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January - June 1999
See also…
Behold the Lamb!
010399
John 1:29-39
John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb, was aware he was only the forerunner of the Christ. One day along the Jordan he saw that Messiah coming. We are not told if
he was surprised that Messiah was his own cousin, Jesus, only that he recognized and introduced Him to the crowds who had come out to be baptized. We too need to reflect on John's introduction and apply it to our
lives.
I. Behold (See for yourself)
A. Jesus, Himself, said, ``Come and see."
1. Don't take another's word
2. Look for yourself
B. John (the Apostle) would use this as evidence of his own testimony. 1 John 1:1-4
C. We need to call on people to look at the evidence all around them
of changed lives caused by this Lamb of God.
II. The Lamb of God
A. Sacrifice for sin. Gen. 22:7-8
B. Not the types of the past. Heb. 10:1-4
C. The true Lamb chosen of God. Isa. 53:4-6
1. We are not told for sure that God chose a lamb to clothe Adam & Eve but it would make sense in light of later use
for sacrifice.
2. A lamb came to be the sin offering. Numbers 6:14
III. Who takes away the sin of the world.
A. He became sin for us. 2 Cor 5:21
B. He bore our sins on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24
C. He set us free from sin. Heb. 9:15
We are made free from bondage to sin and the results of sin in Christ. Let us be sure we are in Christ and are allowing Him to flow through us so
that others may see and know that He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.
The First to Call on the Name of the Lord
011099
Genesis 4:25-26
The greatest tragedy ever to occur was not the flood with its world-wide destruction, it wasn't some comet or asteroid
striking the earth and obliterating all life, it was man's separation from God in disobedience. God placed man on a perfect earth with no enviornmental problems and no inherited traits toward sin. Yet given
opportunity these creatures, created in God's image, broke away from God and tried to be like Him in their own strength. It took a generation before they began to call on the name of the Lord. What happened?
I. Mankind was created in the image of God. Gen 1:27
A. What is God
like according to the Bible? He is: Greater than man - Job 33:12; Holy - Psalm 99:9; full of compassion - Psalm 115:3; righteous - Daniel 9:14; spirit - John 4:24; faithful - 2 Corinthians 1:18; just - 2
Thessalonians 1:6; light - 1 John 1:5; and love - 1 John 4:8. He is more than than this!
B. Man was made a little lower than the angels. Psalm 8
C. Mankind was begotten of God. Luke 3:38
II. Mankind lost a prefect relationship with God
A. They walked with God in the cool of the day. Gen. 3:8
B. They had dominion over all the creation.Gen. 1:26-28
C. Theydisobeyed the one rule they were given in a desire to be like God in their own strength. Gen. 3:1-7
III. God had a plan from the beginning to deal with this.
A. He chose us, in Christ,before the creation. Eph. 1:4
B. God was not left with some makeshift plan when man fell.
1. He knew man would sin.
2. He had a greater plan (the defeat of evil) than fellowship with man.
C. As Mankind began to see God's process at
work they called on His name and began a thousands of year's process of knowing God which came to its height in Jesus Christ.
As we call on the name of the Lord we join in the great battle to defeat evil and walk in the presence of God again. He has made provision for us.
He commands all men everywhere to repent. All have sinned. He died for all sin. He calls on us to receive Him as Lord.
Back to Bethel
011799
Genesis 35:1-15
God commanded Jacob to return to Bethel. Bethel was where He had come to know God and to know that God would always be with him. Now he needed to be reassured of God's presence and power. He
called the place Bethel--house of God.
I don't know about others, but I need to return and revisit God's call and commitment in response to my coming to know Him on a regular basis.
I. Bethel was Jacob's meeting place with God. Gen. 28:10-22
A. He knew God from His childhood.
1. His father Isaac was sacrificed by Abraham.
2. No question of the reality of God in his household.
B. He had never learned to listen to God
1. Had worked in the flesh to get his birthright.
2. Left home in fear of his brother.
C. He needed to be taken from his comfort to come to God.
1. Sleeping on the ground - alone.
2. We too need to be awakened by God to really know Him.
II. There was a process God called Jacob to.
A. Put away that which separates from God.Idols! Eph 4:17-28
B. Purify yourselves. 1 Peter 1:15-16
C. Arise and go.Act on decision.
III. All who come to know God by faith have a Bethel.
A. A place of recognizing God. Hebrews 11:6
1. May be a place of pain or at least great discomfort.
2. When we pray for God to reveal Himself to us or others
We need to accept what comes along as God opening our hearts.
