Sermon Outlines

Tender Love - The Measure of God's Mercy

Being Ready

God's Light and Holding On 

How To Understand God's Will For Your Life 

The Christ Mind

Search Me O God

A Good Example

The Truth - God's Word (Part 1 & 2) 

Stop Worrying - Be Happy!  

The Direction of God's Mercy
Look At Jesus
Jesus Has Hands That Speak
A Promise of Blessing On the House of a God Fearing Man  (In Memory of Garland Shook)
Are You Hungry?
Broken, But Not Beyond Repair!
God's Call On Your Life
Shaking off the Viper
Be Filled with the Spirit 

How The Foolish Speak

 An elderly lady said “Oh Lord have mercy.” HE DOES!

Mercy (definition) Hebrew word – love, kindness, mercy, faithfulness.

God’s love flows like a river that never runs out!

Psalms 136 – (I read, then the church reads.)

Psalms 69:16 – Hear me, O Lord, for Your loving kindness is good; Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.

Psalms 69:1-4; 13-16

1. God’s Mercy Reaches Upward – 

Psalm 103:11 – For as the heaven is high above the earth, so Great is His Mercy toward them that Fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

1. God’s mercy reaches upward to the rich, proud, big headed, high minded.

2. Reaches beyond outer space.  All who humble themselves and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will be saved.

3. Bible says – Psalms 136:26 – O give thanks to God of Heaven; for His Mercy endures Forever.

2. God’s Mercy Reaches Downward – 

Psalms 136:23 – Who remembered us in our low state, For His mercy endures forever.

1.  God’s mercy is great, it reaches downward to the:  discouraged, distressed, depressed, lonely, abandoned, abused, hopeless, sad of heart.

2.  God’s mercy reaches up to the proud and haughty and down to the lowest, setting them on the same level, when they become one in CHRIST.

3. God’s Mercy Reaches Inward – 

Psalms 119:76, 77 – Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.  Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law (word) is my delight.

1.  God’s tender mercy reaches inward to the Heart, Mind, and Soul.  It brings comfort.

2.  God’s mercy fills us with compassion and love.  It heals the broken hearted.  The Bible describes mercy as:Great, Sure, Abundant, Tender, New Every Morning, Salvation Given, Forgiveness Given, A Gift, A Reason for Hope.

3.  Titus 3:5, 6 – “…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior,…”

4. God’s Mercy Reaches Outward – 

Psalms 119:64 – The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes. (God’s Law and Jesus’ ways)

1. God’s mercy reaches outward to the whole world:  rich, poor, young, old, black, white, great, small.

2. All who repent of their sins and believe in Christ may (will) be saved.

3. Ephesians 2:4 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which  He loved us…”

4.  John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1.  BE READY TO TRAVEL 

Exodus 12:11 - And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's passover.

Armour of God - Ephesians 6:13-17 - 

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.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

2.  BE READY TO SERVE 

2 Corinthians 9:2 - For I know the forwardness (willingness) of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked (stirred) very many.

1 Peter 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3. BE READY TO LEARN 

Luke 11:1 - And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Some things that Jesus taught them... (Have we Learned from Him?)

- How to pray / Parable of the persistent friend / Parable of the Good Father / Heals a demon possessed man and shows that His power is of God / Christ sign is of Jonah / Parable of the lighted candle / Woes of the pharisees / Woes on the lawyers / About hypocrisy / Parable of the rich fool / To seek the Kingdom of God / Parable of the expectant steward / Parable of the faithful steward / Christ warns of the cost of Discipleship, what is it? / Christ warns us of not discerning the times / Teaches on repentance / Healed a crippled woman and glorified God on the Sabbath... and gives the reasons why / Parable of the mustard seed / Parable of the leaven / Christ tells of the way into His Kingdom / His mourning over Jerusalem / Instructions on the Sabbath / Parable of the ambitious guest / Parable of the Great Supper / Teaches on discipleship / Parable of the lost sheep / Parable of the lost coin / Parable of the lost son / Parable of the unjust servant / Warning of the pharisees / Teaches on divorce / Teaches on offenses / Cleanses the 10 lepers / Teaches on the Second Coming / Parable of the woman and the judge / Parable of the pharisee and the publican / He blessed the children and why / The rich young ruler and what happened / His rewarding for sacrifice / His Death and Resurrection / Healing of Bartimaeus / Abiding with Zacchaeus / Parable of the ten pounds / Cleansing of the Temple / His Authority / Parable of the vineyard owner / Tribute money / Questions about the Resurrection / He questions the scribes / Teaches on widows mites / The Temple / Signs of His Coming / Destruction of Jerusalem predicted / The Second Coming / Parable of the fig tree / Warning to watch for His Coming / The Lords Supper / His predicting of coming conflicts / Etc...

 *If I gave you a test, would you be embarrassed?  - Our heavenly Father already knows what your score would be! 

To note:

*Our children get 12 years of earthly/worldly education. On average... 30 hours in a week. 

*The average church provides 4 hours of a Christian Education per week. 

-Only 3 hours if they miss on Wednesday and 2 hours if they miss Wednesday and Sunday Evening. 

*Sadly, there are many that receive 0 hours in a week learning about Jesus Christ.

4.  BE READY TO WITNESS 

1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

5.  BE READY FOR HIS COMING 

Matthew 24:42-44 - Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

6.  BE READY FOR DEATH 

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 - So when this corruptible (sin nature) shall have put on incorruption (Glorified Body), and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

How? Because Jesus... Hebrews 2:14-15 - ...that through death he (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (slaves to sin)

7.  BE READY FOR SALVATION 

Acts 16:30 - (Paul & Silas / Philippian jailer)

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

GOD’S LIGHT

Gen. 1:1-4    In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

James 1:13-17  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

HOLD ON    

James 1:13-17 

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed (Perplexed – A state wherein no way out is seen), but not in despair (Despair – A Hopeless State);

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

I.  As Christians We Can Endure Because:

1.  The Victory Has Already Been Promised.

Ps 110:1-7   The Lord (God the father) said unto my Lord (God the Son), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 

2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 

3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 

5. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 

6. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 

7. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

2.  We have Victory: By the Holy Spirit / Over the flesh / Over the World / Through Jesus Christ / By His Resurrection / By His Return Even Victory Over satan!

