BEHIND THE SCENES- CHARACTER

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

Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

What are we doing to keep our good name? Have we spent time with the Lord today? Are we investing in the lives of others? Are you attending a local Bible Believing church? What do we use to dictate what we believe? Is it culture? Is it our education or lack thereof?
Paul speaking to the Christians at Ephesus said to them in Ephesians 6:13, “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.”

What you do behind the scenes is your true character. It will be manifested in your walk and talk, giving you your reputation. Paul speaks to Timothy and tells him this, 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” Can this be said of us?

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

Cooperation is spelled with two letters- WE. --G.M. Verity

Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

            Have you ever heard, “Many hands make light work?” What it means is, when you have a lot of people working together on one project, one person isn’t loaded up with a lot of work to do by themselves.

            In the church, we need people to work together, to share the load, to… bear ye one another’s burdens. We all have individual gifts and talents. Just like the body is made up of many parts-arms, legs, feet, mind, heart, lungs, etc, that enable it to function, the church also has many parts that allow it to function. If your body has a part that isn’t working, the rest of your body is forced to compensate for the weaker part. It’s the same way with your church when you don’t do your part. So, help everyone out by working together!

HUMBLE HEART

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes you an automobile. –Sunday

2 Peter 1:1, “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”

Religion will send you straight to hell. A personal relationship through faith in the Lord Jesus will bring a life of peace and a place in Heaven! What are your troubles in life? What is it that keeps you from giving your life to the one who can repair/ fix it? What is it about your troubles that you enjoy living with them? A song goes, “Troublesome times are here filling men’s hearts with fear, freedoms we hold dear is now at stake, Humble your heart to God save from the chastening rod, Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake”

Are we willing to humble our heart to God? That’s all that it takes!

DON’T LOOSE FOCUS

          Supporting missions is essential for sharing the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 3:9, For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

            There are many places in this world I will never be able to share the Gospel. There are places in this world I cannot, in person, make an impact for Christ. There are places in this world only national missionaries are able to share the Good News of the Gospel. This is where the local church comes in. We may not be able to go across the sea or in the secluded areas of America, but we sure can support those that can!

            Praise the Lord for those opportunities to assist missionaries as they go all over this globe to share the Gospel Message. Don’t get so caught up in this world that you loose focus on the most important responsibility we have as Born-Again Believers; telling a lost, dying, and hurting world about Jesus! Will you labor together with God in the area of Missions?

IT’S THE BOOK ABOVE ALL BOOKS

           A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, "I have nearly finished packing.  All I have to put in are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools."  "But you cannot put all that into your bag," objected the friend. "Oh, yes," said the Christian.  "Here it is." And he placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase and closed the lid. -Anonymous

2 Timothy 3:14, But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

            Can you imagine learning from the people Timothy learned from? 1st century Christians? The very people that walked in the days before and the days with Jesus?

            Well, we still have it. It’s called the Word of God. We have the stories of Isaiah, Elijah, Peter, Paul, and the Message of Jesus Christ Himself.

            Don’t neglect your Bible reading! For it is the Book of all books….  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:16-17.

THERE IS COMING A DAY

It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon

2 Timothy 3:1, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

            In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul is instructing a young preacher named Timothy in the days ahead. He doesn’t paint a pretty picture either. He is basically saying that things aren’t going to get any better. In fact, things on Earth are going to get worse before we meet the Lord face to face. It is my prayer that you will not meet Him at the Great White Throne Judgment where He judges those dead in sin. I pray you will meet Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ where He judges you on what you have done since receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

            There is coming a day friend in which you stand before God and give an account of your life. Do you know where you will meet Him? If you don’t, you can. Ask me how or GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO A BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH! Don’t know one, ask and I’ll find one in the area you are in!  

ARE YOU THE LORD’S?

