YOUR JOY

The Christian life that is joyless is a discredit to God and a disgrace to itself. -Babcock

Nehemiah 8:10, “… the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

The Christmas Holidays are a time that can be a struggle for some. Love ones that have gone on to be with the Lord this past year will not be at the dinner table. Friends that use to come over have shunned you and moved on to other friends. This year especially has been a difficult year with Covid19, election, hurricane, earthquakes, fires out west, and a multitude of other issues have risen to rob us of our joy.

 But friend, you are in control of your joy! You have to lay it down to be defeated! Paul and Silas sang while in jail. Job would not curse God and die. While facing the Cross Jesus said, “…nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Rejoice; Child of God! The Saviour has come! He saved your soul! He made you whole! He’s coming back like He said He would! Don’t forget it! Don’t fret over current circumstances! He is coming to redeem His own!

CHRIST CHANGES PEOPLE

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done.  God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do-is to enter into it. - D.L. Moody

Luke 2:14, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

People often tell pastors, “When I get my life right, I’ll start coming to church.” Some say, “Preacher, I’ve got some things to take care of before I come to church.” If that is what you’re thinking, you just need to come to church and let the Lord take care of you. You’re not going to change yourself no matter how hard you try. You’ll not have any lasting peace until you give your life to Jesus!

MAN’S FOLLY

Jesus knew that He had come to kindle a fire on earth... He saw that what was exalted among man was an abomination before God. --Walter Rauschenbush

Luke 19:10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Sunday morning has come again and I am praying for the services at the church God has called me to pastor. I was reminded while praying, there are still men and women lost, dying, hurting, and going to hell. I was reminded of the need. I was reminded of my call. I was reminded of my desire to see God build a church rooted and grounded in the Word of God. I was reminded of how so many will choose to neglect what God has given them the privilege to be a part of.

What are you doing this morning? Have you made plans to go to the lake? Mow the yard? Wash some clothes? Have you prepared a special meal for guest arriving? Have you entertained any thoughts of going to church? Friend, quit your folly! CHANGE YOUR PLANS, GET UP, GET READY AND TO GO TO CHURCH THIS MORNING! Want to surprise Mom? Want to see Dad whelp up in tears? Want to give the pastor a bit of encouragement—make it to Sunday School!

GOD’S STRENGTH

There can be no doubt in any man's mind nor in any man's heart that God is our sustenance and our strength. Each of us must believe wholeheartedly and fiercely in the power and the glory and the strength of God.  Thus, it would be more proper to say that each man must seek the companionship of God.  God awaits each one of us. --Harold K. Johnson

Luke 1:37, For with God nothing shall be impossible.

You plus God is a majority! Many people say, “If God is on your side….” It’s not that God is on our side; it’s either we are in God’s Will or we’re not. We do not hold any strength in and of ourselves; we are dependent upon God. When we are in His Will, we have His strength!  

How often do we attempt to do things our way and we make a mess of it? God has not created robots to follow His every command. He has created us with free-will to think, choose, and live with the consequences. Are you living in the strength God brings through His Word? If not, call out to Him today!

JESUS’ HISTORY

There was a Man who dwelt in the East centuries ago and now I cannot look at a sheep or a sparrow, a lily or a cornfield, a raven or a sunset, a vineyard or a mountain without thinking of Him. -Chesterton

John 3:17,-18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

I believe it was C.S. Lewis who said, “Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or He is Lord.” However, how you view Him doesn’t change who He is, it will change you and where you are going though! When it changes you, it will change your thought process just like it did the man that made the quote about. When it changed me, my whole life changed! I am by not means the man I ought to be but praise God I’m not the man I use to be either! That’s all due to what I read, heard preached, and understood about Jesus’ history. It’s all because He change me when I repented of my sins and trusted Him as my Lord and Saviour.

How do you view Him this morning? Was He just a good man that did some good things that has impacted people for generations? Was He a lunatic that was out of His mind, fooling people for centuries? Or, is He Lord and Saviour of your life? Friend, your eternity hinges on how you see Him right now! I pray the decision you make will be one that I can rejoice in with you—forever!

JESUS’ HOME

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. -Moore

Hebrews 11:10, For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

We sing about it. We talk about it. We shout about it. We preach about it. We rejoice in it. We weep over those who gone before us. We thank God for it. We glory over it. Heaven- Jesus’ home, the place we all long to go to. Some think everyone is going. Some think you must do good works to get there. But, what does the Bible say about it? What does God’s Word say about the path, plan, or prescription to make it to Heaven?

If we were to ask the thief on the Cross what he did to be saved, I believe he would sum it up in one verse; 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. No good works. No baptism. No nothing! He believed and he went to Heaven! Do you believe in Him this morning? Will you be going with me and others to Jesus’ Home?