II.  God Is More Powerful Than The World Against Us

John 16:33  - 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1.  We can overcome the world!   **Most of you already have but didn’t know it!

Polar Bear Story… Young polar bear didn’t know he was a rough tough bear because he was so cold when the others seemed to not care. He didn’t realize who he was nor did he realize what he was going to be. Christians sometimes can fall in this category; we must remember who we are and what it is that God wants us to be.

**1 John 5:4, 5  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.

**1 Corinthians 15:57 - 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

III.  We Have Eternal Blessings Awaiting Us

A. Inheritance

Hebrews 9:15   And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

B. Rewards

John 4:36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages (rewards), and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

We Have Eternal:  Inheritance / Rewards / Glory / Comfort /  Life / Redemption / Salvation / Kingdom / Name / Joy / Purpose / Dwelling

Luke 5:1-11

1.   IT ALL STARTS WITH THE WORD OF GOD

1  And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

2.   GOD WILL ASK OF US / YOU TO DO SOMETHING…  (WE SHOULD DO IT)

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

3.   GOD WILL TELL US / YOU TO DO SOMETHING… (WE SHOULD DO IT)

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

4.   WE DO GOD’S WORD… (PETER DID AS HE WAS INSTRUCTED)

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

 5.   BY DOING / OBEYING GOD’S WORD… EXPECT A MIRACLE / MIRACLES SEEN & UNSEEN

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

6.   BE HUMBLE AFTER THE MIRACLE / BLESSING

8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

7.   GOD’S GREAT PLAN / HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Conclusion... Just a Thought

*If Peter would have said,  “No Lord you can’t use my boat, or no Lord I will not go fishing because I'm very tired”... He may have never known that the Lord's Will for him was to be a fisher of men. 

*If he wasn't Humble, he may have missed out on The Lord's Will for his life. 

My friends, God has a great plan for you. Follow after it.

**Accepting Christ as your personal Savior is GOD'S Will for you!

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.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.

Popular Quotes:  Have you lost your mind/ You are out of your mind/ Never mind

1.  (A Right Mind) through Christ -  (Man in the Tombs) 

Mark 5:15 - And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

2.  (A Ready Mind) to believe in Christ -  (Berea - Paul & Silas) 

Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

3.  (A United Mind) in the Love of Christ -  (Church of God in Corinth) 

1 Cor. 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

4.  (A Lowly Mind) in the Humble Christ -  (Jesus example of humility) 

Phil. 2:3-5 -  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Strife – Angry contention, fighting, or heated, often violent dissension; bitter conflict 

Vainglory – Excessive vanity

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

5.  (A Steady Mind (Not Upset) in the Word of Christ – Trust in His Word – BELIEVE 

2 Thes. 2:2 - That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled (False doctrine does this), neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

6.  (A Girded Mind) in the Truth of Christ – 1 Peter 1:15 - Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Gird – To prepare oneself for action, to equip.

7.  (A Sound Mind) in the Spirit of Christ – 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power (strength/might), and of love, and of a sound mind.

*Love God With All Your Mind – 

Mat. 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

2 Timothy 1:8-9 -  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Just a thought…   Movie: Karate Kid, “Your focus needs more focus” …   I will say to all of us, that our love needs more love.

Enemies Against our Mind – The Bible speaks about these. 

(Tension-Pulling / Compression-Pushing)

Worry / Doubt / Disharmony / Mental disturbances / Spiritual disturbances / Growing weary in mind

The Troubled Mind – (Worrying about economy, finances, sickness, family)

Esau Despised His Birthright – He knew of the prophesy of Gen. 15:13-15 - And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

We Can’t Allow Our Mind To Become: - Our Mind Can Become – Probably Some Already Are!

End results of mind attacks!

Alienated / Despiteful / Feeling alone / Reprobate / Blinded / Hostile / Defiled / Bitter / Angry / Frustrated / Emotionally Numb – I Don’t Care Attitude

*By renewing our mind we will have a Right Mind.. A Christ Mind!

Psalm 139:1-24

I.  God Knows You Just As You Are (vs. 1-6)

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.  

(He knows all things)

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (God searches and tries the heart)

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

(Compass – scrutinize carefully)

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.  

(1 Peter 2:22)

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.  

(Beset – guard / Laid – protectively)

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.  

(To awesome to imagine)

II.  God Goes With You Everywhere You Go  (vs. 7-12)

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  

(God’s loving eye is always on us)

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  

(1 Peter 3:19) (No matter the distance or darkness, He always sees)

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 

(Jonah understood this)

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 

(Light always conquers darkness)

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 

(All is open before God, He sees everything and nothing catches Him by surprise)

III.  God Has Made You What You Are  (vs. 13-18)

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

(Possessed = collect / Reins = human body, physical and emotional)

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (Miraculously made)

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (Made from the ground)

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 

(The Book of Life – all men and women born are written in it. Hence the explanation of people getting blotted out for those that have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. When God says depart from me, for I have never known you. That is exactly what He means. Not to be confused with the Lamb’s Book of Life which the redeemed are written in.)

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  

(We are the apple of His eye!) 

Psalm 17:8

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Zechariah 2:8

8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. 

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. (In His loving hands)

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 

(God gave David many victories)

Conclusion:

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 

(They reject the Truth, God’s Word)

21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.  

(A perfect hatred not a sinful hatred)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 

(God will do this to all men and women whether you ask Him or not)

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  

(Which is Jesus Christ!)

***Jesus Christ is the only way that we can be saved. Call upon Him and let Him be your Lord and Savior!*** 

Luke 10:25-37

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

*THE GOOD SAMARITAN IS A TYPE OF CHRIST – FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE – LOVING GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOR IS A MARK OF THE CHRISTIAN

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer (Expert in Mosaic Law) stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master (He did not know that Jesus was the Law), what shall I do to inherit (Not much of an expert, he should have said “Merit, due to common thought was works based”) eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 

(Jesus is pointing to the Bible as the infallible authority)

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and (Love) thy neighbour as thyself. 