B. A place where life begins. John 3:5-8
1. Our old life was of Adam - flesh
2. The new life is of God.
C. A place of exchange. John 1:12-13
1. Born into God's family. Ephesians 2:1-10
2. Having Christ as our life. Colossians 3:1-4
Let's go to Bethel, examine our relationship to God, and the determine to go on with God to wherever and whatever He has called us to. We must
determine to be faithful and fulfill His direction for our life.
Saved By His Life
012499
Romans 5:6-11
Normally we think of ``saved" as a condition which was granted us by the death of Jesus on the Cross. While it is true that in His death we received our salvation it was His death which
granted to us His LIFE! Receiving Jesus, and becoming children of God, (John 1:12-13) does not merely extend our lives it exchanges our lives for His glorious life.
I. While we were still sinners Christ died for us.
A. He died for us, in the mind of God, before the world was created.
Revelation 13:8
B. Long before we were born He chose the way would come to Him.
Ephesians 1:4
C. The love of God is so great He planned our salvation before He created
us. 1 Peter 1:18-20
II. We were reconciled through the death Jesus.
Colossians 1:19-22
A. We are separated from God by Adam's fall and our sin.
Romans 5:12-14
B. By His blood we are brought near and given peace.
Ephesians 2:13-18
C. We have redemption. Ephesians 1:7
III. We shall be saved by His Life.
A. He is the Source. 1 John 5:11-12
B. He is The Life. John 14:6;1 John 1:1-3
C. He is our Life. Colossians 3:1-4
Jesus did not come to us to become a part of our life. He did not come to make our life better. He did not come to improve or reform us. He came
into the world to replace our life with His and make us new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). He came to become LIFE in us. A life that frees us from all that has held us back and kept us down. We are free in Jesus. Free to
live and love and serve. He can do through us all that we need.
Family Values
013199
Genesis 2:19-25
Every family (and individual) has a set of values by which they operate. Some are good and some are bad. The term ``Family Values" has come to
imply some type of positive, or ``good", set of values that is somehow identified with the religious right politically. It is too bad words get so quickly held captive in our age. While I consider myself to be
right of center politically, much of the agenda of the religious right is not in my personal agenda. The Bible must be our guide in setting values in our lives.
I. God established family as the basis of society in the beginning.
A. Man should leave father & mother and cleave to his wife.
Not an extended family but a couple based family.
Adam & Eve not Adam & Steve.
B. God is Father and as such sets an example of the father.
1. He carried Israel in the wilderness as a Father. Deut. 1:31
2. He promised to be a Father to those who need one. Psalm 68:5
C. The plurality of the Godhead implies God's intention we not be alone.
Let US make man. . . Gen. 1:26
II. The Family of God strengthens values.
A. We are born into this family. John 1:12-13
B. We are also adopted. (positive legal security) Eph. 1:3-10
C. We become brothers and sisters in Christ.
III. We need to strengthen the positive values of our families.
A. Support where it is needed.
1. Love One another. 1 Peter 1:22
2. Care for one another. 1 Peter 3:8
3. Give uncomplaining hospitality. 1 Peter 4.9
B. Encourage and strengthen. Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25
C. Be tolerant and forgiving. Colossians 3:12-14
Remember, our life is the life of Christ flowing through us. We are able to do anything through Him and He is certianly able to do anything through
us. The world we live in needs positive values. We have them available to us in the word of God and the resident life of God in us. In the power of Holy Spirit we are able.
Keep Yourselves in the Love of God
020799
Jude 20-23
Jude, Jesus' half-brother, wanted to wrote a letter of encouragement concerning our common salvation. Instead, he found it necessary to write an
exhortation for us to fight the good fight. That is a popular message and one that needs to be presented. However, I would like us to look at his short message near the end which does relate to our common salvation.
