – Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

• Result of Judgment
• Rewards or loss of rewards
• Rewards in the Bible described as crowns
• Crown are to be thrown at the feet of Jesus
• Loss of reward or crown will bring shame
• Because will not have crown to throw at the feet of Jesus.

• Our works will be tried by fire
• I Cor 3:13 – “…the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”
• For those works that remain there will be a reward.
• 1 Cor. 3:14 – “If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
• Those works that do not remain will suffer lose of reward.
• 1 Cor. 3:15 – “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
• Notice – Will lose reward but still saved.

• Classification of Works
• Two Classes of building materials
• To build upon our spiritual foundation – The Lord Jesus Christ.
• 1 Cor. 3:11 – “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
• Why this judgment for believers only.
• The foundation of every believer is the Lord Jesus Christ.
• The Lord Jesus Christ referred to in the scriptures as –
• “Chief Corner Stone”
• “The Rock”

• Two Classes of Building Materials
• 1 Cor 3:12 – “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;”
• Fireproof – gold, silver, precious stones.
• Combustible – wood, hay, stubble

• The Key
• Whether or not you are building with fireproof or combustible materials.
• 1 Cor. 3:13 – “…the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”
• Sort or  Motive
• Correct  - 2 Cor. 5:14 – “For the love of Christ constraineth us; …”
• Christ’s love should be the only motive to compel a Christian to do something.  – fireproof
• Wrong – Self-glory
•  1Cor. 3:21 – “Therefore let no man glory in men…”