(Deut. 6:5)

28 And he (Jesus) said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 

(You know it but you’re not doing it)

29 But he, willing to justify himself (Self-righteous do this), said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (Everyone is)

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 

(Unconscious – someone had to be the victim so that God could get the glory and that we can learn the lesson by showing the love of God to others)

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest (Highest religious authority/preacher) that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite (From the priestly tribe, a church member), when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. (At least he looked, the priest didn’t)

33 But a certain Samaritan (Usually considered their enemy), as he journeyed, came where he was (where the wounded Israelite was): and when he saw him, he had compassion (Mercy) on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil (Symbolic of the Holy Spirit),  and wine (Killing infection) and set him on his own beast (Grace given), and brought him to an inn (Room for him but not Jesus), and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence ($64.00 today's money), and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Jesus will come again with rewards)

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. (Having Love for others is extremely important to Christ. Jesus knew he was not doing what he claimed.)

I.  Jesus Has the Caring Kind of Love

33 But a certain Samaritan (Usually considered their enemy), as he journeyed, came where he was (where the wounded Israelite was): and when he saw him, he had compassion (Mercy) on him,

A.  Jesus Showed Compassion on the Cross – He Cares!

Luke 23:34  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

B.  Christ Came to Seek and Save that which was Lost

Luke 19:10   And Jesus said unto him (Zacchaeus), This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Because of Grace now we are a son of Abraham! 

Galatians 3:7   Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

1.  Jesus will not pass by and look the other way.

2.  Jesus comes to us with love and compassion.

3.  We too must go with love and compassion for the needy, the hurt, and the unsaved!

II.  Jesus Has the Bearing Kind of Love

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil (Symbolic of the Holy Spirit),  and wine (Killing infection) and set him on his own beast (Grace given), and brought him to an inn (Room for him but not Jesus), and took care of him.

A.  The good Samaritan gave every possible aid. – So does Jesus!

B.  Jesus always helps those who are His or who call upon Him.

C.  Jesus lifts the fallen, heals the sick, and forgives the sinner! – He gives Grace / Mercy / Peace

D. He bore our sins on the cross with love.

*We Should Also Bear One Anothers Burdens

Galatians 6:2   Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

III.  Jesus Has the Sharing Kind of Love

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence ($64.00 today money), and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

A.  The Good Samaritan shared his time, his money… he denied himself (put himself out) to help a man that was in trouble.

B.  Jesus denied Himself (put Himself out) to help us in our time of trouble.

C.  Jesus made the supreme sacrifice to save the lost. He paid for our sins with His own blood.

*Love isn’t love until we give it away!

John 15:12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

*Jesus will come again and reward us!

Revelation 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Conclusion: Jesus cares and has love for us and He wants us to show others the same type of care and love. Have you accepted the love he has given you? Have you asked him to forgive you for your sins and called upon Him to save you?

I PROMISE THAT HE WILL SAVE YOU AND THAT HE WON’T PASS BY AND IGNORE YOU.

Introduction:  

 A Few Good Men - Tom Cruise - "I want the truth..." Jack Nicholson -  "You can’t handle the truth!"

In all areas of life… our family / church / community / state / as well as the world desperately needs the Truth. Without God’s standards, the world’s moral compass will plummet into decay and ruin. God's Word is the final standard of truth in matters of the spiritual and moral.

I. WHAT IS THE TRUTH?  John 1:1-5... Is the Truth.

1.  Truth Came by Jesus Christ 

John 1:17 -  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 2.  God the Father's Word is Truth  

John 17:16, 17 -  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 3.  The Holy Spirit is Truth  

John 5:6, 7 -   And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

II. WHERE DO WE GET THIS TRUTH? 

1.  We get Truth from the Spirit – (Try the Spirits) 

John 16:13   Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

(Try the Spirits) - 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

2. We get Truth from the Scriptures – (The Right Word of God) 

II Timothy 3:15-17  15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Acts 17:11, 12   11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

3.  We get Truth from a “CHRIST CENTERED” Believing Church – (Willful Sin Can NOT Be Allowed) 

I Timothy 3:15    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

4.  We get Truth from Preaching about Christ – (The Blood, The Cross, The Resurrection, His Return!) 

I Corinthians 1:21   For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

III. WHAT CAN THE TRUTH DO FOR US? 

1.  The Truth will make us clean John 15:3   Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

2.  The Truth will make us free  John 8:31, 32   31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

3.  The Truth will purify your soul  I Peter 1:22, 23   22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

4. The Truth will Save your soul Romans 10:9   That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Conclusion:  A true Christian can in fact, handle the Truth. We must believe it, accept it, live by it, and ask the Father by the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth in us. Once we accept Christ… the Truth lives in us!

THE TRUTH - GOD'S WORD (Part 2)

I. WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT SIN? 

1.  The Truth is that all have sinned 

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2.  The Truth is that the wages of sin is death 

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3.  The Truth is that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins 

Hebrews 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

4.  The Truth is that Jesus carried / took our sins  

I Peter 2:24   Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isaiah 53:5, 6  5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

II. WHAT IS THE RESULT OF REJECTING THE TRUTH? 

1.  They will be separated from God & Having Blindness in their heart

Ephesians 4:18-19  18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

2.  They will not be saved / will believe a lie and be damned 

II Thessalonians 2:10-11 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

3.  They will be destroyed for lack of knowledge 

Hosea 4:6    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

4.  They will be taken captive by satan at his will 

II Timothy 2:25-26  25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

5.  They will be judged 

John 12:48   He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

6.  They will receive the second death

 James 5:19, 20   Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. 

Revelation 20:14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

III. THE TRUTH WILL…

1.  The Truth will help us grow Spiritually  

Ephesians 4:14,15   14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

2.  The Truth enables us to live with God – it takes Jesus to walk, work, and speak the truth 

Psalm 15:1, 2   Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

3.  The Truth will give us Hope 

Romans 15:4    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

4.  The Truth draws us to Christ 

John 6:44, 45    44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Conclusion: A true Christian can in fact, handle the Truth. We must believe it, accept it, live by it, and ask the Father by the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth in us. Once we accept Christ… the Truth lives in us!

Bobby McFarin Song – "Don’t Worry, Be Happy"

Introduction:

Worry Is a Worthless Emotion - Worry doesn’t help solve or fix any problems. It will not give you longer life and can make you feel tired and weak. Christians Do Not Need To Worry… David was worrying over the prosperity of the wicked. What is our common complaint or what makes us worry?