We are to keep ourselves in the love of God by:
I. Building ourselves up in the holy faith.
A. Just as you received Christ. Col 2:7-8
B. The Christian life IS faith! Romans 1:17
C. We have responsibility for our own growth! 1 Peter 2:1-2
II. Praying in the Holy Spirit.
A. The Spirit prays for us when we have not the words.
Romans 8:26
B. Praying in an unknown tongue may be prompted by the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15
C. We should consciously enter into prayer guided by the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:18
III. Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A. Looking for Christ's second coming. 2 Peter 3:10-13
B. God is faithful! We must look to Him! 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
C. He who lives life through us is to be our standard.
Hebrews 12:2
While we are building ourselves up in the common faith we must never forget those around us who do not, as yet, know Him who has saved us. We are
to reach out to some in simple compassion and they will respond. Others require we walk into the fire pull them out. We are not very good at either but He who is our life will gladly do it through us.
Who is Jesus?
021499
Luke 5:15-21
Several times in various ways during Jesus' life on earth the question, ``Who is this Man?", was asked. Near the end Pilate asked the crowd,
``What will you do with Jesus?" How you answer the second question depends on how you have answered the first. There are many simple (and true) answers to the question, ``Who is Jesus?" None of them will
satisfy the true skeptic. We need to know what we believe and why we believe it before we can convince the world around us to accept our notion of who Jesus is.
I. Many say, ``He never claimed to be God."
Well, what did He do?
A. To know God we must come to Jesus. John 14:6
B. He forgave sins (as God). Mark 2:1-12
C. He will judge the world (as God). Matthew 25:31-46
D. He did not deny the title. John 20:24-29
II. Did He ever claim to be God?
A. At His trial. Mark 14:60-64
B. When He was threatened. John 10:31-38
III. What can He do for us?
A. He will meet our hungers. John 6:35
B. He will overcome our fear of death. John 11:25-26
C. He will carry our burdens. Matthew 11:28
Still some will say, ``All this was put into the Bible by His followers after His death. How do you know it is true?" We only need to look at
two events from the life of Peter. In John 18:15-18 he denied his Lord at the question of a servant girl. In Acts 2:14-36 he boldly accused the crowd of crucifying Jesus. Only a convinced person could have so
radically changed. If Peter had been party to a cover-up there could never have been such a radical change in his character in such a short time.
JESUS IS LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!
FAITH: Acting Like God Tells the Truth
022199
Genesis 22:1-19
Abraham was tested! Not that God didn't know; Abraham didn't know what he would do or how completely he would obey God. When
God leads us into impossible situations He is not playing with us, or trying to find out what we will do, He is strengthening our obedience. We really do not know how much we will obey but God, the One who knows,
shows us and strengthens us.
I. God gave impossible, contradictory, instructions. vv. 1,2
A. God had given this son, long after hope had died. Gen. 18:10-14
B. This son was the one on whom the promise fell. Gen. 17:15-19
C. Now this same God calls for him to be offered up!
II. Abraham acted immediately on his instructions. vv. 3,4
A. Early
in the morning. Much is made of early morning in our relation to God.
1. A time of worship. Gen. 19:27; Ex. 24:4; Ps. 5:1-3
2. Jesus prayed in the morning. Mark 1:35
3. Jesus met His disciples in the morning. John 21:4
B. He took wood, fire, his servants, Isaac and nothing else.
C. He trusted God to keep His word. Heb. 11:17-19
III. God did provide in time (not before). vv. 4-14
A. When questioned, he promised, ``God will provide." v. 8
B. He would have taken his son's life. God had promised and would raise
him from the dead if necessary!
C. God did exactly what he told Abraham to do. He gave His Son!
1. He gave His only Son. John 3:16
2. This was a sign of His love for us. Rom. 5:8
3. He did this so we can live. 1 Thess. 5:9-11
Abraham was more than 100 years old when he finally caught on to the truth. God can be trusted! That is what faith is all about. Not a feeling an
action. You and I need to act on God's truth and our lives will be radically changed.
Preparation for the Second Coming
022899
Luke 12:22-43
As we approach Y2K and all the predicted possibilities of it we need to review, for ourselves, what the scripture says about preparation for the
second coming and the end of the age. That should be sufficient preparation for any minor problem like Y2K.
I. What is not commanded in scripture.
A. Nothing about bunkers, weapons or holing up until it is over.
B. Nothing about hoarding or ``me first".
C. Nothing about confronting disasters
technologically. God doesn't need our technology to care for His people.