JESUS’ WORK

All my theology is reduced to this narrow compass-Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. -Alexander

John 19:30, When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Many people believe Jesus’ ministry was to address the social-economic problems in this world; boy did they miss the mark on that call! Jesus did not come to make you rich, for you to have your best life now, or so that you could enjoy your retirement years! Jesus was very clear when He said “I must be about my Father's business” He was very clear when He said, “Repent ye!” He was very clear when He said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus’ work wasn’t about some 12-step program for you to feel good about yourself. Jesus’ work was so that men might be saved! Jesus’ work was so that you can have life and have it more abundant! Jesus’ work was so that you and I could spend an eternity with Him! Will you be with me?

CHRIST’S CHURCH

The Christian church is a society of sinners. It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. -Morrison

Ephesians 5:25-27, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

This thing we call the church should be the central part of our lives. It should be the reason we miss other things. Unfortunately, the church has lost its power and importance in the average person’s life. We could discuss some of the reasons why but I will spare us the time. However, when the church removes God from the throne of its heart, it won’t be long before God is removed from the prominent places in society as well.

Friend, while this world neglects Christ’s church, you be faithful to it. You support it with your tithes and offerings. You support it with your presence for service. You support it with prayer. You be the church Christ died and gave Himself for!

JESUS’ BLOOD

Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners. -Spurgeon

1 Corinthians 6:20, For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

The price Jesus gave on the Cross of Calvary’s tree was everything needed for you and I to be saved. It doesn’t take any of our good works. As a matter of fact, God’s Word speaks directly opposite to good works for salvation; when you get a minute read Ephesians 2:8-9.

Many people are doing good things to get to Heaven; going to church, working in the church, and giving to the church. Friend, those are great things to do but that is not necessary to get to Heaven! The only thing necessary to go to Heaven is repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus’ finished work on Calvary! The work is done, finished, complete! Now—trust in Him and be saved!

CHRIST GIVES ACCESS

           A man is never so "fit for believing" as when, in himself, he is most unfit...What is fitness for being washed? Filth, and filth alone. What is fitness for receiving alms? Poverty, abject need. What is fitness for receiving pardon? Guilt, and only guilt. If you are guilty...if you are foul, you have all the fitness that is required. So, come and find in Jesus Christ all that meets your greatest and most urgent need. -Spurgeon

Romans 5:1-2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

            Christ gives access to peace. The peace that passes all understanding. The peace that comforts. Peace that you cannot get anywhere else. Do you have that type of peace? When life is collapsing around you, can you access that peace?

            If you have never experienced that type of peace, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO YOUR LOCAL- BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH for their Sunday morning worship because Christ gives access to that peace!

CHRIST COMMITMENT

           I have now concentrated all my prayers into one, and that one prayer is this, that I may die to self, and live wholly to him. -Spurgeon

James 1:22, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Pastor Tommy Cook recently shared this short little story on sacrifice:

A Chicken and a Pig had a conversation one day:

Pig: “You know Farmer Brown is a really good man”

Chicken: “He sure is, we never have to worry about anything, he feeds us, he cares for us”

Pig: “That’s right, he never forgets about us either”

Chicken: “Yep, you know, we ought to do something special for him”

Pig: “Yea, what do you think we could do?”

Chicken: “Well, we could give him Ham and Eggs!”

Pig: “WHAT?” “Oh no, no, no, we couldn’t do that!”

Chicken: “Why not?” “It would be a nice gift!”

Pig: “NO! “Because for you, it’s an offering, but for me, it would be a sacrifice!!!!!”

             Christ was committed all the way to the cross. How much are we committed to Him this morning?

JESUS IS THE BEST COUNSELOR

Many receive advice, only the wise profit by it. -Syrus

Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

            There are many times in life that we should seek counsel from others; when going to college, when buying a car, when buying a house, when dating, etc. Oh, we could name more but I believe you get the point. Decision making can be hard sometimes. Isn’t it great to have some good Godly friends in your life that will give you counsel according to the Word of God? Yes, sir it is! But what about those times when it seems as if those people are not giving you the counsel you need? What do you do? Do what you should’ve done to start off with, consult with your Heavenly Father! Go to Him in prayer asking Him to give you discernment. Ask Him to direct you through His Word. Don’t be shy in asking! Scripture encourages us to seek His face asking for His help! I am reminded of James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Will you seek His guidance today? Jesus is the best counselor you know!

JESUS IS WONDERFUL

            O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! Just to think that God loves me.

Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

             Have you ever stopped and thought about the statement above? Christ is wonderful? What makes Him wonderful? Salvation? Where He gives us to serve? The joy He brings? The peace He gives? His grace? What is it that makes Jesus—wonderful?