Psalms 37:1-7 I. There are Four Words That Will Enable Us to Win Over Worry

1. THE FIRST WORD IS TRUST.

Psalms 37:3 - Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Trust:  Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something, one in which confidence is placed, to rely upon, to entrust, dependence on something future or a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence. Faith:  Strong belief or trust in someone or something: belief in the existence of God. Belief’s without evidence, having confidence, trusting in the Bible, allegiance.

A.  The Christian life Begins in Faith 

Ephesians 2:8, 9 –  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

B.  Without Faith It Is Impossible To Please God 

Hebrews 11:6 –  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

C.  Christians are to Live by Faith 

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

D.  The Peace of God Comes Through Faith 

Phillipians 4:6-8 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Just Thinking...

*Fear and worry are the opposite of Faith! **FAITH MAKES ARE WORRY GO AWAY – IT MAKES US NOT WORRY!

Psalms 62:8 –  Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

2.  THE SECOND WORD IS DELIGHT. 

Psalms 37:4 – Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Delight:  A strong feeling of happiness : great pleasure or satisfaction: that which affords extreme enjoyment.

A.  We are to take great pleasure in the Lord. 

B.  Our walk with Him should be our Delight. 

C.  Billy Graham quote, “What gives us pleasure reveals the reality of our faith”.

*God knows what your desires of your heart is even if we don’t. He gave me mine and it wasn’t what I expected... but better! 

1.  If Money is our delight, we will worry at the thought of losing it or not having it. 

2.  If Success is our delight, we will worry at the thought of failure. 

3.  If our Family is our delight, we will worry when they let us down or fall short of our expectations. 

4.  When Jesus is our delight, we will find pleasure in reading His Word, praying, and walking with Him!

Psalms 40:8 – I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 

Psalms 112:1 – Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

3.  THE THIRD WORD IS COMMIT. 

Psalms 37:5 – Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Commit:  To entrust something to another.

A.  We are to entrust our way to the Lord. 

B.  With Salvation, we entrusted our soul to Christ. 

C.  We can entrust our future to Him!

The Bible Speaks of the Benefits of Entrusting in the Lord – Joy / Deliverance / to Triumph / Goodness / Mercy / Provisions / Blessings / Safety / Guidance / for our Inheritance

4. THE FOURTH WORD IS REST 

Psalms 37:7 – Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Rest:  To relax completely, to sleep, to be still or silent.

A.  Christians can relax and rest in the Love of Christ. 

B.  We don’t need to worry or be anxious – We are in His hands. 

C.  Resting in Jesus brings us peace.  Example – My daughter in my wife's arms when she was a baby.

*These Four Words Can Change Worriers into Winners!

**For the New Year… lets TRUST, DELIGHT, COMMIT, and REST ourselves in the Lord!

Psalms 136:1-26

Mercy – Hebrew word means – Love, kindness, faithfulness

*God’s Love flows like a river that never runs out!

*An elder lady said, “O Lord, Have Mercy” – He Does!

God Has Tender Mercy! 

Psalms 69:16 – Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

David was in Great Need of Mercy 

Psalms 69:1-4  Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. 3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. 4 They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

David Prayed and was Delivered 

Psalms 69:13-16 - But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. 14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. 15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. 16 Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

I.   GOD’S MERCY REACHES UPWARD 

Psalms 103:11  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

A. God’s Mercy Reaches Upward to the rich, the proud, the big headed, and the high-minded. 

B. Reaches Beyond Outer Space (Sun, Moon, Stars) – All who humble themselves and accept Christ as Savior and Lord can be saved. 

C. The Bible says: Psalms 136:26  O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

II.  GOD’S MERCY REACHES DOWNWARD 

Psalms 136:23   Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

A. God’s Mercy is Great – It Reaches Downward to the Discouraged / Distressed / Depressed / Lonely / Abandoned / Abused / Hopeless / Sad of Heart 

B. God’s Mercy Reaches Up to the Proud and Haughty and Down to the Lowest, Setting them on the same level, when they become One in Christ 

C. God's Mercy reached down to me and pulled me out of the sad / sinful state that I was in.

III.  GOD’S MERCY REACHES INWARD 

Psalms 119:76, 77   Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

A. God’s Mercy Reaches Inward to the Heart, Mind, and Soul – It brings comfort! 

B. God’s Mercy Fills with Compassion and Love – It Heals the Broken Hearted! 

C. The Bible describes MERCY as:  Great / Sure / Abundant / Tender / New Every Morning / Salvation Given / Forgiveness Given / A Gift / A Reason for Hope

Titus 3:5-7   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; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

IV.  GOD’S MERCY REACHES OUTWARD 

Psalms 119:64   The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

A. God’s Mercy Reaches Outward to the Whole World. The Rich & Poor / Young & Old / Small & Great / All Races 

B. All Who Repent of Their Sins and Believe in/on Jesus Christ as Their Savior and Lord Will Be Saved!

Ephesians 2:4   But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

John 3:16   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I. Look To Jesus For Everything 

John 14:13-17 

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (It’s about His glory, not ours)  

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (Most times we ask amiss. Outside of God’s Will)  

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (His Word) 

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (The Holy Spirit)

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (Which happens when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord)

A. Sometimes we Christians don’t rely and depend on the Lord to supply all of our needs.

*We rely on self-effort and other people. (Which brings Disappointment, Frustration, and Discouragement) 

B. We should look to Jesus for: Life / Love / Food / Clothing / Shelter /   =>  In Everything! 

C. Philippians 4:19 –  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Psalms 37:25 –  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

II. Look To Jesus In Everything 

Acts 17:28 -  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

A. Many Christians are ready to look to Jesus when trouble comes, but when everything is going well, they lean on their own strength and fail. 

B. We need to look to Jesus in everything – In the good times as well as the bad / In Joyful times as well as in sorrow / On mountain tops or valleys below / Victorious times and in trials! 

C. Hebrews 4:16 -  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

III. Look To Jesus With Everything 

1 Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless (By the blood) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A. Some Christians fail to totally look to Jesus – We reserve a portion of our lives to ourselves. (Following our Will) 

B. If we are to be victorious – We need to look to Jesus WITH everything… Our Time / Our Work / Our Talent / Our Family / Our Treasures… not just our money but our desires. 

