I CAN'T TALK ABOUT MY FAITH BUT WILL OTHERS?

If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself. -Moody

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8

Do you talk the talk but don’t walk the walk? There are many of us that are just, “Key board Christians”. We set behind a screen typing away, sharing Christian pictures and quotes but never giving of our time, talents and treasures to the local church. Some of us head to church on Sunday morning leaving our Bibles at home. Some of us head to church on Easter or Christmas and claim we have done our Christian duty. As I have said before, being a Christian is twenty four seven. It’s not just on Sunday. Not just behind the pulpit. Not only on a foreign or domestic mission field, it’s every hour of every day, everywhere we go! Are people talking about your faith? Let those that come behind us find us faithful!

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

Satan would tempt us to despair; but good hope keeps us trusting in God and rejoicing in him. –Henry

 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

What’s the hope in Jesus?

Help- We have Jesus’ help anytime we need it. Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Opportunities- We will have opportunity to share Jesus with others. Galatians 6:10, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Peace- We have the peace of God that passes all understanding. (Even when it seems that we shouldn’t) 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Eternity- We will spend eternity with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 1 Timothy 2:3-4, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

    Facing life’s problems without Jesus is like sky diving without a parachute—you will have a great time on the ride down but when it is over, it’s not what it was expected to be.

A MESSAGE OF LOVE

Could we with ink the oceans fill and were the skies of parchment made and every stalk on earth quill and every man a scribe by trade, to write the love of God above would drain the oceans dry, nor could that scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky. --Scribbled on an asylum wall

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. John 3:16

The most quoted, most known verse in the world is yet the most powerful. Within John 3:16 we find the depth of love that God had toward the crowning of His creation. He gave His only begotten Son to die on the Cross for you, for me, and for the entire world. Why would you neglect so great a salvation? He didn’t neglect you!!!

THIS MISSION OF THE CHURCH IS MISSIONS

It is the pagan heart that needs the redeeming message of Christ whether the person who has the heart lives in Shanghai or New York. –Decker

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

We praise the Lord this morning for enabling our church to take on two more missionaries last night. We are not just throwing money at a cause but we are partnering with these families to see God’s will be done. In taking them on for support, we are agreeing to pray for them, encourage them, and of course, financially support them and the work God has called them to. We pray for them to have success in winning souls and building churches. We encourage them to remain faithful to the call. We financially support them because it would be difficult for them to do what God has called them to do without it.

The need in this world today is not more education, more programs, or more social experiences. What the world today is who the world rejects, the world needs more of Jesus! Will you partner with your church in missions? Will you help spread the Gospel? I am reminded of what James tells us in James 5:20, ”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.”

LET'S GO TO CHURCH!

Going to church is more than being part of a social group, it’s a touch of Heaven on Earth.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

I rejoice in Sundays because its the time we can join with fellow believers to worship our Lord and Saviour! It’s a time when we can praise Him for taking care of our most essential needs. It’s a time we can praise Him for who He is and what He’s done. It’s a time when we can invite others to hear the old story of Jesus and His love. It’s a time when the Word of God is given the preeminence, the Holy Spirit has free reign, saints can worship Him in spirit and truth, and sinners can hear the Gospel. So, GET UP, GET READY, and COME join us this morning as we worship our Saviour!

NOW HOW DID YOU FIND THAT OUT?

Sin, if not confessed, will be exposed.

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:5

I don’t know about you but I had a smart Mom and Dad. Just when I thought I had them fooled about something I had done or was about to do, they seemed to know more about it than I did. They knew more about me than I knew about me. I used to think, “How did they find that out? Are they psychic?

Child of God, our Saviour knows our sin. He has a way of convicting us of our sin. If we do not confess and forsake it, He will expose it. Listen to a couple of scriptures;

Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

1 John 1:8-10, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

What will it take to get your attention about the sin in your life? Who will have to suffer because you will not confess or forsake? Child of God, take heed to the Word so God can use you for His glory, for your good, and the good of others!

BUT, BUT, I DIDN’T WANT THAT…

We don’t always get want we want but we always get the Lord’s best.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

I believe we have all had those times when things didn’t go the way we wanted or we didn’t get what we wanted. Sometimes we scratch our heads wondering what the Lord is doing. Sometimes we try to make something different happen. Sometimes, we question the Lord’s judgment. What we ought to do is trust and obey. Why should we trust and obey?

When we trust and obey we are giving God first place in our life. When we trust and obey we are kneeling to His Lordship over our life. When we trust and obey we are following His example to follow the Heavenly Father. When we trust and obey we are sharing with others the Lord Jesus. When we trust and obey we are showing others the Lord gives His best to us!

WHATEVER HAPPENDED TO, “UNTIL DEATH DO US PART…?”