            One statement—He is God! That’s what makes Jesus wonderful! It’s wonderful because of Who He is! He is God—Christ is wonderful!

WONDERFUL WISDOM

The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is knowledge of our own ignorance. -Spurgeon

Proverbs 28:5, Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

            There are some that profess to be a Christian. You ask, “If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?” Sometimes their answer is, “Yes.” You ask, “How do you know?” “Well, I’ve always gone to church. When I was a little boy my Mama would drag me to the church house.” Maybe that wasn’t you. Maybe your story goes something like: “I was baptized when I was 7 at a Vacation Bible School.” That may not be you either. The point I am trying to make is this, have you ever trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Do you believe He died, was buried, and arose again the third day? That’s the most wonderful wisdom anyone can ever hear! Do you have Him as your Saviour? Don’t be ignorant—repent and trust Jesus… right now!

BE AN EXAMPLE

            I have ever deemed it more honorable and more profitable, to set a good example than to follow a bad one. --Thomas Jefferson

James 5:10-11, Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

            As we look into the Word of God, God directs us, in more ways than one, to look at other Biblical characters learning from them. And oh, what can we learn from each of them! From the faith of Abraham to the zeal of Peter, God uses His servants to give instruction to other believers. He doesn’t just tell us to look to others as examples though, He tells us to be examples ourselves. He says in 1 Timothy 4:12, “… be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Don’t ever think someone isn’t watching you because they are. Whether it is a sibling, a spouse, a co-worker, or one of your children, someone is always watching you. Are you being an example to them? Better yet, are you being a godly example to them? If not, what type of example are you being?

BE READY

Jesus is coming back just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow.

            James 5:8, Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

            When will Jesus come again? Many have attempted to name a date. Many have been wrong. Many more will claim they know. Many more will be wrong. No man knoweth the day or hour in which the Lord shall come. We that are saved must be about the Father’s business until He does; sharing the Good News of the Gospel with this lost, dying, and hurting generation. We must be learning and growing in Christ so that when the rapture of the church takes place, we will be ready!

BE IN CHURCH

           This was posted on a Bronx, New York, church bulletin board: "Do come in-Trespassers will be forgiven." -Anonymous

Psalm 55:14, We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

            While this world is being turned upside down by an apparent pandemic, the church must go on. It goes on by those that are members, the body of Christ, giving, supporting in prayer, and most importantly by attending. Nothing will ever take the place of our sweet time of fellowship and corporate worship are when we come together each Lord’s Day.

            Are you planning on being in a Bible preaching, Bible teaching church today? If not, change your plans! Then GET UP, GET READY, and GO learn what Jesus has done for you today! BE- IN CHURCH!

BE IN CHRIST

Jesus Christ is light to the eye, honey to the taste, music to the ear, joy to the heart. -Spurgeon

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

My brother-in-law and I have a funny song we sing after we get finished eating a meal. Sung to the hymn, “I hear my Saviour Calling”, we sing, “I hear my recliner calling.” It’s a joke that we have been singing for years to put a smile on one another’s face and others when they hear. You know how it is after Sunday lunch, you eat and then you want to go stretch out and take a nap. Getting in that recliner is the first step to that rest that you so eagerly desire.

            Friend, if you’re going to get any rest in this life you better be in Christ. Jesus gives light in the dark times of this life. Jesus is the one that can make the bitterness of life better. Jesus is the one that can give you a song in the midst of trouble. Jesus is the one that brings joy unspeakable and full of glory! Do you know Him as your Saviour? Are you in Christ?

THANK THE LORD FOR FRUIT

           Thank the Lord for the growth in your life.

John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

            We often hear, I am not the man I ought to be, but praise God I’m not the man I use to be! If there has been growth in our life, that’s exactly what we should be thanking the Lord for! I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 6:11 in which the Bible says, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” And such WERE some of you! Do you know why it is says, “were”, because you were washed… sanctified… and justified!!!! Hallelujah!

            Thank the Lord for the fruit in your life this morning!

THANK THE LORD FOR FAITHFULNESS

           I cannot brag about my faithfulness to God because I let Him down every day. I can brag on my Saviour’s faithfulness to me!

Here are three ways we ought to be thankful for His faithfulness to us:

            1. Be thankful for His Word: Psalm 119:89-90, For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

                        The Word of God is settled and is a faithful source of strength!

            2. Be thankful for His Work: 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.

            We can be thankful for God’s Work on the Cross. Without it, we could never be saved.

            3. Be thankful for His Way: 2 Timothy 2:13, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

            We may not understand what God is doing sometimes but we can be thankful because He is faithful to His Way.     

            Whatever you are doing today, stop and be thankful for the Lord faithfulness to you today… hey better yet, be thankful everyday for it!