C. Paul urged us: Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Remember the praise song… 

We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. And we offer up to You the sacrifices of thanksgiving. And we offer up to You the sacrifices of joy. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!

Conclusion: How Do We Look To Jesus?    =>   By Faith!    =>    Hebrews 11:1-33 

Please Lord, let your book say... "By faith - Clayton brought his family to church and they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and he preached the Gospel in Spirit and in Truth!

When the Lord Jesus writes about you in the Lamb's Book, what will it say ABOUT you?

*My son Chase was excited and said, "Dad, we have the same hands!" (Finger nails short, and the lines in our palms matched)

=> We should all want to have the same hands as Jesus!

John 20:19-22 

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

1.  JESUS HANDS WERE THE HANDS OF A LABORING (WORKING) MAN.

Mark 6:3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

*** Let us/me labor for Christ.

2.  JESUS HANDS WERE THE HANDS OF A SERVANT.  

Matthew 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 13:5   After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Philippians 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

***Let us be a servant for Christ!

Romans 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…

3.  JESUS STRONG CALLOUSED HANDS WERE TENDER HANDS.

Mark 10:15-16  15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

=> You want to know what the children were blessed? - They brought them to Jesus!

Mark 10:13  And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. (There are still people that will rebuke you when you try to take others to the Lord)

-The Lord is tender and gentle in all of his dealings with his people…

***Let us be tender and gentle for the Lord

4.  JESUS HANDS WERE HEALING HANDS.

Mark 4:23-24  23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

-Blind eyes, sicknesses, diseases, paralyzed limbs, devil possessed…

Example:  Jamie’s hand on my children’s forehead as she prayed, always made them feel better no matter how sick they were!

***Let us have healing hands for the Lord

5.  JESUS HANDS WERE WITNESSING HANDS.

John 14:12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

-Jesus said we would do greater works than Him, not by miracles but by witnessing. Jesus came to witness only to the Jews, we are to witness to the whole world!

 ***Let us have witnessing hands for the Lord!

6.  JESUS HANDS WERE SUPPORTING HANDS.

Matthew 14:30, 31  30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him

-Jesus is perfect peace, joy, happiness, and life.

-We were created to worship and have fellowship with Christ. People in the world that drink, do drugs, and try to search for a good time are actually searching for Christ and don’t realize it.

-We need to recognize those that are crying out and lend them a supporting hand.

***Let us have supporting hands for Christ

7.  JESUS HANDS WERE WOUNDED HANDS.

- It was the nail prints that identified him.

John 20:20  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

-When we are wounded… Are we glorifying God? Are we leaning on Him? People will notice!

***Let us rejoice in our tribulations for the Lord!

 Romans 5:3-5  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

8.  JESUS HANDS ARE SPEAKING HANDS.

- They speak a message of love, of mercy, and tender care…

- A message of sacrifice for each of us.

***Let us have love, mercy, tender care and sacrifice for one another for the Lord!

9.  JESUS HAS ALL THINGS IN HIS HANDS!

John 13:3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

*The song:  He's got the whole world in His hands…

Conclusion:

***As Jesus stretched forth His hands to save Peter - So are His hands stretching forth to receive ALL who would call out to Him and come to Him.

Remember the Song:  Place your hands in the nail scarred hands.

(Posted with permission from his family)

(For Garland Shook… My Friend, who is with Jesus)

Memories of Home Visitation - Garland’s Favorite Scripture.

Psalms 128:1-6 - Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. 5 The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Psalms 125:1, 2 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Psalms 124:8 - Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 121:5-7 – The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Psalms 91:1-4 – He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalms 91:15, 16 –  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalms 92:13 – Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalms 126:5, 6 –  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

As I think of Garland… Just My Thoughts… in no particular order.

*He was very private – but took / and invited us in.

*He was very quiet – but spoke often of his family and his work as a corrections officer.

*He made it clear that he had integrity and that he never abused those under him.

*He was adamant about other officers under him following the right procedures.

*He believed right was right / wrong was wrong – and did not compromise on gray areas.

*He loved his wife, loved his job, loved his children, and smiled when he spoke about them.

*He could just cry when he thought of his grandchildren.

*He always spoke positively to me – showing me more honor than I deserved.

*He was an encourager. Praising every sermon / message that I gave and invited Jamie and I over often to feed us.

*He never bad mouthed a fellow member, never bad mouthed anyone including those that were criminals under him. He stated that they were paying for their crimes and that he treated them as regular human beings. – I marveled realizing that some of them did horrific and terrible things.

*He never cried wolf or pitiful me (even when he was suffering with the cancer treatments) … He never asked for sympathy. 

*He always smiled at me at first glance, the way I smile at my daughter when I see her.

*He gave me his time… his love… his cucumbers, stakes, and ropes for my tomato plants which he taught me to grow.

*I would say to him, “Brother Garland, I’m praying for you, and I want you to pray for me”. He would grab my hand and say, “I have and am praying for you.”. – And he meant it!

*He did not let on that he had cancer. He came to church when he was sick… came after treatments, came in bad weather, showed the strength of 5 men and had more courage than any man I’ve ever met.

*He had a God given intensity to persevere under the worse of circumstances and left such a high mark that his sons will have to really get their act together to even come close to the manner of man that he was.

*He was my friend. A prayer partner… A church member that I could count on. A true man’s man who loved God, country, and family. 

*He loved his preacher, his pastor… He loved me and I loved him.

*He made me to love his sons. If they could measure half of what he was, they would be great friends to have.

I am honored… to know him the way I did.

I am honored to have been his pastor.

- And as sad as I am to see him go. I am happy for him because I know beyond all reason or doubt… that he is home. Waiting for the rest of his family.

**To those that take the time to read this, I sincerely pray, that you can bless others with your life the way that Garland Shook blessed mine. 

***Wisdom is a gift that only God gives. It cannot be obtained by experience or in worldly education. 

****God gave this gift of wisdom to Garland and having known him has made me a better man.

John 6:28-59 

Introduction:

- When we are hungry we know by our stomachs… When were hungry spiritually we know by our hearts…

- When you are hungry physically your stomach growls… When you are hungry spiritually your heart yearns for some spiritual food…

*If you are not hungry this morning you need to be!