Keeping our eyes on the Lord and being thankful for the spouse He has given, helps to protect us from divorce.

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Mark 10:9

In the past year, I have heard many couples facing a divorce. Some of them have been long time friends that I would’ve never thought would reach this tragic point. So what happened? What can we learn from them? What can I do to protect my relationship with my Saviour, with my wife, with my children, with those friends I have earned respect from?

I can keep focused on the work God has given me to do. Idle hands has been said to be the devil’s workshop. I have found this to be true in my life. When I “take a break” and sit down, the devil is right there with the temptations he is so good at. So get off the couch and stay busy for the Lord. 

I can keep my love focused on my wife. I am reminded of what Solomon told his son in Proverbs 5:18-20, “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?” My satisfaction should be in spending time with my wife. Time in the bedroom, time on vacation, time holding hands in the park, time at the mall, time holding her close, time anywhere she wants to go… even when I really don’t want to.

I can be thankful for the wife God has given me. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22” Being thankful goes beyond the bedroom. It’s being thankful for who your spouse is. The person they are becoming in the Lord and who y’all are becoming together.

Your marriage does not have to end in divorce but if it already has, your life isn’t over. Take the time to learn from and mistakes you may have made. Stay close to the Lord. Get busy serving the Lord. If the Lord so graciously sends you another spouse… thank Him for a second chance!

THE ELECTION IS OVER...NOW WHAT?

If you didn’t vote, please don’t complain.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

There are plenty of things we can do as Americans but the number one thing you and I can do is pray. Pray for the president. Pray for the House. Pray for the Senate. Pray for the country. Pray for God to have mercy. For God to give grace. Pray that we as a country will turn back to God and give Him first place in our lives! “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34”

DOES YOUR WORDS FALL ON DEAF EARS AND YOUR WORKS ON WILLING HANDS?

Nobody will know what you mean by saying that God is love unless you act it as well. -Jacks

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6

I don’t know about you but when I was growing up I heard the saying, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do”, many times. When I saw my Dad drinking, I heard it. When I saw my Mom smoking, I heard it. When I saw my Dad struggling hard in sin, I heard it. But you know what, their words fell on deaf ears and their works on willing hands. You see our working example before our children, our co-workers, the world around us speak a whole lot louder that just a few empty words. Remember this morning Mom, Dad… Actions speak louder than words or better yet, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

GOD CAN CHANGE YOU AND THAT WILL MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

Some people wonder why their children are such liars.  If they'd look into a mirror they'd probably see the reason. - D.L. Moody

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

Acts 16:31

Some people become a drunk because their Dad was a drunk. Some people become a whore monger because their Mother was a whore monger. Some become a thief because their parents were thieves. Many are a liar because their parents are liars.

We cannot change the DNA running through our veins because that is part of how God designed us. However, you can break the cycle of sin in your family—cling to the Blessed Hope of Jesus to change the sin sick state of our soul. Not only will your life be changed forever but your children will have the right example set before them, training them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

WHO ARE WE AND HOW DO I FIND OUT?

A truly virtuous person is like good metal-the more he is fired, the more he is refined; the more he is opposed, the more he is approved.  Wrongs may well try him and touch him, but they cannot imprint on him any false stamp. –Richelieu

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:7-8

Where do we find out what a truly virtuous person is? – God’s Word. Where do we find out how to become a virtuous person? – God’s Word. Where do we find out when we can become virtuous? – God’s Word. Where is God’s Word preached?—at Church! For it is at church that we find out we are a corrupt and sinful people in need of the Saviour. And without the incorruptible, sinless Son of God there is no hope for us! So what are we to do? GET UP, GET READY, AND GO TO CHURCH TODAY!

LORD, PLEASE SAVE MY ______________.

The greatest of all miracles is the salvation of a soul. –Spurgeon

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

We know if we are going to see souls saved we must share the Blessed Hope of the Gospel with them. We must get them to Calvary and tell them the old, old story of Jesus and His love. As one fella said, “We must get ‘em lost, so God can save them from the uttermost.” So, how can we get them to God? Here are three ways that will help to see souls saved:

Our Friendship- I heard someone say, “If you don’t have any lost friends, go get some.” No I’m not talking about those close friends in which we seek guidance because a lost person’s counsel isn’t grounded in scripture. I’m talking about lost friends that we can be a walking, talking witness to. Lost friends that we can be of an encouragement to. Lost friends in which we can be the counselor. Lost friends that we can give hope in their times of grief, suffering, and loss. I like that old saying, “Kill them with kindness.” Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Our Funding- Someone once said “Let me see your check book and I will show you what’s important in your life.” If we truly want to see people saved we will be giving to the church what God has asked for and then we will be giving to missions in which the Word of God is proclaimed and Churches are being established. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Our Faithfulness- No one likes a hypocrite. If you want to see your lost husband saved, your son or daughter saved, your cousins saved, your co-worker saved, the world around you saved… you be faithful. Be faithful to God’s Word, His Way, and His Work. When we are not faithful we are telling them all—it doesn’t matter. But it does! He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

We have a great responsibility in seeing souls saved. God has entrusted us with His Word to share, His Way to go, and His Work to do. Jesus said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” My prayer, “Lord, please save _________”, could be hinging on my obedience to what He has said.