II. What the Bible tells about general preparation. vv. 22-34
A. Do not worry. Philippians 4:4-7
B. Do not seekmaterial things. Matthew 6:28-34
C. Do not fear. Matthew 10:17-33
III. What about being prepared for Christ's Return? vv. 35-43
A. Be always alert to the possibility of His return.
Matthew 24:36-40
B. Be patient. James 5:7-9
C. Be busy doing what the Master has commanded.
Matthew 28:18-20
It is sad to see Christians in a panic over the possible loss of material ``stuff". We show ourselves to be so technologically dependent that
we are overwhelmed at the very idea of the loss of the ``things" the world has given us. This is so far from a Biblical world view that we must back up and reassess what God has placed us here for. The church
should be a bulwark of stability in a world easily shaken by a threat to its comfort.
Forsaking All I Trust Him must remain out motto as we look to the end of this year and any possible discomfort given by our
over-dependence on the things of this earth.
Jesus died for me!
030799
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
The message of the cross is either foolishness or power. There is no middle ground. Foolish to those who are perishing. Power to those who are
being saved.
I. All of us were in need of the cross of Christ.
A. All have done wrong. Romans 3:23
B. And are unclean. Mark 7:20-23
C. We have broken the whole law. James 2:10
II. Our sin has a penalty that must be borne.
A. The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
B. We are separated from God. Isaiah 59:1,2
C. Christ bore the penalty. Galatians 3:13
III. God illustrated His substitution for is four ways.
A. In the court of eternal law He justified us. Romans 5:1
B. In the slave market of sin He has redeemed us.
Romans 6:15-18
C. In the true temple of God He became our sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:11-15
D. Like the father of the prodigal son. Our Father in heaven has, by His
own sacrifice, restored our family raltionship to Him. Romans 8:12-17
We need to review what our God has done for us and accept His wonderful gift anew in order to follow Him properly. Otherwise we fall into a boring
routine of `doing' and `serving' that dishonors us and our God. Jesus died for ME and for you and He did it to give us life that is eternal and rich.
From Death into Life
031499
John 12:20-36
Jesus was surrounded by His disciples and they were hanging on His words. Suddenly some Greeks came to Philip asking to meet Jesus. This event
seemed to trigger something in Jesus. He now looked out as though He had the sign He needed to go down to Jerusalem and die for our sins.
I. Time to be glorified.
A. Life comes out of death. (As a seed)
B. We must be willing to lose our lives in order to gain the truth.
Mark 8:34-38
C. The Father honors those who serve. (example from ``Chariots of Fire")
II. The purpose of His death.
A. The judgement of this world. John 16:8-11
B. The ruler of this world is cast out. 2 Cor. 4:4
C. All men will be drawn to the uplifted Christ. 1 Tim 2:3-6
III. Walk in the light.
A. We are surrounded by darkness. John 3:16-19
B. Jesus is the light of the world and lives in us and walks beside us.
2 John 1:1,2
C. We are sons of Light and as such have light to share.
Eph 5:8-21
He calls us to join Him in reaching the world
around with the living gospel. As we approach Easter let's be sure to tell those around us what it is really all about. In the midst of the frills and fuss let the light in you shine to all those around.
Make Room For God
032199
Colossians 3:1-17
The Bible talks about ``this age" as being different from God's intentions. In fact, the wisdom of this world is made foolish by God. The
message of wisdom we are to receive is not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age. These are coming to nothing. Instead, we are to take care not to deceive ourselves by attempting to be wise by the
standards of this age. The god of this age (satan) makes it his business to blind and confuse minds to prevent our allowing the glory of Christ to shine through us.
I. Our life is hidden with Christ in God.
A. We have died with Christ. Rom. 6:1-6
B. And were buried with Him. Col. 3:1
C. And have been raised with Him. Eph. 2:4-7
II. The lesser emphasis in on what we ``put off". Col. 3:5-8
A. Our earth-bound members. (subject to the ruler of this age)
B. Our former conduct. Eph. 4:22
C. Our old attitudes. Eph. 4:25
III. The greater emphasis is on what we add to our lives.
A. Put on the new man. Eph. 4:17-24
B. Put on compassion.
1. Jesus had compassion. Mat. 9:36
2. We have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16
3. We can do this (He will do it in us)
C. Put on love, the bond of perfection. John 13:34-35
In order to make room for God in our lives we must put aside the ways of this world and allow God His place in us. He never forces the issue with
us but patiently and gently awaits our growing acceptance to allow Him to do in us what we have come to desire for ourselves. Looking at Col. 3:15,16 we see these are terms of permission. God will not force us to be
subject to Him in all things. We must allow Him. That is the only path to real fulfillment in this world. We must do everything in the name of the Lord glorifying Him in it. Look for God in each situation and then
choose to join Him in His activity.