Do you know why? Because;

I. God Gives A Promise to Bless Those That Are Hungry.

Matthew 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

*Spiritual hunger will produce a few things in our lives… and will be made manifest by our appetites… I’m talking about the things we long for in our hearts and lives.

Things like;

A.  Serving God

B.  Righteousness Living - Not self-righteous 

C.  A desire to be in His House

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

D. A desire to be close to God

Psalm 145:18  The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Hebrews 10:22-23 22 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

- Drawing nigh to God begins with repentance… look at the second part of James 4:8; Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

*Not only does God promise to bless those that are hungry… He also promises to “Fill our Hearts”

II. Filling Our Hearts 

Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

A. More than anything else… God wants to fill us with His Spirit…

- But notice here church that God puts the emphasis on our hearts… not our stomachs…

- A full stomach is fulfilling but only temporarily! No matter how much you eat today… guess what… tomorrow you’ll be hungry again… 

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

- Not their stomachs… but their hearts

God promises to both “Bless” and “Fill” the hearts of His people… but only those that are “Hungry."

III. Only For The Hungry

Psalm 146:7 

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry.

A.    He will satisfy… but only the hungry… 

B.    He will feed the hungry sheep…

And how does He feed His sheep? Through His Word and His People… Remember what He said to Peter… “feed my sheep” 

God promises to “Bless” and “Fill” the hearts of His people… who are truly “Hungry”… And how does He fill it… with a “Balanced Meal.”

IV.  Balanced Meal

A.   Word of God… That’s you digging it out for yourselves… 

B.    Prayer… That’s you spending time with God every day… not just talking, but listening as well… (Amen) 

C.   And finally Preaching… Not just coming to church and setting on the pew… but coming with a heart ready and expecting to receive a Word from the Lord… 

Conclusion: If you came here this morning with a poor appetite it’s my prayer that when you leave here you will be more hungry for God's Word…

Isaiah 42:1-3

42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Matthew 12:14-21

14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

16 And charged them that they should not make him known:

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. Introduction:

If we look closely, we’ll see a beautiful word picture is found within our text…

The great prophet Isaiah had been out gathering the thin reeds, which grew so plentifully in the Jordan valley… The reeds were used as writing instruments for the scribes, because they did not have number 2 pencils, and ink pens like we have today…

As the great prophet sat at his table, with his reeds tied in a nice, neat bundle, he began to make use of them by dipping them in his ink well to write…

As the reeds became saturated with ink the tips of them would eventually break down and they would have to be thrown away… At this point Isaiah drew a new reed from his bundle and continued the writing process, only to find that something was terribly wrong…

His new reed was damaged, and as he applied pressure on it to write, it buckled under his hand… He was about to throw it away when suddenly, a still small voice spoke to him and said, “When the Messiah comes, a bruised reed shall He not brake, and the smoking flax He will not quench”.

As we seen in Matthew some seven centuries later Matthew saw this prophesy fulfilled with Jesus…

Where Isaiah saw broken reeds, Matthew saw broken men…

Yes, they were broken, but with Jesus they were not beyond repair!

I want to give you a few things to think about this morning in regard to our text:

I. First, we see the Great Tragedy Associated with the broken… 

Matthew 12:20

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Without any doubt whatsoever, both the bruised reed, and the smoking flax represent to us a serious problem… and its problem can be addressed to two specific groups of people… They are:

A. First, The Sinner… 

Represented by “A bruised reed…”

The bruised reed is very descriptive with regards to the sinner… 

The sinner is a broken or bruised individual… (Expound) 

Romans 3:9-18

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:

17 And the way of peace have they not known:

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Simply put… The sinner is an individual who has been damaged by the fall… 

Everything about his, or her nature has been bruised… (Expound)

B. Secondly, The Saint… 

Represented by “…the smoking flax…”

*Just as the bruised reed represents the sinner, the smoking flax represents the saint…

*No doubt in the life of the saint there was a time when the flame burned brightly… 

(Expound on the Joy of salvation)

*But as of late it seems that something has gone terribly wrong with the candlestick… 

The wick has just about burned out and it is about to die…

As a result, the only sign of the flame is the faint, white, thin wisps of smoke that are arising from it…

Beloved… does this not describe the child of God who started out with much zeal, on fire for the Glory of God, but somewhere, and somehow, he or she has gotten themselves sidetracked and backslidden on God… (Expound)

II. Second, we see the Gracious Tenderness Administered to the broken… 

Matthew 12:20

20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Oh my… how gracious and tender our wonderful Savior is in dealing with the fallen children of men… 

Consider with me how gracious He is with sinner and saint alike:

A. Consider first His Pity toward the Sinner…

What does the Bible say… “A bruised reed shall he not break…”

*Oh sinner, do you realize that the only reason you are not in hell right now is because of God’s great mercy toward you?

*Every day that you continue to exist is a day given to you by God… and the only reason your still here is because of Gods Great Mercy… and the fact that God has not yet chosen to break the bruised reed…

*But be ye warned… Gods Mercy will not last forever… one day it will end and when it does you will be destroyed if there’s not a change made in your heart toward God…

B. Secondly, Consider His Patience toward the Saint… 

For the Bible also says, “…the smoking flax shall he not quench…” 

*Child of God look up here a minute… do you realize how patient God is being with you in your backslidden state?

*There was a time when you burned brightly for God… 

*What happened to make the flame die down to nothing more than a wisp of smoke?

Human nature says, “Pinch out the wick and light another candle”.

But the Savior in His patience replies, “ No. I will gently breathe upon it, and possibly renew the flame”. (Amen)

Do you realize that every time you feel your heart strings tugged by the Holy Ghost of God to return unto the Father, that God in His great patience is gently blowing across the wick of your candle?

How long will He suffer with you before He snuffs out your candle and lights another in someone else?

III. Third we see the Glorious Tribute Acknowledged by the broken… 

Matthew 12:21

21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

How great is the tribute to our wonderful Lord… He is hailed as the only Savior for all of mankind… both Jew and Gentile… 

A. Notice the Person of the tribute…What does the scripture say? “And in his name…”

Whose name? Jesus’ name! 