           Take care of your life; and the Lord will take care of your death. -Whitefield

Romans 14:8, For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

            Being a child of God has its benefits. The number one benefit I can think of this side of eternity is the peace in knowing where I am going when I die. I don’t have to worry, I’m in God’s hands. I don’t have to fret, I’m in God’s hands. I don’t have try and figure it out, I’m in His hands. I don’t have to think about it, I’m in His hands. I don’t have to work any harder, I’m in His hands. Are you the Lord’s? Do you have that assurance? If not, you can! “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13  

CHANGE

“God changes us through our circumstances.” — Dr. John Goetsch

We can put on a nice suit and tie...or a dress and flats if your a woman. We can carry our Bibles, have perfect attendance to Sunday School, and even pay our tithes. But when troublesome times come what will pour out of your life? Who will you trust in? Will you get so bent out of shape that you will turn your back of the very one that saved you?

We can look at many Bible characters to see how when troublesome times came they trusted in the Lord. We see in Hebrews 11, by faith many things were accomplished. Nations established, battles won, arks built, and even giants slayed. In each one of these instances the people involved were changed forever.

Have you entered a season of choices? Choosing whether to trust in the Lord or turn your back on Him? Glean from some Godly seniors. Glean from those who have been where you are now! Glean from the Word of God. Allow the Lord to change you for His honor and glory through the circumstances in your life!

Matthew 18:3, “… Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Jesus)

TELL THEM

            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

Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

            When is the last time you have been so on fire with God that you had to tell someone else about what Jesus did for you? Have you ever? If not, why not? Friend, some one needs to hear it from you! Someone needs you to speak up! Someone needs you to be the Christian, Jesus wants you to be! If not you, who? If not now, when? Who will slip off into eternity while you, figure it out? Tell them before it’s too late!

TELL THEM

         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

Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

            When is the last time you have been so on fire with God that you had to tell someone else about what Jesus did for you? Have you ever? If not, why not? Friend, some one needs to hear it from you! Someone needs you to speak up! Someone needs you to be the Christian, Jesus wants you to be! If not you, who? If not now, when? Who will slip off into eternity while you, figure it out? Tell them before it’s too late!

NO CONDITIONS ON WITNESSING

      A Christian ought to be more faithful in their witnessing than the postal service.

Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

            Rain, sleet, or snow, should not stop the Christian from sharing what Jesus has done for them. A bad day, getting fired, or an argument with a friend ought not slow you down from sharing the Gospel. No matter what is going on in your life, there should always be time in your schedule to share your testimony!

            Quit giving conditions and making excuses! Today, why don’t you go and tell others of God’s grace and mercy! Tell them what He has done for you!

ONE WAY

Religion will not get you to Heaven, only saving knowledge in Jesus Christ will.

John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man unto the Father, but by me.

            I was listening to the news this morning and I heard about the new Greek Orthodox church being built beside Ground Zero in New York City. The Rabbi they were interviewing said, “This new building will be for all faiths; the Jew, the Catholic, the Protestant Christian, and the Muslim.” On the surface, this seems to be a wonderful idea but what it actually does is confuse people on how to get to Heaven. How can all three be correct in their doctrine? Satan is the author of confusion, not God! He is loving the Ecumenical movement because it doesn’t give the Truth of God’s Word.

            Jesus was very clear in John 14, He said, “I am the way”. It’s not by our works! It’s not by the church! It’s not by a prophet! It’s not by keeping the Law. There is only One Way to get to Heaven and that is by knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Will you be going?

ZIP IT

Silence is one great art of conversation. -Hazlitt

Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

            The Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I’m not sure but it may-be we need to listen twice as much as we talk. Whatever the reason, there are times when we need to zip our lips shut and listen to what He is trying to teach us.

            Today, just to turn it all off. Turn the TV off. Turn the radio off. Unplug from the Kindle, Tablet, and Apple product. Grab the Book of all books and invest some time with the God of your salvation!

JUST GO—EVEN MORE

            The difference between listening to a radio sermon and going to church, someone has said, is almost like the difference between calling your girl on the telephone and spending an evening with her. -Moody

            Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

            Oh, that we all would GET UP, GET READY, and GO to a Bible believing, Bible preaching church this morning. How much difference would it make to the Pastor! What an impact on those in the congregation! What joy it would bring to the Saviour! But most important, how much would it effect your life and those around you!