Proof of the Gospel
040499
Romans 1:1-4
Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, needed to communicate his understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Rome. He had
been dedicated to that Gospel and spent years making it a part of his own personality. The resurrection is central to the truth of the Gospel.
I. According to the flesh Jesus was of the seed of David
A. This was a key to identifying the Christ. John 7:40-44
B. His ancestry was linked to resurrection for Paul. 2 Timothy 2:8
C. The prophets were told the Messiah would come from David.
Jeremiah 23:56
II. By the Spirit of Holiness Jesus was shown to be God's Son.
A. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus
B. Jesus made Himself holy to make us holy. John 17:15-23
C. His death on the cross was to make us holy.
Ephesians 5:25-27
III. The final proof was resurrection from the dead.
A. Paul's
greatest desire was to experience the power of resurrection. Philippians 3:8-11
B. The resurrection is our hope of life. 1 Peter 1:3-5
C. Jesus in our life is the resurrection attained. John 11:25-26
Loving the Lord
041199
John 21:15-17
During the time after His resurrection and before His ascension in heaven Jesus did many things. One of those was a breakfast
meeting with the disciples on the shore Lake Galilee where they had returned to fishing. He chose this time to confront Simon Peter with his level of love for Jesus. Three times He asked Peter about His love but
each time was a little different.
I. Simon Peter had been the one who most often expressed his ``love".
A. It was Peter who first affirmed Jesus as the Messiah. Matt. 16:16-18
B. It was Peter who wanted to honor Jesus. Matt. 17:1-5
C. It was Peter who drew a sword to defend, and die with, Jesus.
John 18:10-11
II. Simon Peter had been the one who most often was rebuked.
A. Peter tried to turn Jesus from the cross. Matt. 16:21-23
B. Peter was one of those who slept while Jesus wept. Matt. 26:36-41
C. Peter denied Jesus three time the night He was tried.
(Before two girls and a small crowd) Matt. 26:60-75
III. We often express our ``love" and are just as often rebuked.
A. The basis of the Law is love. Matt 22:35-40; Rom. 13:8-10
B. We show our love for Christ by loving others. John 13:33-34
C. Our failure to love brings the rebuke of the world on the Church.
"To love" is not ``to approve" but neither is it ``to reject". The world we live in is slipping away and we too often play feeble
`church' games rather than express our love for them. We are like the priest and Levite in the parable of the prodigal. We pass by on the other side. Jesus would have us love Him (and His) with Agape love. We
promise to love Him (and His) with phileo love. But do we even do that? Let's determine to rise to a level of love that shows the living Christ is ourlife being expressed through our bodies.
Fulfill Your Ministry
042599
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Paul, as Timothy's spiritual father, presses him to be everything god has called him to. To do what he should even when he doesn't feel like it. To be careful. To resist the
temptation to quit under affliction. To serve even when it is work. To FULFILL his ministry.
I. We too have a ministry to fulfill.
A. We each have gifts different from others. Romans 12:6
B. God assigns each of us our place of ministry. 1 Corinthians 12:28
C. We are to be eager for more gifting. 1 Corinthians 14:1
D. We are to use what God has given us for other's good. 1 Corinthians
14:12
II. God has organized the church for developing ministry. Ephesians 4:11-16
A. God gave teaching leaders for a purpose. v. 12
B. He set a time limit. v. 13
C. He set goals for our development. v.14-16
1. That we no longer be children. Matthew 10:16
2. We are to be careful to cover all with love. vv. 14, 15
III. God has made us new creations with a new purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
A. He has given us a new kind of ministry. 2 Corinthians 3:6
B. He has empowered us for that ministry. Acts 1:8
C. He has given us His righteousness.
In coming to Christ, we have come to His life in us expressing Himself through us. We have eternal life -- it is in Jesus! That life is not
awaiting us in heaven it is our strength on earth -- NOW! PTL!