WHY!!!! - For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Beloved… He’s the only one we can give a tribute of praise to for our salvation… there is none other… 

Oh, how lovely is His name! For He is the Savior of fallen man…

B. Also Notice the People of the tribute… 

And in His name; “…shall the Gentiles trust.” 

No doubt Matthew watched the massive, crowd of people that came to Jesus for healing that day… and no doubt he saw that no man was denied access to God…

Jew and Gentile, rich or poor; all were welcomed, and all were healed (Matthew 12:15 “…and he healed them all…”).

All men find a place in the affections of the Savior…But… like the people in our passage, you must make the choice to come… it’s up to you…

Conclusion:

Seven centuries divided Isaiah and Matthew…

Isaiah looked forward; Matthew looked back; and their vision met in the man Christ Jesus…

Isaiah thought of his reed; Matthew thought of men; and probably both were glad to say, “And in His name…shall we all trust”.

Have you trusted Him today? 

In the eyes of the world you may be broken, however; in the eyes of Jesus you are not beyond repair… will you choose to come?

Mark 1:16-20

16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants and went after him.

Mark 2:13-17

13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Introduction:

Regardless of who you are, or where you’re at spiritually… whether your saved, lost, hot or cold God is calling everyone here this morning in one way or another…

He’s here, walking and talking to everyone this morning…

You say preacher if He’s here this morning why can’t I feel Him? 

And if He’s talking to me, can’t I hear him?

If we will listen to Jesus when He calls, we will be led to do something for Him…

He’s not going to call us to do nothing…

Let’s look at some of the various calls on a person’s life:

I. Call of Salvation…

Mark 2:17

17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus came into this world for one purpose… to call sinners…

Not the religious… and not the self-righteous… But rather those who humbly acknowledge their need… and then graciously receive His forgiveness.

Beloved this was why Jesus ate with sinners… to be close to those who needed Him most…

If you want to lead someone to Christ, your chances of success are a lot better if you’ll get close to them… build relationships with them.

This is known as Relational Ministry… and guess what? 

IT WORKS… you just have to be willing to Work… to build relationships… to let your own guard down a little.

II. Call to Pray… 

1 Timothy 2:1-3

 1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 

A. We are to pray for The Saints… 

B. We are to pray for The Lost… 

C. We are to pray for Those in Authority…

And if you’re like me and you're struggling with that last one, at this point not sure how or what to pray for those in authority that are not good… 

especially wicked or immoral leaders, let me make a suggestion to you… follow the Psalmist example and pray Gods Word back to Him… 

Psalm 109:8

8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

III. Call of Discipleship…

Mark 1:17

17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

It was the task of the disciple to learn, study, and pass along the sayings and teachings of the master. 

Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have.

A disciple is defined as a Learner a Pupil or a Follower…

I say again… Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have:

Matthew 19:20-22

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Are we willing to pay the price?????

IV. Call of Service…

Mark 1:17-18

17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

18 And straightway they forsook their nets and followed him.

A Call of Service can be defined like this… 

It’s a call To Be Faithful… it’s a call To Sacrifice… and it’s a call To Finish…

Simply put… it’s a call to be Fisher’s of Men… 

What’s God calling you to do this morning?

*Paul shook of the viper when attacked, so should we!

Acts 28:1-9

1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. (Which is now called Malta, 50 miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean).

2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. (Luke did not mean barbarous to be an insult, they were a people not influenced with Greek culture).

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, (Paul was always working) and laid them on the fire, there came a viper (Satan trying to use a snake again) out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. (Satan missed killing him during the shipwreck. Paul was attacked while doing good, we will also be attacked while we are doing good).

4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, (Viper of Criticism – they judged Paul falsely, people will also judge you falsely. They Judged Jesus falsely, they called Him a blasphemer, accused Him of being in league with Satan, of gluttony, of drinking too much, of treason, of desecration of the Sabbath, of being demon possessed, of being unbalanced, and mentally unstable) whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. (Viper of Discouragement – Paul was not discouraged, he remembered God’s promise in Acts 27:23-25… It’s of note that Satan will also be tossed into the fire!).

6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: (Viper of Low Expectations – They had no confidence that he was more than what he appeared to be. Some people will have low expectations of you because you are a Christian. They think and hope that you will stumble and fall and will wait for you to backslide. They will try to discourage you - criticize you. Shake off what others think, prove them wrong by being faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ) but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. (Hercules was one of the gods of the Phoenicians, he was worshiped on Malta under the title, “Dispeller of Evil”).

7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. (A Roman official on the island).

8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: (Medical term Luke used because he was a Doctor. He had a reoccurring fever and dysentery) to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: (of course, God did the healing).

1.   Shaking off… ALL FILTHINESS.

       James 1:21 –  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

2.   Shaking off… ALL FORMER LUST.

      Ephesians 4:22-24 - That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

3.   Shaking off… ALL LYING.

      Ephesians 4:25 - Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

4.   Shaking off… ALL ANGER.

      Colossians 3:8 -  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

5.   Shaking off… ALL MALICE.

      1 Peter 2:1-2 - Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

6.   Shaking off… THE WORKS OF DARKNESS.

      Romans 13:12 - The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

7.   Shaking off… EVERY WEIGHT.

      Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Conclusion:  Don’t get discouraged when the world (Bosses, co-workers, friends, family, or strangers) comes against you. Shake off the people or things which bring you down. Resist the traps that Satan lays for you and hold on to the promises of God. Jesus Saves and He will deliver you in your times of need.

Commentary on Ephesians 5:18-21

Ephesians 5:18-21-18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Verse 18 – “And be not drunk with wine…” – This speaks of Paul telling the readers by the Holy Spirit that we should not be controlled by alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages have caused massive health, physical, mental, moral, and spiritual problems for individuals and society at large. The results of alcohol consumption can easily be traced to have caused marriages to be destroyed, children and spouses that have been abused, and lives that have been lost in automobile accidents, etc. More than half the people in prison can trace their crime back to alcohol consumption. 

The Bible says in Proverbs 23:31-33 – “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things”. 

It should not come to a surprise that the Bible teaches its readers that “at the last it biteth like a serpent”. It would appear that Satan is once again involved, and that alcohol should be avoided.