            The writer of Hebrews compels us to exhort one another by our church attendance. Not just on a Sunday or Wednesday but just go even more as we see His day coming! Will you help me be accountable? The Psalmist said, “We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”—Will you go with me this morning?

WILL YOU GET IN

        If your name isn’t there, you won’t get in.

Revelation 20:15, And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

            The local Country Club, Hunting Clubs, and at many other social clubs, you must be a member in order to get in the door. To be a member you must pay a fee. This entitles you to all of the benefits of the club. Who doesn’t like benefits?

            Have you heard about the greatest group of people you can be a member of? You don’t have to pay a fee. You don’t have to sign up. You don’t have to do anything but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! When you do, you become a member of the family of God! You have all the rights of every family member! You have the right to get into Heaven because your name is written in the Book of Life!

            Will you get in; only if your name is written in the Book!

WONDERFUL SALVATION

The Greatest of all Miracles= Salvation!

2 Peter 3:9, 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.

            Yes, being saved is the greatest of all miracles! It gives peace to the life that has been at war! It gives joy in the life that has been heartbroken! And only a life surrendered in Jesus Christ can one find any lasting contentment in a sin riddled world.

            Have you been saved? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Have you repented of your sins and trusted Jesus? If you died today, where would you spend eternity? Jesus died so you want have to—Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!

ALL POINTS BULLETIN

      Do you cut the mustard?

1 Peter 1:1-2, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

            Many of you may not remember the old US Army recruitment signs that said, “Looking for a few good men!” Behind the scenes of the saying was a big ole picture of Uncle Sam with his arm stretched out and his index finger pointing straight at you. It was on flyers, poster boards, and billboards all across the country. The Army was attempting to get men to be identified as someone who the Army could use. When those same men would enlist, they would be sent off to Boot Camp. The ones who could cut the mustard got to put on the uniform. The others, were sent home to make it in the civilian world.

            I often wonder, if there was an APB sent out for Biblical Christians, who would get caught? Would I? Would you? Who would cut the mustard? Who would be able to truly be called a Christian?

            Peter said, “… to the strangers scattered throughout”. Can we be identified with them? If so, we will understand that we are a group of peculiar pilgrims that have been bought with the price of Jesus’ blood and we are blessed beyond all measure!

CHOSE CAREFULLY

       Ken Collier: Director of The Wilds Christian Camp has a saying, “There are two choices on the shelf, Please God or Please Self.”

Joshua 24:15, And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

            Some of the biggest decisions you will make in this life are: who you will marry, where you will live, where will you go to college, what will you do for a living, etc. However, the biggest decision in this life you will ever make is: Who you will please with your life? In choosing to serve the Lord, it means you have chosen to please Him with your life. In that choice comes the blessing of the Lord and that is salvation.

            Have you made the biggest decision of your life yet? Have you chosen to serve the Lord with all your heart? It’s the greatest choice you will ever make!

INSPECT YOURSELF

Every man is a priest, even involuntarily; his conduct is an unspoken sermon, which is for ever preaching to others. -Amiel

2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

What is your life preaching to others? Tongue and cheek Christianity is killing the true Christian movement. What I mean is that those people that aren’t saved saying that they are for status or for getting others off their backs. Does your mouth say you’re a Christian but your life speak otherwise? Maybe it’s time to look into your status before a thrice holy God and make adjustments in it.

Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

SIN DOESN’T HAVE ME ANYMORE

     Being set free from sin is the very best thing that can happen to a person!

Romans 6:14, For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

            At the moment of salvation, God gives us His Holy Spirit. With His Spirit comes the freedom from sin. There is nothing more satisfying than to know you are saved, being set free from the sin you once were held in bondage to.

            Are you still in bondage to some sin that continues to conquer your life? Have you tried AA, counselling, meditation, and everything else under the sun? Well, I’m not going to tell you to try Jesus. What I will do is tell you to get saved and He will help you have victory! You can go hear about Jesus this morning; GET UP, GET READY, and GO to a local Bible Believing Church where the Word of God is preached. You too might be able to say, “Sin doesn’t have me anymore!”