The Future of Our Church Part II
053099
Ephesians 6:10-18
Tomorrow is the observed Memorial Day and we will gather with
hundreds of other people on our Village Green to express our
appreciation for those who gave their lives that we might have
freedom. Today lets remember the very real battle we are involved in.
It is a real-world battle of spiritual forces. Whether we think we are
winning, or we think we are losing, we must keep a view of the truly
big picture. Our God will win on all fronts. We are on the winning
side. The cost may be great along the way but we will live in victory.
I. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.
- Our enemy is a roaring lion. 1 Peter 5:8
- Our enemy is a lying deceiver. John 8:44
- Our enemy is a defeated foe. Luke 10:17-20
II. We fight against spiritual hosts in the heavenlies.
- We do not fight other people. (gossip, slander, etc.)
Mat. 5:22-24
- We fight against satan's influence in human lives. Jude 20-23
- We fight at the level of worship and prayer. Luke 18:1-8
III. We must take up the full armor of God and Stand!
- Having wrapped ourselves around with truth. John 14:6
- Having accepted imputed righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21
- We are prepared with the gospel of peace. Rom. 10:8-15
- Defending ourselves with faith. Heb. 11:6
- Protecting our thinking with salvation. Phil. 4:8
- Using (not abusing) the Word of God. 2 Tim. 2:15
- Praying always. (As Jesus did) Luke 6:12
On our bulletin back is an article passed on to me by Bette Hornbeck
on the internet about satan's convention where he guides his hoards
in the fine art of defeating God's people but wrapping them in all the
everyday concerns of life. That falls near the whole truth. We will not
be defeated because we serve a God who is never defeated. (And never
will be). Praise God!
The Future of Our Church Part III
062099
Philippians 3:12-14
This week as I was meditating on the situation of our church I could hear the enemy of our souls speaking loudly in my ears, "Look around! You are a
failure! This work is a failure!" I cried out to God for help and He heard me. He gave me part of the scripture for today. "Forgetting what is behind, press toward the goal!" Victory is not in us!
Victory is in Jesus! We are on the winning side. The cost may be great along the way but we will live in victory.
I. We cannot spend our time on "what if?"
A. It is so easy to look back and second guess.
B. Paul looked back on what was essentially a good life and rejected it for Christ. Phil. 3:4-7C. Jesus said we must not look back. We fail when we do. Luke 9:62
D. When we look back we become unstable. James 1:2-8
II. A Goal is essential to success.
A. The enemy will fill our lives with goals
that are empty and meaningless. John 10:10
1. God loves you and has a plan for your life.
2. Satan hates you and also has a plan for your life!
3. Whose plan will you choose?
B. Paul saw the Life as a race to be won. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
C. Joshua was given a goal we too can seek. Joshua 1:8
III. Our race is spiritual/mental.
A. We are to seek in an upward manner. Col. 3:1-10
B. We are to run with patience focused on our goal. Heb. 12:1-3
C. We are to run with confidence sure of our success. Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23,24; Isaiah 43:1-7
Our focus must be ever onwards with the goal of the high call of God in Christ Jesus ever before us. We must never turn aside knowing He will sustain us and
give us success as we focus on His will and way for our lives and for our church.
The Basis of Faithfulness
062799
Hebrews 10:19-25
We know God is faithful. We know we are not as good at faithfulness as we would want to be. There must be some real "nuts and bolts" instructions in
the Bible for being faithful and being happy about it.
I. Since we have boldness we can draw near. vv. 19-22
A. We don't always act as if we have boldness.
B. We forget what God has done for us.
1. He has become our life through faith in Him. Col. 3:3,4
2. He has promised to go before us and defeat our enemies.
C. We must remember that boldness is ours in Christ. Acts 4:31
II. We can draw near and be steadfast. v. 23
A. Christ has provided for us. Heb. 7:19-28
B. As we draw near to God satan is pushed away. James 4:7-8
C. We can be steadfast because He is faithful. 1 Cor. 10:13
III. We can support and strengthen one another.
A. To consider one another is to remember to think about one another.
B. We need to plan to stir up love and good works. 1 John 4:16-21
C. We need to meet together and exhort each other. Romans 13:11-14
We forget that we need one another and that our mutual support is in our relationship to God and one another. We live in a world that encourages "lone
ranger" individuals to function in isolation. When we buy into that system we lose the power God has given us.
See also…
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