“…wherein is excess…” – The world will make what appears to be a little bitty sin into a mountain that will be heavy enough to destroy your life and those around you. Excess of any sin will lead to a life that is shipwrecked and misery, and aloneness will be sure to follow. 

“…but be filled with the Spirit” – This speaks of being controlled by the Spirit constantly, moment by moment. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means that a Christian can have a greater love and intimacy with God. The Holy Spirit gives an increase of power and boldness to witness to others, greater wisdom and faith, victory over sin and temptation, increase power in prayer, renewed zeal for helping and serving others, and deep joy in spiritual happiness because of Christ.

Verse 19 – “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” – This refers to worship as it regards to praising, songs, and singing. Worship is an expression of a Christian’s heart toward God as shown through song and praise. As Christians worship Him, they are drawn into His presence and experience His touch in their lives. There is an old saying that, “Christian music gives soul to our hearts, and wings to our thoughts”.

“…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” - When Christians make and sing melodies from their heart towards the Lord, it enables and strengthens their relationship with Him and helps them to trust and depend more on Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 20 – “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father…” – All things come from God. God the Father is the gift-giver. Everything that Christians have, possess, and own comes from the Father. Christians need to be careful not to put their faith and trust in the gifts that they have been given, but rather to be thankful for the One who gave the gifts. The relationship to the gift-giver should always take precedence over any material gift that has been given.

“…in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – This verse proclaims the Source of all blessings, and the means by which these blessings have come upon the human race as well. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings, the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord, Emmanuel, the Anointed One, the Prince of Peace, the Light of the World, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Son of God, the Word, the Son of Man, the Morning Star, and the Alpha and Omega!

Verse 21 – “Submitting yourselves one to another…” – This tells the believer that proper spiritual submission is always horizontal and never vertical as it refers to believers, meaning that we submit one to another. Christians should always esteem others as better than themselves. 

Philippians 2:3-5 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”. 

Submitting to others is a badge to the Christian which glorifies God as we walk in Him.

“…in the fear of God” – Meaning that all vertical submission must be to God Alone, never to man. When a man has a proper “Fear of God”, he will have a heavy concern about God and the things of God. When a man has “Fear of man”, he will have heavy concerns about other people.

 
The Bible says in Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” and in Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.

It is clear to the Bible believing Christian that having the “Fear of the Lord” is the beginning of both wisdom and knowledge. The Bible teaches that fools despise wisdom, which is what people are for those that reject God and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. 

“When a genuine fear of God governs the hearts of His children, we will be able to acknowledge His presence at all times and in all things. - A quote by Alistair Bedd”. 

 How The Foolish Speak

Job 2:9-109 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

I. It is foolish to use or come up with any excuse for not being faithful.

1. Job’s wife said “Dost thou still retain thine integrity?”2. She thought that Job had good reasons (an excuse) to rebel against God.

a. Cattle stolen and servants killed / Sheep burned up and servants killed / Camels stolen and servants killed / 7 sons and 3 daughters killed!

b. His health was bad to the point where he thought he was going to die!3. Job proved he did not serve God for gain or wealth.

Question: Why are we serving God?

a. Have we had a tragedy that compares to his?

b. Do our tribulations and problems compare to his?c. Are we being as faithful as him?

What Did Job Do?

Job 1:20-21 - 20 Then Job arose, and rent (tore) his mantle (robe), and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21And said, (he thought he was going to die) Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Can We Be Like Job?

Job 1:22   - In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Charged – To accuse: to make an onset against or attack upon.

II. IT IS FOOLISH TO THINK THAT GOD HAS NO FURTHER USE FOR US.

1. Foolish Thoughts / Feelings of:  “I just want to end it all / Nothing I do matters / Nobody cares about my troubles / What’s the use / I am alone and all by myself / Life stinks / Everyone is out to get me / Nobody knows how I’m feeling / No one understands / I hate my life / Does God really care / … etc.”

2. Despair and Depression are tools that Satan can use… Anything that he can do to keep you from glorifying God, he will use!3. God wants to use you for His Glory!  

a. Tribulations Will Come.   Tribulation: A state or time of great affliction.***Had the Egyptians been kind to the Israelites… they would have not wanted to leave Egypt and allowed God to take them into the Promised Land.

b. We Must Expect Tribulations to Come. Acts 14:22   Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

c. We Must Glory in Tribulation. Romans 5:3-5  3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

d. We Must Be Patient in Tribulations. Romans 12:12   Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

e. We Can Overcome Tribulations.Romans 8:35-39 - 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

F. God’s Advice… We Must Try To Be Joyful During Tribulations 

2 Corinthians 7:4  - Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

III. IT IS FOOLISH TO FORGET THE GOODNESS OF GOD WHEN TROUBLE COMES.

Job’s wise reply to his wife -Job 2:10  But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (Evil allowed by God which comes from satan) In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

1. Job’s wife was married to a Great Man of God

Job 1:1   There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect (Sincerely tried to be good) and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (Avoided) evil.

2. She was suffering also with loss. (Lets keep this in mind, She loved her husband and knew that he was an upright man as well as a wonderful husband and father. I believe she said to curse God and die because it was hard on her to see her loving husband in such pain. She just wanted his pain to stop because she loved him.)

3. She reacted as a Depressed and Desperate woman.

Job 2:9   Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. (She actually said and behaved the way that satan said Job would do)

***Saying and Displaying this attitude is NOT good!

4. She took her eyes off the goodness of God.

GOODNESS OF GOD… Described as:   Abundant / Great / Enduring / Satisfying / Universal / Material blessings / Spiritual blessings / Forgiveness of our sins / ... etc.

5. No Pain and Trouble Can Compare To God’s Goodness

a. His Love… Providing Salvation

b. His Daily Provision and Protection

c. His Promises for our Future

CONCLUSION:

Spurgeon said, “The devil will tempt us with foolish questions, he will try to drive us to foolish conclusions, and he will urge us to foolish actions".

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE

1. Job knew he had a Living Redeemer

Job 19:25-27 -  25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself…

*HE KNEW HIS FUTURE WAS BRIGHT! … In Spite of his Suffering.

***WE CAN REST OUR FUTURE IN THE HANDS OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCEPT HIM TODAY!