GRIEF ISN'T WANTED BUT IS INSTRUMENTAL

Grief drives men into habits of serious reflections, sharpens the understanding and softens the heart. -John Adams

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. Psalm 130:1

How often has the Lord allowed things to come into our lives causing us to weep, driving us to our knees and has us crying out to Him? Grief has the way of changing our perspective on things. The things we thought were so important to us we find it isn’t so important after all. It has a way of getting our eyes back on God.

Let’s rejoice in the important things God has given us today; Our Saviour’s love, family, friends, church, a place to work, roof over our head and shoes on your feet (even if they’re flip flops) to mention a few. If and when grief does come our way—we can still rejoice in and through those valleys because the Lord is right there with us in them!

WHY DO YOU SERVE JESUS?

There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things. –Moody

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. Romans 12:1

Some serve the Lord for fame and fortune. Some serve out of duty. Some serve because it has become an obligation. Some serve because they feel indebted to Him for what He has done for them. Some serve just because they love the Lord.

What’s your reason for serving? Jesus said in John 14:15, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Above all else, Jesus said our motivation to serve should be our love toward Him!

DO YOU LOVE JESUS?

WHAT YOU LOVE YOU WILL SPEND TIME WITH!

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23

We have all heard the message of, “If ye love me keep my commandments…” but did you know there is another part of the message? The other part of the message is, “If ye love me, spend time with me. Look once again at John 14:23 concentrating on the last part of the verse where it says, “…and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” It’s actually a really simple thought and one that makes sense. Think about it, if I love my wife I’m going to want to spend time with her. If I love a certain hobby, I will spend time doing it. And if I love the Lord I will spend time with Him. I’ll spend time in prayer with Him. I’ll spend time in His Word. I’ll spend time hearing His Word preached. I’ll spend time with His people. I’ll spend time studying and praying over His Word!

Do you love Jesus? Then spend some time with Him!

LET ME HEAR TRUTH!

All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more the truths contained in the Holy Scriptures. --John Herschel

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. John 16:13

In the world we live in there are few places to hear Truth. Where people use to hear Truth in the classroom, on the radio, and in church, we rarely hear it anymore unless we intentionally make a means in which to hear it. By reading our Bible, listening to the preacher in church, or reading sound Christian literature we can get what our spirit needs to grow. But if you don’t intentionally make time for it, we will starve until we will be like Lot in Sodom—a powerless Christian in need of an infusion of Truth!

Will you make an opportunity to hear the Truth today or will you continue to starve yourself of it?

JUST LOOK AT WHAT GOD CREATED

God created; the sun, moon, and the stars, the grass, the flowers, and the trees, the creeks, rivers, and oceans, the birds, the fish, the rhino, and all of mankind all over this planet. From the smallest amino acid to the complex human body, God has formed everything upon this earth for our good and His glory.

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalm 95:5-6

As we learn more about the planet we live on, the more I am amazed at our Creator. From the complexity of laminin to the human eye, it is amazing to me how anyone with a rational mind can deny there is a Creator. But I think we find one reason why right here in Scripture where it says, “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Some do not want to humble themselves to the Lord.

Whether you do it now or later, one day we will all bow before Him. The difference in when you do it will determine where you will spend eternity. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11

REVIVAL WILL BRING BACK A PRIORITY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.

The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster. -Macleod

“…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! Your life depends on it! Your family’s life depends on it. Your friends’ life depends on it. The entire world depends on you going to the local church. No, not the church building itself but the living church of God! It’s really not the church itself, it’s Who is in the Church—Jesus! He is your answer! He is your family’s answer! He is your friends’ answer! He is the world’s answer!

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.—Acts 20:28

REVIVAL WILL BRING A PROCLAMATION.

If revival comes to an individual, the individual will want to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to a lost, hurting, and dying world.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

            When the prayers have been prayed, the preaching has been proclaimed, and the purging of sin complete, there is the potential of the fires of revival beginning to burn, it will only be natural for the Gospel to be proclaimed. Sharing the Gospel has been described as one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. When we get right with God, we will see sinners in need of hearing the Gospel. From the pulpit to the pew, we will begin to share the Gospel freely with co-workers, family members, friends, and strangers on the street.